WO1996003869A1

WO1996003869A1 - Hauling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1996003869A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1994/000079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Marten Southern
Original assignee: Christopher Marten Southern
Priority date: 1993-05-18
Filing date: 1994-08-02
Publication date: 1996-02-15

Abstract

This invention relates to line hauling apparatus (1) one use of which is to enable fishermen to set a long line from the shore. The apparatus is motor powered (6) and designed to skim over water on an outward journey and then settle below the waterline. The apparatus and long lines can be recovered mechanically or manually.

Description

HAULING APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FTELD

This invention relates to motorised hauling apparatus.

There has long been a need for an alternative for both professional and amateur fisherman wishing to cast fishing lines from the shoreline, which is often hazardous particularly in areas subject to significant tidal changes.

Many deaths are recorded each year as a result of fishermen being caught in vulnerable positions which could be avoided if another method of setting out a long line other than by casting or the use of dinghies is available. There have been a number of patents granted with respect to line hauling apparatus, examples being United States Patent No.s 4,161,077, 3,793,761, 4,442,261, 4339,888, 3,739,516, 3,710,500, 3,203,131, 3,911,609, 3,106,796, 2,951,307, 3,599,370, 2,693,047 and 2618254 all of which variously address the issues of propulsion, steering, line setting and recovery. The majority of the prior art disclosures propose line haulers which are designed to float, and are propelled by propellers driven by combustion or electric motors. Some propose remote control systems.

Propeller driven haulers which float are very difficult to launch in heavy seas, to steer and position, and the above-named disclosures are aimed at alleviating these problems in numerous ways. Exposed propellers inevitably lead to difficulties with line entanglement.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a line hauling apparatus which has a relatively simple control system, which can be propelled to a desired position in an efficient manner, and which has propulsion means not readily snared by trace or recovery lines. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a motorised hauling apparatus comprising an upper hull section and a lower hull section, said upper hull section being watertight and enclosing an electric motor, a power source for the motor and control means, said lower hull section having forward and rearward openings and enclosing impellor propulsion means for the apparatus, said impellor propulsion means being coupled to be driven by the electric motor when said control means is activated to cause the battery to drive the electric motor and impellor to provide forward thrust to said apparatus when it is waterborne.

The impellor propulsion means can be mounted on a substantially vertical axis within the upper and lower hulls, said impellor propulsion device having a plurality of substantially vertically orientated blades.

The control means includes a settable timing device which enables the period of time in which the motor runs to be preset.

The control means can be preset by magnetically coupled switches. The impellor unit within the lower hull section can be enclosed within a surround communicable with the interior of the lower hull section, said surround having an exhaust conduit which extends from the surround to the rearward opening of the lower hull section.

The hauling apparatus can include attachment means by which a long-line can be attached to the rear of the hull.

The ballast of the apparatus is such that it will sink below the waterline once in a set position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Figure 1: is a long section of a hauling apparatus in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 2: is a sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 , and

Figure 3: is a sectional view taken at HE-UI of figure 2. Figure 4: is a schematic diagram of the one possible form of electrical control means for the apparatus of the present invention, and

Figures 5 A and 5B: are sketches of the apparatus on an outward journey and in a 'set' position respectively.

With respect to the drawings the apparatus illustrated comprises a hull generally indicated by arrow 1 divided into an upper section and a lower section generally indicated by arrows 2 and 3 respectively, the upper section 2 being isolated from the lower section 3 by an elongate horizontally disposed wall 4.

The apparatus is driven in water by an impellor driving means generally indicated by arrow 5. A suitable driving means can be a conventional bilge pump.

The bilge pump can have an electric motor 6 driving pumping means 7, a rotary member such as an impellor (not shown). The propulsion means 5 is set in the wall 4 in a flanged opening 8 which incorporates sealing means 9 such as the O-ring seal illustrated.

The lower section 3 of the hull 1 has a bow end 10 which may be covered by a grill and a stern section 11 which incorporates a conduit 12 providing a defined exhaust passage for water pumped from the flooded lower section by the propulsion means 5, the conduit 12 being connected to a tangential exhaust nozzle 13 adjacent the pumping means 7 of the propulsion means 5. The outlet 12A from the conduit 12 is co-axial with the hull 1.

The hull upper section incorporates two battery support positions 14 for supporting DC batteries 15, a control board 16 and switches 17. Appropriate electrical connections are made between the switch control board, batteries and the electric motor of the prime mover 5.

The hull can be provided with an external handle 18 and various forms of lugs and attachments for the attachment of ropes, lines and other accessories and may be moulded in plastics, or moulded or fabricated in any other suitable materials.

The hull 1 may be moulded in any number of parts. The switches 17, which may be reed switches can be adapted for manual or remote operation.

Pegs 19 which may be moulded with or fixed from the hull shell or the wall 4 secure the upper surfaces of the batteries 15.

Void areas within the hull 1 may be filled with buoyancy materials. One of the major disadvantages of using an external propeller as a means of propulsion for small craft of this type is that it is difficult to provide a watertight seal to surround an active connection between the driving motor and the propeller. By using a centrifugal pump such as a bilge pump in the manner described, I have been able to provide a waterproof seal between the motor housing and the wall 4. The bilge pump propulsion means has the advantage of relatively quiet operation and of course eliminates the problem of line entanglement of which propeller driven craft of this type are prone.

The positioning of the impellor driving means 5 and the batteries 15 to either side provides an ideal balance for the unit and provides a low centre of gravity. The unit is very stable in water. The region between the bow end 10 and the bilge pump impellor section acts as a catchment reservoir for water and the bilge pump impellor collects water from this region, accelerates it, disperses it via the conduit 12 to provide thrust to the unit. With respect to Figure 4 of the drawings the control means comprises a start switch 20 and an advance switch 21. An electric motor control means 22 is connected to the advance switch 21 via a timing device 23 and a power supply regulator 24 is connected to the start switch 20 and motor control 22 and the timing device 23. A battery 25 is connected to the regulator 24 and a battery charging input unit 27, and a display unit 26 connected to the motor control 22 and a regulator 24.

The control circuit for the apparatus has several features.

Control for starting and programming the unit is via magnetically coupled reed switches, thereby isolating the effects of sea water from the unit,

Protection against operating the propulsion motor with low battery volts and thereby damaging the motor windings is provided,

The time for running the propulsion motor can be pre-set to selected time durations by using the magnetic control at time of launch of the unit, depending on sea conditions,

Protection against overcharging of the battery is also provided. This protection may be embodied within the unit or in a separate charging unit kept in the owners home or business premises.

The timing device 23 can include a CD4060 14 Stage Binary Counter/Divider & Oscillator IC. This device has a free running RC oscillator which in conjunction with the division ratio chosen in the circuit and can be adjusted to deliver a pulse every 10 rninutes to the motor control circuit.

The motor control circuit 22 accepts inputs from either the magnetic advance switch 21, or from the timer circuit 23. On starting maximum run time is assumed unless action is taken to reduce this. At start up the carry out output of the CD4017 Counter/Divider is at a logic high, and the propulsion motor is started immediately. If the operator wishes to program in a lesser amount of run time, the CD4017 can be clocked by operating the advance switch 21 until the desired run time is displayed. From this time onward, the Timer circuit 23 will clock the motor control circuit 22 every 10 minutes until a zero count is reached. At this time the carry out output of the device will go to logic low and the propulsion motor will shut down. To prevent operation of the unit with low batteries and potentially stalling the propulsion motor causing damage, the zenner diodes in series with the motor control relay will prevent the relay energising if the battery voltage is less than a predetermined voltage.

The display circuit 26 takes as its inputs the outputs of the CD4017 counter/divider in the motor control circuit 22 and provides a higher current source to drive the LED's or liquid display unit which protrude through the hull of the line hauler. This is achieved by the use of a CD4049 Hex Invertor.

The power supply regulator takes as its input the 12 volt battery used to drive the propulsion motor, and is adapted to provide a clean 6 volt output to the timing 23, motor control and display circuits 22,26. A three terminal regulator can be used to provide up to 1 amp of current, more than adequate for the circuitry shown on the diagram, but excess capacity was allowed for future development of radio control devices in the future.

The battery charge regulator 27 takes as its input the charging terminals protruding through the hull of the apparatus, and delivers a current limited 1 amp supply to the internal battery 25. The charge potential can be set by a 2.4 volt zenner diode in the reference leg of the three terminal regulator, giving a maximum charge voltage of 14.4 volts. A visual indication of battery on charge may be given by a green LED which protrudes through the hull of the apparatus. With respect to Figures 5A and 5B of the drawings in areas where the surf is heavy there is a requirement that the apparatus be able to skim semi-submerged the water on an outward journey and also a requirement that the apparatus settles below the waterline 30 at its destination so as to avoid detection where it is used for security operations, and in general use to avoid collisions with other water borne craft in the vicinity. The apparatus must therefor have a correct volume of air space in the upper chamber to overall weight.

In a typical fishing application the fisherman attaches his traces to the apparatus and/or to his long line 31. The motor 5 is then started and the apparatus heads out into the water. Without pressure on the line the apparatus would tend to nose dive and be ineffectual so the fisherman must keep tension on the line so that the apparatus is level (Figure 5A) as it skims through the water just below the surface or partly submerged. After some distance the weight of the line may be sufficient to maintain elevation on the apparatus. When the apparatus reaches its destination the motor can be switched off by a remote apparatus (or may automatically switch off) and the apparatus sinks a predetermined level below the waterline (Figure 5B). The apparatus can be recovered by mechanical or manual rewinding of the long line. One use for the hauling apparatus is for long line hauling for recreational or professional fisherman who can add traces as the apparatus is propelled to its destination, however it is envisaged that the hauling apparatus may be used for many other purposes.

For example, military and recreational e.g. scuba diving applications are envisaged. Such application may require a twin-hull unit joined by a "bridge" that would have the same cross-section as an aircraft wing. As well as providing a structurally strong link between the two hulls it would also carry dive/trim flaps on the leading and trailing edges. The entire unit would be designed so that only the top half of the wing or bridge was above the water while stationary, giving it a very low profile. When under way the flaps would be used to trim the unit to run on the surface or to dive according to the operational requirements.

The twin hulls, as well as adding to the stability of the unit, would double the power available and allow very precise steering simply by stopping one motor and running the other (in the same way as a twin screw vessel is able to manoeuvre without a rudder). Either radio or wire control could be used to steer and dive the unit.

At the present moment I am testing a radio controlled twin hull unit designed only for surface use so it does not have the dive/trim, flaps. The radio transmitting and receiving equipment is the most basic and inexpensive type available (normally used by model aircraft enthusiasts). So far this has only been tested to 1,000 metres but technically, in optimum conditions, (in particular underwater radio transmitting and receiving) the operational range would be governed only by battery capacity.

These units could be quickly and cheaply produced in high-impact ABS plastics though some military specifications would probably require other materials. The physical size of the units would be dictated by operational requirements ie load to be carried, range, speed, duration etc.

As already discussed only the top half of the bridge would be above the surface when the unit was stationary which would make it very hard to see even at close range and almost impossible to pick up on radar. The units are almost totally silent and could not be heard (by the human ear) even a few feet away. As the units are not propeller driven the absence of "prop thrash" etc would make sonar detection difficult and as the majority of the unit could be made of plastic magnetic detection is unlikely.

In submerged applications cameras and strobe flash-guns, specialised detecting equipment or demolition charges would be carried in pods slung under the bridge and between the hulls. For surface or shoreline observation the pods would be mounted on the top of the bridge so that after an underwater approach only the pods need shown above the water.

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

Underwater power and telephone cables and oil and gas pipe lines - inspection or demolition. - Underwater minefields and coastal detection and defence systems - locating, mapping, demolition.

Covert surface observation of coastal or harbour installation and shipping - deployment of listening/detection packages or explosive charges against shipping.

Submarine salvage - Jettisoned from submarine to check hull damage or underwater obstructions.

Programmed to constantly circle ships at anchor outside home waters to provide visual check against limpet mines etc.

Army engineers - underwater observation of obstructions and precise placement of demolition charges. - Silent deployment of lines either ship to shore or across rivers.

Recreational uses as described.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS;

1. A motorised hauling apparatus comprising an upper hull section and a lower hull section, said upper hull section being watertight and enclosing an electric motor, a power source for the motor and control means, said lower hull section having forward and rearward openings and enclosing impellor propulsion means for the apparatus, said impellor propulsion means being coupled to be driven by the electric motor when said control means is activated to cause the battery to drive the electric motor and impellor to provide forward thrust to said apparatus when it is waterborne.

2. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electric motor and impellor propulsion means are mounted on a substantially vertical axis within the upper and lower hulls, said impellor propulsion device having a plurality of substantially vertically inclined blades.

3. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control means includes a settable timing device which enables the period of time in which the motor runs to be preset.

4. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control means is preset by magnetically coupled switches.

5. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the impellor unit within the lower hull section is enclosed within a surround communicable with the interior of the lower hull section, said surround having an exhaust conduit which extends from the surround to the rearward opening of the lower hull section.

6. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 including attachment means by which a long-line can be attached to the rear of the hull.

7. A motorised hauling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the ballast of the apparatus is such that it will sink below the waterline once in a set position. A motorised hauling apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.