CA2256910A1 - Emergency marine evacuation chute system - Google Patents
Emergency marine evacuation chute system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2256910A1 CA2256910A1 CA002256910A CA2256910A CA2256910A1 CA 2256910 A1 CA2256910 A1 CA 2256910A1 CA 002256910 A CA002256910 A CA 002256910A CA 2256910 A CA2256910 A CA 2256910A CA 2256910 A1 CA2256910 A1 CA 2256910A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chute
- vessel
- carriage
- frame
- deployment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
- B63B27/28—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of chutes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/22—Devices for holding or launching life-buoys, inflatable life-rafts, or other floatable life-saving equipment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
- A62B1/20—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of sliding-ropes, sliding-poles or chutes, e.g. hoses, pipes, sliding-grooves, sliding-sheets
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
Abstract
An emergency marine evacuation system includes a flexible chute for slowing the descent of passengers from the deck of a vessel to an embarkation platform on the sea surface, and an integral chute deployment apparatus. The deployment apparatus stows the chute when not in use inboard of the vessel, and upon actuation pivots to a position overhanging the gunnel of the vessel to suspend the chute over the side of the vessel. The deployment apparatus incudes frame for mounting to the vessel deck that may be swung between the stowage and deployment positions. The frame may suspend either a single chute or a double chute.
Description
-1_ EMERGENCY MARINE EVACUATION CHUTE SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to emergency evacuation chutes for deployment on ships and other marine vessels, for transferring passengers from the deck of the vessel to a life raft or the like during marine emergencies.
More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for conveniently deploying the chute over the side of a vessel.
Backgiround of the Invention Large marine vessels such as large ships and oil rigs typically have decks that are a considerable distance from the water surface. During a marine emergency, it is important to rapidly and safely lower individuals from the decks to a waiting raft, lifeboat or the like. In the past, this has been accomplished with ladders that are either permanently mounted or incorporated within the vessel hull, or unfolded, lowered or unfurled when required. Ladders may be difficult and unsafe to use during a marine emergency, and passengers who are elderly or infirm may have difficulty in using ladders. Further, it is necessary during an emergency to be able to lower a large number of people rapidly over the side of a ship, and the use of ladders may not permit this.
In response to this need, there has been developed an arrangement consisting of a flexible fabric chute that takes the form of a tubular member that may be suspended over the side of a vessel when required, and unfurled so as to extend vertically from the deck of the ship to the sea surface. The base of the chute is typically attached to an inflatable floating platform that deploys integrally with the chute and serves as an embarkation area for loading of passengers into a life raft or the like. The chute is shaped to accommodate an individual wearing a life vest, and individuals sequentially enter the chute at an upper end and slide downwardly through the chute. An exit opening at the base of the chute permits users to exit onto the floating platform. The rate of descent of the users may be controlled by various means, such as the provision of a tortuous path within the chute that is followed by the users as they descend through the chute. Such a chute may be assembled from a flexible material such as heavy-weight fabric or the like. Since the deck-to-water distance will vary with the loading of the ship, the arrangement must include a means to permit the chute to adjust to different drop lengths.
Examples of prior art fabric-type tubular emergency chutes may be found in the following references:
Canadian Patent 1,263,092 (Koizumi) discloses a fabric chute arrangement which is mounted to a vessel. The chute is suspended from a rigid structure which overhangs the side of the vessel, and the chute is bunched or folded within the interior of the structure when the chute is within the stowed position. The structure permanently overhangs the side of the vessel.
Canadian Patent 1,266,241 (Koizumi) discloses a similar arrangement, showing a somewhat different means for controlling the descent of passengers through the chute.
A need that is not fully addressed within the prior art is for a means to safely and securely stow the chute on board the vessel, and to easily and rapidly deploy the chute in the event of an emergency. An appropriate deployment mechanism should be capable of rapid and easy operation by a single individual, and still provide a secure means for retaining the chute during use. The deployment means must provide a means for suspending the chute over the side of the vessel during use, in a position somewhat displaced from the vessel hull to minimize contact with the hull during use. However, it is not desirable to permit fixtures to overhang the sides of a ship on a permanent basis. Accordingly, the deployment means should be able to carry the chute within a stowed position, substantially entirely inboard of the vessel, and a deployment position outboard of the vessel.
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to emergency evacuation chutes for deployment on ships and other marine vessels, for transferring passengers from the deck of the vessel to a life raft or the like during marine emergencies.
More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for conveniently deploying the chute over the side of a vessel.
Backgiround of the Invention Large marine vessels such as large ships and oil rigs typically have decks that are a considerable distance from the water surface. During a marine emergency, it is important to rapidly and safely lower individuals from the decks to a waiting raft, lifeboat or the like. In the past, this has been accomplished with ladders that are either permanently mounted or incorporated within the vessel hull, or unfolded, lowered or unfurled when required. Ladders may be difficult and unsafe to use during a marine emergency, and passengers who are elderly or infirm may have difficulty in using ladders. Further, it is necessary during an emergency to be able to lower a large number of people rapidly over the side of a ship, and the use of ladders may not permit this.
In response to this need, there has been developed an arrangement consisting of a flexible fabric chute that takes the form of a tubular member that may be suspended over the side of a vessel when required, and unfurled so as to extend vertically from the deck of the ship to the sea surface. The base of the chute is typically attached to an inflatable floating platform that deploys integrally with the chute and serves as an embarkation area for loading of passengers into a life raft or the like. The chute is shaped to accommodate an individual wearing a life vest, and individuals sequentially enter the chute at an upper end and slide downwardly through the chute. An exit opening at the base of the chute permits users to exit onto the floating platform. The rate of descent of the users may be controlled by various means, such as the provision of a tortuous path within the chute that is followed by the users as they descend through the chute. Such a chute may be assembled from a flexible material such as heavy-weight fabric or the like. Since the deck-to-water distance will vary with the loading of the ship, the arrangement must include a means to permit the chute to adjust to different drop lengths.
Examples of prior art fabric-type tubular emergency chutes may be found in the following references:
Canadian Patent 1,263,092 (Koizumi) discloses a fabric chute arrangement which is mounted to a vessel. The chute is suspended from a rigid structure which overhangs the side of the vessel, and the chute is bunched or folded within the interior of the structure when the chute is within the stowed position. The structure permanently overhangs the side of the vessel.
Canadian Patent 1,266,241 (Koizumi) discloses a similar arrangement, showing a somewhat different means for controlling the descent of passengers through the chute.
A need that is not fully addressed within the prior art is for a means to safely and securely stow the chute on board the vessel, and to easily and rapidly deploy the chute in the event of an emergency. An appropriate deployment mechanism should be capable of rapid and easy operation by a single individual, and still provide a secure means for retaining the chute during use. The deployment means must provide a means for suspending the chute over the side of the vessel during use, in a position somewhat displaced from the vessel hull to minimize contact with the hull during use. However, it is not desirable to permit fixtures to overhang the sides of a ship on a permanent basis. Accordingly, the deployment means should be able to carry the chute within a stowed position, substantially entirely inboard of the vessel, and a deployment position outboard of the vessel.
A further aspect of the prior art chute systems relates to a means for disconnection of the chute from the floating embarkation platform. Typically, the platform is integral with the chute, insofar as the platform is deployed along with and as a component of the chute. The provision of such a platform is essential, since there may not always be present a life raft to receive passengers from the chute. The platform is typically an inflatable fabric arrangement that includes one or more inflatable tubes extending peripherally around the platform, with a fabric web spanning the interior of the platform. The tubes may be inflated by means of inflation canisters associated with the tubes, that are triggered to inflate l0 automatically upon contact with water, in the same manner as an emergency life raft or life vest.
A drawback within the embarkation platform of the prior art resides in the permanent attachment of the platform to the chute. This can be an extreme hazard if the vessel starts to list or sink while passengers are on the platform, since movement of the vessel would tend to either draw the platform underwater or hoist it above the surface. There is a need for a chute having an embarkation platform that may be readily detached from the chute by untrained operators acting in a panic situation.
A further limitation within the prior art resides in the means by which the rate of descent of passengers is controlled within the chute. The use of a tortuous path as the sole speed control means may result in different rates of descent for passengers of different sizes. Thus, it is desirable to provide alternative or supplementary descent control means.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved marine evacuation chute apparatus including a deployment means for the same, whereby a flexible fabric-type chute is safely and securely stowed within a folded position inboard of a vessel, on a vessel deck or the like, and whereby the chute may be rapidly, safely, and easily operated by a single individual to deploy the chute to an overboard position suspended alongside the vessel.
It is a further object to provide an embarkation platform associated with the chute arrangement, whereby the platform may be readily disconnected from the chute by a passenger on the platform, in the event of an emergency.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved descent control means for slowing the rate of descent of passengers descending through the chute.
In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention comprises in one aspect an emergency marine chute apparatus for evacuating passengers from a deck of a marine vessel and over the side of the vessel to the sea surface, comprising:
- a flexible tubular chute for transit of a passenger therethrough, said chute being foldable or compressible to comprise a stowed position and extendible vertically to comprise deployed position;
- descent control means to control and slow the rate of descent of a passenger within said chute;
- a chute suspension frame engaged to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby the chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when the chute is within the deployed position;
and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
-$-Preferably, the apparatus includes means to carry the chute from an inboard to an outboard position, comprising the following:
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within the stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting the chute carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within the stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from the first to the second position by the chute carriage and chute acting on the frame when moving to the deployed position.
The deployment means may comprise a downwardly-sloping rail within the carriage frame, upon which the carriage may slide towards an overboard position.
Preferably, there is further provided an embarkation platform connected to the chute, for receiving passengers from the chute prior to embarkation on a life raft or other emergency craft.
The arrangement may comprise either a single chute fastened to the pivoting support frame or dual chutes in side by side relationship.
In a further aspect, the descent control means comprises a trapeze suspended from cord means, said cord means being payed out by a cord reel at a controlled rate by a brake means for paying out said cord, whereby said trapeze may be gripped by a user to lower the user through said chute at a controlled rate.
In a further aspect, the invention comprises apparatus for stowing and _6_ deploying chute from an upper deck of a vessel. In this aspect, the invention comprises the following elements:
- a chute suspension frame engaged to the chute, for suspending the chute in a position whereby the chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when the chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is moveable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
In a preferred version, the deployment apparatus includes means to carry the chute from an inboard to an outboard position, comprising the following:
- a chute carriage for holding the chute within the stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting the chute carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within the stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from the first to the second position by the chute carriage and chute acting on the frame when moving to the deployed position.
The deployment means may comprise a downwardly-sloping rail within the carriage frame, upon which the carriage may slide towards an overboard position.
Having thus summarized various aspects of the invention, the present invention will now be further described by way of illustrations and descriptions of _'7_ particular embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the chute deployment apparatus according the present invention, within a stowed position;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the deployment apparatus, within the stowed position ;
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the invention;
Figure 4 is a plan view;
Figures 5 (a)- (c) are perspective views of the apparatus within the deployed position;
Figures 6a to 6i illustrate the steps of deploying a chute in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view, exploded, of a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side sectional view of a portion of the apparatus;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further portion of the apparatus.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A chute deployment apparatus according to the present invention is designated globally as 10, and is mounted on a vessel 12, a portion of which is shown for illustration. The vessel may comprise any large floating or non-floating vessel such as an oil rig, ocean liner, ferry or other vessel.
Referring to Figures 1-5, the apparatus comprises a chute suspension frame 16 for suspending the chute 18 from an upper deck of the vessel. Figure 5 illustrates the chute within a suspended, deployed position for use by disembarking passengers. The frame 16 consists of parallel spaced apart generally vertical struts _g_ 24, spanned at their upper ends by a cross bar 26. The vertical supports are each pivotally mounted to the ship deck by pivot mounts 27. The pivot mounts permit pivotal movement of the support about a horizontal axis, from an inboard position shown in Figures 1 to 4 wherein the support angles slightly from the vertical in the inboard direction, to the deployed position shown in Figure 5, wherein the support angles outwardly over the side of the ship. The pivot mounts 27 each comprise a base 28 bolted or otherwise permanently mounted to the ship deck, and a pivot pin 29, for pivotally attaching a corresponding strut to the base.
The term "inboard" as used herein is a directional reference meaning generally oriented or positioned within the confines of the ship hull. The term "outboard" refers to the positioning of an element over the side of the vessel.
The apparatus 10 is housed within its own compartment 30 (seen in Figure 6(a)) which during normal operation of the vessel is fully closed. The compartment will typically be located adjacent to the side of the vessel, either on an upper deck or elsewhere. The compartment may be accessed from the inboard side by way of an interior door 32, which may incorporate protective release means to prevent unauthorized access during normal marine operation. The compartment communicates at the outboard side with the exterior of the vessel by means of an exterior door 34, which may be released by means of a release cord 36 operable from within the interior of the compartment.
The chute suspension frame 16 is associated with a chute carriage structure, designated globally as 40. The carriage structure is fixedly mounted either directly to the ship deck or to the pivot mounts 28. The carriage structure comprises a chute carriage 42, which holds the chute in a folded or bunched position within the stowed position, and a carriage frame 43, to which the carriage is slidably engaged.
The carriage frame is composed of two co-planar rigid elongate members, namely a pair of spaced-apart parallel side rails 44. Each rail is fixedly mounted at its proximate end to the ship deck or the base 28 of a corresponding pivot mount 27, such that the rails 44 angle upwardly in an inboard direction. The rails 44 are each fixedly supported in their angled position by a vertical support pillar 48 extending from the ship deck to the distal end of the rail 44. The carriage frame 43 and the chute suspension frame 16 thus comprise two planar structures arranged in separate planes meeting along a line generally adjacent the side of the vessel.
The rails 44 of the chute carriage frame 43 are sufficiently angled to permit the carriage 42 when released to slide downwardly along the rails solely by the action of gravity acting on the carriage. The required angle at which the rails are disposed will depend on the structure of the rails and carriage. For example, in one version (described below) the carriage or the rails may be provided with rollers to facilitate relative movement of the carriage along the rails. It will also be seen that the angle of the rails must take into account the fact that during a marine emergency, the ship may have a list and this will effectively reduce the angle of the rails.
Accordingly, the rails should be positioned at an angle that will take into account such an eventuality.
The chute carriage 42 comprises an enclosed structure, having a base 45 and a lid 46. The base 45 is generally rectangular and has flat bottom 50 and peripheral upwardly extending sidewalls 56 along the four sides of the base, comprising front, rear and side sidewalls. Conveniently, the tray is fabricated from a strong and rigid material, such as rigid plastic, hardened aluminum alloy or stainless steel plate. The base 45 includes a release means to fixedly engage the carriage to the carriage frame during normal marine operation. The release means comprises an arm 60 rotatably mounted at generally its midpoint to the front sidewall by way of a mount 62, and having handles 64 extending from the ends of the arm for ease of rotation by a user. In the stowed position (i.e., during normal marine operation, with the chute carriage fixed to the chute frame), the arm 60 is oriented generally vertically to abut an end of one of the rails 44 of the carriage frame, thus preventing the carriage from sliding downwardly off the frame. The arm 60 is maintained in the non-deployment position by means of a removable pin 70 extending through the arm and into either of the chute support or the tray. Upon removal of the pin by a user, the arm may be rotated to a generally horizontal position, which permits the carriage to slide downwardly along the rails and over the side of the vessel.
In another version, shown in Figure 7, the rails 72 of the carriage frame incorporate rollers 74 on their upper surface for facilitating movement of the carriage 42 along the rails. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 8, the carriage may incorporate rollers 76 that roll within corresponding channels 78 within the rails 80. In either of these versions, the reduced friction between the carriage and the rails permits the use of a shallower angle and also minimizes the risk that the carriage will not slide along the rails upon release.
The chute 52 comprises a generally conventional tubular fabric chute of any convenient type known to the art, and which includes descent control means to slow the speed of descent of users, as seen in Figure 9. Conventionally, the chute comprises inner and outer fabric layers 89 and 91, with the outer layer 91 comprising a generally straight-walled tube and the inner layer 89 forming a tortuous path to slow the rate of descent of users. As well or alternatively, the user may grip an overhead trapeze 90 that descends through the chute at a controlled speed. The trapeze is suspended by a cord 92 that is attached at its upper end to a cord reel 94 having brake means 96 to pay the cord out a controlled speed as the user descends.
Upon completion of the descent, the cord reel may automatically rewind the cord upon release of the trapeze by the user, for use by a subsequent passenger.
The upper region of the chute 52 is characterized by an entry portal 100 within .
the sidewall of the chute, permitting users to walk into the chute. A similar exit portal 102 is disposed at the lower end. The upper end of the chute is capped with a generally circular rigid cap 104. The cap maintains the tubular form of the chute and prevents its collapse. The chute terminates at its upper end in an array of bowsing lines 110 for suspending the chute the crossbar 26 of the suspension frame 16.
The apparatus may include with a single chute (as seen in Figure 10) or dual chutes 52, as seen in Figure 5. The dual chute version comprises two chutes 52, which are otherwise identical to the chute 52 of the single chute version, positioned for deployment in side by side relationship. On deployment, both chutes are suspended from the common crossbar 26 of the suspension frame 16. When in the stowed position, both chutes are folded into a single chute carriage for simultaneous deployment.
The fabric chute 52 has attached to its lower end an integral inflatable embarkation platform 110, shown in Figure 11. The platform 110 is engaged to the chute 52 by means of an array of cords 112, which preferably comprise elastic "bungee" cords which have a breaking strength calibrated to permit the cords to break when the strain exceeds a predetermined amount approximating the weight of the embarkation platform loaded with at least one passenger. This permits the platform to disengage from the vessel in the event the vessel lists or sinks before the passengers disembark from the platform to a life raft or the like.
Conveniently, the platform is engaged to the chute by means of two pairs of cords, a first pair fastening to the outer chute layer 91 and a second pair fastening to the inner chute layer 89.
The cords 112 are tensioned from the vantage of the platform 110, by means of a tensioning lever 113 pivotally mounted to the platform 110 to one side and somewhat displaced from the central axis of the chute 52, to impart a curvature to the bottom region of the chute. The platform itself is essentially similar to a rectangular life raft with additional thwarts. The platform comprises in the preferred version comprises a peripheral tubular member 114 for flotation, which incorporates inflation canisters 116. The canister are triggered upon contact with seawater to release a gas into the inflatable raft tubes for inflation of the platform upon deployment into the sea water.
A fabric web 118 spans the interior of the platform and serves as passenger-bearing platform for receiving passengers prior to embarkation onto a life raft or the like.
Upon release of the chute carriage 50 by removal of the pin 70 and actuation of the release means, the carriage 52 and accompanying chute 52 slide downwardly and outwardly along the rails and over the side of the vessel. The downward and outward movement of the carriage swings the suspension frame 16 outwardly, such that the cross bar 26 is moved to a position substantially overhanging the side of the vessel. The position of the cross bar 26 relative to the vessel side positions the deployed chute 52 in a spaced apart position relative to the vessel side, to minimize the chance that the chute will hit the vessel hull during use. The upper end of the chute 52 is fastened to the cross bar 26 of the suspension frame 16 by means of the bowsing lines 110, and remains suspended from the frame. The chute carriage 50 remains engaged to the embarkation platform 110 throughout, and upon deployment of the platform 110 the carriage is suspended below the waterline from the platform 110. A winch 124 mounted to the deck applies tension to the bowsing lines and permits vertical positioning of the chute. This ability is essential, since the distance from the vessel deck to the sea surface will vary with the load carried by the ship, and as well will change if the ship is listing or sinking. Thus, correct positioning of the chute cannot be fully pre-set and must be carried out at deployment.
Pivotal movement of the suspension frame 16 in the outboard direction is limited by a cable 130 connecting the upper end of the support frame with the ship deck. Prior to deployment of the chute 52, the cable 130 is slack. As the suspension frame 16 rotates outwardly, the cable is drawn taught, thus limiting the deployment angle of the suspension frame 16 to a preselected angle suitable for suspending the chute in an appropriate displaced position relative to the vessel hull. The selected maximum suspension frame angle is selected to reflect the individual vessel requirements. For example, certain vessel hulls may be slightly bowed outwardly in the vertical direction, thus necessitating a greater amount of lateral displacement of the chute 52. As well, a greater deck to sea distance may require a greater amount of displacement.
The gap between the vessel deck 20 and the entry portal 100 of the chute 52 is spanned by a pivoting bridge member 134. The bridge member in the non-deployed position rests on the vessel deck, and is attached to the deck by means of a pivot mount 136. Upon deployment, the bridge member is pivoted such that it extends overboard of the vessel, and extends part way into the portal 100. In some cases, the vessel design includes a downwardly stepped portion 136 at the edge of the deck and the bridge member may include a locking collapsible leg 137 for contacting the downwardly stepped portion and supporting the bridge member. In the absence of a downwardly portion, the collapsible leg 137 may angle inwardly and contact the exterior vertical face of the vessel hull.
Subsequent to deployment of the chute 52, the vertical position of the chute is adjusted to stabilize the platform 110 directly below the chute. When the chute is optimally tensioned, it describes a curve at its base for a final slowing of the rate of descent of users. For this purpose, a shock cord 140 is slidably mounted to the exterior of the chute, extending from its base to the support frame. The lower, free end of the shock cord 140 is fastened to a lever 142 , which in turn is pivotally mounted to the embarkation platform 110. Rotation of the lever tension the shock cords and imparts curvature to the lower region of the chute, as seen in Figure 6i.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains that although the present patent specification describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention encompasses numerous departures from and variations to the embodiment described herein, as set forth in the accompanying patent claims.
A drawback within the embarkation platform of the prior art resides in the permanent attachment of the platform to the chute. This can be an extreme hazard if the vessel starts to list or sink while passengers are on the platform, since movement of the vessel would tend to either draw the platform underwater or hoist it above the surface. There is a need for a chute having an embarkation platform that may be readily detached from the chute by untrained operators acting in a panic situation.
A further limitation within the prior art resides in the means by which the rate of descent of passengers is controlled within the chute. The use of a tortuous path as the sole speed control means may result in different rates of descent for passengers of different sizes. Thus, it is desirable to provide alternative or supplementary descent control means.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved marine evacuation chute apparatus including a deployment means for the same, whereby a flexible fabric-type chute is safely and securely stowed within a folded position inboard of a vessel, on a vessel deck or the like, and whereby the chute may be rapidly, safely, and easily operated by a single individual to deploy the chute to an overboard position suspended alongside the vessel.
It is a further object to provide an embarkation platform associated with the chute arrangement, whereby the platform may be readily disconnected from the chute by a passenger on the platform, in the event of an emergency.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved descent control means for slowing the rate of descent of passengers descending through the chute.
In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention comprises in one aspect an emergency marine chute apparatus for evacuating passengers from a deck of a marine vessel and over the side of the vessel to the sea surface, comprising:
- a flexible tubular chute for transit of a passenger therethrough, said chute being foldable or compressible to comprise a stowed position and extendible vertically to comprise deployed position;
- descent control means to control and slow the rate of descent of a passenger within said chute;
- a chute suspension frame engaged to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby the chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when the chute is within the deployed position;
and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
-$-Preferably, the apparatus includes means to carry the chute from an inboard to an outboard position, comprising the following:
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within the stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting the chute carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within the stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from the first to the second position by the chute carriage and chute acting on the frame when moving to the deployed position.
The deployment means may comprise a downwardly-sloping rail within the carriage frame, upon which the carriage may slide towards an overboard position.
Preferably, there is further provided an embarkation platform connected to the chute, for receiving passengers from the chute prior to embarkation on a life raft or other emergency craft.
The arrangement may comprise either a single chute fastened to the pivoting support frame or dual chutes in side by side relationship.
In a further aspect, the descent control means comprises a trapeze suspended from cord means, said cord means being payed out by a cord reel at a controlled rate by a brake means for paying out said cord, whereby said trapeze may be gripped by a user to lower the user through said chute at a controlled rate.
In a further aspect, the invention comprises apparatus for stowing and _6_ deploying chute from an upper deck of a vessel. In this aspect, the invention comprises the following elements:
- a chute suspension frame engaged to the chute, for suspending the chute in a position whereby the chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when the chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is moveable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
In a preferred version, the deployment apparatus includes means to carry the chute from an inboard to an outboard position, comprising the following:
- a chute carriage for holding the chute within the stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting the chute carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within the stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from the first to the second position by the chute carriage and chute acting on the frame when moving to the deployed position.
The deployment means may comprise a downwardly-sloping rail within the carriage frame, upon which the carriage may slide towards an overboard position.
Having thus summarized various aspects of the invention, the present invention will now be further described by way of illustrations and descriptions of _'7_ particular embodiments of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the chute deployment apparatus according the present invention, within a stowed position;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the deployment apparatus, within the stowed position ;
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the invention;
Figure 4 is a plan view;
Figures 5 (a)- (c) are perspective views of the apparatus within the deployed position;
Figures 6a to 6i illustrate the steps of deploying a chute in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a side elevational view, exploded, of a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side sectional view of a portion of the apparatus;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further portion of the apparatus.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A chute deployment apparatus according to the present invention is designated globally as 10, and is mounted on a vessel 12, a portion of which is shown for illustration. The vessel may comprise any large floating or non-floating vessel such as an oil rig, ocean liner, ferry or other vessel.
Referring to Figures 1-5, the apparatus comprises a chute suspension frame 16 for suspending the chute 18 from an upper deck of the vessel. Figure 5 illustrates the chute within a suspended, deployed position for use by disembarking passengers. The frame 16 consists of parallel spaced apart generally vertical struts _g_ 24, spanned at their upper ends by a cross bar 26. The vertical supports are each pivotally mounted to the ship deck by pivot mounts 27. The pivot mounts permit pivotal movement of the support about a horizontal axis, from an inboard position shown in Figures 1 to 4 wherein the support angles slightly from the vertical in the inboard direction, to the deployed position shown in Figure 5, wherein the support angles outwardly over the side of the ship. The pivot mounts 27 each comprise a base 28 bolted or otherwise permanently mounted to the ship deck, and a pivot pin 29, for pivotally attaching a corresponding strut to the base.
The term "inboard" as used herein is a directional reference meaning generally oriented or positioned within the confines of the ship hull. The term "outboard" refers to the positioning of an element over the side of the vessel.
The apparatus 10 is housed within its own compartment 30 (seen in Figure 6(a)) which during normal operation of the vessel is fully closed. The compartment will typically be located adjacent to the side of the vessel, either on an upper deck or elsewhere. The compartment may be accessed from the inboard side by way of an interior door 32, which may incorporate protective release means to prevent unauthorized access during normal marine operation. The compartment communicates at the outboard side with the exterior of the vessel by means of an exterior door 34, which may be released by means of a release cord 36 operable from within the interior of the compartment.
The chute suspension frame 16 is associated with a chute carriage structure, designated globally as 40. The carriage structure is fixedly mounted either directly to the ship deck or to the pivot mounts 28. The carriage structure comprises a chute carriage 42, which holds the chute in a folded or bunched position within the stowed position, and a carriage frame 43, to which the carriage is slidably engaged.
The carriage frame is composed of two co-planar rigid elongate members, namely a pair of spaced-apart parallel side rails 44. Each rail is fixedly mounted at its proximate end to the ship deck or the base 28 of a corresponding pivot mount 27, such that the rails 44 angle upwardly in an inboard direction. The rails 44 are each fixedly supported in their angled position by a vertical support pillar 48 extending from the ship deck to the distal end of the rail 44. The carriage frame 43 and the chute suspension frame 16 thus comprise two planar structures arranged in separate planes meeting along a line generally adjacent the side of the vessel.
The rails 44 of the chute carriage frame 43 are sufficiently angled to permit the carriage 42 when released to slide downwardly along the rails solely by the action of gravity acting on the carriage. The required angle at which the rails are disposed will depend on the structure of the rails and carriage. For example, in one version (described below) the carriage or the rails may be provided with rollers to facilitate relative movement of the carriage along the rails. It will also be seen that the angle of the rails must take into account the fact that during a marine emergency, the ship may have a list and this will effectively reduce the angle of the rails.
Accordingly, the rails should be positioned at an angle that will take into account such an eventuality.
The chute carriage 42 comprises an enclosed structure, having a base 45 and a lid 46. The base 45 is generally rectangular and has flat bottom 50 and peripheral upwardly extending sidewalls 56 along the four sides of the base, comprising front, rear and side sidewalls. Conveniently, the tray is fabricated from a strong and rigid material, such as rigid plastic, hardened aluminum alloy or stainless steel plate. The base 45 includes a release means to fixedly engage the carriage to the carriage frame during normal marine operation. The release means comprises an arm 60 rotatably mounted at generally its midpoint to the front sidewall by way of a mount 62, and having handles 64 extending from the ends of the arm for ease of rotation by a user. In the stowed position (i.e., during normal marine operation, with the chute carriage fixed to the chute frame), the arm 60 is oriented generally vertically to abut an end of one of the rails 44 of the carriage frame, thus preventing the carriage from sliding downwardly off the frame. The arm 60 is maintained in the non-deployment position by means of a removable pin 70 extending through the arm and into either of the chute support or the tray. Upon removal of the pin by a user, the arm may be rotated to a generally horizontal position, which permits the carriage to slide downwardly along the rails and over the side of the vessel.
In another version, shown in Figure 7, the rails 72 of the carriage frame incorporate rollers 74 on their upper surface for facilitating movement of the carriage 42 along the rails. Alternatively, as seen in Figure 8, the carriage may incorporate rollers 76 that roll within corresponding channels 78 within the rails 80. In either of these versions, the reduced friction between the carriage and the rails permits the use of a shallower angle and also minimizes the risk that the carriage will not slide along the rails upon release.
The chute 52 comprises a generally conventional tubular fabric chute of any convenient type known to the art, and which includes descent control means to slow the speed of descent of users, as seen in Figure 9. Conventionally, the chute comprises inner and outer fabric layers 89 and 91, with the outer layer 91 comprising a generally straight-walled tube and the inner layer 89 forming a tortuous path to slow the rate of descent of users. As well or alternatively, the user may grip an overhead trapeze 90 that descends through the chute at a controlled speed. The trapeze is suspended by a cord 92 that is attached at its upper end to a cord reel 94 having brake means 96 to pay the cord out a controlled speed as the user descends.
Upon completion of the descent, the cord reel may automatically rewind the cord upon release of the trapeze by the user, for use by a subsequent passenger.
The upper region of the chute 52 is characterized by an entry portal 100 within .
the sidewall of the chute, permitting users to walk into the chute. A similar exit portal 102 is disposed at the lower end. The upper end of the chute is capped with a generally circular rigid cap 104. The cap maintains the tubular form of the chute and prevents its collapse. The chute terminates at its upper end in an array of bowsing lines 110 for suspending the chute the crossbar 26 of the suspension frame 16.
The apparatus may include with a single chute (as seen in Figure 10) or dual chutes 52, as seen in Figure 5. The dual chute version comprises two chutes 52, which are otherwise identical to the chute 52 of the single chute version, positioned for deployment in side by side relationship. On deployment, both chutes are suspended from the common crossbar 26 of the suspension frame 16. When in the stowed position, both chutes are folded into a single chute carriage for simultaneous deployment.
The fabric chute 52 has attached to its lower end an integral inflatable embarkation platform 110, shown in Figure 11. The platform 110 is engaged to the chute 52 by means of an array of cords 112, which preferably comprise elastic "bungee" cords which have a breaking strength calibrated to permit the cords to break when the strain exceeds a predetermined amount approximating the weight of the embarkation platform loaded with at least one passenger. This permits the platform to disengage from the vessel in the event the vessel lists or sinks before the passengers disembark from the platform to a life raft or the like.
Conveniently, the platform is engaged to the chute by means of two pairs of cords, a first pair fastening to the outer chute layer 91 and a second pair fastening to the inner chute layer 89.
The cords 112 are tensioned from the vantage of the platform 110, by means of a tensioning lever 113 pivotally mounted to the platform 110 to one side and somewhat displaced from the central axis of the chute 52, to impart a curvature to the bottom region of the chute. The platform itself is essentially similar to a rectangular life raft with additional thwarts. The platform comprises in the preferred version comprises a peripheral tubular member 114 for flotation, which incorporates inflation canisters 116. The canister are triggered upon contact with seawater to release a gas into the inflatable raft tubes for inflation of the platform upon deployment into the sea water.
A fabric web 118 spans the interior of the platform and serves as passenger-bearing platform for receiving passengers prior to embarkation onto a life raft or the like.
Upon release of the chute carriage 50 by removal of the pin 70 and actuation of the release means, the carriage 52 and accompanying chute 52 slide downwardly and outwardly along the rails and over the side of the vessel. The downward and outward movement of the carriage swings the suspension frame 16 outwardly, such that the cross bar 26 is moved to a position substantially overhanging the side of the vessel. The position of the cross bar 26 relative to the vessel side positions the deployed chute 52 in a spaced apart position relative to the vessel side, to minimize the chance that the chute will hit the vessel hull during use. The upper end of the chute 52 is fastened to the cross bar 26 of the suspension frame 16 by means of the bowsing lines 110, and remains suspended from the frame. The chute carriage 50 remains engaged to the embarkation platform 110 throughout, and upon deployment of the platform 110 the carriage is suspended below the waterline from the platform 110. A winch 124 mounted to the deck applies tension to the bowsing lines and permits vertical positioning of the chute. This ability is essential, since the distance from the vessel deck to the sea surface will vary with the load carried by the ship, and as well will change if the ship is listing or sinking. Thus, correct positioning of the chute cannot be fully pre-set and must be carried out at deployment.
Pivotal movement of the suspension frame 16 in the outboard direction is limited by a cable 130 connecting the upper end of the support frame with the ship deck. Prior to deployment of the chute 52, the cable 130 is slack. As the suspension frame 16 rotates outwardly, the cable is drawn taught, thus limiting the deployment angle of the suspension frame 16 to a preselected angle suitable for suspending the chute in an appropriate displaced position relative to the vessel hull. The selected maximum suspension frame angle is selected to reflect the individual vessel requirements. For example, certain vessel hulls may be slightly bowed outwardly in the vertical direction, thus necessitating a greater amount of lateral displacement of the chute 52. As well, a greater deck to sea distance may require a greater amount of displacement.
The gap between the vessel deck 20 and the entry portal 100 of the chute 52 is spanned by a pivoting bridge member 134. The bridge member in the non-deployed position rests on the vessel deck, and is attached to the deck by means of a pivot mount 136. Upon deployment, the bridge member is pivoted such that it extends overboard of the vessel, and extends part way into the portal 100. In some cases, the vessel design includes a downwardly stepped portion 136 at the edge of the deck and the bridge member may include a locking collapsible leg 137 for contacting the downwardly stepped portion and supporting the bridge member. In the absence of a downwardly portion, the collapsible leg 137 may angle inwardly and contact the exterior vertical face of the vessel hull.
Subsequent to deployment of the chute 52, the vertical position of the chute is adjusted to stabilize the platform 110 directly below the chute. When the chute is optimally tensioned, it describes a curve at its base for a final slowing of the rate of descent of users. For this purpose, a shock cord 140 is slidably mounted to the exterior of the chute, extending from its base to the support frame. The lower, free end of the shock cord 140 is fastened to a lever 142 , which in turn is pivotally mounted to the embarkation platform 110. Rotation of the lever tension the shock cords and imparts curvature to the lower region of the chute, as seen in Figure 6i.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains that although the present patent specification describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention encompasses numerous departures from and variations to the embodiment described herein, as set forth in the accompanying patent claims.
Claims (22)
1. An emergency marine chute apparatus for evacuating passengers from a deck of a marine vessel and over the side of the vessel to the sea surface, comprising:
- a flexible tubular chute for transit of a passenger therethrough, said chute being foldable or compressible to comprise a stowed position and extendible vertically to comprise deployed position;
- descent control means to control and slow the rate of descent of a passenger within said chute;
- a chute suspension frame engaged to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby said chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when said chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
- a flexible tubular chute for transit of a passenger therethrough, said chute being foldable or compressible to comprise a stowed position and extendible vertically to comprise deployed position;
- descent control means to control and slow the rate of descent of a passenger within said chute;
- a chute suspension frame engaged to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby said chute is spaced apart from the side of said vessel when said chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
2. Apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein there is further provided:
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within said stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting said chute carriage such that the chute carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within said stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said chute carriage to urge the chute carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said chute carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from said first to said second position by said chute carriage and chute acting on said frame when moving to said deployed position.
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within said stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting said chute carriage such that the chute carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within said stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said chute carriage to urge the chute carriage relative to said carriage frame from said stowed position to a deployed position wherein said chute carriage and said chute are overboard of said vessel;
wherein said chute suspension frame is urged from said first to said second position by said chute carriage and chute acting on said frame when moving to said deployed position.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said deployment means comprises at least one elongate member forming part of said carriage frame and mounted to slope downwardly and outwardly towards the side of said vessel, wherein said chute carriage is retained on said member by a releasable retainer within said stowed position, and upon release of said retainer is urged by the force of gravity acting on said carriage to slide along said elongate member and draw said suspension frame outwardly therewith.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said mount means are adapted for mounting said suspension frame to a deck of said vessel.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said suspension frame comprises paired struts spanned by a crossbar.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said chute is engaged to said suspension frame by bowsing lines that pass through pulley means associated with said suspension frame.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising an invertible drawbridge for passenger access to the chute, said drawbridge having pivotal mount means for pivotal mounting to said vessel, and moveable between a stowed position onboard of said vessel, and a deployment position wherein said bridge extends between the deck of said vessel and the upper end of said chute for access to said chute by individual users.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a cord means linking said frame to said vessel and limiting the movement thereof in an outboard direction.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising an embarkation platform connected to said chute by releasable fastening means whereby passengers upon said platform may disconnect said platform disconnected from said chute.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising cord means fastened to an upper portion of said chute and slidably connected to said chute, whereby application of tension to said cord imparts curvature to a lower region of said chute.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising a single chute.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising two chutes connected to said suspension frame.
13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said descent control means comprises a trapeze suspended from cord means, said cord means being payed out at a controlled rate by a brake means for paying out said cord, whereby said trapeze may be gripped by a user and lowered through said chute at a controlled rate.
14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said brake means is associated with a cord reel for paying out said cord.
15. A deployment apparatus for stowing and deploying a flexible emergency marine chute apparatus for evacuating passengers from a deck of a marine vessel and over the side of the vessel to the sea surface, comprising:
- a chute suspension frame for engagement to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby said chute is spaced apart from the said of said vessel when said chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
- a chute suspension frame for engagement to said chute, for suspending said chute in a position whereby said chute is spaced apart from the said of said vessel when said chute is within the deployed position; and - pivotal mount means for mounting said chute suspension frame to said vessel, wherein said frame is rotatable between a first position wherein said frame is substantially inboard of said vessel and said chute is within said stowed position, to a second position wherein at least a portion of said frame overhangs the side of said vessel to suspend said chute within said deployed position.
16. Apparatus as defined in Claim 15, wherein there is further provided:
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within said stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting said carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within said stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage along said carriage frame from said stowed position to an overboard deployed position;
wherein said frame is urged from said first to said second position by said carriage and chute acting on said frame when moving to said deployed position.
- a chute carriage for holding said chute within said stowed position;
- a carriage frame for supporting said carriage such that the carriage is substantially inboard of the vessel within said stowed position; and - deployment means for acting on said carriage to urge the carriage along said carriage frame from said stowed position to an overboard deployed position;
wherein said frame is urged from said first to said second position by said carriage and chute acting on said frame when moving to said deployed position.
17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said deployment means comprises at least one elongate member within said carriage frame mounted to slope downwardly and outwardly towards the side of said vessel, wherein said chute carriage is retained on said member by a releasable retainer within said stowed position, and upon release of said retainer is urged by the force of gravity acting on said carriage to slide along said chute and draw said support frame outwardly therewith.
18. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein said mount means are for mounting said frame to a deck of said vessel.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said frame comprises paired struts spanned by a crossbar.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising bowsing lines that pass trough pulley means associated with said suspension frame for engaging said chute to said suspension frame.
21. Apparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising an invertible drawbridge for passenger access to the chute, said drawbridge having pivotal mount means for pivotal mounting to said vessel, and moveable between a stowed position onboard of said vessel, and a deployment position wherein said bridge extends between the deck of said vessel and the upper end of said chute for access to said chute by individual users.
22. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, further comprising a cord means linking said frame to said vessel and limiting the movement thereof in an outboard direction.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002256910A CA2256910A1 (en) | 1998-12-21 | 1998-12-21 | Emergency marine evacuation chute system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002256910A CA2256910A1 (en) | 1998-12-21 | 1998-12-21 | Emergency marine evacuation chute system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2256910A1 true CA2256910A1 (en) | 2000-06-21 |
Family
ID=29425883
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002256910A Abandoned CA2256910A1 (en) | 1998-12-21 | 1998-12-21 | Emergency marine evacuation chute system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2256910A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112471030A (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2021-03-12 | 烟台中集来福士海洋工程有限公司 | Aquaculture net cage and climbing ladder thereof |
-
1998
- 1998-12-21 CA CA002256910A patent/CA2256910A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112471030A (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2021-03-12 | 烟台中集来福士海洋工程有限公司 | Aquaculture net cage and climbing ladder thereof |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20011116 |