JP2023543949A - Systems and methods for loading and securing equipment modules on ships - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for connecting equipment to a mounting surface of a marine vessel, such as a boat or submarine or any other vessel, is disclosed. The system includes a skid frame comprising a frame body having an upper surface and a lower surface, a loading footprint secured to a loading surface and adapted to removably engage the lower surface of the skid frame, and one or more pieces of equipment. modules, the one or more equipment modules being adapted to be mounted on the top surface of the skid frame, thereby indirectly connecting the equipment modules to the mounting surface via the skid frame.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of loading and securing equipment modules on watercraft. Specifically, the present invention relates to using skid frames to load equipment modules into the side of a watercraft and to removably secure them to the watercraft.

Ships used for military or industrial missions are expensive investments for nations and businesses. Ships may also be highly specialized for specialized tasks, ie military conflicts, research programs or maritime construction. Although several such vessels may be needed at the same time, they are rarely seen in continuous use. As a result, boats rarely need to be used for long periods of time, making them expensive and slowing the return on investment.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to be able to make such watercraft more versatile by allowing equipment to be replaced onboard the watercraft. However, the equipment used is heavy-duty, such as cannons or cranes, and is often located in recesses along the sides of the vessel, so the process of replacing equipment is time-consuming and expensive. Become something. Removing such large equipment from a vessel requires cutting open the hull and lifting it out. This is necessary even in situations where the equipment is placed on the side of the vessel, as the crane is configured to lift upwards. In addition, each time new equipment needs to be installed on the vessel, it is determined how the new equipment with a different shape and footprint can be installed on the vessel. This requires extensive preparation. The procedure itself also requires cutting off the old equipment and welding the new equipment in place. This procedure requires the vessel to remain at anchor for weeks or even months. Therefore, replacing any equipment is an investment of time and money, and typically requires long-term refurbishment.

According to the present invention, some of the above difficulties are alleviated by providing a system and method for quickly and easily loading, unloading, and securing various equipment modules onboard a ship, which This allows the same vessel to be used for a variety of yet highly specialized purposes.

The above objects and advantages, together with numerous other objects and advantages that will become apparent from the description of the present invention, apply to marine vessels such as ships or submarines or any other marine vessel. A first aspect of the invention is provided by a system for connecting equipment to a mounting surface of a vessel. The system is
A skid frame comprising a frame body, the frame body having an upper surface and a lower surface;
a mounting footprint secured to the mounting surface and adapted to removably engage the lower surface of the skid frame;
one or more equipment modules for housing equipment, the one or more equipment modules adapted to be attached to the top surface of the skid frame, such that the equipment modules attach the skid frame to the mounting surface; one or more equipment modules indirectly connected through the
Equipped with

The skid frame provides support for the equipment modules allowing multiple modules to be connected and moved as a unit. Skid frames also facilitate the movement of these equipment modules, which may be loaded with heavy equipment weighing several tons, or which may be difficult to fit into their intended location.

The mounting footprint is adapted to receive the skid frame so that the skid frame can be fixed or integrated with the mounting surface and without risk of unintentional movement of the skid frame or the equipment module.

The mounting footprint can be integrated into various mounting surfaces. For example, the loading area may be integrated into the loading surface in a boat recess, and equipment modules may be loaded and unloaded from the side into said boat recess using this skid frame, and then loaded onto the boat. can be held in place. The mounting footprint may be integrated into the skid frame and the lifting means that can be used to raise and lower the equipment module. Here, the mounting area ensures that the skid frame and the equipment module are completely fixed and there is no risk of falling from the lifting means.

When the loading area is integrated into the loading surface of the boat, it means that any lateral forces applied by equipment mounted on the boat through the skid frame and loading area will cause the skid frame to has the added advantage of being transmitted to the hull through the point of engagement with the section. This allows equipment installed on the side of the vessel, such as gunwales projecting from the side of the vessel, or objects along the side of the vessel, without requiring reinforcement or modification of the vessel. Depending on the specific use of the crane, where it is necessary to raise or lower the vessel, the system can be subjected to large forces outwardly from the sides of the vessel. Reducing the time and cost associated with replacing equipment on a ship by not requiring the ship to be modified or re-engineered to be able to handle equipment that applies forces in various directions on the ship. can be significantly shortened and can be adapted to a wide variety of equipment.

Preferably, both the skid frame and the loading footprint are configured to comply with a particular standard, to ensure that they can fit onto the prepared loading surface. Compatibility with a large number of different types of equipment is achieved as long as the equipment is accommodated within the equipment module. This allows the equipment to be prepared off-board, i.e. to be installed in an equipment module, and the ship is berthed for the equipment to be loaded onto the ship and secured in place. This greatly reduces the amount of time required. This means that rather than the weeks or months previously required to modify a ship, with equipment that must be fixed in the manner designed for that particular ship, It only takes 1-2 days depending on the size and quantity of equipment modules.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the equipment module is permanently attached to the top surface of the skid frame.

Fully integrating the skid frame into the top surface of the equipment module is essential if the equipment module is intended to be used where there is a payload footprint specifically present for the skid frame to be secured to. It is beneficial for Integrating the equipment modules into the skid frame further increases system stability and minimizes the amount of preparation and interaction required to make the combined system transportable or deployable. Additionally, minimizing the amount of securing means required to removably attach the equipment module to the skid frame may reduce the cost of the combined system.

The advantage of permanently attaching equipment modules to the top surface of the skid frame is that equipment modules that are always used or stored where a payload footprint is present, e.g. pertains to equipment modules that are used in the field but do not need to be used intermittently from shore. This may relate, for example, to an equipment module having equipment in the form of a gangway, a small boat or a submersible drone that does not need to be used on land.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the equipment module is removably attached to the top surface of said skid frame by means of fastening means.

By allowing the equipment module to be removably connected to the skid frame, the equipment module may be used intermittently independent of the skid frame and the mounting footprint. Since the equipment modules can be removed from the skid frame, they can be placed in their final position without the need for further fixing means or other adaptation of the final position. This is particularly important when the equipment module houses equipment intended for a final destination point away from the vessel, an area that was not possible to prepare by providing an onboard footprint section. This is even more important with regard to rescue operations where equipment may be required. This may be the case, for example, where the equipment module includes accommodation facilities, portable laboratories, pre-hospital facilities or temporary office space.

Releasably connecting an equipment module to a skid frame may also be beneficial for equipment modules having equipment primarily intended for use on ships. This allows equipment modules removed from the skid frame to be stored and the skid frame to be used for other equipment modules, and currently unused equipment modules to be stored in a storage space that does not have a mounting area. This is because it may be preferable in some cases.

Additionally, skid frames that are removable from equipment modules are also attachable to each other, making it easier to transport stacks of skid frames to where they are needed.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the equipment module or modules is removably mounted on the top surface of the skid frame.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a plurality of equipment modules are removably attached to each other using fixing means.

A single skid frame can be dimensioned so that it can accommodate multiple equipment modules that can be juxtaposed or stacked on top of each other on the skid frame. The ability to removably attach the equipment modules to each other provides the advantage of increased flexibility as to what equipment is available on the onboard system. Depending on the mission for which the equipment module is required, multiple types of equipment may be required. By providing modules that are removably mounted and connectable to the same skid frame, it is possible to select the most relevant equipment for each use case. Additionally, modularity allows some types of equipment modules to be used synergistically with multiple other equipment modules. For example, the same holder or stabilization means may be used for several small vessels, or a part of the landing system may be used for different types of drones, while e.g. or other parts may be replaced as necessary to adapt specialized requirements for the navigation drone, or they may be attached to the relevant analytical equipment to process the collected samples. .

The ability to securely attach multiple equipment modules to each other using fixing means provides modularity and customizability that allows the system to be installed regardless of the number of equipment modules used, without sacrificing safety. A stable and safe state can be achieved.

Preferably, the same fastening means are used to removably attach the equipment modules to each other and to attach them to the skid frame. This makes handling easier and more convenient for the user as he only needs to know how to use one type of fastening means and there is no risk of using the wrong fastening means in the wrong position. It is also preferred that the fixing means be of a well-known type that can be standardized and readily available.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the mounting footprint comprises a plurality of anchoring points and the skid frame comprises a plurality of engagement anchoring points.

The anchoring points serve to ensure that the skid frame is guided into the correct position on the mounting surface and also provides a place for the fastening means to engage. The reference/anchoring point may comprise a structure according to the container corner standard, embedded in the mounting surface so that the anchoring means corresponding to the container corner are readily available. In other variants, the anchorage point is not a container corner but another structure that can be engaged with the fastening means in the form of a twist lock. In one variation, the anchorage point may be a deck socket as known in the shipping container industry.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the anchoring point comprises anchoring means.

The fixing means enable the skid frame to be fixed to the mounting surface such that no movement of the skid frame occurs.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the securing means is a twist lock.

Twist locks are well known in the shipping container industry and numerous types are constructed to comply with the same standards, for example for use in container corners of the ISO 1161 standard. Therefore, the use of twist locks as a securing means in the system of the invention has the benefit of wide availability of both the parts and the knowledge of how to use them, securing equipment modules and skid frames. It becomes easier to train personnel to

Furthermore, the use of twist locks as fastening means provides the possibility of adapting the equipment module and skid frame to known shipping containers. Such suitability allows items that do not need to be used during transport to be stored in the shipping container along with the equipment module, which allows easy access to the equipment.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the skid frame comprises a frame body having two or more parallel battens and two or more parallel frame beams, the battens being connected to the beams. It is almost perpendicular to

The skid frame beams and battens provide a stable structure that allows the skid frame to function as a support for heavy objects such as heavy equipment, containers or equipment modules.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the frame body comprises a plurality of said anchoring points arranged at corners of said frame body.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the frame body comprises a plurality of anchorage points arranged on the battens and/or frame beams between the corners of the frame body.

By arranging the skid frame with anchoring points at multiple locations, such as corners and/or battens and/or beams between corners, a versatile skid frame can be obtained, as also shown in Figure 4a. Alternatively, multiple equipment modules may be connected to the entire surface area of the skid frame, or single or multiple containers may be connected to only a portion of the surface of the skid frame.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention, the skid frame consists of multiple parts, which parts are smaller skid frames that can be separated and connected.

Each section is a skid frame in itself, and these can be combined to form a larger multi-section skid frame. For each part, the skid frame can be split into smaller skid frames and reconnected for added versatility. If smaller equipment modules are required, having a smaller skid frame will minimize the weight of the system onboard the marine vessel, for example by allowing parts that do not support any equipment module to be separated. be able to. Furthermore, the modular nature of the skid frame parts allows them to be later connected for different dimensions, so that the production of irregularly shaped skid frames is not necessary, rather than requiring separate production of each size of skid frame. Since production can be reduced, the skid frame production line can also be made more efficient. Additionally, allowing the skid frame to be divided into smaller parts facilitates transportation and storage of the skid frame, as the skid frame can be connected or separated to best suit the area in which they are stored. I can do it.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above objects and advantages are achieved by a skid frame for supporting container modules. The skid frame is
a frame body comprising two or more parallel battens and two or more parallel frame beams, the battens being substantially perpendicular to the beams;
multiple anchor points,
Equipped with

The skid frame beams and battens provide a stable structure that allows the skid frame to function as a support for heavy objects such as heavy equipment, containers or equipment modules.

Container corners are well known in the shipping container industry and are generally constructed to comply with ISO standards. Container corners provide a means for easily securing various loads, such as shipping containers or container modules, to the skid frame. By using the commonly known container corners, the skid frame is compatible with well known fastening means such as twist locks, which makes it inexpensive and easy to use, and which improves the experience of working with shipping containers. Those with a skid frame can handle the skid frame with minimal additional training.

Having container corners on the skid frame makes it possible to removably fix equipment modules or containers to them, and furthermore, the skid frame itself can be fitted with similar well-known equipment, e.g. further container corners and twist locks. Fixation means such as can be used may be used. Multiple skid frames may be loaded and secured to each other using container corners and securing means, facilitating the transportation of multiple skid frames together.

The batten includes a plurality of wheels projecting from the underside of the batten, which allow easy movement of the skid frame. Alternatively, a plurality of wheels may be provided on or within the footprint or on the lifting means for loading the equipment module onto the mounting surface of the marine vessel. This possibility of movement allows the skid frame and the articles potentially attached to it to be moved into areas of limited space. Since the skid frame is movable linearly in the direction in which the wheels rotate, the skid frame and the objects attached to it can be rolled so that the size of the skid frame and the objects attached to it is smaller than the space that allows for the minimum clearance. can be placed in the space of This is of great benefit since, currently, heavy equipment or containers need to have additional space to be loaded onto vehicles and ships, thereby limiting the ways in which they can be transported. Cranes typically need to be used to load heavy equipment and containers onto a vehicle or place them at the point of use, which creates an open space above the location where the load, such as a shipping container or equipment module, is located. It means that it is necessary to have. The requirement for open space limits where payloads can be placed or requires cumbersome and expensive modification of the area of interest.

The ability to move transport containers or equipment modules sideways is a feature of specialized ships, for example ships with specialized equipment such as weapons systems, typically located in recesses along the sides of the ship. It is particularly useful in According to conventional equipment systems, being able to replace heavy equipment located within a vessel recess typically requires the removal of some portion of the vessel above the recess and the replacement of a new Replacement and fixing of equipment must be carefully planned and designed to suit the particular vessel. This is a tedious and expensive procedure. In practice, equipment is rarely replaced within a short period of time, meaning that frequent replacement between, for example, two types of operation is largely pointless.

Skid frames allow heavy equipment to be loaded and unloaded adjacent to the intended location, rather than from above. This allows, for example, the skid frame to be loaded from a quay together with a shipping container or equipment module and unloaded into a ship's recess, or, in other variants, to allow the skid frame together with equipment modules to be loaded onto the vessel where it is needed. Loading onto a boat It is also possible to load from a boat.

A plurality of lifting means enable the skid frame to be raised above the surface on which it rests. When the lifting means is deployed, the skid frame rests only on the lifting means and not on the wheels. This makes it possible to use a skid frame with fastening means projecting from the mounting surface, for example twist locks that engage the container corners by being deployed into cavities inside the container corners. If the skid frame is not raised, the skid frame will not be able to pass through the position of the fastening means protruding from the mounting surface and will not be able to remove the fastening means from below the skid frame even if it needs to be removed from its fastening position. I can't do it either. The lifting means raises the skid frame above the bottom surface so that the fixing means can be removed or placed below the skid frame before the skid frame can be lowered again and moved along the newly exposed surface. can be raised.

The lifting means may be integrated into multiple wheels. In that variant of the invention, the raising means raises the frame body of the skid frame above the mounting surface while the wheels are still engaged with the mounting surface. In this variant, the skid frame can be moved horizontally while the frame body is raised. This allows, for example, the skid frame to pass over fixing means or other elements that protrude from the mounting surface, as long as the fixing means or other elements do not protrude higher than the raising means allows the frame body to be raised. Those protruding elements are not located where the wheels engage the mounting surface to move the skid frame to or from the location where the skid frame is to be mounted.

In other variants, the lifting means need not consist of a skid frame. In practice, the loading footprint may be provided with lifting means for engaging and lifting the skid frame. The occupied area raising means can be operated to project upwardly from the loading occupied area. The occupied area raising means engages the skid frame, so that the occupied area raising means raises the skid frame above the loading occupied area, and the elements protruding from the loading occupied area, such as the fixing means, are lowered below the skid frame. allow it to be removed from The occupied area lifting means can then be lowered and retracted within the mounting surface, thereby lowering the skid frame again to the mounting surface. In this variant, in which the lifting means is arranged within the loading footprint, the skid frame is provided with a footprint lifting means, such as a recess or area of a different material, which serves to securely engage the loading footprint lifting means with the skid frame. It may have a lifting point adapted to engage the footprint lifting means so that there is no risk of the means moving while protruding from the mounting footprint.

In yet another variant, the raising means is neither integral with the skid frame nor with the mounting area, the raising means being external and removably associated with the skid frame to raise the skid frame above the mounting surface. Can be combined. In this variant, the lifting means can take any form and need only be arranged in such a way that the lifting means can raise the skid frame once the skid frame is at the desired point. When the skid frame is raised or lowered, the lifting means can be removed again. By separating the lifting means from the skid frame, the skid frame can be simplified and no electronic or hydraulic equipment is required in the skid frame itself.

The lifting means may be a hydraulic jack cylinder. Hydraulic jack cylinders are well known and readily available lifting means, making them inexpensive and practical to use. Jack cylinders are also well known and well tested to be capable of handling heavy payloads of several tons such as may be required for many types of equipment modules. Skid frames can handle payloads in excess of 100 tons.

In some variations, the lifting means is a hydraulic jack cylinder. In these cases, the skid frame may have an integrated hydraulic system. It may be placed inside the beams and battens or mounted on the outside of those beams and battens, or it may be an external unit on the structure, preferably with wheels, which together with the skid frame Allows horizontal movement. Preferably, this hydraulic system should not be placed on the top or bottom side of the skid frame, as there is a risk of it being damaged by the surface on which the skid frame subsequently rests or by equipment modules mounted on the top side.

In further embodiments, the plurality of wheels are motor driven. By motorizing the wheels, the skid frame is movable without additional external forces pushing or pulling the skid frame and the equipment modules attached thereto. Motorizing multiple wheels results in minimal external equipment requirements. It further provides the opportunity to automate the use of skid frames to load and unload equipment modules to and from a mounting surface.

Motor components and power supplies may be integrated into the skid frame. Preferably, these parts are located within the beams and battens, or are mounted externally to the beams and battens, without protruding from the top or bottom surfaces of the skid frame. If they were to protrude, they would be at risk of being damaged by the surface on which the skid frame rests or by equipment modules mounted on the top surface.

In embodiments, the skid frame includes a receiver for processing remote control signals. Having a receiver for remote control signals allows remote control of the skid frame, for example remote actuation of the lifting means and/or the motor-driven wheels.

In other variations, the skid frame may further include one or more processing units. One or more processing units allow programming of remotely controlled tasks.

In yet other variations, the skid frame may include a sensor. Sensors may be used to identify when the skid frame is in the correct position for activating the lifting means and/or starting and stopping the operation of the motor to move the skid frame.

In a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the frame body has a plurality of anchorage points arranged at the corners of the frame body, and the battens and/or the frame beams between the corners of the frame body. A plurality of fixing points are arranged in the area.

By arranging the skid frame with anchoring points at multiple locations, such as corners and/or battens and/or beams between corners, a versatile skid frame can be obtained, as also shown in Figure 4a. Alternatively, multiple equipment modules may be connected to the entire surface area of the skid frame, or single or multiple containers may be connected to only a portion of the surface of the skid frame.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the skid frame consists of multiple parts, which parts are smaller skid frames that can be separated and connected.

As previously mentioned, each section is a skid frame in itself, and these can be combined to form a larger multi-section skid frame. For each part, the skid frame can be split into smaller skid frames and reconnected for added versatility. If smaller equipment modules are required, having a smaller skid frame will minimize the weight of the system onboard the marine vessel, for example by allowing parts that do not support any equipment module to be separated. be able to. Furthermore, the modular nature of the skid frame parts allows them to be later connected for different dimensions, so that the production of irregularly shaped skid frames is not necessary, rather than requiring separate production of each size of skid frame. Since production can be reduced, the production line can also be made more efficient. Additionally, allowing the skid frame to be divided into smaller parts facilitates transportation and storage of the skid frame, as the skid frame can be connected or separated to best suit the area in which they are stored. I can do it.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above objects and advantages are achieved by the mounting area. Its mounting area is
one or more anchor points;
one or more securing means adapted to be removably mounted at said anchorage point and adapted to engage a container corner;
Equipped with

As mentioned above, the anchoring points serve to ensure that the skid frame is guided into the correct position on the mounting surface and also provides a place for the fastening means to engage. The reference/anchoring point may comprise a structure according to the container corner standard, embedded in the mounting surface so that the anchoring means corresponding to the container corner are readily available. In another variant of the invention, the anchoring point is not a container corner but another structure that can be engaged with the securing means in the form of a twist lock. In one variation of the invention, the anchorage point may be a deck socket as known in the shipping container industry.

As mentioned above, the fixing means are such that the skid frame is secured by gravity when changing the mounting surface, for example when the mounting surface is on a marine vessel or vehicle, so that there is no risk of movement if the mounting surface moves. To enable a skid frame to be fixed to a mounting surface so as not to roll on a plurality of wheels. In a variant of the invention, the securing means of the loading area are standard twist locks well known in the shipping container industry.

If the loading footprint is provided with rails, this serves to guide the movement of the skid frame. The rails provide a suitable surface for the wheels to rotate, for example, the surface may be flat to provide good friction for the wheels to rotate. In a preferred variant of the invention, the rail is provided with a rail guard that ensures that the wheel cannot derail the rail but is guided in the desired direction, or with a rail that engages the wheel and guides its direction of movement. Equipped with a groove.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above objects and advantages are achieved by providing a skid frame for supporting equipment modules on a mounting surface of a marine vessel, such as a boat or a submarine or any other vessel, in a sideways manner. , is obtained by a method of fixing the skid frame to the mounting area of the mounting surface. The method is
fixing the skid frame to a lifting means such as a lift;
Subsequently, raising the lifting means to raise the skid frame to a height above the mounting surface;
When the skid frame reaches a height higher than the mounting surface, transporting the skid frame sideways onto the mounting occupied area;
engaging a fixing means for fixing the skid frame to the mounting occupied area of the mounting surface;
Equipped with

This sideways loading method allows a large number of equipment modules to be loaded into a space that has only the necessary clearance to accommodate the equipment modules and has openings on the sides through which the skid frame and equipment modules can pass. This has the advantage of being possible. To be able to carry out side loading according to the method, it is not necessary to have an excess of space, nor is it necessary to have free space above the loading surface. The method thus allows for quick and easy loading and unloading in spaces that had to be retrofitted to accommodate large numbers of equipment modules, which can have dimensions comparable to multiple shipping containers and weigh several tons. Provide means of unloading.

Furthermore, the method allows the skid frame to be removably secured to the mounting surface of the vessel along with the equipment module, thereby providing that the skid frame can be removably secured to the mounting surface of the vessel, so long as the equipment module itself fits into the skid frame that fits into the mounting footprint. It is easy to remove the frame again and replace it with another skid frame with completely different equipment in the equipment module.

FIG. 1 shows a watercraft with equipment modules in the boat recess. FIG. 2 shows the various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the invention. Figure 4a shows various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the invention. Figure 4b shows the various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates various steps in the process of loading a vessel recess according to the present invention. FIG. 8 shows the skid frame in a perspective view. Figure 9 shows the underside of the skid frame. FIG. 10 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of a corner of the skid frame. Figure 11a shows a skid frame loaded with equipment modules. FIG. 11b shows a partially enlarged view of the fixing part of the equipment module.

In the following, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be implemented in various ways and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Accordingly, similar elements will not be described in detail with respect to each figure description.

FIG. 1 shows a watercraft 1, in this case a ship having a watercraft recess 5 in the side of the hull of the watercraft 1. FIG. Equipment modules 50 (see Figures 4a and 4b) may be placed in these vessel recesses. Such an equipment module can be, for example, a weapons unit or a small ship in the case of a ship.

The vessel recess 5 may be equipped with a recess hatch 7 that allows the vessel recess 5 to be closed so that the vessel recess 5 and the equipment module 50 are shielded from the environment and from view. Furthermore, such a recess hatch 7 can be designed to redirect incoming radar signals, thereby shielding equipment within the recess from detection.

FIG. 2 shows a partially enlarged side part of the boat 1 in the vicinity of the boat recess 5 for the boat 1 berthed at the wharf 10. The recess hatch 7 is opened and allows access to the unloaded vessel recess 5. The boat 1 is docked so that the boat recess 5 is aligned with the elevating means 15 built into the wharf 10.

In other embodiments, the lifting means 15 may not be integrated into the quay 10, but instead is part of a vehicle or a boat that allows the position of the lifting means 15 to be adjusted relative to the boat recess 5. It may be. In other variants, a plurality of lifting means 15 may be used in conjunction to allow further adjustment of the alignment between lifting means 15 and vessel recess 5.

The lifting means 15 is equipped with a loading area 200', and the boat recess 5 also has a loading area 200 arranged on the mounting surface 6 at the bottom of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting area 200 is realized in the mounting surface 6, as described for the lifting means. In other embodiments, the load occupation area 200 may be modified by adding the load occupation area to an existing load surface 6, such as for example as shown inside the vessel recess 5. It can be subsequently installed on the mounting surface 6 by welding to 6.

The loading area 200 comprises two or more loading rails 210 and two or more fixing points 215 on which fixing means 220 (see FIG. 11b) can be installed. In the preferred embodiment, the anchoring point is a standard container corner 110 (see FIG. 3) and the securing means 220 is a standard twist lock for shipping containers. The use of the well-known twist lock as the securing means 220 has the advantage of making it easier for those experienced in working with shipping containers to load and secure the skid frame in the loading footprint 200. Furthermore, compatibility with standard equipment well known in the shipping container industry makes the loading footprint 200 inexpensive to use.

FIG. 3 shows the skid frame 100 mounted on the lifting means 15 on the pier 10. When the skid frame 100 is mounted on the elevating means 15, the skid frame 100 becomes approximately parallel to the side of the watercraft 1 that is berthed, and when the skid frame 100 is mounted inside the watercraft recess 5, the skid frame 100 becomes substantially parallel to the side of the watercraft 1 that is berthing. Two or more frame beams 120 are provided that are maintained substantially parallel to the sides. The skid frame further includes two or more frame battens 130 that are substantially perpendicular to the beam 120 and, as a result, also to the sides of the watercraft 1 being berthed.

In other embodiments, the beam 120 and the batten 130 may be positioned diagonally with respect to the watercraft 1. In addition, the beam 120 may not be substantially parallel to the side of the watercraft 1 but may be oblique. This may be beneficial, for example, for boat recesses that extend diagonally into the boat. In this embodiment, the batten 130 may not be perpendicular to the side of the watercraft. In some embodiments, there may be battens 130 that are not perpendicular to the beam 120, they may all be diagonal to each other, or some may be vertical to increase structural stability; The other portions may be diagonal.

The skid frame 100 is mounted on the lifting means 15 below the battens 130, and as a result, when the battens 130 of the skid frame 100 are aligned with the mounting rails 210 of the loading occupied area section 200, the skid frame 100 A plurality of wheels 135 (see FIG. 9) are provided that engage the mounting rails 210 of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the loading footprint 200, 200' includes the same number of loading rails 210 as the skid frame 100 includes battens 130. However, in other embodiments, there may be more or fewer mounting rails 210 than battens 130, allowing the mounting footprints 200, 200' to be compatible with various embodiments of the skid frame 100.

Skid frame 100 further includes container corners 110. In a preferred embodiment, these container corners 110 are based on industry standards for shipping containers, namely ISO container corner fittings, so that the skid frame 100 and equipment modules (not shown) fit into typical shipping containers. It becomes possible. This has the advantage that standard shipping containers can be loaded onto skid frame 100 as well as specialized or customized equipment modules 50. Additionally, it allows the skid frame 100 to be compatible with standard equipment known in the shipping container industry, such as well-known securing means 220 such as twist locks that can be used to secure the skid frame 100 to the loading footprint 200. Become. Container corners 110 further allow multiple skid frames 100 to be loaded and secured together for easy transportation.

In a preferred embodiment, skid frame 100 is secured to lifting means 15 by twist locks engaging container corners 110 and anchorage points 215. In other embodiments, other securing means 220 may be used to engage the container corners 110.

In a preferred embodiment, the loading area 200' on the lifting means 15 and the loading area 200 in the vessel recess 5 are the same as components, but can be mounted in different ways on the loading surface 6. . Preferably, the mounting area 200 is embedded in and substantially flush with the mounting surface 6, separate from the fixing means 220. However, in other embodiments they may differ, for example in the number of anchorage points 215 and fastening means 220 and/or in the number of mounting rails 210 or in the material used for the mounting rails 210.

FIG. 4a is a conceptual diagram of a single equipment module 50 mounted on a skid frame 100 which is also mounted in a mounting footprint 200' on a pier 10.

The equipment module 50 is illustrated simply as an outer module frame 52 and a module floor 54 because the equipment module 50 can take many different forms with respect to the equipment contained therein depending on its use. In a preferred embodiment, equipment module 50 includes a module frame 52 and a module floor 54. The module frame 52 provides structural stability and allows connection and loading of multiple equipment modules 50, 50', 50'', as shown in Figure 4b. The equipment modules 50 further comprise container corners 110 that allow the equipment modules 50 to be connected to each other and to the skid frame 100 by the use of fastening means 220 (see FIG. 11b), such as twist locks.

In some embodiments, equipment modules 50 may further include walls that effectively give them an exterior structure as a standard shipping container. This may be the case if the equipment module is used to transport equipment, such as when the vessel 1 is modified to be used for humanitarian aid transporting medical supplies and other relief equipment or for cryopreservation units that require insulation. It is suitable when used for That is, if the equipment module is used for various accommodation facilities, for example for transportable laboratories, pre-hospital equipment or for accommodation in the form of transportable kitchens or office spaces. Good too.

In other embodiments, the equipment module 50 abuts the module floor 54, for example, in the form of a landing system for various types of drones, in the form of work implements such as cranes, or in the form of various weapons systems. Having something placed and fixed.

In yet other embodiments, the equipment module 50 may have only a module frame 52, with both the module floor and any module sides as module frames 52, such as rescue boats, work boats, etc. In the case of various boats, such as crew boats, it may be usable to support functional equipment that is used separately from the equipment module itself.

As shown in FIG. 4b, the equipment modules 50 may come in a variety of sizes such that multiple equipment modules 50 can be loaded onto the skid frame 100. Although not shown, in other embodiments, skid frame 100 may be loaded with a single large equipment module 50.

In the case of multiple equipment modules 50, 50', 50'', they may be fixed to each other to ensure stability during movement. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the equipment modules 50 are an integer multiple of each other to enhance modularity and allow for easy loading and adjacent mounting of multiple equipment modules 50 on one skid frame 100. In an even more preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the equipment modules 50, 50', 50'' are scaled like standardized shipping containers to enhance compatibility with existing systems and infrastructure. Some equipment modules 50 have a size that is a multiple of a standard 40-foot shipping container, while other equipment modules are smaller, with an integral multiple of the dimensions of each other equipment module. and can be easily fixed to each other and to the skid frame 100.

FIG. 5 shows the operation of the lifting means 15 to raise the skid frame 100 to the level of the mounting surface 6 at the bottom of the vessel recess 5. Raising the skid frame 100 to the height of the mounting surface 6 means that the lowest point of the skid frame 100, that is, the mounting surface 6 where the wheels 135 (see FIG. 10) This is to be understood as raising the lifting means to a height at which it can engage. The berthing vessel 1 will result in a slight movement resulting in a precise height variation of the vessel recess, but in the ideal case the loading rail 210' of the loading occupation area 200' of the pier 10 will be When the lifting means 15 raises the skid frame 100 to the height of the mounting surface 6, it is aligned with the mounting rail 210 of the mounting occupied area 200 in the vessel recess.

Although in FIG. 5 the lifting means 15 is illustrated as a scissor lift, it may take the form of any known type of lift capable of handling heavy loads of equipment modules 50 in the ton range.

FIG. 6 shows that the skid frame 100 on which a plurality of equipment modules 50 are mounted is horizontally moved in the direction D from the lifting means 15 to the vessel recess 5. A similar horizontal movement will occur when loading and unloading the equipment module 50 from the vessel recess 5.

To be able to move the stacked skid frame 100, the fixing means 220 (see FIG. 11b) must first be disengaged and removed. This is made possible by lifting means 115 (see FIG. 9) operable to raise the frame body 101 above the lifting means 15 by protruding from the underside 104 (see FIG. 9) of the skid frame 100. The fixing means 220 (see FIG. 11b) can then be removed from the anchoring point 215. In embodiments where the fixing means 220 are twist locks, they are first disengaged, i.e. unlocked, before the skid frame 100 is raised and the skid frame 100 is raised by actuation of the raising means 115. Then, the twist lock can be removed. After the fixing means 220 have been removed, the lifting means can be retracted so that the skid frame 100 can be lowered back onto the mounting rail 210.

Wheels 135 (see FIG. 10) projecting from the underside 104 (see FIG. 9) of the skid frame 100 engage the mounting rails 210, 210'. The mounting rails 210, 210' serve to guide the movement of the wheels when the skid frame 100 is moved horizontally in direction D between the lifting means 15 and the vessel recess 5. Accordingly, the mounting rails 210 and wheels 135 are designed to engage each other in any manner that helps guide the direction of movement of the skid frame 100 along the mounting rails 210. In one embodiment, this may be done by making the mounting rail 210 slightly wider than the width of the wheel 135 so that the rail guard fits the wheel 135 within the mounting rail 210. In other embodiments, the rail 210 has a width less than the width of the wheel 135 and instead has one or more ridges that project upwardly from the mounting rail 210 and engage grooves in the wheel 135. In this way, the direction of movement of the skid frame 100 is guided. In yet other embodiments, the wheels 135 may be equipped with flanges that engage the sides of the flat mounting rails 210 that guide the direction of movement of the skid frame 100. Therefore, the mounting rail 210 moves the skid frame 100 into the boat recess in such a manner that the beam 120 is parallel to the side of the boat recess 5 and the batten 130 is perpendicular to the side of the boat 1 being berthed. 5 to ensure that the skid frame 100 can be completely placed within the vessel recess 5. The loading rails 210 inside the vessel recess 5 further ensure that the container corners 110 of the skid frame 100 are aligned with the fixing means 220 (see FIG. 11b) of the loading occupation area 200 within the vessel recess 5. Make it.

FIG. 7 shows a skid frame 100 with a plurality of equipment modules 50 disposed entirely within the vessel recess 5 . When the skid frame 100 is carried out from the lifting means 15 and carried into the boat recess 5, it can be fixed to the fixing means 220 (see FIG. 11b) of the mounting rail 210 in the boat recess.

In embodiments where the fixing means 220 are twist locks, they can be placed below the skid frame 100 as if removed from the lifting means. First, the skid frame 100 is raised by activating the lifting means 115 (see FIG. 9) to protrude from the lower surface 104 (see FIG. 9) of the skid frame 100, thereby raising the skid frame 100 onto the mounting surface 6. raise upwards. When the skid frame 100 is raised, the fixing means 220 can be placed within the anchoring point 215 of the mounting footprint 200. Once the fixing means 220 is in place at the anchorage point 215, the lifting means 115 is retracted, thereby allowing the skid frame 100 to be lowered again into the loading footprint 200 and the twist locks to engage the container corners 110. and here they can be locked to secure the skid frame 100 to the mounting area 200 of the vessel recess 5. The fixing means 220 secure the skid frame 100 and the equipment module 50 in such a way that there is no risk of them moving within the vessel recess 5 during navigation of the vessel 1, but by welding something in place or by some other means. Stay in place without having to go through time-consuming steps. This makes it possible for the equipment module 50 to be fixedly mounted in the vessel recess 5 by the skid frame 100 and the mounting area section 200, while the skid frame 100 and the equipment module 50 are used to replace the equipment module 50. can likewise be easily unlocked and removed from the vessel recess 5 again.

If the twist lock is placed in position to engage the container corner 110 before the skid frame 100 is moved into the vessel recess 5, the twist lock can engage the cavity in the container corner 110. Since the skid frame 100 extends above the lower surface 104 of the skid frame 100, the skid frame 100 cannot pass through the fixing means 220 while moving along the mounting rails 210, 210'. Therefore, the possibility of using twist locks while at the same time being able to roll the skid frame 100 from the lifting means 15 into the vessel recess 5 is made possible by the lifting means 115 of the skid frame 100 (see FIG. 9). .

In embodiments, the lifting means 115 may be integrated with a plurality of wheels 135. In such a variation, the lifting means raises the frame body 101 of the skid frame 100 above the mounting surface, with the plurality of wheels 135 still engaged with the mounting surface. This allows the skid frame to move along the direction D to enter and exit the vessel recess 5 while the frame body is being raised. This allows the skid frame 100 to hold the fixing means 220, such as a twist lock, as long as the fixing means 220 does not protrude further than the frame body 101 is raised and is not placed along the path of movement of the plurality of wheels 135. Even if it protrudes from the mounting surface, it can pass through.

Once the skid frame 100 has been moved into the vessel recess 5, the lifting means 15 can be lowered and/or removed again.

Although the method and system have been described in connection with FIGS. 2-7 with respect to loading the skid frame 100 into a vessel recess 5, the method and system may be used to load the skid frame 100 into a vessel with or without an onboard equipment module 50. It may also be used for loading and unloading from boat cavities. For loading and unloading, the lifting means 15 are first raised and the skid frame 100 is removed from the fastening means 220 in the vessel recess 5. Thereafter, the skid frame 100 is horizontally moved along the direction D and placed above the lifting means 15. The skid frame 100 can then be fixed to the lifting means 15 which can be lowered afterwards. Once the skid frame 100 and one or more equipment modules 50 are landed at the pier 10, they are moved and removed to the location where they need to be used or stored, and the other equipment modules 50 perform the functions of the vessel. May be loaded onto ships for modification.

In embodiments, loading and/or unloading procedures may be automated. To enable automation, one or more control units with receivers are configured in the skid frame 100 and the lifting means. In some embodiments, one control unit is configured in the lifting means 15 and another in the skid frame, so that they can be operated separately. In an automated embodiment, the skid frame further comprises a vehicleization of wheels 135 (see FIG. 10) projecting from the underside 104 of the batten 130 and drivable to move the skid frame 100 along direction D. let Furthermore, the lifting means 115 (see FIG. 10) is also automated.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting means is a jack cylinder driven by a hydraulic power unit; in other embodiments the jack cylinder can be electrically driven. Such hydraulic or electric power units may be integrated into skid frame 100 in some embodiments. In such an automated system, steps may be programmed and sensor equipment may further be configured on the skid frame 100 to ensure that the skid frame 100 is in the correct position in the respective loading footprint 200, 200'. This makes it possible to determine the timing of the operation of the lifting means 115 and/or the wheels 135 by specifying the time when the lifting means 115 and/or the wheels 135 are activated.

In a semi-automatic embodiment, the system is controlled by an operator using a remote controller to actuate the motor-driven wheels 135, thereby starting and stopping horizontal movement of the skid frame 100, and The skid frame 100 is raised and lowered by operating the lifting means 115 to project and retract it.

In other embodiments, the wheels may not be motor-driven and may be purely mechanical wheels that facilitate movement of skid frame 100 by external forces. The external force may be a machine or mechanical system that pushes or pulls skid frame 100 and onboard equipment module 50 to move it horizontally along direction D into and out of vessel recess 5 .

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the skid frame 100 in a perspective view from above. The skid frame includes a plurality of beams 120 that are substantially parallel to each other and a plurality of battens 130 that are substantially perpendicular to the beams 120. These beams 120 and battens 130 are connected by container corners 110, which are standard parts well known in shipping containers. In other embodiments, some or all of the beams 120 and battens 130 may be diagonal with respect to each other. Some or all of these may be welded or connected together by means other than container corners 110, so long as there is some form of container corner 110 connecting skid frame 100 to the mounting footprint anchorage points and equipment modules. .

The equipment module 50 (see FIG. 11a) may be mounted to the top surface 102 of the skid frame 100 and may be secured to the skid frame 100 at the container corners 110 using well known fastening means such as twist locks.

In a preferred embodiment, skid frame 100 is sized to fit an integral number of standard shipping containers. As shown, skid frame 100 is divided into a plurality of sections 107, each of which has an equipment module 50 the size of section 107 secured to it, or a larger equipment module spanning multiple sections 107 that can be attached to the skid frame. 100.

In the embodiment, each of these sections is 606 cm x 244 cm, which fits four standard 20-foot shipping containers in a single tier mounted on four sections 107, as well as standard containers across multiple sections 107. Accommodates a 40-foot shipping container.

In other embodiments, skid frame 100 may be larger, for example, each section may be 490 cm x 1219 cm, thereby each accommodating a standard 40 foot shipping container.

In some embodiments, each section 107 is a skid frame 100 on its own and can be combined to form a larger skid frame 100 of multiple sections 107 as shown in FIG. The skid frame 100 can be divided into smaller skid frames 100 for each part 107 and reconnected to provide greater versatility. If a smaller equipment module 50 is required, having a smaller skid frame 100 will minimize the number of systems installed on the boat 1, for example by being able to separate parts 107 that do not support any equipment modules. The weight can be as follows. Additionally, the modular nature of the sections 107 of the skid frame 100 allows them to be later connected for different dimensions, so that irregularly shaped skid Since the production of frames 100 can be reduced, the production line can be made more efficient. Further, by allowing the skid frame 100 to be divided into smaller sections 107, transportation and storage of the skid frame 100 is facilitated, as the skid frame 100 can be connected or separated to best suit the area in which they are stored. It can be facilitated.

Equipment modules 50 larger than a standard shipping container, e.g., a single equipment module 50 having the size of four standard 40-foot shipping containers, may also be implemented as a skid frame 100 capable of supporting such equipment modules 50. Assumed in form.

In other embodiments, the length L of the skid frame 100 may be anywhere in the range of 1 m to 30 m and can be customized to the particular vessel recess 5 (see Figure 1) in which it is intended to fit. becomes. Similarly, the width W of the skid frame 100 may be anywhere in the range of 1 m to 10 m. The skid frame may be divided into multiple sections 107 within its length and width, or it may be a single section that spans all of the skid frame 100.

Skid frame 100 may be made from any material strong enough to support the potentially enormous weight of equipment module 50, ie, in excess of 100 tons. Suitable materials are, for example, steels that are well known in the construction of conventional shipping containers and container corners, such as weathering steel, COR-TEN steel, high-strength cast steel or aluminum for lightweight systems.

FIG. 9 shows the skid frame 100 viewed from the underside 104. The skid frame 100 comprises lifting means 115 that can be actuated to protrude from the lower surface 104, thereby raising the frame body 101 from the mounting surface against which the skid frame 100 rested, thereby fixing means 220 (Fig. 11b ) can be removed or placed below the skid frame. The lifting means 115 may be stored and returned to the frame body 101, thereby lowering the frame body 101 again and bringing the skid frame 100 into contact with the mounting surface before being raised.

Although the frame body 101 including the beam 120 and the batten 130 has a common upper surface 102 and lower surface 104, other components configured in the skid frame 100 are not flush with these surfaces 102, 104, It can stand out from there. For example, the container corner 110 may protrude from one or both of the surfaces 102, 104, and a plurality of wheels 135 may be configured to protrude from the lower surface 104 of the frame body 101 such that the skid frame rotates against them. . The elevating means 115 may protrude from the lower surface 104 in one configuration, and in other configurations where they are stored in the frame body 101 they may be flush with the lower surface 104 or may be flush with the lower surface 104 of the frame body 101. It may further be retracted such that there is a cavity or depression therein.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting means 115 is arranged on a beam 120 of the skid frame 100. Although six lifting means are illustrated in FIG. 9, in other embodiments there may be more or fewer lifting means 115 depending on the size of the skid frame 100 and the desired load thereon. In a preferred embodiment, there is a lifting means 115 located at the outer end of the beam 120 adjacent the container corner 110. Additional lifting means 115 may be included along any or all of the beams 120 to ensure the necessary support and stability when the skid frame 100 is raised and abuts the protruding lifting means 115. Good too.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting means 115 is a hydraulic jack cylinder. In other embodiments, the lifting means 115 may be jack cylinders of different actuation means, such as electromechanical cylinders, the lifting means may be electric actuators, or they may be hybrid actuation systems. .

Skid frame 100 further includes a plurality of wheels 135 protruding from lower surface 104. If the lifting means 115 is stored in the frame body 101 and the skid frame 100 is not locked to the fixing means 220, the skid frame 100 will come into contact with the wheels 135. When the lifting means 115 is stored in the frame body 101 and the skid frame 100 is locked to the fixing means 220 at the container corner 110, the skid frame 100 will abut the engaged container corner 110.

In a preferred embodiment, the wheels are oriented and placed within the batten 130 such that they rotate to facilitate movement along direction D, ie, in the direction in which the batten 130 extends.

The number and size of wheels 135 may vary for various embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the wheel is similar to the width of the batten 130, but the radius of the wheel may be determined by the height of the batten 130 from which the wheel 135 projects. In the preferred embodiment, wheels are on all battens 130 of skid frame 100, but in other embodiments, some battens may not have wheels.

The wheels can be of various embodiments. They may be cylindrical with smooth surfaces and may be provided with flanges, ridges or grooves that allow them to engage the mounting rails 210 (see FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the wheels 135 are positioned within the one or more beams 120 with the same direction of rotation as those placed within the battens 130, i.e., transverse to the direction of extension of the beams 120. may also be placed.

In the embodiment, the plurality of wheels 135 may be mounted so that the skid frame 100 is pivotable so that the skid frame 100 can freely move in any direction along the surface, instead of moving linearly only back and forth. good.

In embodiments of the skid frame 100 with automation and/or remote control of the lifting means 115, a control unit (not shown) can be arranged inside the beam 120 without the lifting means 115 or wheels 135. Alternatively, or in addition, a control unit and/or a power source may be located within or between the portion 107 attached to the beam 120 and/or the batten 130. In this case, it is necessary that the control unit does not protrude from the top surface 102 (see FIG. 8) nor from the bottom surface 104. If the control unit or power supply protrudes from either side, there is a risk that it will be destroyed by the equipment module 50 mounted on the skid frame 100 or by the surface on which the skid frame 100 is placed.

FIG. 10 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of a corner of the skid frame 100. Other corners can be mirrored, but the principle is the same. A preferred embodiment of the skid frame 100 is shown in more detail, with the top and bottom of the container corners 110 having standardized holes for receiving fastening means (not shown) on both the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 104. Adjacent to the container corner 110, lifting means 115 are arranged on a beam 120. This arrangement towards the end of the beam 120 allows stability when the lifting means 115 is actuated. Two of the plurality of wheels 135 are mounted on and protrude from the batten 130. The width of the wheels matches the width of the batten 130 while still having sufficient clearance to allow each wheel 135 to rotate freely.

As shown in FIG. 9, there is no need for the lifting means 115 to be present at every joint where the beam 120 and the batten 130 intersect. Furthermore, the lifting means 115 may be arranged elsewhere on the beam 120 or even on the battens in areas where the wheels 135 are absent. Therefore, FIG. 10 should only be understood as an illustration of a preferred embodiment and not as the only possible solution.

FIG. 11a shows a skid frame 100 with equipment modules 50 mounted thereon. It shows how various equipment modules 50, 50' of different sizes can be placed together on a single skid frame 100. In the illustrated example, the skid frame 100 has two differently sized equipment modules 50, 50' mounted thereon in two stages. Due to the modular nature of the equipment modules 50, 50', their dimensions are scaled relative to each other so that the outer edges and corners can be aligned when the equipment modules 50 are mounted on the skid frame 100. This alignment of the equipment modules 50 ensures that the equipment modules 50 are removably secured to each other by standard means such as, for example, twist locks that can engage ISO standard container corners 110 on both the equipment modules 50 and the skid frame 100. allow for

In FIG. 11a, a two-stage equipment module 50 is conceptually shown. That is, they are illustrated as only the module frame 52 and module floor 54 without any actual equipment present. This is because the equipment may take the form of any tool that may be beneficial to be mounted within the vessel recess (see Figure 1). Equipment within the module may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Small vessels such as rescue boats, work boats and crew boats - Drone launch and recovery stations - Cranes or other heavy-duty machinery for towing, berthing or elevating - Ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore use - Weapons systems - Accommodation facilities such as offices, research spaces, pre-hospital facilities or passenger spaces - Emergency equipment such as fire extinguishing systems or hazardous materials modules

Although FIG. 11a shows a skid frame 100 loaded with five equipment modules 50, an important advantage of the equipment modules 50 is that different equipment modules can be fixed to the skid frame 100, e.g. It is important to note that there may also be fewer and they may have different dimensions. For example, there may be only one stage of equipment modules 50, multiple stages in only half of skid frame 100, or a single large equipment module 50 spanning the entire skid frame 100. This modularity provides flexibility and allows for both customizability and the opportunity to benefit from standard equipment. For example, the number of loaded equipment modules 50 may be determined to match the height of the vessel recess (see FIG. 6). Some equipment modules 50 may have standardized equipment that can support various equipment in other equipment modules 50, such as launch pads, or support structures that can function with various vehicles, ships, or drones. .

Equipment module 50, in a preferred embodiment, is sized similarly to a standard shipping container. In other embodiments, the equipment module 50 may have custom dimensions to fit a particular watercraft recess. The equipment module 50 has sides apart from the door or gate, ie can be completely closed. In other embodiments, the equipment module 50 may be open with only the module frame 52 or a combination of the module frame 52 and module floor 54 to support specific equipment in the equipment module 50.

Dimensioning the equipment module 50 similarly to standard shipping containers and their matching skid frames 100 allows for easy transportation of the equipment modules 50 and/or skid frames 100 to the watercraft 1 (see FIG. 1). There is an advantage of doing so. For example, extensive infrastructure already exists for transporting shipping containers on trains, trucks, and aircraft. This allows the equipment module 50 and/or skid frame 100 to be shipped or delivered to a location where they need to be loaded onto the vessel or transported ashore after the vessel reaches its destination. It becomes easier.

FIG. 11b shows a preferred embodiment of fixing the equipment module 50 to the skid frame 100 on a partially enlarged scale. Although only a single corner is illustrated, the principles are the same for the preferred fixation of all equipment modules 50 to the skid frame 100. Additionally, the same principles are used in the preferred securing method for securing equipment modules 50, 50' to each other and to securing skid frame 100 to mounting footprint 200 (see FIG. 3).

In the illustrated embodiment, both skid frame 100 and equipment module 50 include container corners 110. These container corners 110 are preferably ISO standard container corners and can be used with any fastening means 220 designed to this standard, such as twist locks. When the equipment module 50 is fixed to the skid frame 100, the container corners 110, 110' are aligned with respect to each other and rest one above the other by gravity by means of the fixing means 220 therebetween. Each side of the securing means 220 is capable of engaging a cavity in a container corner 110, 110', respectively, and when the securing means 220 is engaged, the container corners 110, 110' are fixed in position with respect to each other. .

In a preferred embodiment, the securing means 220 are removable, such as with a twist lock, allowing the equipment module 50 to be disengaged from the skid frame 100 and/or each other.

Although not shown in FIG. 11b, the skid frame 100 is attached to the loading area section 200 (see FIG. ) can be similarly fixed. In the illustrated explanation, the skid frame is not fixed to the mounting area and the lifting means 115 (see FIG. 9) does not protrude from the skid frame 100, so the wheels 135 are at the lowest point of the skid frame 100 that the skid frame 100 abuts. becomes.

Claims (17)

A system for connecting equipment to the mounting surface of a marine vessel, such as a boat or submarine or any other vessel, comprising:
A skid frame comprising a frame body, the frame body having an upper surface and a lower surface;
a mounting footprint secured to the mounting surface and adapted to removably engage the lower surface of the skid frame;
one or more equipment modules for housing equipment, the one or more equipment modules adapted to be attached to the top surface of the skid frame, such that the equipment modules attach the skid frame to the mounting surface; one or more equipment modules indirectly connected through the
A system equipped with The system of claim 1, wherein the equipment module is permanently attached to the top surface of the skid frame. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the equipment module is removably attached to the top surface of the skid frame by fastening means. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein a plurality of equipment modules are removably attached to the top surface of the skid frame. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of equipment modules are removably attached to each other using securing means. 6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting footprint comprises a plurality of anchorage points and the skid frame comprises a plurality of engagement anchorage points. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the anchorage point comprises fixation means. 8. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the securing means is a twist lock. 9. The skid frame according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a frame body having two or more parallel battens and two or more parallel frame beams, the battens being substantially perpendicular to the beams. The system described in Section. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the frame body comprises a plurality of the anchor points located at corners of the frame body. 11. A system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the frame body comprises a plurality of anchorage points arranged on the battens and/or on the frame beams between the corners of the frame body. 12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the skid frame consists of multiple parts, the parts being smaller skid frames that can be separated and connected. The skid frame according to claim 1,
a frame body comprising two or more parallel battens and two or more parallel frame beams, the battens being substantially perpendicular to the beams;
multiple anchor points,
Skid frame with. The frame body comprises a plurality of anchorage points arranged at corners of the frame body and a plurality of anchorage points arranged on the battens and/or the frame beams between the corners of the frame body. The skid frame described in 13. 15. A skid frame according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the skid frame consists of multiple parts that are smaller skid frames that can be separated and connected. The mounting occupied area portion according to claim 1,
one or more anchor points;
one or more securing means adapted to be removably mounted at said anchorage point and adapted to engage a container corner;
A loading area section comprising: A method of loading a skid frame for supporting an equipment module sideways on a mounting surface of a marine vessel, such as a boat or submarine or any other vessel, and fixing it to the mounting area of the mounting surface, the method comprising: ,
fixing the skid frame to a lifting means such as a lift;
Subsequently, raising the lifting means to raise the skid frame to a height above the mounting surface;
When the skid frame reaches a height higher than the mounting surface, transporting the skid frame sideways onto the mounting occupied area;
engaging a fixing means for fixing the skid frame to the mounting occupied area of the mounting surface;
How to prepare.

Images