WO2003016130A2 - Canot de sauvetage enferme dans un contenant - Google Patents

Canot de sauvetage enferme dans un contenant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003016130A2
WO2003016130A2 PCT/DK2002/000677 DK0200677W WO03016130A2 WO 2003016130 A2 WO2003016130 A2 WO 2003016130A2 DK 0200677 W DK0200677 W DK 0200677W WO 03016130 A2 WO03016130 A2 WO 03016130A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
liferaft
combination
wheel
handle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2002/000677
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2003016130A3 (fr
Inventor
Mark Charles Harriman
Ole Andersen
Original Assignee
Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S
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
Application filed by Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S filed Critical Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S
Priority to AU2002349288A priority Critical patent/AU2002349288A1/en
Publication of WO2003016130A2 publication Critical patent/WO2003016130A2/fr
Publication of WO2003016130A3 publication Critical patent/WO2003016130A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage
    • A45C5/14—Rigid or semi-rigid luggage with built-in rolling means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/26—Special adaptations of handles
    • A45C13/262—Special adaptations of handles for wheeled luggage
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/22—Devices for holding or launching life-buoys, inflatable life-rafts, or other floatable life-saving equipment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to liferafts housed in containers, especially of the type comprising shell portions connected to each other to form an enclosure for an inflatable liferaft, the portions being separable as a result of inflation of the liferaft to thereby permit use of the latter.
  • Inflatable liferafts enclosed in the above-described general type of self-opening containers are well known and are used as mandatory life-saving equipment throughout the world on almost any commercial ship and vessel of a given size.
  • the liferaft in its container can be considered to be permanently secured to the ship and are normally only dismounted when the liferaft is to be serviced at a land-based service-station, e.g. once yearly, or when other types of maintenance takes place on the ship.
  • the container is liberated corresponding to its mounting means and, typically, dropped into the water where the container will open and the liferaft inflate.
  • the typical size for such a permanently mounted liferaft may be for 10, 20 or even 100 persons.
  • liferafts are also used on smaller vessels such as boats and yachts used for pleasure purposes, which may be on either commercial or, more often, noncommercial basis.
  • inflatable liferafts an such smaller boats, especially on the "larger” and more sea-going types thereof, a number of problems exist which have limited the use of inflatable liferafts on this type of vessels. Therefore, until today the great majority of people using such smaller vessels have relied on the conventional lifejacket, which from a safety aspect is inferior to the liferaft.
  • a number of problems can be identified as reasons for the limited use of inflatable liferafts in smaller boats. For example, in contrast to larger ships, pleasure boats are often left without strict superintendence which in combina- tion with easy access to this kind of boat may result in theft as well as vandalism to the container and/or the inflatable liferaft therein.
  • a further obstacle for increasing the prevalence of inflat- able liferafts for use in pleasure boats is the relatively high costs of such liferafts, especially when compared to the traditional lifejacket. Although it has been possible in recent years to hire inflatable liferaft, for example for a shorter period (typically one or more weeks) when the boat is used for a longer planned trip, it is still relatively uncommon to see inflatable liferafts onboard smaller "private" boats .
  • the object of the present invention to provide a container-enclosed inflatable liferaft of the self- opening type which will ensure that more people can, and will, take advantage of this type of life-saving equipment.
  • self-opening is meant that the container will open “automatically” corresponding to or in combination with inflation of the liferaft.
  • the present inventors have realised that one of the major obstacles to a broader use of traditional container-enclosed inflatable liferafts in smaller boats are based on the general assumption that such an inflatable liferaft is to be considered an "integral" part of a vessel and thus a piece of equipment which is "permanently” mounted, i.e. only dismounted for special reasons as dis- cussed above.
  • the present invention is based on the realisation that general acceptance of the container-enclosed inflatable liferaft as a natural piece of equipment also for smaller boats, only will take place when such inflatable liferaft are "transformed” into a product which is much more easy to use, to handle and to install, yet providing the same degree of safety as the liferafts used hitherto.
  • the present invention is based on the concept of improving handling of a container-enclosed inflatable liferaft by transforming the container into a self- contained piece of equipment which is much easier to trans- port than hitherto, especially without the need for additional equipment. More specifically, the invention provides a container-enclosed inflatable liferaft, comprising integrally formed wheel means allowing the container to be easily dragged or pushed on a given surface, normally by a single person. Preferably additional handle means is provided .
  • the concept of a self-contained easy to transport piece of equipment is central to the present invention, as the need for additional carriage means is considered to be one of the major disadvantages when attempts were made for transporting the relatively heavy liferaft containers, e.g. a six person liferaft in a container weighing about 30 kg.
  • the transport means By incorporating the transport means the problem of providing and storing an additional carriage for each time transport is required no longer exists .
  • the “wheel means” may in principle be any structure which lowers the drag resistance between the container and the surface on which the container is transported, but in preferred embodiments these means are provided as one or more wheels or rollers, although it also would be possible to use low-friction members such as nylon pads mounted on the container.
  • the "handle means” may in principle be any structure which allows the container to be gripped and thereby pushed or pulled corresponding to the wheel means.
  • the handle means may be in the form of an integrally formed gripping means such as a traditional handle, or an attached structure as a rope.
  • the handle means is move- able between first and second positions, corresponding to a non-use position and a use-position.
  • the wheel means as well as the handle means may be arranged to allow for one or more transport configurations, i.e. one or more ways to grip and roll (or slide/drag) the container.
  • the container comprises a single set of wheels arranged corresponding to a common axis at an end or edge portion of the container, as well as opposed mounted gripping means, however, the container may be provided with any given number of wheel and handle means of the same or different types.
  • the container may be provided with two pairs of corresponding wheel and handle means allowing the container to be transported in different ways.
  • two different handle means may be used in combination with a specific wheel means just as a single handle means may be used in combination with two different wheel means, this providing improved user flexibility.
  • the container has an appearance not unlike that of a suitcase.
  • the container is provided with mounting means allowing the container to be easily connected to corresponding, mating mounting means arranged in a fixed position in the boat.
  • the wheel and/or the handle means may serve as such mounting means.
  • the container- enclosed inflatable liferaft comprises a detachable carriage means comprising wheel and handle means, the container and carriage means comprising mating coupling means allowing the carriage means to be releasably secured to the container, this arrangement providing improved flexibility.
  • a standard container comprising the coupling means could be used as basis for a system, in which containers were sold with different carriage means as well as no carriage means when intended primarily for per- manent mounting an a vessel.
  • the liferaft and its enclosure as such may be provided in any desirable configuration.
  • the container comprises first and second shell portions connected to each other to form an enclosure, the container further comprising locking means for locking the shell portions to each other corresponding to a closed configuration, the locking means allowing the shell portions to disengage when inflation of the liferaft is actuated thereby providing a self-opening container.
  • the locking means will disengage merely as a result of the expanding liferaft, however, it would also be possible to provide locking means adapted to be released in combination with actuation of the inflation process for the liferaft, e.g. an external locking means may serve also as an inflation actuation means when unlocked.
  • the individual shell portions may be configured as desired, however, in a preferred embodiment the container is in the form of a suitcase- formed box, the shell portions forming upper and lower halves .
  • the container may be of a "composite" structure comprising, for example, a relatively rigid main portion defining an enclosure with an opening, the opening being covered with a closure which will break or tear as a result of inflation of the raft, e.g. corresponding to air-bag covers found in most new automobiles.
  • a closure which will break or tear as a result of inflation of the raft, e.g. corresponding to air-bag covers found in most new automobiles.
  • no "conventional" locking means is provided which will have to disengage corresponding to inflation of the liferaft.
  • the container comprises an opening allowing a release means such as a line to be connected with a gas-generating means associated with the inflatable liferaft .
  • FIG. 1A-1C show a first embodiment of a container-enclosed liferaft in accordance with the invention
  • fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a liferaft
  • fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a liferaft
  • fig. 4 shows the first embodiment in a situation of use
  • fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a liferaft
  • fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a liferaft
  • fig. 7 shows a liferaft in combination with vessel-mounted mounting means
  • fig. 8 shows a further second embodiment of a liferaft in combination with vessel-mounted mounting means.
  • a first preferred embodiment of a container-enclosed inflatable liferaft will be described.
  • the liferaft as such comprises an inflatable structure as well as actuatable means for inflation thereof.
  • Such a liferaft is generally known, see for example EP-A-0 849 163 and will not be described in greater detail in the following just as it is not shown in the figures .
  • the liferaft is enclosed in a container comprising an upper shell portion 10 and a lower shell portion 20 releasably connected to each along rim portions 30 thereof to form a sealed enclosure.
  • the term lower indicates the intended position of the container during normal stor- age, i.e. horizontally as shown in fig. IB.
  • the container further comprises locking means for locking the shell portions to each other corresponding to a closed configuration.
  • the locking means is adapted for securely holding the shell portions together during storage and transport, but will allow the shell portions to disengage as a result of inflation of the liferaft.
  • the locking means are "passive" such that they will open merely as a result of inflation of the liferaft, for example in the form of flexible snap means.
  • the shell portions may be hinged to- gether or they may separate entirely when the locking means disengages during inflation.
  • the lower shell portion 20 comprises two opposed outer side surfaces 21, two opposed outer end surfaces 22, 23 and an outer lower surface 24, the latter being provided with wheel means 40 allowing the container to be easily rolled or dragged on a given surface as well as handle means 60 arranged to be gripped by a user.
  • the lower surface comprises a pair of parallelly arranged longitudinal support members 50 having opposed front and rear end portions 51, 52, the wheel means being arranged corresponding to the rear portions.
  • the wheel means comprises a pair of wheels 41, each wheel being mounted on a wheel carrying means in the form of an angular member 42 which at one is mounted corresponding to the rear end portion of a support member, and which corresponding to the other end serves as an axle for the wheel 41 mounted freely rotatable thereon.
  • the wheel carrying means may be fixedly or adjustably attached, e.g. adapted to be pulled out in a use-position.
  • the support members serve as the surface contacting means when the container is placed or mounted corresponding to its normal position of use, i.e. on the lower surface.
  • the support member is provided with rubber feet 53 at the respective ends thereof. In this respect it is to be noticed that the wheels are out of contact with the supporting surface when the container is supported on the feet .
  • the handle means comprises two leg members 63 having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends being connected by a handle 67 adapted to be gripped by a user, the distal ends being attached to the lower surface of the container.
  • Each leg member comprises telescoping first and second portions 64, 65, the second portions being arranged to be telescopi- cally received within housing means.
  • the lower surface comprises a housing member 61 having a pair of parallelly arranged tubular members 62, each tubular member being adapted to at least partially receive the leg members.
  • the tubular members are connected by bridging means 68 mounted on the lower surface of the container, however, the tubular members may be formed inte- grally with the lower shell portion just as they may be arranged inside the enclosure, indeed, having corresponding openings .
  • the container further comprises actuating means allowing the inflation procedure to be initiated.
  • the actuating means may be in the form of a line which is arranged through an opening in one of the shell portions and communicating with the gas-generating means associated with the inflatable liferaft. Traditionally such a line is attached to the vessel such that launch of the container into the water will pull the line and initiate inflation. In other embodiments the container may be entirely closed, actuation being controlled by remote control means, for example, radio signals .
  • Fig. 4 shows the first embodiment in a situation of use being dragged by a user .
  • Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment in which the wheel means and the handle means have been modified. More specifically, the wheel means is in the form of non-rotatable "gliders" 240 adapted to provide low friction when the container is dragged over a given surface as illustrated, yet providing resistance to wear. Preferably the gliders are replaceable and formed from a low-friction plastics material such as nylon or the like.
  • the handle means is in the form of a U- formed member 260 which can be telescopically received within housing means (not shown) .
  • Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment in which the handle means is in the form of a piece of rope 360 attached as a loop, the wheel means being in the form of a roller 340.
  • Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment in which the wheel means comprises two pairs of wheels 440 arranged on the front respectively the rear end portions of the support members 50.
  • the handle means is in the form of a U-formed member 460 pivotably attached to opposed portions of the side surfaces, this allowing the handle to be folded over the container, e.g. corresponding to a lawn mover. As appears, it would also be possible to push the container in case the handle means was omitted.
  • Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment in which the wheel means comprises two pairs of rollers 540 arranged on the front respectively the rear end portions of the support members 50. Each pair of rollers may be replaced with a single, broad roller.
  • the handle means 560 is in the form of an upstanding member allowing the container to be easily pushed as well as dragged.
  • Fig. 7 shows the fourth embodiment of the liferaft in combination with vessel-mounted mounting means. More specifically, first and second mounting means 101, 102 are ar- ranged on the vessel and adapted to be releasably connected to corresponding, mating mounting means arranged on the container.
  • first mounting means is non-moveable and adapted to engage a rear wheel pair (for which reason the first mounting means may be provided as two individual members)
  • second mounting means is pivotally arranged latch means (comprising one or more individual latch members) adapted to engage and grip the container, e.g. the front wheels or any other suitable structure.
  • the vessel is further provided with a third mem- ber 110 allowing a release line 111 to be attached.
  • Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a life-raft in combination with vessel-mounted mounting means, principally corresponding to the embodiment described in respect of fig. 7, however, the container comprises only rear wheel means in the form of a pair of rollers, the handle means being provided with mounting means 103 adapted to be gripped by pivoting latch means 102 mounted on a vessel.
  • the wheel and handle means have been arranged integrally with the container (either integrally formed or mounted for non-removal) , however, in a further preferred embodiment (not shown) the wheel and handle means are arranged on a separate carriage means, the container and carriage means comprising mating coupling means allowing the carriage means to be releasably secured to the container.
  • a “basic" container could be manufactured and sold with or without the carriage means, just as the possibility of attaching/detaching the carriage means would provide flexibility of use during storing, transport and mounting.
  • the container is "horizontally" divided in an upper and a lower shell portion, the handle as well as the wheel means being arranged on the lower portion, however, other configurations may be desirable, e.g. the handle and wheel means may be arranged on different shell portions just as additional handle and wheel means (of the same or different type) may be provided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des canots de sauvetage logés dans des contenants, notamment du type comportant des parties à coque reliées entre elles pour constituer une enceinte pour canot de sauvetage gonflable, lesdites parties se séparant à la suite du gonflage du canot de sauvetage en vue de son utilisation. L'invention concerne un canot de sauvetage gonflable enfermé dans un contenant comportant un ensemble de roues solidaire qui permet à une personne seule de traîner ou de pousser facilement le contenant sur une surface donnée, ce qui améliore la manutention du canot de sauvetage enfermé dans un contenant, ce dernier étant transformé en pièce d'équipement autonome beaucoup plus facilement transportable que jusqu'à présent.
PCT/DK2002/000677 2001-11-01 2002-10-09 Canot de sauvetage enferme dans un contenant WO2003016130A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002349288A AU2002349288A1 (en) 2001-11-01 2002-10-09 Container-enclosed liferaft

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA200101614 2001-11-01
DKPA200101614 2001-11-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003016130A2 true WO2003016130A2 (fr) 2003-02-27
WO2003016130A3 WO2003016130A3 (fr) 2004-03-04

Family

ID=8160802

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK2002/000677 WO2003016130A2 (fr) 2001-11-01 2002-10-09 Canot de sauvetage enferme dans un contenant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002349288A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003016130A2 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2038287A (en) * 1978-12-14 1980-07-23 Rfd Inflatables Ltd Liferaft containers
DE3447882A1 (de) * 1984-12-31 1986-07-03 Knut 8031 Gilching Reynartz Schwimmfaehiger koffer fuer seenotfaelle
DE4447331C1 (de) * 1994-12-31 1996-05-15 Autoflug Gmbh Rettungsinselbehälter mit Halterung
DE29718101U1 (de) * 1997-10-21 1998-08-20 Fichna Guenther Rettungsinsel vakuumverpackt, mit einem Einwegflaschenaufblassystem in einem Hartschalenkoffer
EP0941677A1 (fr) * 1998-03-11 1999-09-15 Valextra S.r.l. Valise ou sac de voyage à roulettes avec poignée incorporée et à mode de transport variable
US6070888A (en) * 1998-08-07 2000-06-06 Wang; Chien-Shan Combination of a retractable handle device and a suitcase

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2038287A (en) * 1978-12-14 1980-07-23 Rfd Inflatables Ltd Liferaft containers
DE3447882A1 (de) * 1984-12-31 1986-07-03 Knut 8031 Gilching Reynartz Schwimmfaehiger koffer fuer seenotfaelle
DE4447331C1 (de) * 1994-12-31 1996-05-15 Autoflug Gmbh Rettungsinselbehälter mit Halterung
DE29718101U1 (de) * 1997-10-21 1998-08-20 Fichna Guenther Rettungsinsel vakuumverpackt, mit einem Einwegflaschenaufblassystem in einem Hartschalenkoffer
EP0941677A1 (fr) * 1998-03-11 1999-09-15 Valextra S.r.l. Valise ou sac de voyage à roulettes avec poignée incorporée et à mode de transport variable
US6070888A (en) * 1998-08-07 2000-06-06 Wang; Chien-Shan Combination of a retractable handle device and a suitcase

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2003016130A3 (fr) 2004-03-04
AU2002349288A1 (en) 2003-03-03

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