WO2010110668A1

WO2010110668A1 - Releasable attachment apparatus for lifeboats and other hanging devices attached to a lifting arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2010110668A1
Application number: PCT/NO2010/000090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ragnar JØRGENSEN
Original assignee: Joergensen Ragnar
Priority date: 2009-03-11
Filing date: 2010-03-11
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: NO20091075A; NO328735B1

Abstract

A releasable fastening device for lifeboats and other hanging apparatus. The fastening device attaches the apparatus to a hoist via a stay or a lifting line. The apparatus have to be releasable connected to the hoist, both during load and fully off-loaded. A stopper is attached to the lifting line. A grip claw with a recess for the lifting line and with a mounted securing mechanism which keeps the lifting line in the recess, is shaped to fit the stopper. A safety disconnector, for disconnection of the fastening device during load, is linked to the grip claw. In a locked position, the grip claw is kept in a first position where the stopper is kept in the grip claw. In a disconnection position, the grip claw is rotated to a second position, such that the stopper is released from the grip claw. The recess for the lifting line in the grip claw and securing mechanism allows the lifting line to run freely, such that the stopper and the lifting line may be coupled to the fastening device even if the stopper is submersed in water or passes the fastening device in other ways.

Description

RELEASABLE ATTACHMENT APPARATUS FOR LIFEBOATS AND OTHER HANGING DEVICES ATTACHED TO A LIFTING ARRANGEMENT

The present invention relates to a releasable attachment apparatus for lifeboats and other hanging devices attached to a lifting arrangement. The attachment apparatus may be part of a system for launching and hoisting of lifeboats and other types of vessels. The attachment apparatus permits release both when loaded with a hanging load and when fully relieved.

The object of the invention is to provide a releasable attachment apparatus for lifeboats and other hanging liftable devices wherein it shall be possible to release the load either the apparatus is loaded with a suspended load or fully relieved, in order to minimize risk and facilitate physical handling. For example, lowering of lifeboats is subject to a number of unpredictable conditions, such as wind, heavy sea, and movement. The fact that in addition, statutory drills as well as other occupational activities are to be carried out also necessitates extensive reverse handling. The handling of hanging loads, and in particular the handling of lifeboats, has resulted in a number of accidents, often with dramatic consequences. Therefore, reducing the risk in all types of handling of load suspended in a line or stay is the general idea of the present invention.

In WO 2008041025 A2 (SURVIVAL SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC) and

FR 2565640 A1 (ETUDES INDUSTRIELLES A BATIMENT), prior art solutions for complying with regulations relating to on-load release hooks applicable for all ships built after July 1 , 1986 can be found.

The present invention has as its object to overcome the disadvantages of known techniques as well as to minimize or facilitate all forms of manual handling of releasable attachment apparatuses. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features set forth in the specification below and in the following patent claims.

In order to make sure that in an emergency situation, lifeboats are capable of being released easily and quickly, a requirement of the on-load release hook system has been introduced by the UNs' maritime organization IMO, applicable for all ships built after July 1 , 1986. As lifeboats traditionally have been suspended from two falls, it may, during emergency situations in heavy sea, be difficult to get off multiple, typically two, off-load hooks simultaneously. Off-load hooks provided with a central release by way of wire pull for the release of lifeboats are available. A problem arises with off-load hooks when boats are only able to release one hook and are not able to release the other due to horizontal pull in the lifeboat fall. Consequently, on-load release hook systems have been developed. However, unintended release constitutes a significant hazard of the on-load release hook systems. Even so, in several places there is now a requirement of on-load release hooks on ships and rigs. There are requirements of hooks with the capability of both off-load and on-load release on all new ships, so that new lifeboats can now be released in all situations, irrespective of whether they are fully relieved or freely suspended with full weight on the hooks. The hooks must be capable of being released in various conditions. Requirements are put on strength, and there are requirements of a step-by-step release procedure as well as safety measures preventing inadvertent release before the boat has been relieved by launching. The inadvertent release before the boat has been relieved onto the water is prevented by most manufacturers through a mechanism that senses that the boat is afloat, either by way of a float or a diaphragm that is impacted when the lifeboat is waterborne. As it shall be possible to release the lifeboat before it hits the water surface, the mechanism shall also be capable of manual release. In the case of neglected maintenance, the mechanism does not always work, such mechanisms may be in the form of a so-called hydrostat sensing that the boat is afloat, which that has lead to a requirement of yearly maintenance and replacement of rubber diaphragms in hydrostats, for example. No attempts have been made to standardize the release systems, and in practice it is up to each lifeboat manufacturer to design a hook release system that complies with the regulations.

On-load release hook systems have lead to accidents, particularly in that lifeboats has fallen down during drills, often from large heights. Boats have fallen down both during lowering and during hoisting. In particular hooks that are not correctly reset constitute a problem and an element of hazard. When the hooks are not released simultaneously, this may result in that the lifeboat falls and lands upside down on the water. This is so much of a problem that there is a requirement of self-righting lifeboats.

Poor maintenance and insufficient training are a problem. Many hook system designs fail to give users adequate protection against the consequences of defects. Most hook systems are constructed in such a way that it is the weight of the lifeboat that provides the force to open the hooks in load when safety means are actuated. Hook types also exist that can be assembled incorrectly during main- tenance. Human mistakes and ignorance from the person that is to operate the hook system are also a problem. During lifeboat drills, inadequate or incorrect maintenance, in many cases related to insufficient knowledge of complicated systems and release mechanisms, are a main cause that accidents happen. Accidents also happen because maintenance and functional testing of the equip- ment are performed at the same time as the arrangement of drills, while such operations should be kept separate and finished before the drill is started.

Ships suffer average through fire, capsizing, running aground, and collision, not necessarily in heavy sea, in which case the on-load hook systems clearly can be simultaneously released more easily. Only in a few cases each year seamen having to enter davit suspended lifeboats in an emergency situation have any benefit of the on-load hook system above the off-load hook system. This benefit in case of average in heavy sea is clear enough, but the on-load hook systems have dramatically increased the risk of accidents during statutory drills.

It is an object of the present invention to minimize the risk and reduce the physical handling during lowering of a lifeboat or another kind of vessel.

The present invention relates to a releasable attachment apparatus for lowering and hoisting lifeboats adapted to existing hook assemblies, and in an alternative embodiment, to a releasable attachment apparatus for lowering and hoisting lifeboats having a water submerged buoy-like solution. In either embodiment, the invention relates to a releasable attachment apparatus for lifeboats and other hanging devices attached to a lifting arrangement via a stay or lift line, hereinafter only referred to as a lift line, wherein the device must be capable of being released from the lifting arrangement, both when loaded and when fully relieved. Typically, the lift line will be a rope or wire. The releasable attachment apparatus includes a stopper body fastened to the lift line. The primary function of the stopper body is to engage a grab claw having a recess for the lift line in such a manner that the stopper body is held to the grab claw in a first angle in a connection position, and is released from the grab claw in a second angle in a release position. A safety mechanism for retaining the lift line in the recess is mounted to the grab claw. The grab claw has a shape matching the stopper body. This means that the stopper body and the grab claw are mutually shaped in such a manner that the stopper body is stopped by the grab claw in the connection position having a first angle, and is released from the grab claw in a release position having a second angle. An emergency release mechanism for releasing the attachment apparatus when loaded is connected to the grab claw and holds the grab claw in a locked position in a first position in which the stopper body is held in the grab claw and permits rotation of the grab claw about a pivot axis so that the stopper body may be released from the grab claw when the safety mechanism has been released in a second release position.

The stopper body may be shaped as a hemisphere, sphere, or cylinder with rounded ends, and the grab claw may have a concave shape in order to fit together with the stopper body.

The pivot axis for rotating the grab claw between the connection and release positions may be defined by a transverse bore.

The rotation of the grab claw about the center axis of the bores when the emerg- ency release mechanism is actuated may actuate the safety mechanism. As the safety mechanism retains the lift line in the groove of the grab claw, this mechanism must be actuated before the line can be released. This can be accomplished in that the movement of the grab claw effects rotation, for example, of the safety mechanism through a mechanical connection system comprising wires, stays, and the like, or otherwise.

The grab claw may be hinged to an attachment arrangement for being fastened to the hanging device, either directly or through a stay connection. The attachment arrangement may comprise attachment plates, brackets, and the like which are used in order to ensure a safe fastening to the load to be handled.

The emergency release mechanism may be mounted to the attachment arrange- ment, and actuation of the emergency release mechanism will enable a tilting function for the grab claw relative to the pivot axis of the grab claw so that the stopper element will be fully released.

The safety mechanism is attached to and adapted for the grab claw with grooves for a line or stay, and has a locking mechanism that surrounds the line or stay in such a manner that the line or stay is allowed to run freely in the lifting direction so that it will not be necessary to attach the end of the line to the attachment apparatus, and so that fastening may be accomplished anywhere on the line. This is a significant advantage of the invention.

An attachment plate may be connected to the attachment arrangement, and at least two parallel stays may be pivotally fastened to the attachment plate, to a moveable release element, and to the grab claw, respectively. The emergency release mechanism may then be adapted for releasing the release element so that the parallel stays can be shifted relative to each other to rotate the grab claw between the connection and release positions.

An attachment plate may be connected to the attachment arrangement, and the grab claw may be pivotally fastened to the attachment plate. A release element is fixedly secured to the grab claw and is held in a locked position through engagement with a locking plate forming a part of the emergency release mechanism. The locking plate of the emergency release mechanism may be adapted for releasing the release element by pulling the locking plate out of the engagement with the release element, so that the grab claw may rotate about the pivot axis from the connection position to the release position.

The safety mechanism of the grab claw having a recess for the lift line may be dis- engaged from the lift line when the grab claw rotates from a locked position in the connection position to an open position in the release position.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a releasable attachment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention in a connection position, fastened to a lifeboat suspended in a line from a single sheave block;

Fig. 2 shows the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 in a release position; Fig. 3a shows a detail of the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 with an emergency release mechanism in a locked position;

Fig. 3b is similar to Fig. 3a, but shows the emergency release mechanism in a release position;

Fig. 4 shows the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 in a relieved position; Fig. 5a shows the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 in a loaded starting position;

Fig. 5b shows the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 in an unloaded position; Fig. 5c shows the releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 in an un- loaded position during release of the line and return of the attachment apparatus to the starting position;

Fig. 6 shows a releasable attachment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention fastened to a lifeboat suspended in a line, in a first locked position; Fig. 7 shows the releasable attachment apparatus shown in Fig. 6 in a released position;

Fig. 8a shows the releasable attachment apparatus shown in Fig. 6 during pull-in of a line for attachment to the attachment apparatus; Fig. 8b shows the releasable attachment apparatus shown in Fig. 8a, with the line threaded into the attachment apparatus; and

Fig. 8c shows the releasable attachment apparatus shown in Fig. 8a, with a stopper element abutting against the attachment apparatus for hoisting a lifeboat.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings:

In the following disclosure, the same reference numbers are used for components and elements having substantially equal function. The terms "vertical" and "hori- zontal" are also used in order to more clearly describe the exemplary embodiments. However, such terms are relative measures and indicate approximate directions in the typical use. The subjects of the invention, however, are not limited to such directions.

Figs. 1 -5 show a first embodiment of the invention, adapted for existing hook assemblies as regards to fastening from davit to lifeboat, from lifeboat to davit, and from davit to winch.

In Fig. 1 , a lifeboat (23) suspended in a line from a single sheave block (25) having a releasable attachment apparatus according to the invention is shown wherein the main components include a concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) having a tilting function as liftable element, and a stopper body shaped as a sphere (1 , 2) fastened/suspended in a line (3) as a lifting element.

The block with block sheave (25) has been redesigned and simplified for better ergonomics, and has been provided with a surrounding gripping device. The block is a single or multi sheave block with the line attached to davit and winch. The block has a fastening point for an under-hanging, correctly dimensioned stopper body shaped as a sphere or hemisphere (1). The ball is attached through a line (3) or stay connection to the block (25). Alternatively, the ball may have the shape of a hemisphere (2) and replaces lift eyes, shackles, etc. A sphere extends 360 de- grees and has no directional requirements. The ball (1), therefore, does not need to be manipulated for engagement as required in the case of a lift eye, shackle, and other arrangements. Onto a lifeboat (23), a receptacle is installed for the ball (1 , 2). The receptacle replaces existing hook arrangements and consists of a con- cavely surrounding half/grab claw of sufficient thickness (4), having a recess for line or stay (3). The concavely surrounding grab claw (4) acts on a sphere (1) having a smaller diameter than an internal diameter of the grab claw (4), in order to prevent friction during movement. The concavely surrounding grab claw (4) is attached to two pairs of parallel stays (17, 18). The two pairs of parallel stays

(17, 18) are attached to an adapter plate/attachment arrangement (13). The adapter plate (13) is installed on an existing base surface (24) on the lifeboat (23). Parallel stays (17, 18) comply with the horizontal installation of the fixedly mounted adapter plate (13). The concavely surrounding grab claw (4), in turn, complies with the horizontal positioning of the adapter plate (13) and is able to rotate approximately 90 degrees relative to the adapter plate (13).

In the presence of a hanging load, stays (17, 18) will assume a vertical position relative to adapter plate (13). Normally, stays (17, 18) will be substantially parallel, mounted in the longitudinal direction of the lifeboat, and will be moveable from the vertical position and 90 degrees forward towards the bow. In the case of stern installation, the relation will be from a vertical position and 90 degrees movement astern.

The releasable attachment apparatus as shown in Figs. 1-5 works in the following manner:

In normal operation, that is when the lifeboat (23) is launched directly and with the lifeboat afloat, no emergency release mechanism is needed. It is only necessary to open a safety mechanism (7) mounted to the upper part (lifting system) of the concavely surrounding grab claw (4). The safety mechanism (7) surrounds the line or stay (3) in such a manner that it is locked inside the line groove of the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4), but may be freely moved in the lifting direction.

During drills or other occupational handling, an additional safety pin (8) also is to be physically removed, which is also mounted in the upper part of the concavely surrounding grab claw (4). The safety pin (8) extends across the aperture in the grab claw (4), hence blocking for the line (3).

Thus, with the safety pin (8) in place, the lifeboat will not be released in case of inadvertent actuation of the emergency release mechanism (16) or safety mecha- nism (7). During occupational handling, the lifeboat (23) shall not be suspended, but have sufficient outlay of line (3).

In the presence of a suspended load, the parallel stays (17, 18) assume a vertical position. In the case of no load, parallel stays (17, 18) will be horizontal. This is ensured by the weight and an installed hydraulic cylinder (21) or spring damper. These components are installed in the interior (22) of the lifeboat (23), anchored to the parallel stay (17) closest to midships, with a tight through-fitting through the base surface / deck (24) and adapter plate (13).

If a lifeboat (23) becomes stuck suspended above water level and has to be released, this is accomplished by an emergency release mechanism (16). The release position of the emergency release mechanism (16) is shown in Figs. 2 and 3b. The safety mechanism (7) must also be put in a disengaging position. The emergency release mechanism (16) may be used as long as the lifeboat (23) is not fully relieved. However, this will require a manual return. The emergency release mechanism (16) is connected to the front parallel stays (18) closest to the bow, or, in the case of stern mounting, closest to the stern.

The two positions of the emergency release mechanism (16) are shown in detail in Figs. 3a and 3b. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the emergency release mechanism (16) includes a lower pin attachment providing a pivot axis (5) on the front parallel stay (18) from the center of the lifeboat. The emergency release mechanism (16) further includes a moveable release element (6) in the form of a surrounding sleeve fastened to an under-hanging rectangular plate having a recess, referred to as a locking groove, adapted for engagement with a locking rail (10). The release element (6) is adapted to a vertical through-hull fitting (15), and has a stepping with an o-ring installed for sealing between the release element (6) and through- hull fitting (15) in order to prevent water penetration. When the release element (6) is put in a lower position in the through-hull fitting (15), the locking groove of the release element (6) will be in a lockable position on the inside (22) of the hull (Fig. 3a). The locking rail (10) of the emergency release mechanism (16) is located in a horizontal position on the underside of the plane surface of adapter plate (13). Locking rail (10) is surrounded by a locking box (9) having lubrication grooves for the locking rail (10). Locking rail (10) can be moved in a longitudinal direction to release and lock the emergency release mechanism (16) in that locking rail (10) exits or enters the locking groove of the release element (6). I the engagement position of the emergency release mechanism (16), locking rail (10) extends through the locking groove of the release element (6) (in the under-hanging plate), making sure the concavely surrounding grab claw (4) is retained in a horizontal position. The emergency release mechanism (16) further includes a safety hook (20) and a hydraulically acting cylinder (19) for reset. Hence, the hydraulically acting cylinder (19) will be pressurized at all times, but will assist on actuation (Fig. 3b) caused by pull in a wire connection (14) connected to the actuator mechanism. The wire connection is run to the steering position of the lifeboat and controls the release. The locked position of the emergency release mechanism (16) is shown in Fig. 3a, and the released position is shown in Fig. 3b. On actu- ation of the emergency release mechanism and safety mechanism, the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) will tilt so that the sphere (1 , 2) or hemisphere (1) is released. Reset is accomplished in that the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) is returned to the locked position (Fig. 3a). The hydraulic cylinder (19) is connected to an assembly that permits movement of the cylinder.

Fig. 2 shows a lifeboat (23) hanging with the emergency release mechanism (16) and safety mechanism (7) in a release position wherein the ball (1 , 2) with line (3) as the lifting element is fully released from the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) as the liftable element. Fig. 3a shows the emergency release mechanism (16) in a locked and closed position. Fig. 4 shows the function in operation when the lifeboat (23) is fully relieved and does not require actuation of the emergency release mechanism (16), but only release of the safety mechanism (7). Parallel stays (17, 18) with the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) are moved hydraulically by way of a hydraulic cylinder (21) to facilitate return of the releasable attachment apparatus for reverse handling.

Figs. 5 a, b, c show the movement pattern during normal operation. When the lifeboat (23) has been fully relieved, parallel stays (17, 18) are moved in such a way that sufficient outlay of line (3) to enable resetting of the apparatus is achieved. Through reverse handling parallel stays (17, 18) may be set in a correct height for easier engagement of the sphere (1 , 2) in the concavely surrounding half / grab claw (4).

Figs. 6-8 show an alternative embodiment of the invention adapted for boats specially designed for the solution.

Fig. 6 shows a line configuration with the lifeboat (23) suspended from davit and winch. The main component is a concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) having a tilt function similar to the above embodiment, and serves as liftable element. The grab claw (4) surrounds the sphere (1 , 2) suspended in the line (3) as the lifting element.

Fig. 7 shows the lifeboat (23) suspended with the emergency release mechanism (16) and safety mechanism (7) in the release position wherein the sphere (1 , 2) with line as the lifting element is fully released from the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) as the liftable element.

Figs. 8 a, b, c show an alternative embodiment wherein the stopper body is shaped as a fender-like body or as a cylinder having rounded ends, hanging below the water line ready for engagement (Fig. 8a), and further that the line (3) is guided into line grooves (4) (Fig. 8b) so that the lifeboat (23) can now be lifted (Fig. 8c). When the lifeboat (23) has been set afloat reverse handling is required, and the safety mechanism (7) must be put in a moveable position. The releasable attachment apparatus of the embodiment shown in Figs. 6-8 is not adapted to existing hook solutions. This configuration will require a redesign of existing hook assemblies in order to fit in. The releasable attachment apparatus is constructed for a single line solution, as the block (24) will render impossible a satisfactory solution. Line (3) will run from the winch to davit, but instead of running to block (24), it now runs directly to the sphere (1 , 2) or the fender-like device

(Fig. 8). The ball (1) is constructed with an upper part of a suitable material and a lower part (2) of an impact-absorbing material, e.g. rubber with heavy filler, or as one continuous piece of a suitable material. The fender-like device has a rubber central section with upper and lower parts of a suitable material. The fender-like device may have tilted holes in towards an open core in order to counteract drift, and will, with a properly constructed pattern of holes, create a downward drag.

The ball (1 , 2) and fender-like device are constructed for being water-submergible. With this configuration, there will be no midair suspended objects, except for a line (3) between davit and water. When four independent elements such as the mother vessel, lifeboat, wind, and waves are to interact, it is important to ensure harmony. With the sphere (1 , 2) or fender-like device water-submerged, suspen- ded from the davit of the mother vessel, a strong alliance between the sea, mother vessel, and waves has been now established.

In the case of rough sea with the lifeboat in an upward and downward motion, it will now be easier to hook onto the line as there is no unpredictable block (24) having a lift eye strongly impacted by the wind and wave motion to take into consideration.

On board the lifeboat, an adapter plate/attachment arrangement (13) is installed for the concavely surrounding grab claw (4). This arrangement has a very simple construction as it only has a pin attachment (5) for the tilt function for the con- cavely surrounding grab claw (4) and a simple, eccentrically acting actuator mechanism (10). The adapter plate/fastening device (13) is bolted to the bow and stern of the lifeboat in a horizontal position. It is arranged in such a manner that the line (3) to the ball (1 , 2) or fender-like device shall be able to run freely in a horizontal direction in the engagement position. There must also be sufficient room for the ball or fender-like device. That is, outside hanging for engagement in front of the bow, or abaft hanging at the stern.

The concavely surrounding grab claw (4) may be an integrated part of the lifeboat (23), wherein this claw has been taken into account e.g. in the hull design so that overhang is minimized. The adapter plate/attachment arrangement (13) with the concavely surrounding grab claw (4) is designed so as to avoid hitching and prevent any damage or injuries. In case a lifeboat (23) gets stuck hanging along the hull side of the mother vessel, the emergency release mechanism must be used. As discussed, this mechanism has an eccentric actuator mechanism comprising a through-hull fitting to the actuator handle. The actuator mechanism (Figs. 6-7) consists of a horizontally moun- ted, rotary release pin (12) having an eccentric disc (11 ) mounted thereto. This is situated in a horizontal position on the upper side of the plane surface of adapter plate (13). The rotary release pin (12) is a through-pin and has a fastening point also on the upper side of the eccentric rotary disc (11 ) in a fixedly mounted encapsulation (9) of the locking mechanism, referred to as a locking box. The lock consists of a rectangular locking plate (10) of the same thickness as the eccentric trigger disc (11). The locking plate (10) has an internal recess for the eccentric disc (11). The locking plate (10) is shifted in a longitudinal direction by rotating the emergency release mechanism (16). The engagement point of the lock is underneath the concavely surrounding half in the rear half of the lifting system, which lock will make sure the concavely surrounding grab claw (4) is maintained in the locked position. The emergency release mechanism (16) is connected to the actuating mechanism at the steering position of the lifeboat. In case of an emergency release (Fig. 7), the concavely surrounding grab claw (4) will tilt so that the ball (1 , 2) or fender-like device will be released. Reset is accomplished in that the concavely surrounding half/grab claw (4) is returned to the locked position by the weight of the concavely surrounding half/grab claw so that the grab claw falls in place due to its own weight. The emergency release mechanism (16) is also well suited for use during normal operation, e.g. when releasing the lifeboat from a lightly suspended position.

In normal operation, that is when the lifeboat (23) has been launched and the lifeboat is afloat, no emergency release mechanism (16) is needed. It is only necessary to open the safety mechanism (7) installed in the upper part of the concavely surrounding grab claw (4). During drills or other occupational handling, an additio- nal safety pin (8) must also be physically removed, which is also fit into the upper part of the concavely surrounding grab claw (4). When the safety pin (8) is in place, the lifeboat cannot be released through actuation of the emergency release mechanism (16). Load on the actuator mechanism for both systems is adjusted by moving the bores / pivot axis (5) in a longitudinal direction. In the case of a center bore, the locking mechanism will experience no load. This allows the possibility that the concavely surrounding lifting system/grab claw (4) may have the same shape, but have differently positioned bores depending on the weight to which the system is to be adapted.

While the invention has been described in connection with lifeboats, it may also be employed in other connections in which load, in particular hanging load, must be releasable both in the presence of load and in no-load conditions.

Claims

1. A releasable attachment apparatus for being fastened to lifeboats and other hanging devices, wherein the attachment apparatus fastens the device to a lifting arrangement via a stay or lift line (3), and wherein the device have to be releasable from the lifting arrangement, both when loaded and when fully relieved, c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y : a stopper body (1 , 2) fastened to the lift line (3); a grab claw (4) having a recess for the lift line (3) and having a safety mechanism (7) mounted thereto for retaining the lift line (3) in the recess, the grab claw (4) having a shape adapted to the stopper body (1 , 2); an emergency release mechanism (16) for releasing the attachment apparatus when loaded, connected to the grab claw (4), which in a locked position holds the grab claw in a first angle in a connection position in which the stopper body (1 , 2) is held in the grab claw (4), and in a second position that permits rota- tion of the grab claw (4) to a second angle in a release position so that the stopper body (1 , 2) can be released from the grab claw (4) when the safety mechanism (7) has been released; and in that the recess for the lift line (3) in the grab claw (4) and safety mechanism (7) allows the lift line to run freely in the recess, so that the stopper body and lift line (3) may be connected to the attachment apparatus even if the stopper body (1 ,2) is water submerged or otherwise runs past the attachment apparatus.

2. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a stopper body (1 , 2) is shaped as a hemisphere (1 ) or sphere (2) and the grab claw (4) has a concave shape in order to fit together with the stopper body (1 , 2).

3. The releasable attachment apparatus of claims 1-2, wherein the grab claw (4) is rotatable about a pivot axis (5) defined by a transverse bore.

4. The releasable attachment apparatus of claims 1-2, wherein the rotation of the grab claw (4) about the pivot axis (5) on actuation of the emergency release mechanism (16) actuates the safety mechanism (7).

5. The releasable attachment apparatus of claims 1 -2, wherein the grab claw (4) is hinged to an attachment arrangement (13), for being fastened to the hanging device, either directly or via a stay connection (17, 18).

6. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the emergency release mechanism (16) is mounted to the attachment arrangement (13), and wherein actuation of the emergency release mechanism (16) will open for the tilting function for the grab claw (4) relative to the pivot axis (5) so that the stopper element (1 , 2) can be fully released.

7. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the safety mechanism (7) is attached to the grab claw (4) and includes grooves for the line or stay (3) and a locking mechanism surrounding the line (3) in such a manner that the line may run freely in a liftable direction.

8. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an attachment plate connected to the attachment arrangement (13), at least to parallel stays (17, 18) pivotally fastened to the attachment plate, to a movable release element (6), and to the grab claw (4), respectively; the emergency release mecha- nism (16) being adapted for releasing the release element (6) so that the parallel stays (17, 18) can be shifted relative to each other to rotate the grab claw (4).

9. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an attachment plate connected to the attachment arrangement (13), the grab claw (4) being pivotally fastened to the attachment plate; the release element (6) being fixedly fastened to the grab claw (4) and held in a locked position through an engagement with a locking plate (10) forming a part of the emergency release mechanism (16); and the locking plate (10) of the emergency release mechanism (16) being adapted for releasing the release element (6) by pulling the lock- ing plate out of the engagement with release element (6) so that the grab claw (4) may rotate to the release position.

10. The releasable attachment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the safety mechanism (7) of the grab claw (4) having a recess for the lift line (3) is disengaged from the lift line (3) when the grab claw (4) rotates from the locked position to the release position.