PONTOON STOWAGE SYSTEM FOR WORKBOATS

Abstract

A workboat is disclosed comprising: a hull; a first pontoon attached to a first side of the hull; a second pontoon attached to a second side of the hull; a deck on an upper surface of the hull; a pontoon stowage system configured to deploy the first pontoon and second pontoon from a stowed position atop the deck to a deployed position extending outward from the hull; an actuator operatively connected to the pontoons and configured to actuate the movement between the stowed position and the deployed position; a control unit operatively connected to the actuator to regulate the deployment and stowage of the pontoons; and an operator interface for controlling the operation of the pontoon stowage system.

Claims

1. A workboat comprising: a hull; a first pontoon attached to a first side of the hull; a second pontoon attached to a second side of the hull; a deck on an upper surface of the hull; a pontoon stowage system configured to deploy the first pontoon and second pontoon from a stowed position atop the deck to a deployed position extending outward from the hull; an actuator operatively connected to the pontoons and configured to actuate the movement between the stowed position and the deployed position; a control unit operatively connected to the actuator to regulate the deployment and stowage of the pontoons; and an operator interface for controlling the operation of the pontoon stowage system.

2. The workboat of claim 1, further comprising an actuator sensor operatively connected to the control unit.

3. The workboat of claim 1, wherein the pontoon stowage system further comprises pivotal brackets attached to the first pontoon and second pontoon.

4. The workboat of claim 2, wherein the operator interface includes a mobile remote in communication with the control unit to regulate the deployment and stowage of the pontoons.

5. The workboat of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to adjust the speed of deployment and retraction based on input from the control unit.

6. The workboat of claim 1, wherein the pivotable brackets is configured to lock when the first pontoon and second pontoon are in the stowed position and the deployed position.

7. The workboat of claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the deployment or retraction of the pontoons if an obstruction is detected, and to provide a warning alert to the operator via the operator interface and actuator sensor.

8. The workboat of claim 1, wherein the deck is dimensioned to accommodate the first pontoon and second pontoon in the stowed position.

9. The workboat of claim 7, wherein the actuator is configured to operate under variable hydraulic pressure.

10. A pontoon stowage system for a workboat, the system comprising: a first pontoon and a second pontoon, each attached to opposite sides of a hull of the workboat; a hydraulic actuator configured to move each pontoon between a stowed position on a deck of the workboat and a deployed position extending outward from the hull; pivotal brackets connecting the first pontoon and the second pontoon to the hull, the pivotal brackets allowing for the rotation of the first pontoon and a second pontoon between the stowed and deployed positions.

11. The pontoon stowage system of claim 10, further comprising: an actuator sensor configured to monitor the movement of the hydraulic actuator and provide feedback on the pontoon position; a control unit operatively connected to the hydraulic actuator for regulating the flipping system; and an operator interface allowing for the control of the deployment and stowage of the first pontoon and the second pontoon.

12. The pontoon stowage system of claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to reverse the hydraulic actuator automatically in response to detecting an obstruction.

13. The pontoon stowage system of claim 11, wherein the deck is dimensioned to accommodate the first pontoon and second pontoon in the stowed position.

14. The pontoon stowage system of claim 11, further comprising a mobile remote, wherein the remote control unit allows the operator to deploy or retract the pontoons from a location remote from the workboat.

15. The pontoon stowage system of claim 10, wherein the pivotable brackets is configured to lock when the first pontoon and second pontoon are in the stowed position and the deployed position.

16. A method of stowing a pontoon of a workboat, the method comprising: providing a workboat having a hull, a first pontoon pivotally connected to the hull, a deck, and a pontoon stowage mechanism in the hull comprising an actuator and pivotal brackets; activating the actuator to extend the first pontoon from a deployed position of the workboat to a stowed position on the deck; and pivoting the first pontoon via pivotal brackets to the stowage position relative to the hull.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing a second pontoon pivotally connected to the hull; and pivoting the second pontoon via pivotal brackets to the stowage position relative to the hull.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: retracting the actuator to return the first pontoon and the second pontoon to the deployed position for operation of the workboat.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a control unit and an operator interface to manage the deployment of the first pontoon based on operator commands, wherein the operator interface provides real-time status updates on the pontoon position and system diagnostics.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising sensing the position of the first pontoon during movement via a position sensor in the actuator, wherein the sensor alerts the operator if the first pontoon encounters an obstruction during the deployment or retraction process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workboat, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the workboat of FIG. 1 with a pontoon in a stowed position on a truck bed frame, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a pontoon stowage mechanism inside the workboat of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon stowage mechanism of FIG. 3 in the workboat of FIG. 1 in a stowed state, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pontoon stowage mechanism of FIG. 3 in the workboat of FIG. 1 in a deployed state, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a pontoon stowage system for the pontoon stowage mechanism of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow-chart of a method of stowing a pontoon of the workboat of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The figures depict one embodiment of the presented invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to the depicted example, a workboat 100 is shown, illustrated as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Workboats are essential marine vessels used in various industries, including construction, maintenance, and transport, particularly in aquatic environments. These vessels are typically equipped with specialized equipment to perform tasks on water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. While the following detailed description focuses on the workboat 100, it should be appreciated that the description applies equally to the use of the present disclosure in other marine vessels and similar applications.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, the workboat 100 comprises a first pontoon 102 and a second pontoon 104, each attached to the sides of the workboat's hull 106. The hull 106 forms the main body of the workboat 100, providing structural support and buoyancy. The hull 106 is designed to house various internal components, including the mechanisms for deploying and retracting the pontoons 102, 104.

[0021] The workboat 100 is powered by a prime mover 108, which may be an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid power system. The prime mover 108 is operatively connected to the propulsion system of the workboat 100, allowing it to navigate through water with ease. The prime mover 108 is housed within the hull 106 and is also responsible for powering auxiliary systems, such as the hydraulic actuators used in the pontoon stowage mechanism.

[0022] The upper surface of the hull 106 is defined by a deck 110, which provides a working area for personnel and a base for mounting equipment. The deck 110 is also the stowage location for the pontoons 102, 104 when they are in their retracted positions. In the stowed state, the pontoons 102, 104 rest atop the deck 110, allowing the workboat 100 to conform to width restrictions during transport.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear view of the workboat 100 is depicted with the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104 in a collapsed or stowed position of a truck bed 101, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The pontoons 102, 104 are secured atop the deck 110 of the hull 106 when the workboat 100 is configured for transport, such as on the truck bed 101, or when additional deck space is not required during operations.

[0024] The hull 106, forming the main structure of the workboat 100, is designed to accommodate the pontoons 102, 104 in their retracted state without exceeding standard width restrictions for road transport. This feature is crucial for ensuring that the workboat 100 remains compliant with transportation regulations, allowing it to be easily moved to different locations by land when necessary.

[0025] The prime mover 108, located within the hull 106, remains operational even when the pontoons 102, 104 are stowed. This allows the workboat 100 to maintain full navigational capabilities while in transit or when operating in confined spaces where the pontoons 102, 104 cannot be deployed.

[0026] The deck 110 provides a stable surface for both the stowed pontoons 102, 104 and any equipment or personnel that may be on board. The design ensures that the deck 110 can support the weight of the pontoons 102, 104 without compromising the workboat's stability or functionality.

[0027] The stowed position of the pontoons 102, 104 also protects them from potential damage during transport or adverse weather conditions, as they are securely positioned above the waterline and within the confines of the hull 106. This configuration is particularly beneficial when the workboat 100 is not in use, as it minimizes wear and tear on the pontoons 102, 104.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective schematic view of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200 integrated into the workboat 100 is depicted, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The pontoon stowage mechanism 200 is responsible for deploying and stowing the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104, which are attached to the hull 106 of the workboat 100. The pontoon stowage mechanism 200 enables the transformation of the workboat 100's operational surface area on water.

[0029] The pontoon stowage mechanism 200 is driven by an actuator 202, which may be a hydraulic or electric actuator depending on the specific configuration of the workboat 100. The actuator 202 is housed within the hull 106 and is operatively connected to the pivotal brackets 204, which are secured to the pontoons 102, 104.

[0030] The pivotal brackets 204 are designed to rotate about fixed axes, allowing the pontoons 102, 104 to pivot between their stowed and deployed positions. The pivotal brackets 204 are robustly constructed to withstand the forces exerted during the flipping process, ensuring that the pontoons 102, 104 can be securely locked into position once fully deployed or retracted.

[0031] The actuator 202 is controlled by signals from the workboat's onboard control systems, allowing for precise control over the deployment and retraction of the pontoons 102, 104. The actuator 202 extends to deploy the pontoons 102, 104 outward from the hull 106, increasing the workboat 100's effective surface area. Conversely, the actuator 202 retracts to bring the pontoons 102, 104 back into their stowed position on the deck 110.

[0032] The hull 106 serves as the mounting base for the pontoon stowage mechanism 200, housing the actuator 202 and supporting the pivotal brackets 204. The design of the hull 106 ensures that the flipping mechanism 200 operates smoothly, with minimal interference from external elements such as water pressure or debris.

[0033] The interaction between the actuator 202 and the pivotal brackets 204 is central to the functionality of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200. As the actuator 202 extends or retracts, it transfers force to the pivotal brackets 204, which then pivot to either extend the pontoons 102, 104 outward or retract them back onto the deck 110. This mechanism allows for quick and efficient transitions between operational and transport configurations.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200 in the workboat 100 is illustrated in a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 depicts when the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104 are fully stowed and locked into their stowable positions for reducing size of the deck 110, facilitating easier transportation of the workboat 100.

[0035] The actuator 202 extends the pontoons 102, 104 from a secure mount within the hull 106 of the workboat 100, providing the necessary force to move the pontoons 102, 104 from the fully deployed positions extending outward from the hull 106 to their stowed positions on the deck 110. When the actuator 202 is activated, it extends to push the pivotal brackets 204, which in turn pivot the pontoons 102, 104 outwardly.

[0036] The pivotal brackets 204 guide the movement of the pontoons 102, 104 and ensure that they are securely locked into place once deployed. The brackets 204 are designed to rotate smoothly around their fixed axes, minimizing friction and wear during operation. This design ensures long-term reliability and ease of maintenance. The extension and retraction of the actuator 202 can be finely tuned to accommodate various operational conditions, such as adjusting the deployment speed in response to environmental factors like wind or waves.

[0037] Once the pontoons 102, 104 are fully stowed, the actuator 202 holds its stowed position, keeping the pontoons securely in place. The engagement of the pontoons 102, 104 is further reinforced by the pivotal brackets 204, which lock the pontoons in their stwoed positions, preventing any unintended movement during operation.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200 in the workboat 100 is depicted in a deployed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200 when the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104 are in the deployed position with the actuator 202 retracted back from the stowed positions on the deck 110.

[0039] The actuator 202 operating with the pivotal brackets 204 allows rotation and movement of the pontoons 102, 104. The actuator 202 is still housed within the hull 106, but its position may be adjusted to facilitate the movement of the pontoons 102, 104. As the actuator 202 reaches its full retraction, the pontoons 102, 104 are brought into alignment with the sides of the hull 106, creating a flush and stable extension of the workboats operational surface area on the deck 110.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the pivotal brackets 204 illustrate transitional positions, partially rotating around their fixed axes from stowed position to deployed position. This transitional state allows the pontoons 102, 104 to smoothly move between their stowed and deployed positions.

[0041] As the actuator 202 extends, it pushes the pivotal brackets 204, which in turn begin to fold the pontoons 102, 104 back onto the deck 110. Conversely, when the actuator 202 is retracted, it pulls the pivotal brackets 204 to rotate the pontoons 102, 104 outward from the hull 106, initiating the deployment process to the deployed position outwardly expanding the deck 110.

[0042] The hull 106 plays an essential role in guiding and supporting the actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204 during this transition. The structural design of the hull 106 ensures that all forces exerted during the deployment or retraction of the pontoons 102, 104 are effectively absorbed, maintaining the integrity of the workboat 100.

[0043] The deck 110 serves as the receiving surface for the pontoons 102, 104 as they are stowed. The deck 110 is designed to support the weight of the pontoons 102, 104 and provide a secure resting place when they are not in use. The deck 110 ensures that the pontoons 102, 104 are safely stowed above the waterline, reducing the risk of damage during transport or when the workboat 100 is docked.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram of the pontoon stowage system 400 integrated with the workboat 100 is depicted, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a control unit 402 in communication with an operator interface 404, an actuator sensor 406, operational sensors 408, and a mobile remote 410 for managing the deployment and retraction of the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104.

[0045] The pontoon stowage system 400 is centrally controlled by the control unit 402, which is housed within the workboat 100. The control unit 402 is connected to various components of the pontoon stowage mechanism 200, including the actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204 via sensors as generally known in the arts. It serves as the central processing hub, receiving input commands from the operator and sending control signals to the actuator 202, enabling precise control over the movement of the pontoons 102, 104.

[0046] The operator interface 404 may be a user-accessible panel located within the cabin of the workboat 100 or built-in within the mobile remote 410, which allows the operator to interact with the pontoon stowage system 400. The interface operator 404 includes controls for deploying and retracting the pontoons 102, 104, as well as indicators that display the current status of the system.

[0047] When the operator initiates a command via the operator interface 404, the control unit 402 processes this input and sends the appropriate signals to the actuator 202 within the pontoon stowage mechanism 200. The control unit 402 precisely regulates the extension or retraction of the actuator 202, ensuring that the pontoons 102, 104 move smoothly and efficiently between their stowed and deployed positions.

[0048] The control unit 402 also monitors the status of the actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204, providing real-time feedback to the operator interface 404. This feedback allows the operator to monitor the progress of the pontoon deployment or retraction and ensures that any potential issues are immediately flagged for the operators attention.

[0049] The hull 106 houses the primary components of the pontoon stowage system 400, including the control unit 402 and the connections to the hydraulic and electrical systems of the workboat 100. The hull 106 provides protection and support to these components, ensuring that they operate reliably even in challenging marine environments.

[0050] The prime mover 108, or a battery, is indirectly involved in the operation of the pontoon stowage system 400 by providing the necessary power to the hydraulic systems via the control unit 402. This integration ensures that the pontoons 102, 104 can be deployed or retracted as needed, regardless of the workboats operational status.

[0051] The deck 110 serves as the base for the operator interface 404, ensuring that the operator has easy access to the control systems while maintaining a stable platform for operation. The deck 110 also supports the pontoon stowage mechanism 200 when the pontoons 102, 104 are stowed, providing a secure resting place that integrates seamlessly with the control unit 402.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 2, the first pontoon 102 and second pontoon 104 are shown in a folded or stowed position, resting securely on the deck 110 of the workboat 100. This stowed position allows for maintaining the workboat 100 in a transportable dimension, especially when road or land-based transport is required. In this configuration, the pontoons 102, 104 are flipped onto the deck 110 using the pontoon stowage mechanism 200, which is driven by the actuator 202 and controlled by the actuator 202. This pontoon stowage mechanism 200 ensures that each pontoon can be efficiently stowed and deployed, depending on the operational requirements.

[0053] The pivotal brackets 204 allow the pontoons 102, 104 to pivot smoothly from their extended operational positions, deployed position, back onto the deck 110 in a stowed position. The transition between the deployed and stowed positions is managed by the actuator 202, which retracts or extends to fold the pontoons inward. The pontoons 102, 104 are designed to rest flush against the deck 110, ensuring they do not interfere with the workboats operation when stowed.

[0054] The actuator sensor 406 continuously monitors the position of the pontoons 102, 104 during their deployment and retraction, ensuring that the system operates safely and without error. If the sensor detects an obstacle or malfunction, it can signal the control unit 402 to stop the movement of the pontoons and alert the operator via the operator interface 404. This feature increases the safety and reliability of the flipping mechanism 200.

[0055] The deck 110 of the workboat 100 is designed to accommodate the pontoons 102, 104 in their stowed position. The dimensions of the deck 110 ensure that the pontoons can be fully retracted without exceeding the workboat 100's overall width when in transport mode. In this embodiment, the width of the deck 110 is slightly larger than the pontoons' width, ensuring that the pontoons 102, 104 rest securely without overhanging the sides of the hull 106.

[0056] The pontoons 102, 104 are dimensioned to maximize the work surface when deployed but fold compactly when retracted. For example, the length of each pontoon is slightly shorter than the length of the workboat 100, while the width may be designed to be less than half of the boat's total width. This ensures that when folded, the combined width of the boat and stowed pontoons does not exceed road transport limits.

[0057] The operation systems 408 are integrated with the pontoon stowage system 400. The operation systems 408 manage the overall operation of the workboat 100, including power distribution to the hydraulic systems and the control of navigation. The prime mover 108 provides the necessary power for both propulsion and auxiliary systems like the pontoon stowage mechanism 200.

[0058] Additionally, the pontoon stowage system 400 includes a mobile remote 410, which allows the operator to control and monitor the pontoon stowage system 400 remotely. This feature is particularly useful when the operator is not physically in the cabin. The remote 410 is connected to the control unit 402 and provides real-time data on the position of the pontoons 102, 104, as well as the status of the actuator 202 and actuator 202. The remote 410 can initiate the deployment or stowage of the pontoons and also serves as an emergency stop in case of unexpected issues.

Industrial Applicability

[0059] In operation, the present disclosure may find applicability in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, marine construction, transportation, and maintenance industries. Specifically, the systems, machines, and methods of the present disclosure are particularly useful in optimizing the deployment and stowing of pontoons on workboats 100, improving operational efficiency and safety. The pontoon flipping systems 400 and methods described herein can be applied to various workboats used in industries such as dredging, coastal construction, environmental cleanup, and offshore operations.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, the method 500 of stowing the pontoons 102, 104 of the workboat 100 is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The method 500 comprises steps that detail how the first pontoon 102 is moved between a deployed positions and a stowed position using the pontoon stowage system 400.

[0061] In a step 502, the method begins by providing the workboat 100 having the hull 106, the first pontoon 102 pivotally connected to the hull 106, a deck 110, and a pontoon stowage mechanism 200 within the hull 106. The pontoon stowage mechanism 200 comprises the hydraulic actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204, which are operatively connected to the pontoon 102. The control unit 402 manages the actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204 during deployment and retraction, while the operator interface 404 allows the operator to control the pontoon stowage system 400 manually.

[0062] In a step 504, the method 500 includes activating the hydraulic actuator 202 to extend the first pontoon 102 from a deployed position of the workboat 100 to a stowed position on the deck 110. The hydraulic actuator 202 drives the movement of the first pontoon 102, ensuring it pivots smoothly into the stowed position. During this process, the actuator sensor 406 monitors the position of the pontoon and provides real-time feedback to the control unit 402 and operator interface 404, ensuring precise control.

[0063] In a step 506, the method 500 includes pivoting the first pontoon 102 via the pivotal brackets 204 attached between the first pontoon 102 and the hull 106. The pivotal brackets 204 allow the pontoon 102, 104 to rotate relative to the hull 106, guiding the movement as the pontoon 102, 104 transitions from the deployed position to the stowed position on the deck 110.

[0064] In a step 508, the method 500 includes retracting the hydraulic actuator 202 to return the first pontoon 102 to the deployed position for operation of the workboat 100. The control unit 402 regulates the retraction process, ensuring the first pontoon 102 moves efficiently from its stowed position atop the deck 110 back to its fully deployed position extending outward from the hull 106. Once the pontoon reaches the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 5, the hydraulic actuator 202 locks into place for operational stability.

[0065] By utilizing a pontoon stowage mechanism 200 with a hydraulic actuator 202 and pivotal brackets 204, the workboat 100 can seamlessly transition between stowed and deployed configurations. The integration of a control unit 402, operator interface 404, and actuator sensor 406 ensures precise control and feedback, enhancing both safety and efficiency during the stowage and deployment process. This method can be applied across various workboats, making it adaptable to multiple industries requiring versatile marine operations.

[0066] From the foregoing, it is evident that the technology disclosed herein has broad industrial applicability across various sectors, including, but not limited to, the marine, construction, and environmental industries. It is particularly suited for workboats and other machines used in operations such as dredging, coastal construction, offshore maintenance, and environmental cleanup, where the ability to efficiently deploy and retract pontoons or similar work implements is essential for optimizing performance and operational flexibility.