WO2013165423A1 - Cale sèche gonflable - Google Patents

Cale sèche gonflable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013165423A1
WO2013165423A1 PCT/US2012/036258 US2012036258W WO2013165423A1 WO 2013165423 A1 WO2013165423 A1 WO 2013165423A1 US 2012036258 W US2012036258 W US 2012036258W WO 2013165423 A1 WO2013165423 A1 WO 2013165423A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
watercraft
water
dock
dry
inflatable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/036258
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dean Richard HOWARD
Original Assignee
Incept Marine Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Incept Marine Ltd. filed Critical Incept Marine Ltd.
Priority to PCT/US2012/036258 priority Critical patent/WO2013165423A1/fr
Publication of WO2013165423A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013165423A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
    • B63B59/04—Preventing hull fouling
    • B63B59/045—Preventing hull fouling by wrapping the submerged hull or part of the hull with an impermeable sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C1/00—Dry-docking of vessels or flying-boats
    • B63C1/02—Floating docks

Definitions

  • This application relates to the marine field of dry-docks where a marine vessel (boat) is substantially removed from contact with water, by removing the water, rather than removing the vessel.
  • an inflatable dry-dock solution for the underside protection of pleasure (or other) watercraft from marine growth.
  • the inflatable dry-dock in one form comprising: an inflatable perimeter float having a port side, a starboard side, and an aft side; and a malleable diaphragm sealed to the port side, starboard side, and aft side of the perimeter float to form a watertight boundary between a watercraft and the water in which the dry-dock and watercraft float.
  • the watertight boundary in one form having an inner surface wherein the inflatable perimeter when inflated, and diaphragm in combination are less dense than water, and therefore float.
  • the aft side of the perimeter float in one form forming a gate portion which is selectively deflated so as to be more dense than water, and therefore sink below the surface of the water in which the dry-dock floats.
  • the gate remains attached to the perimeter float when deflated, and allows water to at least partially fill the watertight boundary such that a watercraft may enter the watertight boundary through the gate.
  • a water pump is also provided, in fluid communication with the inner surface of the watertight boundary so as to evacuate water from between the inner surface and the watercraft.
  • the inflatable dry-dock as described may further include weights attached to the gate wherein the weights are significantly denser than water to help the gate to sink below the water surface.
  • the inflatable dry-dock disclosed may further comprise at least one pocket extension in the dry-dock diaphragm configured to accept a propeller, shaft, or rudder of the watercraft. This protects the components of the watercraft, and the dry-dock, from damage.
  • the inflatable dry-dock as described may further comprise an automatic electric connection system comprising: a first plurality of electrically conductive leads attached to the inner surface of the watertight boundary; and a second plurality of electrically conductive leads attached to an exterior surface of the watercraft.
  • the first plurality of electrically conductive leads are in electric communication with the water pump so as to provide operating power thereto.
  • the second plurality of electrically conductive leads are in electric communication with a power supply.
  • the first plurality of electrically conductive leads may be aligned with, in contact with, and in electric communication with the second plurality of electrically conductive leads when the vessel is properly parked within the inflatable dry-dock.
  • the inflatable dry-dock as described may be arranged wherein, the first and the second plurality of electrically conductive leads are tinned to reduce oxidation and improve electrical conduction.
  • the inflatable dry-dock as described may further comprise an air pump in communication with the inflatable perimeter float so as to provide positive pressure air to the inflatable perimeter float.
  • a method for dry docking a watercraft comprising the steps of: providing an inflatable perimeter float having a port side, a starboard side, and an aft side; providing a dry-dock device as described, deflating the gate, positioning the watercraft into the watertight boundary through the gate; inflating the gate portion such that the perimeter float encircles the watercraft above a waterline, such that the diaphragm is in contact with the hull of the watercraft and provides a watertight boundary between the watercraft and the water in which the watercraft floats; and evacuating water from between the inner surface and the watercraft.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the disclosure where the opposing side view is substantially a mirror image thereof.
  • Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with a vessel supported therein.
  • axes system 10 is shown in Figs. 1 , 2, and 3 generally comprising a longitudinal axis 12 which has shown points in a forward direction towards a bow portion of the apparatus, a vertical axis 14 which as shown in Fig. 1 points in an upward direction, and a transverse axis which as shown in Fig. 2 points in a left, or port side direction with the opposite direction being right or starboard.
  • a longitudinal axis 12 which has shown points in a forward direction towards a bow portion of the apparatus
  • a vertical axis 14 which as shown in Fig. 1 points in an upward direction
  • a transverse axis which as shown in Fig. 2 points in a left, or port side direction with the opposite direction being right or starboard.
  • the rearward longitudinal portion of the apparatus and the watercraft will be called the stern.
  • This axes system and the directions indicated are provided for ease and understanding of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the apparatus to a particular orientation.
  • the apparatus and method described herein overcomes these detriments by providing a waterproof, barrier between the hull of the watercraft, while the watercraft is still in the water and at a dock, without the use of chemicals which are detrimental to aquatic organisms.
  • the apparatus provides a resilient inflated parameter to which further protects the hull of the vessel from accidental contact with, and damage from the dock and other rigid elements which it may contact.
  • Fig. 1 is shown one embodiment of a floating dry dock 20 with a watercraft 22 therein.
  • the watercraft 22 is described as having a forward or bow portion 24, a stern portion 26 which may include a swim step 28, and a keel.
  • Extending from the hull 30 in the illustrated embodiment of a watercraft is a rudder 32 commonly used to steer the vessel, a propeller 34, and a shaft 36 connecting the propeller to an engine normally within the watercraft 22.
  • Power driven watercraft may also use a stern drive, or outboard engine.
  • Other watercraft such as sailboats may not have a shaft or propeller but may be driven by sails, oars, paddlewheels, water jet drives, or similar propulsion means.
  • the dry dock 20 in one form comprises a forward or bow portion 38, and a stern portion 40 easily seen in Fig. 1 .
  • the port side 42 and starboard side 44 can be easily seen and distinguished.
  • the dry dock 20 of this embodiment generally comprises an inflatable perimeter tube 46 which may be internally segregated at multiple points by a bulkhead 48.
  • transversely aligned bulkheads 50 within the inflatable perimeter tube distinguish a forward part 54 of the dry dock 20, which is nearly constantly inflated, from a gate portion 52, which may be selectively deflated and allowed to sink below the water line 56 to allow the watercraft 22 to enter and exit the dry dock 20.
  • Attached and sealed to the perimeter tube 46 is a malleable diaphragm 58 which forms a watertight barrier between the outer hull 30 of the watercraft 22 and the water in which the watercraft 22 and dry dock 20 float.
  • the watertight diaphragm 58 may be formed of polymer impregnated fabric, polymers, watertight or water resistant fabrics or other materials commonly used in the production of inflatable watercraft such as for example polyester reinforced polyeurethene. Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM) commonly sold under the trade name "Hypalon” may also be used. Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, and other plastics or plasticized materials may be utilized in both the formation of the diaphragm 58 as well as the perimeter tube 46.
  • CSPE Chlorosulfonated polyethylene
  • CSM synthetic rubber
  • Other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, and other plastics or plasticized materials may be utilized in both the formation of the diaphragm 58 as well as the perimeter tube 46.
  • a plurality of mooring beckets 60 are provided which allow attachment of mooring lines (ropes) which may then be attached between the dry dock 20 and the watercraft 22, the mooring dock, another vessel, or other apparatus to form a secure attachment between the dry dock 20 and the other apparatus.
  • the vessel will be attached directly to the mooring dock through other mooring lines to reduce stress on the dry dock 20, although the watercraft 22 may be attached to the dry dock 20 through the mooring lines on a temporary basis while initially docking the watercraft.
  • the mooring beckets 60 may also provide attachment points for electrical connections, fluid conduits for air entry, and water evacuation.
  • the diaphragm 58 may include a pocket 62, or a plurality of pockets 62, to protect and seal around the rudder(s) 32, propeller(s) 34, and/or shaft(s) 36. Similar pockets may be sized and shaped for outboard motors, sailboat keels, jet drives, and other hull projections.
  • the gate portion 52 may be deflated, and having a weighted portion, such as a weight tube 64 or plurality of weight tubes 64, may be heavier than water, pivot about a gate pivot 66 along pivot arc 68 as shown in Fig. 1 to an open position 70.
  • the weight tubes 64 may be external of the gate portion of the perimeter tube, or they may be internal.
  • water may flow into the diaphragm 58, and the watercraft may be driven or pulled into the watertight boundary. Once in place, air may be pumped back into the gate portion 52 through a gate inflation hose 72 shown in Fig.
  • a first plurality of electrically conductive leads 78 are attached to the inner surface of the watertight boundary (diaphragm 58). These electrically conductive leads are in electric communication with a water pump 82 so as to provide operating power thereto.
  • a second plurality of electrically conductive leads 80 may be attached to an exterior surface (hull 30) of the watercraft 22, and these electrically conductive leads are in electric communication with a power supply.
  • the first plurality of electrically conductive leads are aligned, in contact with, and in electric communication with the second plurality of electrically conductive leads when the vessel is properly moored within the inflatable dry-dock. Thus, electrical power may be automatically provided to the water pump 82 without a manual connection.
  • electrical power may be provided through a standard manual plug.
  • Manual water pumps may also be used, or the water pump may be inside the watercraft and connected by a tube or through-hull to the area between the hull 30 of the watercraft and the watertight boundary (diaphragm 58).
  • the water pump 82 is an automatic, bilge pump which is actuated when in contact with water, and de-activated when a certain amount (level) of water is not present.
  • the water pump 82 is normally connected through a tube 84 to an overboard discharge fitting 86, as shown in Fig. 2, which directs the water beyond the watertight boundary.
  • the source of pressurized air may be external of the perimeter tube 46, or may be provided within the perimeter tube 46.
  • an air pump compressor
  • the disconnect fitting 74 is mated to an interoperating fitting on the watercraft 22. In this way, air can be pumped into the gate portion 52 and the rest of the perimeter tube 46 without a fluid (air) connection to the mooring dock or other vessel. This also allows the apparatus to be completely portable, as it does not rely on shore power or external connections.
  • the pump 82 is actuated and the water between the watercraft 22 and diaphragm 58 is then evacuated. If the pump 82 is an automatic type pump, it may be left on (powered) to evacuate rainwater, water from waves splashing into the diaphragm 58 or water leaking or otherwise entering this region.
  • the dry dock 20 may also comprise a plurality of handles 88, as shown in Fig. 2, for grasping such as for repositioning of the dry dock 20.
  • the handles 88 may be especially useful in carrying the apparatus when not inflated.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé qui fournissent une barrière étanche à l'eau entre la coque du bateau, alors que le bateau est encore dans l'eau, et à quai. De plus, l'appareil fournit un périmètre gonflé élastique qui protège davantage la coque du bateau d'un contact accidentel avec le quai et de dégâts provoqués par celui-ci et d'autres éléments rigides avec lesquels il peut entrer en contact.
PCT/US2012/036258 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Cale sèche gonflable WO2013165423A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2012/036258 WO2013165423A1 (fr) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Cale sèche gonflable

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2012/036258 WO2013165423A1 (fr) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Cale sèche gonflable

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013165423A1 true WO2013165423A1 (fr) 2013-11-07

Family

ID=49514679

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2012/036258 WO2013165423A1 (fr) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Cale sèche gonflable

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013165423A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105667734A (zh) * 2016-02-29 2016-06-15 浙江海洋学院 一种滚塑游艇的外部保护装置
GB2545630A (en) * 2015-10-28 2017-06-28 Atureliya Senake Lifting and assembly method for floating buildings and other heavy components
WO2019226056A1 (fr) * 2018-05-25 2019-11-28 Incept Marine Ltd Cale sèche gonflable
FR3100793A1 (fr) * 2019-09-18 2021-03-19 Naval Group Système de confinement d'au moins une portion sous-marine d'une structure marine et procédé de mise en oeuvre de ce système
EP3849896A4 (fr) * 2018-09-10 2022-07-20 Sea Pen Holdings Pty Ltd Protection de coque de navire et méthode de construction

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3296577A (en) * 1964-10-21 1967-01-03 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electrical connector assembly and method
US4282822A (en) * 1978-03-06 1981-08-11 Robert Jackson Boat hull anti-fouling shroud
US5549069A (en) * 1993-12-10 1996-08-27 Faidi; Zayd Enclosure for shielding moored water vessel hull from direct contact with water
US7047900B2 (en) * 2003-03-20 2006-05-23 Boat Bunkers, Inc. Watercraft storage apparatus and method
AU2005222514A1 (en) * 2005-10-12 2007-04-26 Alexander De Waal A protection apparatus
US7817055B1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2010-10-19 Eugene Scanlon Boat power isolator adapter
US20110052350A1 (en) * 2008-01-28 2011-03-03 Lydle Richard C Watercraft dry dock storage systems and methods

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3296577A (en) * 1964-10-21 1967-01-03 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electrical connector assembly and method
US4282822A (en) * 1978-03-06 1981-08-11 Robert Jackson Boat hull anti-fouling shroud
US5549069A (en) * 1993-12-10 1996-08-27 Faidi; Zayd Enclosure for shielding moored water vessel hull from direct contact with water
US7047900B2 (en) * 2003-03-20 2006-05-23 Boat Bunkers, Inc. Watercraft storage apparatus and method
US7817055B1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2010-10-19 Eugene Scanlon Boat power isolator adapter
AU2005222514A1 (en) * 2005-10-12 2007-04-26 Alexander De Waal A protection apparatus
US20110052350A1 (en) * 2008-01-28 2011-03-03 Lydle Richard C Watercraft dry dock storage systems and methods

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2545630A (en) * 2015-10-28 2017-06-28 Atureliya Senake Lifting and assembly method for floating buildings and other heavy components
CN105667734A (zh) * 2016-02-29 2016-06-15 浙江海洋学院 一种滚塑游艇的外部保护装置
WO2019226056A1 (fr) * 2018-05-25 2019-11-28 Incept Marine Ltd Cale sèche gonflable
EP3849896A4 (fr) * 2018-09-10 2022-07-20 Sea Pen Holdings Pty Ltd Protection de coque de navire et méthode de construction
FR3100793A1 (fr) * 2019-09-18 2021-03-19 Naval Group Système de confinement d'au moins une portion sous-marine d'une structure marine et procédé de mise en oeuvre de ce système

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