WO2020217105A1

WO2020217105A1 - Modular recovery or lifting system

Info

Publication number: WO2020217105A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/051934
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross LANGBEIN; Katrina LANGBEIN
Original assignee: P-Crane Global Limited
Priority date: 2019-04-24
Filing date: 2020-03-06
Publication date: 2020-10-29

Abstract

A modular recovery system including: - one or more link beams; - one or more hinge joints; - a base unit, and - one or more receiving units; where the one or more link beams in combination with the one or more hinge joints form at least one arm assembly, such that one hinge joint in the at least one arm assembly, a base hinge joint, releasably connects the base unit to one or more link beam, a base link beam, wherein each of the one or more hinge joints is configured to be locked at a required angle so that, in use, the at least one arm assembly is locked in a fixed configuration required for a specific lifting or recovery operation.

Description

MODULAR RECOVERY OR LIFTING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present device is a portable modular recovery and/or lifting system for lifting or recovering people or items.

Background Art

Lifting or recovering an item or person through an opening or at a remote location can be problematic as a permanent lifting device is unlikely to be present. Where a permanent lifting device is not present then one solution is to use a tripod or quadpod in conjunction with a lifting device. This solution is portable and works where there is sufficient space to spread the legs above the item/person to be lifted. Tripods or quadpods can be large and unwieldy, and on smooth or unstable surfaces they can move around.

For lifting through a hatchway or other similar opening a tripod or quadpod based lifting device must straddle the opening to be useful, this can make them large and bulky. In addition each leg obstructs part of the opening which can be problematic if recovering an injured person. If a person or item needs to be recovered up a stairwell then a tripod or quadpod may simply not work.

To lift items or people up a stairwell, or ladder attached to a piece of elevated equipment, may simply require a crane or similar piece of large equipment. This can pose problems if access to the location is difficult, in this case there may not be a simple solution and a jerry-rigged (improvised) solution may be required.

Permanently mounted lifting devices at strategic locations occupy space, require regular checking and/or maintenance, cause access/safety problems and have a cost which can limit deployment. The space and cost issue can be especially problematic on mobile structures such as boats.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification is not an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

The present invention provides a modular recovery or lifting device that is portable which overcomes one or more deficiencies in current lifting or recovery solutions; or provides the consumer with a useful choice. Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a modular recovery system including: one or more link beams;

one or more hinge joints; and

a base unit, and

one or more receiving units; where the one or more link beams in combination with the one or more hinge joints form at least one arm assembly, such that one hinge joint in the at least one arm assembly, a base hinge joint, releasably connects the base unit to one or more link beam, a base link beam, wherein each of the one or more hinge joints is configured to be locked at a required angle so that, in use, the at least one arm assembly is locked in a fixed configuration required for a specific lifting or recovery operation.

In an alternative form the present invention provides a modular recovery system including: one or more link beams;

one or more hinge joints; and

a base unit, and

one or more receiving units; where the one or more link beams in combination with the one or more hinge joints form at least one arm assembly, such that one hinge joint in the arm assembly, a base hinge joint, releasably connects the base unit to one or more link beam, a base link beam, wherein in use, each of the one or more hinge joints is configured to be moved into the desired position and locked, manually or automatically, in that position to prevent further movement of that joint during a lifting or recovery operation.

Preferably the base unit is configured to be attached or engaged with the receiving unit.

Preferably the one or more hinge joints, in the unlocked position, are configured to allow the arm assembly to be configured in a single plane. In an alternative preferred form the one or more hinge joints, in the unlocked position, are configured to allow the arm assembly to be configured three dimensionally. Preferably there is an additional link beam, a first additional link beam, releasably attached to the base link beam by an additional hinge joint, a first additional hinge joint.

Preferably there are one or more additional link beams serially attached to an adjacent link beam by additional link hinge joints. Preferably there are one or more additional link beams serially attached to an adjacent additional link beam by additional link hinge joints.

Preferably the receiving unit is horizontally or vertically aligned. Preferably the receiving unit is permanently attached to a surface. In an alternative preferred form the receiving unit is attached to a surface immediately before use. Preferably the receiving unit is releasably attached.

In one preferred form there are a plurality of receiving units attached to independent surfaces on a boat, ship, building, stairwell, communication or electrical tower, wharf, crane, fire appliance, mobile platform, oil or gas rig, forestry equipment, or anything similar. In an alternative preferred form there is one receiving unit attached to a surface on a boat, ship, building, stairwell, communication or electrical tower, wharf, crane, fire appliance, mobile platform, oil or gas rig, forestry equipment, or anything similar.

In one preferred form the modular recovery system is portable. In an alternative form the modular recovery system other than the receiving unit is portable.

In one preferred form the base unit includes a base body and an extension mast such that the hinge joint associated with the base link beam is attached to the extension mast which is in turn attached to the base body.

Preferably the hinge joint includes two complementary link disks, or a base disk and a link disk, such that any base disk or link disk includes a plurality of location holes distributed around a line of constant radius, wherein at least one location hole on each of a pair of adjacent disks is configured to line up when the hinge joint is at the angle where it needs to be locked. In an alternative form the hinge joint is an integrated unit that can be locked into a specific position, this locking may be a manual locking or occur automatically at specific/preset positions.

Preferably the hinge joint is manually locked at the required angle.

Preferably the arm assembly is braced by a support connection extending between the arm assembly and a portion of the surface. Preferably the one or more link beams, the one or more hinge joints and the base unit are configured to be portable and able to be moved from one site to another. In a further preferred form one or more receiving units are configured to be portable and moved from one site to another. Brief Description of Drawings

By way of example only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first variant of the modular recovery system in assembled form; Figure 2 is a side view of the first variant of the modular recovery system in assembled form;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a first variant of a link unit;

Figure 4 is an end view of the first variant of a link unit viewed in the direction of arrow A; Figure 5 is a side view of the first variant of a link unit;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a first variant of a base unit;

Figure 7 is an end view of the first variant of the base unit viewed in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 8 is a side view of the first variant of the base unit; Figure 9 is a plan view of a first variant of the receiving unit;

Figure 10 is an end view of the first variant of the receiving unit viewed in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 11 is a side view of the first variant of the receiving unit;

Figure 12 is a pictorial view of a first variant of the first and second components of the modular recovery system;

Figure 13 is an exploded side view of a first method of assembling the first variant of the modular recovery system; Figure 14 is an exploded plan view of the first method of assembling the first variant of the modular recovery system;

Figure 15 is a plan view of the receiving unit of a first embodiment of the first variant attached to a surface; Figure 16 is a side view of a first embodiment of the first variant in assembled form, where the base body is U-shaped in cross-section and the receiving unit has a top hat cross section;

Figure 17 is a side view of a second embodiment of the mounting assembly; Figure 18 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the base unit; Figure 19 is a side view of the alternative variant shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a side view of a link beam adapted to engage with the alternative embodiment of the base unit shown in Figures 18 and 19;

Figure 21 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the link beam with deformers incorporated into the link pin and a tunnel insert present; Figure 22 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the link beam shown in

Figure 21 ;

Figure 23 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a base unit for use with a link beam as shown in Figures 21 and 22;

Figure 24 is a plan view of a second variant of the modular recovery system in assembled form;

Figure 25 is a side view of the second variant of the modular recovery system in assembled form as shown in Figure 24;

Figure 26 is a plan view of one form of lockable hinge joint; Figure 27 is an end view of the lockable joint shown in Figure 26 viewed in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 28 is a side view of the lockable hinge joint shown in Figures 26 and 27; Figure 29 is a plan view of a link beam for use with the second variant of the modular recovery system;

Figure 30 is an end view of the link beam shown in Figure 29 in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 31 is a side view of the link beam shown in Figures 29 and 30; Figure 32 is an end on view of the base body of the second variant with the fifth base face facing the viewer;

Figure 33 is a plan view of the second variant with two arm assemblies present; Figure 34 is a pictorial view of the second variant in use; Figure 35 is a pictorial view of the second variant with additional support for the arm assembly;

Figure 36 is a pictorial view of the second variant attached beside a hatch using an extension mast;

Figure 37 is a side view of a variant where the receiving unit is one or more fixing points;

Figure 38 is a side view of a variant where the receiving unit is attached to one or more fixing points;

Figure 39 is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the modular recovery unit;

Definitions: Hole/Tunnel: the cross section of a hole or tunnel is intended to include any cross- sectional shape and not be limited to circular; for example, this includes regular or irregular polygons, regular or irregular star shaped polygons, regular or irregular cross shaped polygons, the cross-sectional shape of a splined shaft, etc.

Tube: in this specification a tube is an open-ended hollow member with an approximately circular inner cross section tunnel and an outer cross section of any suitable shape. The outer cross sectional shape can be circular, any closed curve, an irregular or regular polygon, cross-shaped, star shaped, or any combination of these. First variant

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 a first variant of a Modular Recovery System (MRS) (1) including an arm assembly (2) and a mounting assembly (3). The arm assembly (2) is shown with two link units (4,5) and the mounting assembly (3) is shown as a base unit

(7) and a receiving unit (8).

The arm assembly (2) is shown in assembled form with the two link units (4,5) serially connected together at an angle Q with one link unit (4,5), a base link unit (4), releasably attached to the base unit (7) of the mounting assembly (3).

The mounting assembly is shown with the base unit (7) engaged with the receiving unit

(8) and the receiving unit (8) attached to a surface (10). The receiving unit (8) is rigidly attached to the surface (10) during use of the modular recovery assembly (1) though it may be releasable in some configurations.

Referring to Figures 3 to 5 a link unit (4,5) including: a link beam (11),

a link pin (13),

a link tunnel (14);

a link attachment point (16); and

two link disks (17, 18); is shown.

The link beam (11) is a thin elongate member with a first link face (20) and a second link face (21) which are opposite faces of the link beam (1 1). The link pin (13) is a shaft extending away from the first link face (20), and the link tunnel (14) is an aperture linked to a void in the second link face (21). The link pin (13) and the link tunnel (14) are located close to the opposite terminal ends of the link beam (1 1). In this first variant the terminal ends of the link beam (11) are coterminous with the terminal ends of the link unit (4,5), this may not always be the case.

Each link disk (17, 18) is an annulus of material (they may equally be a disk with the link pin (13) attached to the surface) that includes a ring of equispaced holes, link location holes (22), that lie on a circle concentric with the associated link disk (17, 18). The link location holes (22) in each link disk (17, 18) are similar in size and location. The central hole in the link disk (17, 18), the link disk hole (23), is dimensioned to accept the link pin (13), though it may be larger.

One link disk (17, 18), the pin link disk (17) surrounds the link pin (13) with the link pin (13) extending through the link disk hole (23) of the pin link disk (17). The remaining link disk (17, 18), the tunnel link disk (18), surrounds the link tunnel (14). The link disk hole (23) in the tunnel link disk (18) is shown concentric with the link tunnel (14). The pin link disk (17) is shown in contact with the first link face (20), and the tunnel link disk (18) is shown in contact with the second link face (20).

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, and where necessary Figure 3, the link beam (1 1) is shown with the link attachment point (16) shown as a loop of material extending from the second link face (21) immediately opposite the link pin (13). The link attachment point (16) though shown as a loop of material it is intended to include any feature that can engage with or accept items to be attached to that link beam (1 1) or the modular recovery system (1). Items that may be attached include, hooks or shackles, lifting equipment, recovery equipment, lighting equipment, safety lines/chains, equipment bags, first aid kits, tools, cameras, sensors, data collection, gas collection, sample collection media or equipment, motorised actuator to automate the lifting (or lowering process), or anything similar.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8 the base unit (7) including: a base disk (26);

a base pin (27);

a base body (28); and

two base slots (29); is shown.

The base body (28) shown is a rectangular prism including: a first base face (31)

a second base face (32);

a third base face ((33);

a fourth base face (34);

a fifth base face (35); and

a sixth base face (36); such that: the first and second base faces (31 ,32) are opposite;

the third and fourth base faces (33,34) are opposite;

the fifth and sixth base faces (35,36) are opposite; and

the first and second base faces (31 ,32) are immediately adjacent to the remaining faces (33,34,35,36).

The base disk (26) is an annulus of material that includes a ring of equispaced holes, base location holes (38), that lie on a circle concentric with the base disk (26). The base location holes (38) in the base disk (26) are similar in size, both to each other and the link location holes (22). The central hole in the base disk (26), the base disk hole (39), is dimensioned to accept the base pin (26), though it may be larger. In some configurations the base location holes (28) may be similar in size and location to only a single link disk (17, 18).

It should be noted that although the base location holes (38) and link location holes (22) are described as equispaced, this is preferable only, they may not be equispaced, and the radial or circumferential distribution of the location holes (22, 38) may differ between disks (17, 18,26) of the same or different types.

The base pin (27) shown as a shaft extending away from the first base face (31) through the concentrically aligned base disk (26). In the configuration shown the base disk (26) is in contact with the first base face (31).

The third and fourth base faces (33,34) each include a base slot (29). Each base slot (29) is an open ended channel parallel to the sixth base face (36) that extends from the first base face (31) to the second base face (32). The cross-sectional shape of the base slot (29) is shown as rectangular, however any suitable shape can be used (e.g. semi circular, semi-elliptical, semi-ovoid, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

Referring to Figures 9 to 1 1 the receiving unit (8) is shown including: a surface receiver wall (40);

two side receiver walls (41 ,42);

two receiver guides (43,44); and

a receiver base stop (45); is shown. The surface receiver wall (40) is the wall of the receiving unit (8) that engages with or contacts the surface (10) (see Fig. 1 and 2) when in use. The surface receiver wall (40) includes a primary face (46) and a secondary face (47) which are opposite faces.

In plan view, see Fig. 9, one side receiver wall (41 ,42) is shown coterminous with each terminal end of the surface receiver wall (40). Each side receiver wall (41 ,42) is immediately adjacent, and extends away from, the primary face (46).

Each receiver guide (43,44) is coterminous with one of the receiver side walls (41 ,42), extending away from that receiver side wall (41 ,42) towards the other receiver side wall

(41.42).

The receiver base stop (45) is coterminous with one edge of the receiver walls

(40.41.42) and one edge of the receiver guides (43,44) forming a floor of the receiving unit (8).

Referring to Figure 12, the first variant of the modular recovery system (1) consisting of a first part (50) and at least one second part (51) with the first part including: one or more link beams (1 1);

a base unit (7);

two or more link disks (17, 18);

a plurality of locking pegs (52); and

a base disk (26); in separated form and a single second part (51) including the receiving unit (8) is shown.

Each locking peg (52) is shown as a bent rod which is dimensioned to pass through a complementary location hole (22,38) (see Fig. 3 or Fig. 6) in a link disk (17, 18) or base disk (26).

The first part (50) in this first variant is portable and intended to be stored until needed, the second part (51) is intended to be fixed in required positions where recovery or lifting operations are necessary. For example (not shown), on a boat a second part (51) may be fixed above areas where there are variable height surfaces, above stairwells, gangways, ladders or similar; in buildings a second part may be fixed above each flight of stairs or ceiling/roof space access points, fixed to the boom of a fire engine or crane or any similar site above a surface where lifting or recovery may be required. One method of assembling the first variant of the modular recovery system (1) will now be described with reference to Fig. 13 and 14.

The base unit (7) is moved along the arrow (i) to engage the base slots (29) with the matching receiver guides (43,44) in the receiving unit (8). Once engaged the base unit (7) is moved relative to the receiving unit (8) until the second base face (32) contacts the receiver base stop (45). In some configurations a locking device (54) may be present to lock the receiving unit (8) to the base unit (7). This locking device (54) may be a pin in a hole, a key in a keyway, a spring loaded pin or ball engaging with a hole, or anything that can similarly releasably lock. One link beam (11), a base link beam (55), with a tunnel link disk (18) attached (permanently or temporarily) is moved in the direction of arrow (ii) to engage the associated link tunnel (14) with the base pin (27). The combination of the link tunnel (14) and the base pin (27) forms a base hinge joint (60). The centreline of the base pin (27) is the axis of rotation of the base hinge joint (60) allowing movement of the base link beam (55) until the base hinge joint (60) is locked in place.

This base link unit (4) is moved along path B into the required position and a locking peg (52) is then moved along the path shown by arrow (iii) until it is engaged with two aligned location holes (22,38). The locking peg (52) prevents further differential movement along line B of the base link unit (4) relative to the base unit (7). In this first variant the pin link disk (17) is then moved in the direction of arrow (iv) to engage with the link pin (13) on the base link beam (55). Once the pin link disk (17) is engaged with the link pin (13) it cannot rotate relative to that link pin (13). This rotationally locked relationship between the pin link disk (17) and the link pin (13) can be accomplished by many means, for example there may be a key and a keyway, the base of the link pin (13) and the link disk hole (23) may have complementary cross- sections (e.g. rectangular, hexagonal, star-shaped, octagonal, elliptical) to prevent this, complementary splines, a combination of these, or anything similar.

An additional link beam (56,57), a first additional link beam (56), is then moved in the direction of arrow (v) to engage the link pin (13) on the base link beam (54) with the link tunnel (14) on the first additional link beam (56). The combination of the link pin (13) on the base link unit (4) and the link tunnel (14) on the first additional link beam (56) forms a first link hinge joint (61). The first link hinge joint (61) allows movement of the first additional link beam (56) in a plane perpendicular to the centreline of the link pin (13) until the first link hinge joint (61) is locked in place.

This first additional link beam (56) is moved along path C into the required position and a locking peg (52) is then moved along the path shown by arrow (v) until it is engaged with two aligned link location holes (22). The locking peg (52) prevents further differential movement along line C of the first additional link beam (56) relative to the base link beam (55).

With the base hinge joint (60) and the first link hinge joint (61) locked a rigid modular recovery system (1) is formed and a suitable lifting device (62), shown as a block and tackle in Fig. 13, can be attached to the link attachment point (16) on the first additional link beam (56) to allow recovery or the lifting of an item (63).

As the modular recovery system (1) is rigid it does not swing or otherwise move around as a free hinge joint system would if attached to a moving object such as a boat or crane. The arm assembly is rigid and this is rigidly attached to the vessel so both move together. In addition, the individually adjusted hinge joints (60, 61) allow the position and shape of the arm assembly (2) to be set so that it avoids obstacles, it can be positioned with greater accuracy than using a crane jib which may not have sufficiently fine movement controls. There is also no dependence on finding a location for a tripod or quadpod then trying to tie that into position ready for use. Referring to Figures 15 and 16 a first embodiment of the first variant of the receiving unit (8) is shown where the receiving unit (8) is a top-hat section rigidly, but optionally releasably, attached to a surface (10) by the top hat brim portion. Referring to Figure 16 this first embodiment is shown with the base body (28) engaged with the receiving unit (8). In this case the base body (28) is a U-shaped strip of material including two base arms (70), a base pin mount (72) and a base pin (27). One base arm (70) is dimensioned to engage with the receiving unit (8) and the other base arm (70) has the base pin (27) attached to the base pin mount (72). The pin mount (72) is a piece of material which extends away from the base arm (70) not engaged with the receiving unit (8). Figure 15 also shows a base disk (26) surrounding the base pin (27). Referring to Figure 17 a second embodiment of the mounting assembly (3) including a base unit (7) and a receiving unit (8), in exploded form, is shown. In this second embodiment the fifth base face (35) is angled in relation to the sixth base face (36) with the first base face (31) being larger than the second base face (32). The two receiver guides (43, 44) are also angled in relation to the surface receiver wall (40), the angle of the receiver guides (43, 44) being the same (or close to the same, +/- 5°) as the angle of the fifth base face (35) when viewed in side view.

The base unit (7) engaged with the receiving unit (8) is shown in dashed lines to show that in this configuration there is no need for a receiver base stop (45) (see Figure 9 to 11). When the base unit (7) is engaged with the receiving unit (8) it can only be moved until the sixth base face (36) contacts the surface receiver wall (40). In some configurations the side receiver walls (41 , 42), or a section of them, may flex or deform to apply a force to the base unit (7) to hold it in place. Referring to Figures 18 and 19 an alternative embodiment of the base unit (7) is shown, in this embodiment the base pin (27) is a splined shaft, it is thought that the number of splines will be from 2 to 180, with any subrange within this considered as a specific disclosed option. Figure 20 shows a link beam (11 ,55,56,57) with a splined link pin (13) and link tunnel (14) adapted to engage with the splined base pin (27) shown in Figures 18 and 19. With a large number of splines the angle can be set more accurately, however it is uncertain if this will be difficult to quickly assemble in practice.

Referring to Figures 21 to 22 a further alternative embodiment of the link beam (11 ,55,56,57) which includes a link pin (13) and link tunnel (14) is shown. Referring to Figure 23 a base unit (7) including a base pin (27) for this further alternative embodiment is shown.

Referring to any one of Figures 21 to 23 each pin (13,27) is shown with a pin body (75) and two deformers (76).

In plan view, see Figure 21 , the link pin (13) is circular and each deformer (76) is a triangular protrusion that extends radially from the circumference of the pin body (75). The base pin (27) has a similar configuration. Though only two equispaced deformers (76) are shown there may be 1 to 10 deformers (76) present with any spacing between. Though the cross section of each deformer (76) is shown as triangular alternative cross sections such as rectangular are options.

Figures 22 and 23 show each deformer (76) extending the full length of the pin (13,27), this is optional and in alternative configurations each deformer (76) may extend only part of the length of the pin (13, 27) Referring to Figure 22, the link beam (11 , 55, 56, 57) is shown with a link tunnel (14) housing a tunnel insert (77). The tunnel insert (77) is a tube with a cross-section complementary to the link tunnel (14). The complementary cross-sections minimise or eliminate differential co-axial rotation between the tunnel insert (77) and the link tunnel (14), though in some cases this may involve a key in a keyway or similar is used. For example, the link tunnel (14) may be rectangular or hexagonal in cross section, or include splines or other features that engage with complementary features on the tunnel insert (77). The tunnel insert (77) is made of a material that can be deformed or cut away by the deformers (76) so that once the pin (13, 27) is inserted into the tunnel insert (77) the position of the associated link beam (11 , 55, 56, 56) is fixed. The tunnel insert (77) is intended to be a replaceable item, but each should be able to have multiple uses before this is required. The deformation of, or removal of material from, the tunnel insert (77) by the deformers (76) only occurs over limited sections of the tunnel insert (77) for any one use. Suitable materials for the tunnel insert (77) are likely to be polymers such as polythene, polypropylene, nylon, etc. but, in some cases, wood, rubber or softer metals such as aluminium may be options.

SECOND VARIANT (Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)

Referring to Figures 24 and 25 a second variant of the modular recovery assembly (1) in assembled form is shown. In this variant there are: - one or more link units (5) each of which is a link beam (11) that includes a link attachment point (16);

a base body (28);

a receiving unit (8);

a base hinge joint (60); and

- one or more link hinge joints (61).

Where each hinge joint (60,61) is a self-contained device that can be releasably, but rigidly, attached to the base body (28) and a link beam (11 ,55,56,57); or join two link beams (11 ,55,56,57). Each hinge joint (60,61) can be moved to a specific angle and locked in that position. Locking the hinge joint (60,61) could be a simple as depressing a plunger. There are off the shelf lockable hinge joints (60,61), for example VARILOCmade by Adjustable Locking Technologies LLC , devices such as those described in US 10,047,789, and many other devices used to hold items at a variety of angles. It is uncertain if the allowable increments in the VARILOC hinges are sufficiently fine but they are believed strong enough.

Referring to Figures 26 to 28 one form of a hinge joint (60,61 ) including two engagement pegs (80) is shown. Each engagement peg (80) lies on a plane approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the associated hinge joint (60,61). When the angle between the two engagement pegs (80) is 180° the engagement pegs (80) are coterminous with the terminal ends, the hinge joint terminal ends (81 ,82), of the hinge joint (60,61).

In the variant shown each engagement peg (80) includes an engagement peg hole (83) which extends at least partially through the engagement peg (80).

Each engagement peg (80) shown has a rectangular cross-section when viewed end on, see Figure 27. In other embodiments the cross section of the engagement peg (80) could be circular or any other suitable shape (any regular or irregular polygon, ellipse, oval, etc.). This said, it is believed that a cross-sectional shape that ensures the correct orientation of the link beams (1 1 ,55,56,57) relative to the base body (28) and/or other link beams (1 1 ,55,56,57) is preferable.

Referring to Figures 29 to 31 a link beam (1 1 ,55,56,57) including a link beam peg tunnel

(88,89) and link beam terminal ends (91 ,92). The link beam terminal ends (91 ,92) are the opposite lengthwise separated terminal ends of the link beam (1 1 ,55,56,57). Each link beam peg tunnel (88,89) is a blind hole aligned approximately parallel to the centreline of the link beam (1 1 ,55,56,57). The open end of each link beam peg tunnel

(88,89) is located in the one link beam terminal end (91 ,92). Each link beam peg tunnel

(88,89) is configured to accept and releasably retain engagement peg (80) (see Figure 26 to 28).

In Figure 31 the link beam peg tunnels (88,89) are shown horizontally separated, this is due to the configuration of the hinge joints (60,61) shown, and this separation may not be present in all cases.

In Figure 30, with the first link beam terminal end (91) facing the viewer, the cross section of the link beam (1 1 ,55,56,57) can be seen as a closed curve with vertical symmetry.

Referring to Figure 32 an end view of a base body (28) including two base tunnels (94,95) is shown. There may be 1 to 5, 1 to 4 or 1 to 3 base tunnels (94,95) present. Each base tunnel (94,95) is a blind hole extending into the base body (28) from the fifth base side (35) that is configured to accept and releasably retain an engagement peg (80) (see Figure 26 to 28). The cross-section of each base tunnel (94,95) is shown as a rectangle with the long edge parallel to the first base face (31). One base tunnel (94,95), the first base tunnel (94), is shown centrally located and the other base tunnel (94,95), the second base tunnel (95) is shown closer to the third base face (33) and first base face (31) than the first base tunnel (94), this is simply preference and they may be symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed across the fifth base face (35).

Referring to Figure 33 an alternative embodiment of the second variant in assembled form is shown. In this embodiment there are two arm assemblies (2) each using hinge joints (60,61). This configuration allows two separated lifting devices (62) to be used which may be necessary to lift a person or object through an opening accurately, or to control the lift on two parts of the object being lifted to maintain a specific orientation. The base body (28) shown in Figure (32) has two base tunnels (94,95) so this could be used to assemble the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 33.

Referring to Figure 34 an assembled modular recovery assembly (1) of the second variant is shown above a hole (99) in a floor (100) with a person (101), or object (102), needing recovery located through that hole (99). The modular recovery assembly (1) has been adjusted to provide an optimum lift with all hinge joints (60,61) locked. The lifting device (62) is then engaged with a link attachment point (16) ready for the hook

(103) to be lowered and the injured person (101) or object (102) recovered. A safety rope (104) is shown through the link attachment point (16) of the base link beam (55), with the lifting device attached to the first additional link beam (56). This safety rope

(104) provides additional control during the lift if required.

In one embodiment the entire modular recovery system (1) is portable, with the receiving unit (8) fixed to a suitable surface (10) upon arrival at the scene. This fully portable system could be used on a building or other structure after an earthquake or where damage to the surface is acceptable. In one scenario the receiving unit (8), or in some instances the base unit (7), could be fixed in place by an explosive bolt gun. The system would then be used for the recovery and packed up ready for the next deployment, leaving only the receiving unit (8) onsite after use.

Referring to Figure 35 an additional embodiment of the second variant including a link support point (1 10), a surface support point (113) and a support connection (115) is shown. The link support point (110) is shown as a loop of material attached to, or formed as part of, the first link face (20) on the link beams (55,56) approximately opposite the link attachment point (16). The surface support point (113) is shown as a loop of material attached to, or forming part of, the surface (10). The support connection (115) is a piece of material releasably joining the link support point (110) to the surface support point (113), this is shown as a length of rope, however any suitable strap, rope or other long elongate member will work. The support connection (115) may be pretensioned before lifting to provide some give in the modular recovery system (1) to allow a smoother lift. This additional embodiment can be used with any variant, but the link support point (110) may not be approximately opposite the link attachment point (16).

Referring to Figure 36 an embodiment of the second variant is shown, in this embodiment the base unit (7) includes an extension mast (120). The extension mast (120) is shown engaged with the arm assembly (2) and the base body (28) unit (7). The base unit is engaged with the receiving unit (8) which is attached to the side of a hatchway (123).

The extension mast (120) is a thin elongate member including a mast base end (124) and a mast link end (125), where the mast base end (124) and the mast link end (125) are the opposite terminal ends of the extension mast (120).

The mast base end (124) is the terminal end of the extension mast (120) that engages with a complementary base tunnel (94,95) in the base body (28) of the base unit (7). The mast link end (125) includes a mast peg tunnel (128), which is similar to the link beam peg tunnel (88,89) shown in Figure 29 to 31. The mast peg tunnel (128) is shown engaged with an engagement peg (80), see Figures 26 to 28 for a more detailed view of the engagement peg (80). The extension mast (120) can be a single piece or a plurality of serially engaged sub sections, all the sub-sections may be the same or the sub-sections between the mast base end (124) and the mast link end (125) may be the only sub-sections that are the same.

The embodiment shown in Figure 36 could use the arm assembly (2) shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this case the mast link end (125) would include a base pin (27), shown in dashed lines in Figure 36. In certain configurations, as shown in Fig. 37, the receiving unit ((8) is one or more fixing points (130), e.g. threaded holes, bayonet apertures, keyways or similar, located in the required position. In this case the base unit (7) is releasably attached to a surface (10) by a complementary fixing device (131), e.g. bolt, stud, complementary device that engages with the bayonet or keyway, or similar. The fixing points (130) could be capped when not in use to prevent ingress of contaminating or corrosive materials.

In an alternative form, shown in Fig. 38 the fixing points (130) are used in conjunction with fixing devices (131) to attach the receiving unit (8) to a surface (10).

It should be noted that each of the hinge joints present (60,61), in any configuration shown or described (any one of Fig.1 ,2, 13, 14, 24-28, or33-36) can, independent of any other hinge joint present (60,61), be automatically locking at preset angles, automatically locking at any angle, manually lockable at predetermined angles or manually lockable at any angle.

Different features from the different embodiments, where compatible, are options for any of the variants described. It should also be noted that although recovery is described any lifting or lowering operation requiring an essentially fixed support is also envisaged.

METHOD OF USING THE MODULAR RECOVERY SYSTEM

Referring to Fig. 39 the preferred method of using the Modular Recovery System (1) is shown. In this method there are separate hinge joints (60,61) and link units (4,5), in some configurations the hinge joint (60,61) and link unit (4,5) may be permanently attached together.

Steps shown in dashed outline (A, E-M) are optional, however if step E and/or H are not undertaken then step L is not optional.

In step A the receiving unit (8) is attached to the surface (10), then step B is undertaken. If a permanent receiving unit (8) is present then this step is omitted and step B is undertaken as the first step.

In step B the base unit (7) is engaged with the receiving unit (8) and step C is undertaken.

In step C the base hinge unit (60) is attached to the base unit (7), then step D is undertaken. In step D the base link unit (4) is attached to the base hinge joint (60), if this provides sufficient reach for the modular recovery system (1) to recover the item to be recovered then step L is undertaken, otherwise step E or F is undertaken.

In step E the base hinge joint (60) is unlocked, if necessary, and the position of the base link unit (4) adjusted to the desired position. Once in the desired position the base hinge joint (60) is locked (automatically or manually) to fix the position of the base link unit (4) relative to the base unit (7). After step E step F is undertaken.

In step F a link hinge joint (61) is attached to the base link unit (4) so that a link unit (5) can be attached. After step F step G is undertaken. In step G a link unit (5) is attached to the link hinge joint (61). Following step G any one of steps H, I or L can be undertaken.

In step H the link hinge joint (61) is unlocked, if necessary, and the position of the link unit (5) adjusted to the desired position. Once in the desired position the hinge joint (61) is locked to fix the position of the link unit (5) relative to the base link unit (4). After step H step I, L, M or N is undertaken.

In step I another link hinge (61) is attached to the existing terminal link unit (5), then step J is undertaken.

In step J a link unit (5) is attached to the exposed link hinge joint (61) and step K or step L is undertaken. In step K the link hinge joint (61) closest to the terminal end of the arm assembly (2) (see Fig. 33 for example) is unlocked, if necessary, and the position of the terminally located link unit (5) is adjusted to the desired position. Once in the desired position the hinge joint (61) is locked to fix the position of the terminally located link unit (5) relative to the base (7). After step K step I, M or N is undertaken. In step L one or more of the hinge joints (60,61) is unlocked, if necessary, and the position of one or more of the link units (4,5) is adjusted to the desired position relative to the base unit (7). The hinge joints (60,61) are then locked (if manually doing so is necessary) to fix the configuration of the arm assembly (2) (see Fig. 33 for example). Step M or step N is then undertaken. In step M a support connection (115) is attached, if necessary, for stability or load requirements. After step M step N is undertaken.

In step N the lifting device (62) is attached to the Modular recovery system (1) and the recovery or lift undertaken, if during the lift/recovery the position of the arm assembly (2) (see Fig. 33 for example) needs to be adjusted then step L can be undertaken. Once the recovery or lift has been completed then step O is undertaken.

Step O is the disassembly and packing of the modular recovery system (1) for next use, this step includes checking the components and noting any defects or problems with specific components for later rectification. In the simplest form the method involves engaging or attaching the base unit (7) to a receiving unit (8) constructing an arm assembly from joint hinges (60,61)

Claims

1. A modular recovery system including:

one or more link beams;

one or more hinge joints;

a base unit, and

2. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base unit is configured to be releasably attached or engaged with the receiving unit.

3. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more hinge joints are configured to allow at least one arm assembly to be configured only in a single plane.

4. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more hinge joints are configured to allow at least one arm assembly to be configured three dimensionally.

5. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is an additional link beam, a first additional link beam, releasably attached to the base link beam by an additional hinge joint, a first additional hinge joint.

6. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 5, wherein there are one or more additional link beams serially attached to an adjacent link beam by additional link hinge joints.

7. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving unit is horizontally or vertically aligned.

8. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving unit is permanently attached to a surface.

9. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving unit is attached to a surface immediately before use.

10. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the receiving unit is releasably attached.

11. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are a plurality of receiving units attached to independent surfaces on a boat, ship, building, stairwell, communication or electrical tower, wharf, crane, fire appliance, mobile platform, oil or gas rig, forestry equipment, or anything similar.

12. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is one receiving unit configured to be releasably attached to a surface on a boat, ship, building, stairwell, communication or electrical tower, wharf, crane, fire appliance, mobile platform, oil or gas rig, forestry equipment, or anything similar.

13. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular recovery system is portable.

14. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the modular recovery system other than the one or more receiving units is portable.

15. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit includes a base body and an extension mast such that the hinge joint associated with the base link beam is attached to the extension mast which is in turn attached to the base body.

16. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge joint includes two complementary link disks, or a base disk and a link disk, such that any base disk or link disk includes a plurality of location holes distributed around a line of constant radius, wherein at least one location hole on each of a pair of adjacent disks is configured to line up when the hinge joint is at the angle where it needs to be locked.

17. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the one or more hinge joints is an integrated unit that is configured to be locked into a specific position.

18. The modular recovery system as claimed any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one of the one or more hinge joints is configured for manual locking.

19. The modular recovery system as claimed any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least one of the one or more hinge joints is configured to lock automatically at one or more preset positions.

20. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one arm assembly is braced by a support connection.

21. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is only one arm assembly.

22. The modular recovery system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more link beams, the one or more hinge joints and the base unit are configured to be portable and able to be moved from one site to another.

23. The modular recovery system as claimed in claim 23 which further includes at least one receiving unit configured to be moved from one site to another.