Abstract:
A catamaran lifting apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. First and second frames span between the vessels. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement 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 barges. Each of the frames 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. An object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/418,198, filed November 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/418,198, filed 30 Nov. 2010, which is 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 a lifting apparatus for use in a marine environment, wherein a specially configured dual jaw or claw lifting device enables lifting of submerged objects such as items to be salvaged from a sea bed. 
     2. General Background 
     A lifting apparatus can be used to lift multi-ton objects. Derrick barges have been used to lift multi-ton packages in a marine environment. In general, 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 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 PATENT 
                   
                 ISSUE DATE 
               
               
                 NO. 
                 TITLE 
                 MM-DD-YYYY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,714,382 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 12-22-1987 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,607,260 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 03-04-1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,609,441 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 03-11-1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,662,434 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 09-02-1997 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Prefabricated 
               
               
                   
                 Deck Packages on Partially Submerged 
               
               
                   
                 Offshore Jacket Foundations 
               
               
                 5,800,093 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 09-01-1998 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages, Jackets, and Sunken 
               
               
                   
                 Vessels 
               
               
                 5,975,807 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 11-02-1999 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,039,506 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 03-21-2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,149,350 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 11-21-2000 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,318,931 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 11-20-2001 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 6,364,574 
                 Method and Apparatus for the Offshore 
                 04-02-2002 
               
               
                   
                 Installation of Multi-Ton Packages Such 
               
               
                   
                 as Deck Packages and Jackets 
               
               
                 7,527,006 
                 Marine lifting apparatus 
                 05-05-2009 
               
               
                 7,845,296 
                 Marine lifting apparatus 
                 12-07-2010 
               
               
                 7,886,676 
                 Marine lifting apparatus 
                 02-15-2011 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved marine lifting apparatus that can employ first and second spaced apart vessels or hulls. The vessels can be barges, dynamically positioned marine vessels, other floating hulls or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the lifting apparatus can employ a first frame or truss spans between the vessels or hulls at a first position and a second frame or truss spans between the hulls at a second position. 
     In one embodiment, 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. 
     In one embodiment, load spreaders can provide an interface between each frame or truss and each vessel (e.g., barge, ship, etc.). 
     In one embodiment, 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. 
     In one embodiment, 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. 
     In one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, in a plan view each frame or truss can be generally triangular in shape. 
     In one embodiment, winches and rigging such as a block and tackle arrangement can be used to lift objects. 
     In one embodiment, frames can be of a truss configuration. 
    
    
     
       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 an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a package to be salvaged from a seabed; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a package to be salvaged from a seabed and a lowering of the grab or lifting implement; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the package to be salvaged and the grab or lifting implement as it forms a connection with the package to be lifted; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the package to be salvaged after it has been lifted from the seabed with the lifting implement; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the package to be salvaged after it has been lifted above the water surface; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing the package after it has been deposited on a transport vessel or a barge; and 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view showing the truss or frame in an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view showing the truss or frame in an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial side view showing the truss or frame of an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the present invention, taken along the lines  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a partial elevation view of an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial elevation view taken along the lines of  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , showing an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial elevation view taken along the lines of  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13 , showing the plates and pivotal connections of an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention, in a non-operating position. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial elevation view taken along the lines of  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13 , showing the plates and pivotal connections of an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab of the apparatus of the present invention, in an operating position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-9  show a 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 structures. 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  and to the other hull  11  or  12  with a hinged or pinned connection  16 . Such a lifting arrangement with a pair of vessels, a pair of spaced apart frames and connections that include universal joints and hinged or pivotal connections can be seen in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,527,006, 7,845,296, and 7,886,676 each said patent hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     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  16 . 
     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. 1 , a lifting area  21  is that area that is in between the vessels  11 ,  12 . This area  21  is sized and shaped to receive a vessel  47  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  47  for supporting and transporting an item to be salvaged from an ocean floor (see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) such as a hurricane smashed or damaged offshore platform section, sunken boat or other package  44 . In either case, a clearance is provided above the water surface  24 . 
     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  21  is provided under the frames  13 ,  14  and above the water surface  24  for raising a package  44  that is being salvaged from seabed  45  (see  FIGS. 3-7 ). 
       FIGS. 1-9  show a grab or lifting implement  18  that can be used to lift a package  44  that is to be salvaged from a seabed  45 .  FIGS. 10-16  show a second embodiment of lifting implement  50  wherein a truss or frame  51  supports jaw sections  52 ,  53  (see  FIGS. 13-14 ). The grab or lifting implement  18  includes two trussed sections  22 ,  23 . Each of the truss sections  22 ,  23  is pivotally attached to beam  25 . Each truss section  22 ,  23  attaches to beam  25  at a pivot, pivotal connection, or pinned connection  26  or  27 . Truss section  22  attaches to beam  25  at pivot or pinned connection  26 . Similarly, truss section  23  attaches to beam  25  at pivot or pinned connection  27 . The pivot or pinned connection  26 ,  27  are provided on opposed end portions of beam  25 . (See  FIGS. 1-2 .) 
     In order to lift or lower the grab or lifting implement  18 , a plurality of lift lines  28 ,  29  are provided. These lift lines  28 ,  29  can be attached to sheaves  33  or other suitable rigging and then wound upon powered winches  31 . Some of the sheaves  33  are rigged with lift lines  32  that support the jaws  22 ,  23  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In order to open the grab or lifting implement  18 , lift lines  46  are provided. A closed position of the truss sections  22 ,  23  can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . An open position of the grab or lifting implement  18  can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the lift lines  46  are in tension. The lift lines  46  can be powered by winches  49  and rigged appropriately to the frames  13 ,  14  using sheaves  48  or other rigging as needed (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In order to close the grab or lifting implement  18 , lift lines  46  are provided. The lift lines  34  extend from appropriate rigging on the frames  13 ,  14  such as sheaves  35  and winches  36  to spaced apart sheaves  37 ,  38  as seen in  FIG. 1 . Transverse lines  39 ,  40  extend between the sheaves  37 ,  38  and to a padeye  41  as seen in  FIG. 1 . In this fashion when tension is applied to the lift lines  34 , tension is also applied to the transverse lines  39 ,  40  for pulling the truss sections  22 ,  23  together as shown in  FIG. 1 . When the truss sections  22 ,  23  are pulled together, they each pivot relative to beam  25 . 
     Each truss section  22 ,  23  is provided with a generally laterally extending tapered section or blade  42 ,  43 . 
     Truss section  22  is provided with a tapered section or blade  42 . Truss section  23  is provided with tapered section or blade  43 . Each tapered section or blade  42 ,  43  can be provided with teeth  90  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIGS. 3-9  illustrate the method of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , vessels  11 ,  12  with spaced apart frames  13 ,  14  support grab or lifting implement  18  above a water surface  24 . In  FIG. 1 , lines  32  suspend grab  18  below frames  13 ,  14  as shown. In  FIGS. 3-9 , the numeral  44  represents a package to be lifted from an underwater location such as a seabed  45 . 
     The present invention enables such a package  44  to be lifted with minimal or no assistance from human divers. In the prior art, divers are typically required to place rigging on package  44  or to otherwise facilitate the lift. This activity places divers in possibly dangerous situations as the package can be in deep water at times where visibility can be poor. 
     With the method of the present invention, the lift or grab  18  is lowered to the seabed  45  (see  FIGS. 3-6 ). The truss sections  22 ,  23  are moved to the open position of  FIG. 5  so that the tapered sections or blades  42 ,  43  are placed on opposing sides of and below or at the bottom of package  44  as shown in  FIG. 6 . If the seabed  45  is mud or other soft material, tapered sections or blades  42 ,  43  can sink below the mud line and below the bottom of package  44 . In  FIG. 5 , lines  32  are in tension supporting grab  18 . Lines  46  are in tension to hold the grab  18  truss sections  22 ,  23  in the open position. In  FIGS. 6-7 , lines  32 ,  46  are slack, not in tension for enabling a closing of truss sections  22 ,  23 . Tapered sections or blades  42 ,  43  move toward each other an under package  44  in  FIGS. 6-7 . 
     After the truss sections  22 ,  23  and the tapered portions or blades  42 ,  43  are placed under the package  44 , the package  44  can be lifted by maintaining lines  32 ,  34  and  39 ,  40  in tension while lifting the grab  18  using lift lines  32 . Once lifted, the combination of the grab  18  and the package  44  will be lifted above the water&#39;s surface  24  to the position shown in  FIG. 8 . In this elevated position above the water&#39;s surface, a transport vessel  47  can be moved under the package  44  (see  FIG. 8 ). The lines  32  can then be used to lower the grab  18  and package  44  to the barge or vessel  47 . The lines or cables  46  are then used to open the grab  18 , moving the truss sections  22 ,  23  apart to the position shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIGS. 10-16  show an alternate arrangement for a lifting implement or grab designated generally by the numeral  50  in  FIG. 13 . The lifting implement or grab  50  would be used in combination with the vessels or hulls  11 ,  12  of the preferred embodiment as well as the frames  13 ,  14  and other rigging and fittings that were discussed with respect to the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1-9 . In  FIGS. 10-16 , the truss or frame  51  replaces the beam  25 . Truss or frame  51  thus supports a pair of truss sections or jaws  52 ,  53 . Each jaw  52 ,  53  can have teeth  90 . A pivot connects each truss section or jaw  52 ,  53  to the truss or frame  51  as shown in  FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 . Pivot  65  connects truss section or jaw  52  to truss or frame  51 . Similarly, pivot  66  joins truss section or jaw  53  to truss or frame  51 . Plates  67  can be provided at the upper end portion of each jaw/truss section  52 ,  53  for reinforcing each jaw  52 ,  53  at pivotal/pinned connections  58 ,  59  (see  FIGS. 13 ,  15 - 16 ). 
       FIGS. 10-12  and  15 - 16  show truss or frame  51  in more detail. Truss or frame  51  provides an upper arched member  60 . A pair of spaced apart beams  54 ,  55  are supported below the upper arched member  60  by a plurality of braces  61  which can be diagonally extending braces as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . A space or gap  56  is provided in between the beams  54 ,  55  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Each beam  54 ,  55  provides adjustment openings  57 . These adjustment openings  57  are provided so that the position of the pivots  65 ,  66  can be adjusted. The locations of the pivots  65 ,  66  can be adjusted either closer together or farther apart as desired. In  FIG. 13 , the innermost adjustment openings  57  are empty as are the outermost adjustment openings  57 . The truss sections or jaws  52 ,  53  are connected to adjustment openings  57  that are in between the innermost and outermost adjustment openings as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     All of the adjustment openings can be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11  because neither of the truss sections or jaws  52 ,  53  are connected to the truss or frame  51  in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In  FIG. 13 , there can be seen a plurality of plates  67  at the upper end portion of a truss section or jaw  52 ,  53 . Each plate  67  has a plate opening through which can be inserted a pin or pin connector or pinned connection  58  or  59 . The two most inner plates  67  fit in the gap or space  56  that is in between the beams  54 ,  55  (see  FIGS. 15-16 ). These pinned connections  58 ,  59  can be seen in  FIGS. 15 ,  16  wherein the pinned connections  58 ,  59  have been perfected with an adjustment opening  57  as shown. 
     Annular flanges or rings  62 ,  64  are provided at the end portions of the upper arched member  60  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The upper arched member  60  can be hollow, providing bore  68 . Arched member  60  can be reinforced internally (i.e., in bore  68 ) with cross bracing  63  (see  FIG. 11 ). The annular flanges or rings  62 ,  64  enable a lifting line  32  to be wrapped around the upper arched member  60 , the ring  62 ,  64  preventing removal of the lifting line  32  from the upper arched member  60  in a lateral direction (see  FIG. 13 ). The annular flanges or rings  62 ,  64  thus function as retainers to prevent a separation of the lifting lines  32  from a position wherein they are wrapped around or under the upper arched member  60  as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 . 
     Pins/pinned connections  58 ,  59  can provide pins that slide in trays  69  (see arrows  70 ,  FIG. 15 ) so that the pins are able to slide into the operating position of  FIG. 16 . 
     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/hulls 
               
               
                 12 
                 vessel/hulls 
               
               
                 13 
                 first frame or truss 
               
               
                 14 
                 second frame or truss 
               
               
                 15 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 16 
                 hinge or pinned connection 
               
               
                 17 
                 universal joint 
               
               
                 18 
                 lifting implement/grab 
               
               
                 19 
                 load spreader platform/interface 
               
               
                 20 
                 load spreader platform/interface 
               
               
                 21 
                 lifting area 
               
               
                 22 
                 truss section/jaw 
               
               
                 23 
                 truss section/jaw 
               
               
                 24 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 25 
                 beam 
               
               
                 26 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 27 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 28 
                 lift line 
               
               
                 29 
                 lift line 
               
               
                 30 
                 hull deck 
               
               
                 31 
                 winch 
               
               
                 32 
                 lift line 
               
               
                 33 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 34 
                 lift line 
               
               
                 35 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 36 
                 winch 
               
               
                 37 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 38 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 39 
                 transverse line 
               
               
                 40 
                 transverse line 
               
               
                 41 
                 padeye 
               
               
                 42 
                 tapered section/blade 
               
               
                 43 
                 tapered section/blade 
               
               
                 44 
                 package 
               
               
                 45 
                 seabed 
               
               
                 46 
                 lift line 
               
               
                 47 
                 vessel/barge/floating transport 
               
               
                 48 
                 sheave 
               
               
                 49 
                 winch 
               
               
                 50 
                 lifting implement/grab 
               
               
                 51 
                 truss/frame 
               
               
                 52 
                 truss section/jaw 
               
               
                 53 
                 truss section/jaw 
               
               
                 54 
                 beam 
               
               
                 55 
                 beam 
               
               
                 56 
                 space/gap 
               
               
                 57 
                 opening 
               
               
                 58 
                 pin/pinned connection/pivotal 
               
               
                   
                 connection 
               
               
                 59 
                 pin/pinned connection/pivotal 
               
               
                   
                 connection 
               
               
                 60 
                 upper arched member 
               
               
                 61 
                 brace 
               
               
                 62 
                 annular flange/ring 
               
               
                 63 
                 cross bracing 
               
               
                 64 
                 annular flange/ring 
               
               
                 65 
                 pivot 
               
               
                 66 
                 pivot 
               
               
                 67 
                 plates 
               
               
                 68 
                 bore 
               
               
                 69 
                 tray 
               
               
                 70 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 90 
                 teeth 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, 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.