Accessory for shiploaders for rain protection

Abstract

The present invention patent relates to an accessory for shiploaders for protection against rain. This device is applied in the field of marine and port logistics operations and more specifically concerns a covering accessory for rain protection and dust isolation during the loading of moisture-sensitive bulk products onto bulk carriers, and polluting products onto cargo ships. The accessory offers the advantages of being fixed to the shiploader and simple to operate, and having a compact and lightweight structure. The rotary covering accessory (ACR) is provided with a cage (3), a central structure (6), and beam assemblies (4-a). Alternatively, the covering accessory (AC) comprises a flange (11), a sealing duct (10), and arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b).

Description

ACCESSORY FOR SHIP CHARGERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION Field of invention

[0001] This patent application refers to an accessory for ship loaders, also known as shiploaders, for protection against rain. This device is applied in the field of naval and port logistics operations, more specifically, it is a rain protection and dust insulation cover accessory for loading moisture-sensitive bulk products onto bulk carriers and polluting products onto cargo ships. The cover accessory has the advantages of being compact, lightweight, simple, and easy to operate and install. Fundamentals of the invention

[0002] As is known to those in the technical field of naval logistics, most loading operations are carried out without a protective insulating layer, which generates extensive economic, socio-environmental, and structural damage.

[0003] During outdoor operations, cargo is directly exposed to the environment, which subjects loading operations to interruptions due to weather changes. In these situations, different types of moisture-sensitive products, such as grains and minerals, cannot be loaded. Cargo, during open-air operations, is vulnerable to contamination by local animals, which may land or defecate directly on the cargo, affecting product hygiene and potentially spreading disease. These situations result in significant losses for logistics companies, generating idle time for employees and the ship, as well as causing waste through the disposal of contaminated cargo.

[0004] Protective covers for bulk carrier ships are a necessary response to the demands of modern maritime transport; however, they also present considerable challenges. The weight of these structures makes them difficult to transport and handle, and the time required for installation can cause delays and impact voyage schedules. Due to the structural complexity of most of these covers, operation, installation, and maintenance require specialized labor, increasing costs. Finally, when not in use, protective covers occupy considerable space, making storage difficult.

[0005] Searches conducted in Brazilian and international patent databases revealed the following findings.

[0006] Brazilian patent BR102018067874, entitled "Cover for protection against rain in the loading of bulk cargo onto ships," discloses a cover for protection against rain in the loading of bulk cargo onto ships, applied in bulk cargo ports that use shiploaders, for the purpose of loading ships with moisture-sensitive solid bulk cargo. Its objective is to protect the cargo from rainwater ingress during loading, preventing operational stoppages. The cover consists of a base structure, a central assembly, and two sets of side tarpaulins, offering advantages such as low cost, quick installation, easy maintenance, easy operation, quick removal, safety, environmental friendliness, stability in windy conditions, secure sealing, compliance with shipboard regulations, use of materials resistant to the marine environment, lightweight, simple, and practical.

[0007] Patent BR 102018067874 discloses a device that uses rolling tarpaulins, which increases the risk of leaks and contamination. The device also has a bulky structure that remains fixed at various points to the shiploader; this arrangement makes installation and removal difficult, making the maintenance process much more complex.

[0008] Japanese patent BRI 12020022555, entitled “Rain protection device for boarding”, discloses a rain protection device for boarding that can prevent water from entering the hatch opening, including: a rain protector for boarding that includes a rail, placed on a sliding hatch cover, an onboard tube that is provided on the rail in a lockable manner, which covers part of the hatch opening and which also supplies cargo from a ship loader to the hold, a cover member to cover the rest of the hatch opening, and a water blocking part, which prevents water from entering the hatch opening through a gap between the cover member and the sliding hatch cover.

[0009] The device disclosed in patent BR 112020022555 needs to be lifted by a crane attached to the shiploader, which increases the installation and removal time. The structure is supported on the inside of the tarpaulin, making it susceptible to corrosion and requiring constant cleaning and maintenance. Due to the large number of metal components in its structure, this device is very heavy, making it difficult to transport.

[0010] Patent BR1020220171734, by the same inventors, entitled "Rain and dust protection cover for bulk carrier holds," discloses a rain and dust protection cover for bulk carrier holds used in naval and port logistics operations. More specifically, it is a mobile rain protection and dust insulation cover for loading moisture-sensitive bulk products in bulk carriers and pollutants in cargo ships. The cover is demountable, with a resistant, stable, safe, simple, and enclosed structure, low maintenance costs, low labor requirements for its operation, and efficient installation. The cover consists of three parts, including an arch-carriage assembly with a bellows-style upper structure and a lid that moves from port to starboard, a bow wing, and a stern wing, both bellows-style and mirrored.

[0011] Although the application of the protective cover proposed by BR 202019000758-9 provided a good technical solution, it was observed that improvements could be made to the device to ensure a reduction in the number of operators and ease of transport. To this end, significant improvements were sought to the pre-existing components, which are the subject of this patent.

[0012] The "ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION," the subject of this patent, was developed to overcome the difficulties of installation, weight, and transportation of current covers. It offers the advantages of being a fixed accessory to the shiploader, having simple operation, and possessing a compact and lightweight structure.

[0013] The prior art presents the following problems and technical shortcomings that have been resolved by the present invention, shown below: a. Current protective covers for bulk carrier ships are robustly designed and considerably heavy, which can hinder both transport and installation. This is resolved by the present patent through a new type of central structure that uses reinforced tarpaulins and steel cables, ensuring sealing with a lighter and more compact support; b. Most protective covers have a large volume, which hinders both transport and handling, increasing the sail area of ​​the device and negatively impacting the operational movement of the shiploader. This is resolved by the present invention through the adoption of a new structure that uses pantographic arms.These arms allow the cover to be efficiently retracted when not in use, facilitating its movement and minimizing impact on the area, resulting in a more effective and versatile solution for protecting cargo during loading. c. Protective covers for bulk carrier ships commonly face a significant disadvantage due to the difficulty of installation, which can lead to delays and increased operating costs. This is solved by the present patent through a new structure that attaches directly to a port's shiploader. This approach eliminates the need for transport between different ships, drastically simplifying the installation process; and d. A large part of protective covers for bulk carrier ships require specialized operators for their installation, given the robustness and complexity of the structures involved. This is solved by the present patent through a new structure that can be positioned directly by the shiploader operator, eliminating the need for highly specialized labor.By simplifying the installation process, this approach not only reduces the costs associated with hiring specialized operators, but also improves operational efficiency, allowing for faster and easier installation of roofing.

[0014] The inventors, port logistics professionals with over 21 years of experience, observed that some ports had difficulty operating the bulk carrier covers currently available on the market. The need for transport between different ships for different services and the requirement for an experienced operator during operation made the solution inefficient. Furthermore, the complexity of assembly and the robustness of the current devices required the constant presence of a manager or engineer on site.

[0015] Observing the object of patent BR 10 2022 017173 4, entitled "Protective cover for rain and dust for the hold of a bulk carrier ship", the inventors determined that they could make several modifications to meet this different demand. Thus, a new development process began, seeking to achieve a new type of cover that is more compact and functional.

[0016] Seeking to improve installation time, the inventors determined that they would develop a cover that serves as an accessory for the shiploader, eliminating the need for transport between ships. Aiming to minimize the stress exerted on the loader, the cover's structure was simplified, using steel cables to hold the central structure and tarpaulins for sealing. The profile was reduced, maintaining only linear movement, decreasing the dimensions of the structural arches. Operation was simplified, requiring only brief instruction for operators to use it properly, reducing the dependence on highly specialized labor. It only requires positioning the shiploader boom over the hold, as per normal procedure, and opening the cover.

[0017] Thus, after developing scale and full-size prototypes, the inventors determined that this solution met not only the technical requirements but also the practical needs of the maritime industry. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] For a better understanding of the present patent, the following figures are attached: Figure 1 illustrates the perspective view of the roof accessory (AC); Figure 2 illustrates the top view of the cover accessory (AC) revealing the position of the upper pantographic trusses (21), the central tarp (120) and side tarps (121); Figure 3 illustrates the side view of the cover accessory (AC), without the central tarp (120), emphasizing the position of the steel cables (100) and the detail (A); Figure 4 illustrates the detail view (A), revealing the side pantographic truss (22), the upper pantographic truss (21), the arch (2) and the side canvas (121); Figure 5 illustrates the perspective view of the retracted roof accessory (AC), revealing the position of the arches (2) and structural arms (14); Figure 6 illustrates the front view of the arch (2); Figure 7 illustrates the perspective view of the flange (11) and the sealing duct (10); Figure 8 illustrates the perspective view of the cover accessory (AC) in color to better represent the positioning of the transparent tarp (122); Figure 9 illustrates the perspective view of the rotating cover fitting (RCF) with the beam assemblies (4-a) closed; Figure 10 illustrates the side view of the rotating cover accessory (RCA) showing the position of the cage (3) with the hose (30) positioned on its upper face; the position of the central structure (6); and the position of both sets of beams (4-a); Figure 11 illustrates the top view of the rotating cover accessory (RCA) without the tarp (50) and with the beam assemblies (4-a) open, revealing one of the possible positions of the upper pantographic truss (21) and the arrangement of the arches (4); Figure 12 illustrates the side perspective view of the rotary cover fitting (RCF), open, without the upper pantograph trusses (21), demonstrating the position of the side pantograph truss (22); Figure 13 illustrates the front view of the rotating cover accessory (RCA), revealing the geometry of the arch (4) and the positioning of the transparent tarp (52); Figure 14 illustrates the front view of the rotating cover accessory (ACR), without the tarp (50), revealing the cage structure (3), composed of the upper structure (31) and the lower structure (32) joined by the clip (300); Figure 15 illustrates the side view of the rotating cover accessory (ACR), without the tarp (50), showing the retracted side pantographic trusses (22); Figure 16 illustrates the top view of the rotating cover accessory (RCA), without the tarp (50), demonstrating the geometry of the upper part of the upper structure (31); and demonstrating another possible position for the upper pantograph trusses (21); Figure 17 illustrates the perspective view of the rotating cover accessory (ACR), without the tarp (50) and without the beam assemblies (4-a), showing the position of details (A) and (B); Figure 18 illustrates detail (A), revealing the connection of the upper structure (31) and lower structure (32) through the clip (300); Figure 19 illustrates detail (B), revealing the position of the pulleys (320) on the base of the lower structure (32), which run on the rotation guide (61); also revealing the protective structure (321); Figure 20 illustrates the perspective view of the central structure (6) with the cage (3) exploded; revealing the upper structure (31) and the lower structure (32); and Figure 21 illustrates the front view of the central structure (6) with the cage (3) exploded; revealing the upper structure (31) and the lower structure (32). Description of the invention

[0019] According to figures 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7, the cover accessory (AC) has a flange (11), preferably made of steel, with a split annular shape and several screw holes, which is fixed to the shiploader; it has a metallic sealing duct (10), with a split hollow truncated cone shape, supported by the flange (11); it has steel cables (100), preferably with a diameter of 5 mm or greater, supported by the flange (11) and supporting the intersection point between the upper arm (14) and the central arches (2), positioned so that the cables pass through the inside of the sealing duct (10); it has two sets of arches (1-a) and (1-b), connected to each other by arms (14); it has four metallic arms (14), of adjustable length, positioned at the ends of the vertical rods of the central arches (2); and it has a central canvas (120), waterproof and polymeric, fixed to the flange (11), supported by the steel cables (100) and passing through the inside of the sealing duct (10) and the arms (14).

[0020] According to figures 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, the arch sets (1-a) and (1-b) contain a plurality of arches (2), metallic or polymeric, preferably aluminum, in the shape of a trussed arch with inflections at their ends, fixed together by pantographic trusses (21) and (22); contain a plurality of casters (20), fixed to the base of the arches (2); have upper pantographic trusses (21), fixed to the opposite sides between the arch set (1-a) and (1-b) on the rod parallel to the ground of the arches (2), joining the arches of the arch sets (1-a) and (1-b); have lateral pantographic trusses (22), fixed to the upper part of the rods perpendicular to the ground of the arch (2); It has a side canvas (121), waterproof and polymeric, fixed to the inside of the arch (2) in such a way that no part of its structure is internally exposed; and it has transparent canvas (122), waterproof and polymeric, fixed to the exposed ends of the arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b).

[0021] The arm (14) can make use of different mechanisms to regulate its length, either manually with a tube and threaded rod assembly or automatically, using a hydraulic piston or an electric motor.

[0022] According to figures 9 to 13, the rotating cover accessory (ACR) is equipped with a cage (3), positioned on the upper part of the central structure (6); it is equipped with a central structure (6); it is equipped with sets of beams (4-a), positioned on the opposite lateral ends of the central structure (6); it is equipped with a waterproof and polymeric canvas (50), preferably electrostatic; it is equipped with a transparent canvas (51), waterproof, polymeric and translucent, preferably electrostatic, positioned in the center of the outer face of the sets of beams (4-a); and it is equipped with a corrugated tube (30) positioned on the upper face of the cage (3), surrounding the upper flange (310).

[0023] According to figures 14 to 19, the cage (3), made of stainless steel and lattice, has an upper structure (31), with a cylindrical outer base with its upper part truncated conical with a circular hole and flange (310) at its apex; it has a plurality of clips (300), positioned between the structural rods of the upper structure (31) and lower structure (32); it has a cylindrical lower structure (32), connected to the upper structure (31) by means of clips (300); it has a plurality of pulleys (320), positioned at the base of the structural rods of the lower structure (32); and it has a protective structure (321), positioned around the perimeter of the base of the lower structure (32), in order to protect the pulleys (320) and the rotation guide (61).

[0024] According to figures 10, 14, 15, 20 and 21, the central structure (6), made of stainless steel or polymer, with a rectangular prismatic truss shape, has an upper guide (60) on the upper edge of the sides where the beam sets (4-a) will be positioned, allowing the installation of the upper pantographic truss (21); it has a rotation guide (61) on its upper face, circular in shape with a central hole, which serves as a rail for the pulleys (320); and it has a side guide (62) on the side edges where the beam sets (4-a) will be positioned, allowing the installation of the side pantographic trusses (22).

[0025] According to figures 10 to 13 and 16, the beam assembly (4-a), composed of a plurality of beams (4), stainless steel or polymer, preferably aluminum, of rectangular shape with an upper guide and side guides, connected to each other through a plurality of upper pantographic trusses (21) positioned on the upper guides (42), and a plurality of side pantographic trusses (22) positioned on the side guides (41).

[0026] To facilitate movement, casters are installed on the underside of the beams (4).

[0027] According to figure 19, the pulleys (320) embrace the rotation guide (61), ensuring that the dome remains fixed to the central structure (6), even when lifted. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0028] To ensure a proper seal between the cover fitting (AC) and the shiploader tube, the sealing duct (10) is used, which surrounds the connection point between the flange (11), the central tarp (120) and the steel cables (100), serving as redundancy for protection against rainwater.

[0029] In one embodiment of the cover accessory (AC), the arch (2) has a width of 2m to 3m, preferably 2.5m and has a width of l.5m to 2m, preferably l.7m; The sealing duct (10) has a smaller diameter of 0.8m al.2m, preferably l.056m, has a larger diameter of l.2m al.5m, preferably l.35m and has a height of 0.4m to 0.7m, preferably 0.595m; and the flange (11) has an internal diameter of 0.7 al.3m, preferably l.06m.

[0030] The internal volume of the central canvas (120) of the cover accessory (AC) can be adjusted by the length of the arms (14), allowing easy installation of the cover accessory (AC) on shiploaders, even when they have dust filters installed in the nozzle of their loading tube.

[0031] The installation of the cover accessory (AC) is achieved through the following steps: i. An operator positions the loading duct above the cover assembly (AC); ii. The length of the arms (14) is adjusted so that they are flush with the loading tube or dust filter; iii. The two parts of the split flange (11) are positioned and fixed to the loading tube; iv. The steel cables (100), followed by the central tarp (120), are fixed to the flange (11); v. The two parts of the split sealing duct (10) are positioned and fixed so that it surrounds the central tarp (120); vi. The other ends of the steel cables (100) are fixed to the intersection points between the upper arms (14) and the arches (2); and vii. Both arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b) are closed and secured with clips, ensuring that they do not open when the cover accessory (AC) is lifted.

[0032] In one embodiment of the rotating cover accessory (RCA), with five beams (4) present in each beam set (4-a), the central structure (6) is 3m to 4m, preferably 3.5m long and wide. The central structure (6) with the cage (3) is 3m to 4.5m, preferably 3.85m high. With both beam sets (4-a) open, the rotating cover accessory (RCA) is 20m to 28m, preferably 23.3m long; with the beam sets (4-a) closed, the rotating cover accessory (RCA) is 4.5m to 6m, preferably 5.3m long.

[0033] The installation of the rotating cover attachment (RCA) is achieved through the following steps: i. Open the clips (300) of the cage (3) of the rotating cover attachment (RCA) and remove the upper structure (31); ii. Install the corrugated tube (30) in the shiploader loading duct; iii. An operator positions the loading duct through the upper hole of the upper structure (31); iv. If applicable, install the shiploader dust filter or suppressor; v. Insert square steel tubes through the trusses of the upper structure (31), securing it to the loading duct; vi. The shiploader then lifts the upper structure (31) and positions it above the lower structure (32) and the clamps (300) are fastened; and vii. Both sets of beams (4-a) are closed and secured with removable clamps, ensuring that they do not open when the rotating cover attachment (ACR) is lifted.

[0034] The pulleys (320) of the cage (3) allow the beam assemblies (4-a) of the rotating cover attachment (ACR) to be rotated in the loading tube, facilitating alignment with the hold of bulk carrier ships, regardless of the position they are moored in.

[0035] The protective structure (321) prevents the canvas from getting caught between the pulleys (320) and rotation guide (61), reducing the chance of the central structure's (6) rotational movement being impeded.

[0036] The upper pantographic truss (22) of the rotating cover accessory (ACR) can be installed in different positions, either centered or on the sides of the upper part of the beam assembly (4-a).

[0037] The rotating cover attachment (ACR) may include a motor, allowing the alignment of the arch assemblies (4-a) to the hold to be done remotely once lifted by the shiploader.

[0038] Once the cover fitting (AC) or the rotating cover fitting (ACR) is installed, it can be used for various operations without needing to be removed from the loading tube. In the case of the cover fitting (AC), after being properly positioned above the ship's hold, the clips are removed, the arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b) are opened, and the arches (2) at the end of the cover fitting (AC) are fixed with magnets. With the casters (20) at the base of the arches (2) properly supported, the gate cover is partially opened and loading begins.

[0039] Similarly, for the rotating cover accessory (RCA), after being properly positioned above the ship's hold, the removable clips are removed, the crossbar assemblies (4-a) are opened and the crossbars (4) at the end of the rotating cover (RCA) are fixed with magnets. With the base of the crossbars (4) properly supported, the gate cover is partially opened and loading begins.

[0040] The cover fitting (AC) allows the loading tube to move linearly, moving the arches (2) in accordance with its movement, allowing a homogeneous distribution of the load and enabling the filling of more than 70% of the hold's capacity. Similarly, the rotating cover fitting (ACR) also allows linear movement, moving the beams (4) in accordance with the movement of the loading tube.

[0041] The transparent tarp (122), positioned at the ends of the cover attachment (AC), as well as the transparent tarp (51) of the rotary cover attachment (ACR), allows the operator to have visibility of the loading process before and during operation, allowing for better distribution of grains in the hold.

[0042] The tarpaulins (120), (121) and (122) are arranged on the inside of the structure of the cover accessory (AC), and, similarly, the tarpaulin (50) is arranged on the inside of the structure of the rotating cover accessory (ACR). Thus, the dust from the load is isolated from the structural components, increasing the service life of the equipment.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS Received by the International Secretariat on September 22, 2025 (22.09.2025) 1. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, with a set of beams (4-a) positioned at opposite lateral ends of the central structure (6) characterized by the rotating cover accessory (ACR) having a cage (3), positioned on the upper part of the central structure (6); having a central structure (6); having a waterproof tarp (50), preferably electrostatic; and having a corrugated tube (30) positioned on the upper face of the cage (3), surrounding the upper flange (310); wherein: the cage (3) has an upper structure (31), with a circular hole and flange (310) at its apex; has a plurality of clips (300), positioned between the structural rods of the upper structure (31) and lower structure (32); and has a lower structure (32), connected to the upper structure (31) by means of clips (300); It has a plurality of pulleys (320), positioned at the base of the structural rods of the lower structure (32);The central structure (6) has an upper guide (60); it has a rotation guide (61) on its upper face, which serves as a rail for the pulleys (320); and it has a side guide (62).

2. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulleys (320) of the cage (3) allow the beam assemblies (4-a) of the rotating cover accessory (ACR) to be rotated in the loading tube.

3. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating cover accessory (RCA) may contain a protective structure (321) in order to protect the pulleys (320) and the rotation guide (61).

4. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, with arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b), characterized by, a cover accessory (AC) having a flange (11), preferably made of steel, of split annular shape with several screw holes; having a split sealing duct (10); having steel cables (100), preferably with a diameter of 5mm or greater; having arms (14) of adjustable length, which connect the arch assemblies (1-a) and (1-b); and having a central waterproof tarp (120), fixed to the flange (11), supported by the steel cables (100).

5. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claim 4, characterized in that the arm (14) can make use of different mechanisms to regulate its length, either manually with a set of tube and threaded rod, or automatically, using a hydraulic piston or an electric motor.

6. ACCESSORY FOR SHIPLOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the internal volume of the central tarp (120) can be adjusted by changing the length of the arms (14), allowing easy installation of the cover accessory (AC) on shiploaders, even when dust filters are installed in the nozzle of their loading tube. 10 MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 7. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claim 4, characterized by the sealing duct (10), enclosing the connection point between the flange (11), the central canvas (120) and the steel cables (100), serving as a redundancy for protection against rainwater.

8. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that tarpaulins (120), (121) and (122) are arranged on the inside of the structure of the cover accessory (AC); and likewise, tarpaulin (50) is arranged on the inside of the structure of the rotating cover accessory (ACR).

9. ACCESSORY FOR SHIP LOADERS FOR RAIN PROTECTION, according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that: rotating cover accessory (ACR) may contain transparent canvas (51), waterproof, preferably electrostatic; and cover accessory (AC) may contain transparent canvas (122), waterproof, preferably electrostatic.

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