Patent ID: 8424479

Claim:
A universal launch and recovery arrangement comprising: a pivotable ramp having a forward edge and a pivot edge, the pivotable ramp pivotable at the pivot edge, with the forward edge movable between a stowed position and deployed position for receiving a water vessel, the pivotable ramp comprising: a substantially planar ramp surface; a first row of tire arrangements; a second row of tire arrangements substantially parallel to the first row of tire arrangements, wherein each tire arrangement comprises: an adjustable pivotable joint attached to the substantially planar ramp surface; an extendable arm having a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion of the extendable arm is attached to the pivotable joint; an axle attached to the upper portion of the extendable arm; and a tire for supporting a water vessel and for moving the water vessel along the ramp, the tire attached to the axle, wherein the tire is rotatable about said axle; and a pneumatic actuator for extending and retracting the extendable arm, and wherein in each tire arrangement, each adjustable pivotable joint is adjusted so that each extendable arm projects at an acute angle α with respect to the ramp surface, the first and second rows of tire arrangements positioned so that an equal extension of the extendable arms of the first row and the extendable arms of the second row narrows a gap between the tires of the first row and the tires of the second row.