Abstract: A helmet includes a shell, a brim, ridges, and multiple flexible structures. The shell is shaped to receive a user's head. The brim covers the user's forehead and areas above the temples and ears and protrudes from the outer surface of the shell. The ridges are located along the back and top of the helmet and also protrude from the outer surface of the shell. The flexible structures, which are made of a material that is more flexible than the shell, the brim, and the ridges, are positioned in separation gaps between the shell and the brim and ridges. The shell, brim, ridges, and flexible structures are fused together as a single unibody. When the helmet is subjected to an impact on the brim or the ridges, the corresponding flexible structure deforms so that the brim or ridge moves relative to the shell. The deformation of the flexible structure attenuates the force of the impact, which improves the helmet's ability to protect the user from impacts.

Abstract: A nautical vessel docking and storage system attaches to a nautical structure. A system includes a cradle having support elements that include lower portions, proximate and distal side portions, and proximate and distal side abutments; a vessel securing element; a hinge for each proximate side portion; and a puller for transitioning the cradle between docking and storage positions.

Abstract: A watercraft lift includes a base that is configured to be attached to a fixed surface. The watercraft lift includes an extension that extends from the base. The extension includes a pair of arms and a pair of legs. Each leg is attached to, and extends away from, each arm. The extension is rotatable about the base between a lowered position and a raised position. Then in the lowered position, the extension is configured to receive a watercraft, and when in the raised positioned, the extension is configured to store the watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from or to a marine transport vessel to or from a construction or vessel.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for launching and recovering one or more unmanned, underwater vehicles. The system includes a surface vessel having a generally low waterline for transporting, launching and recovering the unmanned vehicles. The system provides the ability to transport, launch and recover unmanned vehicles from either the port or starboard sides of the surface vessel, utilizing an A-frame hoist assembly which can be moved laterally in a controlled manner between the port and starboard sides of the surface vessel for lifting the unmanned vehicles, and which can be pivoted in a controlled manner to provide the launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: A device for handling a load hoisted between two locations offset both vertically and horizontally is described. In particular the device is useful for transferring an outboard motor between an operating location on a dinghy and a storage location on a larger boat. The device makes use of existing lifting devices such as sail halyards and winches and provides both guidance and stabilization of the motor during the transfer.

Abstract: An onboard davit assembly for launching a boat from a ship is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the assembly includes two spaced apart davits, each davit including a substantially horizontal boom, a hoist cable extending downwards from a suspension frame on the boom and including at least one fixation device at its lower end to which the boat can be attached. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is arranged such that the booms are movable between an inward position wherein the suspension frames extend inboard and an outward position wherein the suspension frames extend outboard, wherein the booms extend from an onboard vertical pivot axis and can rotate in a horizontal plane around the pivot axis, and wherein the suspension frames are movable along the booms such that a distance between the suspension frames remains constant during rotation of the booms between the two positions when the boat is moved from a parking position to a launching position.

Abstract: A system for launching or retrieving an auxiliary vessel, using at least one support frame, with a connected auxiliary vessel support platform, mounted for rotational and translational movement in Cartesian coordinate directions. The support platform may be inclined to proximate the water level to facilitate launch and retrieval operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a watercraft to another vessel or platform with a rack assembly. The rack assembly is adapted to lift and carry a watercraft out of the water. The rack assembly has a pair of rails adapted to support the watercraft. The pair of rails pivot whereby the ends of the pair of rails moves from a submerged position suitable for driving the watercraft onto the pair of rails to a raised position with the ends of the pair of rails is above the water level.

Abstract: The vessel includes a lifeboat, a housing positioned at the side of the vessel and defining a recess in which the lifeboat is stowed, hatch access to the lifeboat from a boat deck of the vessel, and an element for deploying the lifeboat from its stowed position.

Abstract: A SOLAS-compliant rescue boat davit for storing, launching and retrieving a rescue boat. The rescue boat davit has an A-frame lifting arm that supports the rescue boat in a stowed position and rotates approximately 20° about the base of the A-frame to assist in hoisting and lowering the rescue boat. A sheave assembly and a davit stop fitting assembly are mounted on the apex of the A-frame lifting arm and accommodate a winch line at the A-frame apex. An electrical winch hoists and lowers the rescue boat, via the winch line, and a stop ring on the winch line operates in conjunction with the davit stop fitting to cause the winch line to rotate the A-frame lifting arm forward. A post assembly mounted to the transom of a ship provides a mount for the electrical winch and supports the A-frame lifting arm via a wire strop. A boarding platform is also mounted to the transom of the ship to permit boarding of the rescue boat in its stowed position.

Abstract: A SOLAS-compliant rescue boat davit for storing, launching and retrieving a rescue boat. The rescue boat davit has an A-frame lifting arm that supports the rescue boat in a stowed position and rotates approximately 20° about the base of the A-frame to assist in hoisting and lowering the rescue boat. A sheave assembly and a davit stop fitting assembly are mounted on the apex of the A-frame lifting arm and accommodate a winch line at the A-frame apex. An electrical winch hoists and lowers the rescue boat, via the winch line, and a stop ring on the winch line operates in conjunction with the davit stop fitting to cause the winch line to rotate the A-frame lifting arm forward. A post assembly mounted to the transom of a ship provides a mount for the electrical winch and supports the A-frame lifting arm via a wire strop. A boarding platform is also mounted to the transom of the ship to permit boarding of the rescue boat in its stowed position.

Abstract: There is provided an improved access and evacuation apparatus for an offshore platform, in which the apparatus comprises an articulated arm for rotatably mounting on an offshore platform. The arm comprises an inner part which has first and second ends and an outer part also having first and second ends. The first end of the inner part is adapted for rotatably mounting on the platform and the second end of the inner part is rotatably connected to the first end of the outer part. The arm is selectively moveable between an upper position in which the second end of the outer part is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the second end of the outer part is below the surface of the water and remote from the platform. There is also provided a winch and a cable operatively connecting the winch to the arm.

Abstract: A boat lift and carrier device for receiving and grasping one of the pontoon portions of an inflatable dinghy including preferably a pair of laterally spaced generally C-shaped hoop carriers having a pocket to receive at least part of the pontoon portion through a channel of a dimension slightly less than the diameter of the pontoon portion such that the aforementioned grasping action is brought about at least while initially positioning the pontoon onto the lift and carrier device.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful access and evacuation sytem for an offshore platform, the system comprising a rotating arm for mounting on the support structure of an offshore platform, the arm selectively moveable between an upper position in which an outer end of the arm is adjacent the platform, and a lower position in which the outer end of the arm is below water and remote from the platform; a pick-up adjacent the outer end of the arm for capturing and suspending a boat; a winch for selectively raising and lowering the arm; a boat; a suspension on the boat for mating with the pick-up; and shock absorbers on the suspension whereby to minimize shock to the boat when boat is being captured by the pick-up.

Abstract: A system for launching and retrieving boats from an offshore work platform, the system comprising a deployment arm adapted to be rotatably secured at one end thereof to superstructure of the platform for rotation between a first pre-launch position and a second post-launch position, means for controlling rotation of the arm between the first and second positions, and boat support means mounted adjacent an outer end of the arm, the support means comprising a spaced pair of support members each having thereon an open claw structure for receiving a support pin associated with a respective side of a boat.

Abstract: The davit 10 has an arm structure 16 with an indentation 44 therein within which it "hugs" the object 14 suspended from the same so as to reduce the objects's dynamicism on the mother vessel 2 when the vessel is underway and reacting to the water. This follows from the fact that in the relatively retracted position of the arm structure (FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the object is stored until there is a need for it, the recess 48 of the indentation is disposed substantially entirely on the relatively inboard side of the vertical plane of the horizontal axis 40 about which the arm structure is pivotally mounted, and the object is suspended from the arm structure so that the relatively inboard side 24 of the object crosses the vertical plane of the axis and advances within the recess to locate the center of gravity of the object in more of a dead center relationship with that of the davit.

Abstract: The on board dinghy cradle comprises a framework of hollow tubings which are secured together by fittings and connectors. The framework produced includes bottom cross members which extend across the width of the dinghy at a predetermined distance below the bottom surface thereof. Side tubings are also provided for positioning one side of the dinghy close to a supporting surface for the cradle, such as a swim platform, and to keep the dinghy from moving away as it is being boarded or left. The cradle is pivotably mounted to the supporting structure so it can be pivoted to a vertical storage position, having the dinghy, with or without a small motor attached thereto, up and out of the water.

Abstract: An adjustable davit arrangement is attachable to a pair of pier pilings for raising or lowering a vessel and comprises a first davit mounted on a first pier piling, a second davit mounted on a second pier piling, a rotatable drive pipe extending between respective distal ends of the first and second davits, pick-up flanges disposed near respective ends of the rotatable drive pipe for raising or lowering the vessel via respective cables as the drive pipe is rotated, and a winch motor mounted in proximity to one of the davits and operating with a gear reducing drive drum mounted on the drive pipe so as to cause the drive pipe to rotate, thereby raising or lowering the vessel. Simplicity in assembly and operation, and economy, are achieved by use of a single winch motor.

Abstract: A dinghy is towed from the stern of a sailboat or power boat with the stern of the dingy and associated motor forward and raised from the water. An associated towing mechanism includes a pair of rigid tubular members which are connected between the stern of the boat and the transom of the dinghy. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the tubular members relative to the boat and permit pivoting of the dinghy upwardly and downwardly relative to the tubular members. A pair of rope lines support the tubular members against downward pivoting. The lines are releasably retained against paying out by a pair of line retainers adapted for installation on a pre-existing rail commonly mounted at the stern of many boats. An additional line permits the bow of the dinghy to be raised from the water and pivoted upwardly against the stern of the boat thereby permitting both dinghy and motor to be stored entirely removed from the water.

Abstract: A davit assembly for use in supporting a vessel in either of two alternative positions, comprising a generally upright frame and a vessel support arm pivotally attached to the frame for movement between a first position where a first portion of the support arm is adapted to support a vessel in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a second position where a second portion of the support arm is adapted to support the vessel in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A combination cradle and davit lift for small lighweight boats, in particular inflatable boats, comprise a pair of shallow V-shaped tubular cradle members joined by longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are adjustable lengthwise and the cradle members are each adjustable widthwise on either side of the bottom of the V. Detachable hinges are provided for attachment to a swim platform or stern of a large boat. The cradle lift is constructed preferably of suitable hollow rigid plastic tubing for approximately neutral bouyancy whereby the cradles submerge with the outboardmost longitudinal member remaining above the water surface or, in the alternative, the cradle lift is provided with means to prevent sinking of the lift beyond a suitable depth in the water.

Abstract: An article placement device particularly for marine use for selectively positioning a life boat in the water at a selected location from its associated ship comprises a programmable control for articulating a plurality of support elements or links which are pivotally interconnected and which may be selectively pivoted relative to each other for the placement of an article which is held at the upper end of the device. The programmable control is associated with each support element pivoting means which permits preselection of the amount of the pivoting of each interconnected support element so as to move the supported object such as a boat at a selected position both laterally and vertically away from the device.

Abstract: A support structure for devices particularly life boats and similar apparatus which is weight operated comprises a plurality of support members, each or some of which may be telescopic which are pivotally interconnected adjacent their associated interconnected ends. Each successive upper one of a pair of such members is pivotal relative to the next adjacent lowermost one about a substantially horizontal axis. The pivoting is controlled by a control mechanism which is operated from a fluid pressure source produced by the weight of the elements upon each other. The control mechanism includes means for controlling the amount of tilt of each upper element relative to an adjacent lower element and for the control of the precise angularity of the two elements relative to each other during the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A liferaft deployment apparatus comprising a frame, a platform, and a liferaft container receptacle. The platform is positioned within the frame and is movable between a liferaft retention position and a liferaft deployment position. The liferaft receptacle receives containers of liferafts. The frame includes a first guide member and a second guide member which extend for the length of travel of the platform. The first guide member and the second guide member are parallel to each other. The frame further includes a stop at the ends of the travel of the platform. The platform includes a first angle member, a second angle member, and a plate extending between the angle members. The platform is mounted on a plurality of rollers. Lock members are included within the frame and the platform so as to fixedly maintain the platform in either the liferaft retention position or the liferaft deployment position.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful offshore evacuation system for drilling rigs or platforms comprising a launch structure for a survival craft; the structure comprising at least one support strut adapted to be pivotally attached at one end thereof to the platform superstructure and carrying at the other end thereof at least one support cradle for survival craft, and rotatable between an upper position and a lower position; and means for effecting rotation of said launch structure from said upper to said lower position; and a closed companionway leading from the platform accommodation unit to the loading position of the survival craft and being in sealing relationship with the survival craft.

Abstract: A mechanical device for lifting, storing and launching small boats in and out of the water along side conventional dry docks.

Abstract: A platform for a small boat or the like is pivoted to the free end of a pair of arms which are pivoted at their opposite ends to a larger boat such as a yacht. The arms are controlled by an hydraulic jack and a second hydraulic jack is arranged to drive or be driven by the first jack to control the platform so that it is always horizontal for any position of the arms. The arms can position the platform below the water line for launching or receiving the small boat or well above the water line.

Abstract: A support structure for devices particularly life boats and similar apparatus which is weight operated comprises a plurality of support members, each or some of which may be telescopic which are pivotally interconnected adjacent their associated interconnected ends. Each successive upper one of a pair of such members is pivotal relative to the next adjacent lowermost one about a substantially horizontal axis. The pivoting is controlled by a control mechanism which is operated from a fluid pressure source produced by the weight of the elements upon each other. The control mechanism includes means for controlling the amount of tilt of each upper element relative to an adjacent lower element and for the control of the precise angularity of the two elements relative to each other during the pivotal movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and methods to control the movement of boats and other objects, for example container loads, which are being moved above the deck of a ship moving in a seaway. In particular it is concerned with devices to restrain a boat or other object with respect to lateral swinging movement when suspended by a ship-mounted hoist. The invention is of particular, but by no means exclusive, application to the launch and recovery of inflatable and rigid inflatable rescue, life and work boats.