Man overboard rescue system

Abstract

A man overboard system may a main body 200 with the main body quickly and easily being attached and detached to a ship's bitt a deck bitt and/or a flat mount system, with the flat mount system attached to a ship, pier or other object. Thus, the system is very portable and may be quickly set up prior to departing and quickly put away at the end of a voyage. The system allows for the fast and efficient rescue of a person overboard without need for a rescuer to enter the water or to risk bodily injury in retrieving a person in the water. The system provides secure mechanical means allowing for a winch to be used in the support of a person which is a significant departure from the prior art.

Claims

1. A man over board rescue system comprising: a) a main body (200), the main body having an upper front end attached to a vertical section (1322) of an fixed upper winch plate mount (1320), the fixed upper winch plate mount further comprising an angled horizontal section (1324); b) the angled horizontal section of the fixed upper winch plate attached to a broad winch plate (1350) and the broad winch plate attached to a winch (220); a rope clutch also attached to the broad winch plate; c) a tension line (295) attached to the broad winch plate and attached a distal end of a davit; d) the davit having a proximal end in pivotal attachment to a lower boom mount (900) the lower boom mount in fixed attachment to the main body.

2. The man over board rescue system of claim 1 further comprising: a) a lift line having a proximal end attached to the winch and the lift line having a distal end passing over a distal end of the davit.

3. The man over board rescue system of claim 1 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a flat mount system (800).

4. A man over board rescue system of claim 1 wherein the main body is attached to a bitt.

5. A man over board rescue system comprising: a) a main body (200) the main body having an upper front end in fixed attached to a hinge plate (1510) the hinge plate having an upper end in pivotal attachment to a broad winch plate (1350); b) the broad winch plate attached to a winch (220) and the broad winch plate also attached to a rope clutch; c) the broad winch plate having a lower side in pivotal connection to an upper end of a strut (1540) the strut having a lower end in pivotal connection to the main body; and d) the broad winch plate attached to a davit by use of tension line (295).

6. The man over board system of claim 5 further comprising: a) A lift line having a proximal end attached to the winch and the lift line having a distal end passing over a distal end of the davit.

7. The man over board system of claim 5 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a flat mount system (800).

8. The man over board system of claim 5 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a bitt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a disclosed embodiment

(2) FIG. 2 depicts a disclosed embodiment

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a main body

(4) FIG. 4 depicts a main body

(5) FIG. 5 depicts a main body

(6) FIG. 6 depicts a main body

(7) FIG. 7 depicts a main body

(8) FIG. 8 depicts a main body

(9) FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a main body

(10) FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of a main body

(11) FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a main body

(12) FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of a main body

(13) FIG. 13 depicts a lower pole system

(14) FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of a lower pole system

(15) FIG. 15 depicts a lower pole attached to an upper pole

(16) FIG. 16 depicts a disclosed embodiment attached to a bitt with the bitt attached to a dock

(17) FIG. 17 depicts a disclosed embodiment attached to a bitt with the bitt attached to a ship

(18) FIG. 18 is a lower front perspective view of a series 3 embodiment

(19) FIG. 19 is an expanded lower front perspective view of a series 3 embodiment

(20) FIG. 20A is a side view of a fixed upper winch plate mount

(21) FIG. 20B is a plan view of a flattened fixed upper winch plate mount

(22) FIG. 20C is a perspective view of a fixed upper winch plate mount

(23) FIG. 21A is a right-side view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(24) FIG. 21B is a bottom view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(25) FIG. 21C is a front view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(26) FIG. 21D is a left-side view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(27) FIG. 21E is a back view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(28) FIG. 21F is a perspective view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(29) FIG. 21G is a top elevation view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(30) FIG. 21G is a top elevation view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount assembly

(31) FIG. 22 is a front and side perspective view of lower boom mount or lower davit mount

(32) FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of a series 3 embodiment attached to a bitt

(33) FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a series 3 embodiment attached to a flat mount system or davit flat mount

(34) FIG. 25 is a front and side perspective view of a flat mount system or davit flat mount

(35) FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a series 5 embodiment in an extended position

(36) FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of a series 5 embodiment in an retracted position

(37) FIG. 28A is a top plan view of a rectangular winch plate

(38) FIG. 28B is a side view of a rectangular winch plate

(39) FIG. 28C is perspective view of a rectangular winch plate

(40) FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a winch plate strut mount

(41) FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a series 5 embodiment

(42) FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a series 5 embodiment

(43) FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a series 5 embodiment

(44) FIG. 33 is a perspective view of series 5 components

(45) FIG. 34 is a side view of a series 5 embodiment

(46) FIG. 35 is a sectional side view of a series embodiment

(47) FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a series 7 embodiment

(48) FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a series 7 embodiment

(49) FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a series 7 embodiment

(50) FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a series 9 embodiment

(51) FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a series 9 embodiment

(52) FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a series 9 embodiment

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

(53) 100 a disclosed embodiment in general 200 main body 210 tube channel 215 back angle 216 adjustment screw 220 winch 222 winch handle 225 winch plate 226 cleat point/tension button 227 clutch support 230 rope clutch 240 foot 250 latch clamp 252 adjustable slide buckle attached to latch clamp 250 260 worm gear 263 handle for worm gear 265 spindle gear 267 spindle 270 lower spindle block 271 flange sleeve bearing of spindle block 273 upper spindle block 275 spindle connector, or spindle to boom connector 277 boom to spindle connector nut 290 lift line 292 loop to secure lifting strap 295 tension line 300 davit 310 davit sheave 400 latch or strap system 405 lower strap 406 adjustment strap of lower strap 405 410 top strap 413 strap mount 430 latch clamp 500 lower pole assembly 510 reach frame 515 pole adapter 517 distal reach frame member 520 frame bar 522 distal storage void, defined between distal reach frame member 517 and frame bar 520 540 strap 545 strap holder 550 buckle 555 buckle holder 560 strap to rope connector 600 upper pole assemble 610 pole 620 V cleat 630 wire pin 640 lanyard 700 bitt 800 flat mount system or davit flat mount 810 outer surface of flat mount system 800 820 inner surface of flat mount system 800 830 attachment lip of inner surface 820 of flat mount system 800 840 attachment pin of flat mount system 850 lower horizontal foot of flat mount system 860 vertical upper lip of flat mount system 900 lower boom mount or lower davit mount 910 lower boom mount plate 930 lower boom stop plate 940 lower boom receiver plate MOB man over board 1300 series 3 embodiment 1320 upper winch plate mount-fixed 1322 vertical section of upper winch plate mount-fixed 1324 angled horizontal section of upper winch plate mount-fixed 1326 support bar of upper winch plate mount-fixed 1328 attachment void for support bar 1326 defined by upper winch pate mount 1350 broad winch plate 1360 lower guard of broad winch plate 1370 lower cleat of broad winch plate 1500 series 5 embodiment 1510 hinge plate 1520 hinge of hinge plate 1510 1530 lower shock mount 1540 shock or strut 1560 rectangular winch plate 1565 distal end of rectangular winch plate 1570 crescent void defined within distal end of rectangular winch plate 1580 struct bracket of rectangular winch plate 1582 attachment void defined within struct bracket 1580 1590 winch plate strut mount 1600 side bracket for hinge plate to main body 200 attachment 1610 wing fasteners for further attachment of hinge plate to main body 1900 series 7 embodiment 2000 series 9 embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(54) The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

(55) Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

(56) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of including, but not limited to. Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words herein, above, below, and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

(57) The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

(58) Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

(59) FIG. 1 depicts a disclosed embodiment 100 in general which may comprise a main body 200 having a tension line 295 that supports a davit 300 to boom assembly with the davit moved laterally by use of a worm gear 260 (See FIG. 2). While the davit may be moved laterally, a lift line 290 may be lowered or raised, with the lift line connected to a rescue strap or other system which may secure a person in the water in need of rescue.

(60) A main body 200 may be secured to a ship bitt by use of a latch or strap system 400, the strap system may comprise a plurality of straps 410 with the straps reaching around a bitt and the straps secured to the main body by a plurality of latch lamps 250 with the latch clamps having an over centered pivot point and or an over center lock position.

(61) A boom or davit 300 may comprise rotational means of supporting a lift line 290 and or may ride upon or pivot about a davit sheave 310 or pivot wheel.

(62) Referring to FIG. 2 a winch 220 may pull or control a lift line 290, with the winch attached to a rotating winch plate 225. The use of the winch plate 225 and attached spindle 267 and the artful and secure manner of attachment of the main body to a bitt and the artful and secure manner of the spindle 267 disposed between two spindle blocks 273 and 270 overcome shortfalls in the related art by, inter alia, providing the only means in the market place for a winch to be rated or approved for the support and/or transport of a human being. In the related art, a winch without further means of safety or support, is not rated for the movement of a human being. The presently disclosed embodiments have achieved unexpectedly excellent results in obtaining approval from a winch manufacturer to allow or approve of said winches to be used with the disclosed embodiments for use in human transport or human support.

(63) The safety of the disclosed embodiments is achieved, inter alia, by use of a rectangular main body 210, the main body having four vertical members and the main body securing or secured to two an upper spindle block 273 and a lower spindle block 275 with a spindle 267 disposed between the two spindle blocks and with the spindle in rotational attachment within the two spindle blocks. The spindle may be attached to a winch plate 225 and a spindle to boom connector 275 such that the lift line 290 and boom 300 may move laterally in unison to increase product utility and safety. The spindle 267 may be rotated by use of a worm gear 260 in geared attachment to a spindle gear 265 with the spindle gear having an inner circumference fixedly attached to spindle 267. The worm gear may be rotated by use of a handle 263.

(64) The efficacy and safety of the disclosed embodiments is also increased by the artful use of feet 240 with each foot defining a plurality of voids, the voids configured to retain one or more straps 410 with the straps being secured around a ship bitt and the straps further secured to the main body by the disclosed latch clamps 250.

(65) Added product utility and efficiency is also achieved by use of a plurality of back angles 215, the back angles providing an needed offset between the main body 200 and a ship's bitt.

(66) Referring to FIG. 3, the disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the related art by providing means and methods for an artfully placed and artfully shaped winch plate 225 such that the winch plate allows for horizontal or near horizontal rotation in unison with the boom and the winch plate enables a clutch support 227 to support a rope clutch 230 with the rope clutch being adjacent to the winch. The winch plate overcomes shortfalls in the art by keeping the winch near the rope clutch while keeping the lift line in the same plane as the boom or davit.

(67) To further keep the lift line, wench and davit in the same plane, FIG. 3 depicts a spindle connector 275 attached to the spindle 267 with the spindle connector 275 having a boom or davit to spindle connector nut 277.

(68) FIG. 4 highlights the positioning of the two latch clamps 250 as well as the spindle system used to keep the davit and lift line aligned. The synchronized horizontal movement of the lift line and davit overcomes shortfalls in the art as the lift line can be moved horizontally by mechanical means, allowing a rescuer to stay on board the ship and out of the water.

(69) FIG. 5 depicts feet 240 used to keep the main body from twisting or otherwise coming out of position due to the forces exerted upon the davit and/or lift line.

(70) FIG. 6 depicts the artful position of the winch plate 225.

(71) FIG. 7 depicts geared relationship between the worm gear 260 and the spindle gear 265.

(72) FIG. 8 depicts an altered angle from FIG. 7.

(73) FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of a main body. The lift line 295 is shown removed from the winch.

(74) FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of a main body. The relationship between the lower spindle block 275 and upper spindle block 273 are shown.

(75) FIG. 11 depicts the shapes of the winch plate 225, clutch support 227 and rope clutch 230 and related components.

(76) FIG. 12 depicts an altered angle from FIG. 11.

(77) FIG. 13 depicts a lower pole assembly 500 sometimes used to secure a lifting strap to a person in need of rescue. A lower pole assembly may comprise a reach frame 510, with the reach frame having a distal reach frame member 517. A distal reach frame member 517 and a frame bar 520 may define a distal storage void 522, with the distal storage void sometimes used to store webbing, rope or other means of securing a person in the water.

(78) A lower pole assembly 500 may include means of securing a strap 540 within the perimeter of the reach frame and frame bar 520 by use of a plurality of strap holders 545.

(79) The strap 540 may be secured by use of a buckle 550, with the buckle retained in a buckle holder 555.

(80) FIG. 14 depicts the components of FIG. 13 in an exploded view.

(81) FIG. 15 depicts a lower pole assembly 500 in attachment to an upper pole assembly 600.

(82) A distal end of the lift line may be attached to a ball or other stopping element. A stopping element may be defined as any object attached to the lift line that will not pass through the davit sheave. A stopping element or ball attached to a distal end of the lift line will cause the davit to rise when the lift line if fully retracted. Thus, the tension line will sag, allowing the davit to be raised to a higher level, giving a rescue worker more room to maneuver a swimmer on to the deck of the ship. Such a feature helps to compensate for ship biffs that are disposed at an angle upon a ship deck.

(83) At a yet more distal position on a lift line, a loop may be attached, just behind a ball or stopping element. The loop may be attached to strap to rope connector 560.

(84) Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, after a person over board is placed within the loop, the handle or upper pole may be pressed toward the person, causing the one way bracket or bracket holder to chinch the strap 540 around the person. The strap holders may then disengage, causing the strap to be freed from the pole and hoop system. Thus, the person may then be retrieved from the water. In some instances, the hoop and pole system may not break free from the strap, and the pole may be simply retained as the person is hoisted back into the boat.

(85) The disclosed embodiments are well suited for use anywhere water is present and are useful at docks and poolside.

(86) FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 depict disclosed embodiments attached to bitts 700. Bitts are often found on ships or on docks. Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the art by being well suited for attachment to bitts.

(87) In one disclosed embodiment, cleat points 226 may be used to adjust the length of the tension line 295 such that angled bitts can be used to secure the system. Angle pieces 216 provide points of contact with round bitts so as to prevent direct contact with the main body 200. The angle pieces are secured by adjustment screws 216, allowing the angle pieces to be secured in a myriad of configurations to comport with a myriad of bitts that might be encountered at dock. The strap system 400 is more partially defined and is used to secure the system to a bitt, wherein the bitt may be angled.

(88) The prior art of Perri and Wesson teaches away from the use of bitts or other angled pieces and instead teaches the use of holes and pins to anchor a boom system.

(89) The disclosed embodiments include:

(90) A man over board rescue system comprising: a main body (200), the main body comprising a tube channel (210) the tube channel attached to an upper spindle block (273) and an lower spindle block (275) with a spindle (267) disposed between the upper spindle block and the lower spindle block; the spindle attached to a spindle gear (265) with the spindle gear in geared attachment to a worm gear (260) with the worm gear attached to a handle (263); the spindle having a top end attached to a winch plate (225) with the winch plate attached to a winch (220) and the winch plate supporting a rope clutch 230; the spindle having a lower end attached to a spindle connector (275), the winch plate (225) comprising a lower side, with the lower side comprising a pair of cleat points (226), the cleat points used to adjust the length of a tension line (295) so as to allow the main body (200) to comport with angled bitts; a lift line (290) attached to the winch and the lift line in contact with a distal end of a davit (300); and a proximal end of the davit attached to the spindle connector; the tube channel (210) further comprising a plurality of back angle pieces (215) attached to the tube channel by use of adjustment screws (216), the attachment screws, attached within voids defined by the tube channel, the back angle pieces used as contact points upon a round bitt; the main body further comprising a plurality of latch clamps (250) attached to the tube channel (210) the latch clamps in frictional attachment to a strap system (400) the strap system comprising a top strap (410) and a lower strap (405) with the lower strap in frictional attachment to an adjustment strap (405); the strap assembly used to attach the main body (200) to a bitt

(91) The main body further comprising a plurality of feet (240) attached to a lower end of the tube channel (210) the feet stabilizing the main body even when attached to an angled bitt.

(92) FIG. 16 shows an embodiment strapped to a bitt, with the bitt being on a dock. Any of the disclosed embodiments may be attached to a bitt by use of the disclosed straps and other features.

(93) FIG. 17 shows an embodiment strapped to a bitt, with the bitt being on a ship. Any of the disclosed embodiments may be attached to a bitt by use of the disclosed straps and other features.

(94) FIG. 18 depicts a series 3 embodiment which may feature a fixed upper winch plate mount 1320. A fixed upper winch plate mount has advantages over the prior art in saving expense in the production of the system without sacrificing quality. The fixed upper winch plate mount is in fixed attachment to the main body 200 and in fixed attachment to the broad winch plate 1350. Thus, there are fewer moving parts, allowing for a lower cost of production and less complication in making ready for use. A broad winch plate may feature a pari of lower guards 1360 or support brackets to prevent fouling or unintentional access to rob secured by the lower cleats 1370.

(95) FIGS. 20A to 20C show features of the fixed upper winch plate mount.

(96) FIGS. 21A to 21G show features of the flat mount system or davit flat mount 800. The flat mount system overcomes shortfalls in the related art by eschewing the prior art's penchant for bitt mounting. A flat mount system may be mounted upon a ship or dock and then used for direct attachment to any of the disclosed davit systems. This system saves space and provides a simple and secure method of attachment with a very low profile.

(97) FIG. 23 depicts a series 3 system attached to bitt.

(98) FIG. 24 depicts a series 3 system 1300 attached to a flat mount system 800.

(99) FIG. 25 depicts a flat mount system 800 ready to receive a davit system.

(100) FIG. 26 depicts a series 5 system 1500 having a hinge plate 1510, hinge 1530 with the hinge connected to a pivoting winch plate. The winch plate may be in pivotal connection to s strut 1540 at the struts top end. The strut may have a lower end in pivotal connection to a lower shock mount 1530, the lower shock mount in fixed connection to the main body 200.

(101) FIG. 27 depicts a series 5 system 1500 in a contracted position.

(102) FIGS. 28A to 28C and FIG. 29 demonstrate a method of attachment between a rectangular winch plate 1560 and a struct bracket 1580.

(103) FIGS. 30 to 35 demonstrate various components of a series 5 system and various means of component attachment.

(104) FIG. 36 depicts series 7 embodiment.

(105) FIGS. 37 and 38 depict various components of a series 7 embodiment.

(106) FIGS. 39, 40 and 41 depict various components of a series 9 embodiment shown as reference number 200.

(107) Disclosed embodiments may include:

(108) 1. A man over board rescue system comprising: a) a main body (200), the main body having an upper front end attached to a vertical section (1322) of an fixed upper winch plate mount (1320), the fixed upper winch plate mount further comprising an angled horizontal section (1324) b) the angled horizontal section of the fixed upper winch plate attached to a broad winch plate (1350) and the broad winch plate attached to a winch (220); a rope clutch also attached to the broad winch plate; c) a tension line (295) attached to the broad winch plate and attached a distal end of a davit; d) the davit having a proximal end in pivotal attachment to a lower boom mount (900) the lower boom mount in fixed attachment to the main body.

(109) 2. The man over board rescue system of 1 further comprising: a) a lift line having a proximal end attached to the winch and the lift line having a distal end passing over a distal end of the davit.

(110) 3. The man over board rescue system of 1 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a flat mount system (800)

(111) 4. A man over board rescue system of 1 wherein the main body is attached to a bitt.

(112) 5. A man over board rescue system comprising: a) a main body (200) the main body having an upper front end in fixed attached to a hinge plate (1510) the hinge plate having an upper end in pivotal attachment to a broad winch plate (1350); b) the broad winch plate attached to a winch (220) and the broad winch plate also attached to a rope clutch; c) the broad winch plate having a lower side in pivotal connection to an upper end of a strut (1540) the strut having a lower end in pivotal connection to the main body; and d) the broad winch plate attached to a davit by use of tension line (295).

(113) 6. The man over board system of 5 further comprising: a) A lift line having a proximal end attached to the winch and the lift line having a distal end passing over a distal end of the davit.

(114) 7. The man over board system of 5 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a flat mount system (800)

(115) 8. The man over board system of 5 further comprising: a) the main body in fixed attachment to a bitt.