BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a loading-bridge construction, particularly for
nautical use.
[0002] As known, where a boat is moored at a wharf, a loading-bridge construction to facilitate
the disembarkment is used.
[0003] Such a loading-bridge conventionally comprises a metal framework supporting walking-on
elements and being further provided with a handrail.
[0004] However, the use of this loading bridge is greatly limited by on-board stowing problems.
[0005] In fact, the size and weight of prior loading-bridges are such as to render them
suitable only for large-size boats.
[0006] Existing small size loading-bridges, on the other hand, are unpractical and unsafe
in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide a loading-bridge construction,
specifically designed to solve the above mentioned prior art problems.
[0008] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the invention is to
provide such a collapsible loading-bridge construction which, in its use configuration,
has a size allowing an easy and safe access to the wharf, and which, moreover, may
be easily and quickly stowed in its collapsed condition.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a loading-bridge construction
which has a very small weight.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a loading-bridge construction
which, owing to its specifically designed structural features, is very reliable and
safe in operation.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a loading-bridge construction
which can be easily made starting from easily available elements and materials and
which, moreover, is very competitive from a mere economic standpoint.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects,
as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved
by a loading-bridge construction for nautical use, characterized in that said construction
comprises an inflatable body having a use configuration therein said body is inflated
and rigid and comprises a walking-on portion, and a collapsed configuration, therein
said body has a reduced size and non rigid configuration, to be easily folded.
[0013] In its use condition, moreover, said inflatable body has a bridge-bent configuration
provided by tie-rod means, operating on the end portion of said inflatable body.
[0014] In order to further increase the loading-bridge construction loading capability,
disassemblable strut elements arranged between the inflatable body and tie-rod elements
are moreover provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though
not exclusive, embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative,
but not limitative, example in the accompanying drawings, where:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a loading-bridge construction according to the present
invention shown in a use condition thereof;
Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the loading-bridge construction according to
the present invention shown in a use condition thereof;
Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the inventive loading-bridge construction in
a use condition thereof;
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the inventive loading-bridge construction in a use
condition thereof; and
Figure 5 is a bottom view of the inventive loading-bridge construction in a use condition
thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the loading-bridge
construction, specifically designed for nautical use, according to the present invention,
and which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises an inflatable
body 2, which includes a walking-on portion 3.
[0017] Advantageously, said inflatable body 2 is made of a fabric material comprising two
rubber layers joined by yarns or threads to one another.
[0018] Said rubber layers are contoured and joined to one another by a glueing or thermosealing
arrangement.
[0019] As the inflatable body 2 is inflated, the two surfaces thereof coupled to one another
by the mentioned coupling yarns or threads, are parallel, thereby providing a walking-on
body.
[0020] In order to increase the thus constructed loading-bridge construction loading capability,
the body 2 assumes, in its use condition, a bridge bent configuration, provided by
one or more tie-rod means 4 operating at the end portions 5 and 6 of the body 2.
[0021] In the shown exemplary embodiment, said tie-rod means 4 are two.
[0022] However, the number of the tie-rod means may vary depending on the loading-bridge
length and/or width.
[0023] Between the tie-rods 4 and inflatable body 2 strut elements 7 are advantageously
arranged, said strut elements comprising a strut element stem 8 including a base 9
bearing on the inflatable body 2 and an enlarged head portion 10 operating on the
tie-rod means.
[0024] The strut elements 7 are so designed as to further increase the length dimension
of the loading-bridge construction.
[0025] Thus, owing to the provision of the above bent configuration and the strut elements
7 arranged between the tie-rod means 4 and inflatable body 2, it is possible to provide
a sufficiently rigid loading-bridge adapted to support loads of substantially 150
Kg.
[0026] The tie-rod means are preferably made of a synthetic material and may be easily disassembled
to facilitate the stowing thereof.
[0027] Moreover, said strut elements may also be made of any other suitable material and
may also have an inflatable construction.
[0028] The tie-rod means 4, in turn, may comprise, according to a further embodiment thereof,
one or more belts clamped to the end portions of the inflatable body.
[0029] It has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.
[0030] In fact, the invention provides a collapsible loading-bridge construction having
three cooperating important features:
a dimension, that is a length/width, such as to facilitate and make safe the wharf
passage;
a facilitated stowing, since the inventive loading-bridge may be deflated and rolled
on so as to quickly and easily stow it even on small size boats;
a small weight since, the size being the same, the inventive loading-bridge has the
same weight as a carbon loading-bridge, but also having a much less cost.
[0031] In practicing the invention, the materials used for making the inventive loading-bridge
and tie-rods and strut elements therefor, as well as the contingent size and shapes,
can be any, depending on requirements.
1. A loading-bridge construction for nautical use, characterized in that said construction comprises an inflatable body having a use configuration therein
said body is inflated and rigid and comprises a walking-on portion, and a collapsed
configuration, therein said body has a reduced size and non rigid configuration, to
be easily folded.
2. A loading-bridge construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that said inflatable body is made of a fabric material comprising two rubber layers joined
by yarns or threads to one another, said rubber layers being contoured and joined
by a glueing or thermosealing arrangement; in an inflated condition the two surfaces
coupled to one another of said yarns or threads being parallel and forming a walking-on
body.
3. A loading-bridge construction, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in said use condition, said body has a bridge bent configuration provided by tie-rod
means operating on the end portions of said body.
4. A loading-bridge construction, according to claim 3, characterized in that said tie-rod means comprise one or more belts clamped to the end portions of said
inflatable body.
5. A loading-bridge construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said construction comprises a strut element arranged between each said tie-rod means
and inflatable body.
6. A loading-bridge construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said strut element comprises a strut element stem having a bearing base which
bears on the inflatable body, and an enlarged head operating on the tie-rod means.
7. A loading-bridge construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said strut element is a disassemblable element made of a synthetic material.
8. A loading-bridge construction, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each said strut element is made by any suitable materials and with any suitable shape
and size and may also be of an inflatable type.