Vessel with a temporarily lowerable freeboard to pass limited clearance, such as very low bank crossings and bridges.

Abstract

The design concerns a work or pleasure vessel capable of unobstructed passage through very shallow water passages, such as (but without exception) fixed bridges and the like. The upper part of the freeboard, the inflatable section, will collapse upon deflation of the air inside and rest upon the rigid part of the hull, thereby creating a very limited clearance height. This allows these obstacles in the waterway to be passed effortlessly and easily at all times. In both the inflated and deflated states, the inflatable part of the freeboard forms a permanently attached part of the vessel. After passing through the passage, the inflatable part of the freeboard is restored to its original shape using an air pump, after which the vessel safely navigates the waterway in its complete form.

Description

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The invention is a work or pleasure craft equipped with an inflatable freeboard part that is watertightly connected to the rigid part of the hull and underwater ship. The inflatable part of the freeboard has no buoyancy in itself, is not in the water and, in the inflated position, is a dimensionally stable and aesthetic part of the vessel. 10 PROBLEM STATEMENT It is at low bank connections, such as fixed low bridges and waterways passages, it is not possible to obtain an unobstructed passage. This is because the height of the freeboard of most vessels exceeds the limited clearance and passes through is not possible. EXISTING SOLUTIONS The current existing solution is -if possible- to install a movable part in the bank connection / bridge, so that when open the vessel can pass. However, this is not always possible and if this is achieved, the operating times are almost always limited. These solutions do not meet the unlimited passage possibilities and principles of the invention. SOLUTION OF THE INVENTION To ensure unobstructed passage through very low passages with a work or pleasure craft. create, such as (but not limited to) fixed bridges and the like with a limited clearance height, is a work or pleasure craft designed to avoid these obstacles in the waterway, effortlessly and at all times. The design of the invention, is a vessel that is equipped with an inflatable freeboard and a fixed hull section above the waterline that is forms a whole with the underwater hull. In inflated and deflated condition, this part of the freeboard is a fixed part of the vessel. When inflated the freeboard provides sufficient protection and height to maintain normal conditions during navigation to withstand wave development of the fairway and water, except possibly some spray, to keep outside the vessel. When fully deflated, the freeboard is limited and can the vessel can be guided through the passage by means of a wireless remote control or manually led. The invention therefore also includes the use of an electronic device with which remotely, by means of a wireless remote control, all drives and electrical air pump can be operated. This concerns at least the forward and reverse propulsion, bow and stern thrusters and the position of the rudder. When approaching a very low passage the freeboard can be sucked empty to a height that makes the passage possible. After the passage, the freeboard is re-inflated so that the normal condition of the vessel is restored. By This option allows the helmsman and any passengers to prepare the vessel for passage leave and re-enter after the passage, which provides an unobstructed passage, in the especially at very low clearance heights, is possible. Inflating and (possibly partially) Emptying can be done either manually or mechanically by means of a hand-operated air pump or an electric air pump. The invention is basically based on the use of fully electric drives. The main engine, bow and stern thrusters are then provided with electrical energy from rechargeable batteries also housed in the vessel batteries. But other propulsion methods are also possible, both in-board and out-board or even with oars. The underwater hull with the (low) fixed part of the freeboard can be made of wood, fiberglass / carbon fiber reinforced polyester and / or epoxy, metal and with plastic printed material. In the fixed part of the freeboard the necessary provisions are made for, among other things, navigation lighting. The inflatable freeboard can be manufactured from fiber / woven reinforced PVC, fiber / woven reinforced neoprene / hypalon or any other material that is airtight, can withstand pressure and in inflated state remains extremely dimensionally stable. The connection between the solid and inflatable part of the freeboard can be insured by, for example, applying a polymer sealant bonding. But also a special profile with a tendon and groove in the inflatable part and fixed part is possible. Securing can then be done with tension straps, to ensure a watertight connection between the fixed part of the freeboard and the inflatable part of the freeboard realize. In any condition of the inflatable part, this part will not contribute to the buoyancy of the vessel, as opposed to using inflatable tubes such as with the so-called RIBs. However, the inflatable freeboard offers a dynamic increased stability. If the vessel moves strongly during sailing or while stationary tilting, for example with single-sided loading as a work boat, then part of the inflatable freeboard touches the water. Due to the large air volume in the freeboard, then immediately a large upward buoyancy and the vessel will experience extra stability. Figure 1 shows the view of the vessel with inflated freeboard. Figure 2 shows the vessel with deflated freeboard where a minimum clearance is reached.

Claims

The invention and design concerns a work or pleasure craft that uses an innovative inflatable freeboard, completely in the aesthetic shape of the vessel, temporarily the total height can be reduced relative to the waterline so that the passage is at very low bank connections can take place unhindered.