Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Launch and Recovery Apparatus and Method
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the transfer of
an entity
to or from water. Transfer of an entity is primarily the launching and
recovery of
boats, in particular small boats such as R]Bs (rigid inflatable boats, also
known as
rigid hull inflatable boats or RHIBs), but may also, or alternatively include
the
movement of people into and out of water, for example during leisure
activities or in
emergency situations. Such boats are typically used in coastal and inshore and
inland
waters for leisure, for transfer of personnel, as rescue boats and lifeboats
and may be
used in deep waters for the transfer of personnel, goods and equipment between
vessels and between a vessel and a fixed installation, such as an oil rig, gas
rig or
wind turbine.
The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for launching and
recovery of
autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), so-called "free swimming vehicles",
submersibles and the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as
submersibles) or
boats, from larger vessels.
Conventionally, from land, boats and the like are launched down a permanent
slipway, which is perfectly acceptable where suitable slipways are available.
However, there are numerous occasions where no suitable slipway is available
at the
chosen launch location. Typically this might occur when the boat to be
launched is
being used for leisure purposes and where, for example, emergency rescue
services
wish to launch a boat near to the location of an emergency.
The launching of boats and submersibles from vessels at sea is often limited
by the
prevailing weather and sea conditions. Where the prevailing wave height is too
high,
launching can become impossible and this leads to an expensive loss of working
time.
1
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Conventional boat and/or submersible launching and recovery systems for use at
sea
tend to use davits or cranes and the like, and these normally require complex
compensation or stabilisation systems to account for movement of the launch
vessel
and the launched boat or submersible caused by the weather and sea conditions.
Often, boats and submersibles are slid up and down the side of the launch
vessel as
they are lifted on launch and recovery. This carries the risk of damage to the
boat or
submersible, or to the launch vessel. To avoid impact between the launch
vessel and
the boat or submersible, cranes or A-frames with considerable outreach are
normally
required, to provide necessary clearance between the payload (the boat or
submersible) and the launch vessel.
For launch and recovery of a boat or submersible at sea, it is also known to
use
slipway like structures mounted at the side or rear of the launch vessel. The
boat or
submersible is launched and recovered via the slipway structure while the
vessel
moves forwards. Typically such a slipway structure will consist of a rigid
metal
ramp, which is pivoted to the rear of the vessel. Examples of such slipway
structures
are described in the July 2003 edition of "Sea Technology" (Compass
Publication
Inc, Arlington, VA, USA). Slipway structures of this type tend to be rigid and
have a
low tolerance of misalignment with the boat or submersible being launched
recovered. Accidental damage to the boat or submersible by collision with the
slipway structure is a significant problem. Further, conventional systems do
not
normally permit safe access by which for personnel may pass down the slipway
structure.
For the recovery of boats and, in particular, submersibles it is normally
necessary to
attach a lift rope. Often, this must be done manually, and providing safe
access for
personnel to leave the launch vessel and attach the lift rope is also a
problem. A
similar problem occurs on launch when the lift rope must be detached.
Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for launching
a
relatively small vessel or submersible in locations where no convenient
slipway is
2
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
available, or for launching a small vessel or submersible from a ship at sea.
For
example, the apparatus of the present invention will allow a boat to be
launched from
the quayside, sea wall, harbour wall or the like. The present invention
further seeks
to provide an apparatus for launching a relatively small vessel or submersible
which
is resiliently deformable, at least in part, whereby any collision damage with
the
launched vessel or submersible is minimised or obviated.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus
for transfer
of an entity to or from water, the apparatus comprising:
i. a support surface, along which the entity being launched or recovered is
operatively moveable;
ii. at least one buoyant component operative to render the apparatus buoyant
in
water; and
iii. mounting means disposed at a first end of the apparatus, for pivotally
mounting the apparatus on a fixed structure.
The buoyant component, or the buoyant components in total, is/are sufficient
to
ensure that when an upper end of the apparatus is attached to a fixed
structure and a
lower end of the apparatus is in its operative position, the lower end floats
at or near
(e.g. just below) the water surface
Transfer of the entity is most preferably launch or recovery of a boat,
submersible or
the like, but the apparatus of the invention may also be used for providing
access for
people into and out of water, or for providing access from, say, a vessel to a
boat,
submersible or the like in water.
In a first embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises
a
supporting body, at least part of an upper surface of which defines the
support
surface. The supporting body may have safety rails attached thereto.
3
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Preferably in this embodiment the at least one buoyant component is disposed
within
the supporting body.
Preferably in this first aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a
plurality of
longitudinally extensive buoyant members arranged within the supporting body.
In preferred constructions the at least one buoyant component comprises first
and
second longitudinally extensive side members operatively arranged in
substantially
parallel spaced apart relation.
Preferably in this construction the apparatus fixrther comprises spacing means
operative to maintain the side members in parallel spaced apart relation.
Preferably the spacing means comprise or include inflatable and deflatable
members.
In one configuration the side members are disposed within the supporting body.
In another, more preferred, configuration the longitudinally extensive side
members
are external to the supporting body and attached to the supporting body at
respective
sides thereof.
Preferably the side members each comprise or include at least one
longitudinally
extensive buoyant member. More preferably the side members include at least
two
such buoyant members. This construction provides for redundancy in the case of
failure of one of the inflatable members.
In particularly preferred arrangements the longitudinally extensive buoyant
members
are operatively transformable from a compact state suitable for transport and
storage
of the apparatus to an expanded operative state.
4
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
In one variation of this arrangement the buoyant members comprise a low
density
buoyant material. Preferably the buoyant members comprise a foam material and
more particularly a compressible resilient foam material. The buoyant members
in
this variation are preferably operatively inflatable and deflatable.
More generally, the buoyant members are preferably operatively inflatable and
deflatable. In a preferred example the buoyant members comprise one or a
plurality
of inflatable bladders or chambers. The bladders are fluid tight (the fluid
preferably
being air) and are provided with one or more valves through which they are
inflated
and deflated. When the buoyant members are inflated, the respective side
members
are resiliently deformable (for example, on impact), while having sufficient
resistance to bending and distortion to allow the apparatus to carry a vessel
or
submersible.
In a second, preferred, embodiment the apparatus comprises:
(a) first and second longitudinally extending side members, each comprising at
least one buoyant member; and
(b) spacing means operatively configured to maintain the respective first and
second side members in spaced apart relation.
Preferably the spacing means operatively maintain the side members in
substantially
co-planar relation.
Preferably the spacing means operatively maintain the side members in
substantially
parallel relation.
In some variations of this second embodiment of the invention the support
surface
comprises, or includes, a portion of the outer surface of the side members.
In these and/or other variations the support surface comprises, or includes, a
portion
of the outer surface of the spacing means.
5
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
In preferred variations of the second embodiment the support surface extends
between the respective first and second side members.
One preferred construction according to the second embodiment of the invention
provides, in summary, an apparatus for transfer of an entity to or from water
(more
especially for launch or recovery of a boat, submersible or the like)
comprising:
i). first and second longitudinally extending side members, each comprising at
least one buoyant member;
ii). spacing meatis adapted to ma.intain the respective first and second side
members in spaced apart relation;
iii). a support surface, extending between the respective first and second
side
members; and
iv). mounting means disposed at a first end of the apparatus, for pivotally
mounting
the apparatus on a fixed structure.
Preferably in the second embodiment of the invention the support surface
comprises,
or includes, a web of supporting material disposed between the side members.
Most preferably in this second embodiment of the invention each side member
comprises a pair of buoyant members.
Preferably each side member comprises longitudinally extensive buoyant members
having a length substantially equal to that of the side members.
Preferably in this second embodiment of the invention, the side members are
operatively transformable from a compact state suitable for transport and
storage of
the apparatus to an expanded operative state.
In one variation, the buoyant members comprise a low density buoyant material
such
as a foam material and more especially a compressible resilient foam material.
6
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Preferably the buoyant members in this variation are operatively inflatable
and
deflatable.
More generally, in a preferred construction of the apparatus according to the
second
aspect of the invention, preferably the buoyant members are operatively
inflatable
and deflatable. In a preferred example the buoyant members comprise one or a
plurality of inflatable bladders or chambers. The bladders are fluid tight
(the fluid
preferably being air) and are provided with one or more valves through which
they
are inflated and deflated.
Most preferably when the buoyant members are inflated, the respective side
members
are resiliently deformable and have sufficient resistance to bending and/or
distortion
to allow the apparatus to carry a boat, submersible or the like.
Preferably in the second embodiment of the invention, the spacing means are
operatively inflatable and deflatable.
Preferably in the second embodiment, the respective side members comprise at
least
two inflatable members. This construction provides for redundancy in the case
of
failure of one of the inflatable members.
Preferably in constructions according to the first aspect of the invention the
apparatus
comprises at least one walkway traversable by user.
Preferably the walkway comprises non-slip means.
In one preferred construction the walkway is defmed by an upper surface of a
side
member.
In another preferred construction the walkway is supported by an upper surface
of a
side member.
7
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Preferably in constructions according to the first aspect of the invention
which
include side members, one or both of the side members has safety rails
attached.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a vessel including an
apparatus as
defined in the first aspect of the invention.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a moveable land based
construction,
more especially a motor vehicle, configured to carry an apparatus as defmed in
the
first aspect of the invention.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a trailer for towing by a
motor
vehicle and configured to carry an apparatus as defmed in the first aspect of
the
invention.
The mounting means may be attached to, mounted on, or may be a part of, the
fixed
structure. The fixed structure may be a permanent land structure such as a sea
wall,
harbour wall, quayside or the like, or may be a larger vessel. Also the fixed
structure
may be a moveable land based structure such as a road (and/or off-road)
vehicle, or a
trailer towed or towable by such a vehicle.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be
carried
into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the following
drawings in which:
Figures 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sections through an apparatus according
to
one embodiment of the invention in respectively contracted and expanded
configurations;
Figure 2A to 2D are schematic cross-sections through variations of the
embodiment
of Figure 1;
8
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Figures 3 and 4 are respectively schematic cross-sections through an apparatus
according to another embodiment of the invention;
Figures 5 is schematic cross-section through an apparatus according to a
further
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 is a side view of an apparatus according to Figure 6;
Figure 7 is a plan view of an apparatus according to Figure 6; and
Figures 8A to 8D show stages in launching a boat using the apparatus of the
invention.
Referring now to the drawings, the apparatus 100 shown in Figures lA and 1B
according to a first aspect of the invention is shown having a boat 48 such as
an RIB
carried thereon. The apparatus 100 comprises a supporting body 180 which
defines a
support surface 182 which the boat 48 operatively traverses. The supporting
body
further comprises one or more external walls 184a, 184b, 184c. A greater or
lesser
number of walls 184 may be provided. The walls may, or may not, enclose a
space
186. For example, in the latter case the walls may have attached to the
internal faces
thereof a plurality of buoyant members an example of which is shown
schematically
at 130. Where the walls 184 enclose space 186, the space 186 is provided with
a
plurality of buoyant members 132 which may, or may not, be attached to walls
184
and/or underside of supporting surface 182. Preferably the number and size of
the
buoyant members 132 is selected to substantially fill the space 186. The
buoyant
members 130, 132 are longitudinally extensive and extend preferably for
substantially the whole length of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may
adopt
expanded and contracted configurations. In the expanded configuration, the
apparatus 100 is ready for use, and, in the contracted configuration, the
apparatus 100
can more easily be transported or stored. To this end, most preferably, the
buoyant
9
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
members 130, 132 comprise inflatable and deflatable members in the form of
chambers, bladders, tubes or the like With the inflatable members 130 or 132
inflated, the supporting body 180 of the apparatus 100 is provided with
bending
strength (that is, resistance to bending under load), and also sufficient
buoyancy. The
supporting body 180 may be provided with ropes, stays and the like to enhance
its
strength and stiffness and to assist with controlled inflation, deflation,
deployment
and stowage. Figure 1A illustrates the apparatus 100 in a deflated, or
partially
deflated state. Figure 1B illustrates the apparatus in an inflated,
operational, state.
The support surface 182 is preferably provided by a web of material 150. Such
material 150 forming the support surface 182 (whether a web extending across
the
whole area of the apparatus 100 or otherwise) preferably comprises a tough
(i.e.
cutting and tear resistant) low friction material, such as a nylon fabric or
other plastic
material. "Low friction" in this sense means that a boat 48 or submersible may
slide
easily over the material. The walls 184 may also be formed form similar
material
thus forming an "envelope" around the buoyant members 130 or 132.
In the variation of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1B, the support
surface
182 has a generally V-shaped configuration which conforms approximately to the
underside of the boat 48. Depending on the intended use of the apparatus 100,
the
support surface 182 may have other configurations. For example the support
surface
may be substantially flat.
The support surface 182 may be discontinuous. If so, its extent must, of
course, be
sufficient (or the magnitude of the discontinuities must be sufficiently
small)
adequately to support the boat or submersible during passage up and down the
apparatus 100. The support surface preferably, but not essentially, extends
across the
whole width of the apparatus between the respective sides indicated by side
walls
184a, 184c.
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
In variations of this embodiment of the invention, the support member may be
provided with side members 12, 14. The side members 12, 14 are substantially
the
same as those described below in connection with further embodiments of the
invention. Variations of the first embodiment of the invention including such
side
members 12, 14 are shown in Figures 2A to 2D. In Figures 2A and 2B, the side
members 12, 14 are contained within the supporting body 180.
In the construction according to Figure 2A, the side members 12, 14 typically
provide
all, or a majority of, the structural strength of the apparatus. Other buoyant
(preferably inflatable) members 132 may be provided within the space 186, of
which
only one example is indicated, and if present will contribute additional
strength
and/or buoyancy.
In the construction according to Figure 2B, buoyant (inflatable) members 132
are
typically absent. Spacing means 16 are provided which maintain the side
members
14, 16 in spaced apart parallel relation. The spacing means 16 are as
described below
in connection with subsequent embodiments of the invention. Also, underlying
structural elements 34 may be provided to provide additional strength and
support to
the support surface 180. Again, the underlying structural elements 34 are as
described in connection with subsequent embodiments of the invention below.
Both
the spacing means 16 and the underlying structural elements 34 are configured
to
extend laterally across the apparatus 100. The underlying structural elements
34 and
the spacing means may be, but are not essentially, arranged substantially
perpendicular to the side members 12, 14. The underlying structural elements
34 and
spacing means 16 are preferably inflatable and deflatable to allow the
apparatus 100
to transition between its expanded and contracted configurations.
The construction according to Figure 2C is analogous to that of Figure 2A, but
the
side members 12, 14 are in this case separate components distinct from, but
suitably
joined to, the supporting body 180. The supporting body 180 is otherwise as
described in relation to Figure 2A. In Figure 2C the space between the side
members
11
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
12, 14 and the adjacent wall 184 of the supporting body 180 is exaggerated for
clarity
of illustration.
Similarly, the construction according to Figure 2D is analogous to that of
Figure 2B,
but again the side members 12, 14 are separate components distinct from, but
suitably joined to, the supporting body 180.
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 the apparatus 10 of another embodiment of the
invention comprises first and second side members, 12, 14 and spacing means
16.
Each side member comprises one or more inflatable members, and in the
illustrated
embodiment the side members 12, 14 each comprise two inflatable members (20,
22)
(24, 26) in side-by-side relation. More specifically the respective inflatable
members
(20, 22) (24, 26) are arranged one above the other. Each inflatable member may
comprise a single inflatable chamber or bladder, preferably in the form of a
longitudinally extensive tube. Alternatively, the inflatable members may
comprise an
outer skin enclosing a plurality of inflatable tubes. In this case, preferably
the
inflatable tubes are independently inflatable. Thus, if one or two of the
inflatable
tubes fail the remaining inflatable tubes are sufficient to maintain buoyancy
and load-
bearing rigidity of the apparatus 10. Where more than one inflatable member
(20, 22,
24, 26) is provided preferably each inflatable member is independently
inflatable.
Typically, the inflatable members and/or the inflatable tubes are inflated to
a pressure
of about 1 bar.
The side members 12, 14, when inflated, provide the apparatus with bending
strength
(that is, resistance to bending under load), and also help to ensure that the
apparatus
is sufficiently buoyant. The side members 12, 14 may be provided with ropes,
stays
and the like to enhance their strength and stiffness and to assist with
controlled
inflation, deflation, deployment and stowage.
Between the respective side members 12, 14 spacing means 16 are arranged. The
spacing means 16 serve to maintain the side members 12, 14 at the correct
spacing
12
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
and in the correct orientation with respect to each other. In principle, any
suitable
spacing means 16 may be used such as metal, wood or plastic rods, bars or
spars, but
in a preferred arrangement the spacing means 16 are themselves inflatable and
preferably comprise a number of inflatable tubes or struts 30, which (in their
inflated
state) span the gap between the side members 12, 14. The inflatable tubes 30
are
constructed to have sufficient rigidity and bending strength to hold the side
members,
12, 14 in their spaced apart relation during use. Alternatively, the spacing
means 16
may be a single inflatable "beam" which extends substantially along the whole
functional length of the apparatus 10.
In Figure 3 the spacing means are shown in a compact (non-inflated) state,
suitable
for transport of the apparatus 10. It can be seen that in this state the
overall width of
the apparatus is relatively small, so that the apparatus 10 (and the boat 48
mounted
above it) can conveniently be conveyed by road. Inflation of the spacing means
16
causes the apparatus 10 to adopt the wider configuration shown in Figure 2.
The apparatus 10 preferably further comprises structural elements 34
preferably in
the form of inflatable tubes which are similar to inflatable tubes 30 and are
provided
to support the boat 48, submersible or the like during its passage along the
apparatus.
In this configuration, upper parts of the structural elements 34 provide a
support
surface 18 which operatively contacts the boat 48, submersible or the like. In
another
configuration, the structural elements 34 are absent and the boat 48,
submersible or
the like contacts directly the spacing means 16. Thus in this case the support
surface
18 is an upper surface of the spacing means. This construction is particularly
appropriate when the spacing means 16 comprises a single inflatable "beam"
which
extends substantially along the whole functional length of the apparatus 10.
The apparatus 10 may alternatively include, in a fiu ther configuration, one
or more
webs of material 50 which form a support surface 280 (shown as a ghost line),
which
is disposed between the side members 12, 14. The support surface 280 provides
the
surface along which the boat or submersible slides during the launch and
recovery.
13
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
Underlying structural elements 34 preferably in the form of inflatable tubes
which are
similar to inflatable tubes 30 are provided to support the web of materia150.
Most
preferably the material 50 forming the support surface 280 (whether a web
extending
across the whole area of the apparatus or otherwise) comprises a tough (i.e.
cutting
and tear resistant) low friction material, such as a nylon fabric or other
plastic
material. "Low friction" in this sense means that a boat or submersible may
slide
easily over the material: The support surface is preferably continuous but may
alternatively be discontinuous. Where the support surface 280 is
discontinuous, its
extent must, of course, be sufficient (or the magnitude of the discontinuities
must be
sufficiently small) adequately to support the boat or submersible during
passage up
and down the= apparatus. The support surface 280 preferably, but not
essentially,
extends across the whole width of the apparatus between the respective side
members
12, 14.
A further embodiment of the apparatus 200 is shown in Figure 5. This
embodiment
is similar to that of Figure 4 and like components are given like reference
numbers.
The structural elements 34 are absent. The support surface 380 is provided by
a
component 250 which extends between the side members 12, 14 and which may be a
web of fabric which is the same as, or similar to, web 50 in Figure 4.
Alternatively,
the component 250 may have the support surface 380 provided by a material
which is
the same as, or similar to, that of web 50, but further include integral
strengthening or
supporting elements. For example, the component 250 may have integrated
supporting elements in the form of inflatable members similar to supporting
elements
34. The component 250 may typically have a"sandwich" construction in which
such
supporting elements are arranged between upper and lower webs of material
having
properties similar to that of materia150. The component 250 and consequently
the
support surface 30 support surface is preferably continuous but may
alternatively be
discontinuous. Where the support surface 380 is discontinuous, its extent
must, of
course, be sufficient (or the magnitude of the discontinuities must be
sufficiently
small) adequately to support the boat or submersible during passage up and
down the
14
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
apparatus. The support surface 380 preferably, but not essentially, extends
across the
whole width of the apparatus between the respective side members 12, 14.
The apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the invention further includes mounting means
disposed at an upper end in use and which are used to secure the apparatus 10
to a
fixed structure. The fixed structure may be a structure on land (such as at a
quayside,
harbour wall or sea wall), a mobile land-based structure such a road vehicle
(motor
vehicle) or a trailer towable by a road vehicle, or may be a vessel at sea.
The
mounting means may be mounted on, attached to, or may be a part of, the fixed
structure. The mounting means are constructed to allow the apparatus 10, 100,
200
of the invention to pivot with respect to the fixed structure about a
nominally
horizontal axis and, preferably, also about a nominally vertical axis. In this
way, up
and down movement of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 caused by action of waves on
the
lower end of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 when in water is accommodated, as is
lateral
movement of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 with respect to the launch vessel or
the
shore. The freedom of movement about the horizontal axis may also allow some
downward movement of the apparatus as a boat or submersible is recovered onto
the
apparatus, as the apparatus accommodates the weight of the boat or
submersible, and
a corresponding upward movement as the boat or submersible leaves the
apparatus
on launch. The mounting means or fixed structure may desirably carry or
otherwise
include a winch and cable for controlling the movement of a boat, submersible
or the
like on the apparatus 10, 100, 200. In the case of a land based apparatus, the
winch
may be mounted on the trailer, or may, for example, be mounted on, and powered
by,
the towing vehicle. The mounting means and/or fixed structure may also include
rollers or other constructions which facilitate the movement of the boat or
the like
onto or off the apparatus 10, 100, 200. In addition, tie-down or lashing
points may be
provided on the mounting means to secure the boat, submersible or the like.
The apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the invention further preferably comprises
handrails or
safety rails 36 attached to the respective sides thereof. Typically, the
handrails 36
comprise a plurality of uprights 3 8, attached to the respective side members
12, 14
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
and a top rail 40. Safety netting 42 may also be attached in the region of the
handrails 36.
At one or both sides of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 a walkway 44 is preferably
provided by means of which personne146 may move up and down the apparatus 10,
100, 200. Simple and safe access by means of the walkway 44 is important in
that it
allows personnel 46 easily and safely to access the vessel (boat 48 or
submersible)
while the vessel is in the water. Thus, the walkway may be used so that
personnel
can descend to the vessel in order to atta.ch a rope or cable by means of
which the
vessel is moved up the apparatus 10, 100, 200 and by means of which movement
of
the vessel down the apparatus 10, 100, 200 can be controlled during launch.
The
walkway 44 may in its sirnplest form be an upper surface of one or more of the
side
members 12, 14. In this case, the upper surface of the side member 12, 14 is
preferably provided with means to reduce the possibility of personne146
slipping on
the surface. Such means may be a high friction layer or coating or, for
example,
netting provided on the surface. In other constructions, a separate walkway
resting
on an upper surface of one of the side members 12, 14 may be used. Further, in
some
constructions it is possible for personnel to descend and ascend directly on
the
support surface 18.
The use of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 for the launching of a boat 48 from land
is
described with particular reference to Figures 8A to 8D and the apparatus 10
of
Figures 3 and 4. The use of the apparatus of the Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 follows
the
same principles and techniques.
In the illustrated example, apparatus 10 of the invention is initially mounted
on a
trailer 54 for conveyance of the apparatus 10 by road. The trailer 54 is towed
by a
suitable vehicle 56, but in alternative arrangements a self-powered vehicle
carrying
the apparatus may be employed. Initially, the trailer 54 is positioned at the
point of
launch 58 which may be, for example, a quayside, sea wall, harbour wall or the
like.
In a preferred embodiment, the trailer forms the fixed structure to which the
16
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
mounting means of the apparatus is attached. In the illustrated embodiment,
the
mounting means are not shown. Likewise, although the apparatus 10 is shown
detached in use from trailer 54, in preferred arrangements, the upper end 60
of the
apparatus remains connected to the trailer 54, via mounting means. In general
terms,
the point of launch may be any convenient place above a body of water
navigable by
the boat 48.
If the apparatus 10 is already inflated, it is de-mounted from trailer 54 and
lowered
over the edge of the point of launch 58. The upper end 60 of the apparatus 10
is
secured by mounting means (not shown) attached to the trailer 54 and the lower
end
62 of the apparatus 10 rests at or near the water surface 64. Because of the
inflation
of the side members 12, 14 the apparatus 10 is inherently buoyant and so the
lower
end 62 floats at or near (i.e. below) the water surface 64. It is possible, in
an
alternative arrangement, for the apparatus, including the mounting means, to
be
entirely removed from the trailer 54 and for the mounting means to be secured
to or
on some other fixed structure (e.g. a harbour wall) before the apparatus is
deployed.
The mounting means allows the apparatus 10 to pivot with respect to the point
of
launch 58 about a nominally horizontal axis and preferably also about a
nominally
vertical axis. Thus, the apparatus 10 can pivot about the horizontal axis to
accommodate upward and downward movement caused by waves acting on the lower
end 62 of the apparatus, and similarly caused by the weight of the boat acting
on the
apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 can move about the nominally vertical axis to
accommodate movement caused by wind, tide, currents, impact and so on.
In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 is first securely deployed at the point of
launch
58, and after that the boat 48 is moved onto the apparatus from the trailer.
For
example, the apparatus 10 and the boat 48 are initially both mounted on the
trailer,
such as at different levels on the trailer 54, thereby enabling the inflated
apparatus 10
to be de-mounted from the trailer 54 independently of the boat. A cable or
rope is
secured to the boat 48 and may conveniently be attached at its other end to a
winch or
17
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
the like. The cable and winch are used to control the descent of the boat 48
down the
apparatus 10 into the water.
In an alternative embodiment, while on the trailer 54 the boat 48 is supported
on the
apparatus 10 (with the apparatus 10 in its inflated state) and the apparatus
10 carries
the boat 48 as the apparatus is de-mounted from the trailer 54 and deployed.
The
movement of the boat 48 with respect to the apparatus 10 is controlled by a
cable and
winch arrangement as in the above embodiment, the cable being connected to the
boat 48 before the apparatus is de-mounted from the trailer 54.
While on the apparatus 10 the boat 48 is supported by the support surface 18.
Preferably the support surface 18 is shaped to conform, at least
approximately, to the
underside of the boat 48. Preferably the support surface 18 is approximately V-
shaped in cross-section. The side members 12, 14 also provide support to the
boat 48
and constrain its movement to a substantially linear path as the boat 48
slides down
the support surface 18. When the boat 48 reaches the water, the cable or rope
used to
control the movement of the boat 48 is released and the boat 48 can move away
from
the apparatus 10 (Fig 5D). In order to release the cable from the boat 48 a
crew
member can conveniently and safely walk up and down the apparatus 10 using the
walkway 44. This may, of course, be done from the boat, where possible.
Where, prior to launch, the boat 48 is not already mounted on the apparatus 10
preferably means are provided whereby the boat 48 can slide (or otherwise be
easily
moved) from its location onto the apparatus 10. For example, the trailer 54
and/or
the mounting means may be provided with rollers which rotate as the boat 48 is
moved over them.
In an alternative arrangement, the apparatus 10 may initially be in a compact,
non-
inflated state. In a particularly convenient arrangement, the apparatus 10 may
be
stored and transported in its compact state on a boat carrying trailer,
typically below
the boat. When the apparatus 10 is required for use, the mounting means may be
18
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
secured in its position at the point of launch (e.g. the mounting means may
(already)
be secured to the trailer) with the apparatus 10 attached thereto. The
apparatus is
then inflated and so expands to span the gap between the point of launch 58
and
water with the result that, as above, the upper end 60 of the apparatus 10 is
secured
by the mounting means and the lower end 62 of the apparatus 10 floats at or
near the
water surface 64.
Where the boat 48 is launched from a vessel, the arrangement is similar. The
apparatus 10 is mounted at its upper end 60 via mounting means to the launch
vessel.
Again, the lower end 62 of the apparatus 10 floats at or. near the water
surface and the
mounting means provide a nominally horizontal pivot to accommodate relative
movement of the apparatus 10 and the vessel caused by the action of waves and
the
weight of the submersible. Preferably movement about a nominally vertical axis
is
also accommodated by the mounting means. Preferably, the launch vessel
includes
rollers mounted on its deck over which the boat 48 moves prior to reaching the
apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 may be disposed at the side of the launch
vessel or,
more preferably, the apparatus 10 may be mounted at the stem of the launch
vessel.
In the latter case, the boat 48 may be launched or recovered while the vessel
is
underway. Again, the apparatus 10 may be stored on the vessel in a compact,
deflated condition and inflated when required for use.
Preferably, for either launch from the shore or a launch vessel, the boat to
48 is
manoeuvred using rollers of the like on to the apparatus 10 until (considering
the
slope in use of the apparatus 10) the boat 48 reaches its point of balance at
which
stage the cable and associated winch are used to control the movement of the
boat 48
and, normally, to restrain its movement down the slope of the apparatus 10
over the
support surface 18. In a preferred method, the cable restraining the boat 48
is in the
form of a bridle having to arms attaching to respective sides of the boat 48.
If, as is
preferred, the cable (via the bridle) is attached near to the centre of
gravity of the boat
48, then the cable does not act to resist the rotation of the boat 48 from its
nominally
19
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
horizontal attitude on shore (such as on trailer 54), or on the launch vessel,
to its
inclined attitude when on the apparatus 10.
When on the apparatus 10, most preferably, the boat 48 moves down the support
surface 18 under the action of gravity and under the control of the cable and
winch.
Recovery of a boat 48 respectively onto land or onto the launch vessel follows
generally the reverse of the above procedure. The boat 48 approaches the
apparatus
and will normally present its bow between the side members 12, 14. The
10 apparatus 10 is able to move about the horizontal axis of the mounting
means to
moderate the effect of impact between the bow of the boat 48 and the apparatus
10.
A crew member on the shore or the launch vessel can walk down the apparatus 10
bearing a cable which is then secured to the boat 48. It will be recalled that
the other
end of the cable is attached to a winch or the like. The cable and winch are
then used
to pull the boat 48 up the apparatus 10 over the support surface 18. As soon
as the
cable is attached to the boat 48 so that is secured to the launch vessel winch
or shore
winch, the engine or motors of the boat 48 can be switched off.
Use of the apparatus 10 of the invention for the launch and recovery of a
submersible
or the like is in principle similar to the above described procedures. For
launch, the
submersible is allowed to slide down the apparatus 10 over the support surface
18
under the control of the cable and winch arrangement. When the submersible
reaches
the water a crew member can descend the apparatus 10 by walking down the
walkway 44 in order to release the cable from the submersible. The submersible
is
then free to continue its intended use.
For recovery of the submersible, the submersible is made to approach the lower
end
62 of the apparatus 10. A crew member then descends the apparatus 10 by the
walkway 44 and attaches the recovery cable to the submersible. The cable and
winch
are then used to pull the submersible up the apparatus 10 over the support
surface 18.
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
The apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the invention has further important uses. In one
such
use, the apparatus 10, 100, 200 when deployed from a boat (or even from land)
provides an easy means by which divers and swimmers can enter and exit the
water.
With the upper end 60 of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 pivotally mounted to the
vessel
or a fixed structure on land, the lower end 62 floats at or below the water
surface.
This means that a portion of the support surface 18 towards the lower end 62
is
immersed in the water. This lower end portion of the support surface 18 is
provides
an "apron" extending above and below the water surface. Divers in the water
can
easily climb onto the surface 18 and ascend the support surface 18 to reach
the
vessel. Similarly, the apron provides an area from which the divers can easily
and
safely enter the water. Because of the ability of the apparatus 10, 100, 200
to pivot
about the axis (or axes) of the mounting means, relative motion between the
apparatus 10, 100, 200 and the water and between the apparatus 10, 100, 200
and the
vessel is minimised so that movement by divers etc onto and off the apparatus
10,
100, 200 at its respective upper and lower ends 60, 62 is easy. Access for
divers into
and out of the water is further improved if formations are provided on or near
the
apron which divers can grip with their hands. Such formations may also
usefully
provide footholds for divers and swimmers ascending the support surface 18.
Useful
formations in this respect include loops or straps of material attached to or
near the
apron, incisions in the apron or netting provided on and near the apron.
The construction described in the above paragraph is further useful for the
recovery
of casualties from water, such as in seas or lakes. Often, such casualties are
weakened by injury, exhaustion, heat or cold and are incapable of climbing up
the
side of a vessel (normally use of nets or a pilot's ladder is necessary) to
reach safety
on the deck. By use of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 as described above the
casualty
can easily climb onto the apron area and then ascend over the support surface
18 and
so onto the vessel deck. For casualties whose injury or illness is more
severe, the
apparatus 10, 100, 200 assists divers or other rescue personnel in recovering
the
casualty since the casualty can be easily assisted or lifted on to the apron
at the lower
end 62 of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 and from there assisted or carried up to
the
21
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
vessel by way of the support surface 18. This avoids the need to lift the
casualty
directly up the side of the vessel.
Further advantages of the apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the invention accrue from
its
inflatable construction. At least the side members 12, 14 and preferably also
the
spacing means 16 are inflatable. It follows that these components are
resilient and
will deform resiliently on impact. Thus, on impact with a vessel, boat,
submersible
or the like the apparatus 10, 100, 200 will deform resiliently and damage is
not likely
to occur. Such impact can occur unintentionally in the case of a collision, or
in the
normal course of events as a boat or submersible approaches the apparatus 10,
100,
200 for recovery. Similarly, because of the resiliently deformable nature of
the
apparatus 10, 100, 200, it is less important to keep personnel out of the way
of the
apparatus 10, 100, 200 during use since injury by impact with the apparatus is
far less
likely to occur than with a conventional rigid apparatus.
Also, since the apparatus 10, 100, 200 is inflatable it can achieve a
combination of
bending strength and a degree of flexibility which allow it to be both
sufficiently
rigid to carry a boat or the like during launch and recovery whilst also being
sufficiently flexible to accommodate torsional stresses and strains due to
wave
motion and the weight of the boat or submersible being launched or recovered.
Thus,
the inflatable nature of the apparatus makes it tolerant of overload,
excessive
deflections, impact and being twisted and pulled outside its designed freedom
of
movement.
Because the apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the invention is inflatable it can be
stored in a
compact, deflated condition. This makes the apparatus 10, 100, 200 easily
portable
and convenient to store. Inflation of the apparatus may be effected by any
suitable
inflation fluid, but the preferred inflation fluid is air. Air may be supplied
from
compressed air cylinders or from a suitable pump or compressor. For deflation
of the
apparatus 10, 100, 200 a pump is conveniently used.
22
CA 02598077 2007-08-15
WO 2006/087540 PCT/GB2006/000525
By providing direct and safe access down the walkway 44 there is a
considerably
reduced need for personnel to enter the water to attach or detach cables or
the like on
recovery or launch of a boat, submersible or the like. This is an important
safety
benefit since it is inherently dangerous for crew to be in the water near to
the boat,
submersible or the like.
23
