Pull-in device for a towline

Abstract

A pull-in device for a towline ( 31 ) arranged to connect a towable object ( 2 ) to a towing vessel ( 1 ), in which a reel ( 323 ) which is arranged to receive the towline ( 31 ) is arranged in a reeling device ( 32 ) fixed to the towing vessel ( 1 ), and in which the reeling device ( 32 ) is provided with a pull-in controller ( 325 ) arranged to selectably provide a rotationally rigid connection between a tensioning handle ( 33 ) and a pull-in spring ( 324 ), alternatively a rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring ( 324 ) and the towline reel ( 323 ).

1 . A pull-in device for a towline arranged to connect a towable object ( 2 ) to a towing vessel the pull-in device comprising:
 a reeling device fixed to the towing vessel;   a reel which is arranged to receive the towline ( 31 ) wherein the reel is arranged in the reeling device; and   a pull-in controller connected to the reeling device and arranged to selectably provide one of a rotationally rigid connection between a tensioning handle and a pull-in spring and a rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring and the towline reel.   
     
     
         2 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein the pull-in controller includes a coupling actuator arranged to axially move a reel axle wherein the reel axle is rotationally rigidly connected to the towline reel, relative to a spring axle which is rotationally rigidly connected to the pull-in spring. 
     
     
         3 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein axial travel of the reel axle is defined by a first coupling spring and a second coupling spring and further wherein a reel axle is rotationally rigidly connected to the towline reel relative to a spring axle which is rotationally rigidly connected to the pull-in spring wherein the first coupling spring and the second coupling spring are arranged concentrically on extensions of the reel axle. 
     
     
         4 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein the rotationally rigid connection between the tensioning handle and the pull-in spring and the rotationally rigid connection between the pull-in spring and the towline reel, are provided by claw couplings arranged axially. 
     
     
         5 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein the pull-in controller has a tension indicator arranged to indicate visually the degree of tensioning of the pull-in spring. 
     
     
         6 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein the towline has a stop which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the towline and is arranged to partially project into an entrance port arranged at the periphery of the towline reel. 
     
     
         7 . The pull-in device of  claim 1 , wherein the reeling device has a casing which includes an attachment arranged to fix the pull-in device to the towing vessel. 
     
     
         8 . The pull-in device of  claim 7 , wherein the attachment is formed as a hull attachment arranged to be fixed to a hull structure of the towing vessel. 
     
     
         9 . The pull-in device of  claim 7 , wherein the attachment is formed as an elongated body arranged to grip a mooring cleat on the towing vessel. 
     
     
         10 . The pull-in device of  claim 7 , wherein the casing is provided with entrance ports. 
     
     
         11 . The pull-in device of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the entrance ports is arranged to drain liquid from the casing ( 321 ).