COUPLING FOR PUSHER TUG

摘要

A coupling for pusher tugs whereby the connection permits the tug freedom to heave pitch and roll semi-independently from the motion of the barge whilst retaining full control of the barge as far as steering is concerned. The coupling includes two rails attached to the barge, each rail having two cars which can move along the rail and connecting rods attached to the tug the ends of which are engagable with the cars of the adjacent rails thus permitting driving and turning force to be transmitted from the tug to the barge and permitting relative vertical movement therebetween. Preferably one rod is connected to the upper car on one rail and the lower car of the other rail and the other rod is connected to the other two cars so that there can be relative rotational movement between the tug and the barge.