WO1990013473A1 - Flotteur d'urgence pour engins aquatiques - Google Patents

Flotteur d'urgence pour engins aquatiques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1990013473A1
WO1990013473A1 PCT/CA1990/000155 CA9000155W WO9013473A1 WO 1990013473 A1 WO1990013473 A1 WO 1990013473A1 CA 9000155 W CA9000155 W CA 9000155W WO 9013473 A1 WO9013473 A1 WO 9013473A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inflatable member
watercraft
cover
support
support surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA1990/000155
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Larry W. Brundritt
Original Assignee
824328 Ontario Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/350,287 external-priority patent/US4996936A/en
Application filed by 824328 Ontario Limited filed Critical 824328 Ontario Limited
Publication of WO1990013473A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990013473A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B43/00—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for
    • B63B43/02—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking
    • B63B43/10—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy
    • B63B43/14—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy using outboard floating members

Definitions

  • This invention relates to buoyant supports. It particularly relates to buoyant supports of an inflatable type, which are normally stored in a compact, rugged deflated condition ready for deployment in emergencies.
  • Such supports will find particular use in connection with watercraft, but it is contemplated that they will find use in connection with diverse objects that may require buoyant support in an emergency such as vehicles travelling on ice or cargo containers transported on ships.
  • Devices of a broadly similar nature to those contemplated herein generally comprise elongated members which may be of the rigid, foam filled type, or which are inflated, and which are secured along the length thereof to the outside of the hull of the watercraft above the waterline.
  • a disadvantage of such devices is that in order to provide the requisite support for a foundered watercraft, they must be relatively large, and generally speaking they will have a diameter at least as large as that of a fender normally employed on a watercraft of a size on which such buoyant device is used.
  • buoyant devices that are permanently inflated must be structured not only to perform the desired function of providing buoyancy in an emergency, but also to withstand use as fenders if they are to be durable.
  • both permanently inflated and foam filled buoyant support devices tend to drag in the water when the watercraft is under way, particularly where the watercraft has a low freeboard, or where heeled in the wind, thereby adversely affecting the performance of the watercraft.
  • buoyant support device is permanently inflated or foam filled, it does not provide any visual indication that an emergency condition may exist, and other signalling means must be employed for this purpose.
  • the device further includes an elongated inflatable member secured along its length to the support surface.
  • a particular characterizing feature of the invention is that the inflatable member is folded along its length, in a substantially deflated condition, so as to form a relatively compact mass overlaying the support surface, and means is provided to retain the inflatable member in the folded condition. Desirably, the retaining means releases the inflatable member from this folded condition automatically upon the inflation thereof.
  • the means for securing the inflatable member to the support surface is substantially continuous along the length of the inflatable member.
  • such means comprises one or more flaps integrally secured to the inflatable member and anchored to the support surface.
  • the securing means includes a pair of transversely spaced apart flaps having bulbous ends rooted in a pair of grooves formed in or on the support surface.
  • the inflatable member is folded along the length thereof in serpentine fashion, from transversely opposed sides thereof, so as to leave a central air space running substantially along the length of the folded inflatable member, into which air space there is connected a hose for inflating the inflatable member, thereby facilitating gas transfer from a container locating externally to the inflatable member in which gas may be stored under pressure, and the rapid deployment of the emergency device.
  • buoyant support is used in the singular, it will usually be desirable to limit the axial extent of the inflatable member, if only from a manufacturing and handling standpoint, whereby two or more devices will normally be secured to a watercraft.
  • vehicle used herein as the description proceeds will include watercraft, trail and road vehicles such as snowmobiles, cars, trucks, trailers, and the like for travel on ice over a body of water.
  • the means for retaining the inflatable member in its folded condition will comprise a tough, relatively inextensible cover, whereby the device may also find service as a fender for the watercraft. Since the cover protects the inflatable member from damage likely to be caused by forces to which the watercraft is exposed during normal service, the inflatable member may be more lightly structured, in comparison to those devices where the inflatable member is at all times fully exposed and called upon to perform double duty as a fender.
  • the inflatable member will have indicia on the surface thereof that will give a clear visual indication when the member is inflated that an emergency situation exists. Such indicia will be substantially concealed when the inflatable member is folded in its non-inflated condition.
  • FIG. 1 - shows in perspective view a watercraft to which the flotation device of the invention is fitted, ready for deployment in an emergency
  • FIG. 2 - is a plan view from above in schematic form of the watercraft of Fig. 1 showing the flotation device deployed and a system for its rapid development, in schematic form
  • FIG. 3 - shows in perspective, exploded view on enlarged scale a component part of the buoyancy device of the invention
  • FIG. 4 - is a fragmentary cross section on 4-4 of Fig. 2
  • FIG. 5 - is a cross section corresponding to Fig. 4, but showing the complete buoyant device in its folded condition ready for deployment; and
  • FIG. 6 - is a perspective, exploded view on an enlarged scale of another embodiment of end cap corresponding to Figure 3.
  • FIG. 7 - is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the flotation device of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 - is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 7; and FIG. 9 - is a longitudinal section of the embodiment shown in Figure 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • an exemplary boat with which the buoyant device of the invention may be used is denoted generally therein by the numeral 10.
  • Boat 10 has a waterline W, hull H, gunwales G, transom T.
  • a pair of buoyant devices 12 in accordance with the invention are secured to both the port and starboard sides of H adjacent gunwales G.
  • Buoyant device 12 comprises a rigid, axially extending plate 14 having a rear face 18, front support surface, transverse sides 22, 24 and, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, end portions 26, one end portion 26 having a relatively deep transverse channel 28 in forward surface 20.
  • Forward face 20 is provided with a pair of parallel axially extending wells 34 therealong, and at the bottom of each well a bulbous slot 36, the slots and wells being in communication with transverse channel 28 at an end 26 of plate 14.
  • Transverse sides 22, 24 each have an axially extending bulbous groove 38 therein, the grooves each having an outwardly opening entrance thereto respectively identified as 42.
  • Wells 34, slots 36 and' grooves 38 each communicate with channel 28.
  • Plate 14 is secured to hull H by means of bolts 45 passing through holes 46 located at intervals along each plate, using nuts 48 and washers 49.
  • Buoyant device 12 further comprises an elongated inflatable bladder 50.
  • Bladder 50 is provided with a pair of flaps 52 generally coextensive therewith, each flap being welded along one edge thereof to the bladder to form a unitary structure therewith.
  • the other (distal) edge 54 of each flap 52 has a bulbous cross section, and is reinforced with a wire core 56.
  • Bladder 50 is retained on plate 14 by threading bulbous edges 54 in slots 36 from entry channel 28, thereby capturing edges 54.
  • Bladder 50 is folded along its length, upper portions of the bladder forming a first series of serpentine folds 60, and lower portions a similar series of serpentine folds 62, leaving a small air space 64 therebetween running the length of the uninflated bladder.
  • a hose 66 passes through aperture 68 in transverse channel 28 in plate 14 to connect to the interior of bladder 50, preferably in direct communication with air space 64 so as to facilitate the rapid transfer of air or other gas to and from bladder 50 along the length thereof.
  • Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which plate 14 has no transverse channel and has an opening 94 for receiving a hose 66 to connect to the interior of bladder 50
  • Bladder 50 is desirably exhausted under moderate vacuum to facilitate the compaction of folds 60 and 62 at least during such time as a cover 70 is fitted over the folded bladder.
  • Cover 70 has a relatively thick wall and may suitably be fabric or wire mesh reinforced to provide durability.
  • the upper and lower edges of cover 70, respectively indicated as 72, 74, are bulbous, and are respectively received in grooves 38 by threading therealong from channel 28.
  • Lower edge 74 of cover 70 is reinforced with a wire core 76, whereby it is not susceptible to being pulled out of groove 38 through the entrance 42 thereto.
  • the upper edge 72 of cover 70 is not similarly reinforced, and upon inflation of bladder 50 the upper edge of the cover will deform sufficiently whereby it will squeeze through the entrance 42, to automatically release the cover along one edge only thereof.
  • the axial end portions 26 of plate 14 are each provided with a tough, resilient end cap 78 or 96 which is hollow at 80 or 97 to provide a cap for the somewhat irregular appearance of the folded axial ends of the bladder 50 and cover 70, and to protect the axial ends by providing a relatively smooth transition thereto.
  • Inwardly-facing flanges 79 ( Figure 3) and flanges 98 ( Figure 5) engage groove entrances 42 to removably secure end caps 78 or 96 to the plate 14 to protect bladder 50 when not actuated but to allow caps 78 or 96 to release from plate 14 upon inflation of bladder 50.
  • a tether can be used to prevent loss of end cap 78 or 96.
  • Means is desirably provided in boat 10 for the rapid deployment of buoyant devices 12.
  • Such means as illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a gas reservoir 82, or like central gas distribution source, an actuation valve 84, and gas distribution tubing 86 connecting valve 84 to hose 66, preferably through a non-return valve 88.
  • bladder 50 may be inflated to a small positive gas pressure following the fitting of cover 70, to enhance the performance of the buoyant devices 12 as fenders when in their folded, covered condition. Additionally, such partial inflation of bladder 50 will enlarge central air space 64 and serve to open up branch passages, thereby increasing the speed with which bladder 50 may be deployed in an emergency.
  • Bladder 50 preferably is provided with indicia 90 thereon that will clearly serve as a warning signal to an observer that an emergency situation exists, and that assistance should be rendered. It will be appreciated that under normal, non-emergency situations bladder 50 will be folded to substantially conceal indicia 90, whereby a warning signal is not conveyed. This contrasts with those buoyant devices that are intended for use in a permanently inflated condition, where any signal would always be visible.
  • support plate 100 having front support surface defined by planar body portion 101 is adapted to be secured to the hull of a vehicle or container for travel or conveyance on water, such as a boat hull previously described.
  • Support plate is formed by extrusion from a metal such as aluminum alloy and comprises the planar body portion 101 with a longitudinal central bulbous slot 102 and opposite longitudinal bulbous side groove 104 at side 105 and longitudinal rectangular side groove 106 at side 107.
  • An elongated cover 108 formed by extrusion of a flexible plastic material such as ethylene propylene (EPDM) , or polymers of similar properties such as neoprene, polyurethane, HYPALONipt ⁇ or rubber has tapered side edges 110, 112 with inner longitudinal bulbous rib 114 and inner longitudinal rectangular rib 116 respectively to mate with and be trapped by opposed grooves 104, 106 in plate 100.
  • the front exterior surface of cover 108 preferably has longitudinal central recess 122 to receive a plastic logo plate 124 with opposite edges of plate inserted in opposed slots 126. Longitudinal striations or other desired pattern 120 may be added for aesthetics.
  • End caps 130, 132 are located at opposite ends of plate 100, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, to rigidly secure plate 100 to the boat hull.
  • Each end cap 130, 132 is formed of a rigid plastic or metal alloy by injection moulding or casting and comprises member 134 having a cross-section shape conforming with the cross-section shape of cover 108 with matching tapered sides 136, 138 and a tapered outer end 140.
  • Each member 134 has an inwardly facing extension or tongue 146 having a lower under surface 148 spaced upwardly from the plane of bottom surface 150 of the end cap and having a width defined by side walls 152, 154 to enable extension 146 to snugly fit within and be received by interior space 156 of support plate 100 ( Figure 9) .
  • Opening 162 preferably has an upper enlargement collar to receive the head of a connective bolt 160 extending through a corresponding opening in each end of underlying portions of support plate 100 for se ⁇ urement to a boat hull or side of a vehicle.
  • An opening formed in plate 100, preferably at about one-third of the length of plate 100 permits an air tube to connect with bladder 170 shown folded in cavity 156 and restrained by cover 108 in Figure 7.
  • air bag or bladder 170 is inflated in a manner described above with reference to Figure 2 forcing cover 108 to preferentially detach along edge 105 by release of bulbous rib 114 from mating groove 104 to pivot about rib 116 by bending of side edge 112.
  • Side edge 112 normally is the lower edge of an installation allowing cover 108 to pivot outwardly and downwardly whereby inflated bladder expands outwardly and upwardly to be tethered adjacent the vehicle or vessel hull by bulbous connector 171 seated in groove 102 and attached to bladder 170.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Gear Transmission (AREA)
  • Refuge Islands, Traffic Blockers, Or Guard Fence (AREA)

Abstract

Le support flottant pour moyens de transport, tels qu'un engin aquatique, un motoneige, une voiture, un camion, une remorque ou tout autre véhicule similaire destiné à se déplacer sur la glace au-dessus d'un plan d'eau, ou pour conteneurs de marchandises transportés sur des navires, comprend une surface de support allongée rigide (100) et un élément gonflable (170) plié dans sa longueur essentiellement dégonflé, afin de former une masse flexible relativement compacte fixée à la surface de l'engin en position superposée. Une housse (108) ou similaire retient l'élément gonflable plié en position superposée. En cas d'urgence, l'élément gonflable est gonflé pour former le support flottant. Lorsqu'il est plié, un tel flotteur peut servir de pare-chocs pour l'engin aquatique.
PCT/CA1990/000155 1989-05-11 1990-05-11 Flotteur d'urgence pour engins aquatiques WO1990013473A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/350,287 US4996936A (en) 1989-05-11 1989-05-11 Emergency floatation device for watercraft
US350,287 1989-05-11
CA000615193A CA1324538C (fr) 1989-05-11 1989-09-29 Dispositif de flottaison d'urgence pour embarcation
CA615,193 1989-09-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1990013473A1 true WO1990013473A1 (fr) 1990-11-15

Family

ID=25673199

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA1990/000155 WO1990013473A1 (fr) 1989-05-11 1990-05-11 Flotteur d'urgence pour engins aquatiques

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0487527A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU638016B2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1990013473A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2696705A1 (fr) * 1992-10-13 1994-04-15 De Bourbon Michel Structure pneumatique pour engins de navigation de type multicoques.
EP0736450A1 (fr) * 1995-04-05 1996-10-09 DIEHL GMBH & CO. Flottabilité de secours pour navires en détresse
WO2000048900A1 (fr) * 1999-02-15 2000-08-24 Smartfloat Pty Ltd Flottaison d'un bateau
FR2799431A1 (fr) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-13 Neptune Concept Dispositif d'aide au redressement et a la stabilisation de bateaux ou de navires et bateau ou navire equipe d'un tel dispositif
EP1292493A1 (fr) * 2000-05-26 2003-03-19 Float Rail, Inc. Dispositif de flottaison pour bateau gonflable automatique
WO2003082616A1 (fr) * 2002-04-02 2003-10-09 Youn Sang Choi Dispositif flottant gonflable escamotable blinde
EP1429959A2 (fr) * 2001-08-28 2004-06-23 Float Rail, Inc. Dispositif de flottaison de vehicule marin a gonflage automatique

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1442869A (en) * 1974-09-19 1976-07-14 Pedrick A P Apparatus for inflation in an emergency to provide additional buoyancy for boats yachts or ships in danger of sinking or - capsizing
GB2014528A (en) * 1978-02-17 1979-08-30 Suas C Improvements in or relating to distress signalling devices
DE3105427A1 (de) * 1981-02-14 1982-09-02 Martin 6114 Groß-Umstadt Strobel Rettungsgeraet fuer boote
FR2517620A1 (fr) * 1981-12-07 1983-06-10 Hennebutte Georges Perfectionnements aux moyens pour l'insubmersabilite des navires
DE8705145U1 (de) * 1987-04-07 1988-04-07 Balensiefen, Bodo Peter, 5330 Königswinter Rettungsvorrichtung für Wasserfahrzeuge

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3810546A1 (de) * 1987-04-07 1988-10-27 Bodo Peter Balensiefen Rettungsvorrichtung fuer wasserfahrzeuge
US4817555A (en) * 1987-09-25 1989-04-04 Meinen Lee O Boat flotation collar

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1442869A (en) * 1974-09-19 1976-07-14 Pedrick A P Apparatus for inflation in an emergency to provide additional buoyancy for boats yachts or ships in danger of sinking or - capsizing
GB2014528A (en) * 1978-02-17 1979-08-30 Suas C Improvements in or relating to distress signalling devices
DE3105427A1 (de) * 1981-02-14 1982-09-02 Martin 6114 Groß-Umstadt Strobel Rettungsgeraet fuer boote
FR2517620A1 (fr) * 1981-12-07 1983-06-10 Hennebutte Georges Perfectionnements aux moyens pour l'insubmersabilite des navires
DE8705145U1 (de) * 1987-04-07 1988-04-07 Balensiefen, Bodo Peter, 5330 Königswinter Rettungsvorrichtung für Wasserfahrzeuge

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2696705A1 (fr) * 1992-10-13 1994-04-15 De Bourbon Michel Structure pneumatique pour engins de navigation de type multicoques.
EP0736450A1 (fr) * 1995-04-05 1996-10-09 DIEHL GMBH & CO. Flottabilité de secours pour navires en détresse
WO2000048900A1 (fr) * 1999-02-15 2000-08-24 Smartfloat Pty Ltd Flottaison d'un bateau
FR2799431A1 (fr) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-13 Neptune Concept Dispositif d'aide au redressement et a la stabilisation de bateaux ou de navires et bateau ou navire equipe d'un tel dispositif
WO2001026958A1 (fr) * 1999-10-08 2001-04-19 Neptune Concept Dispositif d'aide au redressement et a la stabilisation de bateaux ou de navires
EP1292493A1 (fr) * 2000-05-26 2003-03-19 Float Rail, Inc. Dispositif de flottaison pour bateau gonflable automatique
EP1292493A4 (fr) * 2000-05-26 2005-10-26 Float Rail Inc Dispositif de flottaison pour bateau gonflable automatique
EP1429959A2 (fr) * 2001-08-28 2004-06-23 Float Rail, Inc. Dispositif de flottaison de vehicule marin a gonflage automatique
EP1429959A4 (fr) * 2001-08-28 2006-01-11 Float Rail Inc Dispositif de flottaison de vehicule marin a gonflage automatique
WO2003082616A1 (fr) * 2002-04-02 2003-10-09 Youn Sang Choi Dispositif flottant gonflable escamotable blinde
GB2401584A (en) * 2002-04-02 2004-11-17 Youn Sang Choi Armored foldaway inflatable floating device
GB2401584B (en) * 2002-04-02 2005-10-26 Youn Sang Choi Armored foldaway inflatable floating device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5654590A (en) 1990-11-29
EP0487527A1 (fr) 1992-06-03
AU638016B2 (en) 1993-06-17

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