Cover assembly for protecting a crane and generating propulsion

Abstract

A cover assembly (100) for mounting on a crane (200) to provide protection to a crane (200) and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel (300) to which the crane (200) is mounted, the cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) comprising a first attachment means configured to attach the first protective portion (110) to a first side of the crane (200) in use, a second protective portion (120) comprising a second attachment means configured to attach the second protective portion (120) to a second side of the crane (200) opposite the first side in use, a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the first and second protective portions (110, 120) are configured such that in use they protect the crane (200) from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

Description

[0001] COVER ASSEMBLY FOR PROTECTING A CRANE AND GENERATING PROPULSION

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a cover assembly for a crane. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cover assembly for a crane for protecting the crane from the elements and also providing supplementary propulsion to a vessel.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Cranes are used in myriad lifting operations both onshore and offshore. In offshore operations, the cranes are typically installed on a deck and serve to lift and move heavy objects such as containers or oilfield equipment for example.

[0006] Typically there are a minimal number of cranes installed on a vessel as they are expensive pieces of equipment and are expensive to install and maintain. Furthermore, they take up a large working area on board the vessel on which they are installed. It is highly desirable to have a crane requiring minimal maintenance and servicing, not only because such work is expensive, but also because such work takes the crane out of operation meaning lifting operations have to be suspended. Severe weather and exposure to the working environment can have negative effects on the service life of a crane and / or decrease service intervals.

[0007] There is also a constant strive towards efficient use of fuel, particularly in heavy industries where a lot of fuel is consumed such as in shipping. To reduce the amount of fuel required, the vessel can either be made more efficient, such as by improving the vessel aerodynamics, or the vessel engine propulsion can be replaced by free energy sources such as wind power, i.e. by replacing engine propulsion by use of a sail. Unfortunately, sails are not commonly used in shipping applications as the main propulsion source, mostly due to the power required but also due to the unpredictability of the wind source.

[0008] US patent document US2015 / 0158569 A 1 discloses a propulsion wing of a vessel, having a sail, as well as a mast, defining a leading edge of the wing. The mast is segmented in sections. The wing is segmented in stages, each delimited by a lower spar and an upper spar connected to each section and extending substantially parallel to a horizontal plane. The sail is subdivided into at least two flaps, each associated with one stage, each flap movable between a deployed position in which the flap fills a space between the lower spar and the upper spar, thus offering a wind surface area, and a furled position in which the flap leaves open the space between the upper spar and the lower spar.

[0009] Patent document W02013 / 070070A1 discloses a vessel provided with at least one rigid wingsail installation with a mast structure and a rigid wingsail. The mast structure comprises a foot and a mast top which is rotatable about a substantially vertical wingsail rotation axis relative to the vessel. The mast top is provided with a primary tilting assembly. The rigid wingsail comprises a main panel connected to the mast structure via the primary tilting assembly. This assembly allows tilting of the main panel relative to the mast top about a primary tilt axis.

[0010] Japanese patent document JPS6285796A discloses saving ship space and reducing cost. An approximate laminar flow type hard sail is cut out partially on both left and right upper portion of rectangular sail so that a topping wire at the fixed position does not contact and damage the hard sail operated when a derick boom is fixed.

[0011] Japanese patent document JP2004 / 026066A discloses a merchant ship provided with the derricking boom type deck crane. A rig mast is erected on a crane post, a flexible sail is mounted to be freely unfurled / furled on the rig mast, and the free end section of a base when the flexible sail is unfurled is fastened to the derricking boom of the deck crane.

[0012] Japanese patent document JP2005 / 280533A discloses a merchant ship comprising a basic post extending from the inside of the hull to the upper deck. A deck crane is swivelably equipped on the basic post. A main post projects upward from the inside of the basic post through a crane machine room and is swivelably supported. A base frame is fixedly provided on the upper and lower parts of the main mast. A rotatable soft sail take-up device, a swivelable hard mast, and a swivelable slat mast are provided between the lower part and the upper part base frames. The soft sail is mounted to be freely unfurled / furled on the soft take-up device. The hard sail is mounted to be freely unfurled / furled on the hard mast. The slat is mounted to be freely unfurled / furled on the slat mast.

[0013] The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0014] The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. SUMMARY

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover assembly for mounting on a crane to provide protection to the crane and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel to which the crane is mounted, the cover assembly comprising: a first protective portion comprising a first attachment means configured to attach the first protective portion to a first side of the crane in use, a second protective portion comprising a second attachment means configured to attach the second protective portion to a second side of the crane opposite the first side in use, a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that in use they protect the crane from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0016] Advantageously, the cover assembly may protect the crane from severe weather and exposure to the working environment which can have negative effects on the service life of a crane and / or decrease service intervals. Furthermore, the cover assembly may generate supplemental propulsion for the vessel, thereby reducing fuel costs and providing environmental benefits.

[0017] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0018] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0019] The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0020] The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0021] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0022] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0023] The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0024] The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0025] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be attached to either the first or second protection portion or the crane.

[0026] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be mechanically adjustable, or hydraulically adjustable, or electrically adjustable, or electro-mechanically adjustable, or adjustable by a control system.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover assembly for mounting around a crane to provide protection to the crane and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel to which the crane is mounted, the cover assembly comprising: a first protective portion configured to be arranged adjacent the crane in use; a second protective portion configured to be arranged adjacent the crane in use and opposite the first protective portion; and a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that in use they protect the crane from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0028] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0029] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0030] The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0031] The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0032] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0033] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0034] The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing. The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0035] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be attached to either the first or second protection portion or the crane.

[0036] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be mechanically adjustable, or hydraulically adjustable, or electrically adjustable, or electro-mechanically adjustable, or adjustable by a control system.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a cover assembly for mounting on a crane structure to provide protection to a crane parked between a first substantially vertical side and a second substantially vertical side of the crane structure and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel to which the crane structure is mounted, the cover assembly comprising: a first protective portion comprising a first attachment means configured to attach the first protective portion to the first substantially vertical side of the crane structure in use, a second protective portion comprising a second attachment means configured to attach the second protective portion to the second substantially vertical side of the crane structure opposite the first substantially vertical side in use, a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that in use they protect the crane from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0038] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0039] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of rigid material.

[0040] The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0041] The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface.

[0042] The first protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0043] The second protective portion may be formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing. The first protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0044] The second protective portion may be formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.

[0045] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be attached to either the first or second protection portion or the crane structure.

[0046] The rearward adjustable flap may be configured to be mechanically adjustable, or hydraulically adjustable, or electrically adjustable, or electro-mechanically adjustable, or adjustable by a control system.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel, the system comprising: a vessel; a crane; and a cover assembly comprising: a first protective portion attached to a first side of the crane; a second protective portion attached to a second side of the crane; and a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the crane is configured to move between a parked position and an operational position, wherein in the parked position the crane is located between the first protective portion and the second protective portion and in the operational position the crane can perform lifting operations; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane from the weather when the crane is in the parked position; the first and second protective portions together form a wing to provide propulsion to the vessel; and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel, the system comprising: a vessel; a crane; and a cover assembly comprising: a first protective arranged adjacent the crane; a second protective portion arranged adjacent the crane and opposite the first protective portion; and a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the crane is configured to move between a parked position and an operational position, wherein in the parked position the crane is located between the first protective portion and the second protective portion and in the operational position the crane can perform lifting operations; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane from the weather when the crane is in the parked position; the first and second protective portions together form a wing to provide propulsion to the vessel; and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel, the system comprising: a vessel; a crane structure mounted on the vessel and comprising a first substantially vertical structure and a second substantially vertical structure opposite the first substantially vertical structure; a crane; and a cover assembly; wherein the crane is configured to move between a parked position and an operational position, wherein in the parked position the crane is located between the first substantially vertical structure and the second substantially vertical structure and in the operational position the crane can perform lifting operations; the cover assembly comprising: a first protective portion attached to the first substantially vertical structure; a second protective portion attached to the second substantially vertical structure; and a rearward adjustable flap; wherein the first and second protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane from the weather when the crane is in the parked position between the first and second substantially vertical structure; the first and second protective portions together form a wing to provide propulsion to the vessel; and the rearward adjustable flap is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0050] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting a crane from the weather and optimising the propulsion provided to a vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the invention; moving the crane to the parked position between the first protective portion and the second protective portion; and locating the system in a wind stream; and adjusting the camber of the wing by adjusting the flap to optimise the propulsion provided by the wing.

[0051] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting a crane from the weather and optimising the propulsion provided to a vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the sixth aspect of the invention; moving the crane to the parked position between the first substantially vertical structure and the second substantially vertical structure; and locating the system in a wind stream; and adjusting the camber of the wing by adjusting the flap to optimise the propulsion provided by the wing.

[0052] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a wing to provide protection to a crane and propulsion to a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover assembly according to the first or second aspect of the invention; attaching the first protective portion to the first side of the crane; attaching the second protective portion to the second side of the crane; and attaching the rearward adjustable flap to either the first or second protective portion or the crane; such that the first and second protective portions can protect the crane from the weather and together the first and second protective portions form a wing to provide propulsion; and the rearward adjustable flap can be adjusted to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0053] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a wing to provide protection to a crane and propulsion to a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover assembly according to the third aspect of the invention; attaching the first protective portion to the first substantially vertical side of the crane structure; attaching the second protective portion to the second substantially vertical side of the crane structure; and attaching the rearward adjustable flap to either the first or second protective portion or the crane structure; such that the first and second protective portions can protect the crane from the weather and together the first and second protective portions form a wing to provide propulsion; and the rearward adjustable flap can be adjusted to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 show a crane cover assembled on a crane in a parked position;

[0057] Figures 2 to 4 show the crane cover of Figure 1 with the crane moving to an operational position;

[0058] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through the crane of Figure 1;

[0059] Figure 6 shows an alternative crane cover assembled on a crane in a parked position; and

[0060] Figures 7 and 8 show the crane cover of Figure 1 in use on a vessel in a wind stream. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals. A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 shows a cover assembly 100 mounted on a crane 200 to provide protection to a crane 200 and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel (not shown) to which the crane 200 is mounted. The crane 200 is rotatably attached to the vessel (not shown) by means of a pedestal I foundation block 210 which can rotate / slew in a swivel on the deck of the vessel.

[0063] The crane 200 comprises a triple boom arrangement comprising a lower boom 201 (not visible in Figure 1, visible in Figure 3 and 4), an intermediate boom 202 and an upper boom 203. The crane 200 further comprises a hoisting winch 204 located on the intermediate boom 202 for reeling in and out a lifting cable 205 used to perform hoisting operations. The hoisting winch 204 is located on the intermediate boom 202 as the intermediate boom 202 is heave compensated in use, therefore the lifting cable 205 is also heave compensated. The crane 200 further comprises a mast 206 (visible in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5) which is arranged in a vertically upstanding configuration. A luff cable 207 connects the mast 206 to the end of the upper boom 203 and is reeled in and out by a luff cable winch 208 to allow the triple boom arrangement to be lifted and lowered in use.

[0064] The crane 200 can move from a parked position (shown in Figure 1), through intermediate positions (shown in Figures 2 and 3) to an operational position (shown in Figure 4). In this connection, the crane 200 in the parked position is compact and can be protected by the cover assembly 100 in the parked position. When the crane 200 is to be used in a lifting operation, the upper boom 203 can be extended as shown in Figure 2, and all three booms 201, 202, 203 can then be tilted / luffed outwards as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the intermediate boom 202 can then telescope on the lower boom 201 , thereby further extending the reach of the triple boom arrangement. When in the operational position shown in Figure 4, the crane 200 is ready to perform a hoisting operation by attaching a component to be lifted to the lifting cable 205 and reeling it in using the hoisting winch 204. It will be understood that myriad possible lifting operations may be performed. In some lifting operations, the crane 200 may rotate on the swivel on the deck of the vessel. It will be appreciated that the particular type of crane 200 shown in the Figures is merely an example of a possible crane with which the presently described invention finds particular utility. The presently described invention may however be used with myriad crane types, as will become apparent in due course.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the cover assembly 100 comprises a first protective portion 110 and a second protective portion 120. The protective portions 110, 120 are configured to protect the crane 200 from the weather when the crane is in the parked position.

[0066] Referring to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that the first protective portion 110 is attached directly to the mast 206. In this connection, the first protection portion 110 comprises fixations (not shown) for attaching the first protective portion 110 along the length of the mast. The second protective portion 120 is attached directly to the mast 206 opposite to the first protective portion 110 as can be seen most clearly in Figures 3 and 4. In the presently described example, the fixations used to attach the first and second protective portions 110, 120 to the mast 206 are nuts received into correspondingly threaded holes within the mast 206. However, it will be understood that there are myriad possible attachment means which may be implemented to attach the first and second protective portions 110, 120 to the mast 206.

[0067] In the presently described preferred example, the bolts can be removed from the holes in the mast 206 to detach the first and second protective portions 110, 120 from the mast 206 when it is no longer desired to use the cover assembly. This may be, for example, when the vessel to which the crane 200 is mounted is docked. It is therefore highly advantageous if the attachment means used to attach the first and second protective covers 110, 120 to the mast 206 is releasable.

[0068] The first and second protective covers 110, 120 are arranged to together form a wing. In the present description the term wing is used to refer to an aerofoil. Although there are many terms used in the arts of aerodynamics, aerospace and marine engineering, the term wing is herein used to mean a cross-sectional shape which when subjected to a gas stream is capable of generating lift. In the context of marine vessels, wings are used as sails by positioning the wing in a vertical manner, rather than a horizontal manner as they are presented in aircraft. By positioning in said vertical manner, the lift generated by the wing can be used to provide propulsion to the vessel, thereby acting as a sail.

[0069] In this connection, the first and second covers 110, 120 together form a wing. The first and second covers 110, 120 in some alternative examples may be directly connected, although it is not essential that the first and second covers 110, 120 are directly connected to perform as a wing.

[0070] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the cover 100 comprises a first adjustable flap 130 located rearward of the first protective portion 110. The terms forward and rearward are used herein to refer to positions on the cover 100 relative to intended wind direction in use, as will become apparent later. In this connection, the first adjustable flap 130 is located rearward of the first protective portion 110 meaning the first adjustable flap 130 is located downstream of the first protective portion 110 in the wind stream, in normal intended use.

[0071] Although it cannot be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the cover 100 further comprises a second adjustable flap located rearward of the second protective portion 120 meaning the second adjustable flap is located downstream of the second protective portion 120 in the wind stream, in normal intended use.

[0072] The first 130 and second adjustable flaps can be adjusted to change the profile of the wing to adjust the lift generated. In this connection, the first 130 and second adjustable flaps can be used to adjust the camber of the wing, which is the asymmetry of the wing. Adjustment of the asymmetry of the wing may have a great effect on lift generated by the wing. In use, the first 130 and second adjustable flaps may be adjusted to optimise the lift generated by the wing, which provides propulsion to the vessel.

[0073] In the presently described example, the first and second protective portions 110, 120 are each formed of a single sheet of rigid material. In alternative examples not shown, the first and second protective portions 110, 120 may each by formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material assembled together to form a continuous surface. Advantageously, this may allow individual sheets of the plurality of sheets of rigid material to be replaced if they become damaged in use, rather than requiring full replacement or repair of the entire first or second protective portions 110, 120. Alternatively, in some other examples, also not shown, the first and second protective portions 110, 120 may each be formed as a single sheet of flexible material configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing. Alternatively, the first and second protective portions 110, 120 may each be a plurality of sheets of flexible material assembled together to form a continuous surface, wherein each of the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing. Although in the presently described example there is provided first 130 and second adjustable flaps, it will be understood that there may be only one flap provided in some alternative examples. A single flap can be sufficient to provide asymmetry on the wing and to improve the force generated by the wing.

[0074] It will be understood that in examples comprising only a single flap, the flap may be located at the rearward end of the first protective portion 110 or the rearward end of the second portion 120, or the flap may be attached directly to the mast 206 of the crane 200. Regardless of the provision of a single flap or multiple flaps, the flaps may be controlled by any suitable control means. For example, the flaps may be mechanically adjustable, or hydraulically adjustable, or electrically adjustable, or electro-mechanically adjustable, or adjustable by a control system.

[0075] In an alternative example not shown in the Figures, the crane may comprise a first substantially vertical side support structure and a second substantially vertical side support structure opposite the first substantially vertical side support structure. In this connection, the mast may be provided between the first and second substantially vertical side support structures, which may be provided to allow the first and second protective portions to attach onto a suitably arranged structure to support the high forces experienced by the first and second protective portions when operating as a wing, when subjected to a wind stream. In this example, the first and second protective portions are not connected directly to the mast and are instead attached to the support structure offering greater support to the protective portions to operate as a wing.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 6, a further alternative example of a cover assembly 200’ is provided. The example shown in Figures 6 comprises many similar features to the example shown in Figures 1 to 5, therefore similar reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts with the addition of a prime marker. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6 there is provided a foundation block 210’, a crane 200’ comprising an upper boom 203’, an intermediate boom 202’ etc. In the example shown in Figure 6 there is a first protective portion 110’, a second protective portion 120’, a third protective portion 12T and a fourth protective portion (not visible). The third 12T and fourth protective portions are arranged in a telescoping configuration with the first and second protective portions 110’, 120’ such that in use the third 12T and fourth protective portions can extent the surface area of the cover assembly 200’ to improve the performance of the wing.

[0077] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the cover assembly 100 of Figures 1 to 5 is now shown installed on a vessel 300. In Figure 7 the vessel 300 is at sea and is exposed to wind at around a 45-degree angle to the head of the vessel 300. The cover assembly 100 has been rotated by means of slewing the foundation block 210 to direct the wing into the wind. The first 130 and second adjustable flaps have also been adjusted to camber the wing such that an asymmetrical profile is obtained such that the wing generates a force which is applied to the vessel 300 to provide propulsion to the vessel 300. In this connection, the propulsion force from the wing supplements the main propulsion system of the vessel 300. For example, the cover assembly 100 performing as a wing may generate around 10,000 Newtons of forward thrust in a wind speed of around 10m / s. It will be appreciated that the performance of the wing will vary drastically depending on the particular design of the wing, and the stated performance is given as an example only.

[0078] Referring now to Figure 8, the wind direction has changed from that of around 45 degrees in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the wind is directly across the vessel (i.e. around 90 degrees). In this connection, the wing has been slewed on the foundation block 210 to direct the wing into the wind. Although the wind is directly across the vessel, it will be understood that the wing can generate thrust in the forwards direction.

[0079] In an alternative example not shown in the Figures, the cover assembly may be configured to be mounted around a crane in use to provide protection to the crane and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel to which the crane is mounted. In such examples, the cover assembly may be mounted on the vessel or on another fixed structure such as the foundation block of the crane. Advantageously, mounting the cover assembly in a rotatable foundation block allows the cover assembly to also be rotated when the crane is rotated via the foundation block. It will be understood that the cover assembly may also be rotated manually, that is to say the cover assembly may be repositioned by manually removing the cover assembly from a fixed position on the vessel floor for example, and then reattaching the cover assembly at another fixed position on the vessel floor. It will be understood that the cover assembly may be located around the crane and secured in myriad ways.

[0080] It will be understood that the cover assemblies described above may only protect the crane partially from severe weather, and that the crane within the cover assemblies described herein may still get wet or be exposed to the elements albeit to a lesser degree than without any cover assembly.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A cover assembly (100) for mounting on a crane (200) to provide protection to the crane (200) and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel (300) to which the crane (200) is mounted, the cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) comprising a first attachment means configured to attach the first protective portion (110) to a first side of the crane (200) in use, a second protective portion (120) comprising a second attachment means configured to attach the second protective portion (120) to a second side of the crane (200) opposite the first side in use, a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the first and second protective portions (110, 120) are configured such that in use they protect the crane (200) from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

2. A cover assembly (100) for mounting around a crane (200) to provide protection to the crane (200) and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel (300) to which the crane (200) is mounted, the cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) configured to be arranged adjacent the crane (200) in use; a second protective portion (120) configured to be arranged adjacent the crane (200) in use and opposite the first protective portion (110); and a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the first and second protective portions (110, 120) are configured such that in use they protect the crane (200) from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided.

3. A cover assembly (100) for mounting on a crane structure to provide protection to a crane (200) parked between a first substantially vertical side and a second substantially vertical side of the crane structure and to form a wing providing propulsion to a vessel (300) to which the crane structure is mounted, the cover assembly (100) comprising:a first protective portion (110) comprising a first attachment means configured to attach the first protective portion (110) to the first substantially vertical side of the crane structure in use, a second protective portion (120) comprising a second attachment means configured to attach the second protective portion (120) to the second substantially vertical side of the crane structure opposite the first substantially vertical side in use, a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the first and second protective portions (110, 120) are configured such that in use they protect the crane (200) from the weather and together form a wing to provide propulsion and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing in use to optimise the propulsion provided. The cover assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protective portion (110) and / or the second protective portion (120) is formed of a single sheet of rigid material. The cover assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protective portion (110) and / or the second protective portion (120) is formed of a plurality of sheets of rigid material, configured to be assembled together in use to form a continuous surface. The cover assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protective portion (110) and / or second protective portion (120) is formed of a single sheet of flexible material and is configured such that in use the single sheet of flexible material can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing. The cover assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protective portion (110) and / or the second protective portion (120) is formed of a plurality of sheets of flexible material configured such that in use the plurality of sheets of flexible material can be assembled together to form a continuous surface and can be sufficiently tensioned to perform as a wing.The cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2 or any of claims 4 to 7 when dependent on claim 1 or 2, wherein the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to be attached to either the first (110) or second (120) protective portion or the crane (200). The cover assembly (100) according to claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to be attached to either the first (110) or second (120) protection portion or the crane structure. The cover assembly (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to be mechanically adjustable, or hydraulically adjustable, or electrically adjustable, or electro-mechanically adjustable, or adjustable by a control system. A system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel (300), the system comprising: a vessel (300); a crane (200); and a cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) attached to a first side of the crane (200); a second protective portion (120) attached to a second side of the crane (200); and a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the crane (200) is configured to move between a parked position and an operational position, wherein in the parked position the crane (200) is located between the first protective portion and the second protective portion and in the operational position the crane (200) can perform lifting operations; wherein the first (110) and second (120) protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane (200) from the weather when the crane (200) is in the parked position; the first (110) and second (120) protective portions together form a wing toprovide propulsion to the vessel (300); and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

12. A system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel (300), the system comprising:A vessel (300); a crane (200); and a cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) arranged adjacent the crane (200); a second protective portion (120) arranged adjacent the crane (200) and opposite the first protective portion (110); and a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the crane (200) is configured to move between a parked position and an operational position, wherein in the parked position the crane (200) is located between the first protective portion (110) and the second protective portion (120) and in the operational position the crane (200) can perform lifting operations; wherein the first (110) and second (120) protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane (200) from the weather when the crane (200) is in the parked position; the first (110) and second (120) protective portions together form a wing to provide propulsion to the vessel (300); and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

13. A system configured to provide lifting operations and propulsion on a vessel (300), the system comprising:A vessel (300); a crane structure mounted on the vessel (300) and comprising a first substantially vertical structure and a second substantially vertical structure opposite the first substantially vertical structure; a crane (200); and a cover assembly (100); wherein the crane (200) is configured to move between a parked position and anoperational position, wherein in the parked position the crane (200) is located between the first substantially vertical structure and the second substantially vertical structure and in the operational position the crane (200) can perform lifting operations; the cover assembly (100) comprising: a first protective portion (110) attached to the first substantially vertical structure; a second protective portion (120) attached to the second substantially vertical structure; and a rearward adjustable flap (130); wherein the first (110) and second (120) protective portions are configured such that they protect the crane (200) from the weather when the crane (200) is in the parked position between the first and second substantially vertical structure; the first (110) and second (120) protective portions together form a wing to provide propulsion to the vessel (300); and the rearward adjustable flap (130) is configured to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided. A method of protecting a crane (200) from the weather and optimising the propulsion provided to a vessel (300), comprising the steps of: providing a system according to claim 11 or 12; moving the crane (200) to the parked position between the first protective portion (110) and the second protective portion (120); and locating the system in a wind stream; and adjusting the camber of the wing by adjusting the flap (130) to optimise the propulsion provided by the wing. A method of protecting a crane (200) from the weather and optimising the propulsion provided to a vessel (300), comprising the steps of: providing a system according to claim 13; moving the crane (200) to the parked position between the first substantially vertical structure and the second substantially vertical structure; and locating the system in a wind stream; and adjusting the camber of the wing by adjusting the flap (130) to optimisethe propulsion provided by the wing. A method of assembling a wing to provide protection to a crane (200) and propulsion to a vessel (300), the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2 or any of claims 4 to 10 when dependent on claim 1 or 2; attaching the first protective portion (110) to the first side of the crane (200); attaching the second protective portion (120) to the second side of the crane (200); and attaching the rearward adjustable flap (130) to either the first (110) or second (120) protective portion or the crane (200); such that the first (110) and second (120) protective portions can protect the crane (200) from the weather and together the first (110) and second (120) protective portions form a wing to provide propulsion; and the rearward adjustable flap (130) can be adjusted to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided. A method of assembling a wing to provide protection to a crane (200) and propulsion to a vessel, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cover assembly (100) according to claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 10 when dependent on claim 3; attaching the first protective portion (110) to the first substantially vertical side of the crane structure; attaching the second protective portion (120) to the second substantially vertical side of the crane structure; and attaching the rearward adjustable flap (130) to either the first (110) or second (120) protective portion or the crane structure; such that the first (110) and second (120) protective portions can protect the crane (200) from the weather and together the first (110) and second (120) protective portions form a wing to provide propulsion; and the rearward adjustable flap (130) can be adjusted to adjust the camber of the wing to optimise the propulsion provided.

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