WO2011039787A1

WO2011039787A1 - Tender support for boats in general

Info

Publication number: WO2011039787A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000447
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Baldi
Original assignee: Bitre Di Baldi Alberto & C. S.N.C.
Priority date: 2009-10-01
Filing date: 2009-10-01
Publication date: 2011-04-07

Abstract

A support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat. A structural frame (3) comprises a first (4) and a second arm (5) and a support element (6, 13) for holding the tender. The arms (4, 5) are able to be hinged to the boat so that the structural frame (3) results rotatable between a lifted position, of towage of the tender, and a lowered position, from which it is possible to launch or ascent the tender. Pulling/releasing means (29,30, 31) can pull the tender until reaching the support element (6, 13), when the structural frame (3) is arranged in the lowered position, and successively rotate the structural frame from the lowered position to the lifted position when the tender touches a limit stop (32). The support device (1) comprises a foldable gangway (22) which can be lowered when the structural frame (3) i s in the lifted position.

Description

TENDER SUPPORT FOR BOATS IN GENERAL Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to the technical field of navigation. In particular, it refers to an innovative tender support that is potentially applicable to all types of boats.

Background Art

Private boats of large dimensions (generally over ten metres long) of the cabin type, capable of long crossings, have long been known. Precisely by virtue of the long distances covered and since not in all landing places there is a comfortable mooring place, these boats are generally provided with a tender, commonly called rubber dinghy. For example, during an excursion it is usual to anchor at a distance from a bay. In that case, the people who occupy the .boat need a small service boat, fast and easy to launch, so that they can easily set foot on dry land to go back on board afterwards .

Still, the present solutions that allow to house the tender in the boat are not at all efficient, causing significant hindrance and difficulties to launch, as well as resulting scarcely fit in case of bad weather conditions .

Figure 1 of the present description presents schematically the "Prior Art" with the aim of describing in a clearer way many of the technical inconveniences mentioned above. A cabin 1' is generally provided with a small bridge 2' arranged astern at water surface level, to allow the people on the boat to be able to go down to water in an absolutely safe and comfortable way. Two opposed small cranes 3' are generally placed on the transom and project towards the outside of the boat over the small bridge itself. Always figure 1 clearly presents schematically the solutions that are usually adopted at present. Generally, the tender 4' is indeed simply hanged to the small cranes by means of ordinary cables so that it is lifted in respect to the small bridge itself. It is evident how such a solution is extremely inefficient.

Every time the small bridge may be needed, this will be hardly accessible due to the fact that the tender is hanged over it and therefore, the free space for the people who occupy the boat will be reduced. Moreover, such a configuration turns out to be scarcely stable and the tender can be easily subject to oscillations that can prove to be dangerous in case of strong wavy sea. Further, such a solution renders both the launch and the towage of it particularly difficult and laborious, especially in case of bad weather sea conditions.

In other boats lacking the small cranes 3' , the tender is prearranged in an area of the boat not intended for the purpose, and this implies its respective consequences .

In boats of large dimensions, that is to say,

"yachts", with an overall length superior to fifteen metres, solutions can be alternatively used which involve the use of pneumatic or hydraulic revolving cranes that allow to duly move the tender with the aim of lowering it to the sea, to lift it from the water surface afterwards and place it again on the boat. Still, it is evident how such solutions are extremely expensive. Moreover, by virtue of the costs they involve, such cranes are not to be proposed and are not convenient in cabins of average dimensions.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a support device for a tender that results easily applicable to all types of boats and that allows the arrangement of the said tender so as to avoid any type of hindrance .

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a support device for a tender that results easily applicable to the boat over the small bridge so that it can house the tender without its interfering with the free space of the small bridge itself.

It . is also the aim of the present invention to provide a support device for a tender that can house a tender in an absolutely safe way, avoiding oscillations and movements of it, also in strong wavy sea conditions.

It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a support device for a tender that results functional, allowing a user to put the tender down on the sea and lift it from the water surface with great ease.

Lastly, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a support device for a tender that results economical and structurally simple.

These and other aims are therefore reached with the present support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, as per claim 1.

In particular, a structural frame (3) is provided comprising a first (4) and a second arm (5) and a support element (6, 13) for holding the tender, which is interposed between the first and the second arm. In accordance with the present invention, the arms (4, 5) are configured in such a way that they can be hinged to the boat. The structural frame (3) thus is rotatable between a lifted position, of towage of the tender, and a lowered position, substantially arranged in proximity of the water surface and from which it is possible to realize the towage or the ascent of the tender into/from the water from/on the said support element, and vice versa.

Thus, once the tender is put on the support element and the structural frame is rotated in towage position, the small bridge or the area of application of the device in general will be absolutely clear and easily accessible. Moreover, such kinematic motion allows the safe fastening of the tender as well as a quick launch and a quick towage .

With the aim of allowing the said movement of the structural frame 3 between the said lifted and lowered positions and vice versa, therefore, pulling/releasing means (29, 30, 31) of the tender are provided, placed in combination with a limit stop (32). Such pulling/releasing means of the tender are therefore configured in such a way so as to allow, in the towage phase of the tender, to pull it on the support element (6, 13) when the structural frame (3) is arranged in the lowered position in proximity of the water surface and successively rotate the structural frame from the said lowered position to the said lifted position in correspondence of the reaching of the tender of the limit stop (32) . The reaching of the limit stop indeed causes the dragging of the entire frame. Similarly, such pulling/releasing means, when needed, release the structural frame (3) from the lifted position to the lowered position, allowing the sliding of the tender into water in the launch phase.

A block of the pulling/releasing means can anyway fix any previously chosen position comprised between the said lifted position and the lowered one.

Advantageously, the pulling/releasing means can comprise, among the various possible solutions, a motorized capstan (31) furnished with a pull element (30) .

In that case, the pull element (30) is represented by a ribbon (30) or, similarly, by a strap in general or any element that can be wound around the capstan (for example, also a chain) . Advantageously, the support element (6, 13) comprises a beam (6) . The beam has therefore an effective supporting function for the tender.

With that aim, the beam (6) comprises a pair of position axes (11, 12) in order to define a space for housing the tender.

Moreover, the beam (6) can possibly further comprise two sleeves (6') and (6''), opposed and placed in such a way that they are substantially symmetrical in respect to the centre line of the beam (6) .

In that case, the sleeves protect the tender's keel and facilitate the launch or the towage from/on the beam.

In combination with the beam, a support surface (13) can further be provided, although not necessarily, and connected in a rotating manner in respect to the beam (6) itself .

Advantageously, the support surface (13) comprises:

- A gangway (22);

- A pair of arms (20) and (21), each one respectively arranged in correspondence of a side of the gangway and where the arms comprise respectively an eyebolt (26' ) and an eyebolt {21 ' ) ;

- A first (18) and a second sleeve (19) mounted in axis with the beam (6) and where the first sleeve (18) is arranged on the end of the arm (20) and the second sleeve (19) is arranged on the end of the arm (21) in such a way that the support surface (13) is rotating in respect to the beam ( 6) .

Advantageously, the gangway (22) comprises a head (23) through which the arm (20) and the arm (21) are connected in a rotating manner from the opposite part in respect to the sleeves and further a pair of eyelets (26) and (27) within which the said eyebolts (26') and (27') are inserted in a removable way. Thus, the gangway can be fixed in a removable way within a reference plane which contains the arms (20) and (21) when the eyebolts are inserted in the eyelets and the gangway can rotate around the axis that hinges the arms to the head when the eyebolts are removed from the eyelets.

In particular, the head (23) comprises two opposed plates (23') and a first (24) and a second axis (25) internally comprised between the two plates. The arm (20) is therefore connected to a plate (23' ) through the axis (25) in a rotating manner and the arm (21) is also connected to the opposite plate (23' ) through the axis

(25) in a rotating manner. Thus, the gangway is free to rotate around the said hinged axis (25) when the eyebolts are removed from the eyelets.

Advantageously, the gangway can further comprise a system of extractable/retractable legs (28').

In particular, the system of legs (28') can hinged to the gangway from the part of the surface opposite to the gangway walking surface and, particularly, can comprise a hinge axis (28'') comprised between the eyelets

(26) and (27). Thus, when the support surface (13) is rotated towards the small bridge through the rotation around the beam (6) and the eyebolts (26') and (27') are removed from the eyelets (26) and (27) to further rotate the gangway around - the axis (25) close to the small bridge, then the legs (28' ) can be extracted in such a way so as to lift the gangway in respect to the small bridge.

Thus, particularly when the tender is totally lifted on the beam in the lifted position of towage, it is possible to make the most use of the entire space underneath to place the gangway which, with the help of the legs 28', can possibly be used both for its specific function of passage and also as a springboard.

Advantageously, a hook (29) is provided that slides along the tape (30) in such a way that, during the launch/towage phase of the tender, the hook (29) can work in a removable manner with the first axis (24), impeding the rotation of the support surface (13) around the beam (6) . Thus, during the movement of the structural frame through the entire launch or towage phase, the hook guarantees that the support surface (13) stays under the tender's keel, allowing a further support of it. On the contrary, the release of the hook allows the free rotation. It is evident, as described above, how the release is conveniently feasible at a completed towage position with the tender arranged in lifted position, so as to realize the said springboard or make the most use of the gangway.

Advantageously, the stop (32) comprises the beam (6) placed in combination with at least a hook (33), arranged in correspondence with the tender's keel.

Thus, at the same time that the hook gets in contact with the beam in the towage phase, the rotation of the entire structural frame starts (3) .

Naturally, other equivalent solutions of limit stop can be obtained without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept.

Advantageously, a damping system can optionally be provided in order to absorb the impacts caused by the movement and the reaching of the previously chosen position of the frame (3) .

In particular, the said damping system is an articulated system comprising:

- A first (14) and a second arm (15) configured to be connected to the frame of the boat in a rotating manner;

- A first (14') and a second sleeve (15') that are respectively slidingly mounted along the first (4) and the second arm (5) of the structural frame, and wherein the said first (14) and the said second arm (15) are connected in a rotating manner respectively with said first (14') and second sleeve (15') from the opposite part in respect to that of the said hinging to the frame of the boat;

- A first (16) and a second shock absorber (17), the said first shock absorber (16) being hinged by its end (16''), opposite to the rod, to the arm (4), and hinged through the rod itself to the arm (14), the said second shock absorber (17) being equally hinged by its end (17''), opposite to the rod, to the arm (5), and hinged through the rod itself to the arm (15);

and so that the oscillation of the arm (4) and of the arm (5) causes the oscillation of the arm (14) and (15) through a translation of the sleeve (14') and (15'), thus causing the oscillation of the shock absorber (16) and (17) .

Advantageously, a limit stop (34, 35) can be further provided in order to fix a range of rotation angle of the structural element (3) .

In particular, the limit stop can comprise a pair of fixed sleeves (34, 35), each pair arranged on the arms (4) and (5), respectively, in such a way so as to delimit the path to be covered by the sleeve (14') and (15') .

Equivalent solutions in which the fixed sleeves that act as limit stops are substituted by fixed pins or the like can be realized without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept.

Finally, it is described here a boat characterized by the fact that it comprises a support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender ( 2 ) as described.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and the advantages of the present device, according to the invention, will be clearer with the description of one of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, where:

- Figure 1 represents the "Prior Art";

- Figure 2 represents a general axonometric view of the invention;

- Figure 3 represents a damping system that could be potentially used.

- Figure 4 represents a lateral and top view of the present invention, approximately indicating an oscillation angle of the present structural element 3.

- Figure 5 represents a lateral view of the gangway, top view of the gangway from the part of the walking floor and a top view from the part opposed to the walking floor and, in particular, a removable fastening system of the gangway to the arms 20 and 21.

- Figure 6 represents in view the pulling/releasing system;

- Figure 7 represents the limit stop 32 in detail.

- Figures 8 to 10 represent towage phases of the tender from the water.

- Figures 11 to 14 represent the kinematic motion relative to the gangway.

Description of a preferred embodiment

With reference to the attached figures, a support device 1 is therefore described that allows the launch/towage of a tender 2 from/in a boat. In accordance with the present invention, figure 2 represents a structural frame 3, which basically comprises a first 4 and a second arm 5 and a support element (6, 13) for the tender, which is interposed between the first and the second arm.

In particular, always as described in figure 2, the first 4 and the second arm 5 are connected between them through a beam 6, thus defining a U-shaped supporting structure. The frame 3, thus configured, is easily applicable in a rotating manner to the boat to which it is destined. With that aim, always figure 2 represents a hinge axis 7 placed in line with the respective holes 8 and 9 which are present at the end of the arm 4 and the arm 5, respectively. Thus, the holes allow the passage of ordinary rotation pins destined to be fixed in position on the structure of the boat, for example, through nuts. Thus, the structural frame 3 results rotatable in respect to the hinge axis 7 of the arms 4 and 5.

Although the structural frame 3 described above can be applicable in any part of the boat that is deemed fit, figure 4 shows a detail A relatively to the traditional stern of such boats. In that case, the structural frame could be easily and conveniently applied in correspondence of the small cranes 10, usually present on these boats. In particular, detail A shows a top view to highlight the application of the frame 3 in respect to the small cranes 10, and a lateral view that indicates a possible rotation angle of the frame 3 in respect to the hinge axis 7. Thus, always as highlighted in the scheme of figure 4, the U- shaped frame can easily be rotated towards the water surface, that is the water-line of the boat, or be lifted upwards close to or also over the small cranes.

Going back to figure 2 again, a first 11 and a second position axis 12 are arranged on the beam 6 in an inclined way and come out upwards in such a way so as to create a sort of V-shaped space within which the stern of the tender 2 can be housed. Thus, the stern of the tender is held up by the beam 6 and is impeded from oscillating outside the support seat of it thanks to the block realized by the position axes. In the figure in question, the position axis that has been chosen to be indicated with number 12 is visible only partially due to the presence of the tender that covers it; still, its conformation is identical to the twin 11. In an absolutely non-limiting way, and therefore optionally, the two position axes can be provided with a plastic sleeve 11' and 12' , respectively, which minimizes the friction and preserves the surface of the tender from direct contact with the metal of which such axes are generally made. Moreover, the inclined V-shaped configuration in respect to the beam 6 can be substituted with any positioning, even vertical.

Always with the aim of avoiding the tender' s metal- keel direct contact, and of facilitating the sliding, the axis 6 can also conveniently, but not necessarily, be provided with two sleeves 6' and 6' ' , opposed and placed in such a way so as to be substantially symmetrical in respect to the centre line of the beam itself. The sleeves, possibly rotating, also facilitate the launch and towage of the tender by sliding on the axis 6.

Going on with the description of the structural element 3, always figure 2 highlights a hinged support surface 13, therefore connected in a rotating manner, in respect to the beam 6. In particular, two sleeves 18 and

19 are coaxially mounted on the beam 6 in such a way that the surface 13 results rotatable in respect to the axis 6. As always shown in figure 2, and in greater detail in the top view of figure 5, the surface 13 basically comprises a gangway 22 at the sides of which there is a pair of arms

20 and 21 (also highlighted in figure 2) through which the rotating connection to the beam 6 by means of the said sleeves 18 and 19, respectively, takes place.

In particular, the two arms 20 and 21 are further fixed in a rotating manner to the front part of the gangway opposite to the sleeves 18 and 19 through a head 23, also indicated in the axonometry of figure 2. In greater detail, the head comprises (see for that purpose figure 2 as well) a pair of opposite plates 23' to which a first 24 and a second axis 25 are fixed, internally comprised between the two plates. Always as indicated in figure 2 or in figure 5, the axis 24 is arranged over the axis 25 when the gangway walking surface is facing the floor of the boat (see also figure 5 - lateral view) . The two arms 20 and 21 are instead connected to the external part of the same plates 23' in a rotating manner, as better explained in detail in the description of the functioning of the present invention below. Figure 5 highlights the surface of the gangway opposite to the walking floor and shows how the gangway has fixed on its ends two eyelets 26 and 27 within which two respective pins 26' and 27' integral to the arms 20 and 21 will be inserted. A system of extractable legs 28' is then fixed in a rotating manner in respect to the eyelets themselves 26 and 27 through a rotation axis 28'' . Optionally, a rubber roller 28 can be arranged in a rotating manner at the base of the system of legs 28' with the aim of facilitating the sliding of the tender.

The coupling of the said pins 26' and 27' with the eyelets 26 and 27 at one side of the gangway and the hinging of the arms 20 and 21 with the head 23 integral to the opposite end of the gangway, allows to maintain the gangway in a position in axis with the said arms 20 and 21, as per the lateral view in figure 5.

In particular, detail B of figure 5 shows the direction of insertion of the pin in the eyelet. In that case, by distancing reciprocally between them the arms 20 and 21, the exit of the pins from the eyelets can be caused, thus releasing the gangway from the arms 20 and 21 and rendering it rotatable around the rotation axis 25 of the head 23. On the contrary, by rotating the gangway in such a way that the pins 26' and 27' coincide again with the eyelets, the arms 20 and 21 can be distanced to be then elastically released in such a way that the said pins are inserted again in the eyelets themselves, maintaining the gangway in position again.

Going back to figure 2, a damping system is further represented, able to absorb the impacts caused by the movement and the reaching of position of the frame 3. It is therefore evident from its function how such a damping system is useful but anyway not strictly necessary for the functioning of the entire support device 1. In particular, the frame 3 can be certainly provided without such a damping system and without for this moving apart from the present inventive concept.

With that aim, a first 14 and a second arm 15 are slidingly connected in respect to the arms 4 and 5, respectively, through a first 14' and a second sleeve 15' . The said arms 14 and 15 are therefore hinged to the sleeves, while the sleeves themselves are slidingly mounted along the arms 4 and 5. A first 16 and a second shock absorber 17 (for example a first and a second piston) are respectively hinged by their end 16'' and 17'', opposite to their rods, to the arm 4 and to the arm 5, and hinged through the rods itself to the arms 14 and 15, respectively. Thus, the pistons absorb the shock through their oscillation around their hinged point 16' ' and 17'' . The arms 14 and 15 are provided with holes 14'' and 15' ' of rotating connection to the boat, exactly like the holes 8 and 9.

In use, therefore, the rotation of the frame 3 around the holes 8 and 9 relative to the axis 7 causes the equivalent rotation of the arms 14 and 15, also them fixed to the boat in a rotating manner. Thus, an extension/retraction of the rod of the shock absorbers takes place as a consequence of the oscillation of the arms 14 and 15, made possible through the sliding of the sleeves 14' and 15'. Therefore an overall damping of the frame 3 itself during its lifting or lowering is obtained. A lateral view of figure 3 shows, for clarification purposes, such kinematic motion relative to only one of the two arms 14 and 15, being them perfectly symmetrical between them. In particular, the sliding of the sleeve 14' along the arm 4 is highlighted. The sliding, with reference to the said illustrative example, takes place in an absolutely non-limiting manner in the direction of the arrow parallel to the arm 4 itself turned towards the hinged point 16'' of the shock absorber 16. Thus, after the lowering of the arm 4 itself from an angle Oti in respect to the reference axis to an angle 0C2 , a consequent retraction of the shock absorber and a damping effect are caused. Naturally, the opposite direction of lifting from the angle OL2 to the angle O i causes an extraction of the rod of the shock absorber.

With the aim of moving the frame 3 and allowing the lifting of the tender on the support element (6, 13) or the launch of it, appropriate pulling/releasing means (30, 31) are provided. For that purpose, among the different possible solutions, the preferred embodiment describes in figure 2 a simple tape 30 that is to be connected to a motorized capstan 31 (see also the scheme of figure 6). The tape 30 is therefore connected to the prow of the tender (for example through a simple spring clip) so that the pull or release through the capstan allow to pull or release the tender. A further hook 29, always highlighted in figure 2, maintains the surface 13 in position below the keel, impeding that it rotates towards the bottom around the beam 6. Figure 6, for clarification purposes, represents in a scheme the winding/unwinding capstan 31 through which the lifting and lowering of the tender on the structural frame takes place and consequently, also the , rotation of the frame itself, as is better described below. The capstan is of the motorized type, for example electric or fuel-fed. With that aim, always figure 7 shows a limit stop 32, essential for such functioning. This can, for example, consist of a combination of a pair of hooks 33 (for example, prearranged in correspondence of the rubber dinghy's keel) and the beam 6 itself.

Further limit stops (34, 35) can then be provided with the aim of fixing the maximum range of rotation angle of lifting/lowering of the structural frame (see figure 3 again) . A solution can, for example, be realized through limit stops 34 and 35 of the sleeves 14' and 15', arranged along the arms 4 and 5. Thus, the reaching of the sleeves in correspondence of such block spots 34 and 35 impedes the rotation of the entire structural frame beyond such limit and thus defines the maximum reachable position of towage and the maximum reachable position of launch. Lastly, block pins (not represented in the figure just for simplicity purposes) can be provided in correspondence of such limit positions of launch and towage with the aim of assuring the position reached by the structural frame.

Having described the invention in its basic structural aspects, we now pass onto a detailed description of its functioning.

Starting, for example, from an initial condition in which the tender is in water and has to be lifted, the sequence of figures 8 to 10 show the functioning. The structural frame 3 (represented in a scheme by the arms 4 and 5 and by the beam 6 with gangway 22 comprised between the arms 20 and 21) is found in the lowered position at water surface level. Initially, the capstan is set going so that it releases the tape to allow to hook the tender in water positioned close to the small bridge. Simultaneously, the hook 29, slidingly arranged on the tape, is fixed to the axis 24 of the head 23 in such a way that the support surface 13 can act as a further support surface for the tender and the rotation of the gangway around the axis 6 is impeded. At this point, the capstan is set going so as to initiate the operation of winding of the tape 30, which is subject to tension (see figure 9), initiating to pull the tender (that is to say, the towage phase) and causing the sliding of it on the beam 6 and successively on the gangway 22 from the part of the rubber roller 28 of figure 4, until reaching the condition in which the tender is entirely held by the gangway and by the beam 6. At the moment in which the hooks 33 (represented in figure 2) get in contact with the beam 6 (as per figure 9) the pull action of the tape is transmitted to the entire frame 3, which initiates the rotation of lifting until placing the tender close to the capstan in lifted position from the water, as per figure 10. Naturally, the inverse operation allows to launch the tender in water. Always according to the present invention, the structure of the entire support device described here is such by which, as already said, the sole beam 6 is enough to hold the tender. In the case in which the solution with gangway 22 is adopted, as already described, the gangway can have a further functionality, which will be described immediately below. With reference to figure 11 and figure 12, indeed, it is highlighted how the release of the hook 29 allows to rotate the entire surface 13 by gravity in respect to the beam 6 until placing it in a substantially vertical position in respect to the small bridge 2 (see figure 12) . As shown in figure 13, the release of the pins 26' and 27' of figure 4 allows therefore to rotate the gangway 22 comprised between the arms 20 and 21 around the head 23, in such a way so as to substantially bring it in a parallel or inclined position in respect to the small bridge (depending on the angle positioning of the structural frame and of the length of the gangway) . The extraction of the system of internal legs 28' of the gangway allows to fix a position of it in respect to the small bridge so as to realize a springboard or a gangway in all respects to allow the passage of the people on the boat (see figure 14) .

Claims

A support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat and comprising:

- A structural frame (3) comprising a first (4) and a second arm (5) and a support element (6, 13) for holding the tender and interposed between the said first and the said second arm, and wherein the said arms (4, 5) are configured in such a way to be connectable to the boat in a pivotable manner such that the structural frame (3) results rotatable between a lifted position, of towage of the tender, and a lowered position, substantially arranged in proximity of the water surface so that it allows the launch/ascent in/from the water of the tender from/on the said support element, and vice versa;

- Pulling/releasing means (29, 30, 31) of the tender placed in combination with a limit stop (32), the said pulling/releasing means of the tender being configured in such a way that they allow, in the launch phase of the tender, to pull the said tender on the said support element (6, 13) when the said structural frame (3) is arranged in the said lowered position in proximity of the water surface, and successively rotate the said structural frame from the said lowered position to the said lifted position in correspondence of the tender reaching the said limit stop (32) and release the said structural frame (3) from the said lifted position to the said lowered position, allowing the sliding of the tender in water in the launch phase .

Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 1, where the said pulling/releasing means comprise a motorized capstan (31) furnished with a pull element (30) .

3. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 2, where the said pull element (30) is a tape (30) .

4. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 1, where the said support element (6, 13) comprises a beam (6) .

5. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 4, where the said beam (6) comprises a pair of position axes (11, 12) in order to define a space for housing the tender .

6. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 5, where the said beam (6) further comprises two sleeves (6') and (6' ' ) , opposed and placed in such a way that they are substantially symmetrical in respect to the centre line of the said beam (6) .

7. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to one or more of claims from 4 to 6, where it is further provided a support surface (13) connected in a rotating manner in respect to the said beam (6) .

8. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 7, where the said support surface (13) comprises:

- A gangway ( 22 ) ; - A pair of arms (20) and (21), each one respectively arranged in correspondence of a side of the gangway, the said arms comprising a pin (26' ) and a pin (27' ) , respectively;

- A first (18) and a second sleeve (19), mounted in axis with the said beam (6) and where the said first sleeve (18) is arranged on the end of the arm (20) and the said second sleeve (19) is arranged on the end of the arm (21) in such a way that the said support surface (13) results rotatable in respect to the said beam ( 6 ) .

9. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 8, where the said gangway (22) comprises:

- A head (23) through which are connected the said arm (20) and the said arm (21) in a rotating manner from the opposite part in respect to the said sleeves;

- A pair of eyelets (26) and (27) within which the said pins (26' ) and (27' ) are insertable in a removable manner in such a way that the said gangway is contained in a removable way within a reference plane passing between the said arms (20) and (21) when the said pins are inserted within the said eyelets and the gangway is free to rotate around the hinge axis of the said arms with the head when the pins are removed from the eyelets.

10. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 9, where the said head (23) comprises two opposite plates (23'), a first (24) and a second axis (25) internally comprised between the said two plates and wherein the said arm (20) is connected to the plate (23' ) in a rotating manner along the axis (25) and the said arm (21) is connected to the opposite plate (23') in a rotating manner along the axis (25) in such a way that the said gangway results free to rotate around the said hinge axis (25) when the said pins are removed from the eyelets.

Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to one or more claims from 8 to 10, where the said gangway further comprises a system of extractable/retractable legs (28' ) .

Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 11, where the said system of legs (28') is hinged to the gangway from the part opposite to the walking floor and comprises a hinge axis (28'') comprised between the said eyelets (26) and (27) in such a way that when the support surface (13) is rotated towards the small bridge through the said rotation around the beam (6) and the said pins (26' ) and (27' ) are removed from the said eyelets (26) and (27) to further rotate the said gangway around the said axis (25) close to the small bridge, the said legs can be extracted in such a way so as to lift the gangway in respect to the small bridge .

Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 12, where a hook (29) is provided sliding along the said tape (30) in such a way that, during the launch/towage phase of the tender, the said hook (29) can work in a removable way with the said first axis (24), impeding the rotation of the said support surface (13) around the beam (6) and allowing the rotation when the said hook is released from the said axis (24) .

14. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 1 and 4, where the said limit stop (32) comprises the said beam (6) in combination with at least a hook (33) arranged in correspondence of the tender's keel.

15. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to one or more of the preceding claims from 1 to 14, where a damping system is further provided in order to absorb the impacts due to the movements and the reaching of position of the frame (3) .

16. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 15, where the said damping system is an articulated system comprising :

- A first (14') and a second sleeve (15') slidingly mounted along the said first (4) and the said second arm (5) of the support frame and to which the said first (14) and the said second arm (15) are respectively connected in a rotating manner from the opposite part to that of hinging to the frame of the boat ;

- A first (16) and a second shock absorber (17), the said first shock absorber (16) being hinged by its end (16''), opposite to its rod, to the arm (4) and hinged through said rod itself to the arm (14), the said second shock absorber (17) being hinged by its end

(17''), opposite to its rod, to the arm (5) and hinged through the rod itself to the arm (15);

and so that the oscillation of the said arm (4) and the said arm (5) causes the oscillation of the said arm (14) and (15) through a translation of the said sleeve (14') and (15'), thus causing the oscillation of the said shock absorber (16) and (17).

17. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 16, where a limit stop is further provided (34, 35) in order to fix a range of rotation angle of the said structural element (3).

18. Support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2) from/in a boat, according to claim 17, where the said limit stop comprises a pair of fixed sleeves (34, 35), respectively, each pair arranged on the arms (4) and (5) in such a way so as to delimit a path to be covered by the said sleeve (14') and (15').

19. Boat characterized by the fact that it comprises a support device (1) to allow the launch/towage of a tender (2), as per one or more of the preceding claims .