BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for loading offshore vessels utilizing
hoses. More particularly, the present invention provides an improved loading station
that provides multiple interchangeable reel modules for extremely large hoses associated
with sea operations that utilizes one motor for all reel modules, allows for separate
running of those modules, and provides a jumper shaft between two non-adjoining reel
modules when an adjoining middle module is removed.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002] Hoses are frequently handled off the side of offshore vessels for the purpose of
supplying the offshore vessel with supplies through what are called loading stations.
These supplies can simply be liquids such as potable water, oil, diesel fuel, or any
of a number of other liquids. Additionally, dry powders are handled thru hoses, such
as cement, sand and drilling mud components. Characteristically, when a dry powder
is to be transported by a loading station, the powder is mixed with compressed air
as a carrying mechanism, much as tubes are frequently used to carry deposits at a
drive-in bank. The primary difference is that the bank deposit is in a specific carrier,
whereas the dry powder is simply blown to its destination as a loose powder.
[0003] These hoses typically range from 8 to 15 cm (3" to 6") in diameter and will usually
float. They can be lowered from the side of a first vessel or a dock and can be floated
or pulled to a second vessel or dock. Needless to say, these are very large hoses
with very long lengths such as 120 meters.
[0004] On an installation, there will frequently be several loading stations with individual
hoses, which are specifically assigned for a specific service such as diesel fuel
or potable water. Each of these will characteristically have a motor attached so that
the hose can be lowered down to the water and retrieved back after the task is done.
The provision of individual motors with the associated controls is a significant expense
when planning for several loading stations, as well as the accommodations of multiple
motors consumes extra deck space. Deck space on a large offshore drilling rig is some
of the most expensive "real estate" in the world.
[0005] Still further, the reels associated with these loading stations require maintenance.
By example, it is not unusual for a hose to break which would require removing the
reel module associated with that hose. In the prior art, this often requires a cumbersome
and time consuming operation of stopping all operations of modules while one is being
replaced
[0006] In spite of the cost associated with the present products as well as the real estate
consumed by the multiplicity of motors, prior art attempts at improvements to this
problem have not provided the desired solutions. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus,
process and or system that provides a loading station that only requires one motor
for all reel modules as well as provides a means to operate the individual modules
even when a module is removed from the drive train.
[0007] The document
US 2015/0083843 A1 discloses a method of providing a clutch for spools which allows for two motive forces
to be applied without loss of control.
[0008] The above discussed limitations in the prior art is not exhaustive. The current invention
provides an inexpensive, time saving, more reliable offshore hose loading stations
where the prior art fails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of loading systems
for offshore hose applications now present in the prior art, the present invention
provides a new and improved offshore hose loading station according to claim 1.
[0010] As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently
in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved loading station for use with offshore
application which has all the advantages of the prior art devices and none and or
fewer of the disadvantages.
[0011] It is, therefore, contemplated that the present invention is an offshore hose loading
station comprising multiple hose reels that may be selectively configured to a frame
attached to a ship and or vessel. The multiple hose reels are powered by one motor
and engaged for rotation by one shaft. Each reel may have an engaging clutch to the
shaft for selective rotation of a separate hose reel as desired. The loading station
comprises a jumper shaft between two non-adjoining reel modules when an adjoining
middle module is removed.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the
invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in this application to the
details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the
purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based
may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.
[0014] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
offshore hose loading station for use in transferring fluids, powders, and so forth
at sea from one location to another utilizing a plurality of different hoses stored
on motor driven reels.
[0015] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved
offshore hose loading station which allows for a single motor to drive multiple reels
independently and reliably.
[0016] Another object of the present disclosure, not covered by the present invention, is
to provide a new and improved offshore hose loading station, which may include a clutch
that will allow any of several loading stations to be powered by a single motor, prevents
the accidental uncoiling of the loading station hose when it is not being powered,
and provides no time of disengagement thereby eliminating and or decreasing accidental
losing of a hose.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved offshore
hose loading station which is of a durable and reliable construction and may be utilized
in numerous types of applications.
[0018] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved
offshore hose loading station which is susceptible to a low cost of installation and
labor, which accordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consuming
industry, thereby making such a system economically available to those in the field.
[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved offshore
hose loading station which provides all of the advantages of the prior art while simultaneously
overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved offshore
hose loading station that provides a jumper shaft that may be utilized between two
non-adjoin reel modules when an adjoin middle module is removed.
[0021] These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features
of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in
the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding
of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its
uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS, GRAPHS, DRAWINGS, AND APPENDICES
[0022] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above
will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description
thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations,
graphs, drawings and appendices.
FIG. 1 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a perspective view of a loading station with three modular reel
assemblies in position.
FIG. 2 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a perspective view of the loading station in Figure 1 from the
other or back side with a modular reel assembly being lifted off frame of the loading
station.
FIG. 3 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a bottom partial cut away view of the loading station in Figure
1.
FIG. 4 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a perspective view of a loading station with positions for nine
modular reel assemblies with one generally removed.
FIG. 5 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of a modular reel assembly control
panel.
FIG. 6 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of bottom of a modular reel assembly
drive, clutch, spool gear, connector and so forth.
FIG. 7 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of modular reel assembly top portion
and lifting point.
FIG. 8 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of modular reel assembly top portion
and lifting point.
FIG. 9 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a front view of two modular reel assemblies in position on a loading
station frame with a generic motor and jumper shaft.
FIG. 10 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention of Figure 9 depicting a jumper shaft attached between two modular reel assemblies
on a loading station frame.
FIG. 11 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial exploded perspective view of a jumper shaft ready for
attachment.
FIG. 12 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention of Figure 11 depicting a partial exploded perspective view of a jumper shaft
positioned to be aligned for attachment.
FIG. 13 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention of Figure 10 depicting a partial perspective view of jumper shaft being
attached and or removed between two modular reel assemblies on a loading station frame
with one end uncoupled.
FIG. 14 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a perspective view of an adapter and or socket for attaching to
manually rotate a spool with a wrench, ratchet and so forth.
FIG. 15 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of a shaft for use with adapter of
Figure 14 and also generally depicting a keyway end.
FIG. 16 is a general illustration of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the
invention depicting a partial perspective view of a modular reel assembly bolted onto
a frame of a loading station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the illustrations, drawings, and pictures and to Figures 1 and 2 in
particular, reference character 10 generally designates a new and improved offshore
hose loading station in accordance with the present invention. Invention 10 is generally
used in offshore transfer of such things as liquids such as but not limited to potable
water, oil, diesel fuel and so forth. Invention 10 may also be utilized to transfer
dry powders such as but not limited to cement, sand and drilling mud components.
[0024] It is to be understood that invention 10 may be utilized for non-offshore applications
and may be utilized in other operations not associated vessels. For purposes of convenience,
the reference numeral 10 may generally be utilized for the indication of the invention,
portion of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention and so on. It is
also to be understood that invention 10 should not be considered limited to just loading
stations and may be utilized with other types of reel and or spool assemblies.
Loading Station and Modular Reel Assembly
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, invention 10 may further include loading station 20 having
a frame 30 for holding a number of spool(s) 40 with associated hose(s) 50. Invention
10 also contemplates a modular reel assembly 60 for positioning hose 50 and spool
40. Modular reel assembly 60 is generally modular for removably attaching to frame
30 as desired thus generally allowing customization by the order of units, number
of units, placement and so forth on frame 30.
[0026] Modular reel assembly 60 may be removably attached to frame 30 such as but not limited
to removable bolts and other forms of attachment known in the art. It is understood
that frame 30 may be adapted to be attached to a sea vessel, offshore platform and
so forth. It is understood that it is contemplated to attach frame 30 to a deck of
a ship.
[0027] It is further contemplated that loading station 20 may include numerous variations
of modular reel assembly 60 and associated spool 40 for holding associated hose 50
other than that depicted for convenience. It is understood that invention 10 contemplates
more or less modular reel assembly 60 and the current invention should not be limited
to the illustrations. A preferred construction may be two and or up to twelve modular
reel assembly 60 although more may be contemplated than twelve.
[0028] Again referring to the illustration in general and more in particular to Figures
3 and 4, invention 10 contemplates loading station 20 may function to provide independent
modular reel assembly 60 and associated operation of spool 40 with one motor 70 wherein
motor 70 is connected to one or more modular reel assembly 60 spool 40 via shaft and
or shaft assembly 80 as further described below. Invention 10 may provide a clutch
and or clutch assembly 90 per modular reel assembly 60 of numerous types and or other
mechanical applications known in the art may be utilized. In a preferred embodiment,
motor 70 may be located in on side of frame 30 for access. Motor 70 may be on various
positions on frame 30 and the current invention should not be considered to limit
the invention as illustrated.
[0029] Referring to Figure 4, loading station 20 is generally depicted to show another configuration
of modular reel assembly 60 on common frame 30, each having hose 50 such with an output
connector 100 on seaside to be deployed to deliver product to a vessel or port. It
is understood that hose 50 is typically made from various materials known in the art
and of great length such as but not limited to 120 meters. It is understood that various
types of materials may be utilized at various lengths for hose 50.
[0030] Referring now to Figure 5 and in more particular, generally the opposite side of
the illustration depicting the other side and or inboard side of modular reel assembly
60. It is understood that each modular reel assembly 60 may be operated independently
from other units and has a fitting such as input connector 110 for connection of piping
to administer the fluid or powder to be received or delivered. Handle 120 may operate
clutch 90 of this invention. It is understood that handle 120 may cooperate with a
power source (not depicted) such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, hydraulic
and so forth to power assist the operation of handle 120, clutch assembly 90, and
so forth.
[0031] Again Referring to Figure 3 and also Figure 6, a bottom view of the group of modular
reel assembly 60 on loading station 20 is depicted showing single motor 70 to drive
the individual modular reel assembly 60 interconnected shaft assembly 80, associated
respective clutch assembly 90 and drive assembly 160 also discussed further below.
Single motor 70 provides the power to operate all of loading station 20 individual
modular reel assembly 60 simultaneously or one at a time.
[0032] Shaft assembly 80 is generally a reference to one or more individual and interchangeable
segment(s) 130 for each modular reel assembly 60 that comprise shaft assembly 80 that
is in communication with motor 70 for selectively rotating respective spool 40 of
a modular reel assembly 60 for winding and unwinding hose 50 on spool 40 when assembled
and or connected. Invention 10 contemplates that each segment 130 has a first end
140, a middle 150 with disposed clutch 90 and drive assembly 160 to rotate spool 40
for selectively rotating spool 40, and a second end 170. It is understood that drive
assembly 160 may generally take the rotation of shaft 80 and translate into rotation
of spool 40 on modular reel assembly 60 as known in the art with associated gearing
and as depicted but not limited thereto.
[0033] Referring more in particular to Figures 7 and 8, it is understood that each modular
reel assembly 60 is adapted to be removably placed on loading station 20 frame 30
and connected to each other modular reel assembly 60 such that wherein shaft 80 is
operable to all modular reel assembly 60. Each modular reel assembly 60 may be removably
connected by bolts to frame 30 as known in the art and may include lift assembly 185
that may be but is not limited to, slings, hooks, lift lugs and so forth for lifting
from frame 30 and also lowering to said frame 30. Each modular reel assembly 60 may
have lift points 195 to attach such as but not limited to a cable and or rope 205
and so forth.
[0034] It is understood that the respective segments 130 are removably connectable such
that one segment 130 may be removed allowing each modular reel assembly 60 to be replaced
and or placed and shaft 80 reassembled and or reconnected. In a preferred embodiment,
segments 130 first end 140 and second end 170 may include a keyway 180 that is more
clearly depicted in Figure 15 that may utilize a removable coupler and or coupling
190 for removably connecting shaft assembly 80 together. Motor 70 may also include
keyway 180 that may also be utilized with removable coupler 190 for removably connecting
to modular reel assembly 60 segment 130. It is understood that segment(s) 130 have
a length 200 that generally form shaft assembly 80 when connected by coupler(s) 190
to motor 70. Length 200 is about the same as width 210 of modular reel assembly 60.
[0035] It is understood that shaft assembly 80 segments 130 may be removably attached to
each other and motor 70 in various ways and the current invention should not be limited
to the current illustrations. Couplers 190 in the art may be and have pins, collars,
sleeves, squared drives, combinations thereof and other forms known in the art to
removably attach two rotating shafts.
Jumper Shaft
[0036] Again referring to the illustrations in general and more in particular to Figures
9 through 13, invention 10 contemplates providing one or more auxiliary and or jumper
shaft 220 such that shaft assembly 80 may be in full communication with all modular
reel assemblies 60 and motor 70 when modular reel assembly 60 is removed from frame
20 and a gap 230 is formed by the removal of the modular reel assembly 60 segment
130 from the shaft assembly 80. Gap 230 is approximately the same as segment 130 length
200, which is also approximately the same as width 210 of modular reel assembly 60.
It is understood that jumpers shaft 220 may be utilized for gap 230 between modular
reel assembly 60 and or gap 230 between motor 70 and a modular reel assembly 60. It
is understood that multiple jumper shaft 220 may be utilized if more than one modular
reel assembly 60 segment 130 is removed from shaft assembly 80.
[0037] Jumper shaft 220 has a first end 240, a length 250, and a second end 260. Jumper
shaft 220 length is generally the same length as segment 130 length 220 of shaft assembly
80. First end 240 and second end 260 are adapted to be removably connected to segments
130 first end 140, second end 130 and or motor 70.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, either jumper shaft 220 first end 240 or second end 260
may include a generally fixed connector 270 and a sliding connector 280. It is contemplated
to remove bolts 290 from jumper shaft 220 slider connector 280 allowing sliding connector
280 to generally travel down length 250 toward fixed connector 270, which allows clearance
for connecting. Fixed connector 270 may be slipped onto, attached, and or removably
attached to segment 130 after being aligned to segment 130 and or motor 70. After
alignment sliding connector 280 is positioned for connecting to another segment 130
and or motor 70 and may be slipped onto, attached and or removably attached and so
forth. In a preferred embodiment, sliding connector 280 is slid into position and
bolted into place with bolts 290. In another preferred embodiment, square coupling
300 may be utilized to connect jumper shaft 220. It is understood that numerous variations
are contemplated for the removable installment and or non-removable installment of
jumper shaft 220.
Adapter for Manually Rotating Spool
[0039] Referring more specifically to Figures 14, 15 and 16, invention 10 contemplates providing
and adapter and or socket 310 which may be attached to segment 130 first end 140 and
or second end 140 for allowing rotation of spool 40 when modular reel assembly 60
has been removed from shaft assembly 80 during movement out of and or in frame 30
of loading station 20. In a preferred construction, segment 130 keyway 180 and or
motor 70 keyway 180 may be fitted to socket 310 wherein a ratchet, wrench, and or
other tool may be provided to manually rotate spool 40. It is understood that numerous
configurations are contemplated to allow the rotation of spool 40 via segment 130
rotation.
Preferred Embodiments
[0040] Invention 10, therefore, contemplates a loading station for transferring supplies
via a hose adapted to be pulled from a first sea vessel or first dock to a second
sea vessel or second dock comprising: a modular reel assembly having a spool adapted
to rotate to wind and unwind said hose from said first sea vessel or first dock to
said second sea vessel or second dock and
wherein said spool is rotated by a rotating shaft segment having a first end, a second
end and a length; a motor having a rotating shaft with an end; and a jumper shaft
having a first end removably attached to said end of said rotating shaft of said motor,
a second end removably attached to said first end of said rotating shaft segment of
said modular reel assembly, and a length wherein said length of said jumper shaft
is about the same as said length of said shaft segment of said modular reel assembly.
[0041] Invention 10 also further contemplates a loading station for transferring supplies
via a first hose and a second hose wherein said first hose and said second hose are
adapted to be pulled from a first sea vessel or first dock to a second sea vessel
or second dock comprising: a first modular reel assembly having a spool adapted to
independently rotate to wind and unwind said first hose from said first sea vessel
or first dock to said second sea vessel or second dock and wherein said spool is rotated
by a rotating shaft segment having a first end, a second end and a length; a second
modular reel assembly having a spool adapted to independently rotate to wind and unwind
said second hose from said first sea vessel or first dock to said second sea vessel
or second dock and wherein said spool is rotated by a rotating shaft segment having
a first end, a second end and a length; a motor having a rotating shaft with an end
in communication with said first end of said rotating shaft segment of said first
modular reel assembly; and a jumper shaft having a first end removably attached to
said second end of said rotating shaft segment of said first modular reel assembly,
a second end removably attached to said first end of said rotating shaft segment of
said second modular reel assembly, and a length wherein said length of said jumper
shaft is about the same as said length of said shaft segment of said first modular
reel assembly.
[0042] Invention 10 still further contemplates a loading station for transferring supplies
via a first hose and a second hose wherein said first hose and said second hose are
adapted to be pulled from a first sea vessel or first dock to a second sea vessel
or second dock comprising: a first modular reel assembly having a spool adapted to
independently rotate to wind and unwind said first hose from said first sea vessel
or first dock to said second sea vessel or second dock and wherein said spool is rotated
by a rotating shaft segment having a first end, a second end and a length; a second
modular reel assembly having a spool adapted to independently rotate to wind and unwind
said second hose from said first sea vessel or first dock to said second sea vessel
or second dock and wherein said spool is rotated by a rotating shaft segment having
a first end, a second end, a length, and wherein said first end of said rotating shaft
segment is in communication with said second end of said rotating shaft segment of
said first modular reel assembly; and a motor having a rotating shaft with an end
in communication with said first end of said rotating shaft segment of said first
modular reel assembly.
[0043] Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, and arrangements of the various
parts and elements described herein without departing from the scope of the invention
which is only limited by the appended claim. Furthermore, names, titles, headings
and general division of the aforementioned are provided for convenience and therefore,
should not be considered limiting.