An inflatable evacuation slide

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an inflatable evacuation slide for a maritime evacuation system, the slide having a first end, a second end, a length and a width, the slide comprising a central section extending along the length and having a central face, a first side section arranged adjacent to the central section and having a first side face, a second side section arranged adjacent to the central section on the opposite side of the first side section and having a second side face, the first side section and the second side section are extending along the length of the slide and the central section, wherein the first side face and the second side face, respectively, are arranged with an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face.

Description

[0001] AN INFLATABLE EVACUATION SLIDE

[0002] Description

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an inflatable evacuation slide for a maritime evacuation system.

[0004] Inflatable, floatable units, such as liferafts or platforms are often used in the evacuation of the passengers or crew members from a maritime structure, such as a vessel. The decent from the maritime structure to the liferaft or platform may be done in numerous way, for instance via an inflatable slide.

[0005] However, the rigidity of these inflatable slides are not always so high and especially in circumstances where the height difference between the deck of the maritime structure and the liferaft / platform is little, the small inclination of the slide make it difficult to descend, whereby the slide will be exerted for higher person loads at a longer time, and thereby the known slides often will bend more. This is a disadvantage.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved inflatable evacuation slide with enhanced rigidity and stiffness independent of inclination of the slide in the length direction.

[0007] The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present disclosure according to an inflatable evacuation slide for a maritime evacuation system, the slide having a first end, a second end, a length and a width, the slide comprising

[0008] - a central section extending along the length and having a central face,

[0009] - a first side section arranged adjacent to the central section and having a first side face,

[0010] - a second side section arranged adjacent to the central section on the opposite side of the first side section and having a second side face,

[0011] - the first side section and the second side section are extending along the length of the slide and the central section, wherein the first side face and the second side face, respectively, are arranged with an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face.

[0012] By the present disclosure, an inflatable evacuation slide is obtained with high rigidity and stiffness which is less sensitive to small height differences between the maritime structure and the liferaft or platform. In addition, due to the geometrically configuration of the slide increasing the stiffness it is furthermore obtained that the persons sliding on the slide is being guided towards the centre of the slide. A more safe and stable descend for the persons are obtained.

[0013] Due to the geometrical form and thereby the rigidity of the slide, it may also be possible to move upwards of the inclined slide, or even use the slide in both directions when it is substantially horizontal. A multi-purpose inflatable slide is obtained by the present disclosure.

[0014] Different examples are defined in the related dependent claims.

[0015] Furthermore, the angle may be between 90 and 175 degrees. A technical advantage may include better control over the descent speed, minimizing the risk of injury by providing an optimal sliding angle.

[0016] In addition, the angle may be less than 165 degrees. A technical advantage may include enhanced directional control, ensuring evacuees are less likely to veer off the slide path, thus improving overall safety.

[0017] Moreover, the central face, the first side face and the second side face may define a slide path. A technical advantage may include a clearly defined and continuous path for evacuees, reducing confusion and facilitating a more orderly evacuation process.

[0018] A first gunwale may be connected to the first side section opposite to the central section, and a second gunwale may be connected to the second side section opposite to the central section. A technical advantage may include additional lateral support, which helps prevent evacuees from sliding off the sides, thereby increasing safety. In addition, the gunwales may also increase the rigidity of the slide. Furthermore, the first gunwale and the second gunwale may have a gunwale extension, the gunwale extensions being substantially perpendicular to the central face. A technical advantage may include improved structural integrity and resistance to lateral forces, ensuring the slide remains stable even in turbulent conditions.

[0019] Moreover, the first side face and / or the second side face may have a curved extension along the width. A technical advantage may include better aerodynamics and reduced wind resistance, which can enhance the stability and performance of the slide during deployment. Also, the rigidity and stiffness of the slide is enhanced while the person sliding on slide will be guided towards the centre of the slide.

[0020] Additionally, the slide may be made of a drop-stitch material. A technical advantage may include increased rigidity and durability, allowing the slide to maintain its shape under heavy loads and in harsh conditions.

[0021] The drop-stitch material may be made of PU, natural rubber, or other materials, or a combination thereof. A technical advantage may include versatility in material choice, enabling customization for different durability, flexibility, and environmental resistance requirements.

[0022] Also, the slide may comprise one inflatable chamber, or may comprise a plurality of inflatable chambers. A technical advantage may include redundancy in case of a puncture, ensuring that the slide remains functional even if one chamber fails. In the circumstance a plurality of inflatable chambers are used a higher rigidity and stiffness of the slide may be obtained.

[0023] Furthermore, the central face may have a friction along the length. A technical advantage may include controlled descent speeds, reducing the risk of injury by preventing evacuees from sliding too quickly.

[0024] Moreover, the friction of the central face may be higher at the second end than at the first end. A technical advantage may include a decelerating effect towards the end of the slide, ensuring a safer landing for evacuees. In addition, the friction of the central face may vary from the first end to the second end. A technical advantage may include a gradual adjustment in descent speed, enhancing safety and comfort for evacuees.

[0025] Also, the first side face and the second side face may have a side friction. A technical advantage may include preventing evacuees from sliding off the sides, thereby maintaining a controlled and safe descent.

[0026] Furthermore, the side friction may vary along the width of the slide. A technical advantage may include differential friction control, providing enhanced stability and preventing side slippage.

[0027] Moreover, the side friction may be highest furthest away from the central face. A technical advantage may include increased safety by ensuring evacuees are guided towards the center of the slide path.

[0028] The present disclosure also relates to a maritime evacuation system comprising an inflatable evacuation slide.

[0029] In addition, the maritime evacuation system may further comprise an inflatable liferaft and / or an inflatable platform. A technical advantage may include enhanced versatility and preparedness for various emergency scenarios, providing comprehensive evacuation options.

[0030] The present disclosure also relates to a maritime structure such as a vessel, comprising a maritime evacuation system.

[0031] Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

[0032] The disclosure and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting examples and in which

[0033] Fig. 1 shows an example of an inflatable evacuation slide, Fig. 2 shows an example of the slide from an end view,

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a part of the slide of Fig. 1,

[0035] Fig. 4 shows an example of a slide from an end view,

[0036] Fig. 5 shows another example of a slide from an end view, and

[0037] Fig. 6 shows an example of a maritime evacuation system.

[0038] All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the disclosure, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an example of an inflatable evacuation slide 1 for a maritime evacuation system. The slide 1 having a first end 2, a second end 3, a length L and a width W. In addition, the slide 1 comprises a central section 4 extending along the length and having a central face 5. The slide 1 also comprises a first side section 6 arranged adjacent to the central section 4 and having a first side face 7, and a second side section 8 arranged adjacent to the central section 4 on the opposite side of the first side section 6 and having a second side face 9. The first side section 6 and the second side section 8 are extending along the length L of the slide 1 and the central section 4. According to the disclosure the first side face 7 and the second side face 9, respectively, are arranged with an angle a being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face 5. Hereby is obtained that the slide 1 will be provided with additional rigidity caused by the cross-sectional geometry of the slide 1. In addition, since the two side sections 6, 8 have an inclination towards the central section 4 a person sliding on the slide 1 will be guided towards the centre of the slide 1. Hence, the person sliding on the slide 1 according to the disclosure will be self-centring due to the geometrically configuration of the slide 1 and at the same time the slide 1 will only bend slightly due to the weight of the person. Due to the geometrical form and thereby the rigidity of the slide 1, it may also be possible to move the opposite way in case a person need to go up the slide 1.

[0040] The central section 4 may have a smaller width compared to the side sections 6, 8. In addition, the length L may be up to 8 meters. In another example, the length L may be up to 12 meters or even higher.

[0041] In Fig. 2, an example of the slide 1 is shown from an end view. The central face 5, the first side face 7 and the second side face 9 are defining a slide path 10. Hence, the different faces are the faces in which a person may slide.

[0042] In addition, the angle a is shown on Fig. 2 indicating the angle between the central face 5 and the second side face 9. A similar angle is provided between the central face 5 and the first side face 7. In a not shown example, the angle may differ between the first side face and the central face compared to the angle between the second side face and the central face. However, both angles will be less than 180 degrees according to the disclosure.

[0043] The angle a may be between 90 and 175 degrees. Also, the angle a may be less than 165 degrees. Other angles may also be chosen within the overall interval.

[0044] Furthermore, the slide 1 may have a thickness T as shown in Fig. 2. The thickness T may vary along the length and / or the width of the slide 1.

[0045] The slide 1 in a cross-sectional view may be substantially "V-shaped".

[0046] As seen in Fig. 3, the slide 1 may also comprise one or more attachment points 11. The attachment points 11 may be used for securing a mooring line or bowsing line to the slide so that during an evacuation procedure the slide 1 may be positioned and maintained in the intended position. A ring 12 or similar may be arranged at the attachment point 11 for facilitating attachment of a line to the attachment point 11. The one or more attachment points 11 may be arranged at a back face 13 of the slide 1. Furthermore, the slide 1 also comprises a valve 14, the valve 14 is configured to letting a gas into the slide during inflation and to maintain the gas pressure in the slide during use.

[0047] In Fig. 5, another example of the slide 1 is shown in an end view. A first gunwale 15 is connected to the first side section 6 opposite to the central section 4, and a second gunwale 16 is connected to the second side section 8 opposite to the central section 4. The first gunwale 15 and the second gunwale 16 have a gunwale extension 17, the gunwale extensions 17 being substantially perpendicular to the central face 5. The gunwales function as barriers on the slide 1. The gunwales may be inflatable and may add to the rigidity of the slide 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the slide 1 may be made of a drop-stitch material proving inflatable panels. The drop-stitch construction involves thousands of interconnected threads that create a strong and rigid structure when the slide is inflated. This allows the inflatable slide to maintain their shape and provide excellent stability, comparable to traditional solid structures. The internal pressure of the inflated slide pushes against the taut threads, creating a firm and sturdy surface.

[0049] The drop-stitch materials can withstand high levels of internal pressure. This means that the inflatable slide made with drop-stitch construction can be inflated to a much higher pressure compared to other slides. Higher pressure enhances rigidity, performance, and load-carrying capacity.

[0050] Despite their rigid and sturdy nature, the drop-stitch slide are lightweight and highly portable. When deflated, the slide can be rolled up or folded into a compact size, making them easy to store as part of the maritime evacuation system.

[0051] In addition, the drop-stitch material may be made of PU, natural rubber, or other materials, or a combination thereof.

[0052] Moreover, the slide 1 may comprise one inflatable chamber, or comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers. In addition to the drop-stitch material additional chambers may also increase the rigidity and stiffness of the slide.

[0053] Furthermore, the central face 5 may have a friction along the length L. In an example, the friction of the central face 5 is higher at the second end 3 than at the first end 2. Hereby is obtained that the person sliding on the slide may accelerate when entering the slide at the first end and be slowed down by the higher friction at the second end. Hence, by varying the friction along the length it is possible to control the flow and speed of the person sliding and being evacuated. Hence, the friction of the central face 5 may vary from the first end to the second end.

[0054] Also, the first side face 7 and the second side face 9 may have a side friction. The side friction may vary along the width of the slide 1. The side friction may be highest furthest away from the central face 5 so that a person is slowed down the closer the person is to the edges of the slide 1.

[0055] As seen in the figures, the slide 1 has one layer of one or more inflatable chamber(s). In other examples, the slide may have a plurality of layers of inflatable chamber(s).

[0056] The gunwales may also be made of drop-stitch material.

[0057] In addition, parts of the slide and / or gunwales may be made of drop-stitch material and other parts may be made of other inflatable materials. The entire slide and / or gunwales may be made of drop-stitch material.

[0058] In Fig. 5, another example of a slide 1 is shown in an end view. The first side section 6 may comprise a plurality of first side faces 7', 7", each first side faces 7', 7" have an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face 5. In Fig. 5 two first sides faces 7', 7" are shown. The first side face 7' has a first angle relative to the central face 5 and the first side face 7" has another first angle relative to central face 5. In another example the angles of the first side faces 7', 7" may be identical relative to the central face.

[0059] The second side section 8 may comprise a plurality of second side faces 9', 9", each second side faces 9', 9" have an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face 5. In Fig. 5 two second sides faces 9', 9" are shown. The second side face 9' has a first angle relative to the central face 5 and the second side face 9" has another first angle relative to central face 5. In another example the angles of the second side faces 9', 9" may be identical relative to the central face.

[0060] Also, the first side face and / or the second side face may have a curved extension along the width.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows a maritime evacuation system 100 comprising an inflatable evacuation slide 1 as described above. The evacuation system 100 comprises an inflatable liferaft and / or an inflatable platform 50. The platform 50 is in Fig. 6 inflated and deployed in the water. The platform 50 is connected with the vessel 70 via the inflatable slide 1. Hence under an evacuation procedure the evacuation system is deployed and inflated and positioned for evacuation. Hence, the person to be evacuated enter the slide at the first end 2 and slide towards the platform 50 and leaves the slide 1 at the second end 3.

[0062] Certain aspects and variants of the disclosure are set forth in the following clauses numbered consecutive below.

[0063] Clause 1 : An inflatable evacuation slide (1) for a maritime evacuation system (100), the slide having a first end (2), a second end (3), a length (L) and a width (W), the slide comprising

[0064] - a central section (4) extending along the length and having a central face (5),

[0065] - a first side section (6) arranged adjacent to the central section and having a first side face (7),

[0066] - a second side section (8) arranged adjacent to the central section (4) on the opposite side of the first side section (6) and having a second side face (9),

[0067] - the first side section (6) and the second side section (8) are extending along the length (L) of the slide and the central section (4), wherein the first side face (7) and the second side face (8), respectively, are arranged with an angle (a) being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face (5).

[0068] Clause 2: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 1, wherein the angle (a) is between 90 and 175 degrees.

[0069] Clause 3: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 1, wherein the angle (a) is less than 165 degrees.

[0070] Clause 4: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the central face (5), the first side face (7) and the second side face (9) defining a slide path (10).

[0071] Clause 5: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first side section (6) comprises a plurality of first side faces (7, 7', 7"), each first side faces (7, 7', 7") have an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face (5). Clause 6: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 5, wherein the angles of the first side faces (7, 7', 7") are identical relative to the central face (5) or are different to each other.

[0072] Clause 7: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second side section (8) comprises a plurality of second side faces (9, 9', 9"), each second side faces (9, 9', 9") have an angle being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face (5).

[0073] Clause 8: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 7, wherein the angles of the second side faces (9, 9', 9") are identical relative to the central face (5) or are different to each other.

[0074] Clause 9: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a first gunwale (15) is connected to the first side section (6) opposite to the central section (4), and a second gunwale (16) is connected to the second side section (8) opposite to the central section (4).

[0075] Clause 10: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 9, wherein the first gunwale (15) and the second gunwale (16) have a gunwale extension (17), the gunwale extensions (17) being substantially perpendicular to the central face (5).

[0076] Clause 11: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first side face (7) and / or the second side face (9) have a curved extension along the width (W).

[0077] Clause 12: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide is made of a drop-stitch material.

[0078] Clause 13: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 12, wherein the drop-stitch material is made of PU, natural rubber, or other materials, or a combination thereof.

[0079] Clause 14: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide comprises one inflatable chamber, or comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers. Clause 15: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide has a thickness (T).

[0080] Clause 16: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 15, wherein the thickness (T) vary along the length (L) and / or the width (W).

[0081] Clause 17: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the length (L) is up to 8 meters, or wherein the length (L) is up to 12 meters or even higher.

[0082] Clause 18: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the central face (5) has a friction along the length (L).

[0083] Clause 19: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 18, wherein the friction of the central face (5) is higher at the second end (3) than at the first end (2).

[0084] Clause 20: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 18 and / or 19, wherein the friction of the central face (5) vary from the first end (2) to the second end (3).

[0085] Clause 21: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first side face (7) and the second side face (9) have a side friction.

[0086] Clause 22: An inflatable evacuation slide according to clause 21, wherein the side friction vary along the width of the slide.

[0087] Clause 23: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of clauses 21 to 22, wherein the side friction is highest furthest away from the central face (5).

[0088] Clause 24: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide has one layer of inflatable chamber(s).

[0089] Clause 25: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the clauses 1 to 23, wherein the slide has a plurality of layers of inflatable chamber(s). Clause 26: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide in a cross-sectional view is substantially "V-shaped".

[0090] Clause 27: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clause 6, wherein the gunwales (15, 16) are made of drop-stitch material.

[0091] Clause 28: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising one or more attachment points (11).

[0092] Clause 29: An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to clauses 28, wherein the one or more attachment points (11) is / are arranged at a back face (13) of the slide.

[0093] Clause 30: A maritime evacuation system (100) comprising an inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0094] Clause 31: A maritime evacuation system (100) according to clause 30, further comprising an inflatable liferaft and / or an inflatable platform (50).

[0095] Clause 32: A maritime structure such as a vessel (70), comprising a maritime evacuation system according to clauses 30 to 31.

[0096] Clause 33: A maritime structure according to clause 32, wherein the vessel (70) is a passenger ship or ferry.

[0097] Clause 34: Use of an inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the clauses 1-29 for a gangway.

[0098] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0099] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the system and / or device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0101] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0102] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventive concepts being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) for a maritime evacuation system (100), the slide having a first end (2), a second end (3), a length (L) and a width (W), the slide comprising- a central section (4) extending along the length and having a central face (5),- a first side section (6) arranged adjacent to the central section and having a first side face (7),- a second side section (8) arranged adjacent to the central section on the opposite side of the first side section (6) and having a second side face (9),- the first side section (6) and the second side section (8) are extending along the length of the slide and the central section, wherein the first side face (7) and the second side face (9), respectively, are arranged with an angle (a) being less than 180 degrees relative to the central face (5).

2. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (a) is between 90 and 175 degrees.

3. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (a) is less than 165 degrees.

4. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central face (5), the first side face (7) and the second side face (9) defining a slide path (10).

5. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first gunwale (15) is connected to the first side section (6) opposite to the central section (4), and a second gunwale (16) is connected to the second side section (8) opposite to the central section (4).

6. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first gunwale (15) and the second gunwale (16) have a gunwale extension (17), the gunwale extensions (17) being substantially perpendicular to the central face (4).

7. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first side face (7) and / or the second side face (9) have a curved extension along the width (W).

8. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slide is made of a drop-stitch material.

9. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 8, wherein the dropstitch material is made of PU, natural rubber, or other materials, or a combination thereof.

10. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slide comprises one inflatable chamber, or comprises a plurality of inflatable chambers.

11. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central face (5) has a friction along the length (L).

12. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 11, wherein the friction of the central face (5) is higher at the second end (3) than at the first end (2).

13. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 11 and / or 12, wherein the friction of the central face (5) vary from the first end (2) to the second end (3).

14. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first side face (7) and the second side face (9) have a side friction.

15. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to claim 14, wherein the side friction vary along the width (W) of the slide.

16. An inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the side friction is highest furthest away from the central face (5).

17. A maritime evacuation system (100) comprising an inflatable evacuation slide (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

18. A maritime evacuation system (100) according to claim 17, further comprising an inflatable liferaft and / or an inflatable platform (50).

19. A maritime structure such as a vessel (70), comprising a maritime evacuation system (100) according to claims 17 to 18.

20. A maritime structure according to claim 19, wherein the vessel (70) is a passenger ship or ferry.

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