Rebuilt double hull vessel and method of rebuilding a single hull vessel into a double hull vessel
DCFirst Claim
1. A double hull vessel comprising:
- an outer hull of an existing single hull vessel;
an inner hull internally fitted in spaced apart relationship with said outer hull;
a plurality of connecting members disposed between and connecting said inner hull to said outer hull;
wherein said outer hull and said inner hull form a double hull of a rebuilt double hull vessel and wherein said outer hull of said double hull of said rebuilt double hull vessel maintains the same outer hull shape and outer hull dimensions as said outer hull of said existing single hull vessel, wherein said inner hull is connected to said outer hull using a transversely framed design.
3 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An existing single hull vessel is rebuilt to provide a double hull vessel by cutting and removing the topside decking and internal vessel structure of the single hull vessel and inserting an inner hull structure within a volume defined by the original hull. The original hull defines an exterior (outer hull) of the rebuilt double hull vessel and the inner hull defines an interior cargo carrying volume and forms a boundary in the event that the outer hull is penetrated. In addition, a trunk structure, raised deck, and lower bulkhead portions may be used to prevent the loss of cargo carrying capacity due to the new double hull. The double hull covers at least the length of the cargo carrying section of the vessel along the bottom and sides of the cargo section. This method of internal double hulling results in the original vessel structure being reused to the maximum extent possible, and the major exterior dimensions and outer hull hydrodynamic characteristics of the vessel remaining substantially the same after the process of double hulling is complete.
27 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A double hull vessel comprising:
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an outer hull of an existing single hull vessel;
an inner hull internally fitted in spaced apart relationship with said outer hull;
a plurality of connecting members disposed between and connecting said inner hull to said outer hull;
wherein said outer hull and said inner hull form a double hull of a rebuilt double hull vessel and wherein said outer hull of said double hull of said rebuilt double hull vessel maintains the same outer hull shape and outer hull dimensions as said outer hull of said existing single hull vessel, wherein said inner hull is connected to said outer hull using a transversely framed design. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of rebuilding an existing single vessel to form an internally rebuilt double hull vessel comprising the steps of:
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providing an existing single hull vessel having an outer hull;
cutting an opening in said existing single hull vessel;
removing an existing internal vessel structure through said opening in said existing single hull vessel;
installing a new inner hull through said opening and over said existing outer hull;
connecting said new inner hull to said existing outer hull;
reinstalling said removed existing internal vessel structure through said opening in said existing single hull vessel; and
closing said opening in said existing single hull vessel. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification