US3756183A

US3756183A - Apparatus for articulated towboat barge combination

Info

Publication number: US3756183A
Application number: US00184339A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Clemence
Original assignee: INTERSTATE OIL TRANSPORT Co
Current assignee: MARITRANS OPERATING PARTNERS LP A OF DE LP; INTERSTATE OIL TRANSPORT Co
Priority date: 1971-09-28
Filing date: 1971-09-28
Publication date: 1973-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 1990-09-04

Abstract

An apparatus of the coupling type is provided, components of which are adapted for mounting on a towboat, and other components of which are adapted for mounting on a barge, for connection of the respective components for transmitting thrust from the towboat to the barge, while permitting independent pitching of the two vessels about the coupling, and while restraining all other independent movement of the two vessels. The apparatus is adapted for mounting upon the vessels without requiring extensive modifications to the vessels, if any, and comprises one or more shafts or pins, adapted to engage with corresponding concave recesses on mounting blocks carried by the towboat. Generally, a pair of such mating coupling elements are utilized, spaced across that end of the towboat that is adapted to engage a barge. Also, a locking device is provided, for securing the shafts or pins, within the aforementioned recesses, but which is adapted to be quickly disengaged if desired, for separation of the vessels.

Description

United States Patent 1 Clemence, Jr.

1.1451 Sept. 4, 1973 [75] Inventor: Elliott I. Clemence, Jr., Devon, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Interstate Oil Transport Company, Philadelphia, Pa.

[22] Filed: Sept. 28, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 184,339

[52] 11.8. C1. 114/235 R [51] Int. Cl B63b 21/00 [58] Field of Search 114/230, 235 R, 236;

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 80,885 5/1963 France 114/235 R 1,468,868 1/1967 France 114/235 R U.S.S.R 114 235 R Primary ExaminerMilton Buchler Assistant Examiner-Stephen G. Kunin Attorney-Henry N; Paul, Jr., John F. McNulty et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus of the coupling type is provided, components of which are adapted for mounting on a towboat, and other components of which are adapted for mounting on a barge, for connection of the respective components for transmitting thrust from the towboat to the barge, while permitting independent pitching of the two vessels about the coupling, and while restraining all other independent movement of the two vessels. The apparatus is adapted for mounting upon the vessels without requiring extensive modifications to the vessels, if any, and comprises one or more shafts or pins, adapted to engage with corresponding concave recesses on mounting blocks carried by the towboat. Generally, a pair of such mating coupling elements are utilized, spaced across that end of the towboat that is adapted to engage a barge. Also, a locking device is provided, for securing the shafts or pins, within the aforementioned recesses, but which is adapted to be quickly disengaged if desired, for separation of the vessels.

17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures r, I} f I I1 111 1 ll 1 PATENTEnsu' 4191s 3758,; 183

sum 2 or 4 IO Fig. 3

ENTQR. Elliott emence, Jr.

ATTORNEYS.

PATENTEDSEP 4 I973 SHEEI30F4 INVEl VTOR. Elliott I Clemence, Jr.

W PM

ATTORNEYS.

PATENTEIJSEP 4 1m 3756; 183

SHEEI u [If 4 I/ /I/ P/I/ I ATTO RNEYS APPARATUS FOR ARTICULATED TOWBOAT BARGE COMBINATION INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to an apparatus for connecting vessels, particularly, towboats, or tugboats, and barges, and most specifically, for a coupling between vessels that is adapted for independent articulation of the vessels, in seas, about a generally horizontal axis, while restraining the vessels against other types of movement relative to each other. The type of movement that is permitted between the vessels, about the above-mentioned horizontal axis is referred to herein as pitching. This is distinguished from independent roll, which would be freedom of movement of a vessel about its longitudinal center line, without a corresponding movement of the other unit, a type of motion which is prohibited in accordance with the coupling devices of the instant invention. Also, a longitudinal motion of one of the vessels relative to each other is pro hibited in accordance with devices of the instant invention, as is radial movement, or rotational movement in a horizontal plane about a generally vertically disposed axis.

Vessel couplings and connection assemblies have heretofore been accomplished in various ways.

While the earliest and commonest arrangements for transmitting thrust forces from one vessel to another embodies physical contact, in abutment, between the bow of one vessel and the stern of another, with the one vessel serving to push the other, such arrangements may cause constant and excessive wear and tear upon the vessels, because of the interengagement, and require cushioning means to be disposed therebetween, in an effort to reduce such wear and tear, but such does not completely solve the problem, in that rough seas and the like may cause relative vertical movement, between the vessels, as well as causing vibration and bumping of the same together. To some extent, this type of abutting contact has been modified, by the use of members carried by a tug or towboat, engaged with the notches of a barge, and either of the arrangements discussed immediately above may or may not employ the use of cables or ropes, in order to secure the vessels together. However, such often are difficult to rig, requiring the excessive use of manpower, and may also fail to provide the optimum in force transmission, due to an inability of cables to absorb shocks in many instances, such shocks being caused by rough seas or the like.

Furthermore, push bar linkages have been suggested, and have been utilized to some degree in still waters. However, for ocean-going barges, the tremendous forces that build up in systems such as those which'permit dynamic forces attendant to independent roll of the vessels, can result in component breakage, and furthermore, do not provide as direct a coupling between the vessels as may be desired, in introducing linkage elements that themselves have substantial size.

Other systems have also been proposed, some of the type that require a recess in the barge, for reception of a tug or tow vessel. Such systems may be highly desirable, but are not adaptable for barges that are already in existence, not specifically designed to accommodate the reception of a tug or tow vessel therein.

The present invention, because of the articulation between adjacent connected vessels permits three distinct advantages over rigid types of connections between vessels, wherein adjacent vessels have not been free to vertically articulate. One such advantage is that the vertical articulation permits an improvement in wheel efficiency, in preventing the propeller from being lifted out of the water. This occurs when there are vertically rigid connections between for example, a towboat and a barge, wherein these two vessels are connected endto-end, without having the freedom to articulate relative to each other. The barge being much larger than the towboat, any action in the water, such as high seas, waves, may tilt that end of the barge most closely adjacent the towboat or the like upwardly, with such upward tilting being more pronounced at the end of the towboat, such that a propeller at that end of the towboat lifted highest relative to the water level, may actually be lifted out of the water.

Another undesirable effect of rigid connection in a vertical plane between the vessels that is obviated by the present invention is the slamming that can occur, with respect to one of the vessels, such as the towboat discussed immediately above, after being lifted out of the water due to a tilt of the barge caused by waves or the like, with the towboat being slammed" down into the water upon an alleviation of the tilting of the barge.

A third undesirable feature that is eliminated by the present invention is that of pooping, whereby a towboat may become flooded, due to an upward tilting of that end of the barge opposite to that to which the towboat is connected, such that an upward tilting of one end of the barge lowers the opposite end, and consequently lowers the end having the: towboat connected thereto, as well as the towboat, whereupon the deck of the towboat may go under water. It would also be appreciated that the present invention, in providing the vertical articulation feature represents a highly desirable improvement over known vessel connection techniques.

However, a highly important feature of the invention herein taught for connecting togethervessels, and particularly for connecting towboats to barges resides in a safety advantage. It will be noted, that because of the end-to-end connection between adjacent vessels (again such as a towboat and a barge), it is not necessary to utilize a notch at one end of the barge for receiving a tug, in order to provide a direct transmission of propulsion from a tugboat to a barge. This elimination of a notch for receiving a vessel for driving the barge, eliminates many other attendant difficulties, such as the capability of the driving vessel to withdraw from the notch in the eventof fire or the like occurring on the barge. Furthermore, damage upon withdrawal of a vessel from such a notch is obviated, because no such notch requiring a withdrawal therefrom is utilized. In this regard, it will be noted, that even in conditions other than emergency conditions, when it is desired to withdraw a driving vessel such as a tugboat from a barge notch, seas or the like, or even tides, traveling laterally to the direction of withdrawal may throw the tug or other driving vessel against. that portion of the barge comprising aside of the not-ch, damaging either or both of the barge and/or driving vessel, and creating another potential hazard for the crew of the driving vessel. Accordingly, the quick-disconnection feature of this invention, in conjunction with the capability of providing a rigid connection between a barge and a vessel driving the same, without requiring the containment of the driving vessel within the barge results in a highly effective capability not only in disconnecting such adjacent vessels, but also in separating the same rapidly from one another, in the event of fire, explosion or the like.

Another feature of the present invention resides in its facility for providing a very rigid connection, for example spanning a substantial width or beam", whereby towboats may be very rigidly connected to barges, or adjacent barges to each other. This is particularly advantageous as regards to towboats, in that it enables the use of a boat, not conventionally used at sea because of difficulties of connection of the same to barges, to be utilized at sea.

The present invention represents an even further advantage over other techniques, in that, in eliminating the necessity of providing a notch within a barge, for receipt of a driving vessel, by allowing the construction of barges that do not have to be especially constructed and supported for carrying a driving vessel in a notch thereof. Barges having notches therein are conventionally constructed sufficiently heavy, or to have sufficient section modulus to prevent breaking of the same across the middle, under high seas, when they are carrying a driving vessel such as a tugboat therein. This of course will be understood, in that, when a tugboat is received within a notch of, and driving a barge, the tugboat and barge become as one, with the barge effectively carrying the tugboat, insofar as pitching of the barge is concerned. Accordingly, the barge must be constructed to prevent damage, such as beam-wise breaking in midship. By connecting a towboat, tug or the like to a barge, by an articulated system such as that presented in this application, the connection of a towboat to a barge, for example, would not increase the bending moment about a beam-wise axis in midship of the barge, and accordingly, the barge would not require increased section modulus upon construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to obviate the above and other problems attendant to the use of prior art vessel connection devices, in providing a device adapted for rigid coupling of vessels (preferably between barges and towboats or between adjacent barges) in such a way as to restrain them against movement other than vertical articulation in waves, but which permits connection of vessels of different vertical positions relative to each other, which does not require extensive modifications to existing vessels, and which is adapted for quick disconnection of the same, for separation of the vessels, and which is particularly adapted for providing a rigid coupling between the vessels that will withstand the stresses of high seas and the like.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a vessel coupling means which permits independent pitching while substantially restraining all other independent motion between the vessels, for optimum handling in high seas.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a coupling means that permits connection at different relative vertical positions between the vessels, so that the same may be coupled and released, and held on an even keel, regardless of their respective drafts.

It is a further object of the present invention to accomplish each of the objects set forth immediately above, while providing an apparatus that is adapted for use with existing barge and towboat equipment, without extensive modifications.

It is another object of this invention to accomplish all of the objects set forth above, wherein the coupling devices are rigid for transmission of vessel moving forces between the vessels.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following brief descriptions of the drawing figures, detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims.

IN THE DRAWINGS:

F IG. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view of a barge and towboat, embodying apparatus for interconnecting, or coupling the same together, at adjacent ends thereof, in accordance with this invention, with the towboat also being illustrated in phantom, just prior to, or just subsequent to its connection or disconnection to the barge. I

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view, taken through the barge and towboat of FIG. 1, generally along the line IIII of FIG. 1, wherein the vertical adjustability of the apparatus is more clearly illustrated.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken generally along the line IIIIII of FIG. 2, and wherein the shaft, shaft-receiver, and locking means of the apparatus of this invention are more clearly illustrated.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken through the shaft illustrated in FIG. 3, generally along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of portions of the barge and towboat, and the connection means for coupling the same together.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, generally along the lines of that of the illustration of FIG. 2, but wherein a modified form of the apparatus of this invention is illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along the line VIIVII of FIG. 6, and wherein details of the interconnection apparatus are more clearly illustrated.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view generally along the lines of that illustrated in FIG. 2, but wherein still another alternative embodiment of a vessel-connection apparatus is illustrated.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings .in detail, reference is first made to FIG. 1, wherein there is illustrated a barge, generally designated by the numeral 10, and a towboat, generally designated by the numeral 11, and a coupling apparatus generally designated by the numeral 12. The coupling apparatus 12 includes a pair of laterally spaced

coupling apparatus

13 and 14, spaced across one end of a towboat, and across an adjacent end of a barge, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in plan, with the

apparatus

13 and 14 being generally similarly constructed, to comprise mirror images of each other, so that only the apparatus 13 will be discussed in detail herein.

The apparatus 13 includes a first connection assembly 16 carried by the barge 10, and a second connection assembly 17 carried by the towboat 1 1. The assembly 16 comprises a mounting plate 18, welded or otherwise secured to an end 20 of the barge 10, as at 19, and has three spaced

plates

21, 22 and 23, extending outwardly thereof, each being welded to the plate 18, at the left-most end, as viewed in FIG. 3, and having three ends at their right-most end, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

A reinforcing plate 24 is provided between an outermost end of the plate 18, and the plate 21, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for rigidifying the connection assembly 13.

A shaft or pin 25 is provided, horizontally disposed, and being rigidly carried by the

plates

21, 22 and 23, and being fixedly secured, preferably in pressfit relation, in holes therein, against rotational movement. In the alternative, or in addition, a plate 26, integral with, or rigidly connected to the shaft or pin 25, may be secured to the plate 23, by a suitable screw member 27 or the like, in order to secure the shaft 25 against rotational movement.

The second connection assembly 17, carried by the towboat 11, comprises an upstanding fixture 28, having an end face 30, facing in the direction of the barge 10, with the face 30 being provided with a plurality of vertically spaced

concave openings

31, 32, 33 and 34, opening in the direction of the assembly 16 and the barge 10.

Each of the

openings

31, 32, 33 and 34 is provided with a bushing member 35, permanently secured in an associated said opening, the bushing member 35 being constructed of any suitable material that is adapted to be subjected to impact without deforming, during engagement of its concave open surface thereof with the shaft 25. it will be noted that, when the shaft 25 is in mating engagement within the bearing member 35, the points of mutual contact therebetween describe an arc that does not exceed 180 angular degrees, for the purpose of freely permitting reception of the shaft 25 within the opening 33.

The upstanding structure 17 is mounted on and carried by the towboat 11, by any suitable means, not illustrated, as by welding, bolting or the like.

It will thus be apparent, that, depending upon the rel ative draft of the barge l0 and towboat 11, the shaft 25 may be engaged within any one of the

openings

31, 32, 33 or 34, as will a shaft of a similar apparatus 14 become engaged with a similar opening in the laterally spaced apparatus 13, at a corresponding vertical elevation.

Once the shaft 25 is thus engaged within an opening such as that 33, it becomes necessary to secure the same therein, against retraction. To this end, a lateral extension portion 36 of the shaft 25, is utilized (that portion between plates 22 and 23).

A latching element 37 is provided, having a bushing 38 fixedly carried therein, and mounted for rotational movement about the shaft 36, as illustrated in FIG. 3, with the latching element 37 also including a latching arm extending radially outwardly of the shaft portion 36.

An elongated vertical recess 41 is provided in the upstanding member 28, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for reception of a latching arm therein, as illustrated in FIG. 3, upon engagement of the shaft 25 within one of the

openings

31, 32, 33 and 34.

A device 42 is provided, carried by the barge, for facilitating lowering of the latching arm 40 to a desired position within the slot or recess 41. The apparatus 42 comprises a cable 43 connected by a suitable connection element 44 carried by the latching arm 40, with the cable 43 passing over a pulley 44 carried on a suitable stand 45, and to another pulley 46, carried on a suitable mounting means 47 therefor, with a crank arm or other suitable device being provided (not shown) associated with the shaft of the pulley 46 for adjusting the vertical position of the right-most end of the latching arm 40, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The reason that it is necessary to adjust the position of the right-most end of the arm 40 within the slot or recess 41, is that the arm 40 is provided with a void or hole 48, for reception of a bolt-like member 40 therethrough. The bolt-like member 40 may take any shape, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3 and is laterally movable between the phantom and full line positions illustrated in FIG. 3, through a hole or void 51 of the member 28, through the hole or void of the latching arm 40, to be received within a hole or void 52, also of the member 28. The bolt-like member 50 may have a cam surface 53, provided at the rightmost end thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for mating engagement with a corresponding cam surface 54 of the void or hole 48 of the latching arm 40. The purpose of this is to provide a facility whereby the bolt-like member 50, upon being urged in the direction of the arrow 55 in FIG. 3, may facilitate the inward camming of the latching arm 40 as it passes further into the aligned voids or

openings

51, 48 and 52, for urging the shaft 25 into tight abutting contact within the opening 33. The bolt-like member 50 may be moved laterally in the direction of the arrow 55, by any suitable piston and cylinder arrangement, such as that 56, provided with suitable hydraulic lines 57 and 58, or the like, as desired, or even by a solenoid (not shown) as desired. It will be noted that a piston and cylinder arrangement may also be provided for another bolt-like member 61, movable in an opposite direction to that of the member 50, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for facilitating the latching of a latching arm of the assembly 14, in a manner similar to that described herein above.

The vertical positions of the bolt-like members 50 and 61 may be selectively controlled, by mounting the cylinders 56 and which carry the same, respectively, in a suitable mounting channel 62, the channel 62 being carried by a suitable shaft 63 that is selectively activated for vertical movement by the pressurizing or release, as desired, of fluid within a chamber 64, as by any suitable piston and cylinder arrangement. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2, the shaft 63 serves as the piston, upwardly movable upon increasing the pressure within the cylinder 64.

It will be seen that, whereas the

assemblies

16 and 17 have respectively been described as being adapted for mounting on respective associated vessels l0 and 11, that such mountings could be interchanged, with the assembly 16 being mounted upon. the towboat 11, as desired.

It will also be apparent that, if additional securing de' vices were desired between a pair of vessels l0 and 11, that a plurality of

coupling assemblies

13, or 14, or both may be utilized. It will further be apparent that any types of vessels may be connected in accordance with the instant invention for vertical articulation along a horizontal axis at the center of one or more aligned shafts 25, and that rapid disconnection of the same may be effected, by merely actuating

cylinders

56 and 60 for retraction of the bolt-like members 50 and 61, in a manner discussed above, in order to permit rapid withdrawal of the latching elements 40 from associated recesses or slots 41. This latter feature becomes particularly important, in the event of fire, or other disaster that may occur on a barge, for example, wherein, in the interest of safety of personnel of the tugboat or towboat, it may be desirable to rapidly disengage the vessels.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, it will be seen that a barge 70 and towboat 71 are provided, with respectively associated first and

second connection assemblies

72 and 73, and with a locking assembly 74. The first connection assembly 72 employs a plurality of vertically spaced

shafts

75, 76, 77 and 78, in order to accommodate different vertical dispositions of the vessels, depending upon the relative drafts of the same.

The assembly 73 comprises a member 81 mounted on the towboat 71 and having a recess 82 for reception of the shaft 76, and may also be provided with a suitable bearing member 83, similar to that of the embodiment discussed above. The locking assembly 74 comprises a piston cylinder 84 pivotally mounted at 85 on a yoke 86 carried by the towboat 71, for leftward and rightward actuation of a piston carried therein, as viewed in FIG. 6, for movement of a shaft 71 and a J- hook 88 for engagement with the shaft extension portion 80, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in order to urge the shaft 76 into tight abutting engagement within the recess 82. Any suitable means may be provided for rapid actuation of the cylinder 84, for disconnecting the same, and for permitting a lowering of the same to the phantom position illustrated in FIG. 6, concurrently with the actuation of a cable 90, connected to the cylinder 84 at 91. The cable 90 passes over a pulley 92 carried by an upstanding member 93, and is controlled by driving a pulley 94, by any suitable motor-driven, or crank-driven device, preferably as aforesaid, concurrently with the actuation of the cylinder 84.

With reference to FIG. 8, an arrangement generally similar to that of FIG. 6 is illustrated, embodying a different locking device. In the arrangement of FIG. 8, a barge 96, is provided with a first connection assembly 97, as is a towboat 98 provided with a second connection assembly 100. The assembly 97 has a plurality of

shafts

101, 102, 103 and 104, adapted for engagement within recesses 105 of a structural member 106 mounted on and carried by the towboat 98. In the arrangement of FIG. 8, a cable 107 is provided, disposed around a shaft extension portion 108 associated with any of the shafts, such as that 102, with the cable 107 being secured to the towboat 98 by any suitable securing device 110, and being adapted to be tightened for urging the shaft 102 into abutting engagement within the recess 105, by actuating a motordriven pulley lll carried on a yoke 112 that in turn, is mounted on a towboat 98. For rapid disconnection of the

assemblies

98 and 100 for uncoupling of the

vessels

96 and 98, the

pulley 111 may be motor-driven in a reverse direction (counter-clockwise as illustrated in FIG. 8), for slackening of the cable 107, and followed by complete disconnection of the cable 107 from the pulley 111.

It will be apparent that other modifications may be made in the details of construction as well as in the use and operation of the coupling apparatus and combinations involving the use of the same, all within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising:

a. a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels and,

b. a second connection assembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels, said first assembly including at least one generally horizontally disposed shaft and said second assembly including at least one horizontally disposed bearing member, said bearing member having a concave opening adapted for mating engagement with said shaft through an angular measurement not to exceed degrees and having an open side facing in a generally horizontal direction toward said shaft to facilitate hori zontal receiption of said shaft in said bearing member upon generally horizontal movement of the vessels together relative to each other, and means to be carried by at least one of the vessels selectively operable for locking said shaft in abutment in said bearing opening for rotational movement there-between or for release of said locking of said shaft with respect to said bearing opening for disconnection of said first and second connection assemblies for separation of vessels connected thereby by horizontal relative movement of the vessels apart relative to each other.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connection assembly is carried by a barge at an end thereof and said second connection assembly is carried by a towboat at an end thereof, to provide means for facilitating driving of said barge by said towboat wherein said barge and towboat are free of any other connections that are effective to prevent the relative articulated independent pitching thereof.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein there are two said first connection assemblies, each being provided with a said shaft, the shafts being generally laterally spaced and axially aligned, and wherein there are two said second assemblies, each provided with a said opening, with said openings being axially aligned for receiving said shafts.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each said second connection assembly is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced said openings, to provide means for connecting vessels at one of a plurality of different relative heights.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein both said first connection assemblies are carried by a barge and both said second connection assemblies are carried by a towboat with said first and second assemblies being in locked engagement for driving of said barge by said towboat wherein said barge and towboat are free of any other connections that are effective to prevent the relative articulated independent pitching thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connection assembly is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced said openings, to provide means for connecting vessels at one of a plurality of different relative heights.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises a lateral extension on said shaft, a latching element carried by said extension for pivotal movement and having a latching arm extending radially thereof, a recess in said second connection assembly for reception of said latching element therein, and means for securing said latching element in said recess.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connection assembly is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced said shafts, to provide means for connecting vessels at one of a plurality of different relative heights.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said locking means comprises a hook-like member to be carried by a vessel upon which said second connection assembly is mounted for engagement with a portion of a selected sais shaft, and means are provided for moving said hook-like member into engagement with a selected said shaft for urging said selected shaft into engagement within said concave opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each said shaft includes a lateral extension, and wherein said extension comprises said portion adapted for engagement by said hook-like member.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said locking means comprises a cable to be carried by a vessel upon which said second connection assembly is mounted for engagement with a portion of a selected said shaft, and means are provided for moving said cable into engagement with a selected said shaft and for urging said selected shaft into engagement by said hook-like member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each said shaft includes a lateral extension, and wherein said extension comprises said portion adapted for engagement by said cable.

13. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels and, a second connection assembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels, said first assembly including at least one generally horizontally disposed shaft and said second assembly including at least one horizontally disposed bearing member, said bearing member having a concave opening adapted for mating engagement with said shaft through an angular measurement not to exceed 180 degrees and having an open side facing in a generally horizontal direction to ward said shaft to facilitate reception of said shaft in said bearing member, and means to be carried by at least one of the vessels selectively operable for locking said shaft in abutment in said bearing opening for rotational movement therebetween or for release of said locking of said shaft with respect to said bearing opening for disconnection of said first and second connection assemblies for separation of vessels connected thereby, wherein there are two said first connection assemblies, each being provided with a said shaft, the shafts being generally laterally spaced and axially aligned, and wherein there are two said second assemblies, each provided with a said opening, with said openings being axially aligned for receiving said shafts, wherein said locking means comprises a lateral extension on each said shaft, a latching element carried by each said extension for pivotal movement and having a latching arm extending radially thereof, a recess in each said second connection assembly for reception of an associated said latching element therein, means for securing each said latching element in an associated said recess, wherein said securing means comprises a void in each said latching element and a pair of boltlike members to be carried by the vessel which carries said second connection assemblies, said bolt-like members being movable into interfering engagement with said voids to prevent retraction of said latching elements from said recesses, and means for selectively actuating said bolt-like members between positions of interfering engagement with said voids and clearance of said voids.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said bolt-like members are provided with cam means for engagement with said latching element for camming said shafts into contacting engagement within associated said openings.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, including means associated with said first connection assemblies for pivotally adjusting the position of said latching element.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each said second connection assembly is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced said openings, to provide means for connecting vessels at one of a plurality of different relative heights.

17. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels at an end thereof, and a second connection as sembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels at an end thereof adjacent the one vessel, said first assembly including horizontally disposed pivotal mounting means and a first latching member pivotally mounted thereon for arcuate movement relative thereto in a generally vertical plane, and including means for interconnecting said second connection assembly and said latching member for securement of the vessels together in such a way as to permit the relative articulated independent pitching at the pivotal mounting means, when said connection assemblies are mounted on vessels that are to be pivotally connected together, and means for releasing said interconnecting means for facilitating separation of the vessels.

UMTED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTlFICATE OF CQRRECTION Patent 3.756 .183 Dated September 4 l 1973 Inv nt Elliott I. Clemence, Jr.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby correctedas shown below:

Column 6 line 16 "40" should be -50 (twice) Sigried and sealed this 15th day of January 1971 Attest:

EDWARD MJLETGHER, JR. Attesting Officer RENE D. TEGTMEYER Ageing Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising: a. a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels and, b. a second connection assembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels, said first assembly including at least one generally horizontally disposed shaft and said second assembly including at least one horizontally disposed bearing member, said bearing member having a concave opening adapted for mating engagement with said shaft through an angular measurement not to exceed 180 degrees and having an open side facing in a generally horizontal direction toward said shaft to facilitate horizontal receiption of said shaft in said bearing member upon generally horizontal movement of the vessels together relative to each other, and means to be carried by at least one of the vessels selectively operable for locking said shaft in abutment in said bearing opening for rotational movement there-between or for release of said locking of said shaft with respect to said bearing opening for disconnection of said first and second connection assemblies for separation of vessels connected thereby by horizontal relative movement of the vessels apart relative to each other.

13. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels and, a second connection assembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels, said first assembly including at least one generally horizontally disposed shaft and said second assembly including at least one horizontally disposed bearing member, said bearing member having a concave opening adapted for mating engagement with said shaft through an angular measurement not to exceed 180 degrees and having an open side facing in a generally horizontal direction toward said shaft to facilitate reception of said shaft in said bearing member, and means to be carried by at least one of the vessels selectively operable for locking said shaft in abutment in said bearing opening for rotational movement therebetween or for release of said locking of said shaft with respect to said bearing opening for disconnection of said first and second connection assemblies for separation of vessels connected thereby, wherein there are two said first connection assemblies, each being provided with a said shaft, the shafts being generally laterally spaced and axially aligned, and wherein there are two said second assemblies, each provided with a said opening, with said openings being axially aligned for receiving said shafts, wherein said locking means comprises a lateral extension on each said shaft, a latching element carried by each said extension for pivotal movement and having a latching arm extending radially thereof, a recess in each said second connection Assembly for reception of an associated said latching element therein, means for securing each said latching element in an associated said recess, wherein said securing means comprises a void in each said latching element and a pair of bolt-like members to be carried by the vessel which carries said second connection assemblies, said bolt-like members being movable into interfering engagement with said voids to prevent retraction of said latching elements from said recesses, and means for selectively actuating said bolt-like members between positions of interfering engagement with said voids and clearance of said voids.

17. Apparatus for quick-release connection of two floatable vessels together for articulated independent pitching of the vessels in a vertical plane about a single common generally horizontal axis, comprising a first connection assembly for fixed mounting on one of the vessels at an end thereof, and a second connection assembly for fixed mounting on the other of the vessels at an end thereof adjacent the one vessel, said first assembly including horizontally disposed pivotal mounting means and a first latching member pivotally mounted thereon for arcuate movement relative thereto in a generally vertical plane, and including means for interconnecting said second connection assembly and said latching member for securement of the vessels together in such a way as to permit the relative articulated independent pitching at the pivotal mounting means, when said connection assemblies are mounted on vessels that are to be pivotally connected together, and means for releasing said interconnecting means for facilitating separation of the vessels.