A bollard for a hawser

Abstract

A bollard assembly for receiving and securing hawser that provides a bollard body with a slot extending substantially vertically from a top of the bollard toward a base of the bollard to define two bitts upwardly extending from the base. The bollard may retract below 5 deck and may rotate to wind hawser on and off.

Description

[0001] A BOLLARD FOR A HAWSER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a bollard for use with marine vessels. More particularly, it relates to a bollard for receiving and securing a hawser to a marine vessel.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A bollard is used on marine vessels for receiving and securing a hawser, acting for example as a mooring line, where the hawser is also secured or to be secured to another object such as another marine vessel, a buoy or a wharf.

[0006] Bollards are hence essential fixtures on marine vessels, serving as strong anchor points for mooring lines to secure the vessel to a dock or another structure. Traditionally, these bollards are robust, cylindrical posts made from metal and are typically permanently affixed to the deck or hull of a ship. Their design prioritizes strength and durability, often at the expense of aesthetics and spatial efficiency.

[0007] From a functional standpoint, a bollard is essentially a static anchor point. It offers no mechanical assistance in adjusting the tension of mooring lines. As a result, any operation involving the easing or tightening of lines, that for large vessels are usually under tremendous loads, must be performed with the aid of additional equipment, such as winches or capstans. This requirement introduces additional hardware to the deck, increasing the overall complexity, weight, and cost of the mooring system.

[0008] The need for separate devices to manage line tension also contributes to deck clutter, particularly problematic on vessels where space is at a premium or where design aesthetics are paramount. This is especially true on superyachts, where owners and designers strive for clean, unobstructed surfaces and a minimalist visual profile. In such contexts, the presence of large, utilitarian objects like bollards and capstans can be considered visually intrusive and incongruent with the vessel's luxury styling.

[0009] Moreover, bollards are typically constructed from heavy-duty steel, resulting in a bulky and industrial appearance. Their placement in highly visible areas, such as the foredeck or stern, means they are constantly on display, detracting from the sleek lines and refined finishes that characterize high-end marine design. The combination of visual bulk, functional limitations, and the need for additional mechanical components underscores the need for a more integrated, aesthetically sensitive solution to mooring hardware. Their utilitarian appearance, often characterized by bulky metal forms, can disrupt the clean lines and minimalist styling that are hallmarks of contemporary superyacht design.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bollard that at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages of existing bollards or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In a first aspect the present invention may be said to be a bollard assembly for use at a deck of a marine vessel, for receiving and securing a hawser, the bollard assembly comprising: a bollard comprising a base and at least one bitt projecting upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, wherein the base is secured to a mechanism selected from at least one of: a) a mechanism to translate the bollard between a retracted condition where, in use, the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck and an extended condition when the bollard is presented at least partially above the deck for receiving and securing the hawser; and b) a mechanism to rotate the bollard about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck of the marine vessel to wind the hawser onto the bollard.

[0013] Preferably the base is secured to a mechanism to (i) translate the bollard between a retracted condition where, in use, the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck and an extended condition when the bollard is presented at least partially above the deck for receiving and securing the hawser; and (ii) rotate the bollard about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck of the marine vessel to wind the hawser onto the bollard.

[0014] Preferably the mechanism to rotate the bollard is a slew drive..

[0015] Preferably the slew drive is a spur or helical geared slew drive.. Preferably the slew drive is a spur or helical geared slew drive with at least one- motor coupled to a spur or helical gear to mesh with complimentary teeth of a slew' ring of the slew drive..

[0016] Preferably the slew drive is a spur or helical geared slew drive with at least one motor coupled to a spur or helical gear to mesh with complimentary teeth of a slew ring of the slew drive so that the motor and the slew ring rotate about parallel axes..

[0017] Preferably the mechanism to rotate the bollard comprises a slew' drive that comprises a slew' ring rotationally supported by a casing relative to which a motor is secured (directly or indirectly),, the motor coupled to a drive gear to rotate relative the casing and wherein the slew ring and drive gear are coupled as a transmission to allow the motor to rotate the slew ring, wherein the bollard is secured to the slew ring to be rotatable about its vertical axis thereby and wherein the casing fixed to the marine vessel in a non-rotatable manner.

[0018] Preferably the casing is fixed to the marine vessel and deck in a non-rotatable manner yet the casing may translate relative to the deck for when the bollard moves between its extended and retracted conditions..

[0019] Preferably the slew drive comprises of drive gear that is selected from one of a spur gear and helical gear with gear teeth that mesh with complimentary teeth of the slew ring.

[0020] Preferably the axis of rotation of the motor is coaxial the axis of the drive gear and is parallel the axis of rotation of the slew ring and bollard.

[0021] Preferably a plurality of motors, each with a said drive gear, are secured relative to the casing, each drive gear coupled to the slew' ring at spaced apart locations.

[0022] Preferably the slew drive translates up and down with the bollard as it moves between its extended condition and retracted condition, the casing remaining rotationally secured to the marine vessel (ie, it may optionally only translate relative to the vessel)..

[0023] Preferably the casing of the slew drive remains fixed (translationally and rotationally) to the marine vessel.

[0024] Preferably only the slew ring and drive gear of the slew drive rotate relative to the marine vessel..

[0025] Preferably a driving member is fixed to the slew ring for rotation therewith and the base of the bollard is fixed to a driven member to couple with the driving member to allow the driving member to rotationally drive the driven member and hence cause the bollard to be rotated.

[0026] Preferably the driving member and the driven member have a releasable coupling interface..

[0027] Preferably the driven member may be integrally formed with the bollard (eg at the base of the bollard) or secured to the bollard (eg at the base of the bollard)..

[0028] Preferably the driven member and driving members couple and decouple upon axial movement of the bollard relative to the slew drive..

[0029] Preferably the driven member and driving members are coupled when the bollard is in the extended condition and are decoupled when the bollard is not in the extended condition..

[0030] Preferably the driven member and driving members are coupled when the bollard is in the extended condition and are decoupled when the bollard is in the retracted condition.

[0031] Preferably the driving member and driven member are only coupled when the bollard is in the extended condition.

[0032] Preferably the driving member defines a passage via which the bollard can travel when moving between its extended and retracted conditions.

[0033] Preferably the driving member defines a first part of the coupling interface and the driven member (or bollard) defines the second part of the coupling interface the first and second parts can couple and decouple upon relative movement of the driven member relative to the drive member..

[0034] Preferably the driving member defines a first part of the coupling interface and the driven member defines the second part of the coupling interface the first and second parts can couple and decouple upon relative movement of the driven member relative to the drive member in a direction parallel the axis of rotation of the bollard..

[0035] Preferably the coupling interface also allows the bollard to become selectively locked vertically and in its extended condition..

[0036] Preferably the interface can rotationally become coupled as at least two indexed rotational positions of the driving member and driven member.. Preferably the coupling interface also allows the bollard to become selectively locked axially in its extended condition by a lock mechanism operative between (i) one of the bollard and driven member and (ii) one of the driving member and slew..

[0037] Preferably the coupling interface may be of a bayonet configuration..

[0038] Preferably the coupling interface may be of a bayonet configuration so that the driving member and the driven member can become secured relative to each other both rotationally and axially..

[0039] Preferably the first part of the coupling interface is a passage configuration in the driving member..

[0040] Preferably the second part of the coupling interface is a peripheral region of the in the driven member..

[0041] Preferably the driving member defines a passage that is of a shape and configuration that is complimentary / to the shape and configuration of a peripheral region of the driven member to allow the driven member to rotationally couple with the driving member.

[0042] Preferably the driving member defines a passage that is of a shape and configuration that is complimentary to the shape and configuration of a peripheral region of the driven member to allow the driven member to rotationally couple with the driving member when the bollard is in the extended condition and to rotationally de-couple when not in the extended condition.

[0043] Preferably the coupling and de-coupling occurs by virtue of movement of the bollard along the vertical axis..

[0044] Preferably the passage is of a shape and configuration that is complimentary to the shape and configuration of the projected footprint of the bollard in the direction of the vertical axis to allow the bollard to translate along the vertical axis through the passage..

[0045] Preferably the driven member and driving member at least partial ly nest with each other when in the coupled condition in a manner to allow the driving member to rotationally drive the driven member..

[0046] Preferably the mechanism to translate and / or rotate comprises a housing having a mouth opening via which the bollard can translate and / or rotate for receiving the bollard in a retracted condition.. Preferably the mouth opening is of a complimentary shape to the top of the bollard so that the top of the bollard substantially closes the mouth opening when the bollard is in the retracted condition..

[0047] Preferably the mouth opening is substantially at deck level..

[0048] Preferably the bollard is of a kind as herein defined..

[0049] Preferably the bollard comprises a base and two bitts that each project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot that extends downwardly from the mouth opening towards the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow sections of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts.

[0050] Preferably the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow sections of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening by dropping through and become located in the slot between the two bitts..

[0051] Preferably only one slot is proved to define only two bitts..

[0052] Preferably at least two slots are provided to define at least three bitts..

[0053] Preferably (a) the base presents a periphery' of a height to allow at least one and preferably a plurality of spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established, and (b) the two bitts present: i. together an aggregate periphery of a height to allow at least one and preferably a plurality of spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established, and ii. individually a periphery of a height that allows at least one and preferably a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established..

[0054] Preferably in use, the spiral configured windings of the hawser are of a first section of the length the hawser that is contiguous a section of the length of the hawser that is in the figure of eight configuration..

[0055] Preferably: b. the base presents a periphery of a height to allow spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard, and c. the two bitts present: i. together an aggregate periphery of a height to allow spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard, and ii. individually a periphery of a height that allows a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established on the bollard.

[0056] Preferably when the bollard is rotated, the bollard is able to draw' hawser, in a spiral configuration of windings, onto and about at least one of (I) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

[0057] Preferably the bollard assembly in use carries a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings about the bitts and these, when the bollard is rotated, act to provide tailing slip resistance to additional hawser drawn onto the bollard as spiral configured windings onto and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

[0058] Preferably in use, the spiral configured windings of the hawser are of a first section of the length the hawser that is contiguous a section of the length of the hawser that is in the figure of eight configuration..

[0059] Preferably, when the bollard is rotated, the bollard is able to draw hawser as windings onto and about both the periphery / of the base and the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

[0060] Preferably these windings form a spiral configuration..

[0061] Preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts has the same projected footprint in the vertical direction as the base of the bollard..

[0062] Preferably the aggregate surface is of a round periphery, save for where the slot extends between the two bitts where occluded surfaces of the bollard are presented by the bitts..

[0063] Preferably the occluded surfaces face each other and preferably extend vertically and preferably are parallel each other and preferably each have a normal that is parallel each other.. Preferably the base has a periphery that is round and is fined by a round peripheral surface of the base..

[0064] Preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts is round and is fined by an arcuate peripheral surface of the bitts..

[0065] Preferably the periphery of the base extends vertically and preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts extends vertically..

[0066] Preferably the occluded periphery' of each of the bitts extend vertically..

[0067] Preferably the two bitts present: i. together an aggregate periphery of a height to allow a spiral configuration of windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard, and ii. individually a periphery of a height that allows a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established on the bollard.

[0068] Preferably further comprises of a bridge spanning from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts across the slot at one of (i) the mouth opening and (ii) a location intermediate of the top of the bollard and the base.

[0069] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slots, located in the slot between the bitts..

[0070] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slot adjacent the slot..

[0071] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slot adjacent the slot adjacent or contiguous the aggregate peripheral surface of the bitts or at the top of the bollard..

[0072] Preferably the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone.

[0073] Preferably the bridge is positioned to delineate an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone, wherein: (a) at the upper zone the two bitts are presented to a How the hawser to be wound onto the bollard: a. in a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and b. as vertically stacked windings of hawser about each bitt and with sections of the length of the hawser extending through the slot.

[0074] (b) at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

[0075] Preferably where the hawser extends through the slot it extends substantially horizontally through the slot..

[0076] Preferably the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be wound on to the bollard through the mouth opening and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth, preferably resting on the bridge..

[0077] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of receiving and securing hawser to the bollard assembly as herein described wherein the bollard is able to be rotated and the method comprises:

[0078] (i) winding the hawser as a first configuration of windings onto and about the bitts including passing through the slot, and

[0079] (ii) winding the hawser as second configuration that is spiral in shape, about at least one of (a) an aggregate periphery of the bitts and (b) the periphery of the base of the bollard.

[0080] Preferably the first configuration of windings is established before the second configuration of windings.

[0081] Preferably the first configuration of windings is established manually and before the second configuration of windings which is established by rotating the bollard.

[0082] Preferably the first configuration of windings is established manually whilst the bollard is not rotating and before the second configuration of windings which are established by rotating the bollard..

[0083] Preferably the windings of the first configuration are of figure of eight shape.. Preferably the windings of the second configuration are around the bollard and are preferably round and in a spiral configuration..

[0084] Preferably the bollard assembly carries a plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path confiauration and a plurality of windings of hawser in a spira configuration on and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

[0085] Preferably the bollard assembly carries plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser extending about each bitts and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration that, when the bollard is rotated, act to provide tailing slip resistance to additional hawser that is drawn onto the bollard in a spiral configuration on and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of all the bitts.

[0086] Preferably the bollard is of a kind as described or claimed herein..

[0087] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be bollard assembly for receiving and securing a hawser comprising: a bollard comprising a base and two bitts that project upwardly (preferably vertically) from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot extending substantially vertically from the mouth opening between the bitts and to the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow sections of the length of the hawser to pass (eg by dropping) through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts.

[0088] Preferably the two bitts present: i. together, an aggregate periphery' of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and ii. individually, a periphery each of a height that allows vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot to be established..

[0089] Preferably the base presents a periphery of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the base of the bollard.. Preferably the base presents a periphery of a height too low to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the bollard at the base..

[0090] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a bollard assembly for receiving and securing a hawser comprising: a bollard comprising a base and two bitts that project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot that extends downwardly from the mouth opening to the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow' sections of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts, wherein the two bitts present: iii. together, an aggregate periphery of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and iv. individually, a periphery each of a height that allows vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration to be established.

[0091] Preferably the base presents a periphery' of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the bollard about the base.

[0092] Preferably the slot terminates at the base thereat defining a bottom of the slot.

[0093] Preferably, the bitts are adapted and configured individually and relative to each other, to allow vertically stacked windings of hawser in a figure of 8 configuration to be established on the bitts.

[0094] Preferably the convoluted path configuration is a figure of 8 configuration of vertically stacked windings of hawser..

[0095] Preferably below' the botom of the slot, no convoluted path configuration windings can be established about the bollard..

[0096] Preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts has the same projected footprint in the vertical direction as the base of the bollard..

[0097] Preferably the aggregate periphery is a round periphery, save for where the slot extends between the two bitts where occluded surfaces of the bollard are presented by the bits.. Preferably the base has a periphery that is round and is defined by a round peripheral surface of the base..

[0098] Preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts is round and is defined by an arcuate peripheral surface of the bitts..

[0099] Preferably the periphery of the base extends vertically and preferably the aggregate periphery of the bitts extends vertically..

[0100] Preferably the occluded periphery' of each of the bitts extend vertically..

[0101] Preferably only one slot is proved to define only two bitts..

[0102] Preferably at least two slots are provided to define at least three bitts..

[0103] Preferably the slot is of a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of the hawser so that the hawser fits into the slot in a snug manner..

[0104] Preferably the slot is of a width that is no more than 20% larger than the diameter of the hawser so that the hawser fits into the slot in a snug manner..

[0105] Preferably the slot is of a width that is no more than 10% larger than the diameter of the hawser so that the hawser fits into the slot in a snug manner..

[0106] Preferably the bollard assembly includes a plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration and a plurality of windings of hawser in a spiral configuration on and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of all the bitts.

[0107] Preferably the bollard assembly further comprises of a bridge configured to span from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, preferably substantially horizontally, and across the slot at the mouth opening or below..

[0108] Preferably the bollard assembly further comprises of a bridge spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts at one of (i) the mouth opening and (ii) a location intermediate of the top of the bollard and the base.

[0109] Preferably the bollard assembly further comprises of a bridge spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts across the slot at one of (i) the mouth opening and (ii) a location intermediate of the top of the bollard and the base..

[0110] Preferably the bridge is moveable between (a) a condition that occludes at least part of the slot when the bridge spans from one said bitt to the other of the two bitts and (b) a condition not spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts.. Preferably the condition not spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts is a condition where the bridge is removed from at least one the two bitts.

[0111] Preferably the condition not spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts is a condition where the bridge is removed from the bollard..

[0112] Preferably the condition not spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts is a condition where the bridge is removed from only one the two bitts.

[0113] Preferably in the condition removed from at least one the two bitts the bridge does not occlude the slot of part of the slot or a section or zone of the slot.

[0114] Preferably the occlusion is of an extend to prevent hawser from dropping via the opening into the slot.

[0115] Preferably the occlusion is of the entire horizontal expanse of the slot at any given height of the slot..

[0116] Preferably the bridge is a cap to substantially close the slot at the mouth opening.

[0117] Preferably the mouth is at least partially occluded by the bridge when the bridge is engaged within the mouth..

[0118] Preferably the footprint of the bridge is complementary to a horizontal section shape of the mouth opening to allow the bridge to close the entire mouth opening..

[0119] Preferably the footprint of the bridge spans over the bitts to act as a cap on top of the bollard..

[0120] Preferably the bridge is configured to be flush with the top of the bollard when engaged at the mouth opening with the two bitts so that the bridge and bitts at the top of the bollard define a flush aggregate top surface of the bollard..

[0121] Preferably the bridge is located below the mouth opening.

[0122] Preferably the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be loaded onto the bollard and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth.

[0123] Preferably the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to (i) allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be loaded onto the bollard and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth and (ii) prevent the section(s) of the length of hawser located in the slot from dropping down the slot below the top of the bridge. Preferably the bridge prevents sections of the length of the hawser in the slot above the bridge from dropping through the slot below the top of the bridge.

[0124] Preferably the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bits that extends between the bridge and the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone..

[0125] Preferably the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends between the bridge and the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone, wherein a.at upper zone the two bitts are presented to allow the hawser to (i) be wound as a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and (ii) be wound on as vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration, b. at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

[0126] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a bollard assembly for receiving and securing a hawser comprising:

[0127] (a) a bollard comprising a base and two bitts that project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening to a slot that extends substantially vertically from the mouth opening defined between the bitts and to the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts,

[0128] (b) a bridge spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts, at a location above the base and below the top of the bollard.

[0129] Preferably the bridge prevents the section(s) of the length of hawser located in the slot from dropping down the slot below the top of the bridge. Preferably the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone.

[0130] Preferably the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone, wherein:

[0131] (a) at upper zone the two bitts are presented to allow the hawser to be wound onto the bollard: a. in a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and b. as vertically stacked windings of hawser about each bitt and with sections of the length of the hawser extending through the slot.

[0132] (b) at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

[0133] Preferably the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to allow' at least one section of the length of the hawser to be wound on to the bollard through the mouth opening and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth, preferably resting on the bridge..

[0134] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slots, located in the slot between the bitts..

[0135] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slot adjacent the slot..

[0136] Preferably the bridge spans from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts, across the slot adjacent the slot adjacent or contiguous the aggregate peripheral surface of the bitts or at the top of the bollard..

[0137] Preferably the hawser is wound on manually by winding or wrapping the hawser..

[0138] Preferably the hawser is wound on as a spiral formation, manually or by rotating the bollard..

[0139] Preferably the hawser is able to be wound on as convoluted path in a figure of 8 configuration, only manually.. Preferably in the lower zone, only a spiral configuration of the hawser can be wound onto bollard..

[0140] Preferably in the lower zone and at the base, only a spiral configuration of the hawser can be wound onto bollard..

[0141] Preferably the slot extends downwardly substantially vertically..

[0142] Preferably the mouth opening is shaped and adapted to allow a horizontally extending section of the hawser to drop or pass into in vertical direction through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts...

[0143] Preferably the two bitts above the bridge at the upper zone:

[0144] I. together define an aggregate periphery of a height to allow a spiral confirmation of a first section the hawser to be wound onto the aggregate periphery about both bitts, and ii. individually define a periphery / each of a height that allows a second section of the hawser that is contiguous the first section to be wound on as vertically stacked windings extending about each bitt and through the slot..

[0145] Preferably the top of the bridge extends substantially horizontally..

[0146] Preferably the two bitts comprise corresponding rebates to allow the bridge to translate between an engaged position between the rebates and a disengaged position within one of the rebates..

[0147] Preferably the bridge is removable from the bollard..

[0148] Preferably the bridge is movable relative to the bollard..

[0149] Preferably the bridge is movable relative to the bollard between a condition where it spans between the two bitts between the mouth opening and the base and a condition where it does not span between the two bitts between the mouth opening and the base..

[0150] Preferably the bridge can be moved to be stowed at bottom of slot..

[0151] Preferably the bridge can be raised and lowered..

[0152] Preferably the bridge can be positioned at different height at the slot..

[0153] Preferably there are two bridges, each acting in concert in a manner as herein described.. Preferably a first bridge is located to at or adjacent a first vertical side of the slot and the other is located at or adjacent the opposite vertical side of the slot.

[0154] Preferably the bridge is positioned vertically between 50 - 70% of the height of the slot..

[0155] Preferably the bridge can act in compression to aid it preventing the two bitts deflecting toward each other..

[0156] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of securing a length of hawser to the bollard assembly as herein described comprising taking two contiguous sections of the length of the hawser and

[0157] 1. winding a first of said two contiguous sections onto the bollard in a spiral configuration, and

[0158] 2. winding the second of said two contiguous sections onto the bollard in a figure of eight configuration by winding around the bitts and through the slot.

[0159] Preferably step (i) occurs in a sequence selected from one of (a) before step (ii) and (b) after step (ii).

[0160] Preferably for a third contiguous section of hawser that extends from the first section, drawing said third section onto bollard in a spiral configuration contiguous the first mentioned spiral configuration by rotating the bollard about its vertical axis.

[0161] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a marine vessel comprising the bollard assembly as herein described..

[0162] Preferably the length of hawser is secured at two contiguous sections of the hawser, to the bollard such that a first of said two contiguous sections is wound onto the onto the bollard in a spiral configuration; and the second of said two contiguous sections is wound onto the bollard in a figure-of-eight configuration by winding around bitts and through the slot.

[0163] Preferably the bollard is able to be rotated about a vertical axis to draw hawser as windings onto and about both the periphery of the base and the aggregate periphery of the bitts..

[0164] Preferably these windings form a spiral configuration.. Preferably the bridge is configured to activate a lock out switch when in the engaged position to allow rotational and / or translational movement of the bollard relative to a deck of a marine vessel to which the bollard is secured..

[0165] Preferably the base is integral with the bitts or secured to the bitts..

[0166] Preferably the slot extends vertically from the top of the bollard between 25 - 75% of the height of the bollard..

[0167] Preferably the two bitts extend substantially vertically..

[0168] Preferably the slot is of a horizontal cross sectional shape that is constant between the top and bottom of the slot.

[0169] Preferably the slot is of a horizontal cross sectional shape that is constant from between top to bottom..

[0170] Preferably the slot has two lateral and vertically extending side openings spaced from each other..

[0171] Preferably a lip is provided at the top of the, the lip projecting horizontally beyond the bollard..

[0172] Preferably the lip is attached to or integrally formed with the bollard..

[0173] Preferably the slot is tapered having a larger distance between the bitts at the mouth opening then towards the base..

[0174] Preferably a lid to cover the top of the bollard..

[0175] Preferably bollard comprises: a second slot extending substantially vertically from the top of the bollard toward the base of the bollard to define one or two further bitts upwardly extending from the base, the second slot being configured to accommodate and allow the passing through of at least some of the hawser; the bollard defining a second mouth opening to the second slot through which the hawser can pass to be loaded onto the bollard to wind about the one or two further bitts..

[0176] Preferably the bollard assembly comprising at least two pins integral with and extending from the base, the pins configured to engage with corresponding receiving sockets for securing and transferring loads on the bollard to the marine vessel..

[0177] Preferably the pins have a shape which is complementary to a shape of the corresponding sockets.. Preferably for each bitt, at least two pins extend from the base through the respective bitt toward the top of the bollard..

[0178] Preferably two of the pins associated with each bitt are positioned at the coterminous ends of said bitt..

[0179] Preferably for each bitt, a further pin extends from the base through the respective bitt toward the top of the bollard, and wherein the further pins associated with each bitt are positioned centrally along the second region of said bitt..

[0180] Preferably the pins extend to the top of the bollard..

[0181] Preferably in a horizontal cross section at a given height through the bollard, at least one of the bitts has two geometrically distinct shaped peripheral regions that each have two spaced apart coterminous ends wherein the periphery of the first region between the coterminous ends is of a shorter length than the length of the periphery of the second region between the coterminous ends..

[0182] Preferably the first region is straight or curved and the second region is curved..

[0183] Preferably the second region is arcuate..

[0184] Preferably the region section is arcuate and wherein the first and second regions have different radii..

[0185] Preferably the two bitts both have two geometrically distinct shaped peripheral regions that each have two spaced apart coterminous ends wherein the periphery of the first region between the coterminous ends is of a shorter length than the length of the periphery of the second region between the coterminous ends..

[0186] Preferably the geometry of the two bitts is mirrored..

[0187] Preferably the first regions of each bitt face each other..

[0188] Preferably the second regions of each bitt face each other..

[0189] Preferably when seen in plan view the base is round..

[0190] Preferably when see in plan view each bitt is "D" shaped..

[0191] Preferably when seen in plan view the flat face of the "D" shaped bits are adjacent each other with the slot located in between..

[0192] Preferably the slot extends the height of the bitts and a full width across the bollard.. Preferably when the bollard is in the retracted condition, the bollard is completely below or flush with the deck..

[0193] Preferably the mechanism to rotate the bollard can wind the hawser onto and to ease the hawser off the bollard..

[0194] Preferably the mechanism for rotating comprises a controller configured to rotate the bollard dependent on an operational parameter in order to adjust a length of hawser between the marine vessel and a structure to which the hawser is also secured..

[0195] Preferably the operational parameter is a tension in the hawser and / or a tidal level of water in which the vessel is floating..

[0196] Preferably the base extends above the deck in the extended condition..

[0197] Preferably mechanism for translating comprises a housing having a mouth opening for receiving the bollard in a retracted condition..

[0198] Preferably the mechanism for translating comprises bearings accommodated within the housing to allow the bollard to slide within the housing..

[0199] Preferably the mechanism for translating comprises a mounting block to which the base of the bollard is mounted, the mounting block slidably engaged within the housing, and wherein the mounting block and the casing have complementary non-circular cross- sectional shapes..

[0200] Preferably the mechanism for translating comprises a gas struct to translate the bollard..

[0201] Preferably the mechanism to translate may comprise of a telescopic arrangement or of vertical guides or rails or rods operative between the bollard and the marine vessel..

[0202] Preferably the mechanism to translate comprises a gas struct to carry at least some of the weight of the bollard when it moves between its extended and retracted conditions..

[0203] Preferably the mechanism to translate comprises a motor to translate the bollard..

[0204] Preferably the mechanism to rotate comprises a controller configured to rotate the bollard dependent on an operational parameter in order to adjust a length of hawser between the marine vessel and a structure to which the hawser is also secured..

[0205] Preferably the operational parameter is a tension in the hawser and / or a tidal level of water in which the vessel is floating.. Preferably the bollard is mounted to the marine vessel to act as the sole load path of forces applied by the hawser to the marine vessel, when secured to the bollardin a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a marine vessel comprising a bollard as herein claimed or described located on the deck of the vessel wherein the bollard can perform both the winding and unwinding of the hawser from the at least one bitt and provide the sole point of securing of the hawser to the marine vessel- other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0206] Where the term bollard is herein used it should be understood to mean bollard at where a hawser can be secure to a marine vessel that may also act or operate as a winch to allow the drawing in of the hawser and the releasing of the hawser from the bollard. In effect the bollard is an anchor for a hawser to the marine vessel whether or not the bollard is dynamic in a manner to wind on and wind off the hawser.

[0207] The term hawser should be understood to mean a rope or mooring line or part thereof that may be of a substantial diameter. The hawser may be or include a section of cable or of different rope types.

[0208] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0209] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0210] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0211] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0212] Examples will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0213] Figure 1 A shows a perspective view of a bollard including its mounting pins.

[0214] Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of a bollard with a hawser loaded onto it.

[0215] Figure 2 shows a horizontal sectional view of the bollard of Figure 1 A.

[0216] Figure 3 shows a vertical sectional view of the bollard of Figure 1 A through line BB in Figure 2.

[0217] Figure 4 shows a top view of the bollard of Figure 1 A.

[0218] Figure 5 shows a top view of a second example of a bollard.

[0219] Figure 6 shows a top view of a third example of a bollard.

[0220] Figure 7 shows perspective view of a fourth example of a bollard.

[0221] Figure 8 shows vertical section of the bollard of Figure 7.

[0222] Figure 9 shows a top view of the bollard of Figure 7.

[0223] Figure 10 shows a top view of a fifth example of a bollard.

[0224] Figure 11 shows a vertical section of the bollard of Figure 10.

[0225] Figure 12A shows a top view of a sixth example of a bollard.

[0226] Figure 12B shows a perspective view of the bollard of Figure 12A.

[0227] Figure 13 shows a vertical section view of a seventh example of a bollard incorporating a slew drive mechanism to rotate that bollard about a vertical axis.

[0228] Figure 14A shows a top view of a slew drive mechanism for the bollard of Figure 13.

[0229] Figure 14B shows vertical section detail of the slew drive assembly of Figure 14A.

[0230] Figure 15A shows a vertical section view of an eight example of a bollard that is able translate vertically and is shown in fully retracted position.

[0231] Figure 15B shows a vertical section of the bollard of Figure 15A fully extended.

[0232] Figure 15C shows a vertical section view of a ninth example of a bollard fully retracted.

[0233] Figure 15D shows a vertical section of the bollard of Figure 15C fully extended.

[0234] Figure 16 shows perspective view of a tenth example of a bollard. Figure 17 shows a horizontal section view of the bollard of Figure 16.

[0235] Figure 18 shows a vertical section view' of the bollard of Figure 17 along line AA.

[0236] Figure 19 shows a vertical section view of the bollard of Figure 17 along line DD.

[0237] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an eleventh example of a bollard.

[0238] Figure 21 shows a perspective view' of the bollard of Figure 20 with bridge engaged.

[0239] Figure 22A shows a vertical section view of a thirteen example of a bollard when retracted

[0240] Figure 228 shows a vertical section view of the bollard of Figure 22A.

[0241] Figure 23A shows a side view of a thirteenth example of a bollard.

[0242] Figure 23B shows a side view of the bollard of Figure 23A with a hawser wound in one configuration.

[0243] Figure 23C shows a side view of the bollard of Figure 23A with a hawser wound in two configurations.

[0244] Figure 23D shows a side view of a bollard where a bridge is registered at a step of the slot.

[0245] Figure 23E shows a plan view of a bollard where the two bitts each present a slot to allow a bridge to register therein and for the bridge to be able to slide in the slot to allow the height of the bridge relative to the bitts to be changed.

[0246] Figure 23F shows as perspective view of a bollard where a removable bridge is provided across the slot located to the periphery of the bitts.

[0247] Figure 24 shows an exploded view' of a fourteenth example of a bollard.

[0248] Figure 25 show's a perspective view' of another example of a bollard.

[0249] Figure 26 shows an elevation view of the bollard of figure 25.

[0250] Figure 27 shows a marine vessel with a bollard secured to a wharf.

[0251] Figure 28 shows a perspective view of a sixteenth example of a bollard.

[0252] Figure 29 shows a top view' of the bollard of figure 28.

[0253] Figure 30A show's a cross-sectional perspective view of the bollard of figure 28.

[0254] Figure 30B show's a cross-sectional perspective view of the bollard of figure 28 with the bollard retracted into the deck of a marine vessel.

[0255] Figure 31 shows a detail perspective view of figure 30A. Figure 32 shows a tow- angle perspective view of the bollard of figure 28 in the extended configuration.

[0256] Figure 33 shows a tow-angle perspective view of the bollard of figure 28 in the retracted configuration.

[0257] Figure 34 shows a detail perspective view of the latch / bolt / lock mechanism 52-16 of the bollard of figure 28 in the extended configuration.

[0258] Figure 35 shows a detail perspective view of the latch / bolt / lock mechanism 52-16 of the bollard of figure 28 in the retracted configuration.

[0259] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0260] The structure of various configurations of the present invention as shown in the figures, will now be described. It will be appreciated that these figures illustrate the general principles of the structure and construction and that the invention is not limited to the precise configurations illustrated.

[0261] The invention comprises of a bollard assembly 1 of or for a marine vessel. The bollard assembly can be used for receiving a hawser 2 that can be used to secure the marine vessel 3 to a wharf 600 or to another marine vessel of the like as seen in Figure 27. The hawser may hence be a mooring line.

[0262] The bollard assembly can securely receive the hawser 2 to "make fast" the hawser to the bollard. The bollard is preferably the only location on the marine vessel at where the hawser is made fast during the duration of mooring.

[0263] The bollard assembly 1 is preferably configured to be installed on a marine vessel 3 such as boat, ship, yacht, or other watercraft. The marine vessel 3 may be suitable for use in the ocean or inland bodies of water 700 such as lakes and rivers.

[0264] The bollard assembly 1 is configured to receive and secure a hawser 2 to allow' the vessel to become secure to another object such as a w'harf 600. The hawser 2 is able to be loaded on to the bollard assembly in at least one configuration of turns about the bollard assembly so that the hawser can become secured to the bollard assembly and hence to the marine vessel. In some instances of use, a hawser may have a spliced eye at the tail end of the hawser that can be looped over the bollard assembly. The bollard used as part of the present invention may be a multi bitt bollard as seen in figure 1A or a single bit bollard 1000 as seen in figures 25 and 26.

[0265] A perspective view of a first example of a bollard assembly is illustrated in Figure 1 A. The bollard assembly 1 in this example is a two-bitt bollard. It comprises a bollard 4 with a slot 6 extending substantially vertically from a top of the bollard 4 from a mouth opening 8 of the slot, towards a base 5. This configuration defines two bollard bitts 7 A, 7B that each extend upwardly from the base 5. The two bollard bitts each present a peripheral surface ("periphery" or "peripheral region") that together form an aggregate peripheral surface (“aggregate periphery") that are configured to accommodate at least some of the hawser 2. The aggregate periphery may be continuous about the bollard save for where the vertical sides of the slot are provided at where the slot extends horizontally through the bollard. The two bollard bitts 7A 7B further each present an occluded surface ("occluded region") defined at the slot 6. The peripheral and occluded surfaces will be described in more detail in relation to at least figure 4 below. The slot 6 is configured to accommodate and allow the passing through of at least a portion ("sections") of the length of the hawser 2. Preferably the slot is configured to allow the passing of multiple portions of the length of the hawser. The gap between the bitts 7 A, 7B at the slot 6 is sufficiently wide to receive a width of hawser. The slot is deep enough to receive multiple windings of the hawser each winding stacked on top of another against.

[0266] The hawser can be loaded onto the bollard to wind about the two bitts in a figure of 8 configuration and also be loaded onto the bollard to wind about the two bitts collectively in a spiral configuration. This is seen in figure 1 B. These two configurations are created at two contiguous sections of the length of the hawser.

[0267] The bollard 4 and base 5 may be constructed using many suitable materials such as titanium, steel or aluminium. These may be fabricated from cast or machined sub-components.

[0268] The base 5 of the bollard may be integral with or secured to the bollard 4. For example, a circular plate of the base 5 may be welded to the bitts 7 A, 7B of the bollard 4.The height of the base 5 may be small compared to the total height of the bollard or it may be more substantial as seen in figure 22A where the base 47-12 is proportionally taller in height. At the base, where a continuous peripheral surface may be presented, the bollard may be configured to only allow' spiral windings to be formed around the peripheral surface of the base as there is not slot there. In some examples, the base may comprise a substantially small height such that the base does not receive windings of the hawser, the peripheral surface of the base is preferably cylindrical and the spiral windings are presented as helical windings.

[0269] The tops of a / each bitt may be capped off or be flush (as seen in figure 1) or have a lip extending beyond the footprint of the bitt (as seen in figure 26 and 23A).

[0270] The bollard assembly 1 may comprise of an interface 9 for securing the bollard 1 to a marine vessel. The bollard assembly may be secured at the interface:

[0271] (a) directly to the deck of the marine vessel in a fixed, non moving manner (and optionally a removable manner);

[0272] (b) to a mechanism for translating the bollard between (i) a retracted condition where the top of the bollard may be below' or flush with the deck and (ii) an extended condition when the bollard is presented for receiving and securing a hawser;

[0273] (c) to a mechanism for rotating the bollard about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck of the marine vessel.

[0274] Configurations (b) and (c) are described in more detail below.

[0275] The interface 9 may comprise two or more fastener pins. They act to fasten the bollard to the marine vessel and to transfer load forces allied to the bollard by the hawser directly or indirectly to the marine vessel.

[0276] In the example of Figure 2 the bollard assembly 1 comprises six pins 10A-F. There may be 3 pins for each of the two bitts 7A and 7B. The pins form a structural part of the bollard and are capable of transferring loads from the bollard assembly 1 to the vessel or to the mechanism to which it is secured. The pins are spaced apart and may extend through the base 5 and bitts 7A, 7B toward the top of the bollard assembly 1. The pins are rigidly secured or bonded to the bitts or may in part define the exterior shape of the bitts. This helps to transfer the loads from hawser on the bollard via the pins to the marine vessel directly or via the mechanism to which the bollard is mounted. Some pins may act to transfer forces purely in tension and some purely in compression and some may act in bending. The pins may be metal rods that are configured to locate at corresponding receptacles (such as a bore) presented by the marine vessel or the mechanism. The pins may have a shape which is complementary to the shape of the receptacles to be able to pass into them and preferably through them. For example the pins may be round and fit snugly into receptacles. The receptacles may include a round bores. In some examples, the pins may have threaded ends for engaging with corresponding threaded nuts for the purposes of securing the pins to the vessel or mechanism. In figure 3 the bollard assembly 1 is shown secured to a deck 11 of the vessel by pins being received in corresponding receptacle sockets 12B, 12E passing through the deck 11 and retained by nuts.

[0277] The interface 9 allows the bollard to be releasably secured to the vessel so that it can (a) assume different configurations, (b) be replaced after damage, (c) be upgraded or (d) merely get stowed. The bollard assembly may be of a construction that is light weight and light enough to be lifted by one or two people. With an interface that can be released, when not required for use, the bollard assembly can be removed and stowed elsewhere and for example out of sight.

[0278] In an alternative example, the bollard assembly 1 may include sockets for receiving pins or bolts secured to and projecting from the vessel or mechanism. Alternative interface configurations are envisaged such one utilising a flange presented at the base of the bollard with a plurality of holes to receive bolts.

[0279] Figure 4 shows a top view of one preferred form of a bollard 1 with two bitts that in plan view' are substantially D shaped. The left bitt 7A has a peripheral surface 14A2 and an occluded surface 14.A1 that are each geometrically distinct and have two spaced apart coterminous ends 15A1, 15A2. The occluded surface 14A1 between the coterminous ends 15A1, 15A2 is of a shorter length than the length of the peripheral surface 14A2 also extending between the coterminous ends 15A1, 15A2. In the example of Figure 4, the peripheral surface 14A2 is curved preferably of a constant radius arc the same as the overall round shape of the bollard. Said peripheral surface may be described as an arcuate peripheral surface. The occluded surface is 14A1 is straight or of an arc that is smaller than that of the peripheral surface 14.A2.

[0280] The coterminous ends 15A1, 15A2 are each of a radius shape to avoid sharp edges on the bollard which may otherwise damage a hawser at those points. This geometry is preferably mirrored and / or rotationally symmetrical at the other bitt 7B.

[0281] The peripheral surface 14A2 14B2 of each bitt 7A 7B together present an aggregate peripheral surface as previously discussed.

[0282] Various alternative geometries may be used, for example the occluded surface may also be curved, but differently to that of the peripheral surface; for example the peripheral surface and occluded surface may be arcuate with different radii. This is illustrated in the example of Figure 5, where the bollard assembly 1 -2 has a bitt 7A-2 which has a peripheral surface 14A2-2 like that of the bollard assembly 1 of Figure 4, but where the occluded surface 14A1-2 between the coterminous ends 15A1 -2, 15A2-2 is also curved, but less curved than that of the peripheral surface 14A2. As with the configuration of Figure 4, in the bollard 1 -2 of Figure 5 the geometries of the two bitts 7A-2, 7B-2 are mirrored / rotationally symmetrical, with the occluded surfaces facing each other.

[0283] The double bitt configuration of the bollard 1 seen in Figure 4 or 5 presents more total bitt surface area for the hawser to contact when compared to a completely round single bitt bollard as seen in figure 25. The bitt surfaces at the slot 6 contribute to the total bit surface area. This allows for significant active surface contact of the hawser with the bitts to be established when the hawser is wound in a figure of 8 configuration. And with significant length of the hawser engaged and pressing (when under load) against the bitt surfaces, more slip resistance can be offered. This slip resistance may be referred to as a tailing slip resistance.

[0284] The described geometries of the bitts may be provided as a constant cross sectional shape at any given height from the mouth 8 towards or to the base 5.

[0285] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a third example bollard assemble 1 -3 comprising a square profile, such that the base 5 of the bollard 1-3 is substantially square shaped. In this example, the occluded surface 14A2-3 of a bitt 7A-3 faces in towards the slot 6-3 with the peripheral surface 14A1-3 facing outwards away from the slot 6-3. Each peripheral surface spans along a side of the substantially square base of the bollard. As with the earlier examples, the surface are separated by spaced apart coterminous ends 15A1 -3, 15A2-3. The second bitt 7B-3 has the mirrored geometry with the occluded surfaces of each bitt facing each other. In other examples, bollard profile shapes other than circular or square may be preferable, such as triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal, wherein said shapes refer to the overall substantial shape but may include rounded corners. In some examples, the profile shape in which the aggregate peripheral surface follows may be different to that of the bollard base, particularly, but not solely, when the base is of such a low height that it does not receive windings of the hawser. For example, the aggregate peripheral surface may follow' a substantially square profile, but the base comprises a circular shape.

[0286] Figure 7 is a perspective view' of a fourth example bollard assembly 1-4 which comprises a tapered slot 6-4 and corresponding tapered bitts 7A-4, 7B-4 extending from the base 5. The distance in the slot 6-4 between the two bitts is widest at the top of the bollard assembly 1-4 at the mouth and narrowest near the base 5. This allows for additional windings of hawser to be loaded near the top of the bollard assembly 1-4 which may assist with tidying away excess hawser to avoid tripping hazards. Figures 9 shows a top view of the bollard assembly 1 -4 of Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows a front view of the bollard assembly.

[0287] Figure 10 shows a top view' of a fifth example bollard assembly 1-5. The shape of the bitts is similar to that of the example of Figure 4. The bollard assembly 1 -5 additionally comprises of or is mounted to a mounting plate 17. The mounting plate 17 has a number of mounting holes for receiving mounting bolts including 18M, 18N. A vertical section view of the bollard assembly 1-5 through line AA and secured to a deck 11 is shown in Figure 11. Two pins 10B-5, 10E-5 extend through the bitts 7A-5, 7B-5 through the deck 11 into corresponding sockets 20B, 20E. The pins may be employed in addition to the mounting bolts 18M, 18N that are secured through the mounting plate 17 to mounting nuts 19M, 19N forming part of or secured with the deck 11. The additional footprint or width provided by the metal plate beyond that of the footprint of the bitts can increase the structural strength of the bollard assembly's atachment to the deck 11.

[0288] Figure 12A and 128 show' views of a sixth example bollard assembly 1 -6 having three bitts 7A-6, 7B-6, 7C-6. It can be seen that the three bitts extend from a common base 5-6 and a slot 6-6 exists between each bitt 7A-6, 7B-6, 7C-6. The arrangement of this bollard assembly 1 -6 allows different types of hawser winding configurations to be employed which may be used to increase safety, accommodate excess hawser or allow for unusual windings for special circumstances. As described in previous figures, each of the bitts 7A-6 7B-6 7C- 6 provide an occluded surface defined by the slot 6-6 and a peripheral surface, where each of the peripheral surfaces together form an aggregate peripheral surface. Whilst three bitts have been shown, four or more bitts may be employed in some examples. Furthermore, as described in relation to figure 6, whilst a bollard having a circular profile is shown, noncircular shapes may be preferable in other examples. For example, the aggregate peripheral surface of the bollard and / or the base of the bollard may comprise a profile other than circular while also comprising more than two bitts presently shown.

[0289] In some examples, it is preferable that the bollard 4 is configured such that (a) the base presents a periphery of a height to allow at least one and preferably a plurality of spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established, and (b) two bitts of the bollard present: ii. together an aggregate periphery of a height to allow at least one and preferably a plurality of spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established, and iii. individually a periphery of a height that allows at least one and preferably a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established.

[0290] Figure 13 shows a vertical section of a rotatable bollard assembly according to a seventh example. The bollard assembly 1 -7 comprises a bollard 4-7 and a mechanism 21 for rotating the bollard 4-7 about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck 11 of a marine vessel.

[0291] The bollard 4-7 may be of a configuration a previously described, eg bollard may be a multi bitt bollard or it may be a single bit bollard 1000 as seen in figures 25 and 2.6. Furthermore, the bollard 4-7 may comprise a shape(s) as previously described, such as round or square, etc.

[0292] The bollard may be secured to the rotating mechanism 21 using pins such as 10C- 7, 10D-7 and corresponding sockets 27C-7, 27D-7 within the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism 21 may be located in a housing 23 and may be configured as, or comprise, a slew drive 450. A slew drive in the present invention comprises an actuator, a driving gear, and a slew ring, wherein the driving gear is operatively connected to the slew ring so the actuator can operate the driving gear to rotate the slew' ring, where the bollard is secured directly, or indirectly to the slew ring. The slew' drive 450 shown in the present example has an actuator, presented as motor 24, a worm gear 25 coupled which is to the motor, and a slew ring 45, where the slew ring comprises worm teeth to mesh with the worm. Other examples of slew drives may be preferable, however, such as 1) parallel axes slew drives where the driving gear is a spur gear or bevel gear or helical gear or the like, and oriented with its axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the slew ring, which comprises complementary teeth for said spur, bevel, or helical gears, or the like, or 2) perpendicular axes slew drives where the driving gear is a bevel gear, helical gear, or worm gear, or the like and oriented with its axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the slew ring, which comprises complementary teeth for said bevel, helical, or worm gears, or the like.

[0293] Figure 14A shows a plan view of the rotating mechanism 21 for rotating the bollard and shows the slew drive 450 with slew ring 45 comprising a slew ring presenting as an inner ring 26 and a casing that may present as an outer ring 28 within which the inner ring is rotatably mounted. The base of the bollard may be secured to the inner ring 26 using pins and sockets including 10C-7, 10D-7 and 27C-7, 27D-7. The outer ring 28 has securing holes 29 for securing the outer ring to the deck of the vessel using bolts.

[0294] The worm gear 25 is able to driven by the motor 24 at least in one direction and preferably both directions. The worm drive 25 meshes with drive teeth of the inner ring 26 to rotate the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 28 and the deck 11. This causes the bollard 4-7 to rotate about its vertical axis relative to the deck 1 1.

[0295] Figure 14B shows a vertical section of the slew ring assembly 45, worm drive 25 and motor 24. The inner ring 26 comprises sockets 27 for receiving the pins of the bollard and is rotatably retained within the outer ring 28. Ring bearings 30 allow the rings to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation (the vertical axis of the bollard). Load applied by the hawser on the bollard is transferred to the deck or other structural parts of the vessel via the outer ring 28. The worm drive 25 meshes with the inner ring at region 451.

[0296] An advantage of the use of a worm gear-driven slew-drive is that it inherently resists rotation other than by rotational input from the motor. By controlling the motor 24, the bollard 4-7 may be rotated in one direction to wind the hawser onto the bollard to tighten the hawser. The bollard may also be rotated in the opposite direction to release haw'ser from the bollard to slacken the hawser.

[0297] In use, when mooring to a wharf for example, initially a hawser (in the form of a mooring line) may be manually loaded onto a stationary twin bitt bollard in a figure of eight configuration. This may occur whilst there is no load on the hawser, the hawser is slack. The figure of 8 configuration creates a lot of surface area contact between the bollard and the hawser thereby setting up for offering significant slip resistance. The bollard may then be rotated by the motor(s) to wind-in excess hawser spirally about the bollard to bring the vessel closer to the wharf and tension the hawser up. The figure of 8 configuration creates a self-tailed set up of the hawser to help prevent slip of the spiral windings of the hawser about the bollard as load comes onto the hawser. A person may still need to handle the tail of the hawser to stop if from tangling up with the bollard at it rotates.

[0298] Similarly, when wanting to cast off but with significant tension on the hawser between the wharf and the bollard, that tension may be first reduced by rotating the bollard in the opposite direction so that some hawser is unwound and the hawser slackens. It is then safe for the figure of 8 section of the length of hawser to be manually unwound to release the vessel from the wharf. This functionality significantly improves safety and ease of hawser handling for crew.

[0299] Other vessel operations may also be easily facilitated, for example moving along a wharf by pulling the vessel along the wharf by rotating the bollard to wind in or ease off some hawser. All this is achieved whilst the bollard still acts as an anchor point for the hawser for securing the vessel to the wharf.

[0300] This arrangement allows hawser to be both retained statically for secured the vessel as well as being wound in or out when required. For example, when the vessel is secured to a wharf, for example using figure of eight windings about the bollard, the bollard may then be rotated to wind in hawser in a circular manner about the bollard in order to bring the vessel closer to the wharf. Similarly, the bollard may be rotated in the other direction to reduce tension on the hawser to allow it to then be manually unloaded from the bollard. This allows the vessel to be secured to the wharf using the figure of eight windings and also to bring the vessel closer to the wharf once secured by using the circular windings. This allows for simpler and safer handling of large ropes or hawsers, especially by inexperienced or less physically strong crew members.

[0301] In some examples, a controller may be used to automatically control the motor(s) according to an operational parameter. The operational parameter may be tidal level and wherein the bollard is controlled for rotation to shorten or lengthen the hawser as the tide rises and falls. This may be implemented knowing the vessel's location, for example using GPS, tide lookup tables, and the diameter of the bollard. In another example, control of the rotation of the bollard may occur in conjunction with a proximity sensor to keep the vessel a given distance from a wharf or another vessel. In another example, a constant tension may be provided in the hawser by rotating the bollard.

[0302] In some examples, the vessel's crew member may manual lay the hawser onto the bollard in a figure of eight configuration with the hawser being loaded around individual bitts and through the slot in order to secure the vessel to a wharf. The bollard may then be rotated so that the hawser is wound collectively around both bitts in a circular configuration.

[0303] In some examples the bollard used with the rotation mechanism may be of a different configuration such as only presenting one bitt rather than multiple bitts.

[0304] In a preferred manner of use, there are no overlapping windings of hawser. The hawser has windings that stack vertically on top of each other.

[0305] Figure 15A shows a vertical section view of a bollard assembly according to an eighth example. The bollard assembly comprises a bollard 4-8 and a mechanism 50 for translating the bollard 4-8 between a retracted condition where the top of the bollard is substantially just below or flush with the deck 11 and an extended condition where the bollard is presented with its bitt or bitts above the deck for receiving and securing the hawser. Figure 15B is a vertical section view showing the bollard assembly of Figure 15A when the bollard is in an extended condition. The bollard 4-8 may be any of those previously described comprising of a single bitt, a double bitt or of more bitts. The bollard may be secured to the translating mechanism using pins and corresponding sockets within the translating mechanism as previously described. However, alternative securing means between the bollard and translating mechanism may alternative be used.

[0306] The translating mechanism 50 preferably comprises a bollard housing 31 in which the bollard 4-8 is substantially located when in a retracted condition. The bollard housing is secured to the deck and / or other structural parts of the vessel. In some examples, the bollard housing may be at least in part formed by the deck and / or other structural parts of the vessel. There is further provided and a gas strut 33 preferably housed within a gas strut housing 34. The gas strut housing 34 comprises an opening into the bollard housing 31 and the gas strut 33 is secured at one end to the base 5-8 of the bollard 1-8. The gas strut biases the bollard 4-8 upwards into the extended condition shown in Figure 15B. The bollard may be manually pushed to its retracted condition against the action of the gas strut, and may then be secured in this condition using a latch / lock / brake 52 for example. Such may be manually operated by a crew member to secure the bollard in the extended condition and / or to secure the bollard in the retracted condition. In some examples, a motor may be used as an alternative means of translating the bollard. In some instances no lift assistance may be provided and the bollard may be light enough for one or two people to move it up and down.

[0307] The translating mechanism 50 may comprise of bearings 32A, 32B between the bollard housing 31 and the bollard 4-8 that facilitate the rise and fall of the bollard within the bollard housing 31. The bearings 32A, 32B may also transfer hawser loading from the bollard 4-8 to the bollard housing 31 when fully extended.

[0308] In some examples, the base 5-8 of the bollard 4-8 may extend and be visible above the deck when the bollard is in an extended condition. In some examples, the footprint or horizontal section of the bollard 4-8 may be uniform along the full height of the bollard. In other examples, lips 36A-8, 36B-8 may extend horizontally from the tops of the bitts 7A-8, 7B-8 at the top of the bollard. The bollard housing 31 is configured to accommodate the full width of the bollard when in a retracted condition.

[0309] The bollard housing 31 has a housing mouth 51 for receiving the bollard in the retracted condition. The lips 36A-8, 36B-8 of the bollard 1-8 may have seals 37A, 37B which engage with the housing mouth 51 to provide a watertight seal between the deck 11 and the bollard housing when the bollard is in a retracted condition, in order to help prevent water ingress.

[0310] Figure 15C is a vertical section view of a bollard assembly according to a ninth example. The bollard assembly 1 -9 comprises a bollard 4-9 and a translating mechanism 50-9 to facilitate the translating of the bollard 4-9 between a retracted condition and an extended condition. Figure 15D is a vertical section view with the bollard in an extended condition. The bollard 4-9 may have a bitt configuration as previously described.

[0311] The bollard 4-9 and bollard housing 31 -9 of these figures differ from those of Figures 15A and 15B in that the bearings 35 between the bollard 1 -9 and bollard housing 31 -9 are carried by the bollard 4-9 rather than the bollard housing 31. As can be seen in the fully extended condition, the bearings 35 roll along the wall of the bollard housing 31 -9 to the housing mouth 51 -9. The translating mechanism may comprise a translating mounting block 41 to which the base of the bollard is mounted. The translating mounting block 41 is slidably engaged with the bollard housing 31 to be able to move up and down with the bollard relative to the housing. The block 41 and housing 31 may have a non-circular cross- sectional interface so at to prevent their relative rotation. A splined interface may exist for example. Or the block and housing may be square in cross section.

[0312] Figure 16 is a perspective view' of a bollard 4-10 according to a tenth example. The bollard 4-10 includes lips 36A-10, 36B-10 presented at the top of respective bitts 7A-10, 7B-

[0313] 10 and which extend horizontally from the bitts. The bitts 7A-10, 7B-10 extend upwardly from a base 5-10 towards the lips. A mouth 8-10 opens to the slot 6-10 at the top of the bollard 4-10.

[0314] Figure 17 shows a top view of the bollard 4-10 with a cap bridge 48 within and conforming to the horizontal shape of the mouth 8-10 of the bollard 4-10. The cap bridge 48 may be flush with the top of the bollard 4-10 or may cover the top of the bitts 7A-10, 7B-10 and mouth 8-10. The cap bridge 48 may include a surface finish similar to the deck

[0315] 11 for improved aesthetics when the bollard is in the retracted condition. The cap can sit flush with the adjacent deck when the bollard is retracted. Figure 18 is a vertical section through line AA of the bollard 4-10 and bollard housing 31 -11 and shows the cap bridge 48 engaged within the mouth of the bollard. The cap bridge 48 may include two latches 49X, 49Y for securing the cap bridge to the deck 11 when the bollard 4-10 is in a retracted condition. These may also help to retain the bollard in its retracted condition. Figure 19 is a vertical section through line DD of the bollard 4-10 and bollard housing and shows one of the latches 49X retaining the cap bridge 48.

[0316] The bridge may also be used when the bollard is not in a retraced condition. In some examples, the bridge may act as a compression bridge 38 configured to prevent movement of the two bitts 7A-10, 7B-10 towards each other when under high compression loading from the hawser. The bridge may span across the mouth 8-11 and be secured to the two bitts in a releasable manner. The bridge may be a separated element of may be a part of at least one of the bitts as seen in figure 20 and 21 of a bollard 4-11 of an eleventh example. The bollard 4-11 includes a bridge slot 39A, 39B in the top of each bitt 7A-11, 7B- 11 each facing into the mouth opening 8- 11. A bridge 38 -11 may be manually moved from fully within one of the bridge slots 39B to being partially into the other bridge slot 39A so that the bridge 38-12 is retained partially in both bridge slots 39A, 39B secured to both bitts as shown in Figure 21. The bridge 38 may be used to retain the hawser within the slot 6-12 when it is loaded in a figure of 8 configuration. The bridge 38 may activate a mechanical or electrical switch that may control functions of the bollard. The switch may prevent and / or allow some bollard functions such as bollard rotating and / or retracting. The bridge may be a two part bridge.

[0317] Figure 22A shows a vertical section of a bollard assembly according to a twelfth example. The bollard assembly 1 -12 comprises a bollard 4-12 that is both rotatable and translatable. The bollard assembly 1 -12 comprises the bollard 4-12, a mechanism 21 -12 for rotating the bollard 1 -12 about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck 11 of a marine vessel, and a mechanism 50-12 ("translating mechanism") to cause or enable the translating the bollard 1 -12 between a retracted condition where the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck 11 of a vessel and an extended condition where the bollard is presented for receiving and securing the hawser.

[0318] The bollard 1 -12 may be any of those previously described and may be secured to the rotating mechanism 21 -12 in any suitable manner, such as using pins on the bollard and corresponding sockets within the rotating mechanism as previously described.

[0319] The rotating mechanism 21-12 is shown as a slew drive 22.-12 having a motor and worm drive as previously described, although other examples of slew / drives discussed may be preferable in some examples. The worm drive meshes with a ring assembly 28-12 to rotate a slew ring within a casing as previously described. The casing is secured to a translating mounting block 41 which is slidably mounted within a bollard housing 31 -12. The translating mounting block 41 and bollard housing 31 -12 have complimentary noncircular cross-sectional shapes, for example square or rectangular, so that the translating mounting block does not rotate within the bollard housing. The slew. / ring is secured to the base of the bollard 1 -12 w / hich rotates about its vertical axis when the slew / ring is driven by the slew / drive 22-12.

[0320] The translating mechanism 50-12 may comprise of a translating drive 40 such as a motor which drives a translating shaft 43. The translating drive 42 is contained within a translating drive housing 44 having an opening to the bollard housing 31 -12 through which the translating shaft 43 -12 passes in order to translate the translating mounting block 41. The translating mounting block 41 comprises bearings 41 to allow movement vertically along the walls of the bollard housing 31 -12.

[0321] Figure 22A shows the bollard 1013 in a retracted condition where the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck 11. Figure 22B shows the bollard 1 -13 in an extended condition, with the translating mounting block 41 and the rotating mechanism 45 at their maximum vertical heights within the bollard housing 31 -12. In some examples, the bollard base may present itself as the translating mounting block.

[0322] In some examples, the rotating mechanism may be statically secured to the vessel so that it is not translated. The translating mechanism may be arranged to translate the bollard but not the rotating mechanism 21 -12 for example by moving a slew ring of a ring assembly vertically further into the deck past a casing when the bollard is retracted and moving the slew ring vertically upwards to engage with the casing when the bollard is extended. This allows the bollard to be rotated when fully extended. Examples of coupling interfaces between the bollard and rotation mechanism, whether directly or indirectly, may include axial pin(s) and hole(s), spur teeth, bayonet configurations, dog clutch configurations, shaped apertures, or the like. In some examples the bollard may be driven into a surface of the rotating mechanism, contacting at a portion of the bollard, such as the base, and may be misaligned until the rotation mechanism rotates to allow the bollard to couple with the rotation mechanism. One or both of the slew / ring and casing may include vertically aligned ball bearings to engage the other ring and to enable rotation with respect to each other. The vertically aligned ball bearings also provide for transferring loads from the bollard through the slew ring to the vessel through the casing.

[0323] Referring to figure 22B, to facilitate different hawser winding configurations, an example of a bollard 4-12 is shown that comprises of an upper zone 46-12 that has a slot 6-12 that extends vertically from the top of the bollard between the twin bitts. The bollard also has a lower zone base 47-12 in which the lower part of the bollard 4-12 does not include the slot and is sectionally whole across the bollard body. The bollard 4-12 may be fixed or mounted to rotate and / or translate. Figure 23A shows a variation of the bollard of figure 22B to also facilitate different hawser winding configurations. The bollard 4-13 comprises a first or upper zone 46-13 and a second or lower zone base 47-13. The bollard assembly 1 -13 comprises a bollard 4-13 having two bitts 7A-13, 7B-13 extending from a base region 5-13 to the top of the bollard 4-13. The two bitts are separated by a slot 6-13 sufficiently to allow hawser to drop through the top of the bollard through a mouth 8-13 opening to the slot 6-13.

[0324] As shown in Figure 23B, the hawser may initially be wound about each bitt 7A-13, 7B-13 individually in a figure of eight winding configuration to initially secure the hawser to the bollard. A plurality of figure of 8 windings can be manually loaded onto the bollard in a vertically stacked manner. These may be the initial windings of the hawser, done manually by a user. This may be done before the hawser is loaded up.

[0325] As shown in Figure 23C, the hawser may then be wound collectively about the bitts 7A-13, 7B-13 in a circular winding configuration. The hawser can so be wound onto the bollard as a spiral winding, by rotation of the bollard. This allows the hawser to be tightened and the vessel to be brought closer to the wharf. Rotation of the bollard can be done once the initial figure of 8 windings are completed and when tension on the hawser starts to increase as a result of hawser slack being taken out. The initial figure of 8 windings in use will start to provide a sufficient degree of tailing tension to the spirally wound section of the hawser to prevent the hawser slipping about the bollard as hawser tension comes on. This hence provides tailing slip resistance to the hawser.

[0326] The bollard 1 -13 as seen in figure 23B and 23C includes a bridge 38 engaged between the two bitts 7A-13, 7B-13 and positioned below' the mouth opening 8-13 to define a first or upper zone 46-13 of the bollard above the bridge and a second or lower zone base 47-13 below the bridge 38-13. This facilitates the two hawser winding configurations described above, wherein the number of eight winding configuration occurs at the first zone 46-13 above the top of the bridge 38 and the circular winding configuration occurs at the second zone base 47-14 below the top of the bridge 38. The bridge prevents the figure of 8 wound section of the hawser from dropping to the base of the bollard, leaving the second zone clear to receive the spiral windings. The bridge may extend between the two bitts across the slot or it may extend adjacent the two bitts across the slot. In the example seen in figure 23F the bridge extends across the slot at a lateral side of the slot. The bridge may be fastener or otherwise captured to the two bitts at such a location. A second bridge (not shown) may be located at the other lateral side of the slot. The lateral sides of the slot are openings to the slot not at the mouth opening but extending vertically along the sides of the bitts.

[0327] Different bridge height positions may be utilised for different operational conditions, as illustrated at 381-13. The height of the bridge may be manually adjusted and set by a user. In some examples the bridge may be positioned horizontally and between 50- 70% of vertically the height of the bollard body. The bridge 38-13 may act as a compression bridge to prevent closing movement between the two bitts 7A-13, 7B-13 under compression from the hawser.

[0328] In alternative examples, as described above, the function of the bridge 38-13 may be implemented using a shorter slot 6-12 wherein the base 5-12 or the bollard body 4-12 extends further upwards toward the top of the bollard 4-12, such that the bitts are shorter with a lower region of the bollard extending fully across the bollard and from which the bitts extend towards the top of the bollard. This has the same effect of providing a first or upper zone defined by the bitts and a second or lower zone below the bitts and defined by the lower region of the bollard body below the bitts.

[0329] The bridge may be a plate that presents an upper edge that delineates between the first and second zones and the plate may extend to the base and be supported on the base. The base, for example in the slot may include a receptacle for the bridge to locate in and for the bridge to present an upper edge between the base and the top of the bollard.

[0330] Figure 23D shows a side view of a bollard where a bridge is registered at a step of the slot. This illustrates that alternative way of locating a bridge to the bollard are envisaged. The bridge is removably registered to allow the re-configuration of the bollard as desired.

[0331] Figure 23E shows a plan view of a bollard where the two bitts each present a slot to allow a bridge to register therein and for the bridge to be able to slide in the slot to allow the height of the bridge relative to the bitts to be changed.

[0332] Figure 24 is an exploded view' of a bollard according to a fourteenth example. The bollard 4-14 comprises two bitts 7A-14, 7B- 14 extending from a base 5-14 towards a top of the bollard. Lips 36A-14, 36B-14 are presented at the top of respective bitts. Each bitt TA- 14 and 7B-14 comprises two pins 10A-14, 10B-14 and 10C-14, 10D-10, which extend from the top of the bitts through the base 5 - 14 to project vertically downwardly as shown. The bitts may be formed of from a sheet material 13-14 such as aluminium,, stainless steel, or titanium which defines an inner volume in which the pins are retained or which the pins help to define. The inner volume may be hollow or be formed of the same or a different material to the sheet material 13-14. The sheet material 13-14 may be a bent metallic plate which is welded to form the bitts which may then be secured to the base 5-14. The pins may be part of this fabricated construction of the bitts in that the pins can provide radiused corners of the bitts.

[0333] The bollard base below the bitts may comprise a portion which does not include the slot extending between the bitts. The lips 36A-14, 36B-14 may be shaped plates welded to the top of the bitts. These lips may extend horizontally from the bitts.

[0334] The bollard 4-14 may be secured to a mounting plate 17-4 which extends horizontally beyond the footprint of the bollard and which includes holes for receiving the pins 10A-14 - 10D-14. The mounting plate 17-14 is configured to interface with a deck plate 53 of or fixed to the deck of a vessel. The deck plate is also configured with holes for passing through the pins, and the pins 10A-14 - 10D-14. The pins may include threaded ends and threaded nuts 12A-14 - 12D-14 can be tightened onto respective pins to secure the bollard assembly 1-14 to the deck.

[0335] The bollard may be of a configuration as previously described, e.g. the bollard may be a multi-bitt bollard 1 4 or a single-bitt bollard 1000 as seen in figures 25 and 26.

[0336] Figure 27 show's an example of a vessel 3 comprising a bollard assembly 1 of the invention, where the vessel is in a body of water 700 and moored to a wharf 600 via a hawser 2 that is secured to the bollard 1 of the vessel 3.

[0337] Figures 28 to 35 show view's of preferable example of a bollard assembly 1. The bollard assembly 1 comprises a bollard 4, a rotating mechanism 21 -16 for rotating the bollard 4 about a vertical axis of the bollard 4 relative to the deck 11 of a marine vessel and / or a mechanism 50-16 for extending the bollard 4 above the deck 11 and retracting the bollard 4 so that the top of the bollard 4 is preferable below or flush with the deck 11.

[0338] The rotating mechanism 21 -16 is shown to be located in a housing 23-16 and is presented as a parallel axes slew drive 21 -16. The slew ring and driving gear of the slew drive have spur gears and have their axes of rotation parallel with each other. The slew drive 21 -16 is shown to have four driving gears ("ring drive assembly") positioned around, and meshing with, the slew ring. Each driving gear is shown to be driven by a motor 24(A -D) - 16. In other examples the driving gears may be driven by a motor common between them, and / or driven as planetary gears.

[0339] Figure 29 shows a top view of the rotating mechanism 21 -16 for rotating the bollard 4-12 and shows the slew drive comprising a slew ring 26-16 and a casing 28-16 within which the slew' ring is rotatably mounted. It may be so mounted using bearings.

[0340] The bollard 4 has a driven member (eg at or redefined by the base) from which the bollard 4 is able to be rotated. The driven member can become selectively engaged and indexed, via a coupling interface, to the rotating mechanism 21 -16. The coupling interface is shown to be achieved by a shaped base 5-16 of the bollard that can mate with a driving member in the form of a shaped aperture 51 -16 within the slew ring 26-16 of the rotating mechanism 21 -16. The shaped base and shaped aperture are shown to be square, however in other examples the shaped base 5-16 and shaped aperture 51 -16 may be shapes such as square, hexagon, triangular. Examples of coupling interfaces between the bollard and rotation mechanism, whether directly or indirectly, may include axial pin(s) and hole(s), spur teeth, bayonet configurations, dog clutch configurations, shaped apertures, or the like. The bollard and driving member can translate relative to each other to become selectively coupled and de-coupled.

[0341] By controlling the motors 24A-D-16, the bollard 4 may be rotated in one direction to wind the hawser onto the bollard to tighten the hawser. The bollard may also be rotated in the opposite direction to release hawser from the bollard to slacken the hawser. In instances the hawser may be allowed to be eased off the bollard by reducing tailing resistance of the hawser thereby allowing the spiral windings to slip about the bollard.

[0342] The casing 28-16 is shown to comprise securing holes 29-16 for securing the casing to the deck 11 of the vessel using bolts.

[0343] The bollard assembly is shown to comprise a latch / bolt / lock 52-16, as previously described, that secures the bollard 4 in place along the vertical axis relative to the deck 11 when in the extended configuration. The latch / bolt / lock 52-16 is able to secure to the inner ring 26-16. Whilst various examples of bollards have been described with different features, the examples may be modified by incorporating some of the features in other bollards herein described. For example, all twin bitt bollards may utilise a bridge, have first and second zones, be rotating and / or translating, have modular securing interfaces, different numbers of pins, lips, caps or lids, tapering bitts and slot, latches, brakes and / or lock-out switches.

[0344] In a preferred form, the bollard is presented at a deck of a marine vessel without there being an additional point or location or anchor or winch adjacent for the hawser secured to the bollard to also operationally connect to. The bollard can provide the sole anchor point of a hawser or hawser to the marine vessel.

[0345] The rotatable version of the bollard is mounted to the vessel in a manner to (i) be able to rotate relative to the marine vessel when driven by a motor, and (ii) act as the sole load path of forces applied by the hawser to the marine vessel, when secured to the bollard.

[0346] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0347] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0348] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A bollard assembly for use at a deck of a marine vessel, for receiving and securing a hawser, the bollard assembly comprising: a bollard comprising a base and at least one bitt projecting upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, wherein the base is secured to a mechanism selected from at least one of: a) a mechanism to translate the bollard between a retracted condition where, in use, the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck and an extended condition when the bollard is presented at least partially above the deck for receiving and securing the hawser; and b) a mechanism to rotate the bollard about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck of the marine vessel to wind the hawser onto the bollard.

2. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base is secured to a mechanism to (i) translate the bollard between a retracted condition where, in use, the top of the bollard is below or flush with the deck and an extended condition when the bollard is presented at least partially above the deck for receiving and securing the hawser; and (ii) rotate the bollard about a vertical axis of the bollard relative to the deck of the marine vessel to wind the hawser onto the bollard.

3. The bollard assembly of anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the mechanism to rotate the bollard comprises a slew drive that comprises a slew ring rotationally supported by a casing relative to which a motor is secured (directly or indirectly), the motor coupled to a drive gear to rotate relative the casing and wherein the slew ring and drive gear are coupled as a transmission to allow the motor to rotate the slew ring, wherein the bollard is secured to the slew ring to be rotatable about its vertical axis thereby and wherein the casing fixed to the marine vessel in a non-rotatable manner.

4. The bollard assembly of claim 3 wherein the slew drive comprises of drive gear that is selected from one of a spur gear and helical gear with gear teeth that mesh with complimentary teeth of the slew ring.

5. A bollard assembly as chimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the axis of rotation of the motor is coaxial the axis of the drive gear and is parallel the axis of rotation of the slew ring and bollard.

6. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 3 to 5 wherein a plurality of motors, each with a said drive gear, are secured relative to the casing, each drive gear coupled to the slew ring at spaced apart locations.

7. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 5 to 6 wherein the casing of the slew drive remains fixed (translationally and rotationally) to the marine vessel.

8. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 3 to 7 wherein a driving member is fixed to the slew ring for rotation therewith and the base of the bollard is fixed to a driven member to couple with the driving member to allow the driving member to rotationally drive the driven member and hence cause the bollard to be rotated.

9. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the driven member and driving members are coupled when the bollard is in the extended condition and are decoupled when the bollard is in the retracted condition.

10. A bollard assembly as claimed in claims 8 or 9 the driving member and driven member are only coupled when the bollard is in the extended condition.

11. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 8 to 10 wherein the driving member defines a passage via which the bollard can travel when moving between its extended and retracted conditions.

12. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 8 to 10 wherein the driving member defines a passage that is of a shape and configuration that is complimentary to the shape and configuration of a peripheral region of the driven member to allow the driven member to rotationally couple with the driving member.

13. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 8 to 10 wherein the driving member defines a passage that is of a shape and configuration that is complimentary to the shape and configuration of a peripheral region of the driven member to allow the driven member to rotationally couple with the driving member when the bollard is in the extended condition and to rotationally decouple when not in the extended condition.

14. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claim 1 to 13 wherein the bollard comprises a base and two bitts that each project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard,, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot that extends downwardly from the mouth opening towards the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow sections of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts.

15. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein: a. the base presents a periphery of a height to allow spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard,, and b. the two bitts present: i. together an aggregate periphery of a height to allow spiral configured windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard, and ii. individually a periphery of a height that allows a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established on the bollard.

16. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 15 that when the bollard is rotated, the bollard is able to draw hawser, in a spiral configuration of windings, onto and about at least one of (I) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

17. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 15 or 16 that in use includes a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings about the bitts and these, when the bollard is rotated, act to provide tailing slip resistance to additional hawser drawn onto the bollard as spiral configured windings onto and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

18. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the two bitts present: i. together an aggregate periphery / of a height to allow a spiral configuration of windings of the hawser to be established on the bollard, and ii. individually a periphery of a height that allows a plurality of vertically stacked figure of eight windings to be established on the bollard.

19. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein further comprises of a bridgespanning from a first of said two bitts to a second of said two bitts across the slot at one of (i) the mouth opening and (ii) a location intermediate of the top of the bollard and the base.

20. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below' the upper zone.

21. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the bridge is positioned to delineate an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone, wherein:(a) at the upper zone the two bitts are presented to allow the hawser to be wound onto the bollard: a. in a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery / about the bitts, and b. as vertically stacked windings of hawser about each bitt and with sections of the length of the hawser extending through the slot.(b) at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

22. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be w'ound on to the bollard through the mouth opening and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth.

23. A method of receiving and securing hawser to the bollard assembly of anyone of claims 1 to 22 wherein the bollard is able to be rotated and the method comprises:(i) winding the hawser as a first configuration of windings onto and about the bitts including passing through the slot, and(ii) winding the hawser as second configuration that is spiral in shape, about at least one of (a) an aggregate periphery of the bitts and (b) the periphery of the base of the bollard.

24. A method as chimed in claim 23 wherein the first configuration of windings is established before the second configuration of windings.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the first configuration of windings is established manually and before the second configuration of windings which is established by rotating the bollard.

26. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 14 that includes a plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration and a plurality of windings of hawser in a spiral configuration on and about at least one of (I) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of the bitts.

27. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 14 that includes a plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser extending about each bitts and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration that, when the bollard is rotated, act to provide tailing slip resistance to additional hawser that is drawn onto the bollard in a spiral configuration on and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery of all the bitts.

28. A bollard assembly for receiving and securing a hawser comprising: a bollard comprising a base and two bitts that project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot that extends downwardly from the mouth opening to the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow sections of the length of the hawser to pass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts, wherein the two bitts present: i. together, an aggregate periphery of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the aggregate periphery / about the bitts, and ii. individually, a periphery each of a height that allows vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration to be established.

29. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein the base presents a periphery of a height to allow a spiral configuration of the hawser to be wound onto the bollard about the base.

30. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 28 or 29 wherein the slot terminates at the base thereat defining a bottom of the slot.

31. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 28 to 30 wherein, the bitts are adapted and configured individually and relative to each other, to allow vertically stacked windings of hawser in a figure of 8 configuration to be established on the bitts.

32. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 28 supporting a plurality of vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration and a plurality of windings of hawser in a spiral configuration on and about at least one of (i) the periphery of the base and (ii) the aggregate periphery / of all the bitts.

33. The bollard assembly of anyone of claims 28 to 32 wherein the bollard assembly further comprises of a bridge spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts at one of (i) the mouth opening and (ii) a location intermediate of the top of the bollard and the base.

34. The bollard assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein the bridge is moveable between (a) a condition that occludes at least part of the slot when the bridge spans from one said bitt to the other of the two bitts and (b) a condition not spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts..

35. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claims 33 to 34 wherein the bridge is a cap to substantially close the slot at the mouth opening.

36. A bollard assembly of claim anyone of claims 33 to 35, wherein the bridge is configured to be flush with the top of the bollard when engaged at the mouth opening with the two bitts so that the bridge and bitts at the top of the bollard define a flush aggregate top surface of the bollard..

37. A bollard assembly of claim anyone of claims 33 or 34, wherein the bridge is located below the mouth opening.

38. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 37 wherein the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be loaded onto the bollard and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth.

39. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 37 or 38 wherein the bridge is positioned below the mouth opening to (i) allow at least one section of the length of the hawser to be loaded onto the bollard and be located within the slot between the bridge and mouth and (ii) prevent the section(s) of the length of hawser located in the slot from dropping down the slot below the top of the bridge.

40. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claim 37 to 39 wherein the bridge prevents sections of the length of the hawser in the slot above the bridge from dropping through the slot below the top of the bridge.

41. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claim 37 to 40 wherein the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends between the bridge and the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below' the upper zone, wherein(a) at upper zone the two bitts are presented to allow the hawser to (i) be wound as a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and (ii) be wound on as vertically stacked windings of hawser on and extending about each bitt and through the slot in a convoluted path configuration,(b) at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

42. A bollard assembly for receiving and securing a hawser comprising:(a) a bollard comprising a base and two bitts that project upwardly from the base to a top of the bollard, the bitts are spaced apart from each other to define at the top of the bollard a mouth opening for a slot that extends substantially vertically from the mouth opening between the bitts and to the base, the mouth opening and slot are shaped and configured to allow at least one section of the length of the hawser topass through the opening and become located in the slot between the two bitts,(b) a bridge spanning from one said bitts to the other of the two bitts, at a location above the base and below the top of the bollard.

43. A bollard assembly as claimed in claim 42 wherein the bridge prevents the section(s) of the length of hawser located in the slot from dropping down the slot below the top of the bridge.

44. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of 42 and 43 wherein the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone.

45. A bollard assembly as claimed in anyone of claim 42 to 44 wherein the bridge delineates an upper zone of the two bitts that extends from the bridge to the mouth opening from a lower zone of the two bitts located below the upper zone, wherein:(a) at upper zone the two bitts are presented to allow the hawser to be wound onto the bollard: a. in a spiral configuration onto the aggregate periphery about the bitts, and b. as vertically stacked windings of hawser about each bitt and with sections of the length of the hawser extending through the slot.(b) at the lower zone, the bridge prevents the hawser from being wound onto the bollard in a manner to extend through the slot.

46. A method of securing a length of hawser to the bollard assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23 or claims 35 to 45 comprising taking two contiguous sections of the length of the hawser and(i) winding a first of said two contiguous sections onto the bollard in a spiral configuration, and(ii) winding the second of said two contiguous sections onto the bollard in a figure of eight configuration by winding around the bitts and through the slot.

47. A method of securing a hawser as claimed in claim 46 wherein step (i) occurs in a sequence selected from one of (a) before step (ii) and (b) after step (ii).

48. The method of claim 46 or 47, for a third contiguous section of hawser that extends from the first section, drawing said third section onto bollard in a spiral configuration contiguous the first mentioned spiral configuration by rotating the bollard about its vertical axis.

49. A marine vessel comprising the bollard assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23 or claims 35 to 45.

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