WO2016088033A1

WO2016088033A1 - Inflatable fender apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016088033A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059243
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Luigi DAL MONTE CASONI
Original assignee: Dal Monte Casoni Marco Luigi
Priority date: 2014-12-01
Filing date: 2015-12-01
Publication date: 2016-06-09
Also published as: EP3227177A1

Abstract

A fender (1) comprises an inflatable bag (3) susceptible to be inflated to go from an axially retracted configuration to an axially extended configuration when inflated, and be suitable to reversibly fold back up towards the retracted position when deflated. Advantageously, the fender comprises return means associated with the inflatable bag (3) to cause the inflatable bag itself to fall back in a pack during its deflation.

Description

INFLATABLE FENDER APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to an inflatable apparatus, such as a fender for boats, in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, intended for preventing bumps and/or rubbing of an object or a means against other means or against fixed structures.

For description simplicity, the present description is made as a non-limiting example with particular reference to a fender for boats, i.e. a bumper element, generally made of soft plastic material, intended to be positioned along the broadside of a boat so to be interposed between the boat and a dock or another boat.

In the context of boats, the presence of fenders is indispensable for carrying out docking maneuvers to a dock or if it is desired to leave the boat at moorings in port so to avoid bumps or rubbing of the hull against the dock or against other boats.

Nevertheless it must be indicated that, during navigation, the presence of fenders hung outside the hull is quite undesired, both for aesthetic reasons and due to the fact that such fenders are bulky and in some cases can come to interfere with the free surface of the water. This occurs for example for a sailboat when tilted with respect to the vertical when sailing upwind.

In consideration of the above, once sailing, it is common practice to remove the fenders from the hull exterior, packing them in a pit or storage area on board.

For such purpose, it is indicated that with a rather high bulk of the fenders, the identification on board the boat of an appropriate space suitable for receiving the fenders can be quite difficult, particularly in the case of small-size boats. This also depends on the fact that, generally, the storage areas of a boat accessible from the deck are preferably used for packing other objects, such as safety equipment and ropes.

In consideration of that described above, it is clear that there is the need today to be able to have fenders that are easily packable on board a boat, due to reduced fender bulk.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is that of devising an inflatable apparatus for preventing bumps and/or rubbing of an object or of a means against other means or against fixed structures, which has structural and functional characteristics such to meet such requirement, at the same time overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art. In addition, the inflatable apparatus according to the invention in any case has size such to allow an effective action of attenuation of bumps and/or rubbing of the hull of the boat with respect to a dock or to another boat.

Such technical problem is resolved by an inflatable apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in particular a fender for boats.

The solution idea underlying the present invention is to employ an inflatable apparatus comprising an inflatable bag which can be inflated through an air supply circuit; such inflatable bag, when connected to the drain, is capable of bending back according to a predetermined scheme, and can be autonomously placed back inside a collection system, occupying a volume of about one-fifth with respect to its size when inflated.

According to a further aspect, the present invention also regards a fender in accordance with claim 16 and a boat in accordance with claim 17.

Further characteristics and advantages of the inflatable apparatus according to the present invention will be clearer from the below-reported description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the enclosed figures in which:

- figure 1 represents a perspective view of a boat to which the inflatable apparatuses according to the invention are applied;

- figure 2 represents a perspective view of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention in axially retracted configuration, with a cover casing removed;

- figure 3 represents a perspective view of the inflatable apparatus of figure 2;

- figure 4 represents a perspective view of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention in an intermediate configuration between the axially retracted configuration of figure 2 and the axially extended configuration of figure 3;

- figure 5 represents a schematic plan view of only the inflatable bag of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention;

- figures 6 and 7 represent two respective perspective views, from different angles, of the support structure of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention;

- figure 8 represents a front plan view of only the support structure of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention;

- figure 9 represents a simplified perspective view of a longitudinal batten of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention and

- figure 10 represents a side plan view of the longitudinal batten of figure 9.

With reference to the enclosed figures, reference number 1 overall indicates an inflatable apparatus for preventing bumps and/or rubbing of an object or of a means against other means or against fixed structures.

With reference to the illustrated embodiment, described hereinbelow, said inflatable apparatus 1 constitutes, in an exemplifying and non-limiting manner, an inflatable fender to be used applied to the broadside of the hull 21 of the boat 20, for preventing bumps and rubbing of the boat itself against a dock or against another adjacent boat.

The inflatable apparatus 1 comprises a support structure 2 and an inflatable bag 3, which is fixed to the support structure 2 at a first portion 8 thereof.

The inflatable bag 3 extends longitudinally between opposite head ends 6 and 7 along an axis X-X (see figure 5).

The inflatable bag 3 is a closed bag which:

- is made from an airtight material, such that it can be inflated and keep the air, or another gas/fluid contained at its interior and

- is provided with at least one opening (not illustrated) through which the introduction/outflow of air is allowed for the inflation/deflation of the inflatable bag itself.

Said at least one opening of the inflatable bag is suitable to be connected in an airtight manner and slaved for opening/closing movements to a fluid interception valve means. In the example, the fluid interception valve means 5 are connected in an airtight manner to the opening of the inflatable bag 3 through a tubular duct 16.

The fluid interception valve means 5 are suitable to be actuated to go from a closed condition to an open condition, in which they respectively prevent and allow the passage of air through said opening into/from said inflatable bag 3.

It should be indicated that the inflatable bag 3 is fixed with its first portion 8 to the support structure 2 so as to be suitable to be extended to go, during the inflation, from an axially retracted configuration (see figure 2) to an axially extended configuration (see figure 3), and be suitable to reversibly fold back up in order to go, during the deflation, from said axially extended configuration (see figure 3) to said axially retracted configuration (see figure 2).

Figure 4 illustrates an intermediate condition in which the inflatable bag 3 comes to be situated during the inflation step, before the inflatable bag 3 is completely inflated.

As is clear from the examination of figures 3 and 5, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first portion 8 of the inflatable bag 3 which is fixed to the support structure 2 is found substantially close to the first end 6 of the inflatable bag 3. When the inflatable bag 3 is in the axially extended configuration (see figure 3), the other head end 7 of the inflatable bag 3 therefore defines a free end distal from said first portion 8 of the inflatable bag 3 and from the support structure 2.

In passing from said axially retracted configuration (see figure 2), to said axially extended configuration (see figure 3), said distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3 extends longitudinally for a longitudinal section AL from said first portion 8 which is fixed to the support structure 2.

Preferably, said opening of the inflatable bag is positioned at the first portion 8 of the inflatable bag 3 or in any case at another point spaced from the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag.

Advantageously, said inflatable apparatus 1 comprises return means, which are associated with the inflatable bag 3 in order to act with a return force between said opposite head ends 6 and 7, so as to determine the folding up of the inflatable bag 3 from said axially extended configuration (see figure 4) to said axially retracted configuration (see figure 2), while said fluid interception valve means 5 are left in open configuration and, through said opening, the exit of air from the inflatable bag 3 is thus allowed.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, said return means are elastic return means, since they are suitable for exerting an elastic return action on the inflatable bag with a predetermined elastic load, such to cause the bending back of the inflatable bag 3 from said axially extended configuration (see figure 4) to said axially retracted configuration (see figure 2) as soon as such inflatable bag starts to be deflated or has already been deflated.

Preferably, said return means engage the inflatable bag 3 at many points 9 longitudinally offset from each other and positioned between said first portion 8 and a free end 7 distal from the first portion 8, to cause a bending back of said inflatable bag 3 on the support structure 2, from said distal free end 7.

Preferably, said bending back of the inflatable bag 3, towards said first portion

8 of the inflatable bag 3 and towards the support structure 2, is a falling back in a pack, otherwise known as bellows folding, which:

- is attained due to the action exerted on the inflatable bag itself by the return means as the inflatable bag is being emptied of air or when such inflatable bag has already been deflated and

- causes the regular and compact folding up of the inflatable bag 3 towards said axially retracted configuration (see figure 2).

If said return means are elastic return means, said bending back is automatically attained with the deflation of the inflatable bag, preferably as the inflatable bag is being emptied.

It should be stressed that, when the inflatable bag 3 is inflated in axially extended configuration (sec figure 3), the opening to the drain of said fluid interception valve means 5 is per se sufficient for attaining the progressive deflation of the inflatable bag 3 and its corresponding progressive bending back towards the axially retracted configuration, illustrated in figure 2. The action exerted by said return means, e.g. the elastic preload exerted by the elastic return means, acts on the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3, pulling such distal free end towards said first portion 8 fixed to the support structure 2; this occurs as the air progressively exits from the inflatable bag 3 through said opening, while the fluid interception valve means 5 are opened to the drain, or it can occur after the complete emptying of the inflatable bag.

Advantageously, said folding of the inflatable bag 3 in a pack is facilitated by the fact that the drain opening of the inflatable bag 3 is positioned at the first portion 8 at which the inflatable bag 3 is fixed to the support structure 2, i.e. at a point of the inflatable bag 3 which is distal from the free end 7, from which the inflatable bag 3 starts to carry out the folding back movement towards the support structure 2.

Preferably, in order to obtain an extremely regular falling back in a pack of the inflatable bag 3 in axially retracted configuration (see figure 2), said return means engage the inflatable bag 3 in a plurality of points.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, said return means engage the inflatable bag 3 at many points 9 that are longitudinally offset from each other between the first portion 8 and the distal free end 7. This allows effectively guiding the bending back movement, as well as the extension movement, of the inflatable bag 3.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, said return means comprise a cable 10, or another structurally or functionally equivalent element, having a first portion held in engagement by the support structure 2 and at least one second portion engaged with the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3.

In the case of elastic return means, said return means can comprise a helical spring, an elastic band, an elastic cable or another structurally and/or functionally equivalent element.

Preferably, said at least one second portion of the cable 10 comprises two distinct portions of the cable 10 itself, each of said two distinct portions being engaged with a respective longitudinal portion of the inflatable bag 3.

Preferably, said longitudinally offset points of the inflatable bag 3 are slots 9 traversed by the cable 10. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for rings, hooks, loops or other engagement means that are structurally and/or functionally equivalent to the slots, for engaging a portion of the cable 10.

Said slots are provided with suitable rolling means 4 which, during the extension and bending movements of the inflatable bag 3, prevent rubbing and abrasions from occurring between the cable 10 and the slots 9.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, said support structure 2 comprises a sheave system 13 (see figures 6-8) which defines the part of the support structure 2 capable of retaining/engaging said first portion of the cable 10, which in accordance with the illustrated embodiment is defined by an elastic cable 10.

More specifically, said first portion of the elastic cable 10 extends with many transmissions for a section of predetermined length between the pulleys 14 of said sheave system 13, in a manner such that the elastic cable 10 is allowed to slide with respect to the pulleys 14 during the bending back or extension of the inflatable bag 3.

In the illustrated example (see figures 6 and 7), said sheave system 13 is formed by two distinct and opposite groups of pulleys 14 (in the example, each group of pulleys comprises five pulleys), each of which supported by a respective support bracket 15 so to be able to rotate around the rotation axis thereof. The rotation axes of the two aforesaid groups of pulleys are parallel to each other and are oriented in a direction Z-Z perpendicular to the plane defined by said longitudinal X-X and transverse Y-Y directions. In consideration whereof, said transmissions of the elastic cable 10 between the pulleys 14 substantially extend in the transverse direction Y-Y.

In figures 6 and 8, the dashed arrows marked with F indicate the exit direction of the elastic cable 10 from the sheave system 13 of the support structure 2.

The support structure 2 and the sheave system 13 can be conveniently closed inside a cover casing 18, which can assume various shapes in order to be adapted to different installation requirements.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, said first portion of the elastic cable 10, which is engaged with the pulleys 14, is a central portion of the elastic cable itself, while the at least one second portion of the cable 10 is defined by the two end portions of the elastic cable 10. As is clear from figures 2, 3 and 4, each end portion of the cable is engaged, in the example it is knotted, at a respective slot 9 positioned at the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3.

As an alternative to that described above, it is possible to provide for the opposite case, in which the central end of the elastic cable is situated to engage slots 9 positioned at the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3, while the end portions of the elastic cable are kept joined together in the various transmissions between the pulleys 14 or they are fixed in another manner to the support structure itself.

The illustrated embodiment is particularly preferred and advantageous: here, the cable 10 is an elastic cable which, when subjected to traction, is able to be elastically elongated by at least 20% of its rest length.

In the case of elastic cable and said sheave system 13 (see figures 6-8), considering a cable capable of being elastically elongated by a predetermined percentage, i.e. with elastic return without the structure of the cable being damaged, in order to ensure a complete extension of the inflatable bag in its extension position, it is sufficient to provide that the length of the elastic cable section contained in the transmissions between the sheaves has the possibility to be elastically elongated by a quantity AL having length equal to at least double the length with which the inflatable bag extends in passing from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. It need only be added that once the maximum value of elastic elongation percentage of the elastic cable 10 is known, as well as the value AL for which the cable must be elongated, the length of the elastic cable section which must be contained in the sheave system 13 can be easily determined.

It is also possible to provide for the use of a non-elastic cable combined with a portion of an elastic element, such as, for example, a helical spring or elastic band, inserted along a non-elastic cable or connected to one end of the cable itself.

As described above, when the inflatable bag 3 passes from the axially retracted configuration (see fig. 2) to the axially extended configuration (see figure 3), it is longitudinally extended by said longitudinal section AL. Since the cable 10 is fixedly connected to said slots 9, which are positioned at the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3 (see figure 2), it is clear that also portions of cable which are fixedly connected to said end slots 9 must move away from said longitudinal section AL from the support structure 2, so as to be able to follow the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3.

In the case of use of an elastic cable 10, said longitudinal section AL can be advantageously obtained, as claimed above, to the detriment of an elastic elongation of the elastic cable 10, which brings the elastic cable itself into a condition of greater internal axial tension. This greater internal axial tension of the elastic cable 10 determines an advantageous increase of the elastic return effect exerted on the distal free end 7 of the inflatable bag 3, the deflation and the folding back of the inflatable bag 3 therefore being facilitated, while the fluid interception valve means 5 are opened to the drain.

As an alternative to the embodiment described and illustrated above, it is possible to provide for other technical solutions.

As already underlined, it is possible to provide for elastic bands, helical springs or springs of another type, inserted in series with the cable if such cable is not elastic or is not sufficiently elastic to allow an elastic elongation of said longitudinal section AL.

In accordance with a different, non-illustrated embodiment, said elastic return means can comprise rolling means to keep a section of the cable rolled up, with a predetermined elastic pulling load, in a manner such that the section of cable rolled on said rolling means is suitable to be unrolled and/or elongated in contrast to said predetermined elastic pulling load for at least one section equal to said longitudinal section AL. In this case, the elongation of the cable is therefore attained at the expense of a greater elastic load of the rolling means, and therefore it is not necessary to employ an elastic cable.

In accordance with a further, non-illustrated embodiment, the return means acting on the cable 10 comprise a winding device for winding the cable 10 around a winding member, which can be rotated manually or by motor means. For example, it is possible to provide for a winch, from which a non-elastic cable is conveniently unwound, to allow the inflatable bag 3 to go from the axially retracted configuration to the axially extended configuration, or on which it is conveniently wound to cause the return of the inflatable bag 3 into said axially retracted configuration. In this case, it is not even necessary that the cable be elastic, since a cable can be used that is structurally more resistant than an elastic cable. Such solution is particularly recommended in the case of a heavy inflatable bag.

It should be underlined that the expansion of the inflatable bag from the axially extended configuration (see figure 3) to the axially retracted configuration (see figure 2) can also occur via falling from above, due to the weight of the inflatable bag 3 itself. In this case, to allow the above extension via falling from above of the inflatable bag, it is sufficient that the inflatable bag is no longer retained in axially retracted configuration by said return means.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the inflatable bag 3 can provide for a first section, e.g. the section close to the support structure 2, of non-inflatable type, followed by a subsequent inflatable section, possibly providing for further longitudinal sections of the inflatable bag 3 that are not inflatable.

It should be specified that in the scope of the present invention, the expression inflatable bag is used for defining:

- an inflatable bag formed by a double layer, one internal layer acting as airtight air tube and one wearproof and stress resistant external layer or

- an inflatable bag formed by a single layer of material being airtight and simultaneously ensuring the necessary stress and wear structural resistance, being also possible to provide an inflatable bag comprising one or more layers of multilayer material.

Furthermore, it should be specified that, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the element acting as fender for protecting the hull of a boat from bumps and rubbing is defined by the inflatable bag itself, possibly covered by a layer of wearproof material, and not by other bumper structure supported by the inflatable bag itself.

Preferably, the inflatable bag 3 comprises first battens 11 extending end-to-end in said longitudinal direction in which said inflatable bag 3 extends when in axially extended configuration. Such first battens 11 collaborate in ensuring a correct falling back in a pack of the inflatable bag 3.

Figures 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a plan side view of a first batten 11, which is provided with a through opening, centrally positioned in the illustrated example and is intended to be positioned at a respective slot 9 of the inflatable bag 3.

The first battens 11 assist in defining the fold lines of the inflatable bag 3 in the axially retracted configuration illustrated in figure 2, as will be clearer in the present description hereinbelow.

Preferably, said rolling means 4 (represented in a dashed line in figure 9) are rotatably supported by the first battens 11.

Preferably, the inflatable bag 3 comprises second battens 12 extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to said longitudinal direction. Such second battens 12 intervene to allow the extension of the inflatable bag 3 during its deflation phase, hence facilitating the correct folding back of the inflatable bag 3.

Preferably:

- the continuity of the longitudinal end-to-end formation of said first battens 11 is interrupted at discontinuity sections that are defined at the points of passage from one first batten 11 to the next first batten 11; such discontinuity sections define transverse fold lines of the inflatable bag 3 when folded in a pack (see figure 2) and

- said second battens 12 extending transversely are longitudinally spaced along the inflatable bag 3 in order to be situated at said discontinuity sections of the longitudinal end-to-end formation of the first battens 11, hence in order to be found adjacent to said fold lines of the inflatable bag 3.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the second battens 12 substantially extend for the entire transverse width of the inflatable bag comprised between the two opposite longitudinal portions, at which the first battens 11 are positioned.

Furthermore, the case can also be provided in which the second transverse battens 12 are extended over the entire width of the inflatable bag 3, hence until they come to affect also said opposite longitudinal portions, at which the first battens 1 1 are positioned.

In relation to said battens 11 and 12, it should be indicated that the same can also assume shapes different from that with rectangular cross section, given that battens can be provided with circular, square, elliptical or T cross section or with a cross section of another type.

Preferably said battens are made with a flexible shape-memory material, so to be able to assume a curved shape when subjected to load and have an elastic return into the initial condition after the load has terminated. For example, such battens can be made with a composite material, of the type with glass fiber, carbon fiber and/or Kevlar fiber in a possibly charged resin matrix.

This is advantageous for the transversely-extending second battens 12, since:

- when the inflatable bag is bent as a pack in the axially retracted configuration (see figure 2), it is good that such battens have a rectilinear progression in order to facilitate the transverse extension of the inflatable bag, while

- when the inflatable bag is inflated in the axially extended configuration (see figure 3), it is good that such battens can be arranged according to a curvilinear progression, so as to be able to match the curvilinear progression of the inflatable bag 3.

In accordance with the embodiment of figure 5, said battens 11 and 12 are received in protected position inside suitable pockets 21 and 22, respectively, which are made inside the inflatable bag 3 and are not visible from the outside. Consequently, in figure 5, the pockets 21 and 22 are depicted with dashed lines.

Preferably, said pockets 21 and 22 are formed by the superimposition of two material layers of the inflatable bag 3 joined via welding.

In this regard, it should be underlined that, in figure 5, the first battens 1 1 are not visible since they are hidden by the material of the inflatable bag 3 (in order to avoid compromising the comprehensibility of the drawing, the first battens 11 were not indicated, even by dashed line).

Analogously, in figure 5, the second transverse battens 12 are hidden by the material of the inflatable bag 3, such that such second transverse battens were depicted with dashed lines.

With regard to the boat 20, to whose hull the inflatable apparatuses 1 according to the invention are fixed, it should be underlined that the same comprises inflation means (not shown), which are in fluid communication through channels with the fluid interception valve means 5 of the inflatable apparatuses 1 according to the invention to allow the inflation of the respective inflatable bags 3, so long as such valve means are brought in open condition.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said fixing means, through which each inflatable apparatus 1 is firmly fixed to the broadside of the hull 21, comprise, for each point at which an inflatable apparatus 1 must be fixed, at least one fixing plate fixed to the hull 21, in which:

- at least one portion of the support structure 2 of the inflatable apparatus 1 is removably engaged with shape coupling between matching grooved profiles, with a corresponding portion of said at least one fixing plate and - locking means suitable to be actuated to unlock act to fixedly connect said portion of the support structure 2 of the inflatable apparatus 1 to the at least one fixing plate.

In accordance with one embodiment, the inflatable apparatus 1 which defines a fender can be received in protected position in a housing of the hull of a boat when said inflatable bag 3 is in said retracted position, said housing of the hull of the boat comprising an outward opening to allow the exit of the inflatable bag 3 during the passage of the inflatable bag 3 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

In accordance with that described above, said first portion 8 of the inflatable bag 3 is positioned close to the first head end 6 of the inflatable bag (3). As an alternative thereto, said first portion of the inflatable bag fixed to the support structure can be spaced more from the first head end 6, for example coming to be situated in an intermediate position comprised between the first head end 6 and the distal free end 7. Consequently, when the inflatable bag 3 is in said axially extended configuration, the inflatable bag 3 projects longitudinally from the support structure 2:

- for a longitudinal section A towards the distal free end 7 and, simultaneously,

- for a second longitudinal section A _\ towards the head end 6.

The two aforesaid longitudinal sections AL and ALi of the inflatable bag 3 are therefore opposite, since they project from opposite parts of the support structure 2.

Of course, in this case, said elastic return means act on both ends 6,7 of the inflatable bag 3 in order to determine the correct folding back in a pack towards the axially retracted configuration of the inflatable bag 3 when said opening is connected to the drain.

In a further alternative, in addition to the inflatable bag 3, the inflatable apparatus 1 according to the invention can comprise a second inflatable bag (not illustrated) which is closed, is made from an airtight material and is provided with at least one opening suitable to be connected in an airtight manner to said fluid interception valve means (or to others), to which it is slaved for opening and closing movements. More in detail:

- said second inflatable bag extends longitudinally between opposite head ends and is fixed to the support structure 2 at a first portion thereof, so as to be suitable to be extended to go, when inflated, from an axially retracted configuration to an axially extended configuration, and be suitable to reversibly fold back up, when deflated, to go from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration,

- elastic return means are also associated with said second inflatable bag to act with an elastic return force between said opposite head ends and determine the folding up of said second inflatable bag from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration, when said fluid interception valve means (5) are left in open configuration and

- the inflatable bag 3 and the second inflatable bag project from opposite sides of the support structure 2 when they are in the respective axially extended configuration.

Preferably the elastic return means which act on the second inflatable bag are the same elastic return means acting on the first inflatable bag 3.

Preferably, said second inflatable bag is structurally and/or functionally corresponding to the inflatable bag 3, but projects from the support structure 2 in a manner so as to be opposite to the inflatable bag 3.

In the case of application of the inflatable apparatus to the hull of a boat, the supply of inflation air to the inflatable bag can occur according to different modes, for example:

- through a fixed circuit comprising an air delivery tube and arranged for being positioned between the hull and the internal furnishing on both sides of the hull, at the points where the fender housing is provided; a T section of the tube will be connected to the hull, at the external attachment and coupling; a pump/compressor pumps the air required for the inflation of the inflatable bag;

- by means of a centralized air supply circuit, defined by a tube with movable installation; in this case, the fenders can be fixed to the conventional fixing points provided on the boat by means of the suitable prearranged systems or

- by means of inflation systems, independent for each fender to be inflated, each fender able to be arranged in a free position along the side or coupled in a movable manner by means of suitable adapted or by means of the conventional fixing points provided in a boat; the inflation can be carried out by means of electric or manual pump.

As an alternative to the illustrated preferred embodiment, said fluid interception valve means may not be directly mounted on the drain opening of the inflatable bag, but rather they can also be situated in a remote position with respect to said inflatable bag, so long as they are always in fluid communication with said drain opening, respectively in a manner so to prevent, or allow, the passage of air through said drain opening.

Merely by way of example, said fluid interception valve means can be mounted on board said fixing plate fixed to the hull of the boat, i.e. the fixing plate with which the support structure of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention is engaged in order to be held in position. In this case, it is sufficient to provide for a quick coupling between the tubular ducts in order to place the drain opening of the inflatable bag in communication with the fluid interception valve means, or with a tubular duct connected thereto.

In accordance with a simpler embodiment, for example particularly recommended for small-size sailboats, said fluid interception valve means can comprise a cap to be applied to close said opening of the inflatable bag, or another tubular duct projecting therefrom. Such cap can be engaged via screw or in another manner, e.g. it can be simply applied via pressure, then providing for a safety stop to avoid such cap from being expelled.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide for a load opening and a distinct drain opening for draining the air from the inflatable bag, each of which slaved to fluid interception valve means.

As can be appreciated from that described above, the inflatable apparatus according to the present invention allows meeting said requirement and simultaneously overcoming the drawbacks referred to in the introduction of the present description with reference to the prior art. Finally, the possibility to considerably reduce the bulk of the inflatable apparatus in axially retracted configuration, when it is deflated, allows being able to pack the apparatus itself with great ease.

In the specific case of use as fender for boats, the basic feature is that of offering the inflatable apparatus to pleasure boaters, which has an aesthetically- pleasing casing and limited size, in a manner such that such apparatus can be installed fixed or removable on board the boat. In addition, the use of an inflation system capable of simultaneously inflating multiple inflatable apparatuses allows attaining greater safety, since the inflation of the various inflatable apparatuses can be directly driven from the pit of the boat, without having to remove oneself from the place of command and pilotage and avoiding the risk of injury by members of the crew, at least for the inflatable apparatuses mounted fixed on the hull of the boat.

Another advantage of the inflatable apparatus according to the invention lies in its unusual structural and functional simplicity.

Of course, a man skilled in the art, in order to meet specific and contingent requirements, can make numerous modifications and variations to the above-described inflatable device, all moreover contained in the protective scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Inflatable apparatus for preventing bumps and rubbing, particularly a fender for boats for preventing bumps against docks or boats, comprising a support structure (2) and an inflatable bag (3), said inflatable bag (3) being a closed bag made from an airtight material and being equipped with at least one opening suitable to be connected in an airtight manner to fluid interception valve means, to which it is slaved for opening and closing movements, wherein:

- said fluid interception valve means (5) are suitable to be actuated to go from a closed condition to an open condition, in which said fluid interception valve means (5) respectively prevent and allow the passage of air through said opening into/from said inflatable bag (3),

- said inflatable bag (3) extends longitudinally (X-X) between opposite head ends (6,7) and is fixed to said support structure (2) at a first portion (8) thereof, so as to be suitable to be extended to go, when inflated, from an axially retracted configuration to an axially extended configuration, and be suitable to reversibly fold back up, when deflated, to go from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration,

characterised in that it comprises return means associated with said inflatable bag (3) to act with an return force between said opposite head ends (6,7) of said inflatable bag (3) to cause the folding up of said inflatable bag (3) from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration, when said fluid interception valve means (5) are left in open configuration.

2. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said opening is positioned at said first portion (8) of said inflatable bag (3) fixed to said support structure (2).

3. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said return means engage said inflatable bag (3) at many points (9) that are longitudinally offset between said first portion (8) and a free end (7) distal from said first portion (8), to cause a bending back of said inflatable bag (3) on said support structure (2) from said distal free end (7), preferably a falling back in a pack.

4. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said return means comprise a cable (10) having a first portion held by said support structure (2) and at least one second portion engaged with said distal free end (7) of said inflatable bag (3), preferably said at least one second portion is formed from two distinct portions of said cable (10) engaged with opposite longitudinal portions of said inflatable bag (3), to allow symmetrical folding of said inflatable bag (3) from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration.

5. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said longitudinally offset points of said inflatable bag (3) comprise slots (9) in which said cable (10) is inserted, said slots (9) preferably being equipped with rolling means (4) to avoid abrasions of said cable during sliding with respect to said slots (9).

6. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said cable (10) is an elastic cable.

7. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said support structure (2) comprises a sheave system (13) comprising a plurality of pulleys (14) between which said first portion of said cable (10) held by said support structure (2) extends with many transmissions, with the possibility of said cable (10) to slide with respect to the pulleys (14) of said sheave system (13).

8. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein:

- said distal free end (7) of said inflatable bag (3) extends longitudinally for a longitudinal section (AL) in passing from said axially retracted configuration to said axially extended configuration and

- when said inflatable bag (3) is in said axially retracted configuration, said first section of said elastic cable (10) is pulled towards said support structure (2) with a predetermined elastic pulling preload and allows an elastic elongation at least by an amount equal to said longitudinal section (AL).

9. Inflatable apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein:

- said distal free end (7) of said inflatable bag (3) extends longitudinally for a longitudinal section (AL) in passing from said axially retracted configuration to said axially extended configuration,

- said elastic return means comprise rolling means to keep a section of said cable rolled up, with a predetermined elastic pulling load, said section of cable rolled on said rolling means being suitable to be unrolled and/or elongated in contrast to said predetermined elastic load for at least one section equal to the aforementioned longitudinal section (AL).

10. Inflatable apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said return means acting on said cable (10) comprise a winding device for winding said cable (10) around a winding member, which can be rotated manually or by motor means, from which said cable (10) can be unwound to allow said inflatable bag (3) to go from said axially retracted configuration to said axially extended configuration or to which said cable (10) can be wound to determine the return of said inflatable bag (3) in said axially retracted configuration.

11. Inflatable apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:

- said first portion (8) of said inflatable bag (3) is positioned close to a first head end (6) of said inflatable bag (3) and the other head end of said inflatable bag (3) defines a distal free end (7), in said axially extended configuration said inflatable bag (3) projecting longitudinally for a longitudinal section (AL) from said support structure (2) to said distal free end (7),

or alternatively:

- said first portion (8) of said inflatable bag (3) is positioned in an intermediate position between a first head end (6) and an opposite distal free end (7) of said inflatable bag (3), so that, in said axially extended configuration, said inflatable bag (3) projects longitudinally from said support structure (2) towards said distal free end (7) and towards said first end (6) for a first longitudinal section (AL) and, respectively, for an opposite second longitudinal section (ΔΙ^).

12. Inflatable apparatus according to claim 11, comprising a second closed inflatable bag, made from an airtight material and equipped with at least one opening suitable to be connected in an airtight manner to said fluid interception valve means, to which it is slaved for opening and closing, wherein:

- said second inflatable bag extends longitudinally between opposite head ends and is fixed to said support structure (2) at a first portion thereof, so as to be suitable to be extended to go, when inflated, from an axially retracted configuration to an axially extended configuration, and be suitable to reversibly fold back up, when deflated, to go from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration,

- return means are associated with said second inflatable bag to act with a return force between said opposite head ends of said second inflatable bag and, when said fluid interception valve means are left in open configuration, cause a folding of said second inflatable bag from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration, and - said first inflatable bag (2) and said second inflatable bag project from opposite sides of said support structure (2) when they are in the respective axially extended configuration.

13. Inflatable apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said inflatable bag (3) comprises first battens (11) extending end-to-end substantially along said longitudinal direction of said inflatable bag (3) to cause said inflatable bag (3) to fall back in a pack from said axially extended configuration to said axially retracted configuration when said fluid interception valve means (5) are left in open configuration.

14. Inflatable apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said inflatable bag (3) comprises second battens (12) extending transversally to said longitudinal direction of said inflatable bag (3) to keep said inflatable bag (3) extended transversally when said inflatable bag (3) is deflated and is in said axially retracted configuration.

15. Inflatable apparatus according to any claim 1 to 14, wherein said inflatable bag (3) comprises:

- a bag consisting of a double layers, one internal layer acting as airtight air tube and one wearproof and stress resistant external layer and

- a bag consisting of one layer made of an airtight, wearproof and stress resistant layer and/or

- a layer of multilayer material.

16. Fender for boats comprising an inflatable apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Boat comprising a hull to which fenders are applied, wherein at least one fender is a fender according to claim 16, said boat comprising inflation means in fluid communication through channels with said fluid interception valve means (5) to allow the inflation of said inflatable bag (3).

18. Boat according to claim 17, wherein said at least one fender comprises fixing means for fixing it at the hull (21) of a boat (20), said fixing means comprising at least one fixing plate firmly fixed to the hull (21) of said boat, wherein:

- a portion of said support structure (2) of the inflatable apparatus (1) is removably engaged with shape coupling between matching grooved profiles with a corresponding portion of said at least one fixing plate and

- locking means suitable to be actuated to unlock act to fixedly connect said portion of said support structure (2) of the inflatable apparatus (1) to said at least one fixing plate.

19. Boat according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said inflatable apparatus (1) of said at least one fender is housed in protected position in a housing of said hull of said boat, when said inflatable bag (3) is in said axially retracted configuration said housing of said hull of said boat comprises an outward opening in order to allow the exit of said inflatable bag (3) to go from said axially retracted configuration to said axially extended.