[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable craft, particularly a dinghy, a tender
or the like.
[0002] Inflatable crafts are particular boats provided with a central bottom and inflatable
fabric tubulars wrapping the bottom on the sides thereof. One or more outboard motors
are provided rearwards to propel the inflatable craft. The bottom can be also inflatable,
or can be made of a rigid material, such as fiberglass or aluminum. This kind of inflatable
crafts is particularly appreciated for the reduced rolling thereof both when they
are standing still and during navigation thanks to the provision of the inflatable
tubulars and for being easily transported thanks to the fabric tubulars being inflatable.
[0003] Inflatable crafts have been used in different applications over time. Particularly,
they are effectively used for rescue operations or underwater excursions. Inflatable
crafts have also been widely used as low-cost crafts as compared with crafts with
a completely rigid hull. In recent times, the use of large-size inflatable crafts
has been increasing, which are provided with a number of accessories and high-level
equipment that have made them very comfortable, almost like non-inflatable hull crafts.
[0004] As compared with the latter, however, inflatable crafts suffer from a drawback in
that they have little space available, which can be on the other hand provided in
traditional crafts by arranging actual accommodations within the hull and/or by providing
one or more raised planes thereon. For example, the provision of sufficiently comfortable
beds or mats implies having a large space available, in addition to construction complexity
deriving for example from the requirement of arranging movable structures allowing
said beds or mats to be placed under the shadow and do not constitute an obstacle
during navigation.
[0005] In the case of inflatable crafts intended to be used for rescue operations, a very
felt drawback is the difficulty of taking on board the person being rescued without
subjecting his/her body to abrupt or damaging movements when he/she is taken on board.
[0006] The object of the present invention is thus to provide an inflatable craft such as
to at least partially overcome the drawbacks cited with reference to the inflatable
crafts according to the prior art.
[0007] These and other objects are achieved by means of an inflatable craft according to
claim 1.
[0008] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof
several exemplary non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described below with reference
to the annexed drawings, in which:
[0009] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an inflatable craft according to the invention;
[0010] Fig. 2 is a side view of the inflatable craft in Fig. 1;
[0011] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the portion in the frame III of the inflatable craft
in Fig. 1;
[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view according to the arrow IV of the inflatable craft portion
in Fig. 3;
[0013] Fig. 5 is a perspective view according to the arrow V of the inflatable craft portion
in Fig. 3;
[0014] Fig. 6 is a perspective view according to the arrow VI of the inflatable craft portion
in Fig. 3;
[0015] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the inflatable craft portion in Fig.
3;
[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a further detail of the inflatable craft portion
in Fig. 3;
[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further detail of the inflatable craft portion
in Fig. 3;
[0018] Fig. 10 is a partially phantom side view, according to the arrow X of the inflatable
craft portion in Fig. 3;
[0019] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the detail in the frame XI of the inflatable craft
portion in Fig. 10;
[0020] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the detail in the frame XII of the inflatable craft
portion in Fig. 10;
[0021] Fig. 13 is a perspective exploded view of the inflatable craft portion in Fig. 3
according to a further possible embodiment of the invention;
[0022] Fig. 14a-14c are partially phantom side views of the inflatable craft portion in
Fig. 10 according to a further possible embodiment in a plurality of particular use
conditions.
[0023] With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, an inflatable craft is generally designated with
numeral 1. The inflatable craft 1 can be for example a dinghy, a tender, or similar
crafts. In the description below, particular reference will be made to a dinghy as
a possible example of inflatable craft.
[0024] The dinghy 1 comprises a base structure 2 which is partially laterally surrounded
by a floating side structure 3.
[0025] The base structure 2 comprises a bottom 4 that can take different shapes. In fact,
it can comprise a pneumatically-inflatable fabric tube (inflatable craft of the foldable
type), or can be made of a rigid material, such as fiberglass or aluminum (inflatable
craft of the "hybrid" type).
[0026] The floating side structure 3 is at least partially pneumatically inflatable. To
the purpose, it preferably comprises one or more inflatable tubulars 5. The tubulars
5 have the function of ensuring stability while the dinghy 1 has been floating and
are preferably divided therein into a plurality of inner tubes, such that any damage
to one of the inner tubes will not affect the remaining inner tubes and thus the dinghy
1 does not sink even when one of the inner tubes of the floating side structure 3
has been damaged.
[0027] The tubulars 5 are advantageously made of fabric suitable for use on crafts. For
example, they can be made of polyester or polyamide fabric impregnated with specific
elastomers. The fabric pieces are glued by suitable glues, preferably cold glued.
The framework of the tubulars is preferably covered by a covering fabric. For example,
PVC- or polyvinyl chloride-coated fabrics can be provided. Alternatively, a rubber-coated
fabric can be provided, particularly neoprene® on the inner side and hypalon® on the
outer side.
[0028] The dinghy 1 is further preferably provided with one or more motors 6 that are arranged
in the rear area ("at the stern"). This area is not surrounded by the floating side
structure 5.
[0029] In the habitable area del dinghy, designated with numeral 41, being defined by the
floating side structure 3, the dinghy 1 can be provided with various equipment for
the control thereof and/or for accommodating the user/s. For example, seats or armchairs,
a control board, housing compartments or further equipment well known to those skilled
in the art can be provided.
[0030] Advantageously, the floating side structure 3 comprises at least one housing seat
7 that can be accessed by one or more access openings 8 provided in the floating structure
3.
[0031] In the inflatable craft 1 according to the invention, accordingly, the floating side
structure 3 has not only a floating function, as in prior art inflatable crafts, but
also has a housing function. Accordingly, the housing seats housing seats 7 can be
used in several ways. For example, the housing seats 7 can be used as storage compartments,
such as to at least partially clear the habitable area 41 of the craft 1 from the
bulk of trunks or traditional compartments or at least reducing the overall dimensions
thereof. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the housing seats 7 can be configured
such as to be capable of accommodating at least one person therein. For example, suitable
support means can be provided therein, for example one or more beds. Thereby, the
inflatable craft 1 acquires the advantages of non-inflatable crafts while retaining
those navigation characteristics which make inflatable crafts so much appreciated.
[0032] To the purpose of making housing seats 7 accessible, the access openings 8 can be
arranged and shaped in different manners. For example, only one access opening 8'
can be provided facing the craft interior, i.e. facing the habitable area 41, and
accessible therefrom. This solution is for example suitable in the case where the
housing seats 7 act as a sleeping cabin for the user, or as a storage compartments.
Alternatively, or in addition thereto, an access opening 8" can be provided facing
the craft exterior, such as to facilitate loading and unloading items therefrom, for
example when the inflatable craft is moored alongside a pier. Alternatively, or in
addition thereto, an access opening can be provided facing downwards (not shown in
the drawings), i.e. directly positioned in the fluid medium on which the craft is
floating under operating conditions. A similar configuration is suitable, for example,
when elements have to be let down on the fluid medium, such as a bathyscaphe. Alternatively,
or in addition thereto, an access opening can be provided facing upwards (not shown
in the drawings), i.e. facing the craft side opposite the side immersed in the fluid
medium. This opening can be used for example to easily insert items in the housing
seat.
[0033] The housing seats 7 can be variously arranged in the floating side structure 3. Preferably,
though not necessarily, they are arranged in symmetric positions on both sides of
the craft 1, such as not to alter the stability thereof during navigation. Most preferably,
they are arranged proximate to the stern of the inflatable craft 1.
[0034] From a constructional point of view, the housing seats 7 can be made in replacement
of the space which is normally intended for one or more of the inner tubes of the
tubulars which make up the floating side structure 3 in the inflatable crafts according
to the prior art.
[0035] According to a possible embodiment, the housing seats 7 are defined by a rigid tubular
structure to which one or more inflatable adjacent tubulars 5 are connected. According
to another possible embodiment (not shown in the drawings), the housing seats 7 are
also defined by an inflatable structure which is shaped such as to define the housing
seats when pressurized air (or other gas) is blown therein.
[0036] Preferably, the access openings 8 are reversibly closable. In other words, these
access openings can be opened and closed such as to allow and prevent access to the
housing seats 7. To this purpose, the access openings 8 can be provided with suitable
closing means.
[0037] Said closing means can be variously configured. In the case where no tight sealing
concern are present, such as for example when the access openings are facing the interior
of the inflatable craft 1, the closing means can be simple fabric coverings, which
can be possibly closed by means of closing members, such as zip or strap fasteners,
or the like. Alternatively, panels can be provided either movable relative to the
floating side structure 3 or completely removable therefrom. In order to ensure the
closure thereof, suitable locking means can be provided in the closed position. Movable
rigid members can be then provided within the housing seat 7, as will be more detailed
below with reference to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The closing means
can be moved either by hand or suitable moving means can be provided, such as electric
motors, or of different nature, which can be controlled by the user.
[0038] According to a further particularly advantageous aspect of the present invention,
the shape of the floating side structure 3 with one or more housing seats 7 and one
or more openings 8 for access therein can be exploited to use the inflatable craft
1 for rescue operations in water.
[0039] With reference to Fig. 3-13, several embodiments will be described of a dinghy being
particularly suitable for such rescue operations. As will be apparent to those skilled
in the art, the characteristics that will be described herein, possibly with the addition
of several modifications, or variations, are also suitable for using the dinghy in
a civilian or touristic context.
[0040] With reference to the figures stated above, a portion of a dinghy according to the
invention (the dotted portion in the frame in Fig. 1) is depicted, particularly a
portion of base structure 2 and a portion of the floating side structure 3 including
the housing seats housing seats 7 (two in the example, which are symmetrically arranged
relative to the base structure 2).
[0041] According to the embodiment illustrated herein, both the base structure 2, and the
portions of the floating side structure 3 are made of a rigid material. Particularly,
the base structure 2 comprises the bottom 4, and the portion of floating side structure
3 comprises two rigid tubular structures 9, both preferably defining as many housing
seats 7 therein. At two opposite ends 10 and 11 of each of the rigid tubular structures
9 the inflatable tubulars can be connected (not shown in Fig. 3-13) such that the
craft 1 is suitable for navigation.
[0042] The bottom 4 and rigid tubular structures 9 are mutually associated with each other.
For example, they can be made as one piece, or alternatively, they can be constructed
separately and then connected to each other.
[0043] Advantageously, the rigid tubular structures 9 comprise an outer fixed tubular body
12 and an inner movable tubular body 13. The outer fixed tubular body is associated
with the bottom 4, whereas the inner movable tubular body 13 is arranged within the
outer fixed tubular body 12, i.e. it is arranged within the space defined by the latter.
The outer fixed 12 and inner movable 13 bodies are preferably arranged substantially
co-axial to each other. Furthermore, the inner movable tubular body 13 results to
be pivoting about said common axis within the outer fixed tubular body 12.
[0044] Said mobility of the inner movable tubular body 13 relative to the outer fixed tubular
body 12 makes it possible either to gain access to the housing seat 7 or not, according
to the particular configuration being taken.
[0045] In fact, the outer fixed tubular body 12 advantageously forms the one or more access
openings 8 to the housing seat 7. Particularly, according to the embodiment illustrated
herein, the outer fixed tubular body 12 forms an inner access opening 8' and an outer
access opening 8". The inner access opening 8' faces inwardly of the dinghy 1, particularly
the habitable area 41, whereas the outer access opening 8" faces outwardly of the
dinghy, i.e. under use conditions, the fluid medium on which the dinghy is floating
(sea, lake, river, or the like).
[0046] In accordance with an embodiment, the inner movable tubular body 13 is movable relative
to the outer fixed tubular body 12 between an outer closed position and an outer opened
position. When the inner movable tubular body 13 is standing in the outer closed position
(to this purpose, see for example Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, with reference to the rigid tubular
structure 9'), the outer access opening 8" is closed and thus the housing seat 7 is
not accessible from the exterior of the craft. On the other hand, when the inner movable
tubular body 13 is standing in the outer opened position (to this purpose, see for
example Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, with reference to the rigid tubular structure 9"), the
outer access opening 8" is opened and thus the housing seat 7 results to be accessible
from the exterior of the craft. It should be noted that, preferably, the outer access
opening 8" is arranged and shaped such that, under normal conditions of use of the
craft, it is partially underneath the surface of the fluid medium on which the craft
is floating.
[0047] Advantageously, to the outer closed position of the inner movable tubular body 13
there corresponds an inner opened position, i.e. such a position that the inner access
opening 8' is opened, and to the outer opened position of the inner movable tubular
body 13 there corresponds an inner closed position, such that the inner access opening
8' is closed. In other words, in a first position (in the outer closed and inner opened
positions) the housing seat 7 can be accessed through the inner access opening 8'
but not through the outer access opening 8". On the other hand, in a second position
(in the outer opened and inner closed positions) the housing seat 7 can be accessed
through the outer access opening 8" but not through the inner access opening 8'.
[0048] In order to make this selective accessibility to the housing seat 7 possible, the
outer fixed tubular body 12 and the inner movable tubular body 13 are suitable shaped.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment, the housing seat 7 is defined by two defining walls
14 and 15, preferably of annular shape, of the outer fixed tubular body 12, which
are arranged at the two ends 10 and 11 of the rigid tubular structure 9 (Fig. 8),
respectively. The two defining walls 14 and 15 are connected to each other by means
of an upper bridge 16 and a lower bridge 17 of the outer fixed tubular body 12, which
are axially developed. The upper bridge 16 and the lower bridge 17 are preferably
placed in diametrically opposite positions and define, along with the defining walls
14 and 15, the outer 8" and inner 8' access openings. Advantageously, the upper bridge
16 and lower bridge 17 have an arc of circle development in the cross-size section
thereof. The lower bridge 17 preferably has a greater width than the upper bridge
16. Thereby, they form both guides and holding means for the inner movable tubular
body 13, which in turn has a cross-size that at least partially has an arc of circle
development.
[0050] In greater detail, the inner movable tubular body 13 comprises two defining walls
18 and 19 being arranged at the ends 10 and 11 of the rigid tubular structure 9, which
preferably have an annular shape (Fig. 9), respectively. The two defining walls 18
and 19 are preferably connected to each other by only one connecting bridge 20, preferably
having an arc of circle development in the cross-size thereof, which is, most preferably,
developed between the outer circumferences of the defining walls 18 and 19. The defining
walls 18 and 19 and the connecting bridge 20 define the housing seat 7.
[0051] Advantageously, the connecting bridge 20 of the inner movable tubular body 13 has
an extension of less than 360° in the cross-section thereof, such as to provide an
intermediate access opening 21 for access to the housing seat 7.
[0052] Most advantageously, the intermediate access opening 21 is arranged such that, when
the inner movable tubular body 13 is in the outer closed-inner opened position, the
intermediate access opening 21 is at least partially aligned with the inner access
opening 8' of the outer fixed tubular body 12, and when the inner movable tubular
body 13 is in the inner closed-outer opened positions, the intermediate access opening
21 is at least partially aligned with the outer access opening 8" of the outer fixed
tubular body 12. Thereby, depending on the position of the inner movable tubular body
13 relative to the outer fixed tubular body 12, selective access to the housing seat
7 is provided, through the outer access opening 8" or through the inner access opening
8', respectively.
[0053] Obviously, such mechanism can be usefully adopted also when only one access opening
is provided to the housing seat 7 in the outer fixed tubular body 12. For example,
only the inner access opening 8' can be provided, and in this case the housing seat
7 results to be accessible only through this one opening. Alternatively, only the
outer access opening 8" can be provided. These configurations are particularly suitable
to the case where the housing seat 7 has the function of storage compartments or cabin
for a craft user.
[0054] In order to ensure the relative mobility between the outer fixed tubular body 12
and the inner movable tubular body 13 without jamming, suitable rolling means can
be provided. For example, rolls or balls 22 or similar (Fig. 8) can be provided in
the lower bridge 17 of the outer fixed tubular body 12, which are capable of rolling
on the connecting bridge 20 of the inner tubular body 13 while the latter is being
moved such as to ensure a sufficient relative mobility between the inner movable tubular
body 13 and the outer fixed tubular body 12.
[0055] In order to prevent water infiltration, particularly from the craft outer side, when
the access openings are closed, suitable gaskets 23 (Fig. 7) are advantageously provided.
[0056] The inner movable tubular body 13 can be moved either manually or, preferably, automatically.
In the latter case, actuating means are advantageously provided, for example electric
motors 24, which adjust the movement of the inner movable tubular body 13. Obviously,
actuating means of different nature can also be provided, for example hydraulic pumps.
[0057] Preferably, with each rigid tubular structure 9 is associated one of said motors
24. In accordance with an embodiment, from the defining walls 14 and 15 of the outer
fixed tubular body 12 tubular projections 25 and 26 defining actuating seats 27 and
28 therein (see for example Fig. 7 and 8). These tubular projections 25 and 26 have
a connecting function to the inflatable tubulars 5 of the floating side structure
3. At least one of these actuating seats 25 and 26 of each rigid tubular structure
9 is further intended to accommodate moving members of the inner movable tubular body
13. According to a possible embodiment, in this actuating seat is accommodated a rack
or gear wheel 29 which is connected to the inner movable tubular body 13, for example
by means of a drive shaft (not shown in the figures). In order to allow this shaft
to pass therethrough, the corresponding defining wall of the outer fixed tubular body
12 is provided with a through hole 30, preferably provided with a sealing gasket 31.
The gear wheel or rack 29 is geared with a pinion 32 of motor 24, thereby moving the
gear wheel or rack 24 and thus the inner movable tubular body 13. The motor 24 can
be also entirely accommodated within the actuating seat. Alternatively, as shown in
the figures, it may also be arranged outside thereof, for example in a suitable space
42 provided in the bottom 4, and in the tubular projections may be provided connecting
through grooves 33 suitable to communicate the motor 24, external to the actuating
seat, to the gear wheel or rack 29, internal to the actuating seat.
[0058] The actuating seats 27 and 28 can be tightly isolated by applying tympana 40 which
make the actuating seats (Fig. 13) inaccessible from the outside.
[0059] Advantageously, in order to allow the rescue operations while minimizing the stress
caused to the body of the person to be rescued as much as possible, the inflatable
craft 1 comprises a support plate 34 suitable to support a person's body, which is
arranged in the housing seat 7 (Fig. 7). Thereby, during the rescue operations, it
is possible to load the person directly on the support plate 34 by means of the outer
access opening 8". After the body has been placed on the support plate 34 without
being subjected to trauma, the outer access opening 8" is closed and the inner access
opening 8' is opened in the same manner as described above, which also grants access
to the housing seat 7 and hence support plate from within the craft, i.e. the habitable
area 41 of the latter. It should be noted that, as stated above, the outer access
opening 8" is preferably arranged and shaped such that, under normal conditions of
use of the craft, it is partially beneath the surface of the fluid medium on which
the craft is floating. Most preferably, the support plate 34, when the outer access
opening 8" is opened and thus an amount of the fluid medium flows to the housing seat
7, is partially submerged in the fluid medium. Thereby, the stress to which the body
of the person to be rescued is subjected while he/she is being loaded to the support
plate are further minimized. In fact, as the latter is partially submerged, the person's
body always results at least partially supported by the hydraulic thrust of the fluid
medium.
[0060] According to a possible embodiment, the support plate 34 is hinged to the outer fixed
tubular body 12 or, alternatively, to the bottom 4 at hinges 43. The connection to
the latter elements is preferably such that the support plate 34 can perform rotations
about an axis parallel to the axis of the rigid tubular structure 9.
[0061] In order to avoid interferences between the support plate 34 and the inner movable
tubular body 13, the latter can comprise circumferential grooves 38 corresponding
to the hinge points (Fig. 9).
[0062] In order to support the support plate 34, the inner movable tubular body 13 advantageously
comprises rest means, such as for example protrusions 35 projecting inwardly of the
housing seat 7. Thereby, the position of the inner movable tubular body 13 affects
the position of the support plate 34.
[0063] Particularly, according to a preferred embodiment, when the inner movable tubular
body 13 is in the outer closed position, the support plate 34 is supported by the
projecting protrusions 35 (Fig. 11). In this configuration, the support plate 34 is
preferably in the horizontal position (with reference to the normal conditions of
use of the craft). On the other hand, when the inner movable tubular body 13 is in
the inner closed position, i.e. in the outer opening position, the support plate 34
is supported, by the outer fixed tubular body 12 in addition to the hinges 43, at
the outer access opening 8", particularly by the lower bridge 17 defining the outer
access opening 8" (Fig. 12) underneath. In this condition, the support plate 34 results
to be slightly inclined downwards, i.e. towards the fluid medium on which the craft
is floating under use condition, such as to facilitate the loading operations of the
person's body to be rescued.
[0064] In greater detail, starting from the latter configuration, while the inner movable
tubular body 13 is being moved from the outer opened position to the outer closed
position, in an intermediate position between these two positions the projecting protrusions
35 come in contact with the lower portion of the support plate 34, by dragging the
latter by the effect of the movement of the inner movable tubular body 13. After the
latter has reached the outer closed position, the support plate is hold in position,
preferably horizontal as stated above, by the protrusions 35.
[0065] The support plate 34 is preferably grid-shaped, such as to allow water drainage (Fig.
7). Most preferably, the support plate 64 is suitable to accommodate and support an
advanced spinal board. Any excess water that may be accumulated in the housing seat
7 is not such as to prevent proper navigation. Optionally, suitable ejection means
may be however provided (not shown in the figures) for excess water, for example a
pump suitable to withdraw water from the housing seat 7 and drain the latter outwardly
of the craft 1.
[0066] In accordance with an embodiment, the craft 1 comprises a mat 36 arranged on the
support plate 34, on which the rescued person's body can be placed (Fig. 3-5).
[0067] The mat 36 is preferable removably connected to the support plate 34, such as to
be secured in position during use and to be removed when required, for example, for
cleaning operations.
[0068] Advantageously, the mat 34 has a greater overall extension than the extension of
the support plate 34, i.e., in other words, it has a rest plane (on which the person's
body can be placed) having a greater size than the surface of the support plate 34.
Further advantageously, the mat 36 is arranged in the housing seat 7 such that, when
the inner movable tubular body 13 is in the outer closed position, i.e. the inner
opening position, the mat 36 is partially projecting inwardly of the craft outside
the housing seat 7 through the inner access opening 8' (Fig. 3 and 4, rigid tubular
structure 9'). In this condition, the support plate 34, as stated above, is preferably
horizontal and the projecting portion of the mat 36 is also preferably horizontal.
To the purpose, the latter is preferably supported in this position by a rest plane
37 of the base structure 2.
[0069] On the other hand, when the inner movable tubular body 13 is in the inner closed
position (Fig. 3 and 4, rigid tubular structure 9"), the mat 36 is completely accommodated
within the housing seat 7 and is partially supported by the inner movable tubular
body, particularly the portion thereof is supported which results projecting through
the inner access opening 8' in the inner opened position.
[0070] In accordance with an embodiment, the mat 36 comprises first 36' and second 36" portions
(Fig. 10-12). The first portion 36' is connected to the support plate 34 and preferably
has an extension almost equal to that of the latter. The second portion 36" is movably
connected to the first portion, such as to be capable of performing rotations relative
to the latter, preferably about a common side thereof. The second portion 36" results
projecting inwardly of the craft through the inner access opening 8' when the inner
movable tubular body 13 is in the inner opened position (Fig. 11). In this condition
the second portion 36" of the mat 36 results to be supported by the rest plane 37.
[0071] When the inner movable tubular body is in the inner closed position, the second portion
36" is also accommodated within the housing seat 7, which is supported by the connecting
bridge 20 of the inner movable tubular body 13 (Fig. 12).
[0072] The mat 36 preferably has an opening 39 for water to be drained through the grid
of the support plate 34.
[0073] Alternatively or preferably in addition to the second portion 36", the mat 36 can
further comprise a third portion 36"' (Fig. 14a-14c). The first portion 36' is also
in this case connected to the support plate 34 and preferably has an extension almost
equal to that of the latter. The second portion 36", when provided, and the third
portion 36"' are movably connected to the first portion 36' on two opposite sides
thereof, such as to be capable of performing rotations relative to the latter, preferably
about common sides thereof. When the inner movable tubular body 13 is in the inner
opened position (Fig. 14a), the second portion 36" results projecting inwardly of
the craft through the inner access opening 8', whereas the third portion 36"' is accommodated
within the housing seat 7 supported by the inner movable tubular body 13. In this
condition, the second portion 36" of the mat 36 results supported by the rest plane
37.
[0074] When the inner movable tubular body is in the inner closed position (Fig. 14c), the
second portion 36" is accommodated within the housing seat 7, supported by the connecting
bridge 20 of the inner movable tubular body 13, whereas the third portion 36'" results
projecting out of the craft through the outer access opening 8", preferably at the
fluid medium surface, on which it tends to float in the absence of weights thereon.
[0075] In an intermediate position between the outer closed position and the inner opened
position, both the second portion 36", and the third portion 36"' are accommodated
within the housing seat 7, both being supported by the inner movable tubular body
13 on two opposite sides of the housing seat (Fig. 14b).
[0076] Such a craft can be duly used for first-aid operations.
[0077] Under navigation conditions, in fact, the inner movable tubular bodies 13 are hold
in the outer closed position. In these conditions, the outer access openings 8" result
to be closed and water is thus prevented from flowing into the housing seat. When
the person to be rescued has been reached, the inner movable tubular bodies 13 are
moved to the respective outer opening positions. The person's body can be thus loaded
through the outer access openings 8" directly on the mat 36, which results to be slightly
inclined as it is supported by the support plate 34, which is also slightly inclined.
[0078] After the body has been loaded, the inner movable tubular bodies 13 are brought back
to the outer closed position. Thereby, the support plate 34 and mat 36 are brought
to the horizontal position while the inner access openings 8' are opened and the second
portion 36" of the mat 36 is deployed inwardly of the craft by being supported on
the rest plane 37. In these conditions it is possible to act directly on the rescued
person's body from within the craft. At the same time, the craft is capable of resuming
navigation as the housing seat 7 is no longer communicating with the fluid medium
on which the craft is floating.
[0079] According to a possible embodiment, in order to ensure a simple assembly of the floating
side structure 3, the outer fixed tubular body 12 comprises a first separable portion
12' including the upper bridge 16 and first portions 14' and 15' of the defining side
walls 14 and 15, which in turn comprise second portions 14" and 15" (Fig. 13). Thereby,
the outer fixed tubular body 12 results openable and the inner movable tubular body
13 can be inserted therein. The first portion 12' of the outer fixed tubular body
12 and the second portions 14" and 15" of the defining walls 14 and 15 are thus connected
to each other and mutually fixed such that the inner movable tubular body 13 cannot
be released.
[0080] From the above description, those skilled in the art may appreciate how the inflatable
craft according to the invention, as compared with an equally sized inflatable craft
according to the prior art, provides a larger space due to the provision of the housing
seats provided within the floating side structure. This additional space can be used
as a storage compartments or actual cabin where the craft user can be accommodated.
This results in the inflatable craft according to the invention maintaining the navigation
characteristics substantially unchanged which are peculiar to inflatable crafts as
dinghies, while ensuring space and comfort comparable to non-inflatable crafts a hull.
[0081] Those skilled in the art may also appreciate how the inflatable craft according to
the invention, when used for rescue purposes, ensures much higher safety and efficacy
standards than those ensured by prior art inflatable crafts which are presently used
to this purpose. In fact, due to the provision of the housing seat and openings for
allowing access therein, the rescued person can be directly taken on board, without
his/her body being subjected to movements and shocks that may be potentially very
dangerous for him/her.
[0082] To the embodiments of the inflatable craft described herein according to the invention
those skilled in the art, aiming at meeting particular requirements, may be capable
of carrying out a number of additions, changes, or replacements of elements with others
functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the annexed claims.
1. An inflatable craft (1), particularly a dinghy, tender, or the like, comprising a
floating side structure (3) which is at least partially pneumatically inflatable,
characterized in that said floating side structure (3) comprises at least one housing seat (7) that can
be accessed therein through one or more access openings (8; 8', 8") provided in the
floating side structure (3).
2. The inflatable craft (1) according to claim 1, wherein said housing seat (7) is shaped
for one person to be accommodated therein and said one or more access openings (8;
8', 8") are shaped such as to allow said person to pass therethrough for gaining access
to the interior of the housing seat (7).
3. The inflatable craft (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said housing seat (7)
is equipped with support means (34) for one person.
4. The inflatable craft (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein within said housing
seat (7) a bed, a mat or the like is arranged.
5. The inflatable craft (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said housing seat
(7) can be accessed through an inner access opening (8') and through an outer access
opening (8"), said inner access opening (8') facing inwardly of the inflatable craft
(1) and said outer access opening (8") facing outwardly of the inflatable craft (1).
6. The inflatable craft (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said one or more
access openings (8; 8',8") can be reversibly closed.
7. The inflatable craft (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said floating side
structure (3) comprises one or more tubulars (5) which can pneumatically inflated
and one or more rigid tubular structures (9; 9', 9"), said at least one housing seat
(7) being defined by one of said one or more rigid tubular structures (9; 9',9").
8. The inflatable craft (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a rigid bottom
(4) which is partially laterally surrounded by said floating side structure (3), said
one or more rigid tubular structures (9; 9',9") being connected to or made as one
piece with said bottom (4).
9. The inflatable craft (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said one or more rigid
tubular structures (9; 9',9") comprise an outer fixed tubular body (12) and an inner
movable tubular body (13) which is co-axially arranged within said outer fixed tubular
body (12) and pivoting relative thereto about a common axis thereof.
10. The inflatable craft (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said one or more
access openings (8; 8', 8") are provided in the outer fixed tubular body (12) and
said inner movable tubular body (13) is shaped such as to act as a closing member
for said one or more access openings (8; 8', 8").
11. The inflatable craft (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said outer fixed tubular
body (12) provides an inner access opening (8') facing inwardly of the inflatable
craft (1) and an outer access opening (8") facing outwardly of said inflatable craft
(1), said inner movable tubular body (13) being movable relative to said outer fixed
tubular body (12) between an outer closed position and an outer opened position such
that:
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is standing in the outer closed position,
said outer access opening (8") is closed and said inner access opening (8') is opened;
and
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is standing in the inner closed position,
said outer access opening (8") is opened and said inner access opening (8') is closed.
12. The inflatable craft (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said inner movable
tubular body (13) comprises an intermediate access opening (21) for gaining access
to the housing seat (7), said intermediate access opening (21) being arranged such
that:
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is standing in the outer closed position,
the intermediate access opening (21) is at least partially aligned with the inner
access opening (8') of the outer fixed tubular body (12); and
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is standing in the inner closed position,
the intermediate access opening (21) is at least partially aligned with the outer
access opening (8") of the outer fixed tubular body (12).
13. The inflatable craft (1) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a support plate (34)
suitable to support a person's body placed in the housing seat (7), wherein said support
plate (34) is hinged to said outer fixed tubular body (12) and said inner movable
tubular body (13) comprises rest means (35) for said support plate (34), such that:
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is in said outer closed position, the support
plate (34) is supported by the rest means (35); and
- when the inner movable tubular body (13) is in that inner closed position, the support
plate (34) is supported by said outer fixed tubular body (12) at said outer access
opening (8").
14. The inflatable craft (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a mat (36) being
arranged on said support plate (34) having a greater extension than the latter, said
mat (34) being arranged in the housing seat (7) such that, when the inner movable
tubular body (13) is in said outer closed position, the mat (36) is partially projecting
out of the housing seat (7) through the inner access opening (8'), and when the inner
movable tubular body (13) is in said inner closed position the mat (36) is completely
accommodated in the housing seat (7) by being partially supported on said inner movable
tubular body (13) or partially projecting out of the housing seat (7) through the
outer access opening (8").
15. The inflatable craft (1) according to any claim 9 to 14, comprising actuating means
(24) for moving the inner movable tubular body (13) relative to the outer fixed tubular
body (12).