Marine Lifting Apparatus

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. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames. Alternatively, a package that is to be lifted from the deck of a marine vessel, workboat, supply boat or the like can be lifted from the deck of the workboat, vessel, barge, etc. if it is to be then placed in the marine environment such as upon an existing jacket or other under support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side, elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, with each winch and lifting line removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 6-8 are schematic illustrations of a rough sea condition;

FIGS. 9A-9D are fragmentary views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9B is a sectional, top view taken along lines 9B-9B of FIG. 9A, FIG. 9C is an elevation view taken along lines 9C-9C of FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9D is a sectional view taken along lines 9D-9D of FIG. 9C;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a block and tackle rigging with winches and lift lines;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of the present invention;

FIGS. 15-16 are elevation views that further illustrate the method of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 10.

Claims

1. A catamaran barge lifting apparatus comprising: a) first and second barges;b) a first frame that spans between the barges;c) a second frame that spans between the barges;d) the frames being spaced apart and being connected to the barges in a configuration that spaces the barges apart;e) the first frame connecting to the first barge with a universal joint and to the second barge with a hinged connection;f) the second frame connecting to the second barge with a universal joint, and to the first barge with a hinged connection; andg) each frame extending upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges, enabling a marine vessel to position in between the barges and under the frames.

2. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in plan view.

3. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in top view.

4. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first frame is a truss.

5. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second frame is a truss.

6. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more slings that connect between a frame and a barge.

7. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising one or more slings that connect between each frame and each barge.

8. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hinge includes multiple pinned connections.

9. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

10. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

11. A catamaran vessel lifting apparatus comprising: a) first and second vessels;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; andg) each frame extending upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the vessels, enabling a marine vessel to position in between the vessels and under the frames.

12. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in plan view.

13. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in top view.

14. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first frame is a truss.

15. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second frame is a truss.

16. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 further comprising one or more slings that connect between a frame and a barge.

17. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 further comprising one or more slings that connect between each frame and each barge.

18. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the hinge includes multiple pinned connections.

19. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

20. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

21. A catamaran barge lifting apparatus comprising: a) first and second barges;b) a first frame that spans between the barges;c) a second frame that spans between the barges;d) the frames being spaced apart and being connected to the barges in a configuration that spaces the barges apart;e) the first frame connecting to the first barge with a universal joint and to the second barge with a hinged connection;f) the second frame connecting to the second barge with a universal joint, and to the first barge with a hinged connection; andg) each frame extending upwardly and providing a space under the frame and in between the barges, enabling an item to be lifted to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

22. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in plan view.

23. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein each frame is generally triangular in shape in top view.

24. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first frame is a truss.

25. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein the second frame is a truss.

26. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 further comprising one or more slings that connect between a frame and a barge.

27. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 further comprising one or more slings that connect between each frame and each barge.

28. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein the hinge includes multiple pinned connections.

29. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

30. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein the second frame is much wider at one end portion than at its other end portion.

31. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein each frame has end portions, one end portion being wider than the other at a position where the frame connects to a barge.

32. The catamaran barge lifting apparatus of claim 21 wherein each frame is generally arch shaped.