GB1197186A - Improvements in the Construction of Ships - Google Patents

Abstract

1,197,186. Cargo vessels; propelling. NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORP. 23 Aug., 1967 [23 Aug., 1966], No. 37806/66. Heading B7V. A marine vessel has a cargo-carrying unit 2 and a detachable motive-unit 1 with a bow 6 shaped to mate with a matching stern on the unit 2 and so couple the units together below the water-line, coupling means 26 being also provided at deck level. A transverse rib (20), Fig. 5 (not shown), on the stern of the unit 2 engages with a recess (13), Fig. 3 (not shown), in the bow 6. The means 26 includes plates (71), Figs. 13 and 14 (not shown), attached to links, or "straps" (72) pivotally connected to the bow 6 and connectable by pins (76) to the unit 2, said plates extending between the units when the latter are coupled together and acting as a breakwater for the unit 1 when the latter is disconnected. The straps are aided by tensile members (82) therebetween. In another embodiment, Figs. 7 and 8, the motive unit 30 has a recess 32 that engages with a tongue 53 at the stern of the cargo-carrying unit 31, fenders 44, 51 being provided at deck level as shown. The fenders 44 may engage with either a surface 45 or bearer members 47 on the unit 31. A ballast tank 34 facilitates engagement, or disengagement, of the recess and tongue aforesaid. Links 56 connect the units to each other at deck level and are pivotable about pins 57 by a derrick 69. The links and hydraulic rams to adjust the tensile loading thereof are described in detai with reference to Figs. 16 to 18 (not shown). Additional coupling between the two units may be effected by laterally-orientated crankedlinks (120), Fig. 19 (not shown). Alternatively, bollards 117, 118 may be lashed together. Motion of one unit relative to the other may be minimized by magnetic bonding. A retractable pin may be lodged in the recess in the motive unit so as to engage with the mating part of the other unit and thereby ensure positive coupling. When the units 30, 31 are united a wheelhouse 67 may be elevated on supports 68.