EP0061481B1 - Unfoldable boat roof having a passive locating device - Google Patents

Unfoldable boat roof having a passive locating device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0061481B1
EP0061481B1 EP81902747A EP81902747A EP0061481B1 EP 0061481 B1 EP0061481 B1 EP 0061481B1 EP 81902747 A EP81902747 A EP 81902747A EP 81902747 A EP81902747 A EP 81902747A EP 0061481 B1 EP0061481 B1 EP 0061481B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
roof
boat
bracing
reflector
members
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Expired
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EP81902747A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0061481A1 (en
Inventor
Henning Peters
Bruno Sturzenbecher
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Autoflug GmbH
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Autoflug GmbH
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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
    • B63C9/21—Boats, rafts, buoys or the like, characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights, reflectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
    • H01Q15/18—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures comprising plurality of mutually inclined plane surfaces, e.g. corner reflector
    • H01Q15/20—Collapsible reflectors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a deployable boat roof, preferably as part of an inflatable life raft, with means for reflecting radar beams in the form of at least one collapsible location reflector, which can be erected together with the roof body and, when erected, preferably two first reflection surfaces intersecting at right angles and one on the roof side thereof End forms a second reflection surface arranged at right angles to it.
  • An inflatable life raft with means for reflecting radar beams is already known (DE-AS 11 19 707).
  • the approximately hemispherical roof body carries a passive direction finder on top in the form of a collapsible so-called triple mirror, the outer edges of which are covered with air hoses that are inflated together with the floating and other support hoses of the life raft and thereby unfold and set up the radar reflector.
  • this training is associated with the disadvantage that the hose structure sitting like a heavy crown on the roof of the life raft is top heavy causes the capsizing stability, which is fundamentally critical in life rafts, is adversely affected.
  • a radar reflector for use in missiles or the like which, although it has an arrangement of the tensioning and form-retaining members for the reflection surfaces along their abutting edges, is a heavy construction which must be built by means of a special spring and which would lead to an unfavorable top load in inflatable life rafts.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a deployable boat roof with means for reflecting radar beams according to the type described above, which has no gas-carrying, easily vulnerable components, reduces the top load, has no installation elements to be triggered separately, offers low wind resistance and thus avoids undesirable sailing properties and is ultimately effective with little manufacturing effort.
  • the boat roof can be easily and closely folded together with the direction finder, while on the other hand it is ensured that a geometrically perfect reflector is available after deployment.
  • the weight of the reflector is particularly light, so that it can also be carried steadily by the usually light boat roofs of conventional life rafts.
  • no measures are required to support or unfold the reflector. Manual retrofitting can also be carried out easily.
  • the boat roof 10 is preferably the approximately hemispherical roof of an inflatable life raft in the unfolded state, which is equipped in a conventional manner in support tubes for the roof, not shown in the drawing. However, it can also be the partially open roof cap of a rigid lifeboat or a sports boat, the roof shape being maintained in the unfolded state by means of a bow.
  • a radar reflector 11 in the form of a triple mirror with four horizontal reflection surfaces 12 and eight vertical reflection surfaces 13 is fastened on top of the roof body 10.
  • the reflection surfaces 12, 13 each have the shape of a right-angled triangle, so that the base surface of the triple mirror formed from the surfaces 12 is a square (FIG. 2).
  • the triangular ones rise on the diagonals of this square Reflection surfaces 13 which, with their edges directed towards the center, form a receiving channel 24, in that they are connected to one another, for example by means of binding tapes, to form a cavity.
  • At the lower end of the channel 24 and in the middle of the square there is a central point 14 at which all reflection surfaces 12, 13 meet.
  • rods 15 made of somewhat flexible plastic are arranged towards the central point 14 and end at a comparatively short distance from the central point 14. At a similar distance, a further rod 16 rises on the central point 14 in the channel 24, which extends to the tip of the reflection surfaces 13 of the reflector 11.
  • the rods 15, 16 together with the reflector surfaces 12, 13 form an umbrella-like deployment frame, the rods providing the required tension and shape retention in the final state of the deployment.
  • the connection of the rods 15, 16 with the reflector 11 takes place through a common trim, which is composed of two textile trim discs 17, 18 and a grommet 19 forming the grommet-shaped trim part.
  • the shim 17 is above the rods 15, the shim 18 below it, and to fix the rods 15 at the central point 14, the shims 17, 18 are sewn together in such a way that a pocket 20 is formed for each rod 15. Since the disks 17, 18 have a diameter which corresponds approximately to half the edge length of the square formed from the reflection surfaces 12, the rods 15 are inserted somewhat less than half in the pockets 20; on the outside they are in pockets 25, which are arranged at the corners of the square under the reflecting surfaces 12.
  • the upstanding rod 16 is inserted with its lower end in the spout 19, which in turn fits into the channel 24 from below.
  • the attachment of the reflector 11 on the roof body 10 is done here in a simple manner by means of adhesive 21, which is located between the lower shim 18 and the top of the roof body 10.
  • the attachment can also be carried out in other ways, for example detachably by means of push buttons.
  • the four corners of the square formed from the reflection surfaces 12 are connected to the roof body 10 by means of rubber cords 22, an adhesive joint 23 being provided on the latter.
  • the rubber cords 22 are so long that the base of the reflector 11, composed of the reflection surfaces 12, is held in one plane with the rods 15 in the stretched state.
  • the roof 10 with the reflector 11 can easily be folded together according to a certain scheme and packed in a packaging bag or container.
  • the reflector 11 When unfolding - be it automatically as with most inflatable life rafts or manually as with lifeboat and yacht roofs - the reflector 11 is stretched like an umbrella and sits tight on the roof. Boat movements under the influence of wind and waves can practically not affect the geometry of the light reflector.
  • the movable articulation of the rods 15 near the central point 14 of the reflector can also be done in a different way than by means of textile shims 17, 18, for example by means of a wire ring, not shown in the drawing, which includes the central point 14 and at which the inwardly pointing ends of the Chopsticks 15 are attached movably.
  • the boat roof 10 can also be equipped with two reflectors 11, which are arranged next to one another and are each inclined with their reflecting surfaces 12 by approximately 45 degrees with respect to the water surface, so that a locating pulse running parallel to the water occurs simultaneously on three sides of the triple mirror.
  • the boat roofs designed according to the invention make a significant contribution to the fact that the rescue equipment equipped therewith can be found more easily and quickly by the ships or aircraft looking for them after the watering in an emergency, which greatly increases the chance of survival of the rescue equipment occupants who are in distress. This also contributes to the fact that the stability of the caps is not impaired in any way by the direction-finding device according to the invention and undesired sailing properties of the rescue devices are avoided.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine entfaltbares Bootsdach, vorzugsweise als Bestandteil eines aufblasbaren Rettungsfloßes, mit Mitteln zur Reflexion von Radarstrahlen in Gestalt wenigstens eines zusammenlegbaren Ortungsreflektors, der gemeinsam mit dem Dachkörper errichtbar ist und in errichtetem Zustand vorzugsweise zwei sich rechtwinklig kreuzende erste Reflexionsflächen sowie eine an deren dachseitigem Ende rechtwinklig dazu angeordnete zweite Refelxionsfläche bildet.The invention relates to a deployable boat roof, preferably as part of an inflatable life raft, with means for reflecting radar beams in the form of at least one collapsible location reflector, which can be erected together with the roof body and, when erected, preferably two first reflection surfaces intersecting at right angles and one on the roof side thereof End forms a second reflection surface arranged at right angles to it.

Es ist bereits ein aufblasbares Rettungsfloß mit Mitteln zur Reflexion von Radarstrahlen bekannt (DE-AS 11 19 707). Bei diesem Rettungsfloß trägt der ungefähr halbkugelförmige Dachkörper obenauf eine passive Peilvorrichtung in Form eines zusammenlegbaren sogenannten Tripelspiegels, dessen Außenkanten mit Luftschläuchen besetzt sind, die zusammen mit den Schwimm- und sonstigen Stützschläuchen des Rettungsfloßes aufgeblasen werden und hierdurch den Radarreflektor entfalten und aufstellen. Abgesehen von der Möglichkeit, daß die die Reflexionsflächen des Tripelspiegels haltenden bzw. tragenden Luftschläuche beschädigt werden können, womit der Reflektor in sich zusammenfällt, ist diese Ausbildung mit dem Nachteil verbunden, daß das wie eine schwere Krone auf dem Dach des Rettungsfloßes sitzende Schlauchgebilde eine Toplastigkeit bewirkt, durch die die bei Rettungsflößen grundsätzlich kritische Kenterstabilität ungünstig beeinflußt wird.An inflatable life raft with means for reflecting radar beams is already known (DE-AS 11 19 707). In this life raft, the approximately hemispherical roof body carries a passive direction finder on top in the form of a collapsible so-called triple mirror, the outer edges of which are covered with air hoses that are inflated together with the floating and other support hoses of the life raft and thereby unfold and set up the radar reflector. Apart from the possibility that the reflecting surfaces of the triple mirror holding or carrying air hoses can be damaged, with which the reflector collapses, this training is associated with the disadvantage that the hose structure sitting like a heavy crown on the roof of the life raft is top heavy causes the capsizing stability, which is fundamentally critical in life rafts, is adversely affected.

Ein wichtiges Problem bei passiven Peilvorrichtungen mit Reflexionsflächen aus nachgiebigem Werkstoff, insbesondere Textilware, ist auch die Erzielung der vorgeschriebenen Geometrie des Reflektors im aufgestellten Zustand, d. h. die Reflexionsflächen sollen faltenfrei sein und rechtwinklig zueinander verlaufen. Dies ist umso schwieriger zu bewerkstelligen, je genauer die Reflexionsflächen zugeschnitten werden müssen, um mit ihren Außenkanten an andere Bauteile anzuschließen. So müssen die Flächen bei dem vorbeschriebenen Stand der Technik beispielsweise kreisausschnittförmig sein, um von dem kronenartigen Schlauchsystem gehalten und getragen werden zu können. Etwas Derartiges wird vermieden bei einem bekannten Wetterballon mit zusammenfaltbarem Radarreflektor (Werbedruckschrift'Radar Corner Reflectors', GEN 6 der Firma Chemring Limited, Portsmouth, England), wobei die Reflektorflächen aus einem metallisierten Kunstfasernetz bestehen, welches an einem starren Leichtmetall-Rohrrahmen nach Art eines Flugdrachens befestigt ist. Der Rohrrahmen kann zum Transport auseinandergenommen werden. Nach dem Zusammenbau wird die vorgeschriebene Geometrie des Reflektors durch gespannte Stahldrähte aufrechterhalten. Für Seenotboote ist diese Reflektorbauart nicht geeignet.An important problem with passive direction finders with reflective surfaces made of flexible material, in particular textile goods, is also the achievement of the prescribed geometry of the reflector in the installed state, i.e. H. the reflection surfaces should be wrinkle-free and perpendicular to each other. This is all the more difficult to accomplish the more precisely the reflection surfaces have to be cut in order to connect their outer edges to other components. For example, in the prior art described above, the surfaces must have a circular section in order to be held and carried by the crown-like hose system. Something of this kind is avoided in a known weather balloon with a collapsible radar reflector (advertising publication 'Radar Corner Reflectors', GEN 6 from Chemring Limited, Portsmouth, England), the reflector surfaces consisting of a metallized synthetic fiber network which is attached to a rigid light metal tubular frame in the manner of a Kite is attached. The tubular frame can be taken apart for transport. After assembly, the prescribed geometry of the reflector is maintained by tensioned steel wires. This type of reflector is not suitable for rescue boats.

Weiterhin ist aus der GB-A-1 111 381 ein Radarreflektor zur Verwendung in Raketen oder dergleichen bekannt, der zwar eine Anordnung der Spann- und Formhalteglieder für die Reflexionsflächen längs deren aneinanderstoßender Kanten aufweist, jedoch handelt es sich dabei um eine schwere Konstruktion, welche mittels einer besonderen Feder errichtet werden muß und die bei aufblasbaren Rettungsflößen zu einer ungünstigen Toplast führen würde.Furthermore, from GB-A-1 111 381 a radar reflector for use in missiles or the like is known which, although it has an arrangement of the tensioning and form-retaining members for the reflection surfaces along their abutting edges, is a heavy construction which must be built by means of a special spring and which would lead to an unfavorable top load in inflatable life rafts.

Ausgehend von dem beschriebenen Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein entfaltbares Bootsdach mit Mitteln zur Reflexion von Radarstrahlen gemäß der eingangs beschriebenen Gattung zu schaffen, welches keine gasführenden, leicht verletzbaren Bauteile hat, die Toplast herabsetzt, keine gesondert auszulösenden Errichtungsorgane aufweist, geringen Windwiderstand bietet und damit nicht gewünschte Segeleigenschaften vermeidet und schließlich bei geringem Fertigungsaufwand sicher wirksam ist.Based on the described prior art, the invention has for its object to provide a deployable boat roof with means for reflecting radar beams according to the type described above, which has no gas-carrying, easily vulnerable components, reduces the top load, has no installation elements to be triggered separately, offers low wind resistance and thus avoids undesirable sailing properties and is ultimately effective with little manufacturing effort.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung dieser Aufgabe ergibt sich einschließlich vorteilhafter Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen aus dem Inhalt der Patentansprüche, welche dieser Beschreibung nachgestellt sind.The solution to this problem according to the invention results, including advantageous refinements and developments, from the content of the patent claims, which follow this description.

Mit der Ausbildungsweise nach der Erfindung werden gattungsgemäße Bootsdächer im Sinne der Aufgabenstellung wesentlich verbessert. Einerseits läßt sich das Bootsdach zusammen mit der Peilvorrichtung leicht und eng zusammenlegen, während andererseits gewährleistet ist, daß nach der Entfaltung ein geometrisch einwandfreier Reflektor zur Verfügung steht. Dabei ist der Reflektor gewichtsmäßig besonders leicht, so daß er auch von den üblicherweise leichten Bootsdächern herkömmlicher Rettungsflöße standfest getragen werden kann. Uber die üblichen Stützschläuche für das Bootsdach hinaus sind keine Maßnahmen erforderlich, um den Reflektor zu unterstützen oder zu entfalten. Auch eine manuelle Nachrüstung läßt sich ohne weiteres durchführen.With the training according to the invention generic boat roofs are significantly improved in terms of the task. On the one hand, the boat roof can be easily and closely folded together with the direction finder, while on the other hand it is ensured that a geometrically perfect reflector is available after deployment. The weight of the reflector is particularly light, so that it can also be carried steadily by the usually light boat roofs of conventional life rafts. In addition to the usual support hoses for the boat roof, no measures are required to support or unfold the reflector. Manual retrofitting can also be carried out easily.

In der Zeichnung ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wiedergegeben, welches nachstehend beschrieben wird.In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown, which is described below.

Es zeigen:Show it:

  • Fig. 1 in vereinfachter Darstellungsweise eine Ansicht auf einen senkrechten Schnitt durch ein Bootsdach mit Radarreflektor gemäß der Linie A - A in Fig. 2,1 is a simplified representation of a view of a vertical section through a boat roof with a radar reflector along the line A - A in Fig. 2,
  • Fig. 2 eine Ansicht des entfalteten Bootsdaches mit Radarreflektor von oben.Fig. 2 is a view of the unfolded boat roof with radar reflector from above.

Bei dem Bootsdach 10 handelt es sich bevorzugt um das im entfalteten Zustand ungefähr halbkugelförmig gestaltete Dach eines aufblasbaren Rettungsfloßes, welches in herkömmlicher Weise in mit der Zeichnung nicht dargestellten Stützschläuchen für das Dach ausgerüstet ist. Es kann sich jedoch auch um die teilweise offene Dachkappe eines starren Rettungsbootes oder eines Sportbootes handeln, wobei die Dachform im entfaltenen Zustand durch Spriegel aufrechterhalten wird.The boat roof 10 is preferably the approximately hemispherical roof of an inflatable life raft in the unfolded state, which is equipped in a conventional manner in support tubes for the roof, not shown in the drawing. However, it can also be the partially open roof cap of a rigid lifeboat or a sports boat, the roof shape being maintained in the unfolded state by means of a bow.

Oben auf dem Dachkörper 10 ist ein Radarreflektor 11 in Form eines Tripelspiegels mit vier waagerechten Reflexionsflächen 12 und acht senkrechten Reflexionsflächen 13 befestigt. Dabei haben die Reflexionsflächen 12, 13, jeweils die Form eines rechtwinkligen Dreiecks, so daß die aus den Flächen 12 gebildete Grundfläche des Tripelspiegels ein Quadrat ist (Fig. 2). Auf den Diagonalen dieses Quadrats erheben sich die dreieckigen Reflexionsflächen 13, welche mit ihren zur Mitte hin gerichteten Kanten einen Aufnahmekanal 24 bilden, indem sie dort zum Beispiel mittels Einfaßbändern zu einem Hohlraum miteinander verbunden sind. Am unteren Ende des Kanals 24 und in der Mitte des Quadrats ergibt sich ein Zentralpunkt 14, an dem sämtliche Reflexionsflächen 12, 13 zusammentreffen. Von den vier Ecken des Quadrats aus sind zum Zentralpunkt 14 hin vier Stäbchen 15 aus etwas biegsamem Kunststoff angeordnet, die mit vergleichsweise geringem Abstand vor dem Zentralpunkt 14 enden. Mit ähnlichem Abstand erhebt sich auf dem Zentralpunkt 14 im Kanal 24 ein weiteres Stäbchen 16, welches bis zur Spitze der Reflexionsflächen 13 des Reflektors 11 reicht. Die Stäbchen 15, 16 bilden zusammen mit den Reflektorflächen 12, 13 ein schirmartiges Entfaltungsgestell, wobei die Stäbchen im Endzustand der Entfaltung für die erforderliche Spannung und Formhaltung sorgen.A radar reflector 11 in the form of a triple mirror with four horizontal reflection surfaces 12 and eight vertical reflection surfaces 13 is fastened on top of the roof body 10. The reflection surfaces 12, 13 each have the shape of a right-angled triangle, so that the base surface of the triple mirror formed from the surfaces 12 is a square (FIG. 2). The triangular ones rise on the diagonals of this square Reflection surfaces 13 which, with their edges directed towards the center, form a receiving channel 24, in that they are connected to one another, for example by means of binding tapes, to form a cavity. At the lower end of the channel 24 and in the middle of the square there is a central point 14 at which all reflection surfaces 12, 13 meet. From the four corners of the square, four rods 15 made of somewhat flexible plastic are arranged towards the central point 14 and end at a comparatively short distance from the central point 14. At a similar distance, a further rod 16 rises on the central point 14 in the channel 24, which extends to the tip of the reflection surfaces 13 of the reflector 11. The rods 15, 16 together with the reflector surfaces 12, 13 form an umbrella-like deployment frame, the rods providing the required tension and shape retention in the final state of the deployment.

Die Verbindung der Stäbchen 15, 16 mit dem Reflektor 11 geschieht durch, einen gemeinsamen Besatz, der aus zwei textilen Besatzscheiben 17, 18 und einer das tüllenartig geformte Besatzteil bildende Tülle 19 zusammengesetzt ist. Dabei befindet sich die Besatzscheibe 17 oberhalb der Stäbchen 15, die Besatzscheibe 18 unterhalb derselben, und zur Festlegung der Stäbchen 15 am Zentralpunkt 14 sind die Besatzscheiben 17, 18 derart miteinander vernäht, daß für jedes Stäbchen 15 eine Tasche 20 gebildet wird. Da die Scheiben 17, 18 einen Durchmesser haben, welcher ungefähr der halben Kantenlänge des aus den Reflexionsflächen 12 gebildeten Quadrats entspricht' stecken die Stäbchen 15 etwas weniger als zur Hälfte in den Taschen 20; außen stecken sie in Taschen 25, die an den Ecken des Quadrats unter den Reflexionsflächen 12 angeordnet sind. Das aufragende Stäbchen 16 steckt mit seinem unteren Ende in der Tülle 19, die wiederum von unten her in den Kanal 24 einpaßt.The connection of the rods 15, 16 with the reflector 11 takes place through a common trim, which is composed of two textile trim discs 17, 18 and a grommet 19 forming the grommet-shaped trim part. The shim 17 is above the rods 15, the shim 18 below it, and to fix the rods 15 at the central point 14, the shims 17, 18 are sewn together in such a way that a pocket 20 is formed for each rod 15. Since the disks 17, 18 have a diameter which corresponds approximately to half the edge length of the square formed from the reflection surfaces 12, the rods 15 are inserted somewhat less than half in the pockets 20; on the outside they are in pockets 25, which are arranged at the corners of the square under the reflecting surfaces 12. The upstanding rod 16 is inserted with its lower end in the spout 19, which in turn fits into the channel 24 from below.

Die Befestigung des Reflektors 11 am Dachkörper 10 geschieht hier auf einfache Weise mittels Klebstoff 21, der sich zwischen unterer Besatzscheibe 18 und Oberseite des Dachkörpers 10 befindet. Die Befestigung kann auch auf andere Weise vorgenommen werden, zum Beispiel lösbar mittels Druckknöpfen. Zusätzlich sind die vier Ecken des aus den Reflexionsflächen 12 gebildeten Quadrats mittels Gummischnüren 22 mit dem Dachkörper 10 verbunden, wobei am letztgenannten wiederum je eine Klebstelle 23 vorgesehen ist. Die Gummischnüre 22 sind so lang, daß die aus den Reflexionsflächen 12 zusammengesetzte Basis des Reflektors 11 mit den Stäbchen 15 im aufgespannten Zustand in einer Ebene gehalten wird.The attachment of the reflector 11 on the roof body 10 is done here in a simple manner by means of adhesive 21, which is located between the lower shim 18 and the top of the roof body 10. The attachment can also be carried out in other ways, for example detachably by means of push buttons. In addition, the four corners of the square formed from the reflection surfaces 12 are connected to the roof body 10 by means of rubber cords 22, an adhesive joint 23 being provided on the latter. The rubber cords 22 are so long that the base of the reflector 11, composed of the reflection surfaces 12, is held in one plane with the rods 15 in the stretched state.

Aufgrund der Anordnung der Stäbchen 15, 16 im Verhältnis zum Zentralpunkt 14 kann das Dach 10 mit dem Reflektor 11 ohne weiteres nach einem bestimmten Schema eng zusammengefaltet und in einem Verpackungssack oder Container verpackt werden. Beim Entfalten - sei es selbsttätig wie bei den meisten aufblasbaren Rettungsflößen oder manuell wie bei Rettungsboot- und Yachtdächern - spannt sich der Reflektor 11 ähnlich einem Regenschirm auf und sitzt straff auf der Dachkuppe. Bootsbewegungen unter dem Einfluß von Wind und Welle können die Geometrie des leichten Reflektors praktisch nicht beeinträchtigen.Due to the arrangement of the sticks 15, 16 in relation to the central point 14, the roof 10 with the reflector 11 can easily be folded together according to a certain scheme and packed in a packaging bag or container. When unfolding - be it automatically as with most inflatable life rafts or manually as with lifeboat and yacht roofs - the reflector 11 is stretched like an umbrella and sits tight on the roof. Boat movements under the influence of wind and waves can practically not affect the geometry of the light reflector.

Die bewegliche Anlenkung der Stäbchen 15 nahe dem Zentralpunkt 14 des Reflektors kann auch auf andere Weise als mittels textiler Besatzscheiben 17, 18 geschehen, beispielsweise mittels einer in der Zeichnung nicht dahrgestellten Drahtringes, der den Zentralpunkt 14 einschließt und an den die nach innen zeigenden Enden der Stäbchen 15 beweglich angeschlagen sind.The movable articulation of the rods 15 near the central point 14 of the reflector can also be done in a different way than by means of textile shims 17, 18, for example by means of a wire ring, not shown in the drawing, which includes the central point 14 and at which the inwardly pointing ends of the Chopsticks 15 are attached movably.

Zur Intensivierung der Reflexion kann das Bootsdach 10 auch mit zwei Reflektoren.ll ausgestattet sein, wobei diese nebeneinander angeordnet sind und jeweils mit ihren Reflexionsflächen 12 um etwa 45 Grad gegenüber der Wasseroberfläche schräg stehen, so daß ein parallel zum Wasser verlaufender Ortungsimpuls gleichzeitig auf drei Seiten des Tripelspiegels trifft.To intensify the reflection, the boat roof 10 can also be equipped with two reflectors 11, which are arranged next to one another and are each inclined with their reflecting surfaces 12 by approximately 45 degrees with respect to the water surface, so that a locating pulse running parallel to the water occurs simultaneously on three sides of the triple mirror.

Die gemäß der Erfindung ausgeführten Bootsdächer tragen wesentlich dazu bei, daß die damit ausgerüsteten Rettungsgeräte nach der Wasserung im Notfall von den sie suchenden Schiffen oder Flugzeugen leichter und schneller ausfindig gemacht werden können, wodurch sich die Überlebenschance der in Seenot geratenen Insassen der Rettungsgeräte außerordentlich erhöht. Dazu trägt auch bei, daß die Kenterstabilität durch die erfindungsgemäße Peilvorrichtung in keiner Weise'beeinträchtigt wird und unerwünschte Segeleigenschaften der Rettungsgeräte vermieden werden.The boat roofs designed according to the invention make a significant contribution to the fact that the rescue equipment equipped therewith can be found more easily and quickly by the ships or aircraft looking for them after the watering in an emergency, which greatly increases the chance of survival of the rescue equipment occupants who are in distress. This also contributes to the fact that the stability of the caps is not impaired in any way by the direction-finding device according to the invention and undesired sailing properties of the rescue devices are avoided.

Claims (13)

1. Unfolding boat roof (10), preferably as a component of an inflatable life-raft, having means for reflecting radar beams in the form of at least one collapsible orientation reflector (11) which can be erected together with the roof member (10) by unfolding the roof and which, in the erected state, preferebly forms two first reflection surfaces (13) intersecting at right-angles and one second reflection surface (12) arranged at the roofside end thereof and at right-angles thereto, characterised in that along the adjoining edges of the first reflection surfaces (13) and of the second reflection surface (12), rod-shaped bracing and stabilising members (15, 16) are arranged in known manner, these members (15, 16) being connected to one another at the central point (14) of the reflector (11) being the common intersecting point of the first and second reflection surfaces (12, 13) in the manner of an umbrella frame and the outer ends thereof are indirectly connected to the roof member (10) at corresponding points of the surface of the roof member (10) by means of preferebly flexible tension members (22) in such a way that the reflector (11) is opened out and erected automaticly by the unfolding roof (10).
2. Boat roof as claimed in claim 1, characterised in the rod-shaped bracing and stabilising members (15, 16) are indirectly connected to one another by the fact that their endsdirected towards the central point (14) are held by a common trimming (17, 18, 19) of flexible material.
3. Boat roof as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the common trimming is provided with pockets (19, 20) in which the ends of the bracing and stabilising members (15, 16) are housed.
4. Boat roof as claimed in claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the common trimming consists of two discshaped elements (17, 18) which are each arranged above and below the bracing and stabilising members (15) and are connected to one another by adhesive bonding, stitching or welding, whilst enclosing and securing partly the bracing and stabilising members (15).
5. Boat roof as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that, in the centre of the upper trim disc (17), there is provided a socket-like fitting (19) for receiving the associated end of the vertical bracing and stabilising member (16).
6. Boat roof as claimed in claims 1 - 5, characterised in that the outwardly directed ends of the bracing and stabilising members (15) are housed in pockets (25) located on roofside under the corners of the second reflection surface (12).
7. Boat roof as claimed in claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the trimming components (17, 18) and the socket-like fitting (19) consist of textile goods.
8. Boat roof as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the trimming components (17, 18) consist of the same textile material as the reflection surfaces (12, 13) of the orientation reflector (11).
9. Boat roof as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the trim-disc (18) located underneath the bracing and stabilising members (15) is connected to the roof member (10) by adhesive bonding, stitching or welding or by means of press studs.
10. Boat roof as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the tension members (22) consist of elastic cord.
11. Boat roof as claimed in claim 1 and 5, characterised in that the up-right first reflection surfaces (13) form, with the edges directed towards the centre, a receiving channel (24) for the vertical bracing and stabilising member (16) in which the socket-like trimming component (19) engages at the bottom.
12. Boat roof as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that two orientation reflectors (11) of the type described are provided on the roof member (10).
13. Boat roof as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the two orientation reflectors (11) are mounted on the roof member (10) in an inclined position, preferably at 45° to the horizontal.
EP81902747A 1980-10-01 1981-09-29 Unfoldable boat roof having a passive locating device Expired EP0061481B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3037079 1980-10-01
DE19803037079 DE3037079A1 (en) 1980-10-01 1980-10-01 FOLDABLE BOAT ROOF WITH PASSIVE ARROW DEVICE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0061481A1 EP0061481A1 (en) 1982-10-06
EP0061481B1 true EP0061481B1 (en) 1986-02-05

Family

ID=6113351

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP81902747A Expired EP0061481B1 (en) 1980-10-01 1981-09-29 Unfoldable boat roof having a passive locating device

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0061481B1 (en)
AU (1) AU7646081A (en)
DE (1) DE3037079A1 (en)
DK (1) DK153614C (en)
FI (1) FI71636C (en)
GB (1) GB2101409B (en)
NL (1) NL183747C (en)
NO (1) NO155519C (en)
SE (1) SE453703B (en)
WO (1) WO1982001279A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3347389A1 (en) * 1983-12-29 1986-02-20 Ballonfabrik See- und Luftausrüstung GmbH & Co KG, 8900 Augsburg Device for reflection of radar waves for location purposes
DE3712079A1 (en) * 1987-04-09 1988-10-20 Marc Andrees De Ruiter Radar reflector
RU2767017C1 (en) * 2021-05-12 2022-03-16 Федеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение науки Институт проблем морских технологий Дальневосточного отделения Российской академии наук (ИПМТ ДВО РАН) Modular inflatable radar reflector
US11623718B2 (en) * 2021-07-13 2023-04-11 Alfred Joseph Koontz, IV Beanbag with storage

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0000447A1 (en) * 1977-07-15 1979-01-24 John Hewitt Firth Radar reflector

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1119707B (en) * 1958-11-26 1961-12-14 Chemring Ltd Inflatable liferaft with means for reflecting radar beams
US3019457A (en) * 1959-01-23 1962-02-06 Chemring Ltd Inflatable rubber dinghies
GB947064A (en) * 1959-07-02 1964-01-22 Dunlop Rubber Co Improvements relating to inflatable reflectors for radio waves
GB1111381A (en) * 1963-10-23 1968-04-24 Pains Wessex Ltd Improvements in and relating to reflectors
DE2814088C2 (en) * 1978-04-01 1984-07-05 Wilhelm 2168 Drochtersen Klöckner Radar reflector for life rafts or boats

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0000447A1 (en) * 1977-07-15 1979-01-24 John Hewitt Firth Radar reflector

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Druckschrift "Radar Corner Reflectors" der Firma Chemring Limited, Alchem Works, Fratton Trading Estate, Portmouth P04 8SX, England *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK240982A (en) 1982-05-27
DE3037079C2 (en) 1989-01-26
NL8120370A (en) 1982-08-02
AU7646081A (en) 1982-04-28
NO155519B (en) 1986-12-29
GB2101409A (en) 1983-01-12
EP0061481A1 (en) 1982-10-06
NL183747C (en) 1989-01-02
DE3037079A1 (en) 1982-04-29
NL183747B (en) 1988-08-01
NO155519C (en) 1987-04-08
NO821813L (en) 1982-06-01
FI71636C (en) 1987-01-19
GB2101409B (en) 1985-02-27
SE453703B (en) 1988-02-22
FI821922A0 (en) 1982-05-31
SE8203339L (en) 1982-05-28
DK153614C (en) 1988-12-19
FI71636B (en) 1986-10-10
DK153614B (en) 1988-08-01
WO1982001279A1 (en) 1982-04-15

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