Marine lifting apparatus
OwnerJon Khachaturianinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges.
Claims30
A method of lifting a package in a marine environment, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing spaced apart first and second vessels having a space therebetween each vessel being a self-propelled vessel with a bow and a stern, the bows of each vessel being pointed generally in the same direction;
- b) spanning a first frame between the vessels;
- c) spanning a second frame between the vessels;
- d) spacing the frames apart and connecting the frames to the vessels in a configuration that maintains said spacing of the vessels apart;
- e) connecting the first frame to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection;
- f) connecting the second frame to the second vessel with a universal joint, and to the first vessel with a hinged connection;
- g) wherein the universal joint and the hinged connection on the first vessel are spaced apart;
- h) wherein the universal joint and the hinged connection on the second vessel are spaced apart;
- and
- i) extending each frame upwardly to provide a space under the frame and in between the vessels, enabling a package that is to be lifted to be positioned in between the vessels and under the frames.
A catamaran vessel lifting apparatus comprising:
- a) first and second vessels, at least one of the vessels being a dynamically positioned vessel;
- b) a first frame that spans between the vessels;
- c) a second frame that spans between the vessels;
- d) the frames being spaced apart and being connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart;
- e) the first frame connecting to the first vessel with a first universal joint and to the second vessel with a first hinged connection, wherein the first universal joint and first hinged connection are spaced apart;
- f) the second frame connecting to the second vessel with a second universal joint, and to the first vessel with a second hinged connection, wherein the second universal joint and the second hinged connection are spaced apart;
- and
- g) providing a space under a said frame and in between the vessels, said space enabling a load to be supported by the frames.
A catamaran vessel lifting apparatus comprising:
- a) first and second vessels, at least one of the vessels being a dynamically positioned vessel;
- b) a first frame that spans between the vessels;
- c) a second frame that spans between the vessels;
- d) the frames being spaced apart and being connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart;
- e) the first frame connecting to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection;
- f) the second frame connecting to the second vessel with a universal joint, and to the first vessel with a hinged connection;
- and
- g) each frame extending upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the vessels;
- h) wherein at least one of said vessels has a pilot house, a deck, a bow and a stern and wherein each of the frames attaches to the vessel in between a pilot house and a stern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.