Brakes – Rod
Patent
1981-02-18
1983-07-19
Butler, Douglas C.
Brakes
Rod
74531, 254106, 403374, 403377, 405196, 187 87, E02B 1706
Patent
active
043939619
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a device for coupling together two bodies in any position with respect to each other, which bodies are mounted for a linear movement with respect to each other, in particular, in a self-raising platform structure, for coupling to each other the platform and a leg thereof.
In case of two bodies mounted for a linear displacement with respect to each other, like for instance a dredging vessel and a spud pole, it is often desired that said bodies can be coupled in any position with respect to each other.
In case of two bodies mounted for a linear movement with respect of each other by means of a system operating stepwise, for instance a hydraulic system, there is furthermore the problem that upon disengaging the system followed by a movement of the bodies, re-engaging the system will only be possible at certain points of the path of movement.
This problem is particularly acute in self-raising platform structures, wherein it will consequently not be well feasible to lower the legs of the platform freely into engagement with the sea bottom and then to re-engage the displacement system for raising the deck of the platform structure.
In such a platform structure up until now the legs are therefore lowered by means of a displacement system operated stepwise, in which, however, the problem arises that in passing from the floating condition to the supported condition of the platform the legs can come free from the bottom due to the action of the waves, whereupon the legs will again engage the bottom accompanied by an impact.
The object of the invention is to provide a device for coupling together two bodies in any position with respect to each other, which bodies are mounted for a linear displacement with respect to each other, said device being particularly suited for use in a self-raising platform structure so that it will be possible to lower the legs freely to the sea bottom and to engage the displacement system without the occurrence of impacts.
This object is attained by the device according to the invention which comprises at least one set of pawl means, each pawl of which is pivotally connected to one of said bodies and is provided with a part capable of contacting the other one of said bodies. The pawl means are arranged at least on both sides of said other body and the pivot points of said pawl means are disposed in a plane extending transversely to the direction of displacement. The pawl means are mounted for a pivotal movement and the contact parts thereof are shaped in such a manner that upon a pivotal movement of the pawl means towards each other in the direction of said one direction of relative linear displacement, corresponding points of the contact parts approach each other so that the relative movement between the bodies in this direction will be inhibited, while being allowed in the other direction. Means are provided for making said pawl means to pivot towards and/or apart from each other as well as clamping means on the one body, said clamping means being operable to be brought into clamping engagement with said other body so that the relative displacement of the bodies with respect to each other is inhibited in at least the other direction.
Preferably said clamping means are formed by at least a second set of pawl means having the same construction as said first set of pawl means, and being spaced apart from said first set of pawl means but which are mounted for a pivotal movement in such a manner that upon a pivotal movement thereof towards each other in the direction of the other direction of relative linear displacement, corresponding points of the contact parts of the pawl means will approach each other.
When applying the device according to the invention in a self-raising platform structure in which the one body is formed by the platform and the other body by a leg and when the clamping means or said second set of pawl means are brought into engagement with said leg, the displacement system can be disengaged from this leg, whereupon by releasing said clamping means
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Butler Douglas C.
RSV-Gusto Engineering B.V.
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