GB2303952A - Retractable ship signalling shapes - Google Patents

Abstract

A CONE or cones, or a BALL, or a DIAMOND shape, or various combinations which have to be displayed at sea under certain conditions are governed by International Regulations. The shapes as described in this invention (figures 2, 3, 4 and 5) may be collapsed or set up either remotely (while in situ i.e at the place of display) or manually. Once collapsed they require less space for storage and stowage. The shapes are made up of flexible or articulated members 18.

Description

RETRACTABLE SHIP SHAPES.

This invention relates to the shapes used in THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA.

The shapes used are described in Annex 1 of the Collision Regulations, and specified in part C Lights and Shapes. They are daytime signals required to be made by Power driven vessels; vessels towing and pushing; sailing vessels and vessels under oars; fishing vessels; vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre; vessels constrained by their draught; pilot vessels; anchored vessels and vessels aground; seaplanes.

The present invention consists of a CONE or cones, or a BALL, or a DIAMOND shape which may be collapsed or set up either remotely (in situ i.e at its place of display) or manually.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described.

Two hollow tubes (circular, box-shape or other), one sliding freely within the other, (items 10 and 11 figure 1) provide the basis for each application of the invention (see figures 2, 3, 4 and 5). The inner tube has, at the lower end (item 12 figure 1) a bar or other suitably strong securing point so arranged that it does not restrict in any way the free sliding ability of the inner tube. This will provide an anchoring point for the spring arrangement or closing device (item 16, see below); as well as for the lower securing and operating fitting (item 13 figure 1) The outer tube (item 10 figure 1) has projecting from it two or more rigid sections that extend beyond the top of the inner tube when fully extended (figure 1 item 14).These extensions (which may be an integral part of the outer tube) have one or more bars or other suitably strong securing points fitted at the top end (item 15 figure 1) that will a) prevent the inner tube (item 11) from sliding any further out, b) provide a securing point for any springing or other closing arrangement (item 16 see below), and c) provide a sufficiently robust securing point by which to secure the device at its place of display (item 17 figures 1, 2, 3 & 4).

The springing arrangement (item 16 fig 1), if fitted (see below) may consist of "shock cord" (a rubberised cord that stretches under tension and contracts when released) or similar between the bar at the lower end of the inner tube (item 12 figure 1) and the bar(s) at the top end of the extensions (item 15 figure 1).

Connected to the bottom of the outer tube (item 10) and the top of the inner tube (item 11), and appropriately hinged (item 19 figures 2, 3, 4 & 5), are two or more rigid members providing the framework for the required shape (item 18 on figures 2, 3, 4 and 5). These may themselves be hinged (item 19 figures 2 3 & 5) or continuous (item 18 figure 4).

The springing arrangement (item 16 fig 1) might not be used in some circumstances e.g. when the "spring" is already provided by the framework (figure 4); or a second halyard or similar is used for securing and operating the device; or the collapsible feature is required only for ease of stowing.

The framework provided by any or all of the examples shown (figures 2, 3, 4 and 5) may or may not be supplemented further by material (e.g. cloth, net, or other) to provide the appearance of a solid shape.

The materials need to be impervious to a sea environment. The colours and sizes to be commensurate with the Regulations mentioned above.

Claims (7)

1. A collapsible Cone, Double Cone, Ball or Diamond shape which comprises a central vertical column supporting either flexible or articulated members which, when extended and expanded, make up the outline of the required shape as prescribed in Part C of THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA.

2. A Shape as described in Claim 1 which may be collapsed by moving a piston or collar arrangement within or around the central column so that all flexible or articulated outline members are drawn close to the central column when collapsed.

3. The collapsing of the Shape as described in claim 2 may be achieved either by an integral springing arrangement, or by some suitable external source.

4. The erecting or collapsing of the said Shape as described in claim 3 may be carried out by remote operation. This means that on a yacht, for instance, the operation may be carried out from the security of the cockpit.

5. The outline of the required Shape as described in claim 1 may be in-filled or covered and thus emphasised by using netting, cloth, plastic or other suitable material.

6. The required Shape, when collapsed as described in claim 2, may remain in situ ready for immediate deployment without being confused with any other signal prescribed in Part C of the Collision Regulations.

7. The Shape, when collapsed as described in Claims 2 and 3, will take up less space for stowage and storage.