GB2260518A - Liferaft launching system - Google Patents

Abstract

A launching system for launching liferafts (11a to 11d) from a vessel (V), the system comprising means (10) to store a plurality of life rafts (11a to 11d) each in a stowed condition, the storage means (10) being movable to rotate each of the liferafts (11a to 11d) about a generally horizontal axis (H) to bring each of the liferafts severally, to a launching position from where each of the liferafts (11a to 11d) may in turn, be launched. <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE: "LIFERAFT LAUNCHING SYSTEM" Description of invention This invention relates to a liferaft launching system.

A system for launching liferafts is described in our earlier patent no.

GB 2203388 in which a plurality of liferafts are carried on a carousel, and are moved in turn to a launching position from where the liferafts may be launched severally over the side of a ship.

The carousel is rotatable about a generally vertical axis, but it has been found that such a carousel takes up too much deck space on a ship.

According to one aspect of the invention we provide a launching system for launching liferafts from a vessel, the system comprising means to store a plurality of liferafts each in a stowed condition, the storage means being movable to rotate each of the liferafts about a generally horizontal axis to bring each of the liferafts severally, to a launching position from where each of the liferafts may in turn, be launched.

It has been found that a liferaft launching system in accordance with the invention can be provided which takes up considerably less deck space on a vessel than heretofore known liferaft launching systems.

Particularly the invention has been devised to enable the launching of liferafts which are stored in a packed condition on the storage means, the liferafts preferably each being packed into a generally cylindrical condition, but the liferafts being inflatable to inflated condition for use. The present invention enables the liferafts to be moved outboard from a side of the vessel, inflated, loaded and lowered into the water.

Where the liferafts are each provided in a generally cylindrical configuration on the storage means, preferably the liferafts are each stored with their cylindrical axes generally parallel to one another and parallel to the horizontal axis about which the liferafts are rotated. Preferably the cylindrical axes of the liferafts remain parallel to one another as they are rotated about the generally horizontal axis of rotation. In one embodiment, four liferafts are stowed on the storage means.

The storage means may comprise automatic release means to release the liferafts in the event that the vessel becomes submerged. The release means may for example comprise hydrostatic fasteners which automatically release upon submersion in water.

Manually actuatable rapid launching means may be provided to enable an operator to launch the liferafts when in the launching position, over the side of the vessel, under gravity.

Alternatively or additionally, the liferafts may be adapted to be launched from the launching position using a davit which permits each of the liferafts to be moved from the launching position outboard of the vessel, where the liferafts may be inflated so that passengers and/or crew of the vessel may board the inflated liferaft and thereafter be lowered into the water.

The liferafts may each include one or more lines which are secured relative to a deck of the vessel when the liferaft is in the launching position.

The davit may comprise a column which is mounted adjacent to the launching position, the column being pivotable at or adjacent the base thereof to permit the upper end of the column to be moved from an upright position to a position outboard of the vessel.

The column may include an arm which extends from the column generally parallel to the side of the vessel at that position, the arm extending at least towards a position above the launching position when upright.

The davit may include a winch means for lifting the liferafts from the launching position, and to permit the lfferafts to be lowered into the water.

The launching system may comprise means to stow a further liferaft preferably in a packed condition, adjacent the storage means, the further liferaft when packed, preferably comprising a generally cylindrical configuration with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the liferafts stowed on the storage means.

The stowage means may comprise an arm pivoted relative to the davit from a generally horizontally extending condition in which the arm may stow the further liferaft, to a generally upright condition clear of the deck of the vessel once the further liferaft has been launched therefrom.

The inventionm will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a side view of a launching system in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a system of Figure 1; and, FIGURE 3 is an end view of the system of Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to the drawings, a launching system for launching liferafts from a vessel V, such as a ship, floating platform or other vessel, comprises a storage means 10 which in the present example stores four liferafts lia to lid of the inflatable type, but with the liferafts 11a-lld in a packed condition, each packed into generally cylindrical configuration. The liferafts 11a-lld are stored with their longitudinal cylindrical axes A-D each extending generally parallel to one another.

The storage means comprises a framework 12 having cradles 13 to support each of the liferafts 11a-11d, the framework 12 being movable relative to a base frame structure T which is fixed to a deck of the vessel V, and on which the framework 12 is mounted, so as to enable the liferafts 11a-lld to be rotated in their cradles about a generally horizontal axis H which is also generally parallel to the axes A-D. It will be appreciated that as the liferafts ha-lid are rotated about axis H, their cylindrical axes A-D will remain generally parallel to one another. This movement of the framework 12 may be achieved by a drive means 14 which may be of a manual and/or powered nature as desired. Preferably the drive means 14 is fixed to the base frame structure T on which framework 12 is mounted.

As shown in the drawings, the liferaft ila is in a launching position adjacent a side S of the vessel V. By rotating the liferafts 11a-lld about horizontal axis H, each of the liferafts llb-lld may alternatively be brought to the launching position previously occupied by liferaft gila.

The cradles 13 are preferably constructed, and the liferafts lla-lld are preferably packed, in a manner and by such means as are necessary to enable the liferafts lla-lld to be released automatically from the storage means 10 in the event that the vessel V capsizes. For example the liferafts lla-lld may simply sit in their cradles 13 or may be retained therein by hydrostatic fastenings of the type which automatically release when submerged in water.

The liferafts lla-lld may be packed in their cylindrical condition shown, or otherwise, using such automatically releasable fasteners, and preferably the liferafts 11a-lld are arranged automatically to inflate when their fastenings are released.

Additionally, the cradles 13 are preferably each adapted to enable the liferafts, when in the launching position, rapidly to be released from the cradles 13 manually, and launched over the side S of the vessel V into the water, under gravity, when the liferafs 11a-lld may automatically inflate. Such means for launching the liferafts 11a-lld may be used for example in the event that there is insufficient time to launch the liferafts 11a-lld as described hereinafter.

A davit 20 is provided to enable a more controlled launching of each of the liferafts 11a-lld from the launching position.

The davit 20 comprises a column 21 which at the upper end thereof has an outwardly extended arm 22 which extends towards a position over the launching position shown occupied by liferaft 11a, at least when column 21 is in the upright condition shown. The arm 22 extends generally parallel with the side S of the vessel V.

At a base 23 of the column 21 bearings are provided whereby the column 21 is mounted for pivoting movement about an axis J from the generally upright position shown in full lines in figure 3 to a position in which the upper end of the column 21 is outboard of the vessel V as indicated by the dotted line 30.

The arm 22 carries a sheave 24 which is pivoted to the arm 22 so that as the column 21 is pivoted about axis J, the sheave 24 remains hanging generally vertically. Fixed to the column 21 in line with the sheave 24 is a further sheave 25, and mounted adjacent the base 23 of the column 21 is a winch mechanism 26 which includes a winding drum 27. A cable 28 extends from the winding drum 27 up to the fixed sheave 25, through an opening 29 in column 21 over the swinging sheave 24, and down to a lifting hook which is not shown. The winch mechanism 26 is used for lifting the liferafts lla-lld from the launching position.

The winding mechanism 26 includes a braking drum 31 to provide a braking action automatically as the liferafts 11a-lld are lowered over the side S of the vessel V to provide a controlled descent of the liferafts lla-lld into the water, at predetermined rate. The rate of descent is controlled by operating actuator 32.

A manual operating actuator eg. a handle is provided, to enable the winding mechanism 26 manually to be actuated, preferably through a suitable transmission mechanism to enable the lifting hook provided on line 28 to be raised for engagement with the next liferaft to be launched from the launching position.

Outward pivoting of the column 21 is achieved by a luffing screw mechanism indicated generally at 42 in figure 3.

Immediately beneath the sheave 24, an arm 41 is provided, which is pivotable relative to the davit column 21 about a pivot axis indicated at K. The arm 41 is adapted to support and stow a fifth liferaft indicated at lie at a launching position adjacent side S of the vessel V, when in the extended position shown in the drawings.

The liferaft ile may automatically be launched in the event that the liferaft ill is submerged in water, or manually rapidly launched under gravity, or launched using the davit 20.

Once the liferaft lie has been launched, the arm 41 is pivotable about axis K to a generally upright condition so as not to cause any obstruction to the access space into the liferaft lie.

Operation of the launching system 10 will now be described.

The liferaft lie is the first to be launched. The lifting hook suspended from line 28 is attached to the liferaft lie and then davit 20 is pivoted about axis J whilst the liferaft lie is lifted from arm 41 by winch mechanism 26, to move the liferaft lie outboard of the side S of the vessel V. The liferaft lie is then inflated, and the arm 41 is pivoted to the upright condition to enable passengers and/or crew to board the inflated liferaft ile from the side S of the vessel.

Bowsing lines of the liferaft lie need to be secured relative to the vessel V on which the launching system 10 is mounted, and a painter of the liferaft lie also needs to be secured, for example to a cleat on the deck of the vessel V.

The outreach of the davit column 21 may need to adjusted to ensure that the liferaft lie is entirely clear of the side S of the vessel V. For example if the angle of list of the vessel increases as the liferaft lie is launched, the angle of outreach of the column 21 may need continually to be adjusted by operating the luffing mechanism 42.

If necessary a boarding apron may be provided between the deck of the vessel V and the inflated liferaft lie.

When the liferaft lie is loaded, the bowsing lines and the painter of the liferaft lie would be released from engagement with the vessel V. The liferaft lie is then lowered into the water by releasing the brake drum of the winding mechanism 26 and the rate of the descent of the liferaft lie into the water may be governed by a secondary braking mechanism which may be controlled from within the inflated liferaft lie.

The lifting hook attached to line 28 is then recovered and secured to liferaft 11a which is the next to be launched.

Exactly the same procedure as with liferaft lie is followed with liferaft 11a, whereby the liferaft ila is moved outboard of vessel V, by operating the winch mechanism 26, and pivoting davit 21, about axis J, and the liferaft ila is inflated, loaded and lowered into the water.

The next liferaft to be launched eg. liferaft 1 ib is moved to the launching position formerly occupied by liferaft 1 ia by rotating the support framework 12 about axis H using the drive means 14. When the liferaft lib is in the launching position, this too may be launched following exactly the same procedure as with the liferafts lie and 1 lea and so on for the liferafts lic and lid.

It has been found that by mounting the liferafts lla-lld on a support means whereby the liferafts lla-lld are rotatable about a generally horizontal axis H, the liferaft launching system can take up absolute minimum deck space of the vessel V whilst permitting convenient storage of the liferafts lla-lld and easy launching the liferafts lla-lld severally from the launching position.

Various modification are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that liferaft lie is very much an "extra" liferaft and that if desired, such a fifth liferaft lie need not be provided.

Any alternative suitable form of davit 20 to that described may be provided, and it is not essential that the liferafts lla-lld are evenly packed into a generally cylindrical condition as indicated. Provided that the liferafts 11a-lld are in a packed condition and are rotatable about the axis H, the advantages of the invention can be realised.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the accompanying drawings expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims (17)

1. A launching system for launching liferafts from a vessel, the system comprising means to store a plurality of liferafts each in a stowed condition, the storage means being movable to rotate each of the liferafts about a generally horizontal axis to bring each of the liferafts severally, to a launching position from where each of the liferafts may in turn, be launched.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the liferafts which are stored in a packed condition on the storage means into a generally cylindrical condition and being inflatable to an inflated condition for use.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the liferafts are each stored with their cylindrical axes generally parallel to one another and parallel to the generally horizontal axis about which the liferafts are rotated.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the cylindrical axes of the liferafts remain parallel to one another as they are rotated about the generally horizontal axes of rotation.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein four liferafts are stowed on the storage means.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the storage means comprises automatic release means to release the liferafts in the event that the vessel becomes submerged.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the release means comprises hydrostatic fasteners which automatically release upon submersion in water.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein manually actuatable rapid launching means are provided to enable an operator to launch the liferafts when in the launching position, over the side of the vessel, under gravity.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the liferafts are adapted to be launched from the launching position using a davit which permits each of the liferafts to be moved from the launching position outboard of the vessel, where the liferafts may be inflated so that passengers and/or crew of the vessel may board the inflated liferaft and thereafter be lowered into the water.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the liferafts each include one or more lines which are secured relative to a deck of the vessel when the liferaft is in the launching position.

11. A system according to claim 9 or claim 10 whereby the davit comprises a column which is mounted adjacent to the launching position, the column being pivotable at or adjacent the base thereof to permit the upper end of the column to be moved from an upright position to a position outboard of the vessel.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein the column includes an arm which extends from the column generally parallel to the side of the vessel at that position, the arm extending at least towards a position above the launching position when upright.

13. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the davit includes a winch means for lifting the liferafts from the launching position, and to permit the liferafts to be lowered into the water.

14. A system according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein means are provided to stow a further liferaft in a packed condition, adjacent the storage means, the further liferaft when packed, comprising a generally cylindrical configuration with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the liferafts stowed on the storage means.

15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the stowage means for the further liferaft comprises an arm pivoted relative to the davit from a generally horizontally extending condition in which the arm may stow the further liferaft, to a generally upright condition clear of the deck of the vessel once the further liferaft has been launched therefrom.

16. A launching system for launching liferafts from a vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

17. Any novel feature or novel combination of features herein disclosed and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.