Abstract:
A mooring device for barges includes elastic mooring bodies attached to the barges. The elastic bodies are hollow and are adapted for the accommodation of conduits for the transfer of oil, water, electricity, etc., between the barges.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a mooring device, particularly for mooring of barges to each other. 
     2. Related Art 
     Barges are usually moored to each other by means of chain or hawsers which are stretched from one barge to the other. In order that the barges do not strike against each other in heavy sea, etc., the mooring sides of the barges should be equipped with fenders. The barges may be moored closely to each other, as they in heavy sea must have the opportunity of moving in relation to each other. Because of the way of mooring barges, these will constantly be moving away and towards each other with large power, such that pressure propagations in the barges and large strain on the mooring fastenings arise. 
     In case e.g. oil, water, electricity, etc., shall be transferred between the barges, such transfer is effected in that the necessary conduits are stretched from the deck of one barge to that of the other. Between the barges there may thus be located a large number of conduits, which require considerable time to connect and which take up space on deck. 
     Especially when mooring barges to each other when the barges are of the type whereupon are placed housing quarters, a hospital, an office, etc., it is important that the barges are moored to each other in a manner that does not allow for pulling and impacts. Moreover, in mooring of such barges to each other it is of great importance to be able to transfer oil, water, electricity, etc., in a simple manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the invention is to provide a mooring device, particularly for mooring of barges to each other, wherein the barges in a quick and simple way can be movably moored to each other without the use of chain and hawsers, and wherein one can transfer oil, water, electricity, etc., in a simple way between the barges. 
     A mooring device for barges includes elastic mooring bodies attached to the barges. The elastic bodies are hollow and are adapted for the accommodation of conduits for the transfer of oil, water, electricity, etc., between the barges. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top view in section of parts of four barges which are moored to each other, 
     FIG. 2 shows a mooring device according to the invention in an inactive position withdrawn into a barge, and 
     FIG. 3 shows the same mooring device in an active position between two barges. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the drawing, reference numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 indicate barges which are moored to each other by means of elastic mooring bodies 5, preferably of reinforced rubber. In order to allow for necessary torsion and mutual displacement of height of the barges, the mooring bodies 5 are placed in conical openings 6, 7 in the side portion of the barges. To counteract substantial mutual displacement between the barges in the horizontal plane, opposing cavities 8, 9 are provided in the sides of the barges, in order to accomodate circular fenders 10. At displacement of the barges in the direction transversely of the mooring bodies 5, the fenders 10 after a relative small displacement will cause the barges to be displaced in the direction longitudinally of the mooring bodies 5. Such displacement change is obtained in that the fenders 10 have such a circumference that they entirely or at least substantially fill the spaces formed by the opposing cavities 8 and 9. 
     The reference numeral 11 in FIG. 2 indicates a part of the deck of the barge 1 whereunder elastic mooring bodies 5 in the inactive position are placed. The mooring body 5 is withdrawn into the barge and supported in known, but not shown, manner. 
     The elastic mooring body 5 is provided at the rear end thereof with a flange 12 and a flange plate 13, while it at the forward end is provided with a flange 14. The diameter of the flange 14 is larger than an opening 16 wherethrough the mooring body 5 in known manner can be pulled, and the opening 16 is located in the bottom of a conical portion 17 in the side of the barge 1. 
     When two or more barges 1, 2 are to be moored to each other, the barges are positioned such that the side of one barge provided with extractable elastic mooring bodies 5 corresponds to the side of a barge having corresponding conical portions 18 without mooring bodies 5. (See FIG. 3) That barge that is not, or only partly, provided with mooring bodies 5, may be a so-called main barge wherein necessary machinery, tanks, etc., for the supply of oil, water, current, etc. to the adjacent barges, are located. When the barges are sufficiently close to each other, the mooring bodies 5 in known manner are extracted from the barge 1 and into the portion 18 in the barge 2 until cam discs 19 by means of hydraulic cylinders 20 engage the flange 14 and lock it in place. The cam discs 19 are supported 22 within the barge 2 and can be pushed out through an opening 23. 
     Centrally within the mooring body 5 are placed conduits 24, 25 which in known manner can be connected to corresponding conduits located within the barge 2. When the barges not are connected, the openings in the conical portions 17, 18 may be covered in known manner, e.g. in that plates are placed and attached over the openings. 
     When the barges are to be disconnected, the same procedure as above, but in the reverse order, is used. 
     By using a mooring device according to the invention, one will have a strong and flexible mooring simultaneously as one avoids strong pulls and throws between the barges as the result of wind or wave movements. Further, one achieves that oil, water, current, etc., in a very simple way can be transported from one barge to another.