Inflatable Vessel

Abstract

An inflatable vessel is provided, the vessel comprising an enclosed flexible membrane having an interior, a first end and a second end; and a rigid elongate member extending within the interior of the membrane and attached to the membrane at a first attachment point at the first end of the membrane and to the membrane at a second attachment point at the second end of the membrane. The vessel finds use, for example, in a floating dry dock assembly.

Claims

1. An inflatable vessel comprising: an enclosed flexible membrane having an interior, a first end and a second end; and a rigid elongate member extending within the interior of the membrane and attached to the membrane at a first attachment point at the first end of the membrane and to the membrane at a second attachment point at the second end of the membrane.

2. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member is attached to the membrane at the first attachment point by a first attachment member located at or adjacent a first end of the rigid elongate member.

3. The inflatable vessel according to claim 2, wherein the rigid elongate member is attached to the membrane at the second attachment point by a second attachment member located at or adjacent a second end of the rigid elongate member.

4. The inflatable vessel according to claim 3, wherein the first attachment member and/or the second attachment member comprises a plate, collar or flange.

5. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is reinforced by a reinforcement in the region of the first attachment point and/or the second attachment point.

6. The inflatable vessel according to claim 5, wherein one or both of the reinforcements comprises a reinforcing member disposed on the inside or outside of the membrane.

7. The inflatable vessel according to claim 6, wherein one or both of the reinforcing members comprises a reinforcing ring.

8. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein one or more portions of the rigid elongate member extends through and outside the membrane.

9. The inflatable vessel according to claim 8, wherein an end portion of the rigid elongate member extends through the membrane at the first attachment point and/or the second attachment point.

10. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, further comprising one or more connectors located at one or both of the first and second attachment points for connecting the inflatable vessel to an external structure.

11. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the rigid elongate member is hollow.

12. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member comprises a tube.

13. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member further comprises a fluid port and the rigid elongate member comprises a fluid conduit for fluid to pass between the fluid port and the interior of the flexible membrane.

14. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve provided in the rigid elongate member.

15. The inflatable vessel according to claim 1, wherein the rigid elongate member further comprises one or more outlet tubes for emitting fluid from the rigid elongate member beyond the first and/or second attachment point.

16. A floating assembly comprising at least one inflatable vessel according to claim 1.

17. The floating assembly according to claim 16, the assembly comprising: a first frame assembly; a second frame assembly; a plurality of support members extending between and connecting the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly; and a plurality of inflatable vessels disposed between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly.

18. The floating assembly according to claim 17, wherein each inflatable vessel is connected to the first frame assembly at the first attachment point for transferring the buoyancy of the inflatable vessel to the first frame assembly and/or to the second frame assembly at the second attachment point for transferring the buoyancy of the inflatable vessel to the second frame assembly.

19. The floating deck assembly according to claim 17, further comprising: one or more deck panels forming a deck connected to the first frame assembly.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. A floating dry dock comprising the floating deck assembly according to claim 19.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

Description

[0113] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0114] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable bag of the prior art;

[0115] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above and one side;

[0116] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inflatable vessel of FIG. 2, viewed from below and one side;

[0117] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the components of the vessel of FIG. 2 in a disassembled state;

[0118] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first attachment point of the vessel of FIG. 2;

[0119] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first end of the rigid elongate member of the vessel of FIG. 2;

[0120] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the second end of the inflatable vessel of FIG. 2;

[0121] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a floating deck assembly including a plurality of inflatable vessels according to the present invention;

[0122] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a connection of the floating deck assembly of FIG. 8;

[0123] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a floating deck unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of a floating deck assembly of the present invention;

[0125] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a floating dry dock assembly of the present invention; and

[0126] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plurality of inflatable vessels according to the present invention disposed on a bridge.

[0127] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable bag, indicated generally at 10, according to the prior art. The inflatable bag includes a flexible membrane 20. The flexible membrane is enclosed to define an interior 22 and an exterior 24.

[0128] A flexible internal connecting strop 30 extends within the interior of the flexible membrane 20 between a first attachment point 26 and a second attachment point 28 in the membrane 20 at opposite ends of the inflatable bag. The flexible internal connecting strop 30 is subjected to tensile forces T between the first and second attachment points 26, 28 when the vessel is inflated. Tension in the connecting strop between the first and second attachment points prevents the vessel from distending under internal pressure, when inflated.

[0129] A first shackle 32 is connected to the flexible internal connecting strop 30 at the first attachment point 26. A second shackle 34 is connected to the flexible internal connecting strop 30 at the second attachment point 28. The shackles 32, 34 can be used to connect the inflatable bag to a submerged, or partially submerged, external structure.

[0130] The flexible internal connecting strop 30 is orientated generally vertically, in use. When the inflatable bag 10 is submerged, tension in the flexible internal connecting strop 30 transfers the forces generated as a result of the buoyancy B of the inflatable vessel to the second shackle 34 at the second attachment point 28, located on the bottom of the vessel, in use. The buoyancy B of the inflatable bag can therefore be used to pull and lift submerged external structures connected to the second shackle 34, in use.

[0131] Turning to FIG. 2 there is shown a perspective view from above and one side of an inflatable vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention, indicated generally as 110. The vessel 110 is shown in a perspective view from below and one side in FIG. 3. The components of the vessel 110 are shown in FIG. 4.

[0132] The inflatable vessel 110 includes a flexible membrane 120. The flexible membrane is enclosed to define an interior 122 and an exterior 124.

[0133] A rigid elongate member 130 extends within the interior of the flexible membrane 120. The rigid elongate member extends between a first attachment point 126 and a second attachment point 128 at respective first and second ends of the membrane.

[0134] The rigid elongate member 130 is a hollow, generally cylindrical tube. The rigid elongate member 130 is formed from steel. However, a wide range of alternative materials could be employed, depending on the size of the inflatable vessel 110, and the magnitude of forces that it must withstand, in use.

[0135] The rigid elongate member is subjected to a tensile force T between the first and second attachment points 126, 128 when the vessel 110 is inflated. Tension in the rigid elongate member between the first and second attachment points provides a restraining force to prevent the vessel from distending under internal pressure, when inflated.

[0136] The rigid elongate member may also be subjected to compressive forces C applied at or near the first and second attachment points 126, 128. Resistance to compression in the rigid elongate member thus provides a restraining force that allows the inflatable vessel to withstand compression, in use. This prevents the vessel from deforming when subjected to external forces.

[0137] The rigid elongate member 130 is orientated generally vertically, in use. When the inflatable vessel 110 is submerged, tension in the rigid elongate member 130 transfers the buoyancy B of the inflatable vessel to the second attachment point 128, located on the bottom of the vessel, in use. The buoyancy B of the inflatable vessel can therefore be utilised to pull and lift submerged external structures connected to the second attachment point 128, in use.

[0138] Furthermore, when the inflatable vessel 110 is submerged, compressive resistance forces in the rigid elongate member 130 transfer the buoyancy B of the inflatable vessel to the first attachment point 126, located on the top of the vessel, in use. The buoyancy B of the inflatable vessel can therefore be utilised to push and lift submerged external structures connected to the first attachment point 128, in use.

[0139] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5. The rigid elongate member 130 includes a first attachment member comprising a first flange 132 located at a first end portion of the rigid elongate member for attachment to the membrane 120 at the first attachment point 126. The first flange 132 is spaced from the end of the rigid member 130. The first flange is fixed to the rigid elongate member by welding.

[0140] The vessel is provided with a first reinforcing ring 134 for attachment to the first flange 132 using a plurality of fixings such as bolts (not shown) at the first attachment point 126 of the membrane. When the inflatable vessel 110 is fully assembled, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the material of the flexible membrane 120 at the first attachment point 126 is located between the first flange 132 and the first reinforcing ring 134. In particular, the first reinforcing ring 134 is secured to the first flange 132 such that the intermediate portion of the flexible membrane 120 is clamped between the first reinforcing ring and the first flange to form a water-tight seal. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the flexible membrane 120 includes a first plurality of holes 140 for receiving the plurality of fixings used to attach the first reinforcing ring 134 to the first flange 132.

[0141] When the inflatable vessel is fully assembled, as shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the rigid elongate member 130 extends through an aperture 142 in the membrane at the first attachment point 126, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 5. In particular, the rigid elongate member extends through the first flange 132, the flexible membrane 120 and the first reinforcing ring 134 to project beyond the outer surface of the membrane.

[0142] Optional shackles 154 are connected to the end of the rigid elongate member 130, as shown in FIG. 5. These shackles can be used to connect the inflatable vessel to an external structure, or to a lifting device, such as a crane to assist in manoeuvring the inflatable vessel.

[0143] Referring again to FIG. 4, the rigid elongate member 130 includes a second attachment member comprising a second flange 136 located at a second end of the rigid elongate member for attachment to the membrane 120 at the second attachment point 128. The second flange is fixed to the end of the rigid elongate member by welding. The vessel comprises at the second attachment point 128 a second reinforcing ring 138 for attachment to the second flange 136 using a plurality of fixings such as bolts (not shown). When the inflatable vessel is fully assembled, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a portion of the material of the flexible membrane 120 at the second attachment point 128 is located between the second flange 136 and the second reinforcing ring 138. In particular, the second reinforcing ring 138 is secured to the second flange 134 such that the portion of the flexible membrane 120 is clamped between the second reinforcing ring and the second flange to form a water-tight seal. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the flexible membrane 120 includes a second plurality of holes 144 at the second attachment point for receiving the plurality of fixings used to attach the second reinforcing ring to the second flange.

[0144] One or more connectors, such as shackles 164 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, may be used to connect the second reinforcing ring 138 to an object or structure. In an alternative embodiment, the components at the second end of the rigid elongate member may be arranged as described above for the first end, that is having a portion of the second end of the rigid elongate member extend through the membrane 120 and beyond the surface of the membrane, in an analogous manner to that shown in FIG. 5.

[0145] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, a first fluid port 150 is located in a first bulkhead 152 at the first end of the rigid elongate member 130. The first fluid port 150 is shown with a camlock fitting 150a for connecting to a compressor or pump manifold. The rigid elongate member is further provided with a second fluid port 156 opening into the interior of the membrane 120, as can be seen in FIG. 6. The interior of the rigid elongate member 130 forms a fluid conduit between the first fluid port 150, the second fluid port 156 and the interior of the flexible membrane, through which fluid can be delivered or extracted from the interior of the flexible membrane to inflate and deflate the inflatable vessel 110 as required.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown an enlarged perspective view of the second attachment point 128 of the inflatable vessel of FIG. 3, as viewed from the exterior of the flexible membrane. The second end of the rigid elongate member is closed by a second bulkhead 162 to provide a fluid-tight seal. A pressure release valve 160 is located in the second bulkhead 162. The interior of the rigid elongate member 130 forms a fluid conduit between the interior of the flexible membrane and the pressure release valve through which excess fluid pressure can be vented.

[0147] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a floating assembly, specifically a floating deck assembly 200, including a plurality of inflatable vessels 110 according to the present invention. The floating assembly includes a first frame assembly 210 and a second frame assembly 220. The first frame assembly 210 includes a plurality of first frame members 212 interconnected to form a latticework defining a plurality of unit cells. The first frame assembly 210 further includes a plurality of deck panels 214. Each deck panel is located within a unit cell of the latticework of frame members 212. The second frame assembly 220 includes a plurality of second frame members 222. A plurality of support members 230 extends between and connects the first frame assembly 210 and the second frame assembly 220.

[0148] A plurality of inflatable vessels 110 according to the present invention are disposed between the first frame assembly 210 and the second frame assembly 220 in use. Each inflatable vessel 110 is connected to the first frame assembly at its first attachment point 126. In particular, the first attachment point of each inflatable vessel is connected to a respective deck panel 214, at a connection 240, as will be described in more detail below.

[0149] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection 240 in a deck panel 214. The connection includes an aperture 242 in the deck panel for locating the first reinforcing ring 134 of the vessel 110. Additional components located at the first end of the rigid elongate member, including the first fluid port 150 are visible and accessible via the aperture 242.

[0150] A plurality of connecting plates 244 extend radially into the aperture 242. Each connecting plate is provided with an aperture for receiving one of a plurality of bolts 246, which extend through the first flange, the flexible membrane and first reinforcing ring at the first attachment point. The bolts 246 are each secured with a nut 248.

[0151] The buoyancy of the inflatable vessel is transferred to the deck panel 214 at the connection 240.

[0152] FIG. 10 shows a floating deck unit 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The floating deck unit 300 comprises an inflatable vessel 110, as shown in FIG. 2. A deck panel 310 is mounted to the first end of the vessel 110 in an analogous manner to that shown in FIG. 9 and described above. The deck panel 310 is a sealed box construction that remains slightly buoyant, even when the inflatable vessel is fully deflated. This helps the unit to remain upright, with the rigid elongate member of the inflatable vessel orientated vertically, in use.

[0153] FIG. 11 shows a plurality of floating deck units 300, as shown in FIG. 10, tethered together in a modular arrangement to form a floating deck assembly 400. The flexible membrane of each inflatable vessel is shown in a deflated state. Each deck unit 300 is tethered to each adjacent assembly by connecting members 410. The connecting members may be rigid, such as bars, rods or tubes, or may be flexible, such as cables.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a floating dry dock assembly, generally indicated as 500. The floating dry dock assembly comprises a floating deck assembly 400 as shown in FIG. 11, positioned beneath a ship 510.

[0155] Finally, FIG. 13 shows a plurality of inflatable vessels 110 according to the present invention, inverted and disposed on a bridge 600. The inflatable vessels are filled with a liquid, for example water, to weight test the bridge.