Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Mechanism operated relatively movable shaft assembly – Fluid pressure actuated
Patent
1997-09-04
1999-01-19
Kent, Christopher
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Mechanism operated relatively movable shaft assembly
Fluid pressure actuated
92 52, 405 66, 405 68, 405 69, E02B 1506
Patent
active
058602526
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to self-expanding booms and more particularly to valve mechanisms. The valve mechanisms ensure an inflow of air when the boom is expanded and an outflow of air when the boom is rolled up.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A plurality of air openings are defined at the upper end of the self expanding booms of the prior art. Valves are placed in the openings to permit an air inflow when the boom is expanded from a collapsed storage or transportation mode. Air disposed inside the boom is also permitted to flow out through the openings when the boom is taken up, collapsed and rolled up on transportation or storage rolls or a similar devices.
While employing the boom, that is when the boom is floating in the water, the air openings must be closed to prevent water from flowing into the boom and to prevent air from undesirably flowing out of the boom sections so that the sections sink.
In an embodiment of the prior art, a plurality of tube protrusion or similar devices are placed along the upper edges of the boom. The protrusions are equipped with an outward shiftable or rotatable locking mechanism. In one position, the locking mechanism permits an uninhibited inflow and outflow of air and in a different position the protrusion is closed.
This type of air openings require manual adjustments both when the boom is laid down and when the boom is taken up and rolled up.
One object of the present invention is to provide a new device that, without the need for manual adjustments, permits uninhibited inflow of air when the boom is expanded and prevents water from flowing in when the boom is in use. Additionally, the air inside the boom must be permitted to freely flow out of the boom when the boom is taken up and collapsed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to take advantage of the inherent changes of the position of the various parts or details to shift the valve body into and out of a closed position when the boom is expanded and collapsed, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this object is achieved by attaching one end of a bendable member to the valve body. The other end of the bendable member is attached to an expansion mechanism disposed inside the boom or to another part disposed inside the boom. The part is shiftable relative to the valve mechanism when the boom is expanded and collapsed. In this way, when the boom is collapsed, the bendable member, which may be a cord, is extended to shift the valve body from its sealing and air outflow inhibiting position so that the boom may effectively be emptied of air. However, when the boom is laid out and the expansion devices are permitted to expand, the pulling movement of the cord stops and the valve mechanism returns to its rest position so that air may flow into the boom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with the reference to the following enclosed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a partly opened section view of a boom according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view in partial cross-section of the invention shown in along line 1--1 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view in partial cross-section of the valve mechanism attached to the upper portion of the boom wherein the valve mechanism is in a first position; and
FIG. 4 is a side view in partial cross-section of a portion of the view of FIG. 3 wherein the valve body is in a second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to the figures, a boom of the present invention has a main portion 1 and a so called skirt 2 protruding downwardly. The boom consists of a bendable impervious material such as a woven textile reinforced plastic material. A number of spring biased expansion devices 3 are disposed within the boom. The expansion devices 3 have the function of separating walls 4 so that air may be sucked into the boom when the boom is expanded from an almost flat collapsed position after t
REFERENCES:
patent: 3798911 (1974-03-01), Oberg
patent: 4573426 (1986-03-01), Larsson
patent: 5511906 (1996-04-01), Oberg
Expandi Systems AB
Kent Christopher
LandOfFree
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