Marine Hose Boom Safety Stop Device

Abstract

A marine hose boom safety stop device is provided and is designed to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom, thereby reducing the risk of injury to personnel and preventing structural damage in scenarios of winch failure or operator error. The device comprises a base plate which includes a plurality of distributed openings for mechanical attachment to the deck via marine-rated fasteners. A vibration-dampening layer may be integrated into the base plate and is composed of elastomeric materials to absorb kinetic energy from impact events. Extending perpendicularly from the base plate is a vertical shaft assembly. A pivot point of the shaft assembly allows multidirectional articulation of a cradle assembly to adjust to varying boom trajectories once secured to the same. Upon deployment, the device acts as a passive fail-safe, engaging automatically with the descending boom to arrest its motion and redirect energy through the structural components.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 687,321, which was filed on Aug. 27, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of marine vessel safety devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device designed to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.BACKGROUND

[0003] Tank barge hose booms are essential components used during the transfer of liquids between marine vessels and shore-based facilities. These booms are typically raised and lowered using a winch mechanism that relies on manual or powered actuation. A known hazard arises when the winch handle slips, particularly when the safety dog is disengaged, causing the boom to descend rapidly and uncontrollably. Such uncontrolled descent can result in severe injury or fatality to nearby personnel, as well as damage to the surrounding equipment or vessel infrastructure. Attempts by operators to manually arrest a falling winch handle often result in personal injury due to the rapid force and motion involved. Despite the risks, there is currently no widely adopted or effective passive safety mechanism that prevents the boom from striking the deck or individuals in the event of winch failure. Most operational safety protocols depend heavily on user attentiveness and manual safeguards, which are susceptible to human error.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that passively intercepts and arrests the descent of a hose boom in the event of winch failure. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that minimizes the risk of bodily injury to personnel caused by falling hose booms. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that prevents mechanical damage to marine decks and hose booms by absorbing impact forces and eliminating spark generation.

[0005] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a marine hose boom safety stop device. The device is designed to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom, thereby reducing the risk of injury to personnel and preventing structural damage in scenarios of winch failure or operator error. The device comprises a base plate which includes a plurality of distributed openings for mechanical attachment to the deck via marine-rated fasteners. A vibration-dampening layer may be integrated into the base plate and is composed of elastomeric materials to absorb kinetic energy from impact events. Extending perpendicularly from the base plate is a vertical shaft assembly, which may be fixed or telescopic in configuration. A pivot point of the shaft assembly allows for multidirectional articulation of a cradle assembly to adjust to varying boom trajectories. The cradle assembly comprises two receiving plates contoured to match the hose boom profile and lined with impact-absorbing, non-metallic materials to prevent spark generation and surface damage. The receiving plates are joined via a fastening mechanism that secures the boom within the cradle. Upon deployment, the device acts as a passive fail-safe, engaging automatically with the descending boom to arrest its motion and redirect energy through the structural components.

[0006] In this manner, the marine hose boom safety stop device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a passive and mechanical device for arresting the descent of a tank barge hose boom. The integration of a vibration-dampening base plate and energy-absorbing piston assembly ensures that kinetic forces are redirected safely, thereby minimizing deck damage and preventing injury. The articulating cradle assembly with non-metallic liners prevents spark generation and accommodates dynamic boom trajectories without manual intervention. By addressing the long-felt need for safety, reliability, and structural protection, the device serves as a critical solution to a persistent hazard in marine hose handling operations.SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a marine hose boom safety stop device. The device is designed to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom, thereby reducing the risk of injury and equipment damage due to winch failure or operator error. The device operates as a passive mechanical barrier that engages automatically when properly positioned.

[0009] The device is comprised of a base plate fabricated from marine-grade stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metals. The base plate includes multiple openings for mechanical attachment to a marine vessel deck using fasteners. An embodiment includes the base plate comprised of a vibration-dampening layer formed from rubber or elastomeric materials. This layer absorbs and dissipates impact energy to reduce stress on the deck and improve durability.

[0010] The device is further comprised of a vertical shaft assembly extending perpendicularly from the base plate. The shaft assembly may be of fixed length or telescopic to accommodate different boom trajectories and deck clearances. In a telescopic configuration, the vertical shaft assembly is comprised of multiple nested segments made from reinforced stainless steel alloy and protected by an anti-corrosive coating. The shaft height is secured by a locking mechanism, which may include various mechanical systems such as cam-locks or clamping collars. An embodiment includes the vertical shaft assembly being internally comprised of a piston assembly. This piston assembly may be gas, spring, or hydraulic-based and functions to absorb impact energy, reducing shock transmission to the base plate and deck.

[0011] The vertical shaft assembly is also comprised of at least one pivot point permitting multi-directional articulation. A cradle assembly is attached at the pivot point, allowing dynamic adjustment to the angular position of the descending hose boom.

[0012] The cradle assembly is comprised of two receiving plates contoured with interlocking profiles shaped to fit the hose boom. Each receiving plate includes an inner surface lined with impact-absorbing, non-metallic materials to prevent metal contact and retain friction under adverse conditions. The receiving plates are secured around the hose boom using a fastening mechanism.

[0013] When deployed, the device functions as a mechanical fail-safe by intercepting and arresting the descent of the hose boom. The structure redirects kinetic energy into the vertical shaft and base plate, limiting injuries and structural impacts. The combined functionality of the dampening layer, piston assembly, pivot point, and liners enables operation under dynamic loading without structural failure.

[0014] The invention also includes a method of use involving installation of the base plate onto a vessel deck, optional adjustment and locking of the shaft height, positioning of the cradle assembly in the boom path, and securing the receiving plates around the boom. During operation, the cradle adjusts to receive and arrest a descending hose boom.

[0015] Accordingly, the marine hose boom safety stop device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a passive and mechanical device for arresting the descent of a tank barge hose boom. The integration of a vibration-dampening base plate and energy-absorbing piston assembly ensures that kinetic forces are redirected safely, thereby minimizing deck damage and preventing injury. The articulating cradle assembly with non-metallic liners prevents spark generation and accommodates dynamic boom trajectories without manual intervention. By addressing the long-felt need for safety, reliability, and structural protection, the device serves as a critical solution to a persistent hazard in marine hose handling operations.

[0016] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine hose boom safety stop device of the present invention while attached to a hose boom in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine hose boom safety stop device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a marine hose boom safety stop device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0022] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that passively intercepts and arrests the descent of a hose boom in the event of winch failure. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that minimizes the risk of bodily injury to personnel caused by falling hose booms. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a marine hose boom safety stop device that prevents mechanical damage to marine decks and hose booms by absorbing impact forces and eliminating spark generation.

[0023] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a marine hose boom safety stop device. The device serves to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom, aiming to mitigate injury risks and equipment damage that may result from operator error or winch malfunction. Functioning as a passive mechanical barrier, the device engages automatically once correctly positioned.

[0024] The primary structure of the device is comprised of a base plate manufactured from marine-grade stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metal alloys. A series of openings are distributed across the base plate to allow secure mechanical attachment to a marine vessel deck using fasteners. In one embodiment, the base plate further incorporates a vibration-dampening layer constructed from rubber or elastomeric materials. This layer functions to absorb and dissipate impact forces, thereby reducing mechanical stress on the vessel deck and enhancing system durability.

[0025] A vertical shaft assembly extends from the base and may be configured as either a fixed-length or telescopic structure to accommodate varying hose boom trajectories and available deck clearance. In telescopic embodiments, the shaft assembly is comprised of nested segments fabricated from reinforced stainless steel alloy and coated with anti-corrosive materials. A locking mechanism further secures the selected shaft height. One embodiment includes an internal piston assembly within the shaft, which may be gas, spring, or hydraulic based. This internal assembly is designed to absorb impact energy, reducing the transmission of shock forces to the base plate and the vessel deck.

[0026] The vertical shaft assembly further includes at least one pivot point that provides multi-directional articulation. A cradle assembly is mounted at the pivot point, enabling alignment with the angular trajectory of the descending hose boom. The cradle assembly is comprised of two interlocking receiving plates shaped to conform to the hose boom profile. Each receiving plate includes a liner made from impact-absorbing, non-metallic materials that prevent direct metal contact and maintain friction under challenging operational conditions. The receiving plates are joined around the hose boom using a fastening mechanism.

[0027] Upon deployment, the device functions as a fail-safe by intercepting and halting the downward movement of the hose boom. The design redirects kinetic energy into the vertical shaft and base plate, thereby minimizing the potential for injury and structural impact. The collective action of the dampening layer, piston assembly, pivot point, and non-metallic liners allows the device to perform reliably under dynamic loads without undergoing structural failure.

[0028] The invention also includes a method of use comprising several steps such as affixing the base plate to the vessel deck, adjusting and locking the height of the vertical shaft when necessary, aligning the cradle assembly with the expected boom path, and fastening the receiving plates around the hose boom. During operation, the cradle assembly adjusts responsively to capture and arrest the hose boom.

[0029] As a result, the device provides a passive and mechanical solution for safely arresting the descent of a tank barge hose boom. The incorporation of a vibration-dampening base plate and energy-absorbing piston assembly ensures safe redirection of kinetic forces, protecting the vessel structure and personnel. The articulating cradle assembly with non-metallic liners enhances safety by preventing spark formation and accommodating variable boom paths without manual input. By offering reliability, structural protection, and operational safety, the device addresses a long-standing hazard in marine hose handling operations.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a marine hose boom safety stop device 100 of the present invention while attached to a hose boom 10 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is designed to mechanically intercept and secure a descending tank barge hose boom 10, thereby mitigating the risk of injury to personnel and preventing equipment damage resulting from winch failure or operator error. This interception prevents an uncontrolled impact between the boom 10 and deck structures or individuals present in the nearby. As a result, the device 100 functions as a passive mechanical barrier, capable of automatic engagement without requiring active user intervention, provided that the device is properly positioned prior to operations.

[0031] The device 100 may be comprised of a base plate 102. The base plate 102 may be fabricated from marine-grade stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metal alloys suitable for exposure to saltwater and abrasive conditions. The base plate 102 may include a plurality of openings 104 positioned in a distributed pattern to facilitate mechanical attachment to the deck of a marine vessel via fasteners 106 such as but not limited to marine-grade bolts, lag screws, threaded anchors, expansion studs, etc. as seen in FIG. 1.

[0032] In one embodiment, the base plate 102 may be comprised of an integrated vibration-dampening layer 103. The vibration-dampening layer 103 may be comprised of a rubber or elastomeric composite, such as but not limited to neoprene, EPDM rubber, or silicone-based compounds. The dampening layer 103 absorbs and dissipates impact energy transferred during hose boom interception by the device 100, thereby reducing mechanical stress on the deck and increasing system durability.

[0033] The device 100 is further comprised of a vertical shaft assembly 108 which extends in a preferably perpendicular orientation relative to the deck surface from the base plate 102. The vertical shaft assembly 108 may be of a fixed length or may alternatively be telescopic to allow height adjustment based on boom trajectory or deck clearance requirements.

[0034] In a telescopic configuration, the vertical shaft assembly 108 may be comprised of multiple nested segments fabricated from a reinforced stainless steel alloy. An anti-corrosive coating 110 such as but not limited to zinc-nickel plating, epoxy-based marine paint, or a powder-coated barrier layer may be applied to external surfaces to resist oxidation and pitting in marine environments. The height of the telescopic shaft assembly 108 may be mechanically locked via a locking mechanism 130 (as seen in FIG. 1), which may include but is not limited to a cam-lock system, a threaded collar with jam nut, a detent pin arrangement, an external clamping collar, etc.

[0035] In one embodiment, the vertical shaft assembly 108 may be internally comprised of a piston assembly 134, as seen in FIG. 1. The piston assembly 134 may be designed to absorb kinetic energy from impact events transmitted through the cradle assembly 114. The piston assembly 134 may be a gas, spring, or hydraulic piston assembly. The energy-absorbing characteristics of the piston assembly 134 may reduce the magnitude of shock transmitted to the base plate 102 and underlying deck, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and operational safety of the device 100.

[0036] The vertical shaft assembly 108 is further comprised of at least one pivot point 112. The pivot point 112 may be comprised of a universal joint, a ball-and-socket joint, a dual-axis gimbal assembly, etc., to permit multi-directional articulation. This articulation allows a cradle assembly 114 attached to the point 112 to adjust dynamically to varied angular positions of the descending boom 10. The cradle assembly 114 may be comprised of a first receiving plate 116 and a second receiving plate 118. The plates 116,118 may be contoured with interlocking profile areas 120 shaped and sized to conform to the outer diameter and profile of the hose boom 10.

[0037] Each inner surface 122 of the receiving plates 116 and 118 may be comprised of a liner 124 (as seen in FIG. 2) made from non-metallic, impact-absorbing materials such as, but not limited to, polyurethane foam, reinforced rubber sheet, or phenolic fiber composites. These liners 124 function to eliminate direct metal-to-metal contact, thereby preventing spark generation and surface damage to the hose boom 10. The liner 124 is further designed to retain frictional engagement with the boom 10 under adverse operational conditions, including the presence of oil, water, or temperature extremes.

[0038] The receiving plates 116,118 may be connected to each other after insertion of the boom 10 between the plates 116,118 via at least one fastening mechanism 126, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The fastening mechanism 126 may include but is not limited to, a quick-release latch system, threaded fasteners, spring-loaded pins, over-center toggle clamps, etc.

[0039] When deployed in the field, the device 100 functions as a mechanical fail-safe. In scenarios where the winch system fails or the operator loses control of the boom 10, the cradle assembly 114 may engage the boom 10 during its descent, arresting its motion by redirecting kinetic energy into the structural framework of the vertical shaft assembly 108 and base plate 102. This redirection may limit the potential for injuries and prevent impact with the deck or surrounding structures. The combined action of the dampening layer 103, piston assembly 134, pivot articulation at the joint 112, and energy-absorbing liners 124 allows the device 100 to operate under dynamic loading conditions without significant structural deformation or failure.

[0040] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a base plate 102 having a plurality of openings 104 for mechanical attachment to a marine vessel deck, a vibration-dampening layer 103, a vertical shaft assembly 108 with at least one pivot point 112, and a cradle assembly 114 comprised of receiving plates 116,118 with liners 124 and a fastening mechanism 126 [Step 202]. Then, the base plate 102 can be affixed to the deck of the marine vessel using fasteners 106 through the openings 104, ensuring secure and stable installation [Step 204]. Next, the vertical shaft assembly 108 can be locked at the desired height if a telescopic configuration of the assembly 108 is present, using the locking mechanism 130 to secure the height [Step 206]. Then, the cradle assembly 114 is positioned to intercept the path of the descending hose boom 10, with the receiving plates 116 and 118 aligned to accept the boom 10 between the same [Step 208]. Next, the fastening mechanism 126 can be engaged to secure the receiving plates 116 and 118 around the boom 10, thereby arresting motion of the boom [Step 210]. Upon descent of the hose boom 10, the cradle assembly 114 dynamically adjusts via the pivot point 112 and receives the boom 10 between the receiving plates 116, 118 to stop movement of the boom 10.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “marine hose boom safety stop device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 of the present invention.

[0042] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the marine hose boom safety stop device 100 may be of any size, shape, and / or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and / or that suits the user's needs and / or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A marine hose boom safety stop device comprising:a base plate;a shaft assembly extending from the base plate;a pivot point disposed on the vertical shaft assembly; anda cradle assembly coupled to the pivot point, wherein the cradle assembly is comprised of a first receiving plate and a second receiving plate and wherein the first receiving plate attaches to the second receiving plate via a fastener.

2. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the base plate is comprised of an opening.

3. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly is comprised of a telescopic shaft.

4. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the first receiving plate is comprised of a first contoured profile area.

5. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the second receiving plate is comprised of a second contoured profile area.

6. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the base plate is comprised of a vibration-dampening layer.

7. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 3 further comprised of a locking mechanism.

8. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly is comprised of a piston assembly.

9. A marine hose boom safety stop device comprising:a base plate;a shaft assembly extending from the base plate;a pivot point disposed on the vertical shaft assembly; anda cradle assembly coupled to the pivot point, wherein the cradle assembly is comprised of a first receiving plate having a first liner and a second receiving plate having a second liner and wherein the first receiving plate attaches to the second receiving plate via a fastening mechanism.

10. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the first liner and the second liner are comprised of a foam or a rubber.

11. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the pivot point is comprised of a universal joint, a ball-and-socket joint, or a dual-axis gimbal assembly.

12. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the fastening mechanism is comprised of a quick-release latch system, a threaded fastener, a spring-loaded pin, or a clamp.

13. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the base plate is comprised of an opening.

14. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the shaft assembly is comprised of a telescopic shaft.

15. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the first receiving plate is comprised of a first contoured profile area.

16. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the second receiving plate is comprised of a second contoured profile area.

17. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the base plate is comprised of a vibration-dampening layer.

18. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 14 further comprised of a locking mechanism.

19. The marine hose boom safety stop device of claim 9, wherein the shaft assembly is comprised of a piston assembly.

20. A method of using a marine hose boom safety stop device, the method comprising the following steps:providing a marine hose boom safety stop device comprised of a base plate having a vertical shaft assembly with a pivot point, and a cradle assembly comprising a first receiving plate and a second receiving plate;affixing the base plate to a surface by placing a first fastener through an opening of the base plate;placing a hose boom between the first receiving plate and the second receiving plate; andengaging a fastening mechanism to secure the first receiving plate and the second receiving plate around the hose boom.

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