Abstract:
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart barges. First and second frames span between the barges. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the barges in a configuration that spaces the barges apart. The first frame connects to the first barge with a universal joint and to the second barge with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second barge with a universal joint and to the first barge with a hinged connection. The hull arrangement provides flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the universal joint and hinge placement between the frames and the hulls. Each frame extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/610,271, filed Dec. 13, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/743,917, filed Mar. 29, 2006, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to marine lifting devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved catamaran type lifting apparatus that employs spaced apart or catamaran hulls, each of the hulls supporting a truss or frame that spans between the hulls at spaced apart positions. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved catamaran lifting apparatus for use in a marine environment, wherein spaced apart frames are connected to the hulls in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart, the first frame connecting with a first of the hulls with the universal joint and to the second hull with a hinged connection, the second frame connecting to the second hull with a universal joint and to the first hull with a hinged connection. 
     2. General Background 
     A catamaran lifting apparatus that can be used to lift multi-ton objects employs two spaced apart barges or hulls or vessels. In general, such lifting devices that employ a pair of spaced apart hulls have been patented, many patents having been issued to applicant as contained in the following table. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PAT. NO. 
                 TITLE 
                 ISSUE DATE 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,714,382 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Dec. 22, 1987 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,607,260 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 01, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,609,441 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 11, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,662,434 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Sep. 02, 1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,800,093 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Sep. 01, 1998 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages, Jackets, and Sunken 
               
               
                   
                 Vessels 
               
               
                 5,975,807 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 02, 1999 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,039,506 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Mar. 21, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,149,350 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 21, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,318,931 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Nov. 20, 2001 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,364,574 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 Apr. 02, 2002 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved catamaran lifting apparatus that employs first and second spaced apart vessels or hulls. The vessels can be barges, dynamically positioned marine vessels, other floating hulls or the like. 
     A first frame or truss spans between the vessels or hulls at a first position. A second frame or truss spans between the hulls at a second position. The first and second positions are spaced apart so that each frame can move independently of the other, notwithstanding wave action acting upon the hulls. Load spreaders can provide an interface between each frame or truss and each vessel (e.g. barge, ship, etc.) 
     The first of the frames or trusses connects to the first hull or vessel with a universal joint and to the second hull or vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second hull with a universal joint and to the first hull with a hinged connection. 
     The catamaran hull arrangement of the present invention provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or vessels. 
     Each frame extends upwardly in a generally inverted u-shape that provides space under each frame or truss and in between the vessels or hulls for enabling a marine vessel to be positioned in between the hulls and under the frames. The space in between the hulls or vessels and under the frames or trusses can also be used as clearance for elevating an object to be salvaged from the seabed to a position next to or above the water&#39;s surface. 
     In a plan view, each frame or truss can be generally triangular in shape. Winches and rigging such as a block and tackle arrangement can be used to lift objects with the apparatus of the present invention. The frames can each be of a truss configuration. 
     In a second embodiment, one or more slings can be provided that connect between a frame and a hull. The connection of each frame to a hull opposite the universal joint can be a pinned or a hinged connection. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side, elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, with each winch and lifting line removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6-8  are schematic illustrations of a rough sea condition; 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  are fragmentary views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, wherein  FIG. 9B  is a sectional, top view taken along lines  9 B- 9 B of  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9C  is an elevation view taken along lines  9 C- 9 C of  FIG. 9A , and  FIG. 9D  is a sectional view taken along lines  9 D- 9 D of  FIG. 9C ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a block and tackle rigging with winches and lift lines; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and showing a method step of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention and illustrating the method of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 15-16  are elevation views that further illustrate the method of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along lines  17 - 17  of  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-7  and  9 - 11  show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  10 . Marine lifting apparatus  10  provides a pair of spaced apart vessels or hulls  11 ,  12 , each providing a deck  30 . Hulls  11 ,  12  can be barges, dynamically positioned vessels, or any other buoyant structure. A pair of frames or trusses  13 ,  14  are provided, each frame  13 ,  14  spanning between the vessels  11 ,  12 . Each frame  13 ,  14  connects to one vessel  11  or  12  with a universal joint  15  or  17  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  9 ) and to the other hull  11  or  12  with a hinged or pinned connection  16  or  19  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The first frame  13  connects to hull  11  with universal joint  15  (or articulating connection). The first frame  13  connects to vessel  12  with a pinned connection or hinge  16 . Similarly, the second frame  14  connects to hull  12  with a universal joint  17  (or articulating connection) and to hull  11  with a hinge or pinned connection  18  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     An interface such as a deck beam or load spreader platform can be provided on the upper deck  30  of each hull  11 ,  12  for forming an interface between the frames  13 ,  14  and the vessels  11 ,  12 . For example, vessel  11  is provided with deck beam or load spreader platform  19  on its deck  30  that forms an interface between each of the frames  13 ,  14  and the barge or vessel  11  deck  30 . Deck beam or load spreader platform  20  provides an interface between each of the frames  13 ,  14  and deck  30  of the vessel or barge  12 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , a plan or top view of the apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown. A lifting area  21  is that area that is in between the vessels  11 ,  12 , the area  21  having a length defined by dimension arrow  23  and a width defined by dimension arrow  22  in  FIG. 4 . This area  21  is sized and shaped to receive a vessel having a cargo to be lifted if that cargo (e.g. deck package) is to be installed. Alternatively, the area  21  can be an area that receives a vessel for supporting and transporting an item to be salvaged from an ocean floor (see FIGS.  5  and  11 - 15 ) such as a hurricane smashed or damaged offshore platform section  34 , sunken boat  33  or the like. In either case, a clearance is provided above the water surface  24 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a clearance between water surface  24  and frame  13  or  14  is indicated schematically by the dimension line  25 . Similarly, a clearance  26  is provided above the maximum deck elevation  35  of the hulls  11 ,  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Each of the frames  13 ,  14  can be in the form of a truss as shown. The frames are generally speaking in the shape of an arch or inverted U so that an area is provided under the frames and above the water surface for raising an item that is being salvaged or to lift an item from a barge or other vessel or support that is under the frames. Each truss or frame  13 ,  14  can be a one piece structure (see  FIG. 10 ) or a multi-section truss (see  FIGS. 1-4 ). For multi-section frames  13 ,  14  they provide a center truss section  27 , a smaller side truss section  28  and another smaller side truss section  29 . Pinned connections  31 ,  32  can be provided for attaching the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29  to the larger center truss section  27  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Slings can optionally be provided for connecting the center section  27  to the lower end portion of each of the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29 . Shackles can be used to attach each of the slings to eyelets or padeyes on the center section  27 . Likewise, shackles can be used to attach the slings to eyelets or padeyes on the smaller truss sections  28 ,  29 . 
     A hook  40  or other lifting fitting can be attached to a lifting line  41  and payed out from winch  42 . More than one lifting line  41  and hook  40  can be provided as shown. Sheaves  43 ,  44 ,  45  as needed can be used to route the line  41  from winch  42  to hook  40 . Line  41  can be a multiple line assembly to increase lift capacity such as is shown in  FIG. 13 . Hook  40  can be any lifting fitting such as any known commercially available crown block, for example. 
       FIGS. 6-9  illustrate the articulation that is achieved with the method and apparatus of the present invention, even in rough seas. In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , rough sea conditions are shown wherein the vessels  11 ,  12  assume differing orientations relative to each other caused by the rough sea state. Notwithstanding the orientation of the vessels  11 ,  12  the combination of an articulating connection  15 ,  17  with hinged or pinned connections  16 ,  18  enables complete articulation between each of the frames or trusses  13 ,  14  and each of the vessels or hulls  11 ,  12 . 
     In  FIGS. 9A-9D , an exemplary articulating connection  15 ,  17  is shown. In  FIGS. 9A-9D , a frame or truss  13 ,  14  connects to a load spreader platform  19  or  20  at padeyes  61 ,  62 . A first shaft  63  is pivotally attached to the padeyes  61 ,  62 . A second shaft  64  is pivotally attached to the first shaft  63  at opening  69  in first shaft  63 . The second shaft  64  also defines a pivotal connection for the frame  13  or  14  to the first shaft  63  as shown. This universal joint arrangement enables the frame  13  (or  14 ) to move in an articulating fashion with respect to the load spreader platform  19  or  20  and with respect to the underlying vessel  11  or  12  as indicated schematically by arrows  65 ,  66  in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIGS. 10-17  show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention when fitted with a block and tackle arrangement. Vessels  11 ,  12  are also shown fitted with anchor lines  67  that connect conventional anchors (not shown) to anchor winches  68  on the vessels  11 ,  12 . The anchor winches  68  can be used to exactly position vessels  11 ,  12  and to stabilize their positions during a lift. A block and tackle arrangement ( FIGS. 10-17 ) can be used to lift an item to be salvaged from the seabed  55  such as the damaged platform section  34  in  FIG. 11 . 
     In  FIGS. 10-17 , each of the frames  13 ,  14  is rigged with an upper sheave  48  and upper pulley block  49 . Each frame  13  or  14  can be rigged with a lifting line  41  and one or more winches  42 . In  FIGS. 10-12  for example, each frame  13 ,  14  has two winches  42 , each winch  42  having a lifting line or cable  41 . Lower pulley block  50  is positioned below upper pulley block  49 . The pulley blocks  49 ,  50  can provide multiple pulleys such as is shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  13  and  17 . Slings  51  can be rigged to each lower pulley block  50 . Each sling  51  can support a lifting beam or spreader bar  54 . Each spreader bar  54  can support one or more slings  53  as shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  17 . The slings  53  can be provided with any selected additional rigging such as clamps, shackles or grabs  60 , as examples. Arrows  47  in  FIG. 12  show lines  41  being payed out to lower the lower pulley blocks  50  to damaged platform section  34  (see arrow  56 ,  FIG. 12 ). 
     The damaged platform section  34  to be salvaged can be fitted with beams  52  such as I-beams as an example. As the damaged or sunken platform section  34  rests upon seabed  55 , grabs  60  can be attached to the beams  52  with slings  53  as shown in  FIG. 12  for a lifting operation. Arrow  56  in  FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a lowering of the lower pulley blocks  50  to the sunken, damaged platform section  34 . After the grabs  60  are connected to the beams  52 , arrow  57  in  FIG. 14  schematically illustrates an elevating of the platform section  34  as each line  41  is wound upon its winch  42 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the transport vessel  46  is moved into the area  21  under frames  12 ,  13 ,  14 . Arrow  58  schematically illustrates a lowering of the damaged platform section  34  to the vessel  46 . In  FIG. 16 , grabs  60  have been released from beams  52  and lifted upwardly in the direction of arrow  59 , away from the damaged platform section  34 . The damaged or salvaged item such as a vessel  33  or damaged platform section  34  can then be transported to a selected locale using the transport vessel or transport barge  46 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , an alternate load spreader platform construction is shown. A smaller load spreader platform  36  is placed under each universal joint  15  or  17  of the frame  13  or  14 . A larger load spreader platform  37  is placed under each pinned connection or hinge  16  or  18  of the frame  13  or  14 . Each platform  36 ,  37  can comprise a plurality of longitudinal beams  38  and a plurality of transverse beams  39  as shown. The beams  38 ,  39  can be structurally connected together (e.g. welded together). 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Part Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 marine lifting apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 12 
                 vessel 
               
               
                 13 
                 first frame or truss 
               
               
                 14 
                 second frame or truss 
               
               
                 15 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 16 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 17 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 18 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 19 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 20 
                 load spreader platform interface 
               
               
                 21 
                 area 
               
               
                 22 
                 dimension line 
               
               
                 23 
                 dimension line 
               
               
                 24 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 25 
                 clearance above water 
               
               
                 26 
                 clearance above hull deck 
               
               
                 27 
                 center truss section 
               
               
                 28 
                 smaller truss section 
               
               
                 29 
                 smaller truss section 
               
               
                 30 
                 hull deck 
               
               
                 31 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 32 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 33 
                 sunken vessel 
               
               
                 34 
                 damaged platform section 
               
               
                 35 
                 maximum deck elevation 
               
               
                 36 
                 load spreader platform 
               
               
                 37 
                 load spreader platform 
               
               
                 38 
                 longitudinal beam 
               
               
                 39 
                 longitudinal beam 
               
               
                 40 
                 lifting hook 
               
               
                 41 
                 lifting line 
               
               
                 42 
                 winch 
               
               
                 43 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 44 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 45 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 46 
                 transport vessel 
               
               
                 47 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 48 
                 upper sheave 
               
               
                 49 
                 upper pulley block 
               
               
                 50 
                 lower pulley block 
               
               
                 51 
                 sling 
               
               
                 52 
                 beam 
               
               
                 53 
                 sling 
               
               
                 54 
                 spreader bar 
               
               
                 55 
                 seabed 
               
               
                 56 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 57 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 58 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 59 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 60 
                 grab 
               
               
                 61 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 62 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 63 
                 first shaft 
               
               
                 64 
                 second shaft 
               
               
                 65 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 66 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 67 
                 anchor line 
               
               
                 68 
                 anchor winch 
               
               
                 69 
                 opening 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.