Device and method for closing a hole in a boat hull

Abstract

A device is intended to seal a hole, such as a crack or gap in a submerged part of a vessel, with a cushion. As the cushion has an interior that is delimited by an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side and is shaped in such a way that the inner side forms a circular area when stretched out, a large contact surface is provided with the inner side opposite the boat hull, which, as a sealing disc, enables optimal sealing just by the cushion being in contact with the boat hull.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for closing a hole in a boat hull.

[0002] US 4,385,582 B1 discloses a device for closing a hole in a boat hull, comprising an inflatable cushion arranged in a sleeve and connected to a gas cartridge. When the gas cartridge is opened, the cushion expands into a ring-shaped body that rests against the outside of the boat hull and is designed to prevent water from entering the boat.

[0003] The ring-shaped contact surface results in high surface pressure, as the entire contact force presses the cushion against the boat hull only via the ring surface. However, this strong contact force also means that sharp bumps on the boat hull can impact the cushion's membrane and destroy the cushion. Furthermore, even very small areas where the ring surface is not properly seated against the hull can lead to leaks, allowing water to enter the boat.

[0004] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of proposing a device and a method for closing a hole in a boat hull, which in practical use ensure safe handling and secure closure of the hole.

[0005] This object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a method having the features of patent claim 12. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] The device is designed to seal a hole, particularly a crack or gap, in a submerged part of a vessel, such as a ship's hull. However, the device can also be used to seal a tank or basin.

[0007] As the cushion has an interior that is defined by an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side, and is shaped so that the inner side forms a circle when stretched out, the inner side opposite the boat hull provides a large contact surface which, as a sealing disc, enables optimal sealing simply by the cushion being in contact with the boat hull. The cushion can be pulled to the outside of the boat hull using the sleeve and rests there. Water pressure also presses the cushion against the hull and against the hole in the boat hull to seal it. This makes it possible to guide or push the cushion through the hole in the sleeve from an inner side while compressed. The cushion can then be stretched out on the outside and pulled and / or pressed against the hole to seal the hole.

[0008] It is advantageous if the outer side of the cushion is convex when unfolded. This mushroom-shaped cushion allows for good contact pressure and minimal resistance when the repaired boat is underway. However, the outer side can also be concave to create a special contact pressure, particularly on the radial outside. The pressure can then be reduced again when the boat is underway, especially if the cushion is stuck to the hull.

[0009] To bridge unevenness and sharp edges on the outside of the boat hull, it is recommended that the inside of the cushion be more than 0.5 cm thick and elastically deformable. For example, the inside can have a rubber surface that elastically deforms to protect the cushion from sharp protruding parts and ensure a good seal between the cushion and the boat hull. The inside of the cushion thus has a surface that can seal and protect the stretched cushion from sharp edges.

[0010] As a further development, it is proposed that the inside of the cushion be coated with an adhesive. This adhesive can be protected with a film; it can be optimally adapted for underwater use and, for example, react with the water or form a strong bond with the surface of the boat's hull like barnacles.

[0011] Various mechanisms, preferably spring-loaded, are suitable as the inflation device, which can, for example, expand the cushion like an umbrella. The cushion can be either cumulatively or alternatively inflatable. For this purpose, the inflation device can be equipped with a gas cartridge.

[0012] The clamping device can also have a spreading mechanism.

[0013] This expansion mechanism can have a channel system. A mechanical mechanism can act within this channel system, or it can be expanded using gas pressure.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve has a radial flange. This can serve as a tread for pushing the sleeve into the hole and can serve as a bearing surface to hold the sleeve in a specific position relative to the boat hull. The boat hull is then clamped between the clamped cushion and the flange.

[0015] It is advantageous if the sleeve has a conical-shaped receptacle for at least part of the cushion. This facilitates safe storage of the cushion, prevents penetration of the boat's hull, and facilitates installation.

[0016] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a method for closing a hole in a boat hull using a cushion arranged in a sleeve. In this method, the sleeve is pushed through the hole, then the cushion is expanded, and then the cushion is retracted again, so that the cushion, in the expanded state, forms a circular surface on the boat hull as a contact surface.

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and are described in more detail below. Fig. 1 schematically shows a device inserted into a hole in a ship’s hull, Fig. 2 which in Fig. 1 shown device after activation and inflation of the cushion, Fig. 3 which in Fig. 2 shown device after relief of the excess pressure in the cushion, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown device, Fig. 5 a detail of the Fig. 4 shown device, Fig. 6 a part of the sleeve showing the cartridge, Fig. 7 a part of the sleeve showing the release button, Fig. 8 a section through the sleeve in the area of ​​the release button, Fig. 9 a part of the sleeve showing the flange, Fig. 10 one end of the sleeve with a distributor disc, Fig. 11 perspective the Fig. 10 shown distributor disc, Fig. 12 a simplified embodiment in a position inserted into a hole in the boat hull, Fig. 13 which in Fig. 12 shown embodiment in the position pushed through the hole, Fig. 14 which in Fig. 12 shown embodiment in slightly retracted position, Fig. 15 which in Fig. 12 shown embodiment with stretched umbrella without inside to show the struts, and Fig. 16 which in Fig. 12 shown embodiment with stretched umbrella with inside that covers the struts.

[0018] The Fig. Figure 1 graphically shows a ship's hull 1 with a hole 2 forming an opening through which the device 3 is inserted. Also shown is the position of a flange 4, depicted as a support plate in direct contact with the inner surface 5 of the hull 1. This flange 4 provides a stable and rigid support point.

[0019] The inflatable cushion 6 is rolled up and arranged in the sleeve 7, encased in a protective layer (not shown). This protective layer acts as a protective cover or film covering the adhesive layer, enclosing the inflatable cushion 6 in its compact form and keeping it protected and ready for use.

[0020] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows how the mechanism comes into action in response to the button being pressed. At this moment, the clamping device 8 unfolds its functionality by releasing the gas from the previously installed gas cartridge 9.

[0021] The cushion 6 has an interior space 10 which is delimited by an inner side 11 and an outer side 12 opposite the inner side 11 and is shaped such that the inner side 11 forms a circular surface 13 in the stretched-out state.

[0022] One can see how the tensioning device 8 expands and unfolds the cushion 6, which was previously in a retracted position. The gas released from the gas cartridge 9 drives the transformation of the rolled-up cushion 6 into an inflated structure, which assumes its characteristic shape and unfolds its intended functionality. The cushion 6 can be rolled, compressed, or folded to allow for easy expansion of the cushion 6.

[0023] During opening, a separation occurs between the layer containing the adhesive 14 and a protective plastic film covering this adhesive layer. This protective plastic film detaches from the adhesive 14 and remains adhered to the sleeve 7. This action is designed so that when removed, the protective plastic film exposes an adhesive surface on the inner side 11, allowing its exposure to the environment.

[0024] In the Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the situation after activation or inflation of the cushion 6, in which the operator performs a retraction movement and grasps the sleeve 7. The objective of this action is to cover the maximum surface area around the hole 2 in order to seal the hole 2 through which the sleeve 7 with the rolled-up cushion 6 was inserted.

[0025] The adhesive 14 now adheres firmly to the surface of the hull 1 and forms a connection between the device 3 and the hull 1 of the boat.

[0026] The inner side 11 has a layer 15 thickness of approximately 1 cm, which is elastically deformable. This consists of a rubber surface and / or a foam or sponge rubber layer, which ensures a flat fit even on uneven surfaces.

[0027] The diameter of the sleeve 7 should have specific dimensions to allow it to be easily inserted into the hole 2 with both hands. An ergonomic and balanced handle 16 is advantageous, allowing the operator to effectively position and move the sleeve 7. This design should ensure an even distribution of the applied force and optimize user comfort during handling. The ability to maneuver the device 3 with both hands not only improves accuracy during use but also contributes to greater safety and confidence in the operation of the device 3.

[0028] A conically shaped receptacle 17 of the sleeve 7 can be rigid or flexible. The cushion 6 is initially at least partially arranged in this receptacle and then assumes a circular morphology as an inflatable tarpaulin.

[0029] In its internal structure, the cushion 6 may additionally comprise a spreading mechanism 20 with adjustment rods 21, whose flexible nature allows for curvature. This spreading mechanism 20 is compressed in the cushion 6 and in the sleeve and, upon activation, springs back to its original contour. Made of compounds such as PVC, rubber or other similar materials, the inner surface 11 of the cushion 6 may be filled by the spreading mechanism 20 and / or a gas cartridge, such as, in particular, a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) cartridge, which is integrated into the structure of the sleeve 7, can be expanded or inflated.

[0030] The adhesive 14, which is a high-strength adhesive designed to withstand salt or freshwater immersion conditions, is applied to the inner side 11 of the cushion 6. This adhesive 14 is carefully sealed and securely attached to the sleeve 7.

[0031] At the moment of activation, a process is triggered in which a protective plastic coating or film is removed from the surface of the inner side 11 of the cushion 6. This special plastic film adheres firmly to the sleeve 7, exposing the previously protected adhesive layer. This sequence of operations precisely exposes the adhesive 14 to facilitate the attachment of the cushion 6 to the sleeve and ensure a strong and durable bond between the inner side 11 of the cushion 6 and the boat hull 1.

[0032] The activation process is carried out via a pressure device that requires considerable force. A release button 18 is provided for this purpose, which requires considerable pressure to be activated. This ensures deliberate operation and prevents unintentional activation of the clamping device.

[0033] In a central position of the sleeve 7 and at a safe distance from the release button 18, there is a flange 19 in the form of a plate attached to the sleeve 7. This plate is used to provide a solid support point for the operator's foot. This support point allows the user to stabilize themselves and exert controlled pressure on the device 3, thereby achieving secure anchoring against both the device 3 and the surface of the ship's hull 1.

[0034] A distributor plate 22 at the end of the sleeve 6 facing the cushion 6 allows gas to flow from the cartridge into the cushion or the exit of adjusting rods 21 of the spreading mechanism 20.

[0035] An alternative opening system is a mechanism that expands inside the cushion and Fig. 12 to 16. This mechanism can unfold membranes similar to an umbrella or unfold within the cushion 6 to expand the cushion 6 and give it, for example, a mushroom-shaped form.

[0036] The function of the gas cartridge can optionally be retained to start the activation process.

[0037] In this version of the cushion, the deployable membranes 23 can add additional structure, providing rigidity to the cushion 6 when deployed. The membranes 23 could be designed to deploy quickly and effectively, adding a dynamic and visually appealing aspect to the activation process. The function can also be maintained with the adhesive 14 on the inner layer.

[0038] Activation via a trigger button can be part of a user interface and the gas released from the cartridge 9 can further serve as a propellant to inflate and deploy the membranes 23 in a controlled manner.

[0039] A third version includes an alternative without poles in the cushion. The previously described umbrella membranes are replaced by gas channels. The gas, which is blown into the channels under pressure, creates stability, which could replace poles.

[0040] A first gas tunnel leads into the gas channels and a second gas tunnel is intended for inflating the canopy or an internal support structure.

[0041] For this purpose, the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 may be used. Attached to the end of the sleeve 7 is a plate fixed to the end as a distributor disc 22, which serves to regulate the air outlet so that it is distributed around the edge and does not strike the tarpaulin directly, which could occasionally lead to uncontrolled bursting.

[0042] The Fig. 12 to 14 show how the Fig. 15 and Fig.16 in the unfolded state is inserted into the hole 2, and in the area 24 in which the umbrella 25 opens, there is a trigger, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as two plates 26 and 27, which are attached to the sleeve 7 by a spring 28. These plates 26, 27 are folded and attached to the sleeve 7 when they are passed through the hole 2, and they open when they have passed through the hole 2. When the sleeve 7 is pulled backwards, these plates 26, 27 are pressed against the wall of the outer part of the ship's hull 1 and, if pulled further, the umbrella 25 opens and its inner side 13 covers the entire area around the opening 2 in the hull 1. Finally, the inner part of the cushion 6 is glued to the hull 1 of the ship, as already described above. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4,385,582 B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for closing a hole (2) in a boat hull (1) with a stretchable cushion (6) which is arranged in a sleeve (7) and is connected to a clamping device (8), characterized by that the cushion (6) has an interior (10) which is delimited by an inner side (11) and an outer side (12) opposite the inner side (11) and is shaped such that the inner side (11) forms a circular surface (13) in the stretched-out state. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the outer side (12) of the cushion (6) is convex in the stretched state. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner side (11) has a thickness of more than 0.5 cm, which is elastically deformable. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner side (11) has an adhesive (14). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cushion (6) is inflatable. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping device (8) has a gas cartridge (9). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping device (8) has a spreading mechanism (20). [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that the spreading mechanism (20) is opened pneumatically. [9] Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the spreading mechanism (20) has a channel system. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve (7) has a radial flange (19). [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve (7) has a conically shaped receptacle (17) for at least part of the cushion (6). [12] Method for closing a hole (2) in a boat hull (1) with a cushion (6) which is arranged in a sleeve (7), wherein the sleeve (7) is pushed through the hole (2) and then the cushion (6) is stretched out and then the cushion (6) is withdrawn again, so that the cushion (6) in the stretched out state forms a circular surface (13) as a contact surface on the boat hull (1).

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