GB2116123A

GB2116123A - Slipway for loads

Info

Publication number: GB2116123A
Application number: GB08135385A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William George Watson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-11-24
Filing date: 1981-11-24
Publication date: 1983-09-21

Abstract

A slipway system for loads, particularly, boats yachts or like vessels includes a support surface comprising a plurality of separate support surface sections or panels (2) connected end to end by connection means (3). The panels (2) can have a mesh-like formation or comprise side-by-side elements or members which can be arranged either transversely of the length of the panels or lengthwise thereof. Rollers or other forms of load guide means can be provided. The rollers can comprise a cylindrical form or a diabolo form. Alternatively the guide means can be formed by discs or by brush like arrangements. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Slipway for loads This invention relates to the provision of artificial surfaces for facilitating the movement or displacement of bulky objects in a required direction.

In particular, the present invention is concerned with facilitating the launching and recovery of boats such as leisure boats, boats used for rescue purposes and other forms of boat under conditions which do not readily make it possible to handle a boat to and from the water's edge.

It is well known that boats, particularly leisure boats are frequently stowed on dry land either in a boat park adjacent to the water or transported from a location some distance away from the water.

It is also well known to handie boats by mounting them upon wheeled trolleys which are adapted to form trailer units which are towable behind vehicles and which are intended also to provide a means for facilitating the handling of the boat into and out from the water. In practice, such use of a trailer unit inevitably creates the conditions for corrosion and other damage to the trailer unit. It will be understood that in the case of sea water its corrosive properties are very high in relation to the immersion of many materials therein.

It is further well known that very many of the regions over which a boat has to be handled during the launching and recovery stages are not particularly suitable for trolley launching and recovery or for direct manual handling. For example, many beaches are uneven, often stoney or comprised by soft sands.

All of these conditions render the use of trolleys difficult if not impossible. Furthermore such beaches may also make the handling of a boat very difficult in the absence of a trolley unit.

In addition to the above mentioned factors arising from the nature of the terrain over which a boat is required to be handled during launching and recoverr there are further problems arising from the very mechanics of using trailer units.

For example, where trolleys are used, one member of the crew or a bystander must take the trolley away and park it, and then if a crew member rejoin the boat.

In addition, recovery of the boat from the sea requires man handling of the boat from the surf to the trolley; it is not normally possible to recover directly onto the trolley as is the case with fresh or still water boating.

Furthermore, since the trolley wheel bearings are particularly prone to damage by immersion in sea water it is a common practice to launch a boat from a lightweight trolley and to carry the trolley and boat on a road going trailer.

It is also to be noted that even where trolleys and/or winches are usedto assist boat recovery, the operation remains a strenuous one and all but a very few beaches or where good slipwayfacilities are permanently installed and continuously maintained.

Beaches may comprise areas of soft sand which is dry; soft mud and/or stones and shingle. The movement of the beach from one tide to another can be very great; even at some places during the summer when higher velocity winds are not usually prevalent. The progressive erosion and/or build of sand or shingle can undermine or bury concrete or wooden slipways within a few seasons.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for facilitating the launching and recovery of boats by providing arrangements for reducing the effects of the nature of the terrain over which it is necessaryfora boattotravel during launching or recovery from water.

Broadly, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a guide track or support arrangement which is formed from a plurality of sections which may be joined together for the purposes of forming a temporary surface or support for a boat.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a support track system comprised of a plurality of panels or the like and means for connecting the panels or the like, whereby the system may provide a track or surface in a required direction which facilitates the movement of bulky articles along said direction.

Preferably, at least some of the means for connecting are adapted to provide guide means for facilitating the movement of an article being transported on the support track system.

Preferably, the guide means includes rollers or the like which are arranged in lines or a line extending along said direction.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the same into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view of a boat in the process of moving lengthwise of a support track system involving the features of the invention; Figure 2 is a detail of the system of the invention shown to an enlarge scale; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a reinforcing wire system used in the track system; Figure 4 is a view to an enlarged scale of a modified construction of a track forming panel of the system of the invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view of an arrangement for interconnecting panels of the track system of the invention; Figures 6A; 6B and 6C illustrate to an enlarged scale the main components of a means for connecting together panels forming the track system of the invention; Figure 7 is a view illustrating a first form of guide means for assisting in the displacement of a boat along the support track system; Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but showing a second form of the guide means; Figures 9Ato 9D illustrate the major components of the guide means of Figure 7; Figures lotto XOD illustrate in exploded view a first embodiment of a connection arrangement; Figures 1 1A to 11 E illustrate in exploded view a second embodiment of a connection arrangement; Figure 12 schematically illustrates a further form of a panel for forming the track of the invention;; Figure 13 schemarcallyshows a variation of the panel of Figure 12; Figures 14, 15 respectively show further construc tions of the panel for forming a track of the invention; Figures 16, 17, and 18 respectively show further constructions of panels for forming the track of the invention which constructions include links; Figures 19A, 19B respectively show articulated forms of panels for forming a track of the invention; and Figures 20A, 203 and 20C schematically show a modified form of the components for forming an articulated panel.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 the support track system of the invention comprises a number of separate support surface or mat-like panels joined end to end by connecting means 3. Each support panel 2 comprises an open mesh member having a pattern of rectangular or diamond shaped openings 4 defined by side walls 5 which are integrally connected. To provide additional support and strength to the panel has a thicker marginal or selvedge edge region 6 along each side edge thereof. In addition, these selvedge edges 6 and also the body of the panels, that is to say the walls 5 are preferably reinforced by a metal reinforcing wire or the like.

The reinforcement can be formed as thought 5 desirable having regard to the ultimate use of the panel. As shown in Figure 3 the reinforcement can comprise a coiled or twisted wire 8 having radially extending wires 9 which are generally similar to the barbs of barbed wire. The provision of such wires 9, in the case of a moulded panel or a cast panel serve to increase the area of contact between therein- forcement and the panel material, i.e., plastics material such as thermoplastics materials which provide the requisite strength and wear resistance together with resistance to the effects of water.

To provide an even greater degree of reinforce ment it is possible to provide two reinforcement wires or cables 7 in each wall forming run of the panel. This particular embodiment is shown in Figure 4.

In practice, it will be understood that the extent to which the reinforcement is carried out is related to the expected stresses and strains to which the support track system, that is slipway, is to be subjected in use. In particular the reinforcements used must assist in achieving flexibility of the track system, and must also provide resistance to stretch ing in addition to a simple reinforcement quality.

Referring now to Figure 5, this an exploded view of a basic unit 3 for connecting the adjacent ends of two adjacent panels end-to-end. The connecting unit comprises a base plate 10 and a top plate 11. The base plate includes a base part 12 carrying a plurality of upstanding parts including full diamond shaped parts %2A and part diamond parts tZB which are so dimensioned as to be engageable by the end region of a panel 2. In the Figure these end regions have been identified as 2A and 2B. The height of the raised parts 12A and 123 is effectively equal to one half of the depth or thickness of the panel walls 5.

The top plate 11 comprises a generally rectangular plate 13 carrying at its underside a plurality of downwardly depending diamond shaped parts 1M and part diamond parts 143. These parts 1 4A and 143 are intended to engage with the end region of a panel from above. The arrangement is such that the end regions 2A and 23 are cramped between the top and base plates. The two plates are retained in their cramping position by upstanding bolts 15 on the base plate engaging in through bores in the top plate 11. Nuts 16 are provided to hold the two plates together with the panel end regions 2A and 23 cramped therebetween.

The number of connecting units provided across the width of the panels will be related to the overall width of the panels. Conveniently, three of the connecting units 3 between each adjacent pair of panels provides a suitable number. Preferably, when three are used one may be located near each edge region and the third located at the central region of the panels.

If desired the base plate 10 can be provided with a separate base part 17 so that additional strength is afforded to the base unit as a whole. This arrange mont is shown in Figures 6Ato 6C which Figures represent an exploded view of the base unit 3. Since this unit is genally similar in other respects to that previously considered further description is not though necessary.

As is well known many boats have a keel structure, i.e., a region of the underside which projects outwardly of the adjacent regions of the boat hull. The presence of the keel provides a convenient means of guiding the boat along its path or the track system.

To make use of the keel the jointing units 3 can be provided with guide units 20 which are adapted to provide rollers or other forms of guides which are able to cooperate with the keel whether the boat has a single or more than a single keel.

In use it is intended that the keel should run along the line of the rollers so that those units which are such as to be engaged by a keel are adapted to have the guide means or units 20. Thus for a central keel the units 3 located at the central region of the track or slipway would be adapted to provide the guide units.

The guide means can take various forms and for example, two forms of guide means are shown in the Figures 7 and 8. In Figure 7 a diabolo shaped roller is used and in Figure 8 a plain form of roller used.

Thus in the Figure 7 construction a guide roller 21 is rotatably mounted in supports 22 upstanding from the top plate 11. As shown the roller 21 is a so-called diabolo shape in that it comprises two conical surface 23 and 24 arranged with their apices adjacent to each other. In the case of a catamaran type boat or othertwin keeled boat the outermost lines of the units 3 would incorporate the rollers 21.

In the Figure 8 construction a more conventional form of roller 25 is used. With this embodiment the surface of the top of the plate 11 1 is scolloped as is shown at 27. The roller 25 enables a lower and more flush fitting with the upper surface of the panel.

In the formation of the connecting units 3 and the associated guide means and also the associated top and base plates it is convenient to encapsulate any metallic parts in a plastics coating.

The guide roller unit includes a base part 28 having two upstanding lugs 29 which carry at their upper ends bearing units 30. Conveniently, the bearing units are formed from a plastics material, such as a Nylon, to avoid as much as possible problems associated with the corrosive effects of sea water and water in general. A housing unit 31 which provides the parts 22 of the Figure 7 is provided for covering the base part 28, the lugs 29 and the bearings 30.

If it is not desired to provide a large number of permanently fixed guide means, the guide roller units involved could be adapted releasablyto engage with the connecting parts so that on using the slip way the guide units can be fitted immediately in front of the load, i.e., the boat, and then removed after passage of the load or boat. With this arrangemenu the guide units are effectively recycled during the movement of the load or boat along the slipway panels 2.

An advantage of this mode of using the guide units is that each boat owner can own a sufficient number of the connecting units and carry them with the boat. This has the merit that after the boat has been launched the guide means do not present a hazard to other users of the terrain at which the slipway is located.

Figure 9A-9D shows in exploded view a more detailed view of the guide means incorporated the diabolo form of roller as the guide roller 21. The diabolo roller 21 is carried by a shaft 31 set in the bearings 30 provided in the upstanding parts 29 and is held in place by split pins, spring ring devices or the like 32. The base unit 28 and its associated housing 31 are held in place by the nuts and bolts arrangements for cramping the plates 10 and 11 together.

The shape of the diabolo roller helps to guide or steer the boat keel towards the roller surfaces 23 and 24 and thus stop the keel from moving off the rollers.

Figures 10Ato 10D provide an exploded view of the arrangement of Figure 7 when in conjunction with a panel end region 2A/2B.

Figures 1 1Ato 1 lE provides an exploded view of the guide arrangement of Figure 8 when associated with an associated connecting means and end region 2A/2B of a panel.

In these Figures 10 and lithe hatchured parts A are intended to represent metal plates which are encapsulated by plastics material B. It is believed that as the various components have been discussed elsewhere further description is not required.

It is also to be understood that to accommodate flat bottomed boats one can provide guide means over the full width of the panels aorta not use the guide means Although the above slipway arrangement as so far described is intended to be fittedwi guide rollers it will be understood, as has been previously mentioned, that it is possible to use the slipway without rollers. Consequently, it is convenient to provide roller constructions which allow them to be readily removed when required.

It will also be noted that in use it is desirable that the slipway is wide enough to allow persons handling the boats to be able to walk on the slipway.

Whilst the above suggests that the plastics material is always reinforced by the metal wires or the like it is clear that the starting point could be the use of a metal mesh of welded or otherwise joined wires or the like which are encapsulated with the plastics material. For example, PVC could be used. If thought necessary the metal mesh may be sub jetted to a preplastics coating stage which augments resistance to excessive corrosion.

During the use of the slipway according to the invention it is convenient to extend the slipway so that the end thereof enters into the actual water. This end is supported by buoyancy bags. These bags will lift the slipway so as to aid the movement of small boats onto the slipway during the recovery process.

In practice, the slipway is conveniently staked in position by pegs which are suitable hooked to be able to grip over the walls 5 of the panels or the marginal edge regions as thought necessary Referring now to Figures 12 to 20 these schematically illustrate some alternative arrangements of the panels of the slipway incorporating the features of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 12this Figure shows schematically a panel 2 having a continuous diamond mesh configuration which is based upon a rubber fibrous matrix. This arrangement is not intended to involve the use of guide rollers. In particular EPDiVt type rubber may be used with polyester or Santaweb fibres.

Alternatively an unreinforced structure could be provided. For example, high density polyethylene or an impact modified polyvinyl chloride could be used.

Further or other possibilities include acetal copolymers, Nylon 6, Nylon 66 and modified phenylene.

If desired, this latter group of materials could include glass fibre filling.

In this arrangement separate clips (not shown) are used to join the panels 2 together.

In a variation of the above shown in Figure 13 the roller arrangements 36 may be such that they may befitted at any desired position or location of the panels. These units 36 may comprise a roller providing part 37 and a base plate 38 the latter being readily attachable to the mesh, i.e., the plate 38 is diamond shape so as to be able to enter the mesh spaces and then be rotated through for instance 90" to lockthe plate 38 in place. The roller part 37 may, if desired, be releasably securable to the base plate 38.

With this arrangement, separate clips (not shown) are provided to clamp the panels together. Alternatively, the roller units may be such as to be able to secure the panels together in end-to-end relationship.

Figure 14 schematically illustrates a track support system in which the panels take the form of two side strips or lengths 39 interconnected by bars slats, rods, tubes or the like 40. The side strips 39 can be of fibre reinforced rubber or plastics material such as those above mentioned. The side strips can have the previously discussed diamod pattern. The strips are connected together by clips (not shown).

In the case of units for double keel boats the roller or guide units may be used. For example, the units of Figure 13 couls be used. The bars etc 40 can be of a high density polyethlene and of any desired crosssection.

Stavariation o the above embodiment is shown in Figure 15, in which the side strips 39 comprise moulded or otherwise formed plastics strips. The rode 40 are held in place by plastics locking pins 41 (cf Figure iSA). Figure 159 shows in greater detail the jointing between the rods etc 49 and the moulded strip 39. As will be seen the side strips have moulded-in sockets for receiving the ends of the rods etc 40.In addition, the side strips 39 are provided with reinforcing ribs 41. Bf desired, in order to obtain a higher flexibility the ribs 42 may be omitted and reinforcing wires used.

Figure 16 schematically illustrates a construction which comprises a plurality of links 43 joined by pivot rods 44. The links 43 are separated by rollers 45 and washers 46 alternately provided between the links. If desired, end panels may be provided which provide the diamond patterns for enabling the use of the above discussed connection means.

The links may be formed from moulded rubber which is fibFe reinforced.

Figure 16 6 schematically illustrates a construction which comprises a plurality of links 43 joined by pivot rods 44. The links 43 are separated by rollers 45 and washers 46 alternately provided between the links.

Bf desired, end panels may be used which have the diamond patterns for use with the above considered connection units.

The links etc. may be formed from the above mentioned moulded rubber reinforced with fibres.

In a first variations of the above, shown in Figure 17, the regular arrangement of the rollers 45 may be replaced by roller units 47 providing larger rollers 48 which are conveniently of the diabolo type.

The roller units 47 replace a number ofthe links and are shaped to provide the equivalent of links at their end plates 49.

Also, generally alternate links 43 may be replaced by washers.

In a variation shown in Figure 18 the panels may comprise a U cross-section these links being shown at 50, and can be formed of extruded plastics material. The links are interconnected with pivot rods 51 carrying rollers 52.

Figures 19A 19B and 19C illustrate an alternative panel formation in which an articulated structure is provided by a plurality of interconnected separate elements 53 of cross or Y formation having arms 54, the latter being joined to provide the articulated construction. Each element carries a roller or ball unit 55. The above elements 53 may be modified by replacing or augmenting the roller or ball units 55 with brush like formations.

FUFeS 20A, 201B, and20C illustrate various forma lions of brushes.

CLAIMS (Filed on 17.3.83) 1. A slipway system for boats, yac-L or like vessels, comprising a support surliace including a plurality of sections, panels or the like, means for connecting the sections, panels or the like in end to end relationship to provide an elongate readily retreivable sup slipwayforming support surface which is readily positionable along a direction along which it is desired to move a boat, yacht or like vessel to or from the water, said surface including means for guiding the boat yacht or the like along a predeter- mined path along the surface.

2. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1, in which the least some of means provided for connect- ing adjacent sections, panels or the like in and to end relationship are adapted to provide said guide means.

3. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and in which the guide means includes rollers or the like rotatable mounted with respect to the associated sections, panels or the like and adapted for engage ment with predetermined regions of a boat, yacht or other vessel.

4. A slipway system as claimed in claim 3, in which the roller means are adapted to engage with the keel of the boat, yacht or other vessel.

5. A slipway system for boats, yachts or other vessels, comprising a plurality of separate sections, panels or the like, and means for connecting the sections, panels or the like in end-to-end rela tionship, each said section, panel or the like being of such formation as to provide a support surface to a boat, yacht or other vessel which allows the latter readily to move lengthwise of the support surface.

6. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, in which the guide means are readily releasably connectable with the associated sections, panels or the like, whereby during the travel of a boat, yacht or aher ^essel therealong each such guide means may be removed after the vessel has completed engage- menttherewith and returned to a position in adv ance of the vessel so as to be re-engaged by the vessel during the further advance thereof, the arrangement being such that a relatively small number of guide means may be used in the slipway system, the number being selected according to the lengths of vessels likeiy to be involved and the amount of support thought desirable.

7. A slipway system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to at, and claims 6, in which the sections panels or the like each comprise an open mesh-like structure having diamond or rectangular shaped openings defined by the walls of the mesh forma- tion, and in which the means for interconnecting the panels or sections includes a top plate and a base plate each having a plurality of upstanding parts adapted to engage in said openings, and which are dimensioned as to be engageable with the end regions of adjacent sections panels or puke tike whereby on placing the top and base plates in face-to-face relationship and in engagement with the end regions and on cramping the top and base plates together the said end regions are cramped therebetween thereby connecting the adjacent

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

rods, tubes or the like 40. The side strips 39 can be of fibre reinforced rubber or plastics material such as those above mentioned. The side strips can have the previously discussed diamod pattern. The strips are connected together by clips (not shown).

In the case of units for double keel boats the roller or guide units may be used. For example, the units of Figure 13 couls be used. The bars etc 40 can be of a high density polyethlene and of any desired crosssection.

Stavariation o the above embodiment is shown in Figure 15, in which the side strips 39 comprise moulded or otherwise formed plastics strips. The rode 40 are held in place by plastics locking pins 41 (cf Figure iSA). Figure 159 shows in greater detail the jointing between the rods etc 49 and the moulded strip 39. As will be seen the side strips have moulded-in sockets for receiving the ends of the rods etc 40.In addition, the side strips 39 are provided with reinforcing ribs 41. Bf desired, in order to obtain a higher flexibility the ribs 42 may be omitted and reinforcing wires used.

Figure 16 schematically illustrates a construction which comprises a plurality of links 43 joined by pivot rods 44. The links 43 are separated by rollers 45 and washers 46 alternately provided between the links. If desired, end panels may be provided which provide the diamond patterns for enabling the use of the above discussed connection means.

The links may be formed from moulded rubber which is fibFe reinforced.

Figure 16 6 schematically illustrates a construction which comprises a plurality of links 43 joined by pivot rods 44. The links 43 are separated by rollers 45 and washers 46 alternately provided between the links.

Bf desired, end panels may be used which have the diamond patterns for use with the above considered connection units.

The links etc. may be formed from the above mentioned moulded rubber reinforced with fibres.

In a first variations of the above, shown in Figure 17, the regular arrangement of the rollers 45 may be replaced by roller units 47 providing larger rollers 48 which are conveniently of the diabolo type.

The roller units 47 replace a number ofthe links and are shaped to provide the equivalent of links at their end plates 49.

Also, generally alternate links 43 may be replaced by washers.

In a variation shown in Figure 18 the panels may comprise a U cross-section these links being shown at 50, and can be formed of extruded plastics material. The links are interconnected with pivot rods 51 carrying rollers 52.

Figures 19A 19B and 19C illustrate an alternative panel formation in which an articulated structure is provided by a plurality of interconnected separate elements 53 of cross or Y formation having arms 54, the latter being joined to provide the articulated construction. Each element carries a roller or ball unit 55. The above elements 53 may be modified by replacing or augmenting the roller or ball units 55 with brush like formations.

FUFeS 20A, 201B, and20C illustrate various forma lions of brushes.

CLAIMS (Filed on 17.3.83) 1. A slipway system for boats, yac-L or like vessels, comprising a support surliace including a plurality of sections, panels or the like, means for connecting the sections, panels or the like in end to end relationship to provide an elongate readily retreivable sup slipwayforming support surface which is readily positionable along a direction along which it is desired to move a boat, yacht or like vessel to or from the water, said surface including means for guiding the boat yacht or the like along a predeter- mined path along the surface.
2. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1, in which the least some of means provided for connect- ing adjacent sections, panels or the like in and to end relationship are adapted to provide said guide means.
3. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, and in which the guide means includes rollers or the like rotatable mounted with respect to the associated sections, panels or the like and adapted for engage ment with predetermined regions of a boat, yacht or other vessel.
4. A slipway system as claimed in claim 3, in which the roller means are adapted to engage with the keel of the boat, yacht or other vessel.
5. A slipway system for boats, yachts or other vessels, comprising a plurality of separate sections, panels or the like, and means for connecting the sections, panels or the like in end-to-end rela tionship, each said section, panel or the like being of such formation as to provide a support surface to a boat, yacht or other vessel which allows the latter readily to move lengthwise of the support surface.
6. A slipway system as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, in which the guide means are readily releasably connectable with the associated sections, panels or the like, whereby during the travel of a boat, yacht or aher ^essel therealong each such guide means may be removed after the vessel has completed engage- menttherewith and returned to a position in adv ance of the vessel so as to be re-engaged by the vessel during the further advance thereof, the arrangement being such that a relatively small number of guide means may be used in the slipway system, the number being selected according to the lengths of vessels likeiy to be involved and the amount of support thought desirable.
7. A slipway system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to at, and claims 6, in which the sections panels or the like each comprise an open mesh-like structure having diamond or rectangular shaped openings defined by the walls of the mesh forma- tion, and in which the means for interconnecting the panels or sections includes a top plate and a base plate each having a plurality of upstanding parts adapted to engage in said openings, and which are dimensioned as to be engageable with the end regions of adjacent sections panels or puke tike whereby on placing the top and base plates in face-to-face relationship and in engagement with the end regions and on cramping the top and base plates together the said end regions are cramped therebetween thereby connecting the adjacent

panels, sections or the like in the desired end-to-end relationship.
8. Aslipwaysystem as claimed in claim 7, and in which selected ones of the top plates are adapted to mount the guide means.
9. A slipway system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, and claim 6,7 or 8, wherein the sections, panels or the like are effectively constituted by a by a plurality of lengths of strip material which are connected in side-by-side relationship by means of transversely directed members regularly spaced lengthwise of the sections, panels or the like, and wherein said transversely directed members are utilised to mount and locate guide means for a boat, yacht or other vessel.
10. Aslipwaysystem as claimed in claim 9, wherein certain of the transverse members are used to mount disc like spacers located between adjacent ones of said lengths of strip material, and wherein said spacers are arranged to provide rotatable guide means.
11. A slipway system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein selected ones of the lengths of strip material are replaced by guide means units, each such unit providing a rotatable surface having a predetermined profile.
12. A slipway system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, and claim 6, wherein the sections, panels or the like comprise articulate structures including separate elements of Á or Y formation, and wherein each said articulated member is provided with guide means for facilitating the movement of a boat, yacht or the like.
13. A slipway system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or claim 6, wherein each of said sections, panels orthe like comprise two side-byside support strips interconnected by transverse members to provide a ladder-like formation, and wherein the guide means are adapted for connection with the transverse members.
14. A slipway system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means for the boat, yacht or other vessel comprises a mounting unit for a roller, wheel or other rotatable member mounted from a support means adapted for locable connection with the associated section, panel or the like.
15. A slipway system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the support means has a base part adapted for passing through apertures or other space formed by adjacent elements or members or sections, panels or the like, whereby following the insertion of the base part rotation thereof through a predetermined angle produces a locking action between the base part and the associated section, panel or the like, whilst at the same time positioning the associated guide means in the required position with respect to the section, panel or the like.
16. A slipway system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the separate elements are provided with rollers asthe guide means.
17. A slipway system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the separate elements are provided with brush-like arrangements as the guide means.

ta. Aslipway system for boats, yacnts orthe like, constructed and arranged to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 10D, Figures 11Ato 11C, Figure 12,13,14,15,16,17 or 18, Figures 1 9A and 1 9B, Figures 20A to 20C or Figure 21 or 22 of the accompanying drawings.