WO2012105894A1

WO2012105894A1 - Lifting or carrying arrangement for pleasure boats

Info

Publication number: WO2012105894A1
Application number: PCT/SE2012/050089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Larsson; Bo THORNSTRÖM
Original assignee: Överöns Marinservice Ab; Bo Thornström Marin Och Mekan
Priority date: 2011-02-02
Filing date: 2012-01-30
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: SE535660C2; SE1150072A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting or carrying arrangement (100) for a pleasure boat (200) provided with bathing bridge (250), comprising at least two telescopic devices (1, 2), a driving device to operate the telescopic devices and a carrying device with supporting arms (4OA, 40B). Each telescopic device (1, 2) comprises a first telescopic element (10A, 10B), a second telescopic element (20A), which is displaceably mounted therein and which by means of the driving device can be displaced inwards/out¬ wards between a position, in which it is extended as far as possible, and a position, in which it is withdrawn as far as possible. The driving device (30A, 30B, 80, 70A) controls simultaneously the displacement of the second telescopic elements in the first telescopic elements. Each supporting arm (40A, 40B) consists of a stationary supporting section (41A, 41B), which is fixedly associated with a lower end of a second telescopic element, and a supporting element (42A, 42B), which is adapted to the function and releasably attachable to said stationary supporting section. Each first telescopic element (10A, 10B) is provided with an upper fastening device (11A, 11B), which is releasably attached to the transom of the boat, and a lower fastening device (21A, 21B), which is releasably attached to the upper side of the bathing bridge. The upper fastening device is designed to be attached in a plane which is substantially horizontal in relation to the transom of the boat, and the lower fastening device (52A, 52B) is designed to be attached in a plane which is parallel to the upper side of the bathing bridge. The first and second telescopic elements consist of tubular profiles with closed longitudinal walls.

Description

Title:

LIFTING OR CARRYING ARRANGEMENT FOR PLEASURE BOATS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lifting or carrying arrangement intended to be arranged at the stern of a pleasure boat. The lifting or carrying arrangement comprises two (or more) telescopic devices, one driving device to operate the telescopic devices, and one carryin device comprising supporting arms arranged in connection with the telescopic devices.

BACKGROUND

A number of different lifting arrangements are known in order to put for example rubber boats or dingies into pleasure boats or lift them out therefrom. As far as pleasure boats are concerned there is a frequent need, or wish, to be able to lift out and put in, respectively, and/or to take along or carry different types of life boats, rafts, dingies or similar in emergency situations or for pleasure or leasure purposes . Today, many pleasure boats are equipped with a so called bathing bridge at the stern. Lifting arrangements are known, for pleasure boats with bathing bridge as well as for pleasure boats without bathing bridge. However, many of these devices have various drawbacks. Often, the lifting or carrying arrange ments are adapted to bigger pleasure boats, perhaps with length of 15 meters or more. Then, different variants of hydraulic hoisting cranes are used, which lift up for example a dingy. Such hydraulically controlled hoisting cranes are heavy and, usually, do not function in connec- tion with smaller pleasure boats, since their weight is too large in relation to the weight of the pleasure boat itself. Furthermore, they require much space and the object to be lifted is suspended in wires when lifted up and put down, which is disadvantageous for many reasons. Different types of winches are also known, but if the pleasure boat for example has a cover, that will easily constitute a bar, and wires may also be a risk of injuries which is undesirable.

Pleasure boats which are provided with hydraulic bathing bridges are also known. They may be fastened with bolts under the surface of the water and are hanged on to the outside of the boat by means of long arms. This also means that big boats are required, and the bathing bridges are heavy, voluminous and stationary mounted. Furthermore, they are very expensive.

WO 99/102299 illustrates an example of a pleasure boat with a bathing bridge arranged at the back, in connection with which a lifting and carrying arrangement is arranged, which consists of a horizontal driving device, which may exhibit telescopic elements, and at the outer end thereof a vertical driving device, which can be raised and lowered in relation to the horizontal device, which is mounted on and parallel to the bathing platform. Hydraulic driving means are used. This arrangement is heavy, voluminous and unwieldy, and is not suitable for smaller boats. It is also expensive and complicated to use and mount. A further drawback is that the weight of the device, especially together with the object to be lifted, for example a dingy, in relation to the weight of a smaller pleasure boat is too high, and in addition to that a lever effect arises, where the object to be lifted vertically is situated far outside the centre of gravity of the boat, which results in imbalance and uncertain conditions. US 6 474 256 illustrates a lifting device adapted to be mounted on a boat below its bathing bridge by means of lifting mechanisms mounted below the bathing bridge, which do not project outside the bathing bridge, but which are provided with arms, which may be removably mounted at the lifting mechanisms. Hydraulic cylinders are used to operate the lifting mechanisms, and only the arms are removable. Thus, the lifting device itself cannot be removed, it is complicated and heavy, and comprises a number of articulately connected arms, which in itself causes a weakness in the device.

Another complicated mounting device for a lifting arrangement is disclosed in US 6 047 659. In WO 96/35610 another device is illustrated, which is adapted to be mounted at a boat in order to lift up a dingy or similar. Vertical extension elements may tele- scopically be drawn into and pushed out of, respectively, stationary vertical supporting elements, which are mounted at the stern of a boat. Horizontal elements may be

operated by means of hydraulic cylinders via the vertical elements to be raised and lowered in order to put in or lift up the dingy. However, this device does not work at a boat with a bathing bridge, and the principle of hydraulic cylinders results in that the device becomes heavy and, furthermore, in order to be able to function, the elements mounted fixedly at the boat are provided with vertical slots at the front and lateral slots, which means that it is sensitive in a rough environment, for example salt water, and the reliability in operation is affected by these slots and the demand for service will be great. In addition to that, the device is complicated to handle and mount, and in use it may entail security risks of causing squeezing accidents, especially if children are present.

Also in DE U9307194.9 a lifting device for dingies or similar, for example, is illustrated, which is to be mounted at the rear of a motor boat or a yacht. This device is adapted to be mounted on a boat with bathing bridge, but a disadvantage is that it is complicated to mount and consists of several interconnected elements. It consists of two supporting arms, which are separated and kept at a distance from one another by means of two supporting profiles, and which may be driven upwards and downwards by a motor. Each supporting profile is provided with two slides, which are movable in relation to one another and by means of which the respective supporting arm can be operated.

However, this device is sensitive, for example to the distribution of load, particles penetrating into openings and slots, it may easily break and is difficult to handle, and it demands a great deal of maintenance. Furthermore, the large number of interconnected elements and slots required may cause a great risk of squeezing in use. The device is also expensive and complicated to manufacture, and it is not flexible.

To sum up, it can be said that arrangements known up to now exhibit one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above, and they are neither easy to handle, mount or transport, nor are they reliable or suitable also for smaller

pleasure boats. Furthermore, they are inflexible and expensive .

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lifting and/or carrying arrangement, by means of which one or more of the problems described above are solved. Especially, it is an object of the invention to provide a lifting and/or carrying arrangement, which is light, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to mount and easy and safe to use. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a lifting and carrying arrangement, which has high lifting capacity. Especially, it is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement, which can be used for larger and heavier pleasure boats as well as for smaller pleasure boats with a length of 10-15 meters, for example, or even smaller .

A further object of the invention is to provide an

arrangement, which for the mounting requires as little interference as possible on the boat. Furthermore, it is a special object of the invention to provide a lifting and carrying arrangement, which is safe in lifting as well as carrying position, and also in operation. A further object of the invention is to provide an arrangement, which is not voluminous, which is reliable and flexible, as well as when there is a question of adapting to different shapes or sizes of boats as when lifting or carrying objects are concerned . Therefore, a lifting or carrying arrangement as described above is provided, where each telescopic device comprises a first hollow, tubular telescopic element having a cross section, for example square, rectangular, triangular (or circular, elliptic) , and which inscribes a first sectional area, a second tubular telescopic element having a cross section with the same shape as said first cross section, for example polygonal, such as square, rectangular or triangular, which inscribes a second sectional area, which is smaller than said first sectional area, but exhibits essentially the same shape as that. Said second telescopic element is displaceably mounted in said first telescopic element. By means of a driving device the second tele^¬ scopic elements can by displaced inwards/outwards in the first telescopic elements, so that the telescopic device can have a desired length from a first position, in which it is extracted as far as possible, to a second position, in which it is withdrawn as far as possible, preferably each or several desired positions, alternatively only one of the extreme positions. Normally, maximum extension means that the first and second telescopic elements are overlapping, so that the device is stable and satisfies the desired loading requirements. The driving device is arranged to control simultaneously withdrawal/extension of said second telescopic element in the respective first telescopic element, and includes a motor-driven device with electrically connected motors in association with the telescopic elements and/or a manual crank device, which is mechanically connected to screw devices or similar arranged in the respective telescopic elements. It could also be one motor, which is coupled to both (or several, whenever applicable) telescopic ele- ments. Each supporting arm consists of a fixed supporting section, which is firmly connected to a lower end of said second telescopic element and forms an angle therewith, and a supporting element, which is adapted to the function and which by means of mounting elements is firmly or removably fastened to said fixed supporting section. Each first telescopic element is provided with an upper fastening device with an upper fastening element intended to be removably attached to the transom of the boat, and a lower fastening device with a lower fastening element intended to be removably attached to an upper side of the bathing bridge. The upper fastening element comprises a first fastening plate designed in such a way that it during the attachment extends in a plane parallel to the transom of the boat, and the other, the lower, fastening element comprises a second fastening plate designed in such a way that it during the attachment extends in a plane parallel to the upper side of the bathing bridge, so that said first and second fastening plates form an angle with one another, preferably of 45° to 135°, especially between 60° and 120°, more preferably 75°-105°. Alternatively, the fastening device may consist of a stand with an inner fastening device consisting of a (removable inner) stand leg, an outer fastening device with a (removable) outer stand leg, which is shorter than said inner stand leg. At the top the stand legs are associated with a fastening bar (for example welded to the first telescopic element) and at the bottom they are attachable to the upper side of the bathing bridge on a common fastening plate, or two sepa- rate fastening plates. This (no matter if upper and lower or, alternatively, outer and inner fastening devices are used) contributes to stable mounting as well as a good ability to stand high loads. The angle specifications indicated are not indicated to be any limitations, but only as preferred examples. Said first and second telescopic elements consist of tubular profiles with closed longitudinal walls, which among other things contributes to stability, high reliability, and reduced risk of injuring persons using the device.

In a preferred embodiment said supporting arms are fixedly mounted, for example welded or screwed, at the sides of the lower telescopic elements facing away from the corresponding sides of the first telescopic elements, where said fastening devices are arranged.

Preferably, the driving device comprises two separate electric driving motors (particularly provided with gear) , each of which may be arranged in a respective upper end of a first telescopic element opposite to the respecttive lower end of the second telescopic element, where the supporting arms are firmly mounted.

The motors are electrically connected for simultaneous operation of the telescopic devices. Especially on the pleasure boat a control unit is provided with connections for the respective electric motors, for example conven- tional sockets or similar, to which the electric cables from the motors can be connected. By this control unit the motors can operate the telescopic devices to withdraw and extend, respectively, the lower, second telescopic elements .

In certain embodiments the speed can be controlled, in other a stop button is provided to stop when the desired position has been reached, and/or automatic stop when maximum extended and maximum withdrawn position, respec^¬ tively has been reached. In a particularly preferred embodiment the driving device, or the control unit, is provided with a communication unit for wireless control via a remote control equipment. This is particularly advantageous, and means among other things that, if the object to be lifted for example is a dingy, a rubber boat or a stair, one can sit therein or stand thereon and control the lifting up, for example.

In an alternative embodiment the driving device consists of a manual crank device or similar, which is mechanically associated with screw devices or similar in the respective telescopic devices, so that by actuating the crank, both telescopic devices can be controlled simultaneously to be withdrawn or extended.

In addition to a motor-driven device also a manual crank device is provided as an alternative, or it is prepared so that such a device easily can be mounted, so that the lifting or carrying arrangement also can be used if failure of power supply/electrical failures occur.

A special advantage of the invention is that said support- ing element, which is adapted to the function, can either be adjusted to exhibit various properties or simply be replaced, or both. For example, the width and/or the length of such supporting elements adapted to the function can be adjustable, so that different carrying widths and/or lengths can be obtained. It is also possible that the inclination of the supporting elements adapted to the function, or carrying portions comprised by them and which can be a part of them, can be adjusted to be adapted to an object to be carried or lifted, and exhibit different support angles. This is practical, and permits that the device can be used to lift various objects, a dingy, a rubber boat, a water scooter, a swimming platform, a ladder or similar, which is a special advantage of the invention with respect to the flexibility.

In a preferred embodiment the supporting elements adapted to the function each comprises an outer profile element, which is fixedly or removably mounted at a supporting arm, especially at least along more than half of the length of the supporting arm in relation to the first telescopic element. The problem is opposite sidewalls, which for example are lower in an intermediate portion than in an outer portion located farther away from the second telescopic element and an inner portion located closer to the second telescopic element. These side walls may be

essentially V-shaped or U-shaped or similar, and between them replaceable supporting elements can be placed by means of fastening elements, so that they may easily be replaced. The fastening elements may, for example, be bolts, pins, screws or similar, and they are attached through holes in the side walls. The supporting elements, which advantageously are replaceable, but at least adjustable, may consist of two separate angular supporting elements of which at least one is rotatably mounted through an opposite upper end of the side walls with its upper, and by rotation around an axis of rotation the angle of inclination of said angular supporting elements may be adjusted and locked by means of pins, bolts, screws or similar in locking holes,

preferably further down on the side walls, i.e. opposite side walls. In advantageous embodiments the supporting elements, or the angular supporting elements, if applicable, exhibit upper surfaces facing the object to be lifted or carried. Particularly, these surfaces consist of, or are coated with, a plastic material or similar, which is suitable to come into contact with the object to be carried or lifted.

The upper and lower fastening elements of the first and second telescopic elements, respectively, can be arranged to be directly fastened to the boat and the upper side of the bathing bridge of the boat, respectively. Alterna^¬ tively, they can be designed to be attached to the upper side of the boat and the bathing bridge, respectively, stationary or removably by means of thereto placed cooperating fastening elements. It may be especially

advantageous to use a suitable form of guick-attachments .

Preferably, the arrangement is made of stainless steel or a similar material.

According to one variant of the invention the supporting elements adapted to the function are associated with one another and designed as a bathing or swimming platform. Then it is preferably removable and may, thus, easily be mounted when required. Alternatively, the supporting elements are adapted to co-operate with corresponding fastening elements on a lower side of a bathing platform for temporary mounting thereof.

In another embodiment the supporting elements are associated with one another by means of a connecting element to form one or more steps, or, alternatively, the supporting elements, or a set of replaceable supporting elements, are provided with fastening elements adapted to co-operate with corresponding fastening elements and a unit comprising one or more steps to be temporarily fastened, so that a stair consisting of one or more steps can easily be placed at the boat, which, furthermore, is vertically adjustable by means of the driving device.

In a special embodiment the electric motors are provided with manual control means, at least starting and stopping means, either only by means thereof or, alternatively, as a supplement to a remote control. Especially, the speed of the motors can be adjusted. It is also possible, as mentioned above, to have a completely manual crank device, either as the only driving device or as o supplement to be used in case of absence of current.

An advantage of the invention is that an arrangement is provided, which consists of two (or more) separate lifting devices, which have a relatively low weight. Furthermore, it is an advantage that a device is provided, which is easy to mount and which requires minimum interference on the boat. By the simplicity of the device, in combination with its strength, for example an outboard motor on a rubber boat can remain on the boat when it is lifted up, put in or transported. Especially advantageously the lifting units, i.e. the telescopic devices, can be

provided with quick-attachments, which makes it very easy to remove them when they are not to be used, or to put them back when they are to be used. The fact that they are removable reduces, for example, the risk of theft. According to the invention it is especially possible to transport and lift up or down, respectively, a water scooter, which has been difficult by means of known devices. Furthermore, it is difficult to steal such a vehicle, since it is stored out of the water (which is also the case, for example, as far as dingies or rubber boats are concerned) . A special advantage is, since the device comprises very few movable parts, that the reliability becomes high and the maintenance requirements low, and since the elements are closed the risk of squeezing and other risks of injuries, for example, to a person using it are minimal. It also reduces the risk that dirt and water may reach undesired locations and cause wear. Thanks to its simplicity it is also simple to manufacture and easy to mount. It also exhibits a very great flexibility and may easily be adapted to various types and sizes of boats and is easy to modify. A special advantage is that it flexibly may be used for various purposes, for example to transport a dingy, a rubber boat, a water scooter, a bathing platform or a ladder; as required.

Another special advantage is, if the supporting element adapted to the function is a bathing or swimming platform or similar, that injured persons or similar can be lifted out of the water.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be described, in a non-limiting way, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lifting and/or carrying arrangement according to the invention to be mounted at a boat, in an extended position, for example launching position,

is a schematic perspective view of the device shown in Fig. 1, but in withdrawn position, for example transport or lifting position, is a lateral view of a lifting and carrying arrangement according to the invention in extended position, here to launch a boat, illustrates an arrangement according to Fig. 3 in withdrawn position, here carrying or

transport position for a boat, is a perspective view in more detail of a telescopic device with a carrying device according to the invention arranged thereon, is a section through a telescopic device with a carrying device, as in Fig. 5, in order to schematically illustrate the screw and bearing device , illustrates a lateral view of an alternative telescopic device with carrier device in withdrawn position, illustrates a telescopic device with a carrier device according to Fig. 7A in extended

position,

Fig. 8 is a lateral view of an arrangement with an

alternative embodiment of a supporting element, Fig. 9 is a sectional view from the front of the device in Fig. 8, Fig. 9A is a sectional view along the line A-A in

Fig. 9,

Fig. 9B is a sectional view along the line B-B in

Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 illustrates an application with supporting element adapted to the function and comprising a swimming platform, Fig. 11 illustrates a further example of a supporting element adapted to the function,

Fig. 12 illustrates a special embodiment of a lifting and carrying arrangement with supporting element adapted to the function according to

Fig. 11,

Fig. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a lifting and carrying arrangement which is mounted only at the upper side of a bathing bridge, and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a telescopic device with carrier device and fastening device in more detail for the embodiment according to

Fig. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lifting and carrying arrangement 100 mounted at the stern of a pleasure boat 200, of which only the rear part is shown. The pleasure boat 200 is provided with a so called bathing bridge 250. In Fig. 1 the lifting and carrying arrangement is shown in a position, which for example is a position for launching for example a dingy. The water surface 600 is shown schematically, and the supporting arms 40A, 40B are located below the water surface. The lifting and carrying arrangement 100 comprises two separate telescopic devices 1, 2. The telescopic device 1 comprises an upper telescopic element 10A, in which a second telescopic element 20A is displaceably mounted. In a corresponding way the telescopic device 2 comprises a first telescopic element

10B, in which a second telescopic element 20B is displace- ably mounted. In the illustrated example the second telescopic elements 20A, 20B are extended from the first telescopic elements 10A, 10B as much as possible. At the top of the telescopic devices 1, 2 in connection with the first telescopic elements 10A, 10B two driving motors 30A, 30B are arranged, which through cables 81, 81 (and plugs; not shown) are coupled to a control unit 80, for example an electric control unit, which is stationary or removably mounted at the boat, for example at the transom. The motors are electrically connected, so that operation of the telescopic devices, i.e. extension and withdrawal, respectively, of the second telescopic elements 20A, 20B, occurs simultaneously in order to avoid obliquity.

Here, the first and the second telescopic elements, respectively, have an essentially square cross section and consist of tubular profiles with closed longitudinal walls essentially without openings, which contributes to reduce the risk of squeezing, wear, penetration of dirt particles and similar. The first telescopic elements 10A, 10B are by means of upper fastening devices 11A, 11B fastened to the transom, for example by means of thereon arranged cooperating fastening elements 51A, 51B, which will be described more in detail in an exemplifying purpose with reference to Fig. 5. In a corresponding way the first telescopic elements 10A, 10B at the bottom, or in an intermediate portion, are provided with lower fastening elements, which will be described more in detail with reference to Figs. 5, 8, 9A, and which are fastened directly to the upper side of the bathing bridge or to thereon arranged co-operating fastening elements 52A, 52B. Supporting arms 40A, 40B are fixedly mounted at the lower, second, telescopic elements 20A, 20B. As is clear from the figure, the lifting and carrying arrangement only comprises very few movable parts and exhibits elements with closed outer surfaces, which minimizes the risk of

squeezing and similar. Advantageously, the control unit 80 is provided with a communication unit for wireless reception, so that the lifting and carrying arrangement can be controlled via a remote control. This means that a person may, for example, sit in the rubber boat in or on the object to be transported, lifted or lowered during the lifting and lowering operation, respectively, and control the arrangement via the remote control. It is also

possible, for example, to let children sit in or on the object, for example a rubber boat, when it is launched or lifted up.

Fig. 2 illustrates schematically an arrangement 100 according to Fig. 1 arranged at the transom of a boat 200, but now the lifting and carrying arrangement is in so called position of transport, and for example a rubber boat (not shown) is above the water surface 600. In this position the second telescopic elements (not visible in Fig. 2) are withdrawn as much as desired, or completely, in the first telescopic elements 10A, 10B. Other details shown in Fig. 1 are here illustrated with corresponding reference numerals. Fig. 3 is a lateral view of an arrangement, which is mounted on the stern of a boat 200 in an application where it carries a rubber boat 400. The arrangement is different from the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 essentially only by the design of the lower fastening elements 21B and the mounting unit 60B (see Fig. 9B, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding elements) . Here only the telescopic device 2 is visible with first or upper telescopic element 10B, from which a second or lower telescopic element 20B is extended, for example maximally. At the upper end of the telescopic element 10B, as in Fig. 1, an electric motor 30B is provided, which operates the second telescopic device. The upper fastening device 11B co-operates with fastening elements 51B, which are

arranged at the transom of the boat in a position which is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the water or at least forms an angle of 45° or more therewith, in normal position of use. In a corresponding way the lower part of the first telescopic element 10B is provided with a second fastening device 21B, here associated with co- operating fastening element 52B arranged at the upper side of the bathing bridge 250 of the boat 200. In this position, which may also be called launching position, the second, lower, telescopic element 20B is for example extended as far as possible from the first telescopic element 10B. Firmly associated with the lower end of the second telescopic element 20B is a supporting arm 40B. It can, for example be welded. Alternatively, it can be screwed or similar. Here, this supporting arm 40B consists of a fixed supporting section 41B, which also forms the part of the supporting arm which is fixedly mounted or welded to the telescopic element 20B. The fixed supporting section 41B forms an angle with the lower telescopic ele- ment . The angle is for example between 100° and 170°, preferably about 120°-165°. At the fixed supporting section 41B a supporting element 42B adapted to the function is provided, which in an alternative embodiment in itself is removably mounted at its fixed supporting section 41B, or, alternatively, is provided with removable or replaceable elements (not shown) , which permits adaptation to the function of the object to be lifted or carried. Either the supporting element 42B itself, which is adapted to the function, can be adjustable or therein provided elements can be adjustable and replaceable, or only adjustable. In this embodiment the object to be carried or lifted is a rubber raft 400.

Fig. 4 is a sectional lateral view of the arrangement, as in Fig. 3, but in so called transport position a little above the water surface 600, i.e. the second telescopic element is withdrawn in the first telescopic element 10B as far as possible (or partly) , and the rubber raft 400 is above the water surface 600.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a telescopic device 10A, as in Fig. 1, with a supporting arm 40A associated therewith. A second telescopic device 10B with supporting arm included in the lifting and carrying arrangement is essentially identical (not shown here) .

Here, the telescopic device 1 consists of a first tele- scopic element 10A, which is tubular, hollow and has a substantially square cross section. In this a second telescopic element 20A is displaceably mounted, which also exhibits a square cross section and which by means of a driving device with a screw (not shown in Fig. 5), and an electrical motor 30A, can be operated in outwards and inwards direction in the first telescopic element 10A.

In Fig. 5 the telescopic device 1 is illustrated with the second telescopic element 20A in withdrawn position.

Welded or in another way fastened to the second telescopic element 20A is a supporting arm 40A, which consists of a fixed supporting section 41A which forms an angle with the second telescopic element 20A and which may have a length of, for example, between 40 and 80 centimeters, for example about 60 centimeters. The supporting arm 40A also comprises a supporting element 42A, which is adapted to the function and which either is detachably arranged at the fixed supporting section 41A or stationary mounted thereat, and comprises (here) detachable or at least adjustable supporting elements 43Ai, 43A₂. In the illustrated example these supporting elements, or at least one of them, 43Ai, is supposed to be adjustably and rotatably mounted in a fixed or removable part 42A included in the supporting element adapted to the function, where it is rotatably mounted around a shaft by means of a bolt 44A or a screw. The supporting element 43Ai, here also called angle supporting element, can be adjusted to form different supporting angles by being rotated around the bolt (the shaft) 44A through two opposite side walls in the upper part of the supporting element adapted to the function and locked by means of removable screws, pins or similar through lower holes 45A to form a certain angle for receiving an object. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the second angle supporting element 43A2 can be adjusted in a corresponding way. Alternatively, or additionally, the entire supporting element 42A adapted to the function can be replaceable. Advantageously, the support- ing element 42A adapted to the function is replaceable as well as in itself adjustable or provided with replaceable and/or adjustable supporting elements or angle supporting elements . The first telescopic element is provided with an upper fastening device 11A and a lower fastening device 21A. In the illustrated embodiment the upper fastening device 11A consists of a first bracket or similar 12A, which is firmly mounted at the upper part of the first telescopic element 10A, at which a second supporting bracket 13A is ad ustably/rotatably mounted, which is attached or attachable to a fastening plate 14A, which in mounted position is arranged to be fastened to the transom of the boat or more generally to the rear side of a boat, which is more or less vertical in relation to the water surface. Further down on the first telescopic element 10A, at its lower part or at least at its lower half, in desired position, the lower fastening device 21A is arranged. It can be designed in essentially the same way as the first

fastening device 11A with a first, stationary provided bracket 22A, to which, around a shaft, a second bracket element 23A is movably mounted or attached, which in its turn is attached or attachable to a fastening plate 24A at, or intended to be attached to, the upper side of the bathing bridge of the boat, essentially parallel thereto, either by means of fastening elements arranged thereon or by bolting or screwing directly into co-operating

fastening elements on the boat, which may consist of a reinforcement plate or any other suitable element. The upper and lower fastening devices, respectively, may be designed in many different ways, for example with

different variants of quick-attachments. According to various embodiments the second telescopic element 20A can be extended from the first telescopic element by a length of between suitably 80 and 150 centimeters or more. This depends on the field of application, the object to be carried or lifted, the cross section of the element, the thickness of the material, the size of the boat, among other things .

Fig. 6 is a schematical sectional view of a telescopic element 10A lengthwise, which, however, is provided with a fastening device 21A, according to Figs. 7A, 7B. The reference numerals are for similar elements the same as in Fig. 5 and the purpose of this figure is only to schematically show the screw 70A which passes through the telescopic device 10A and is used to drive the second tele- scopic element 20A outwards and inwards in the first telescopic element 10A, and schematically its bearing 75. The supporting arm 40A is by fixed supporting section 41A stationary mounted at the lower, second, telescopic element 20A, which shows an alternative supporting element 43An, 43A₂i adapted to the function, here comprising two delrin blocks. Generally, the upper sides of the supporting element adapted to the function are provided with a surface which is suitable to receive the object to be carried or lifted, for example some sort of plastics.

Figs. 7A and 7B are schematic lateral views of an alternative telescopic device li. In Fig. 7A the second telescopic element is withdrawn into the first telescopic element lOAi. The lower fastening device 21A_X is here so designed that the first bracket 22Ai is provided with a number of holes in order to make it possible to, by means of intermediate mounting element (bracket) 23A, attach the fastening plate 24Αχ in various positions, so that one and the same telescopic device li can be used for example for different types or sizes of boats. The supporting arm 40Ai substantially corresponds to the one described with reference to Fig. 5, but with the difference that it is

explicitly illustrated that the supporting element 42Ai adapted to the function permits adjustment of two angle supporting elements through different through hole in the upper part of respective side walls in two opposite profile elements, which each can be said to form a V with the point in the middle of the supporting element 42Ai adapted to the function. It shall be clear that the supporting element adapted to the function can be designed in many different ways and exhibit different shapes depending on the object to be carried/lifted. Furthermore, in Figs. 7A, 7B bearing holder device 60A is schematically illustrated, according to an embodiment (see for example Fig. 9B for a more detailed embodiment) . Fig. 7B shows a telescopic device li, with supporting 40A, corresponding to the one in Fig. 7A, but with th second telescopic element 20Ai in extended position. Fig. 8 illustrates a telescopic device 1₂ with an alternative embodiment of a supporting element 2A₂ adapted to the function. The supporting arm 41A₂ is, as in the previous embodiment, fixedly mounted at the lower telescopic element 20Ai. The same reference numerals as in Figs. 7A, 7B are used for elements which correspond to the respective figures. The supporting element adapted to the function comprises, or is associated with, a section 42A₂, at which a swimming platform 45 (vertically adjustable additional bathing bridge) is fixedly or removably

mounted. This is shown more clearly in a perspective view in Fig. 10, which shows the swimming platform 45 in an upper position above the water surface 600. Otherwise, the telescopic devices 1₂, 2₂ correspond to the ones shown in Figs. 7A, 7B. Plugs 82, 82 for the respective motor 30A, 30B are here schematically shown.

As an alternative to the swimming platform 45 a ladder with one or more steps could be mounted (not shown) at the fixed bearing sections.

Fig. 11 illustrates a further example of a telescopic device 1₃ with a supporting element 42₂ adapted to the function with vertically adjustable supports 47 which are rotatably mounted, for example by means of a bolt 48 or similar horizontally arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the supporting arm 40₃. Support 47 (,47) is in a first position countersunk or received in the supporting element adapted to the function, and this can together with an upper removable part (or be included in a removable or replaceably part mounted on the respect- tive fixed supporting sections) form a bathing/swimming platform 45 (Fig. 10). In a second, lifted up position supports 47 (,47) (on a supporting arm each) can function as supports for a water scooter. This application is more clearly shown in Fig. 12. Of course, supports 47 do not need to be vertically adjustable, but can of course also be fixed. It is not either necessary that they are com- bined with a bathing/swimming platform.

Fig. 9 is a view of the telescopic device I2 seen from the swimming platform, or an outer end of the supporting arm in the direction towards the transom of the boat.

As illustrated in Fig. 9A the fastening device 21A comprises a fastening plate 24A₂, which in mounted position is parallel to the upper side of a bathing bridge of a pleasure boat. By means of a fastening bolt 25A₂ or similar an intermediate fastening element 23A₂ is articulated to the fastening plate 24A₂, which fastening element in an advantageous embodiment is retractable into the bathing bridge 45. The intermediate fastening element 23A₂ is in its turn rotatable or articulated to a first bracket, or a first fastening element 22A₂, which can be a simple angle iron mounted along a portion of a longitudinal side of the first telescopic element, essentially a portion protruding perpendicularly towards the longitudinal side, which exhibits several mounting holes 26Ai-26A₅, which permits adaptation of the lifting or carrying arrangement to different types/sizes of boats and bathing bridges, respectively, in that the length/distance between mounting points and angle are adjustable. Preferably, the first mounting element, however, consists of a U-shaped or leg-shaped profile with corresponding mounting holes in opposite walls. Of course, the number of mounting holes in, as well as length and width of, the first mounting element 22A₂ may vary.

Fig. 9A also illustrates the mechanism for withdrawal/ extension of the second telescopic element into the first telescopic element by means of the screw device 70Ai, also called lead screw. Fig. 9A illustrates inner conveyor 71A, lead nut 72A₂ and lead nut block 73A and slide guide element 74A, and in the screw and driving device included inner-upper journal bearing 77A, bearing holder 76A and outer bearing tube 75A.

Fig. 9B is a sectional view along the line B-B in Fig. 8 with ball bearing 62A in bearing holder 63A, its center axis 61A and lower bearing roll 65A. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative lifting and carrying arrangement 100₄ with two telescopic devices 1₄, 2₄, driving device according to any of the previously described embodiments (not shown) and supporting arms 40A, 40B, which can also be designed in any of the ways

described in connection with the other embodiments. Also the telescopic devices are designed in any of the previously described ways. In this embodiment the fastening devices are different in that each of them comprises an inner fastening device 11A₄ and an outer fastening device 11A₅, which both are attached to the upper side of the bathing bridge. The inner fastening device comprises an inner stand leg llOAi, 110A₂ and the outer fastening device comprises an outer stand leg 210Ai, 210A₂, and the inner and outer stand legs are attached to a respective common stand plate 230Ai, 230A₂ (alternatively separate stand plates could be used) . The common stand plate 230Ai, 230A₂ is in its turn attached to a preferably, but not necessarily, permanently mounted fastening plate 240A,

240B in the horizontal plane of the bathing bridge (on its upper side). The entire lifting and carrying arrangement can in one embodiment be fastened to the bathing bridge by means of fastening bolts 260A, 261A. Particularly, these may be lockable by means of padlocks, for example. The upper ends of the stand legs are preferably attached to a fastening bar 270A, which may be welded in the respective first telescopic element. The length difference of the outer and inner stand legs, respectively, is that when the first telescopic element, where applicable the fastening bar, is arranged at their upper ends, forms a desired angle, for example between 30° and 75°, preferably between 35° and 55°, with the horizontal plane of the bathing bridge, but these indications are only exemplifying and may be larger as well as smaller. The upper ends of the stand legs are, preferably, inclined at the same angle from their upper (facing the boat) to their outer (facing away from the boat) side. Naturally, the invention is not limited to a driving, screw or bearing device as illustrated in Figs. 9A, 9B, but these figures only illustrate a special embodiment.

Also in other respects the invention may be varied in many different ways within the scope of the accompanying patent claims. It is not limited to the specified angles given or other statements of sizes. The telescopic elements may exhibit any suitable cross sectional shape, for example rectangular, triangular, pentagonal or polygonal in general, provided that it is stable and simple to produce. The length of the telescopic device may vary, for example between, in withdrawn position, about for example 1-3 m, in the preferred embodiments between 1-2 m, especially about 1,5 m, and in extended position 1,5 - 4,5 m,

preferably 2-3 m, especially about 2,5 m. Preferably, the lifting/carrying device is made of stainless steel. The inclination of the telescopic elements may also be varied, especially selected, and depends also on the length of the bathing bridge, the dimensions of the boat, where the fastening devices are attached and, in the embodiments where a stand with inner and outer stand legs are used, on the length of the respective stand legs in relation to one another, the distance between them.

As an alternative to bathing bridge the boat may have a protruding part or edge.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Lifting or carrying arrangement (100; 100i,

IOO2; 100₃; IOO4) intended to be arranged at a pleasure boat (200) provided with a bathing bridge (250) or similar projective part and comprising at least two telescopic devices (1, 2; 1 ; 1₂, 2₂; I3; I4, 2₄), a driving device (30A, 30B, 80, 70A; 70Ai) to operate the telescopic devices and a carrying device comprising two supporting arms (40A, 40B; 40Ai; 40A₂, 40B₂; 40₃; 40A, 40B) arranged in connection with a telescopic device (1, 2; 1χ; 1₂, 2₂; 1₃) each,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that each telescopic device (1, 2; li; 1₂, 2₂; 1₃; I4, 2₄) comprises a first hollow, tubular telescopic element (10A, 10B; lOAi, ΙΟΒχ; 10A₄, IOB4) having a cross section, which inscribes a first sectional area,

a second tubular telescopic element (20A, 20B; 20Αι, 20B; 20Bi) having a cross section of the same shape as said first cross section, and which inscribes a second sectional area, which is smaller than said first sectional area, where said second telescopic element (20A, 20B; 20Ai, 20Bi) is displaceably mounted in said first telescopic element and can be operated by means of the driving device to be displaced inwards/outwards in the first telescopic element between a first, as far as possible extended position and a second, as far as possible withdrawn position,

that the driving device (30A, 30B, 80, 70A; 70Ai)

comprises a motor-driven device with one motor or several electrically connected motors in connection with or coupled to the telescopic elements and/or a manual crank device, which is mechanically connected to screw devices or similar arranged in the respective telescopic elements, and that the driving device is arranged to simultaneously control the displacement of said second telescopic

elements in said first telescopic elements,

that each supporting arm (40A, 40B; 40Ai; 40A₂, 40B₂; 40₃) consists of a fixed supporting section (41A, 4 IB; 41Ai; 41A₂, 4IA3) which is firmly connected to a lower end of a respective second telescopic element and forms an angle therewith, and that a supporting element (42A, 42B; 42An, 43A , 43A₂i; 42Ai, 42A₂; 42A₃; 45; 42₃, 45₃) adapted to the function is releasably attachable to said fixed supporting section,

that each first telescopic element (10A, 10B; lOAi, lOBi; IOA4, IOB4) is provided with, or attachable at, an upper fastening device (11A, 11B; 11A_X; 11A₄) intended to be releasably attached to the rear side of the boat, the transom, or an inner fastening device intended to be releasably attached to an upper side of the bathing bridge (250) or similar, and a lower, or outer, fastening device (21A, 21B; 21Ai; 21Bi; 11A₅, 11B₄) intended to be releasably attached to the upper side of the bathing bridge (250) or similar, where the upper and inner fastening device, respectively, comprises or is arranged to be attached to a first fastening plate (51A, 51B) designed in such a way that it during the attachment extends in a plane substantially parallel to the transom of the boat and in a plane substantially parallel to the upper side (250Ai, 250A₂) of the bathing bridge, respectively, and the second fastening device comprises or is arranged to be attached to a second fastening plate (52A, 52B) designed in such a way that it during the attachment of the telescopic device extends in a plane substantially parallel to the upper side of the bathing bridge, so that, when an upper and a lower fastening device are used, said first and second fastening plates form an angle of for example between 45° and 135° with one another, or, when an inner and an outer fastening device are used, are parallel to one another or consist of a common fastening plate (230Ai, 230A₂) , whereby the fastening device comprises a stand with inner (11A₄, 11B₄) and outer (11A₅, 11B₅) stand legs, where the inner is longer and intended to be arranged nearer to the transom or rear part of the boat than the outer forming said outer fastening device, and whereby said stand legs in mounted position are designed to extend substantially perpendicularly to the upper side of the bathing bridge, and that said first and second telescopic elements consist of tubular profiles with closed

longitudinal walls.

2. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to Claim 1,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that said supporting arms (40A, 40B; 40Ai; 40A₃, 40B₃) are fixedly mounted, for example welded or screwed, at the sides of the second telescopic elements facing away from the corresponding sides of the first telescopic elements, where said fastening devices (11A, 11B; llAi) , (21A, 21B; 21Ai; 21Bi) are arranged.

3. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to Claim 2,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the driving device comprises separate electric motors (30A, 30B) , each arranged in a respective upper end of a first telescopic element opposite to a respective lower end of the second telescopic element, where the respective supporting arm is fixedly mounted, and that the motors are electrically connected for simultaneous operation of the telescopic devices.

4. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to

Claim 3,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the electric motors (30A, 30B) are arranged to be controlled by a control unit (80) comprising a communica- tion unit for wireless control by means of a remote control .

5. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the preceding Claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the width and/or the length of said supporting elements (42A, 42B; 42An, 43An, 43A₂i; 42A_X, 42A₂; 42A₃; 45; 42₃, 45₃) adapted to the function is/are adjustable to be able to exhibit different carrying widths and/or lengths, and/or that the inclination of in said supporting elements adapted to the function included supporting sections (43An, 43A₂i) can be adjusted to exhibit differ- rent support angles in relation to an object to be carried or lifted.

6. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to Claim 5,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that said respective supporting elements (42A, 42B; 42An, 43An, 43A₂i; 42Αχ, 42A₂; 42A₃; 45; 42₃, 45₃) adapted to the function comprise an outer profile element, which is fixedly or releasably mounted at, and at least along more than half of the length, by which said supporting arm extends in relation to the first telescopic element, and exhibit opposite side walls, which are lower in an intermediate portion than in an outer portion located farther away from the second telescopic element and an inner portion located closer to the second telescopic element, and that said side walls are V- or U-shaped and that between said side walls replaceable support elements

(43Ai, 43A₂) are placed by means of fastening elements (44A, 45A) , for example bolts, pins, screws or similar, to be fastened through holes in said side walls.

7. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to

Claim 6,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that said replaceable support elements (43Ai, 43A₂) consist of two separate angle support elements, of which at least one is rotatably mounted through opposite upper ends of the side walls at it respective upper ends, and that by rotation around said axis of rotation the angle of inclination of said angle support elements may be adjusted by means of pins, bolts or similar.

8. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the preceding Claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that said supporting elements (43An, 43A₂i) adapted to the function, said support elements, or angle support

elements, exhibit upper surfaces facing towards an object to be lifted or supported, and that these surfaces consist of or are coated with plastic material or similar.

9. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the preceding Claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that it comprises an upper fastening device (11A, 11B; llAi) intended to be releasably attached to the rear side or transom of the boat, and a lower fastening device arranged at an angle of between about 45-135° with one another, and said upper and lower fastening devices (11A, 11B; llAi, (21A, 2 IB; 21A_X; 2lBi) on said first and second telescopic elements, respectively, are arranged to directly or indirectly be attached to the boat and to the upper side of the bathing bridge of the boat, respectively, or to be attached to co-operating fastening elements, which are fixedly or releasably arranged at the boat/bathing bridge.

10. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the preceding Claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that it is made of stainless steel.

11. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the preceding Claims,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the supporting elements are associated with one another and designed as a bathing platform or that the supporting elements are made to co-operate with corresponding fastening elements at a lower side of a separate bathing platform for temporary mounting.

12. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to anyone of the Claims 1-10,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the supporting elements are associated with one another by means of a connection element to form one or more steps or that the supporting elements are provided with fastening elements designed to co-operate with corresponding fastening elements at a unit comprising one or more steps for temporary mounting.

13. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to

Claim 11,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the bathing platform or the supporting elements (42₃, 42₃) are/is provided with support elements (47, 47) that can be retracted/folded out.

14. Lifting or carrying arrangement according to

Claim 4,

c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n

that the electric motors are provided with manual control means, at least starting/stopping means.