U.S. patent application number 10/863795 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for inflating flotation and stability device.
Invention is credited to Mears, Tony W..
Application Number | 20040261686 10/863795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33551690 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040261686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mears, Tony W. |
December 30, 2004 |
Inflating flotation and stability device
Abstract
An inflating flotation and stability device for equipment is
provided. The device comprises at least one inflatable bladder
mounted to the mounting plate and a cover covering the inflatable
bladder. A carrier mechanism secures the inflatable bladder to the
equipment. A cover removing mechanism removes the cover and an
inflation mechanism inflates the inflatable bladder.
Inventors: |
Mears, Tony W.; (Longmont,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Emery L.Tracy
P.O. Box 1518
Boulder
CO
80306-1518
US
|
Family ID: |
33551690 |
Appl. No.: |
10/863795 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60477219 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/360 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/22 20130101;
B63B 43/14 20130101; B65D 88/78 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/360 |
International
Class: |
B63B 043/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An inflating flotation and stability device for equipment, the
device comprising: at least one inflatable bladder mounted to the
mounting plate; a cover covering the inflatable bladder; carrier
means for securing the inflatable bladder to the equipment; cover
removing means for removing the cover; and inflation means for
inflating the inflatable bladder.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein 1 wherein the inflation of the
flotation bladder is selected from the group consisting of
automatic and manual.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the inflation of the flotation
bladder occurs upon a predetermined event.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the flotation bladder comprises a
plurality of flotation bladders, each flotation bladder being
independently inflatable
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the carrier means is selected from
the group consisting of a substantially planar plate and a
substantially L-shaped plate.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the carrier means has openings
spaced along the length for receiving a securing mechanism selected
from the group consisting of straps, bolts, rivets, wing nuts, and
rope.
7. The device of claim 6 and further comprising: at least one strap
receivable within each of the openings for releasably securing the
carrier means to the equipment.
8. The device of claim 7 and further comprising: a buckling
mechanism secured to each strap for tightening and loosening the
straps about the equipment.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the carrier means includes a first
flange and a second flange, a rotatable spool mounted between the
first flange and the second flange, the flotation bladder wound
about the spool.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein the first flange includes a first
flange aperture and the second flange includes a second flange
aperture, the spool includes a first spool aperture in a first end
and a second spool aperture in a second end, and further
comprising: a first pin insertable through the first flange
aperture into the first spool aperture; and a second pin insertable
through the second flange aperture into the second spool
aperture.
11. The device of claim 9 wherein the spool has an elongated slot
for receiving at least a portion of the flotation bladder.
12. A method for floating and/or stabilizing equipment upon the
equipment entering the water, the method comprising: mounting at
least one flotation bladder to the equipment; and inflating the
flotation bladder upon occurrence of a predetermined event.
13. The method of claim 12 and further comprising: inflating the
flotation bladder automatically or manually.
14. The method of claim 12 and further comprising: providing a
plurality of flotation bladders, each flotation bladder being
independently inflatable.
15. The method of claim 12 and further comprising: providing
carrier means selected from the group consisting of a substantially
planar plate and a substantially L-shaped plate.
16. The method of claim 15 and further comprising: forming openings
along the length of the carrier means; inserting a securing
mechanism within the openings; selecting the securing mechanism
from the group consisting of straps, bolts, rivets, wing nuts, and
rope.
17. The method of claim 16 and further comprising: inserting straps
through the openings for releasably securing the carrier means to
the equipment.
18. The method of claim 12 and further comprising: providing a
first flange and a second flange; mounting a rotatable spool
between the first flange and the second flange; and winding the
flotation bladder about the spool.
19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising: inserting a
first pin through the first flange into the spool; and inserting a
second pin through the second flange into the spool.
20. The method of claim 18 and further comprising: forming an
elongated slot in the spool; inserting at least a portion of the
flotation bladder into the elongated slot.
21. A system for maintaining the upright stability of an object,
the system comprising: at least one flotation bladder secured to
the object; sensing means for sensing the object in a non-upright
condition; and inflation means for inflating the flotation bladder;
wherein upon inflation of the flotation bladder, the object returns
to an upright stable condition.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the sensing means is a gravity
sensor.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of pending
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/477,219, filed on Jun.
10, 2003, entitled "Inflating Flotation Device for Cargo Containers
and the Like".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to flotation and stability
devices and, more particularly, it relates to an automatically
inflating device for equipment that inhibit the equipment from
sinking if the equipment should enter the water. The flotation and
stability device is inflatable, either manually or automatically,
when the equipment becomes at least partially submerged in the
water thereby inhibiting sinking and promoting stability.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Many cargo containers and other equipment are transported
each year via ships, barges, and other vessels. Typically, the
equipment is positioned on and within the ship. During inclement
weather and/or high seas, some equipments could and does become
dislodged from the deck of the ship and enters the water. In many
instances, the equipment sinks to the ocean floor or lake floor
and/or they break apart spilling the contents into the water. While
some of the equipment can be environmentally harmless, the contents
of some of the equipment can have tremendous adverse affects on the
surrounding environment and distant environments depending on the
water currents.
[0006] In addition, the equipment and the contents of these cargo
containers have a value to the owners of the equipment and the
contents therein. Such losses amount to millions of dollars a year
that leads to increased operating costs and increased consumer
costs. It would be beneficial to retrieve the equipment and cargo
containers once the equipment and cargo containers enter the water
and salvage the equipment and contents therein. Furthermore, it
would be beneficial to retrieve the equipment and cargo containers
prior to the equipment and the cargo containers breaking up or
otherwise being breached.
[0007] The flotation and stability device of the present invention
solves these problems and others by being easy to install, either
as a retrofit to equipment or during manufacture of the equipment.
In addition, the flotation and stability device of the present
invention is designed to automatically deploy when the equipment or
cargo container becomes at least partially submerged within the
water. The flotation and stability device will not deploy when
water merely splashes against the equipment or cargo container on
the deck of the cargo ship thereby preventing unneeded deployment
in inclement weather and/or heavy seas. Once deployed the present
invention will keep the equipment and cargo container afloat
thereby providing time for retrieval of the equipment and cargo
container and the contents therein.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is an inflating flotation and
stability device for equipment. The device comprises at least one
inflatable bladder mounted to the mounting plate and a cover
covering the inflatable bladder. A carrier mechanism secures the
inflatable bladder to the equipment. Cover removing means removes
the cover and inflation means inflates the inflatable bladder.
[0009] The present invention further includes a method for floating
and/or stabilizing equipment upon the equipment entering the water.
The method comprises mounting at least one flotation bladder to the
equipment and inflating the flotation bladder upon occurrence of a
predetermined event.
[0010] In addition, the present invention includes a system for
maintaining the upright stability of an object. The system
comprises at least one flotation bladder secured to the object.
Sensing means senses the object in a non-upright condition.
Inflation means inflates the flotation bladder wherein upon
inflation of the flotation bladder, the object returns to an
upright stable condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation bladders being in an inflated
condition on a cargo container;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance
with the present invention, with the flotation bladders being in a
deflated condition on the cargo container;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices prior
to mounting on the cargo container;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the adjustable
strap and buckling mechanism for securing the flotation and
stability devices to the cargo container or other equipment;
[0015] FIG. 5 is another perspective view illustrating the
adjustable strap and buckling mechanism for securing the flotation
and stability devices to the cargo container or other
equipment;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an elevational side view illustrating
cover-removing tubing in the non-inflated position and fluidly
connected to an inflation medium;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the cover-removing
tubing and the flotation bladder in an inflated condition;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the gas supply being connected to the
flotation and stability devices;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability device prior to
mounting on equipment;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices mounted
on a drilling platform prior to inflation of the flotation
bladders;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices mounted
on a drilling platform subsequent to inflation of the flotation
bladders;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting method
for mounting a flotation bladder;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an additional
view of the mounting method of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is an elevational end view illustrating the mounting
method of FIGS. 12 and 13;
[0025] FIG. 15 is an elevational end view illustrating the
inflating flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance
with the present invention, with the flotation and stability
devices mounted on a drilling platform prior to inflation of the
flotation bladders;
[0026] FIG. 16 is an elevational end view illustrating the
inflating flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance
with the present invention, with the flotation and stability
devices mounted on a drilling platform subsequent to inflation of
the flotation bladders;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, prior to the flotation and stability devices
being mounted on a sunken vessel;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices mounted
to the sunken vessel;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices mounted
to the sunken vessel and fluidly connected to inflation means for
inflating the flotation bladders; and
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the inflating
flotation and stability device, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with the flotation and stability devices mounted
to the sunken vessel and the flotation bladders being inflated to
lift the sunken vessel to the surface.
[0031] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention is a
flotation and stability device, indicated generally at 10, mounted
to equipment and the like and which activates, either manually or
automatically, to maintain the equipment in a floating and/or
stable and/or upright condition when the equipment enters the
water. The equipment can be any type of equipment typically
transported by watercraft. In the case of a cargo container 12, the
cargo container 12 can be any type of container used to transport
goods via cargo ship (not shown) or the like.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment,
there are four (4) flotation and stability devices 10 mounted to
each cargo container 12. It should be noted, however, that there
can be more than four (4) flotation and stability devices 10 or
less than four (4) flotation and stability devices 10 mounted to
each cargo container 12 depending on the weight of the cargo
container 12 and the contents transported therein.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, each flotation and
stability device 10 is preferably mounted to an L-shaped plate 14
having a plurality of slots 16 formed therein. Each L-shaped plate
14 is positioned on an edge 18 of the cargo container 12. An
adjustable strap 20 is receivable within each of the slots 16 to
connect adjacent flotation and stability devices 10 together and to
releasably mount each of the flotation and stability devices 10 to
the cargo container 12. Each adjustable strap 20 has a buckling
mechanism 22 for tightening and loosening the adjustable straps 20
about the cargo container 12. While the flotation and stability
device 10 of the present invention has been described and
illustrated as an adjustable strap 20 with a buckling mechanism 22,
it is within the scope of the present invention to secure the
flotation and stability devices 10 to the cargo container 12 by
other means.
[0035] As stated, each flotation and stability device 10 is
preferably mounted on the exterior edges 18 of the cargo container
12. Preferably, each flotation and stability device 10 has a low
profile and an unobtrusive visual presence, so that the flotation
and stability device 10 does not significantly affect the stacking
of the cargo containers 12 on the cargo ship. Furthermore, it is
within the scope of the present invention for the flotation and
stability device 10 to be incorporated into the design of the
container manufacturer thereby providing a low, unobstructing
profile.
[0036] Each flotation and stability device 10 of the present
invention includes a mounting plate 24 secured to the L-shaped
plate 14 in a known manner, such as with adhesive, bolts, screws,
rivets, welds, etc. Each mounting plate 24 of each embodiment is
preferably constructed from a semi-rigid material, such as UHMW
plastic. The mounting plate 24 is preferably constructed from
plastic, resin, metal, such as aluminum, or similar material
although constructing the mounting plate 24 from different types of
material is within the scope of the present invention. While the
material can be flexible to allow the mounting plate 24 to bend to
match any imperfections in the L-shaped plate 14 and to allow
compression and bending under pressure, the material of the
mounting plate 14 must to be rigid enough so that the inflation of
the flotation bladder 26 therein will not dislodge the flotation
bladder 26 from the mounting plate 14, as will be described in
further detail below.
[0037] Preferably, the mounting plate 24 is mounted to the L-shaped
plate 14 using either an adhesive or screws depending on the
L-shaped plate 14 material. The preferred type of adhesive is a
two-part epoxy. The preferred brand of epoxy is DP 190 or 460,
manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), St. Paul,
Minn.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, the flotation and
stability device 10 of the present invention further includes a
cover 28, a cover-removing tubing 30, and a flotation bladder 26.
The mounting plate 24 has two channels 32, 34 spaced apart from
each other and extending longitudinally along the length of the
mounting plate 24. The mounting plate 24 can be extruded or
otherwise constructed in a single piece or can be constructed in
two separate pieces to allow accommodation of various-sized
flotation bladders 26. The two separate pieces of the mounting
plate 14 can be moved apart or together during mounting of the
mounting plate 14 on the L-shaped plate 14 to accommodate the
various flotation bladder 26 sizes.
[0039] The flexible cover-removing tubing 30 is positioned in at
least one of the channels 32, 34 of the mounting plate 24. The
cover-removing tubing 30 is preferably constructed from a flexible
material so that the cover-removing tubing 30 can be collapsed
against itself. When the cover-removing tubing 30 is expanded it
substantially fills the channels 32, 34, as illustrated in FIG. 8.
Operation of the cover-removing tubing 30 and the process of
inflating the remainder of the flotation and stability device 10
will be described in further detail below.
[0040] It should be noted that removal of the cover 28 as herein
described is one embodiment of the present invetnion. It is within
the scope of the present invention to remove the cover 28 by any
means including, but not limted to, manually.
[0041] The cover 28 has an interior surface 36, an exterior surface
38, a first cover edge 40, and a second cover edge 42 with the
first cover edge 40 and the second cover edge 42 extending
longitudinally along the length of the cover 28. The first and
second cover edges 40, 42 are shaped to fit in the channels 32, 34,
respectively, on the mounting plate 24. The cover 28 can be
attached to the mounting plate 24 by sliding the first and second
cover edges 40, 42 into the channels 32, 34, respectively.
[0042] In the alternative, the cover 28 can be snapped into the
channels 32, 34 of the mounting plate 24. In this instance, the
first and second cover edges 40, 42 of the cover 28 have a movable
finger 44 provided along each side of the cover 28. A space 46
between the fingers 44 and the first and second cover edges 40, 42
of the cover 28 allow the finger to move into the space 46 toward
the first and second cover edges 40, 42 and be inserted into the
channels 32, 34 and to maintain the first and second cover edges
40, 42 within the channels 32, 34.
[0043] The cover 28 of the flotation and stability device 10 of the
present invention is preferably constructed from a flexible,
durable material, such as thermoplastic rubber, as it is
continuously exposed to the elements. Metal shrouds or guards (not
shown) can substantially surround the flotation and stability
device 10 to protect the flotation and stability device from rough
environments. Preferably, the cover 28 is initially formed in a
substantially flat position thereby allowing the cover 28 to spring
back to the substantially flat position upon release from the
mounting plate 24. Furthermore, a puncture resistant material (not
shown) can be molded within the cover 28 to inhibit objects from
piercing the cover 28 and damaging the flotation bladders 26
thereunder. Actual operation of the cover 28 being removed from the
mounting plate 24 will be described in further detail below.
[0044] When the mounting plate 24 is mounted on the L-shaped plate
14 and the cover 28 is in place, the flotation and stability device
10 of the present invention further serves and functions as a
bumper to protect the cargo containers as they come in close
proximity to each other or other objects.
[0045] The flotation and stability device 10 of the present
invention further includes a first bladder retaining slot 50 and a
second bladder-retaining slot 52 extending along the mounting plate
24 between the first channel 32 and the second channel 34. The
first and second bladder retaining slots 50, 52 have narrowed necks
at the top of the first and second bladder retaining slots 50, 52.
The first and second bladder retaining slots 50, 52 can be any
diameter for retaining any size bladder 26 required for maintaining
the cargo container 12 in a floating condition.
[0046] The flotation bladder 26 of the flotation and stability
device 10 of the present invention is folded into a substantially
spiral configuration to fit between the mounting plate 24 and the
cover 28. The flotation bladder 26 can be configured in a round
spiral wound, a flat spiral wound, or in a serpentine manner.
Winding the flotation bladder 26 in a flat spiral wound allows the
mounted flotation and stability device 10 to have a lower profile
on the cargo container 12.
[0047] The flotation bladder 26 of the flotation and stability
device 10 of the present invention includes a tongue portion 54.
The tongue portion 54 extends from the flotation bladder 26 and
connects to the gas supply 48. The tongue portion 54 allows the
flotation bladder 26 to be spirally wound in a tight manner without
interference between a valve (not shown) and the wound flotation
bladder 26.
[0048] The valve of the flotation and stability device 10 is
preferably welded within the flotation bladder 26. Each valve has
varying sized orifices (not shown) to control the flow of gas to
the flotation bladders 26 and allow inflation of the flotation
bladders 26 to be timed subsequent to inflation of the
cover-removing tubings 30.
[0049] The valve of the flotation and stability device 10 of the
present invention can be a check valve. As a check valve, only
one-way airflow into the flotation bladders 26 is allowed thereby
maintaining the flotation bladders 26 in an inflated condition upon
cessation of the airflow thereto.
[0050] To maintain the flotation bladder 26 within the first or
second bladder retaining slots 50, 52, the flotation bladder 26 are
lap welded about a gas supply line 58. The supply line 58 is
connected to the gas supply 48, and receivable within the first or
second bladder retaining slots 50, 52, to maintain the flotation
bladder 26 to the mounting plate 24. The gas supply line 58 also
serve as a source for filling the cover-removing tubing 30 and the
flotation bladder 26 during activation of the flotation and
stability device 10.
[0051] In another embodiment of the flotation and stability device
10 of the present invention, the gas supply line 58 has a plurality
of apertures (not shown). The flotation bladder 26 is welded about
the gas supply line 58 such that the gas through the gas supply
line 58 can flow into the flotation bladder 26. Check valves (not
shown) can be provided within the gas supply line 58 or elsewhere
to prevent gas from flowing out of the flotation bladders 26 upon
cessation of the gas flow. Furthermore, regulators or relief valves
(not shown) can be provided to protect the flotation bladder 26
from overinflation.
[0052] The cover-removing tubing 30 preferably has rigid ends 60
for attaching to the gas supply 48 and connecting the
cover-removing tubing 30 together. To remove the cover 28 so that
the flotation bladder 26 can be inflated, inert, compressed gas
such as CO.sub.2 or an alternate inflation source is released from
the first gas supply and flows through the gas supply line 58 to
inflate the cover-removing tubing 30. The cover-removing tubing 30
expands and urges the finger 44 into the space 46 in a direction
generally toward the first cover edge 40 of the cover 28. As the
cover-removing tubing 30 inflates, the moved finger 44 clears the
first channel 32. Since the cover-removing tubing 30 is connected
to the same gas supply line, at the same time, the flotation
bladder 26 is inflating thereby urging the cover 28 in a direction
generally away from the mounting plate 24 and removing one side of
the cover 28 from the mounting plate 24. The cover 28 remains
connected to the mounting plate 24 in the second channel 34 of the
cover 28 and swings out of the way of expanding flotation bladder
26.
[0053] The preferred embodiment of the cover-removing tubing 24 and
the flotation bladders 26 are single bladders that are each a given
length and are attached to mounting plate 14 individually. It
should be noted that the flotation bladders 26 can be constructed
from more than a single bladder with each portion inflating
individually.
[0054] Either type of the cover-removing tubing 30 and the
flotation bladder 26 can be used with any of the embodiments of the
flotation and stability device 10. The plurality of flotation
bladders 26 are the preferred embodiment because they are easier to
manufacture and makes the flotation and stability device 10 easier
to mount on a variety of cargo containers 12. The cover-removing
tubings 30 and the flotation bladders 26 are manufactured in a
given length and the needed numbers of tubings and bladders 26 are
positioned along the length of the cargo container 12.
[0055] An automatic or manual float switch activation assembly (not
shown) activates the flotation and stability device 10 of the
present invention. The float switch activation assembly can be
mechanical, electrical, or chemical which is responsive to water or
water pressure. For example, the float switch activation assembly
can be mounted on the flotation and stability device 10, the
L-shaped plate 14, and/or the cargo container 12 and is fluidly
connected to the gas supply 48. Extending from the float switch
activation assembly is the gas supply line 58 connected to the
cover-removing tubings 30 and the flotation bladders 26. Upon
activation of the float switch activation assembly, gas flows from
the gas supply 48 through the gas supply line 58 to the
cover-removing tubings 30 and the flotation bladders 26 thereby
inflating the cover-removing tubings 30 and the flotation bladders
26. It should be noted that redundant gas supplies are within the
scope of the present invention for supplying gas to the flotation
and stability device 10.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the flotation and stability device
10 of the present invention can be mounted to other equipment 64.
As with the cargo containers, each flotation and stability device
10 is preferably mounted to the L-shaped plate 14 having the
plurality of slots or apertures 16 formed therein. Each L-shaped
plate 14 is positioned on an edge 18 of the equipment 64. The
adjustable strap 20 is receivable within each of the slots 16 to
connect adjacent flotation and stability devices 10 together and to
releasably mount each of the flotation and stability devices 10 to
the equipment 64. Other means of mounting the flotation and
stability device 10 including, but not limited to, rivets, magnets,
suction cups, bolts, mechanical snaps, etc., are within the scope
of the present invention.
[0057] While the flotation and stability device 10 of the present
invention has been described and illustrated as being mounted to a
particular piece of equipment 64 having a particular shape, it is
within the scope of the present invention to secure the flotation
and stability devices 10 to any type of equipment having any shape
and/or size.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-16, the flotation and stability
device 10 of the present invention can be mounted to drilling
platforms 66 for floating and/or maintaining the stability of the
drilling platform 66. Preferably, the flotation and stability
device 10 is secured to the floats 68 of the drilling platform 66
although securing the flotation and stability device 10 to other
parts of the drilling platform 66 is within the scope of the
present invention.
[0059] In an embodiment of the flotation and stability device 10 of
the present invention, the flotation and stability device 10
includes a spool device 70 having a first end 72 and a second end
74. An aperture 76 is formed in the first end 72 and the second end
74 of the spool device 70. A bladder retaining slot 78 extends
along the length of the spool device 70 for receiving the
propellant supply tube 80 and the flotation bladder 26. The
flotation bladder 26 is spirally wound about the spool device. An
evacuation valve (not shown) can be formed in the flotation bladder
26 for evacuating air from the flotation bladder 26 when rolling
the flotation bladder 26 about the spool device 10 after
inflation.
[0060] The flotation and stability device 10 is mounted between a
first bracket 82 and a second bracket 84. Pins 86 or the like are
inserted through the first bracket 82 and the second bracket 84
into the aperture 76 formed in the first end 72 of the spool device
70 and the aperture 76 formed in the second end 74 of the spool
device 70, respectively.
[0061] In operation, the cover removing tubing 30 is inflated, as
described above, removing the cover 28 from the mounting plate 24,
as described above. A propellant is forced into the flotation
bladders 26 at the outer edge of the flotation bladders 26 causing
the flotation bladders 26 to inflate. The propellant can include,
but is not limited to, air, CO.sub.2, kerosene, helium, solid fuel
with a gas generator, etc. The pins 86 allow free rotation of the
spool device 70 as the flotation bladder 26 inflates and allows the
flotation bladder 26 to be rolled back, either manually or
automatically, onto the spool device as the flotation bladders 26
are deflated.
[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, the flotation and stability
device 10 of the present invention can be mounted to a sunken or
submerged vessel 88 to raise the vessel 88 to the surface. In this
embodiment, the mounting plate 24 of the flotation and stability
device 10 is mounted to a substantially planar plate 90. The plate
90 includes a plurality of apertures 92 for receiving screws,
bolts, or the like (not shown), and secured to the sunken vessel
90. Inflation lines 94 extend to the flotation and stability device
10 to inflate the flotation bladders 26. Upon activation of the
flotation and stability device 10, the flotation bladders 26
inflate causing the vessel to rise.
[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
flotation and stability device 10 of the present invention includes
maintains the upright stability of an object. With at least one
flotation bladder secured to the object, sensing means, such as a
gravity sensor, senses the equipment in a non-upright condition.
Inflation means, as described above, automatically inflates the
flotation bladder wherein upon inflation of the flotation bladder,
the equipment returns to an upright stable condition.
[0064] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained
in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications
and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has
been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood
by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present
invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded
by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may
be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which
are disclosed herein.
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