Apparatus for performing overhead work using air-propelled vessel with articulating member

• US 9,162,736 B2
• Filed: 10/25/2013
• Issued: 10/20/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ronald J. Thibodaux
• Original Assignee: Ronald J. Thibodaux
• Inventors: Thibodaux, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Venne, Daniel V
• Application Number:
  US14/063,591
• Publication Number:
  US 20140065901A1
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 440/37, 212/307, 212/309, 114/268, 114/269, 114/364, 114/382
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60F 3/0007 Arrangement of propulsion or steering means on amphibious vehicles marine propulsion or steering B63H
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 27/06 with slewing force exerted at pivoted end
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 35/00 Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 35/44 Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices construction methods for floating offshore platforms B63B75/00
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 7/02 using propellers
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 23/605 employing ships' masts B66C23/525 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 11/044 Working platforms suspended from booms
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 70/10 Measures concerning design or construction of watercraft hulls

Abstract

A wide, flat-bottom, buoyant, amphibious hull with a powered articulating member mounted on the deck. The hull has a shallow draft and distributes its weight over a large area and is propelled by at least one engine-driven propeller rotating above the hull. These features cooperatively provide a vehicle capable of performing overhead work, such as installing or servicing power transmission poles, towers, or other structures located in environmentally sensitive wetlands, swamps, marshes, shallow water, or terrain which is not efficiently accessible by other means.

Claims

1. A method for performing overhead work at a power transmission tower comprising the steps of:

a) launching a vessel comprising;

i. a hull having an upper surface and a substantially flat bottom;

ii. at least one drive motor mounted to said hull;

iii. at least one propeller attached to each of said at least one drive motor; and

iv. an articulating boom having a first end, a second end and at least one pivot joint between said first and second ends, wherein said first end is pivotally mounted on said upper surface of said hull;

v. a basket attached to said second end of said articulating boom;

b) moving said vessel to said power transmission tower;

c) positioning at least one person within said basket; and

d) extending said articulating boom to elevate said at least one person relative to said power transmission tower in order to perform such work.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of collapsing said articulating boom.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of moving said vessel from said tower.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of moving said vessel to a tower further comprises traversing at least one water body having a water bottom, wherein said hull does not contact said water bottom.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of traversing an area of land.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said articulating boom further comprises:

a. a first rigid member;

b. a second rigid member, pivotally connected to said first rigid member; and

c. at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said first rigid member and said second end is connected to said second rigid member.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said hull has a center and a bow, and said articulating boom is positioned between said center and said bow.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said articulating boom is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis.

9. A method for performing overhead work at a power transmission tower comprising the steps of:

a) launching a vessel comprising;

i. a hull having a bow, a substantially flat bottom and an upper surface having a center;

ii. at least one drive motor mounted to said hull;

iii. at least one propeller attached to each of said at least one drive motor;

iv. a pedestal disposed on the upper surface of said hull between said center and said bow; and

v. an articulating boom having a first end, a second end and at least one pivot joint between said first and second ends, wherein said first end is pivotally mounted on said pedestal;

vi. a basket attached to said second end of said articulating boom;

b) moving said vessel to said power transmission tower;

c) positioning at least one person within said basket; and

d) extending said articulating boom to elevate said at least one person relative to said power transmission tower in order to perform such work.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of collapsing said articulating boom.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of moving said vessel from said tower.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said step of moving said vessel to a tower further comprises traversing at least one water body having a water bottom, wherein said hull does not contact said water bottom.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of traversing an area of land.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein said articulating boom further comprises:

a. a first rigid member;

b. a second rigid member, pivotally connected to said first rigid member; and

c. at least one hydraulic cylinder assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is connected to said first rigid member and said second end is connected to said second rigid member.

15. The vessel of claim 9, wherein said articulating boom is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis.