APPARATUS WITH HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FEATURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO REUATED APPUICATION

The present application claims the benefit of Norway Patent Application No. 20171815 filed November 14, 2017, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Technical field

[0001] The invention disclosed herein generally relates to a method for raising or lowering an object. More particularly, the invention disclosed herein relates to the method for raising or lowering a target object from a target location by means of a davit apparatus with height adjustment feature.

B. Description of related art

[0002] Davits are lifting devices generally used on marine platforms, for example, decks of ships, loading decks of ports, etc., for supporting, raising, and lowering heavy loads. These heavy loads range from lifeboats, vehicles, containers, anchors, other products, for example, tires, etc. Moreover, they are used to lift small boats. Typically, davits utilize winch assemblies to lower or raise the load. These loads can be raised or lowered only if they are positioned at a particular height. Moreover, these davits are not adjustable from the positions where they are installed, for example, on the deck of the ship. Since the height of a deck of a ship is fixed, loads positioned at low or high height level are not reachable by the davit. An apparatus, which is adjustable to handle objects positioned at varying widths and heights, is required. [0003] An existing prior art, KR1020040016957A, discloses a davit system provided to launch a life boat from a mother ship or raise without being influenced by the pitching or rolling of the mother ship. In the disclosed invention, the davit system comprises a frame support fixed to a bottom of a mother ship loading a lifeboat, a lifting frame, a hydraulic cylinder, and a docking head part. One end of the lifting frame is coupled to an upper surface of the frame support with a hinge and rotates around a hinge shaft. The hydraulic cylinder controls the rotation angle of the lifting frame. The docking head part is coupled to a top of the lifting frame and has a plurality of dampers damping the pitching or rolling of the mother ship transmitted to the lifeboat. However, the disclosed davit system is incapable of extending or retracting the lifting frame to align the lifting frame vertically above target objects placed at different locations on a platform or vessel.

[0004] Another existing prior art, DK201600564, discloses an adjustable arm davit apparatus comprises a base member, at least one shock absorber (SA), a boom member (BM), at least one adjustable arm (AA), a winch assembly, and pulleys. The HBC is configured to extend or retract. A retraction of the SA actuates the BM parallel to the base member. An extension of the SA actuates the BM perpendicular to the base member. The AA is slidably engaged to frontal ends of the BM and slides in a forward or reverse direction. The winch assembly is positioned on the BM for supplying a cable via pulleys positioned at predefined positions on the AA. The pulleys collectively transfer the cable for raising or lowering the target object from the target location. However, this art fails to teach on any height adjustment features.

[0005] Hence, there is a long felt but unresolved need for a method for raising or lowering a target object from a target location using an apparatus, which is adjustable to handle objects positioned at varying widths and heights. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention generally relates to a method for raising or lowering an object. The present invention directed to the method for raising or lowering a target object from a target location by means of a davit apparatus with height adjustment feature.

[0007] The present invention is related to a method for raising or lowering a target object from a target location by means of a davit apparatus with height adjustment feature. In an embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing an adjustable arm davit apparatus including, a base member, a shock absorber assembly, a boom member, an adjustable arm, a winch assembly, and a cylinder assembly. In one embodiment, the boom member comprises a first member and a second member. In one embodiment, the first member is a H-shaped member. In one embodiment, the H-shaped member is formed of a pair of legs and a connecting piece. In one embodiment, the connecting piece is disposed at a central position to connect the pair of legs. In one embodiment, the second member is a A-shaped member. In one embodiment, the first member is hingedly mounted on the base member. In one embodiment, the second member is adjustably mounted on the first member for adjustable vertical movement. In one embodiment, the cylinder assembly comprises at least two cylinders disposed at the connecting piece of the first member. In one

embodiment, the at least two cylinders connects the first member and the second member. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders is configured to provide adjustable vertical movement of the second member.

[0008] In one embodiment, hydraulic / electrical cylinder is hingedly mounted on the base member. In one embodiment, the boom member is hingedly mounted on the base member, and the hydraulic / electrical cylinder is positioned between the hinged ends of the boom member. In one embodiment, the shock absorber is hingedly mounted on the connecting piece of the first member, and is positioned between at least two cylinders. In an embodiment, the adjustable arm is slidably engaged to frontal ends of the second member through an adjustable arm housing welded to the frontal ends. In one embodiment, the winch assembly mounted at the connecting piece of the first member for supplying a cable via a plurality of pulleys positioned at predefined positions on the adjustable arm. In one embodiment, the winch assembly is mounted to the connecting piece via a bolt assembly.

[0009] In an embodiment, the method comprises another step of actuating the at least two cylinders to provide adjustable vertical movement to the second member to adjust a height of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, and to compensate for any height of the target object. In an embodiment, the method comprises another step of aligning the at least one adjustable arm directly above an attachment member on the target object. In another step, the adjustable arm is extended to centrally position over the target object to compensate for any distance of the position of the target object from the adjustable arm davit apparatus, and to compensate for any width of the target object. Further, in another step, the target object is attached to ends of the cable via a fastening member. In another step of the method, a hydraulic / electrical cylinder actuator is actuated to extend or retract the at least one adjustable arm. In another step, the shock absorber is actuated based on load of the target object to prevent overstretching of the cable. In final step, the winch assembly is actuated to raise or lower the target object from the target location. In one embodiment, the target object is a marine vessel. In another embodiment, the at least one adjustable arm is extended and retracted by a hydraulic / electrical cylinder or mechanical actuator.

[0010] The adjustable arm davit apparatus for raising or lowering a target object from a target location comprises a base member, a shock absorber assembly, a boom member, at least one adjustable arm, a winch assembly, pulleys, and a cylinder assembly. In one embodiment, the boom member comprises a first member and a second member. In one embodiment, the first member is a H-shaped member. In one embodiment, the H-shaped member is formed of a pair of legs and a connecting piece. In one embodiment, the connecting piece is disposed at a central position to connect the pair of legs. In one embodiment, the second member is a A- shaped member. In one embodiment, the first member is hingedly mounted on the base member. In one embodiment, the second member is adjustably mounted on the first member for adjustable vertical movement.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cylinder assembly comprises at least two cylinders disposed at the connecting piece of the first member. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders connects the first member and the second member. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders is configured to provide adjustable vertical movement of the second member. In one embodiment, the shock assembly member comprises a hydraulic / electrical cylinder and a shock absorber. In one embodiment, the hydraulic / electrical cylinder is hingedly mounted on the base member. In one embodiment, the boom member is hingedly mounted on the base member, and the hydraulic / electrical cylinder is positioned between the hinged ends of the boom member. In one embodiment, the shock absorber is hingedly mounted on the connecting piece of the first member, and is positioned between at least two cylinders.

[0012] The hydraulic / electrical cylinder is configured to extend and retract. A retraction of the hydraulic / electrical cylinder actuates the boom member in a position substantially inclined to the base member. An extension of the hydraulic / electrical cylinder actuates the boom member in a position substantially perpendicular to the base member. The adjustable arm is slidably engaged to frontal ends of the second member. The adjustable arm is configured to slide in a forward direction or a reverse direction by a hydraulic actuator or electric actuator. The winch assembly is positioned at the connecting piece of the first member for supplying a cable via a plurality of pulleys positioned at predefined positions on the adjustable arm. The shock absorber extends or retracts based on load of the target object on the cable to prevent overstretching of the cable. The pulleys collectively transfer the cable for raising or lowering the target object from the target location.

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable arm davit apparatus, in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus. [0017] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, showing a second member in an extended position, adjusting the height of the adjustable arm davit apparatus.

[0018] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, showing a boom member inclined to the base member with the adjustable arm in retracted position

[0019] FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, showing the adjustable arm in an extended position.

[0020] FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a method for raising or lowering a target object from a target location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0022] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 showing a boom member 104 inclined at an angle to a base member 102. In one embodiment, the boom member 104 comprises a first member 112 and a second member 114. In one embodiment, the first member 112 is H-shaped member. In one embodiment, the H-shaped member is formed of a pair of legs and a connecting piece 116. In one embodiment, the connecting piece 116 is disposed at a central position to connect the pair of legs of the H-shaped member. In one embodiment, the second member 114 is A-shaped member. In one embodiment, the first member 112 is hingedly mounted on a base member 102. In one embodiment, the second member 114 is adjustably mounted on the first member 112 for adjustable vertical movement.

[0023] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a cylinder assembly 118

comprises at least two cylinders disposed at the connecting piece 116 of the first member 112. In one embodiment, the cylindrical assembly 118 connects the first member 112 and the second member 114. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders of the cylinder assembly 118 is configured to provide adjustable vertical movement of the second member 114. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders is at least one of a hydraulic cylinder, mechanical cylinder or pneumatic cylinder.

[0024] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a rear perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100. In one embodiment, the shock assembly member comprises a hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 and a second shock absorber 120. In one embodiment, the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is hingedly mounted on the base member 102. In one

embodiment, the boom member 104 is hingedly mounted on the base member 102, and the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is positioned between the hinged ends of the boom member 104. In one embodiment, the shock absorber 120 is hingedly mounted on the connecting piece 116 of the first member 112, and is positioned between at least two cylinders of the cylinder assembly 118. In an embodiment, an adjustable arm 105 is slidably engaged to frontal ends of the second member 114 through an arm housing 105a welded to the frontal ends. In one embodiment, the arm davit apparatus 100 comprises a winch assembly 106 mounted at the connecting piece 116 of the first member 112 for supplying a cable 107 via a plurality of pulleys 108 positioned at predefined positions on the adjustable arm 105. In one embodiment, the winch assembly is mounted to the connecting piece via a bolt assembly.

[0025] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, showing the second member 114 in an extended position. In one embodiment, the at least two cylinders of the cylinder assembly 118 is configured to provide adjustable vertical movement of the second member 114, thereby adjusting the height of the adjustable arm davit apparatus. FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus, showing a boom member inclined to the base member with the adjustable arm 105 in retracted position. FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the adjustable arm davit apparatus showing the adjustable arm 105 in an extended position.

[0026] FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates a method for raising or lowering a target object 101 from a target location by means of a davit apparatus as illustrated in FIGs. 1-5. In the method disclosed herein, a multi-arm davit apparatus 100 comprising the base member 102, the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103, A shock absorber 120, the boom member 104, at least one adjustable arm 105, a winch assembly 106, cylinder assembly 118 and pulleys 108 positioned at predefined positions on the adjustable arm 105, is provided 602. The cylinder assembly 118 comprising at least two cylinders is configured to adjust 604 a height of the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100, and to compensate for any height of the target object 101. The adjustable arm 105 is aligned 606 directly above an attachment member on the target object 101. The adjustable arm 105 is then extended 608 to centrally position over the target object 101 to compensate for any distance of the position of the target object 101 from the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100, and to compensate for any width of the target object 101. The target object 101 is attached 610 to ends 107a of the cable 107 via the fastening members 109. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is actuated 612 to extend or retract the member 104. The shock absorber 120 is actuated 614 based on load of the target object 101 to prevent overstretching of the cable 107. The winch assembly 106 is actuated 616 to raise or lower the target object 101 from the target location. In one embodiment, the shock absorber 120 is the small cylinder disposed above the winch assembly 106 . In one embodiment, the shock absorber 120 acts like a actuator. If lowering of the target object 101 is abruptly stopped, the shock absorber 120 streched out and the cable 107 is smoothly stopped. In on embodiment, the shock absorber 120 could be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical shock absorber. [0027] In one embodiment, the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 for raising or lowering a target object 101 from a target location comprises the base member 102, a hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103, the shock absorber 120, the cylinder assembly 118, boom member 104, at least one adjustable arm 105, the winch assembly 106, and pulleys 108 as illustrated in FIGs. 1-5. In an embodiment, the target object 101 is, for example, a marine vessel, a lifeboat, etc. In an embodiment, the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is hingedly mounted on the base member 102. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is configured to extend and retract. The shock absorber 120 functions to prevent overstretching of the cable 107. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is extended or retracted based on the load exerted on the cable 107. The shock absorber 120 is also referred to as a dampening device for stretching the cable 107. The boom member 104 is hingedly mounted on the base member 102. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is a mechanical actuator that provides a one directional force via a one directional stroke. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is typically a piston housed in a cylinder that receives power from pressurized hydraulic fluid or electrical fed.

[0028] In an embodiment, a hydraulic pump regulates pressurized hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic circuit supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103. Based on the supply of the hydraulic fluid, for example, oil, etc., to the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103, the piston either extends or retracts. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 is positioned between hinged ends 104a and 104b of the boom member 104. A retraction of the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 actuates the boom member 104 in a position substantially inclined to the base member 102. An extension of the hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 actuates the boom member 104 in a position substantially perpendicular to the base member 102. The hydraulic / electrical cylinder 103 based on the application requirement of the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100. The adjustable arm 105 is seated in an adjustable arm housing 105a as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The adjustable arm housing 105a is not movable and is welded to frontal ends 104c and 104d of the boom member 104. The adjustable arm 105 is slidably engaged within the adjustable arm housing 105a and retracts as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0029] A hydraulic actuator 110 or an electric actuator 110 is used to retract or extend the adjustable arm 105. The hydraulic actuator 110 or electric actuator 110 is a piston-cylinder arrangement. The piston slides within the cylinder to extend or retract the adjustable arm 105 as exemplarily illustrated in FIGs. 4-5. Moreover, the adjustable arm 105 extends from the adjustable arm housing 105a as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5. The adjustable arm 105 is configured to slide in a forward direction or a reverse direction through an adjustable arm housing 105a welded to the frontal ends 104c and 104d. The forward sliding movement of the adjustable arm 105 allows the adjustable arm 105 to be extended to centrally position over the target object 101, and the extension of the adjustable arm 105 compensates for any distance of the position of the target object 101 from the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100, and compensates for any width of the target object 101. The winch assembly 106 is positioned on the boom member 104 for supplying a cable 107 via a plurality of pulleys 108 positioned at predefined positions on the adjustable arm 105, wherein the pulleys 108 collectively transfer the cable 107 for raising or lowering the target object 101 from the target location. Furthermore, the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 comprises fastening members 109 attached to ends 107a of the cable 107 for securely fastening the target object 101 to the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100.

[0030] The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100, disclosed herein. While the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the adjustable arm davit apparatus 100 disclosed herein in their aspects.

[0031] Although a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the above detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment developed herein, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.