EXTERIOR HULL PATCH

Abstract

An exterior hull patch and method of use for covering and containing leaks due to hull damage to ships, vessels and barges that has a flexible material center surrounded by an inflatable border or perimeter. The patch is positioned over the damaged area and then drawn tightly against the hull of the vessel via cables that are routed to both sides of the vessel and under its hull and attached to the patch perimeter as well as to winches or similar devices onboard the ship. Once the patch is relatively snug against the hull, the inflatable boarder is inflated with compressed gas to increase the pressure against the hull and leak, thus sealing the leak. This prevents the vessel from sinking as well as prevents liquid cargo to be lost.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to the field of patching a damaged hull of a floating vessel, such as a tanker, barge, ship, boat or similar craft. More specifically to an improved flexible and inflatable patch system.

2. Related Art

There are several devices in existence for preventing a ship from sinking or losing its liquid contents, such as oil, when there is a hull breach. Hull breaches can occur from various occurrences, such as collisions with other ships or objects or from explosions to name a few. One method of repairing and sealing a damaged hull vessel is to weld steel plates over the damaged area. Although this is a secure fix, it is also very time consuming, and requires skilled personnel, such as welders, and may not be practical in all situations. Other devices utilize magnetic plates to seal the hull and prevent sinkage or loss, but these tend to be bulky and complex to deploy. One strategy to prevent a ship from sinking is to close off various water tight bulkheads but this process can be overwhelmed if the hole in the hull is spread over several of these compartments

Still other methods contemplate a bandage or sling configuration to patch the breach. The current inventive material relates to this type of device, but has managed to overcome several of the shortcomings and impracticalities of these devices, such as storage and deployment issues.

The instant invention is relatively lightweight, easily deployed and stored and can be utilized on a vessel that is underway with equipment that is common on most vessels.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention provides for, according to one general embodiment, a vessel hull seal that comprises at least one triangular patch body connected to an inflatable bladder that forms a border around the perimeter of the triangular patch with anchoring point at each apex of the triangular patch. Attached to these anchors are cables with two ends each; one end is attached to each of the anchoring points while a second end is attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means such as a winch. There is also a means for inflating the bladder pneumatically, such as an air canister or air compressor with a hose.

In another embodiment it has been contemplated that a vessel hull seal or exterior hull patch utilizes a patch body that could be a multitude of various shapes, such are rectangular, triangular, circular, hexagonal, trapezoidal and the like with an inflatable doughnut or toroid shaped bladder attached to and tangentially contacting the perimeter of the patch body with anchoring points along the perimeter of the patch body. The patch is attached to cables that are anchored on the deck of the vessel to cable tensioners. The patch is inflated by a hose attached to a pneumatic device such as an air canister or an air compressor that is typically found aboard vessels.

In another embodiment, a method of containing a breached vessel hull comprises affixing cables to each attachment point of an exterior hull patch and affixing an inflation device to the exterior hull patch, such as a pneumatic hose and then lowering the exterior hull patch over the side of a vessel in the vicinity of the breach. The patch will be orientated with a top and a bottom section; the bottom section would be closest to the water. Once the patch is partially lowered a leader line is affixed to the cable nearest to the water and then the leader line and cable are maneuvered around the bow and under the hull of the vessel towards the side of the vessel opposite of the breach. At that time the leader line and the cable are retrieved and all cables are secured to a tensioning device, such as a winch or block and tackle and the patch is drawn tight against the hull, once the cables and patch are sufficiently tensioned the exterior hull patch is inflated. The inflation of the patch provides added and localized pressure to the hull's face, thus sealing the leak.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrates by way of example the principles and structure of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Taking the following specifications in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will cause the invention to be better understood regarding these and other features and advantages. The specifications reference the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vessel with an exterior hull patch secured.

FIG. 1 a is a close up view of a vessel's pneumatic system.

FIG. 2 a is a frontal view of an exterior hull patch.

FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exterior hull patch along plane A-A in a deflated state.

FIG. 2 b′ is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an exterior hull patch along plane A-A in an inflated state.

FIG. 2 c is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exterior hull patch along plane A-A in a deflated state.

FIG. 2 c′ is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exterior hull patch along plane A-A in an inflated state.

FIG. 2 d is a side view of an exterior hull patch positioned on the hull of a vessel.

FIG. 2 e is a side view of a exterior hull patch inflated and secured to the hull of a vessel

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exterior hull patch.

FIG. 4 a is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch during deployment.

FIG. 4 ba is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch during deployment.

FIG. 4 c is a side perspective view of an exterior hull patch during deployment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While describing the invention and its embodiments, various terms will be used for the sake of clarity. These terms are intended to not only include the recited embodiments, but also all equivalents that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result.

Now referring to FIG. 1 which discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exterior hull patch generally reference by the numeral 100 for the use of correcting a breached hull of a vessel. The patch 100 can be made of a variety of materials that are suited for harsh marine environments and the like; it is also desirable that the material be flexible, supple and chemical or oil resistant. As shown, a vessel or ship 102 has a rupture or hole in its hull or more succinctly a hull breach 200. This could be caused by numerous factors such as collisions with another object or explosions or even stress failures that compromises the integrity of the ship's hull, potentially causing the ship to sink or to lose its liquid cargo. The exterior hull patch 100 is secured to the vessel's hull by a series of upper cables 101 and a lower cable 110 that are attached to winches or cable tensioning means 111 on the deck of the vessel. In the current embodiment at least three cables 101,110 are utilized. Two of the cables 101 pass over one side of the vessel and are anchored to the patch 100 while the third cable 110 passes over the opposite side of the vessel and under the hull of the vessel. The maneuvering of this cable can be accomplished in a variety of methods and is contingent on the ships design. In one embodiment the lower cable can be attached to a leader line, which is a relatively lightweight and flexible rope or chord. The leader line is easier to direct and may be routed around the stern or bow of the vessel with straight bows, while vessels with bulbous bows may require the use of a pole or similar structure that allows the leader to be manipulated under and around the bow of the vessel. Another embodiment contemplates utilizing a weighted object attached to the leader line that is thrown around the bow of the vessel. While yet another embodiment contemplates the utilization of a small remote controlled submarine, such as a Ferret to guide the leader line under the hull of the vessel from one side of the vessel to the other, for example from port to starboard. Once the leader is on the opposite side of the vessel it can be secured by the crewmembers. In one embodiment the leader line is further attached to a balloon that is inflated with lighter than air gas, so that the leader floats up the side of the vessel to be retrieved by crewmen. Referring to FIG. 2a, a frontal view of the exterior hull patch 100 that comprises a central body 103 that is a supple cloth-like material which is depicted as a triangle, attached to and surrounded by an inflatable bladder or member 106 that encompasses the outline of the central body 103 terminating at attachment points or grommets 105 at each end for attachment to cables 10, 110. Also shown is an inflation point 102 which is configured to accept standard pneumatic fittings to inflate the member 106 when the patch 100 is deployed from pneumatic lines 109.

In one embodiment it has been contemplated that the inflatable member 106 further comprises a plurality of nested independent tubes or chambers similar to that of a bicycle's inner tube that are configured to be independently deflated or inflated either with individual pneumatic lines 109 or by the use of one-way valves, so that if one of the tubes 106 is ruptured or leaks the integrity of the patch is not compromised. The central body 103 has been contemplated to range in size from having sides that are 25 ft to 45 ft in length, approximately, and is comprised of a flexible, chemical resistant, waterproof and oil resistant material such as vinyl, a rubberized cloth or Kevlar®. In other embodiments it has been contemplated to utilize a series of layers or laminates for the central body 103 to take advantage to different characteristic of various materials, such as a lightweight steel mesh or screen, expanded metal, honeycomb structures, graphite fibers or the like sandwiched between different pliable materials. The bladder 106 in this embodiment is affixed to and borders the perimeter of the central body 103, so in the instant invention the bladder is shaped the same as the body which is triangular. Although the patch has been depicted as triangular, it is further contemplated that alternative geometries may be used; however the triangular shape seems to provide the simplest and most efficient structure.

Referring to FIGS. 2b, 2b′,2c and 2c′, cross-sectional views, along section A-A of the inflatable member 106, illustrating various embodiments wherein the member 106 further comprises a series of independent internal chambers or inner tubes 107 in various configurations for added durability and redundancy. So, that if one of the tubes 107 ruptures the others will remain intact and maintain the proper sealing pressure against the undamaged hull of the ship 120.

Referring to FIG. 2d, a side view of a exterior hull patch 100 positioned on the hull of a vessel 120, wherein the cables 101 are secured to each end of the patch 100 at the securing points 105 and are terminated on the vessel to winches, not shown in this view.

FIG. 2 e is analogous to FIG. 2d wherein the cables 101 have been tensioned against the hull of the vessel over the damaged section 200 and then the bladder 106 has been inflated to seal the damage 200.

FIG. 3, a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an exterior hull patch, comprises of a triangular body 103 as well as anchoring points 105 with a circular or toroid shaped inflatable bladder 112 that has exterior diameter that is tangential to each of the three sides of the patch 100 and a hollow central area.

FIGS. 4 a-4c are side views of an embodiment of a exterior hull patch 100 in its various stages of deployment demonstrating its method of use whereby a deflated exterior hull patch is lowered over the side of the vessel where the damage has occurred. The crew lowers the exterior hull patch 100 that is affixed to pneumatic lines 109 through a fitting on the patch, not shown in these views, using cables affixed to the perimeter of the patch until it covers the point of damage or breach in the hull, in a triangular embodiment there are two upper cables 101 and one lower cable 110. The two upper cables are affixed to winches 111 or mechanical block and tackles at the ends not affixed to the patch, while the lower cable is navigated around and under the bow or stern of the boat and then secured to a similar winch device on the opposite side of the boat to where the upper cables are secured.

The lower cable can be manipulated manually or assisted by the use of an assistant 121, which has been contemplated to be a rigid pole, a flexible leader line, or combination of both. The cables 101,110 are then tensioned by the winches which in turn secure the patch 100 against the hull of the vessel 120 enveloping the damaged section 200. After the patch is so secured the air lines 109 are attached to compressors 108 of FIG. 1a on the deck of the ship and fill the inflatable bladder 106 with air to form a complete seal around the breached area 200.

The invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment. One skilled in the art will recognize that it would be possible to construct the elements of the present invention from a variety of means and to modify the placement of the components in a variety of ways. While the embodiments of the invention have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A breached hull patch comprising: at least one triangular patch body;an inflatable bladder attached to and forming a border around the perimeter of the triangular patch body;an anchoring point at each apex of the triangular patch body;a cable attached to each anchoring point at one end with a second end attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means, and;a means for inflating the inflatable bladder.

2. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a chemical resistant flexible supple cloth-like material.

3. The breached hull patch of claim 2 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a laminate of materials with varying tensile properties.

4. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the triangular patch further comprises a series of rigid lateral supports.

5. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the cable tensioning means is at least a deck mounted winch.

6. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the means for inflating the bladder is an air compressor.

7. The breached hull patch of claim 1 wherein the inflatable bladder further comprises a series of inflatable independent internal chambers.

8. A breached hull patch comprising: at least one patch body;an inflatable toroid shaped bladder attached to and tangentially contacting the perimeter of the patch body;anchoring points along the perimeter of the patch body;a cable attached to each anchoring point at one end with a second end attached to a deck mounted cable tensioning means, and;a means for inflating the inflatable bladder.

9. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body and inflatable bladder further comprises a chemical resistant flexible supple cloth-like material.

10. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body is triangular in shape.

11. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the patch body further comprises a series of rigid lateral supports.

12. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the cable tensioning means is at least a deck mounted winch.

13. The breached hull patch of claim 8 wherein the means for inflating the bladder is an air compressor.

14. The breached hull patch of claim 9 wherein the inflatable bladder further comprises a series of inflatable independent internal chambers.

15. The breached hull patch of claim 9 wherein the toroid shaped bladder further comprises a plurality of cable anchoring points.

16. A method for sealing a breached hull comprising: affixing cables to each attachment point of a exterior hull patch;affixing an inflation device to the exterior hull patch;lowering the exterior hull patch over the side of a vessel in the vicinity of the breach;affixing a leader line to the cable nearest to the water;maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel and to the side of the vessel opposite of the breach;retrieving the leader line and the cable;securing all cables to a cable tensioning device;tensioning all of the cables, and;inflating the exterior hull patch.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line and cable to an inflatable balloon contained in a remote submarine device;lowering the submarine device into the water;maneuvering the submarine device under the hull of the vessel to the opposite side of the vessel;inflating the balloon with lighter than air gas;releasing the balloon, and;recovering the balloon.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line to a pole and walking the line around the bow or stern off the vessel to the opposite side of the vessel.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the method of maneuvering the leader line and cable under the hull of the vessel further comprises: attaching the leader line to a weight, and;throwing the weight around the bow of the vessel.