CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/354,353, filed 22 JUNE 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to barge systems usable for moving cargo and methods of use of barge systems.

SUMMARY

[0003] A barge or barge system and method of use are provided. The barge includes a unitary hull and at least one sponson selectively attachable to either side of the unitary hull. A crane mechanism is operatively mounted to the unitary hull. The barge system is configured to float on a water body. The barge may include two sponson tracks on both sides of the unitary hull, such that at least two sponsons are attachable to either side of the unitary hull via the sponson tracks.

[0004] The unitary hull may include a recessed crane cavity, such that the crane mechanism is mounted within the recessed crane cavity, such that the crane mechanism is lower than a deck of the unitary hull and the crane mechanism may have a center of gravity lower than the deck of the unitary hull. The ratio of a length of the unitary hull to a length of the sponsons may be greater than four.

[0005] A method of using a barge system to transport cargo, includes attaching at least one sponson to a side of a barge; lifting a payload onto the barge; moving the barge over a body of water; and lifting the payload off the barge and placing the payload elsewhere. The barge system may lift the payload with a crane assembly mounted to the barge, and the crane assembly may be recessed below the deck of the barge.

[0006] The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a barge system having two sponsons or outriggers and a crane assembly.

[0008] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another isometric view of a barge system, shown with the crane assembly and an engine hidden from view.

[0009] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates isometric views of sponsons usable to provide support for the barge system.

[0010] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an isometric section view of a barge system, shown with the crane assembly and the engine hidden from view, and illustrating ballast tanks usable to selectively balance the barge system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures. All figures may be referred to in any section of the specification, without regard to numerical order. The figures are not drawn to scale and additional features and/or modifications may be made. [0012] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a barge system or barge 10, that may be used to transport various types of payloads across, and is configured to float on, a water body 12 - shown highly schematically in FIG. 4. The barge 10 may be alternatively called a watercraft and the entire system may be referred to as the barge system or the barge 10. The barge 10 includes a unitary hull 14, which may be formed from several different components, including, without limitation, four sides, a bottom, and a top deck. Note that unitary hull 14 need not be formed as a single piece, the term unitary refers to the singular nature of the unitary hull 14.

[0013] A motor mechanism or motor 16 is attached to the unitary hull 14 at, generally, the rear of the barge 10. The motor 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an underwater propeller type, however, and without limitation, above water fan-type systems may also be used with the barge 10 Additionally, skilled artisans will recognize that the motor 16 may be located elsewhere on the barge 10.

[00141 A crane mechanism 18 is operatively mounted to the unitary hull 14. Note that only some portions of the crane mechanism 18 are illustrated in the figures, and the crane itself may not be shown - note that the provisional application included pictures of the crane.

[0015] The crane mechanism 18 may be used to lift the various payloads from, without limitation, the shore or within the water body 12, and place them onto the deck of the unitary hull 14 of the barge 10. Note that the crane of the crane mechanism 18 may be configured with an extendable or telescoping boom arm, such that the crane can reach far away from the edges of the barge 10. The crane boom arm may telescope up to, or beyond, 40-feet, without limitation - as shown in pictures filed with the provisional application.

[0016] The unitary hull 14 may be formed from, without limitation, composite or plastic members or metals such as aluminum, steel, or alloys thereof. Metal hulls may be particularly beneficial to support the loads introduced by the crane mechanism 18 lifting payloads. Note that the unitary hull 14 may be painted with a marine grade paint to prevent corrosion of the hull elements and/or pieces attached thereto.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows another isometric view of the barge 10, with the crane mechanism 18 and the motor 16 removed to view additional features. As shown in FIG.

2, the unitary hull 14 of the barge 10 has a recessed crane cavity 20, or crane well, formed therein. The crane mechanism 18 is mounted within the recessed crane cavity 20, such that the crane mechanism 18 is lower than an upper portion or deck of the unitary hull 14.

[0018] The recessed crane cavity 20 lowers the center of gravity of the crane mechanism 18 within the barge 10, which may provide benefits by reducing tilting or tipping momentum for the barge 10. In some configurations, the center of gravity of the crane mechanism 18 may be below the deck of the barge 10. The crane mechanism 18 may be bolted into the recessed crane cavity 20 and may be bolted directly to frame members or elements of the unitary hull 14. Additionally, the recessed crane cavity 20 reduces the height of the crane mechanism 18 during transportation of the barge 10 and crane mechanism 18 overland, such as when loaded onto a trailer (not shown) for movement between water bodies 12.

[00191 While the present disclosure may be illustrated with respect to particular industries or applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the structures, methods, and techniques described herein. For example, similar structures, methods, or combinations thereof may be used in industries other than those described herein.

[0020] Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

[0021] When used herein, the term “substantially” refers to relationships that are ideally perfect or complete, but where manufacturing realities prevent absolute perfection. Therefore, substantially denotes typical variance from perfection in the relevant art. For example, if height A is substantially equal to height B, it may be preferred that the two heights are 100.0% equivalent, but manufacturing realities likely result in the distances varying from such perfection. Skilled artisans would recognize the amount of acceptable variance. For example, and without limitation, coverages, areas, or distances may generally be within 10% of perfection for substantial equivalence.

Similarly, relative alignments, such as parallel or perpendicular, may generally be within 5%.

[0022] Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting.

[0023] The barge 10 includes a helm 22 for a user to pilot - i.e., control the direction and/or speed - of the barge 10. Note that the helm 22 may include many additional features that are not shown in the figures, but the additional features will be recognized by skilled artisans to allow the barge 10 to be maneuvered into small spaces, as it is configured to do.

[00241 The barge 10 includes four support members 24 located at the corners of the unitary hull 14. Note, however, that the support members 24 may be located on other portions of the unitary hull 14. The support members 24 are held by support brackets 26, such that the support members 24 are selectively lowerable to impact the ground or surface beneath the water body 12. The support members 24 may be lowered to provide additional support for the barge 10 while lifting payloads from the water body 12 or the shore.

[0025] A plurality of sponson tracks 28 are located along the sides of the barge 10, which are used to attach one or more sponsons 30 to the barge 10, note that the sponson tracks 28 may not be on all sides of the unitary hull 14. FIG. 3 shows two sponsons 30, which are attachable to either side of the unitary hull 14 via the sponson tracks 28. A sponson 30 is, without limitation, a projection on the side of a boat, ship, or seaplane, and/or a buoyancy chamber fitted to a boat's hull. The sponsons 30 may also be referred to as outriggers.

[0026] The sponsons 30 are attachable to either side of the unitary hull 14 via the sponson tracks 28, which may also be located on the front or rear of the unitary hull 14. Furthermore, the sponsons 30 may be moved along the sides of the unitary hull 14 and located anywhere along the sponson tracks 28, such that the sponsons 30 may be shifted fore or aft to better support different payloads and may be moved before or after the payload is on the barge 10. On the example barge 10 shown in the figures, there are four sponson tracks 28, but additional sponson tracks 28 may be used, and the tracks may not be continuous.

[0027] Note that additional numbers of sponsons 30 may be used, including three, four, or more sponsons 30. Additionally, all sponsons 30 may be attached to a single side of the barge 10 or may be disposed in different numbers on each side of the barge 10. Attaching sponsons 30 to only one side of the barge 10 may be beneficial to provide support for lifting heavy loads with the crane mechanism 18 extending outward on that side. The sponsons 30 effectively widen the deck of the barge 10, which helps limit or reduce tipping moment when the crane mechanism 18 is lifting payloads. [0028] Attachment of the sponsons 30 to the sponson tracks 28 may occur via, without limitation, pins. Alternatively, locking mechanisms may be used to attach the sponsons 30 to the sponson tracks 28, including, without limitation, bolts or screw-on members that would fix the position of the sponsons 30 until the user of the barge 10 wishes to move one or more of the sponsons 30. Regardless of the attachment mechanism(s), the location of the sponsons 30 would be held until needed to be moved or stowed on the deck of the barge 10.

[0029] As viewed in the figures, the sponsons 30 are formed from one or more substantially hollow members or foam-filled members 32. The sponsons 30 or foam- filled members 32 may include ribs within the interior of the sponsons 30, such as those used to impart structural integrity.

[0030] As shown in the figures, the sponsons 30 may have a sponson cage 34 surrounding the foam-filled member 32. The sponson cage 34 may include, or support, a top member (not separately numbered) to better allow items to be placed onto the sponsons 30 or to provide a walking and/or load support surface on the sponsons 30.

[0031] Skilled artisans will recognize materials suitable for the foam-filled members 32 of the sponsons 30, including, without limitation, numerous types of plastics (such as PVC) and/or reinforced plastics, in addition to rubber or rubber-like materials. Additionally, skilled artisans will recognize suitable foam types and/or elements for the foam-filled members 32. Skilled artisans will also recognize materials suitable for the sponson cage 34, including, without limitation, composite frame elements or metals such as aluminum, steel, or alloys thereof.

[0032] Additionally, the sponsons 30 may be attached, via the sponson cage 34 and whatever attachment mechanism is used, with either the longer or shorter edges extending outward, depending on the preferred orientation for supporting payloads. Note that the sponsons 30 may be sufficiently light, such that a single user on the barge 10 can remove and reposition one or more sponsons 30, while the barge 10 is in the water body 12, including from one side to another or fore and aft along the barge 10.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a section view of the barge 10 along with an example level for the water body 12. Note that the water level of the water body 12 shown in FIG. 4 is highly exemplary and the depth of the barge 10 within the water will depend on the total loading of the barge 10, including whether there is a payload currently on board.

[00341 The view of FIG. 4 shows highly exemplary ballast tanks 40, both fore and aft. The ballast tanks 40 may be used to selectively alter the balance of the barge 10 by fdling the ballast tanks 40 with water, such as with a pump or bilge pump, which is not schematically shown but would be operable to fdl any of the ballast tanks 40. Additionally, the pump would be operable to remove water from the any of the ballast tanks 40, such as after the payload is removed.

[0035] Additional ballast tanks 40 may be located on the opposite side of the barge 10, such that the ballast of each corner may be selectively altered, or the ballast tanks 40 shown may extend across to the other side. The rear ballast tank 40 may be useful for heavy loads at the front of the barge 10, such that fdling the rear ballast tank 40 will ensure that the propeller of the motor 16 remains in the water. The ballast tanks 40 may be square-shaped and located in the comers of the barge 10, note that there may be more than one pump for moving water into, or out of, the ballast tanks 40.

[0036] As viewed in FIG. 4, the recessed crane cavity 20 is below the deck of the unitary hull 14 of the barge 10. FIG. 4 further illustrates how the center of gravity of the crane mechanism 18 is lowered relative to the barge 10. The recessed crane cavity 20 may be even lower than shown in the figures. Some alternative barges may have the crane mounted on top of the barge.

[0037] All dimensions discussed herein are highly exemplary and are not limiting. The width of the barge 10, without sponsons 30, may be 8.5-feet or less, such that the width of the trailer onto which the barge 10 is loaded is under 8.5-feet wide. In many areas, maintaining a width of less than 8.5-feet will keep the trailer and barge 10 from being classified as oversized loads. The length of the barge 10, which may include the motor 16, may be approximately, or less than, 26-feet long, and reduces the need for any special permits for pulling the barge 10 over land on a trailer. Importantly, and without limitation, maintaining a barge width of less than 10-feet greatly increases the ability to transport the barge 10 over land - and, also, through the water - as less than 10- feet minimizes wide load interferences. [0038] The sponsons 30 shown in the figures have approximate dimensions of 4- feet wide by 6-feet long. Therefore, the total width of the barge 10 may be increased to 16 feet with the sponsons 30 oriented as shown, or up to 20 feet wide with the sponsons 30 turned lengthwise. Note that, in addition to adding more sponsons 30, different widths may be used, such as 8-feet or 10-feet wide sponsons to greatly increase the effective overall width of the barge 10.

[0039] The four-foot-wide sponsons 30 shown in the figures may be easily stacked on the deck of the barge 10 next to one another, which, in the example shown in the figures, is around eight feet wide. Note that eight-foot-wide sponsons 30 would also fit on the deck but may need to be stacked on top of one another or side by side.

[0040] As viewable in the figures, the length to width ratio of the barge 10 is greater than three - this may include the sponsons 30 added to the width of the barge 10. Furthermore, the height to draft depth ratio of the barge 10 is greater than five - this may include the crane mechanism 18 and/or the support mechanisms 24 when in their highest positions. When fully loaded, which may be 12,000 pounds or more, the barge 10 has approximately a one-foot or 18-inch draft depth. Note that adding ballast water into the ballast tanks 40 will generally increase the draft depth, but may also provide stability for imbalanced loads, such as having the payload on the front of the barge 10.

[0041] Several hatches 50 may be included for allowing access to the interior of the unitary hull 14. The barge 10 may also include several mating points 52 for, without limitation, attaching various pieces of equipment or tying the barge 10 to docks. Note that the (relatively low) overall weight of the barge 10 may allow it to be lifted via helicopter, such that the mating points 52 may be used to attach ropes for lifting with a helicopter. Additional hatches 50 and mating points 52, and different configurations of both, may be included. The mating points 52 may also be used to attach the sponsons 30 to the deck for storage or while the barge 10 is moving over land.

[0042] The barge system or barge 10 has numerous benefits, only a few of which are listed herein. For example, the barge 10 may be carried on a trailer (not shown) that, because of the low total height of the barge 10, is able to pass underneath typical highway bridge heights of around 13-feet, or just above, as would be recognized by skilled artisans. Furthermore, the trailered height may be below 12.5-feet, such that it is below the 13.5-feet height limit for oversized loads. The trailered height of less than 13-feet includes the sponsons 30 being stacked or placed side by side on the deck of the barge 10. [00431 The sponsons 30 may be stacked two or three high and still satisfy the minimum height requirements. Additionally, the total weight of the barge 10 on the trailer may be around 18,000 pounds, which is generally below oversized load limits. [0044] The size of the barge 10 allows for it to be trailered without special permits needed for overland movement. Therefore, the barge 10 may be transportable to a waterway via trailer, such that it is readily deployable and may be used as a quick response watercraft for emergency situations, and is configured to, for example and without limitation, clear blocked waterways with the crane mechanism 18.

[0045] Additionally, the barge 10 may be able to get into smaller areas, and/or areas with lower depth of water, than traditional, larger, barges. Even if the barge 10 ran aground due to low, or receding water, it may be able to use the crane mechanism 18 to load itself onto a trailer. Due to its low width, the barge 10 can be loaded into the water through a standard - such as a recreational - boat launch, as it is no wider, without the sponsons 30 attached, than a standard pontoon boat.

[0046] A method of using a barge system or barge 10 to transport cargo is also provided herein. The method includes attaching at least one sponson to a side of a barge 10, lifting a payload onto the barge 10, moving the barge 10 over a body of water, and lifting the payload off the barge 10 and placing the payload elsewhere, including, without limitation, the shoreline.

[0047] The method may include lifting the payload with a crane assembly or crane mechanism 18 mounted to the barge 10. Additional sponsons 30 may be attached to the barge 10, and the sponsons 30 may be moved to different positions along the barge 10 to balance a payload on the barge 10 or during loading and unloading of the payload. The sponsons 30 may be positioned to counteract movement of the crane mechanism 18 and then repositioned to counteract the payload on the barge. Note that the sponsons 30 may be positioned to counteract other work by the crane beyond transferring payloads, including, without limitation, tree cutting or dredging.

[0048] Clauses: [0049] A barge system, including: a unitary hull; at least one sponson selectively attachable to either side of the unitary hull; and a crane mechanism operatively mounted to the unitary hull, wherein the barge system is configured to float on a water body.

[0050] A barge system of any clause, further including: two sponson tracks on both sides of the unitary hull; at least two sponsons attachable to either side of the unitary hull via the sponson tracks.

[0051] A barge system of any clause, wherein the length to width ratio of the unitary hull is greater than three.

[0052] A barge system of any clause, wherein the height to draft depth ratio of the barge system is greater than five.

[0053] A barge system of any clause, further including: four support members at the corners of the unitary hull, wherein the support members are selectively lowerable to impact a ground beneath the water body.

[0054] A barge system of any clause, wherein the sponsons are formed from one or more foam-filled members, and wherein the sponsons have a sponson cage surrounding the foam-filled members.

[0055] A barge system of any clause, wherein the unitary hull includes a recessed crane cavity, and wherein the crane mechanism is mounted within the recessed crane cavity, such that the crane mechanism is lower than a deck of the unitary hull.

[0056] A barge system of any clause, wherein the crane mechanism has a center of gravity lower than the deck of the unitary hull.

[0057] A barge system of any clause, wherein the ratio of the length of the unitary hull to a length of the sponsons is greater than four.

[0058] A barge system of any clause, further including: at least three sponsons attachable to either side of the unitary hull via the sponson tracks.

[0059] A barge system of any clause, wherein the foam-filled members are formed from plastic or rubberized plastic, and wherein the sponson cages are formed from metal or metal alloys.

[0060] A barge system of any clause, further including: an aft ballast tank; and a fore ballast tank, wherein the aft ballast tank and the fore ballast tank are selectively filled with water to provide balance for the barge system. [0061] A barge system of any clause, wherein the width of the unitary hull is less than ten feet.

[0062] A barge system of any clause, wherein the width of the unitary hull is less than eight and a half feet.

[0063] A barge system of any clause, wherein the width of the unitary hull is approximately eight feet.

[0064] A barge system of any clause, wherein the height of the barge system, when mounted to a trailer, is less than fourteen feet.

[0065] A method of using a barge system to transport cargo, including: attaching at least one sponson to a side of a barge; lifting a payload onto the barge; moving the barge over a body of water; and lifting the payload off of the barge and placing the payload elsewhere.

[0066] A method of using a barge system to transport cargo of any clause, further including: lifting the payload with a crane assembly mounted to the barge, wherein the crane assembly is recessed below the deck of the barge.

[0067] A method of using a barge system to transport cargo of any clause, further including: attaching a second sponson to the barge; and moving the sponsons to different positions along the barge in order to balance a payload of the barge.

[0068] A method of using a barge system to transport cargo of any clause, further including: moving the sponsons to different positions along the barge in order to balance activity of the crane assembly.

[0069] The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the appended claims, as will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0070] Furthermore, any embodiments shown in the drawings, or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description, are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.