1 Mooring Platform TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]The present invention generally relates to a mooring platform. In particular the present invention relates to an improved mooring platform which provides a safer platform for workers to operate from, in particular the mooring platform is commonly referred to as a dolphin. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Ports provide an assortment of moorings to which vessels can be secured. Some moorings at provided at a wharf from which the vessel may be loaded/unloaded. Other moorings are to secure a vessel when the vessel is waiting to berth at the wharf, is waiting for a storm to pass or is undergoing maintenance. To facilitate these activities a port may have several small moorings to which a vessel can be safely secured. These are commonly referred to as dolphins. [0003] Dolphins generally comprise a capstan or similar mechanism to which the rope(s) of a ship can be secured. In order to secure the rope to the capstan an operator is required to climb up onto the dolphin to receive the rope and place the rope around the capstan. This places the operator in an unsafe environment. [0004] Due to the swell and changes in tide, a vessel secured to a dolphin moves constantly relative to the dolphin. This movement places significant stress/force on the rope and the dolphin, but also causes the position of the rope relative to the dolphin to change. At low tide the rope may have a downward force acting therealong, while at high tides this force will be acting in a different direction. As a result of the movement of the vessel and the force along the rope the space between the capstan and the side to which the vessel moors must be relatively clear. If there was a structure, such as a handrail, the forces acting on the structure through the rope would easily damage the structure. [0005] As it is not possible to install handrails the operator must wear a harness, which is secured to a fixing point on the dolphin, to minimise the likelihood that the operator will fall into the water. While this secures the operator relative to the dolphin it is a poor 2 solution as it does not prevent an operator falling from the dolphin. As dolphins are relatively small, should a harnessed operator fall from the dolphin there is a high chance they will fall from the dolphin and be suspended therefrom by the harness. This can put the operator in even greater danger than if they had not worn the harness. Furthermore, if the operator is not accompanied by another operator, he/she may be suspended for a significant amount of time before being rescued. [0006] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] It is an object of this invention to provide a mooring platform which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice. [0008] The present invention provides a mooring platform to which vessels can be secured, the mooring platform comprising: a support surface for supporting an operator; an anchor point to which the vessel may be secured; a neutral side having a permanent barrier therealong; a mooring side to which the vessel may be secured relative to, the mooring side having a handrail which is moveable between a first position and a second position; a control means for moving the handrail between positions, the control means being located remote from the mooring side. [0009] Preferably the handrail is at its maximum height when in the first position, to provide a barrier along the mooring side. When in the first position the handrail meets the specified regulations for providing a safe handrail.
3 [0010] Preferably the handrail is at its minimum height when in the second position. In the second position the handrail is lower than the height of the first position. Preferably when the handrail is in the second position, the handrail does not interfere with a rope when the rope extends between the mooring platform and the vessel. [0011] In one aspect of the invention the handrail may remain in a substantially vertical plane as it moves between the first position and the second position. A portion of the handrail may extend below the surface when the handrail is in the second position. Alternatively the handrail may comprise telescopic posts wherein the posts contract downwardly when the handrail moves to the second position. [0012] In another aspect of the invention the handrail may have an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion, whereupon moving to the second position the upper portion folds down alongside the lower portion. [0013] In another aspect of the invention the handrail may be hingedly connected to the support surface, whereupon moving to the second position the handrail folds down alongside the support surface. [0014] The handrail may be in the form of one or more smaller handrails. The smaller handrails may be individually controlled or may be synchronised. [0015] The neutral side may extend around the perimeter of the support surface from one end of the mooring side to the other end. [0016] The control means may be located along the neutral side. [0017] The control means may control a device which is adapted to move the handrail between the first position and the second position. The control means may be in the form of a lever or button operatively connected to the device which moves the handrail. Preferably the control means is designed so that the control means returns to an off position should the operator disengage therefrom. [0018] Preferably the control means is spaced from the mooring side so that the operator is not within the vicinity of the mooring side when the handrail is in or is caused to move to the second position. When the operator is activating the control means to cause the handrail to retract to its second position the operator is on the neutral side.
4 [0019] Where the mooring platform requires two operators the mooring platform may comprise a further control means wherein both control means are spaced from each other and are required to be operated together in order to cause the handrail to move. [0020] The control means may be secured by a lock, a keypad or other known securing device to prevent unauthorised operation. [0021]The control means may be surrounded by a further barricade wherein the operator(s) must be within the area defined by the barricade in order for the control means to be activated. [0022] The device for moving the handrail may be a hydraulic system, a motor, or a manual device. In those embodiments where the device is a manual device the manual device is located adjacent the neutral side. [0023] The control means and/ or the device for moving the handrail may be powered by solar. [0024] In one aspect of the invention the mooring platform may comprise a floating pontoon. The mooring platform may comprise anchoring means to secure the pontoon in position. The anchoring means may be in the form of one or more of the following: anchor, piles, ropes. [0025] In another aspect of the invention the mooring platform may comprise a rigid structure secured relative to the seabed. [0026] The mooring platform may be mobile. [0027] The mooring platform may be permanent. [0028] The mooring platform may comprise an access device to allow an operator to gain access to the support surface. The access device may be in the form of a ladder or stairway secured to the neutral side. [0029] The mooring platform may comprise a bumper assembly located on the mooring side. The height of the bumper may align with or be above the height of the handrail when the handrail is in its second position. The bumper helps to protect the mooring platform when a vessel is moored thereto.
5 [0030] The mooring platform may be sufficient in size to support one or two operators. [0031]The anchor point to which the vessel may be secured may be in the form of a capstan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0032] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a mooring platform of the prior art; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a mooring platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a vessel is shown approaching the mooring platform; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of figure 2 Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the mooring platform of figure 2; Figure 5 is a plan view of figure 4; Figure 6 is a view similar to figure 4 having an operator thereon and a handrail in a first position; and Figure 7 is a view similar to figure 6 with the handrail shown in a second position. [0033] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0034] Mooring platforms play a vital logistical role in the management of port vessel traffic. A prior art mooring platform 11 is shown in figure 1. The mooring platform 11 6 provides a platform 13 which is secured to the seabed using piles 15. An operator 17 wearing a harness 19 is supported by the platform 13 so that he/she can receive a rope 21 from the vessel which is to be moored to the mooring platform 11. Once the operator has the rope he/she can secure the rope to a capstan 23 located centrally on the platform 13. [0035] As is apparent from figure 1, the platform 13 is relatively small and only provides the operator 17 with minimal space to operate. It is readily apparent from figure 1 that the distance between any point on the platform 13 to which the harness may be secured is very close to the edge of the platform 13. As a result it is very probable that, should the operator stumble/fall, the operator would fall off the side. When this happens the operator 17 would be suspended below the platform 13. [0036] Referring to figures 2 to 7, a mooring platform 111 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The mooring platform 111 is relatively small and is commonly known as a dolphin. [0037] The mooring platform 111 is secured to the ocean bed by a set of piles 115. The mooring platform 111 provides a support surface 113 which is rectangular in shape and has a mooring side 117 extending along one side of the support surface 113, and a neutral side 119. [0038] The neutral side 119 extends along three sides of the support surface 113 from one end of the mooring side 117 to the other end. A permanent barrier in the form of a fixed handrail 121 extends around the neutral side. The fixed handrail 121 minimises the likelihood that an operator 17 may fall from the mooring platform along the neutral side 119. [0039] As best shown in figure 4, the fixed handrail 121 incorporates a gate 123 which opens inwardly. The gate aligns with an access device in the form of a ladder 125, which is secured to the mooring platform 111. The ladder and gate provide a means for the operator 17 to gain access to, and disembark from the mooring platform 111. [0040] The neutral side 119 comprises a handrail 129 which is partially retractable below the support surface 113 from a first position to a second position. When in the first position the movable handrail 129 extends above the support surface so as to be level with the fixed handrail 121. When in the first position any operator located on the 7 support surface 113 is surrounded by handrails, allowing the operator to move freely around the support surface 113 without the need to wear a harness. [0041] When the movable handrail 129 is located in the second position a portion of the handrail retracts below the support surface 113. When in this position the movable handrail 129 does not impede upon the activities associated with mooring a vessel. In other embodiments the movable handrail 129 may be retracted entirely below the support surface 113 to be in its second position. [0042] The mooring side 117 supports a bumper 131 to protect the mooring platform when the vessel is alongside. [0043] In the present application, the mooring platform 111 incorporates both a manual means (not shown) and an automated means (not shown) to move the movable handrail 129 between its positions. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art such means could be in the form of a crank handle located away from the mooring side 117, a hydraulic system, an electric motor or other known apparatus capable of moving the handrail. [0044] In relation to the automated means the mooring platform 111 comprises a control means 133 located along the neutral side 119 whereby the control means 133 is spaced away from the mooring side 117, as best shown in figure 4. The control means 133 provides an activation device in the form of a switch or similar button (not shown). The switch is biased to an off position. With this arrangement an operator 17 will need to hold the switch in the on position to activate and move the movable handrail 129. This ensures the operator 17 is spaced away from mooring side 117 as the movable handrail 129 is operated. [0045] The mooring platform 111 provides an anchor point, in the form of a capstan 127 to which the vessel is secured. [0046] Prior to mooring a vessel 135 to the mooring platform 111 the movable handrail 129 is in its first position, as shown in figures 4 and 6. When in this position it is safe for unharnessed operator(s) 17 to climb the ladder 125 and pass through the gate 123 onto the support surface 113. When the operator 113 is on the support surface he/she is surrounded by handrails making it safe for the operator 113 to approach the sides of the mooring platform 111. It is also safe for the operator 17 to receive the rope (not shown) 8 from the vessel 135. Once he/she has the rope, the rope can be secured to the capstan 127. The operator 17 can then go to the control means 133 which is spaced away from the mooring side 117. Upon activation of the control means the movable rail 129 is caused to move to its second position, as best shown in figures 2, 3 and 7. When the movable handrail 129 is in the second position it is not exposed to damage from the rope. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable handrail 129 is located below the bumper 133 which shields the movable handrail 129 from the rope. [0047] When the movable handrail 129 is in the second position the mooring procedure may be completed and the vessel 135 can be secured to the mooring platform 111. The operator 17 can then safely disembark from the mooring platform 111. [0048] When the vessel 135 is ready to disembark from the mooring platform 111 the reverse procedure is undertaken. According to this procedure the movable handrail 129 is returned to the first position before the operator 17 removes the rope from the capstan and the rope is retracted to the vessel 135. [0049] In alternative embodiments the control means may have a further barrier/handrail/gate therearound, wherein the barrier/handrail/gate must be closed before the control means 133 can be activated. Should the barrier/handrail/gate open during operation of the movable handrail 129 then the control means 133 will switch off. The barrier/handrail/gate may incorporate the access gate 123 so that the operator does not need to pass near the mooring side when the movable handrail 129 is in the second position in order to disembark the mooring platform 111. [0050] In other embodiments the movable handrail 129 may return to the first position should the control means 133 detect an irregular event, such as the switch being released before the movable handrail has reached its second position. [0051] In contrast to the prior art the present invention provides a much safer work platform for operators while also providing a platform which is not exposed to damage otherwise caused by the rope of a moored vessel. [0052] [0053] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is 9 not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. [0054] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain exemplary embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0055] Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions. [0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. [0057] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly 10 indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.