Such a ship is generally known. A ship comprises an internal structure which forms a skeleton and which is constructed from generally horizontal hull members and generally vertical hull members. The hull of the ship forms the basis which is strengthened by the skeleton.

In addition, the self-supporting frame comprises support means for at least a deck. A deck can be arranged thereon. The support means are normally situated below the deck, for instance in a grid of intersecting horizontal hull members. The deck often also forms the ceiling of an interior space in the ship. The support means can form a visible component of the ceiling/deck.

US 4 214 332 shows a frame of a ship formed by longitudinal girders and transverse girders. Some longitudinal girders have a C-profile shape. Some transverse girders also have a hollow profile. A coupling means engages in the hollow spaces and connects a longitudinal girder to a transverse girder. Other connections are welded. The longitudinal girders are coupled slidably to the transverse girders via the coupling means.

The horizontal hull members as well as the vertical hull members are used to fix/suspend diverse distribution systems applied in the ship, such as for electricity cables, water pipes, heating and the like.

These systems are fixed to the horizontal hull members or vertical hull members by means of a connection, often a welded connection. Welding on a ship is dangerous. An

example of such an applied distribution system is a cable ladder and the like.

The fixing of suspension elements for a distribution system on the horizontal hull members or vertical hull members is costly because of the labour- intensive work. The object of the invention is to provide a ship or ship construction wherein the cost of arranging distribution systems is reduced.

This object is achieved in that the frame comprises at least one connecting means for a distribution system which has a hollow profile. The connection to the distribution systems can hereby be assembled rapidly. In contrast to the prior art, a hollow profile is applied as connecting means for connecting to an external system. It is not known in the prior art to prepare the frame for connections to distribution systems. The connections are only made later by for instance welding.

At least a frame part is preferably embodied as a hollow profile, and this frame part is preferably also a connecting means for distribution systems. One of the frame parts, such as one of the horizontal hull members, one of the vertical hull members or one of the support means for the deck, hereby acquires a dual function. Not only does the frame part strengthen the skeleton of the ship, according to the invention the frame part can be also used as a pre-arranged connecting means for distribution systems in ships, for instance for the purpose of arranging a fixing means or coupling means of that distribution system. The hollow space of the profile is used to arrange a fixing means, for instance a pop rivet. The pop rivet connects the suspension elements of the distribution system which must be arranged on the profile. Another possibility is formed by bolts with sliding nuts, which cause a clamping action on this profile. A connecting means for

distribution systems is a suitable means for this purpose to which distribution systems can be connected, for instance suspended.

The support means for the deck preferably comprise at least a supporting beam which has at least a hollow profile. The support means are arranged on a large surface under the deck. A saving is achieved in the cost of manufacturing such a ship or ship construction by combining the strengthening and suspension function. One of the support means is preferably embodied as a hollow profile or one of the support means or frame parts is provided with a hollow profile, for instance by connecting a hollow profile thereto. The connection will be formed in suitable manner, for instance by welding, but also by means of glueing or riveting.

Surprisingly, a self-supporting frame for a ship is obtained according to the invention in which the supporting function for the deck on the one hand and the suspension function for distribution systems on the other are achieved by applying a supporting beam with a hollow profile. The supporting beam has two functions.

The suspension function results in a considerable space- saving close to the ceiling. The support means for the deck do not have to be provided with a separate part from which the distribution systems can be suspended.

Space-saving on a ship, particularly in the case of cargo ships, but also in passenger ships, is a very cost-advantageous measure. In addition, shorter assembly times and flexible routing of systems are advantages of the invention.

The hollow space in the profile is used on the one hand to arrange a suspension element. The hollow space herein partially receives the suspension element, whereby the space-saving occurs. On the other hand, the hollow profiles contribute toward the strength of the

frame. The materials applied for the profiles comprise steel, aluminium, but also plastics. The hollow profiles can form part of the self-supporting frame or be connected thereto. The profiles can be rolled steel profiles or extruded aluminium profiles.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means for distribution systems has a receiving space for arranging suspension elements. The support means for the deck preferably have such a receiving space, in particular a supporting beam. The receiving space is accessible from outside, for instance via a recess or a hole drilled in the profile. The suspension elements for the distribution system can be suspended, clamped and/or fixed in these recesses. Welding costs are hereby saved.

The arranging of holes in the profile also results in a weight-saving. Welding is expensive, time-consuming and involves fire hazard.

The ship preferably has connecting means for distribution systems, support means or at least a supporting beam with a C-profile. The hollow space of the profile hereby becomes easily accessible, for instance for suspending therein a suspension element for the distribution system. Such a, for instance extruded, profile can be assembled in simple and inexpensive manner. Such suspensions are generally known. A suitable suspension element can be placed through the opening of the C-shaped profile into the inner space of the profile and be secured by a rotation.

In another embodiment a substantial C-shape is formed by connecting two L-shaped parts to a frame part, wherein the short outer ends of the L-shaped profiles are directed toward each other. The supporting beam preferably has in cross-section two flanges which are directed toward each other. The flanges can hereby be

used as elements to which the suspension means of the distribution system are connected.

It is favourable that the support means are formed by at least a deck beam, at least a generally cross beam and at least a generally longitudinal beam, wherein the cross beam is larger than the longitudinal beam and smaller than the deck beam. Such a structure is known in ships.

The generally longitudinal beam preferably has a hollow profile in cross-section. The generally cross beam can also be used as supporting beam with a hollow profile. The bearing function of the support means is now combined with the function as suspension element for the distribution systems. This combination results in a considerable saving.

The cross beam preferably has a borehole for receiving the longitudinal beam with a C-profile. The cross beam can be placed substantially at a right angle to the longitudinal beam, thereby creating a grid structure which has good supporting characteristics. The grid structure according to the invention is however also suitable as suspension element.

In a preferred embodiment the support means are connected to substantially upright vertical hull members. The upright vertical hull members give the frame a vertical structure, whereby a space is created under the deck. The vertical hull members form the upright walls of this space. According to the invention the vertical hull members can have a hollow profile, whereby these parts also combine the strengthening and suspension/fixing function. On the ceiling of this space, i. e. under the deck, the distribution systems can be suspended from the support means for the deck by means of a rapid-action coupling which engages on the

hollow profile, preferably the C-shaped profile of the supporting beam.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ship, comprising of providing horizontal hull members and vertical hull members, connecting horizontal hull members and vertical hull members to form a self-supporting frame for a hull and at least a deck. The invention is characterized by the use of at least a supporting beam with hollow profile for supporting the deck. A frame is hereby formed which is very suitable for quicker and thus cheaper assembly of distribution systems on the underside of the deck- supporting part of the frame. The supporting beam can also form part of the vertical hull members, so that a distribution system can be attached to these vertical hull members.

The supporting beam preferably has a C-profile. The method preferably comprises of connecting suspension elements to the supporting beams by at least partially receiving the suspension elements in the hollow profile of the supporting beam. This enables rapid assembly.

Different embodiments of such receiving connections are known.

The method preferably comprises of forming a rapid- action coupling between the hollow profile and a suspension element for a distribution system. Examples of rapid-action couplings are the reciprocating clip, barb connections, clamping connections, dovetail joints and the like. Such a coupling is characterized by the absence of a labour-intensive operation such as welding.

A considerable cost-saving is hereby achieved.

It is noted that it is also known to connect suspension systems, of for instance hollow profiles, to the support means for the deck.

The invention will be further described with reference to the annexed figures, in which: figure 1 is a perspective view of a ship with a frame according to the invention; figure 2a shows a detail of a self-supporting frame according to the first embodiment of the invention; figure 2b shows a further detail of a self- supporting frame according to the first embodiment of the invention ; figure 3 shows a detail of a second embodiment of a supporting beam with suspension element according to the invention; figure 4 shows in cross-section a third embodiment of a supporting beam according to the invention; figure 5 shows a detail of a fourth embodiment of a supporting beam with suspension element according to the invention; figure 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention; figure 7 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention; figure 8 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention; figure 9 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention; and figure 10 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a connecting means according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a ship 1.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of an interior space 5 of ship 1. Ship 1 has a frame/skeleton 2 which is

self-supporting and which forms the skeleton of ship 1.

The components of ship 1 are connected to the skeleton.

Hull 3 is for instance connected to frame/skeleton 2.

Frame/skeleton 2 consists of upright vertical hull members 4 which are reinforced. Such reinforced vertical hull members form the side walls of a space 5.

Connected to vertical hull members 4 are horizontal hull members which form support means 6 for a deck 7.

Deck 7 is supported by a deck beam 8, cross beams 9 and longitudinal beams 10. They (8,9, 10) form the support means. These beams are arranged such that a grid structure is obtained which supports deck 7.

The connections between vertical hull members 4 and horizontal hull members 9 are formed in usual manner.

Deck beam 8 is larger than cross beams 9 and cross beams 9 are larger than longitudinal beams 10. Cross beams 9 and deck beams 8 are provided with recesses in which the smaller elements are received. The support means for deck 6 are situated below deck 7, which is supported on the support means.

In the embodiment of figure 1, longitudinal beams 10 are embodied as a hollow, rectangular profile.

Distribution systems for electricity, water, cables, heating, ventilation, fire prevention and so on can be attached to longitudinal beams 10. Other systems may be present, such as mains electricity, lighting, communication and information network, air-conditioning and ventilation ducts, freon, cold and warm water and thermal oil pipes for HVAC, hydraulics and pneumatics, sprinkler, diverse types of water pipes (cold and warm drinking water, black, grey, brown, green water) for discharge of sanitary and toilet water, rainwater and bilge water.

In the embodiment according to figure 2a these systems can be fixed to the hollow profiles with a

suspension element, using a pop rivet. This is shown in figure 2b.

An angular and hollow supporting beam 100 forms part of the support means for a deck in a ship (not further shown). A suspension element 101 is fixed to the underside of the supporting beam. Use is made here of pop rivets 102,103 which are arranged in a T-shaped end part 104. According to the invention pop rivets can be arranged more rapidly because engagement in the hollow profile is possible.

In the embodiment of figure 3 a detail of longitudinal beam 11 is shown in cross-section, which beam has a C-shaped profile 12. This C-shaped profile comprises side walls 13 with two flanges 14,15, between which there is a gap 16. C-shaped profile 12 has a receiving space 17 in which suspension elements 18 for a determined distribution system can be received. Use can be made of suspension elements 18, which are known from for instance system ceiling construction. Use can be made of a suspension element which is placed through gap 16, received in receiving space 17 and is then rotated through a quarter-turn so as to be secured in efficient manner.

For. this purpose the suspension element 18 according to figure 3 comprises a threaded end 19, which is provided on an outer end with a rapid-action closure.

This closure is formed by a T-end 20, which with a spring ring 21 and a washer 32 can be fastened by a nut 22 that can be rotated around the end of threaded end 19 provided with screw thread. The T-end 20 is a sliding nut or a nut with a tapered shape. This is rotated through a quarter-turn after insertion into space 17.

Fastening by means of clamping according to the invention is simpler than according to the prior art. In addition, a space-saving is achieved in that a part of

suspension element 18 is received in supporting beam 11, which has a bearing function not only for deck 7 but also for the whole of the self-supporting frame 2. Owing to this space-saving, distribution systems, such as cable duct 23 which is fixed to the other end of pin 19, can thus be arranged closer to the ceiling and more space becomes available in the deck space for transport of material etc.

Pin-shaped brackets can also be arranged in the C- profile. Insulation material is fixed to the pins. A finish can also be arranged hereunder for finishing purposes, for instance in a passenger area on the ship.

Figure 4 shows in cross-section a third embodiment of supporting beam 25 according to the invention, which is embodied with a hollow profile. The shown beam 25 has a profile with a receiving space 26 in the form of a dovetail. A resilient suspension element 27 for a specific distribution system can for instance be received herein by means of a snap connection.

Suspension element 27 comprises a pin 28 and a T- shaped piece 29 close to the outer end 30 with a shape complementary to the dovetail-shaped receiving space 26.

Arranged on outer end 29 is a compression spring 31 which holds the suspension element in fixed position in supporting beam 25.

Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a supporting beam 40 which forms part of the support means for a deck. The supporting beam is C-shaped. In this embodiment the suspension element for a distribution system can be received in space 41 between flanges 42,43, whereby a further space-saving is achieved.

Although the invention is shown with reference to the annexed drawings, the invention is not limited thereto.

The vertical hull members and horizontal hull members can be mutually connected in known manner, for instance by welding.

Despite this not being shown in the drawings, it is also possible to suspend distribution systems from hollow vertical hull members. Instead of the vertical hull members 4 shown in figure 2a, hollow vertical hull members are then applied, for instance the profiles shown in figure 2b, 3,4 or 5.

There are a number of possible embodiments of the hollow profile as self-supporting frame for at least a deck. These are deck plates of varying materials-such as steel, (laminated) aluminium, plastic or glass fibre- reinforced polyester-against which the hollow profile can be fixed in all possible ways-such as by using welding, glueing, riveting and so on (see figures 7 and 8).

In addition, hollow profiles as self-supporting frame for at least a deck can be manufactured integrally with the deck plate, wherein extrusion parts of deck plates are combined with hollow profiles of diverse materials-such as aluminium and plastic (see figure 6).

It is also an advantage of this suspension construction that the load-bearing capacity of the profiles is not limited by the span between the suspension points (see figure 10), since there is load- bearing over the entire length of the profile. The load- bearing capacity is hereby determined by the load- bearing capacity of the deck and the load-bearing capacity of the profile itself. Bending along the length of the profile is wholly prevented since this latter is fixed to a deck along the entire length.

The hollow profile can also be constructed by fixing two strips with bent edge (the sides of the C-

profile) parallel to each other onto the surface (deck plate) (see figure 9). The hollow profile is hereby created which serves as self-supporting frame for at least a deck. This embodiment has a particular advantage in terms of preserving the deck construction.

Figure 6 shows a detail of a ship. Shown in cross- section is the deck of a ship which is formed by deck plate 51. Deck plate 51 is a component of the frame.

Deck plate 51 is connected in usual manner to the other parts of the frame. It is for instance possible to walk on deck plate 51, designated with reference numeral 52, or components of the ship can be placed/supported thereon. This is the upper side of deck plate 51.

Protruding downward on the underside of deck plate 51 are two L-shaped parts. A first part 53 of L-shaped cross-section is provided on an end with a bent outer end 54, which is bent so far that an edge or flange is formed. The second L-shaped protrusion 55 is arranged at a short distance from first protrusion 53 and is provided on an outer end with a second flange 56, which is bent or shaped in opposite direction.

The two protrusions 53,55 are both formed as profile parts over a considerable part of the length of the underside of deck plate 51. The profile parts thus provide additional strength in deck plate 51. This strength is used to reduce bending.

The short legs of L-shaped protrusions 53,55 can be formed during assembly of the deck plate, for instance by extrusion, wherein aluminium or another extruded material suitable for forming such profiled parts is for instance used, or they can be formed by bending the respective outer ends 54,56 after forming of the deck plate with protrusions 53,55.

In the shown embodiment the shown protrusions 53, 55 extend from deck plate 51 at an angle of

substantially 90 degrees. These angles can however differ mutually and may also vary from perpendicular, for instance 60 or 70 degrees.

Deck plate 51 with protrusions 53,55 can be part of the self-supporting frame as well as connected thereto later. Profile parts 53,55 can be arranged over the full length of the deck plate or consist of mutually equidistant parts or be otherwise assembled.

Profiled parts 53,55 form together with deck plate 51 a profile of C-shaped cross-section, as shown in figure 6. The profile is hollow. A fixing means or a component of a distribution system can be received in the opening between protruding parts 54,56 so that a distribution system can be fixed to, in particular suspended from, profiled parts 53,55 under deck plate 51. The profile parts are thus support means for deck 51 as well as suspension/connecting means for the distribution systems. The suspension takes place in profiled parts 53,55, i. e. in hollow space 57, as shown in figure 6. A space saving is hereby also achieved. A part of the fixing means is received in the support means.

Figure 7 shows a deck 60, of which only the underside is visible. Also shown in cross-section is a C-shaped or U-shaped profile 61 which consists of a base 62, two sides 63,64, wherein inward protruding flanges are formed on outer ends 65,66. The C-shaped profile is directed downward with its open end between outer ends 65,66, while base 62 is connected to the underside of deck plate 60 by means of a connection 67. Profile 61 hereby supports deck plate 60 from bending. The connection 67 can be formed by a glue, which can connect the two materials of deck plate 60 and profile 61 to each other in suitable manner. Different materials can be used. The glue is for instance a two-component glue.

The skilled person can make a suitable choice from known glueing means in order to make the connection 67.

Profile 61 can be extruded or rolled. Profile 61 can be aluminium or steel, but also a plastic such as a polyester, and so on.

The embodiment according to figure 7 shows many similarities to figure 6, and in order to avoid repetition reference is made to the discussion there of the function of profile part 61 and deck plate 60. A plurality of profile parts can be arranged along the length or the width of deck plate 60. Profile parts of different dimensions can also be arranged. Profile parts can optionally be arranged at appropriate positions along the length and along the width. The profile parts can be interrupted at positions where they intersect.

The mutually adjacent/intersecting profile parts can optionally be connected to each other (not shown).

Figure 8 shows another embodiment, wherein a deck plate 70 is connected to a profile part 71 which is constructed in the same manner as in figure 7. Reference is therefore made to the discussion of the construction of figure 7. The connection between deck plate 70 and profile part 71 is now formed by welds which are made at positions in lengthwise direction of the profile part.

Interruptions are arranged between welded connections 72,73. For the function and co-action between profile part 71 and deck plate 70 reference is made to the discussion of figure 6.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment wherein two profile parts 75,76 of L-shaped cross-section are connected to deck plate 80 by means of welded connections 77,78, 79, as shown in figure 9. The L- shaped profile parts are placed with the short leg of the L toward each other and connected to deck plate 80.

The same form in cross-section is thus obtained as in

figures 6-8. For the function and assembly reference is made to this discussion thereof in the previous figure.

Figure 10 shows a cross-section of a deck 90 to which I-profiles 91,92 are fixed in usual manner. The I-profiles can be part of the self-supporting frame. On the underside of I-profiles 91,92 a profile part the same as the profile parts shown in figures 7 and 8 is arranged transversely of the sectional direction.

Profile part 93 has a C-shaped cross-section and has a hollow space in which fixing means for suspension systems for distribution systems can be placed. Profile parts 93 provide additional strengthening between frame parts 91,92. Profile part 93 thus becomes part of the self-supporting frame of the ship in which this assembly is applied. A rapid connecting system can again be applied for suspending the distribution systems in the hollow space of profile 93. The above stated space- saving is also of less importance in this embodiment.

A great advantage of the present invention is that the connecting means for the distribution systems, as shown in the figures, can be pre-fitted during manufacture of the ship. They can even become part of the self-supporting frame. Because the connecting means are pre-fitted, distribution systems can be easily suspended. It is even practical to now replace distribution systems. The connection with for instance profile part 93 shown in figure 10 can easily be broken by making use of a suitable rapid-action coupling. The distribution systems can thus be replaced. Re-placing at the same position or even displacing of the distribution system can likewise be realized in efficient manner and without additional operations.