U.S. patent application number 14/054774 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for floating standoff assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to KEPNER PLASTICS FABRICATORS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc.. Invention is credited to John A. Brown, Frank Meyers.
Application Number | 20140044491 14/054774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39887163 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140044491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyers; Frank ; et
al. |
February 13, 2014 |
FLOATING STANDOFF ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A standoff system for keeping a containment boom or other
floating barrier device spaced at a desired standoff distance away
from a structure. The system includes an inner side member, an
outer side member, and a plurality of compression members disposed
between the side members. The system has a collapsed configuration
in which the distance between the inner and outer side members is
less than the desired standoff distance, and a deployed
configuration in which the distance between the side members is
greater than or substantially equal to the desired standoff
distance. Alternatively, the system can be collapsed longitudinally
by moving the adjacent compression members into abutting
relationship with each other. The system is towed into place in the
collapsed configuration, and once in place, is transformed into the
deployed configuration by applying tension to the side members. The
system also may include one or more tension members attached
diagonally between adjacent compression members to keep the system
in the deployed configuration. The standoff system can be a
separate, free-standing structure placed between a ship and a boom
or it can be integrated with a containment boom.
Inventors: |
Meyers; Frank; (Redondo
Beach, CA) ; Brown; John A.; (Lomita, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc. |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KEPNER PLASTICS FABRICATORS,
INC.
Torrance
CA
|
Family ID: |
39887163 |
Appl. No.: |
14/054774 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13424158 |
Mar 19, 2012 |
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14054774 |
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12982727 |
Dec 30, 2010 |
8137031 |
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13424158 |
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11742301 |
Apr 30, 2007 |
7862258 |
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12982727 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 15/085 20130101;
Y02A 30/36 20180101; E02B 15/00 20130101; E02B 3/26 20130101; Y02A
30/30 20180101; E02B 3/20 20130101; E02B 15/0835 20130101; E02B
15/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/215 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/26 20060101
E02B003/26 |
Claims
1. A standoff system for providing a desired minimum standoff
distance between a floating device and an adjacent structure, the
system comprising: an inner side member; an outer side member; a
plurality of compression members disposed between the side members,
each compression member having an inward end attached to the inner
side member and an outward end attached to the outer side member,
the inward ends being spaced a first distance apart from each other
and the outward ends being spaced a second distance apart from each
other; the compression members having a first, collapsed
orientation in which the compression members are disposed at first
angles relative to the side members such that the distance between
the side members is less than the desired standoff distance; and
the compression members having a second, deployed orientation in
which the compression members are disposed at second angles
relative to the side members, the second angles being greater than
the first angles such that the distance between the inner side
member and the outer side member is substantially equal to or
greater than the desired standoff distance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 13/424,158, filed Mar. 19, 2012, which is a continuation
of application Ser. No. 12/982,727, filed Dec. 30, 2010, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,137,031, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/742,301, filed Apr. 30, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,258, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to standoffs, and more
particularly has reference to a floating standoff assembly for
keeping a barrier or other floating device a distance apart from a
ship, dock or other marine structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Loading and unloading of shipping vessels at onshore
terminals sometimes results in contamination spilling into the
water surrounding the vessel. Examples of contamination include
oil, fuel, and solid matter. Floating containment booms or barriers
are often deployed around the vessel as a precaution. In the event
of a spill, the contaminant is held within the area enclosed by the
containment boom where it may be more easily cleaned up. When the
containment boom is placed too close to the vessel, however,
contaminant may spill into an area outside of the area enclosed by
the containment boom. For this reason, it is desirable to deploy
the containment boom at some distance, commonly referred to as a
standoff, away from the vessel. The standoff distance is often
mandated by government regulations.
[0004] The proper standoff distance is often difficult to maintain
because containment booms are prone to inward movement toward the
vessel hull due to high wind, tide, current conditions, or other
forces pushing on the containment boom. To obviate this problem, a
plurality of relatively small, individual standoff units are
sometimes floated on the water between the vessel and the
containment boom for the purpose of keeping the containment boom
away from the vessel hull. Each of these standoff units is
typically triangular in shape and is made of aluminum or plastic
tubing with foam or foam fill for buoyancy. It also has been
proposed to use D-shaped fenders made of flexible foam-filled
tubing as individual standoff units. However, because shipping
vessels are often quite large, many such standoff units must be
individually handled and deployed around the ship, which increases
the time required for set-up and take-down, and in turn adds to the
cost of loading and unloading operations. The cost of anchoring
these multiple individual standoff units in the water also can be
quite significant. In addition, since there is generally no support
in the areas between the standoffs, the boom can bend inwardly
toward the vessel in those areas, producing undesirable gaps in
protection. Moreover, storage of these multiple units can present
still further problems.
[0005] Other methods which have been devised to maintain a standoff
distance rely on complex deployment mechanisms, such as cranes and
the like, that are fixed to the ship to place the boom into the
water and hold the boom in position. Such deployment mechanisms are
often expensive to install, repair and maintain, and their use is
generally limited to one ship. Also, special boom designs must
often be employed with such deployment mechanisms. In addition,
some booms have been provided with fender elements or support arms
that inflate to keep the boom away from the vessel hull. However,
inflatable fenders may not have sufficient rigidity to resist
compression forces and they can complicate boom design.
[0006] What is needed is standoff system which may be deployed
quickly and easily. There is also a need for a standoff system that
is readily collapsible to facilitate transport, recovery, storage,
set-up, and take-down. What also is needed is a standoff system
that is compatible for use with containment booms that have no
built-in or integrated means for maintaining the desired standoff
distance from the vessel, and which minimizes bending of the boom
between the points of support. There is a further need for a
standoff system that is inexpensive to manufacture and repair. The
present invention satisfies these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
directed to a standoff system for providing a desired minimum
standoff distance between a floating device, such as a containment
boom, and an adjacent structure, such as a dock or ship. The system
generally includes an inner side member, an outer side member
(which can be separate from or integrated into the floating
device), and a plurality of compression members disposed between
the side members, each compression member having an inward end
attached to the inner side member and an outward end attached to
the outer side member, the inward ends being spaced a first
distance apart from each other and the outward ends being spaced a
second distance apart from each other. In one embodiment, the
compression members have a first, collapsed orientation in which
the compression members are disposed at first angles relative to
the side members such that the distance between the side members is
less than the desired standoff distance. The compression members
further have a second, deployed orientation in which the
compression members are disposed at second angles relative to the
side members, the second angles being greater than the first angles
such that the distance between the inner side member and the outer
side member is substantially equal to or greater than the desired
standoff distance.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the outer side member is
moveable longitudinally relative to the inner side member, such
that when the outer side member is moved in a forward direction,
the outward ends of the compression members are moved in the
forward direction and the compression members are moved from the
collapsed orientation to the deployed orientation. It will be
appreciated that the terms "inner" and "outer" and the terms
"forward" and "rearward" are being used interchangeably and in a
relative sense throughout the specification.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to a limiting member
that restrains the compression members from moving beyond the
deployed orientation upon the application of a longitudinal force
to the outer side member. The limiting member is connected to at
least one compression member (but not necessarily all the
compression members) and is configured to restrain forward movement
of the outward end of the compression member when the outer side
member is moved in a forward direction.
[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the first distance
between the inward ends of the compression members is substantially
equal to the second distance between the outward ends of the
compression members and the side members are substantially straight
when the compression members are in the deployed orientation. In an
alternative embodiment, the first distance between the inward ends
of the compression members differs from the second distance between
the outward ends of the compression members and the side members
are curved when the compression members are in the deployed
orientation.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention relates to a locking member
that restrains the compression members from moving out of the
deployed orientation. The locking member is connected to at least
one compression member and is configured to restrain rearward
movement of the outward end of the compression member when the
outer side member is moved in a rearward direction.
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, the inner side member and
the outer side member may be formed of material selected from the
group of flexible tension members consisting of rope, webbing,
cable or fabric. In another aspect of the invention, the inner and
outer side members are provided with a series of flotation sleeves
disposed between the ends of the compression members.
[0013] In still another aspect of the invention, at least one
compression member has sufficient buoyancy to keep the compression
member afloat on water. Selectively, the at least one compression
member may include a rigid core surrounded by a sleeve of buoyant
material. Alternatively, the at least one compression member may
include a tube with sealed ends.
[0014] In a further aspect of the invention, the inward and outward
ends of the compression members are flexibly connected to the inner
and outer side members, respectively. In one embodiment, the
compression members are flexibly connected to the side members by
flotation buoys, each flotation buoy having a connector disposed on
a portion of the buoy for engaging the adjacent compression member
and side member.
[0015] In yet another aspect of the invention, the inner and outer
side members include multiple segments detachably connected in an
end-to-end configuration.
[0016] In still another aspect of the invention, an elastic link is
connected to the limiting member and to the at least one of the
side members for taking up slack in the limiting member when the
compression members are in the collapsed orientation.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the invention, the inner side
member is flexible and is configured to be placed in tension, the
inward ends of the compression members being spaced a first
distance apart from each other when the inner side member is placed
in tension, the outer side member is flexible and is configured to
be placed in tension, and the outward ends of the compression
members being spaced a second distance apart from each other when
the outer side member is placed in tension, the second distance
being substantially equal to the first distance whereby the
compression members are substantially parallel to each other when
the inner side member and the outer side member are placed in
tension.
[0018] In a further aspect of the invention, the inner side member
is flexible and is configured to be placed in tension, the inward
ends of the compression members being spaced a first distance apart
from each other when the inner side member is placed in tension,
the outer side member is flexible and is configured to be placed in
tension, and the outward ends of the compression members being
spaced a second distance apart from each other when the outer side
member is placed in tension, the second distance being unequal to
the first distance whereby the compression members are at angles to
each other when the inner side member and the outer side member are
placed in tension.
[0019] In still another aspect of the invention, the compression
members are selectively movable into a straight configuration in
which the compression members are substantially parallel and spaced
apart from each other, and into a cornering configuration in which
at least two of the compression members are arranged at a selected
angle to each other, and a connection device is configured to
connect the inward ends of the at least two compression members
together such that the at least two compression members are
restrained from moving out of the cornering configuration.
[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a
standoff system for providing a desired minimum standoff distance
between a structure and a floating device, in which the system
includes an inner side member having a rear end and a forward end,
an outer side member having a rear end and a forward end, and a
plurality of compression members disposed between the inner side
member and the outer side member, the compression members being
spaced apart along the inner side member and the outer side member,
each compression member having an inward end and an outward end,
the inward ends of the plurality of compression members being
attached to the inner side member and the outward ends of the
plurality of compression members being attached to the outer side
member such that the outward ends of the compression members are
movable relative to the inner side member. In addition, at least
one tension member is provided having a front connection and a rear
connection spaced a first selected distance apart from the front
connection, the front connection being attached to the outward end
of a forward compression member, the rear connection being attached
to the inward end of a rearward compression member, the forward
compression member being disposed closer to the forward end of the
inner side member than the rearward compression member, and wherein
the first selected distance between the front connection and the
rear connection of the tension member is selected to restrain
forward movement of the outward end of the forward compression
member when the distance between the inner side member and the
outer side member is substantially equal to or greater than the
desired standoff distance.
[0021] In still another aspect of the invention, a second tension
member is provided, the second tension member having a first
connection and a second connection spaced a second selected
distance apart from the first connection, the first connection
being attached to the inward end of a forward compression member
and the second connection being attached to the outward end of a
rearward compression member. The second selected distance between
the first connection and second connection of the second tension
member is selected to restrain rearward movement of the outer end
of the forward compression member when the distance between the
inner side member and the outer side member is substantially equal
to or greater than the desired standoff distance.
[0022] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a
containment boom for deployment around a structure, in which the
boom includes an elongate inner side member, an elongate flotation
portion disposed at a distance from the inner side member, the
flotation portion supporting a skirt portion depending downwardly
from the flotation portion, a plurality of compression members,
each compression member having an inward end attached to the inner
side member and an outward end attached to the flotation portion,
the inward ends being spaced apart from each other along the inner
side member, the outward ends being spaced apart from each other
along the flotation portion, and wherein the plurality of
compression members is movable from a first, collapsed orientation
in which the compression members are arranged at first angles
relative to the inner side member when the inner side member is
placed in tension such that the distance between inner side member
and the flotation portion is less than a desired minimum standoff
distance, to a second, deployed orientation in which the
compression members are arranged at second angles relative to the
inner side member when the inner side member is placed in tension,
the second angles being greater than the first angles such that
that the distance between inner side member and the flotation
portion is greater than or substantially equal to the desired
standoff distance.
[0023] In still a further aspect, the present invention is directed
to a standoff system for providing a desired minimum standoff
distance between a floating device and an adjacent structure, in
which the system includes a flexible inner side member, a flexible
outer side member, a plurality of substantially parallel
compression members disposed between the side members, each
compression member having an inward end attached to the inner side
member and an outward end attached to the outer side member, the
inward ends being spaced a first distance apart from each other
along the inner side member and the outward ends being spaced a
second distance apart from each other along the outer side member,
the compression members having a first, collapsed configuration in
which the compression members are disposed in a side-by-side
abutting relation, and the compression members having a second,
deployed configuration in which inward ends of the compression
members are spaced apart from each other by a distance
substantially equal to the first distance and the outward ends of
the compression members are spaced apart from each other by a
distance substantially equal to the second distance. In at least
one embodiment, a pull line is attached to at least one of the
compression members for moving the compression member from the
deployed configuration to the collapsed configuration upon the
application of a pulling force to the pull line.
[0024] While the invention has been described with reference to a
containment boom, it will be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to containment booms. Rather, the standoff can be used with
any form of floating device to provide a standoff distance between
the device and an adjacent ship, dock or other marine structure.
For example, the standoff system can be used to provide a standoff
distance between a ship and a marine security barrier disposed
around a military ship to protect the ship from attack or unwanted
intruders when the ship is moored at a dock or in a harbor.
[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a standoff system embodying
the novel features of the present invention, shown in a deployed
configuration.
[0027] FIG. 1A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one
of the compression members of the standoff system shown in FIG.
1.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative standoff
system embodying the features of the present invention, shown in a
deployed configuration with flotation sleeves disposed on the side
members.
[0029] FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one
of the side members of the standoff system shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
connection between the compression members, side members, and
tension members in the standoff system of FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 3A is an enlarged plan view of an alternative
connection between the compression members, side members and
tension members.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the standoff system of FIG.
2 deployed and floating on water between the side of a ship and a
containment boom.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a standoff system
embodying the features of the present invention, showing the
standoff system deployed around a ship at a dock.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an elongated version of the
standoff system of FIG. 2 in a collapsed configuration and being
towed by a boat via a double tow-line arrangement.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
standoff system of FIG. 6 in a collapsed configuration and being
towed by a boat via a single tow-line arrangement.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a standoff system embodying the
features of the present invention in a collapsed configuration.
[0037] FIG. 8A is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view of an
alternative embodiment of the standoff system of FIG. 8, including
an elastic cord to take up slack in the tension members when the
standoff is in the collapsed configuration.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the standoff system of FIG. 8
showing the system in a deployed configuration.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the standoff system of FIG. 9
showing the system partially set up to go around a corner.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the standoff system of FIG. 9
showing the system set up to go around a ninety-degree corner.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a plan view of an alternative cornering
arrangement in which two standoff systems of the type shown in FIG.
2 are arranged at right angles to each other to go around a
ninety-degree corner.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative standoff system
embodying features of the present invention, configured for
deployment along a curved structure.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an alternative standoff system
embodying features of the present invention, shown in a partially
collapsed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
the invention is embodied in a standoff system 10 which is
especially adapted for use in providing a desired minimum standoff
distance between a containment boom or other form of defensive
flotation barrier and an adjacent structure, such as a ship or
dock. The standoff system 10 is generally designed to float on the
surface of a body of water. When deployed, the standoff system 10
is typically located between the structure of interest and the
containment boom or other floating device so that an inner side 12
of the standoff abuts the structure and an outer side 14 of the
standoff abuts the containment boom or floating device . An example
is shown in FIG. 4. When deployed, the standoff system 10 provides
sufficient lateral rigidity to keep the containment boom 62 or
other floating device from moving inward toward the structure 84
due to forces produced by wind, tidal changes, water current, and
other conditions.
[0045] The standoff system 10 can be used with a variety of
different kinds of floating devices or barrier systems. However,
for ease of illustration, the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein will be described with reference to a containment boom of
the type used to prevent the spread of contaminants across a body
of water.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the standoff
system 10 generally includes an inner side member 16 and an outer
side member 18. Preferably, both side members 16, 18 are
sufficiently flexible in regions to enable the standoff system 10
to be collapsed, flaked, folded onto itself, or rolled up for
storage when not in use, and to be easily pulled out of storage for
use. The inner and outer side members 16, 18 can be any desired
length, and are designed to be placed in tension during deployment,
as shown in FIG. 1. The side members 16, 18 can be made of rope,
cable, webbing or fabric, and may be formed of plastic, synthetic
fibers, naturally occurring fibers, metal, or other material.
Suitable examples include, without limitation, polyethylene or
polypropylene rope.
[0047] It is usually desirable for the side members 16, 18 to have
some flotation ability. In the case of side members made of rope,
for example, the natural buoyancy of the rope material may be
sufficient. On the other hand, when the side members 16, 18 are
made of cable or other non-buoyant material, additional flotation
may be provided by the buoyancy of other components in the system,
or by adding a foam sleeve or other flotation device to the side
members as will be later described.
[0048] The standoff system 10 also includes a plurality of
stiffeners or compression members 20 extending between the side
members 16, 18. The compression members are designed to resist
axial compression. In FIG. 1, four compression members 20a, 20b,
20c, 20d are shown, although the standoff system 10 may include any
desired number of compression members. In the illustrated example,
the first compression member 20a is disposed at the front 23 of the
standoff system 10, the second compression member 20b is rearward
of the first compression member, the third compression member 20c
is rearward of the second compression member, and the fourth
compression member 20d is disposed at the rear 25 of the standoff
system 10. In most cases, the standoff system will be much longer
than the one shown in FIG. 1 and have many more compression members
20. However, the example shown in FIG. 1 has been limited in size
for ease of illustration.
[0049] Each compression member 20 has an inward end 22 attached to
the inner side member 16 and an outward end 24 attached to the
outer side member 18. Preferably, the compression members 20 have
an end-to-end length 21 which is greater than or equal to the
desired minimum standoff distance. The inward ends 22 are spaced a
first distance 26 apart from each other along the inner side member
16, and the outward ends 24 are spaced a second distance 28 apart
from each other along the outer side member 18. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the first and second distances 26, 28 are
substantially equal to each other and the side members 16, 18 are
of substantially the same length, allowing the unit to follow a
substantially straight path when the standoff system 10 is
deployed. As will be discussed below, however, the first and second
distances may differ from each other when a curved deployment
configuration is desired.
[0050] In the illustrated example, each compression member 20
includes a rigid member 27 and a flotation member 29. The rigid
member 27 is configured to have sufficient column strength to
resist buckling or collapse when being squeezed between the
structure of interest and the containment boom. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the rigid member 27 is in the form of a rigid core
of rod or pipe formed of metal, plastic or other material, and the
flotation device 29 is in the form of a tube or sleeve (or a spaced
array of one or more sleeves) of closed cell foam, or other buoyant
material, surrounding the pipe. This construction is shown in
greater detail in FIG. 1A. In an alternative embodiment, flotation
can be provided in the compression members 20 without the use of a
separate flotation member by forming the rigid member 27 of tube or
pipe and sealing the ends of the tube or pipe with air inside to
provide buoyancy. Various kinds of metal or plastic pipes, such as
aluminum, steel or vinyl tubes or pipes are suitable for this
purpose. It also will be appreciated that the compression members
20 may be formed without any flotation capability, if sufficient
buoyancy is provided elsewhere in the standoff system 10 to keep
the compression members 20 afloat.
[0051] If desired, the rigid members 27 may be configured to be
telescoping with a detent lock to hold the member at various
extended lengths. In this way, the length of the compression member
can be selectively adjusted, as needed, to vary the standoff
distance.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the standoff system 10 also
includes at least one tension member 30 extending diagonally
between the outer end of one compression member and the inner end
of another compression member. In FIG. 1, three tension members
30a, 30b, 30c are shown, although the standoff system 10 may
include any desired number of tension members, including as few as
one tension member for the entire system 10. For example, it is not
necessary to provide tension members 30 between each pair of
compression members 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Instead, in some
embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a tension member 30
between only one pair of compression members 20 or between every
other pair of compression members 20. Other arrangements also are
possible. In each case, the tension members are generally flexible
or collapsible links such as rope, cable or the like. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first tension member 30a is located
closest to the front 23 of the standoff system 10, while the third
tension member 30c is located closest to the rear 25 of the
standoff system.
[0053] Each tension member 30 has a front connection 32 and a rear
connection 34 spaced apart from the front connection. The front
connection 32 of the first tension member 30a is attached to the
outward end 24 of the first compression member 20a. The rear
connection 34 of the first tension member 30a is attached to the
inward end 22 of the second compression member 20b. The front and
rear connections 32, 34 may be configured to allow for selective
removal and attachment of the tension members 30. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, each tension member 30a, 30b,
30c functions as a limiting device to restrain forward movement of
the compression members when the standoff system 10 is being
deployed.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the standoff
system 10, in which a series of flotation sleeves 36 is arranged
end-to-end along each of the side members 16, 18. In the embodiment
shown, the inner side member 16 includes a rope 38 extending the
entire length of the inner side member 16 and passing sequentially
through a series 40 of elongate flotation sleeves 36. Similarly,
the outer side member 18 includes a rope 42 extending the entire
length of the outer side member 18 and passing sequentially through
a series 44 of elongate sleeves 36. A detailed view of this
arrangement is shown in FIG. 2A. In the example shown in FIG. 2,
there are two sleeves 36 disposed between each adjacent pair of
compression members 20, although a different number of sleeves 36
may be employed, if desired.
[0055] The sleeves 36 may be formed of closed cell foam with
buoyancy to help keep the side members afloat. In addition to
providing buoyancy, the sleeves 36 also may act as spacers to help
maintain the desired spacing between the ends of adjacent
compression members 20. While the compression members 20 are shown
in FIG. 2 as having flotation sleeves of the type shown in FIG. 1,
it will be appreciated that the flotation sleeves can be eliminated
from the compression members 20, if desired.
[0056] The compression members 20 may be attached to the side
members 16, 18 in a variety of different ways. In most cases, it is
desirable to provide a flexible connection that allows for relative
lateral movement between the compression members and side
members.
[0057] One particular example is shown in FIG. 3. In this example,
each compression member 20 includes a ring 50 attached to the rigid
rod 27 at both ends of the compression member 20. For ease of
illustration, only one end 24 is shown in FIG. 3. The adjacent side
member 18 is attached to the ring 50 by a connector 51 which
tightly surrounds the rope 42 near the ring 50, and engages the
ring 50 with a ring or loop 52 or other form of permanent or
detachable connection to hold the rope 42 in a generally fixed
location relative to the ring 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
3, the rope-engaging portion of the connection 51 is in the form of
a cylindrical sleeve 53 tightly crimped onto the rope 42. The
ring-engaging portion of the connector 51 is in the form of a metal
ring 52 attached to the sleeve. Alternatively, a snap hook, clip,
clasp or other form of permanent or detachable connector mechanism
can be used to attach the connector 51 to the ring 50.
[0058] It will be appreciated that the connection shown in FIG. 3
allows the compression member to hinge or articulate
three-dimensionally relative to the side members. Instead of using
the connector 51, the rings 50 may be fixed to the side members 16,
18 in other ways. For example, the rope 42 may extend through the
opening in the ring 50 and be secured thereto by knotting the rope
42 around the ring 50. Alternatively, the ring 50 may be crimped
down onto the portion of the rope 42 which passes through the
opening tightly enough to prevent the ring from moving along the
rope.
[0059] In the illustrated example, the tension members 30 are
attached to the rings 50 with loops 31 formed on the ends of the
tension members. It will be appreciated that other types of
connection devices also may be employed in addition to or as an
alternative to the loops 31. Examples of suitable connection
devices include, without limitation, clips, clasps, clamps, snap
hooks, and similar devices. If desired, the tension members 30 can
be provided with detachable connection devices so that the tension
members can be detachably removed from the rings 50 or left in
place during use. If desired, the tension members 30 may be
attached to the rings 52 on the connectors 51 instead of being
attached to the rings 50 on the compression members 20.
[0060] In some applications, it may be desirable to form the side
members 16, 18 from multiple segments or pieces of rope or cable
detachably connected to each other in an end-to-end fashion. Rings,
clasps or snap hooks may be provided on the ends of these pieces of
rope or cable to detachably engage the rings 50 on the ends of the
compression members 20. In this way, it is possible to selectively
connect or disconnect adjacent standoff sections or modules from
each other in an end-to-end fashion, to vary the overall length of
the standoff system 10.
[0061] FIG. 3A shows an alternative form of connection between the
side members and the compression members. Once again, only one
connection is shown for ease of illustration. In this particular
embodiment, a ring 57 is connected to the end of a bar or rod 54
disposed within a flotation buoy 55 formed of foam or other buoyant
material. The rod 54 is preferably held in place inside the buoy 55
by crossmember 58 screwed or welded to the rod 54 at a joint 56
inside the buoy. As illustrated, one end of the rod 54 extends
beyond the buoy 55 and terminates in the ring 57. The adjacent
compression member, side member and tension member are severally
attached to the ring 57 in any detachable or permanent manner. In
the illustrated embodiment, the end of the compression member 20 is
provided with a ring 50 of the type previously described which
engages the opening in the ring 57 on the buoy 55. The side member
is a multi-piece side member of the type described above. Each of
the pieces of rope or cable 42 in the multi-piece side member
terminates in a snap hook 59 or other suitable connector device
that engages the ring 57 on the buoy 55. The tension member 30 can
be connected to buoy ring 57 as shown, or it can be alternatively
connected to the compression member ring 50, as desired. The
connection buoy is especially useful for connecting modular
standoff sections.
[0062] It will be appreciated that the buoy-type connector
described above provides flotation at the intersection points
between the side members and the compression members, so that no
additional flotation is required in either the side members or
compression members. However, if desired, additional flotation can
be provided in one or more of the side members, in one or more of
the compression members, or in any combination thereof.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows the standoff system 10 of FIG. 2 deployed in
water between the side 60 of a ship 84 and a floating containment
boom or barrier 62. As shown, the inner and outer side members 16,
18 of the standoff system 10 are configured to abut the side 60 of
the ship 84 and the boom 62, respectively, in order to provide the
desired standoff distance. In some applications, it may be
desirable to provide a protective layer in the form of a sheet or
float (not shown) between the ship 84 and the standoff 10 to
protect the ship from abrasion or other forms of damage. This
protective layer may be connected to the ship 84 or to the standoff
10, as desired, in any conventional manner.
[0064] The inner side member 16 has a rear end 64 configured to be
secured to a fixed position relative to the ship or other structure
and a forward end 68 configured to be secured to a remote fixed
location. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rear end 64 is
attached to a tow point 66 on the side 60 of the ship 84 and the
forward end 68 is attached to a remote tow point 70 on the ship.
Preferably, the tow points 66, 70 are spaced apart by a sufficient
distance to keep the side member 16 in tension. Alternatively, the
rear end 64 or forward end 68 (or both) may be attached to fixed
points on a dock, buoy, anchor or other structure in the water or
on land adjacent the water.
[0065] Still referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the outer
side member 18 also includes a forward end 72. The forward end 72
is pulled in the forward direction in order to place the outer side
member in tension. Once the outer side member 18 is placed in
tension, the forward end of the outer side member may be connected
to the second tow point 70 or other fixed point to keep the outer
side member 18 in tension.
[0066] The ends 64, 68, 72 of the side members 16, 18 may be
attached to their respective anchor points 66, 70 by any suitable
means, such as ropes 74 looped through the rings 50 on the
forward-most and rearward-most compression members 20. Instead of
or in addition to ropes 74, cables, clips, clasps, clamps, snap
hooks, and similar devices may be used to secure the ends 64, 68,
72 to the fixed anchor points.
[0067] With continued reference to FIG. 4, it will be appreciated
that the standoff system 10 may be configured as a stand alone
device to be used with a conventional containment boom 62. In the
illustrated example, the containment boom 62 includes a flotation
portion 80 and a skirt portion 82 attached to the flotation
portion. The flotation portion 80 is configured to float on the
water surface and to extend a distance above the water surface to
prevent contaminants on or near the water surface from spilling
over the containment boom 62. The skirt portion 82 is configured to
hang down from the flotation portion 80 below the surface of the
water to prevent contaminants on or near the water surface from
escaping beneath the flotation portion 80. In the illustrated
example, the flotation portion 80 abuts the outer side member 18 of
the standoff system 10.
[0068] It will be appreciated, however, that the standoff system
can be formed as an integral part of a boom, if desired. In this
case, the outer side member 18 of the standoff system 10 may be
configured as a containment boom 62. For example, the flotation
sleeves 36 shown in FIG. 2, may be replaced with flotation portions
80 and skirts 82. Alternatively, the outer side member 18 can be
replaced in its entirety by a conventional boom structure with an
integrated tension member. The outward ends 24 of the compression
members 20 then can be permanently or temporarily attached to the
boom in any suitable manner. For example, where the flotation
portion of the boom is a continuous cylindrical shape, the outward
ends 24 of the compression members 20 can be connected to the skirt
below the water line or they can be connected to attachment points
on the flotation portion itself.
[0069] Referring next to FIG. 5, the standoff system 10 is shown
deployed around three sides of a ship 84 situated adjacent a dock
area 86. A single long standoff system 10 may be used for the
entire ship 84 or a series of shorter standoff systems 10 may be
used along different portions of the ship 84. When a single long
system 10 is used, the ends 64, 68 of the standoff typically will
be attached to anchors or to fixed locations on the dock to keep
the system in tension. When shorter standoffs are used, the ends
64, 68 may be connected to the dock, to fixed structures on the
ship 84 of the type shown in FIG. 4, or other fixed locations such
as anchors or buoys. After the standoff system 10 is deployed
around the ship 84, as is shown in FIG. 5, a containment boom 62
may then be deployed outside the standoff. The standoff 10 will
function to provide a desired minimum standoff distance 87 between
the containment boom 62 and the ship's hull. The standoff system 10
also can be used to completely surround a ship in open water, if
desired.
[0070] The standoff system 10 shown in FIG. 2 has both a deployed
configuration and a collapsed configuration. The deployed
configuration as shown in FIG. 2, is used when the standoff system
is in place around a ship or other boom-protected structure. The
collapsed configuration, on the other hand, is used when the
standoff system is being towed into place across the water
surface.
[0071] FIG. 6 shows an elongated version of the standoff system 10
of FIG. 2 in a collapsed configuration and being towed by a boat 88
into position around a ship or other structure. In this particular
embodiment, an inner tow line 90 is attached to the front end 68 of
the inner side member 16 and an outer tow line 92 is attached to
the front end 72 of the outer side member 18. The tow lines 90, 92
may be integral parts of the side members 16, 18, if desired. For
example, the tow lines 90, 92 may be extensions of the ropes or
cables used in the side members 16, 18. In the embodiment shown,
the inner and outer tow lines 90, 92 are attached to a single
tow-point 94 on the boat 88, so that the compression members 20 are
being pulled along by both the inner and outer side members 16, 18.
However, the outer tow line 92 is longer than the inner tow line
90, which allows the standoff system 10 to automatically assume a
collapsed configuration as it is being pulled by the boat 88. In
this configuration, drag from the water causes the inner side
member 16 to be placed in tension, and causes the outward ends 24
of the compression members 20 to move rearwardly and toward the
inner side member 16 into a collapsed configuration. It will be
appreciated that the standoff system 10 presents less drag in the
water while in a collapsed configuration, as compared to a deployed
configuration.
[0072] With further reference to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the
tension lines 30 optionally remain attached to the compression
members 20 while the standoff system 10 is being towed by the boat
88. However, if desired, the tension members 30 can be removed from
the compression members 20 during the towing operation. With the
tension members removed, the standoff system 10 can be towed by
either the inner tow line 90 or the outer tow line 92, as desired,
and assume a collapsed configuration.
[0073] FIG. 7 shows an alternative towing arrangement for the
standoff system 10, in which the inner tow line 90 is looped around
the tow-point point 94 on the boat 88, while the outer tow line 92
terminates in a ring or loop 96 which loosely engages the inner tow
line 90. In this way, the outer tow line 92 is not required to be
longer than the inner tow line 90. Instead, the end of the outer
tow line 92 slides freely along the inner tow line 90, allowing the
standoff system 10 to collapse automatically while being towed by
the boat 88. The loop 96 also prevents the outer tow line 91 from
drifting away from the inner tow line 90, where it could become
snagged on a buoy, floating debris or some other structure. In this
particular embodiment, an optional retrieval line 97 is attached to
the outer tow line 92 and to a cleat 98 on the back of the boat 88.
By pulling the retrieval line 97 toward the boat 88 after the
standoff system 10 has been towed into place, a user on the boat 88
can easily retrieve the tow line 92 from the water. The retrieval
line 97 can be connected to the loop 96 or to other locations along
the tow line 92.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 8, a standoff system 10 with eight
compression members 20 is shown in the collapsed state. In the
collapsed configuration, the compression members 20 are oriented at
an acute angle 100 relative to the inner side member 16, and the
outer side member 18 is disposed at a minimum distance 102 from the
inner side member 16. In this collapsed condition, the minimum
distance is less than the desired standoff distance 87 (FIG. 5).
However, by pulling on the outer tow line 92 in a generally forward
direction, as shown by arrow 104, the outer side member 18 will
translate longitudinally relative to the inner side member 16 and
will progressively move the compression members 80 from the
collapsed orientation shown in FIG. 8 to a deployed orientation as
shown in FIG. 9, increasing the spacing between the side members
16, 18 until the desired standoff distance is achieved.
[0075] In the collapsed condition, the tension members 30 that
remain attached to the compression members 20 will flex or dangle
loosely from their respective connections 32, 34, as shown in FIG.
8. However, during deployment, as the compression members 20 move
toward the deployed orientation, the tension lines 30 begin to
straighten out, as shown in FIG. 9. Preferably, the tension members
30 are sized in relation to the length of the compression members
20 and the distance between the compression members to allow the
outward ends 24 of each compression member 20 to move forwardly and
outwardly away from the inner side member 16 as the outer side
member 18 is being pulled in the forward direction 104, but to
limit further forward movement once the compression members 20 have
reached their fully deployed state.
[0076] FIG. 8A shows an optional arrangement in which an elastic
cord 98 is provided to take up the slack in the tension member 30
when the standoff system 10 is in the collapsed configuration. The
ends of the cord 98 are connected to the tension member 30 and to
one of the side members 16, respectively. When stretched, the cord
98 spans the entire distance between the side member 18, 18 and the
tension member 30. However, when relaxed, the cord 98 is relatively
short in relation to size of the opening between the compression
members 20. As a result, as the standoff assumes the collapsed
configuration, the elastic cord will contract and pull the tension
member 98 toward the side member 16 taking up the slack in the
tension member 30. The elastic cord can be formed of bungee cord or
any other elastic material. While only a single cord 98 is shown in
FIG. 8A, it will be appreciated that similar cords can be attached
to each of the tension members 30 in the standoff system. Taking up
the slack in the tension members 30 avoids having the tension
member 30 dangle loosely or sink down below the water surface where
they can become snagged on underwater structures or floating
debris.
[0077] FIG. 9 shows the standoff system 10 of FIG. 8 in a fully
deployed state. In this particular configuration, the compression
members 20 are deployed at generally right angles 110 to the side
members 16, 18, and the distance 102 between the inner and outer
side members 16, 18 is generally equal to or greater than the
minimum required standoff distance.
[0078] Without at least one of the tension members 30, it will be
appreciated that the outward ends 24 of the compression members 20
would continue to move forward as the outer side member 18 is being
pulled in the forward direction 104, such that the compression
members would move beyond their desired deployed orientation. The
tension members 30 are used to prevent this from occurring. By
using the tension members 30 in this way, it is possible to keep
both sides 16, 18 of the standoff 10 in tension after deployment in
order to maintain the proper deployment configuration and the
proper positioning of the standoff relative to the adjacent
structure.
[0079] If desired, the standoff system 10 can be provided with
second tension members 112, between the compression members 20. The
second tension member 112 is designed to prevent rearward movement
of the compression members 20 once deployment is complete. In the
example shown in FIG. 9, the first tension member 30a has a front
connection 32 attached to the outward end 24 of the first
compression member 20a and a rear connection 34 attached to the
inward end 22 of the second compression member 20b, which is
located to the rear of the first compression member 20a.
Conversely, the second tension member 112 has a front or first
connection 114 attached to the inward end 22 of the first
compression member 20a and a rear or second connection 116 attached
to the outward end 24 of the second compression member 20b. The
result is two tension members 30a, 112 that crisscross with each
other in the region between the compression members 20a, 20b. The
length of the second tension member 112 is selected so that the
outward ends 24 of the compression members 20 are restrained from
rearward movement when the standoff is in the fully deployed state.
Thus, it will be appreciated that while the first tension member
30a limits forward movement of the compression member 20a, the
second tension member 112 restrains movement of the compression
member 20b in a rearward direction 105. As a result, when rigid
sleeves 36 are used along at least one of the side members 16, 18,
the compression members 20a, 20b will remain locked in their
deployed state even if tension is released in the side members 16,
18. With a standoff system 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1, where
the side members 16, 18 are configured without the sleeves 36, it
is preferable to keep the side members 16, 18 in tension in order
to maintain the proper configuration when deployed.
[0080] Although only one second tension member 112 is shown in FIG.
9, additional tension members 112 may be installed between pairs of
compression members 20, as desired, to increase the overall
stability and strength of the standoff system 10. Likewise, it is
not necessary that the second members 112 be installed between the
same pair of compression members 20 linked by the first tension
member 30, as shown in FIG. 9. Instead, the second tension member
112 may be installed between a different pair of compression
members 20. Second tension members 112 also may be used with any of
the standoff systems described herein.
[0081] When the standoff system 10 is in the collapsed condition as
shown in FIG. 8, either one or both of the connections for the
second tension member 112 are detached from the compression
members. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the rearward end
116 of the second tension member 112 has been disconnected from the
second compression member 20b. However, once the compression
members 20 have been moved from the collapsed configuration to the
deployed configuration, both connections 114, 116 for the second
tension member 112 may be optionally attached, as described above,
in order to retain the standoff in the fully deployed state.
[0082] It will be appreciated that the second tension member 112 is
completely optional. When no second tension member 112 is used, the
compression members 20 may be retained in the deployed
configuration by tensioning and securing the outer tow line 92 to a
fixed structure to restrain the outer side member 20 from being
pulled rearward. If desired, the secured tow line 92 may function
alone or in combination with one or more tension members 112 as a
locking mechanism to hold the compression members 20 in the
deployed orientation.
[0083] Once the standoff system 10 is deployed, additional
compression members 20 may be selectively added to the standoff at
intermediate positions between the existing compression members.
These additional compression members 20 add stiffness and increase
the strength of the standoff.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, when fully deployed, the compression
members 20a-20h are generally parallel and spaced apart from each
other, and the standoff system 10 as a whole follows a generally
straight path. However, in some circumstances, it may be desirable
to have the standoff system 10 go around a corner of a structure,
such as the corner 114 of a ship 84, as shown in FIG. 5, or when
the standoff 10 is to be used with a barge having a more
rectangular shape. FIGS. 10 and 11 show one way of how the standoff
system 10 of FIG. 9 may be moved to a cornering configuration so as
to pass around a ninety-degree corner.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, a forward portion 124 of the inner side
member 16 and a forward portion 126 of the outer side member 18 are
placed out of tension. The inward ends 22 of the compression
members 20c, 20d, and 20e in the forward portion 124 are then moved
toward each other so that the compression members 20c, 20d, 20e are
at angles 120, 122 relative to one another. Simultaneously, the
sleeves 36 between the compression members 20c, 20d and 20e on the
inner side member 16 are folded into the spaces between the
compression members 20d , 20e. The angles 120, 122 between the
compression members 20c, 20d, 20e are selected so that the standoff
system 10 can turn a corner at a desired radius of curvature. When
the compression members 20c, 20d, and 20e are at the desired
angles, the inward ends 22 of the compression members 20c, 20d, and
20e may be connected together with various connection devices to
prevent the inward ends 22 of the compression members 20c, 20d, and
20e from moving apart from each other. Examples of suitable
connection devices include, without limitation, ropes, cables,
clips, clasps, clamps, hooks, and similar devices.
[0086] FIG. 11 shows the standoff system 10 disposed in a ninety
degree angle cornering configuration. In this example, the inward
end 22 of compression member 20e is connected to the inward end 22
of the adjacent compression member 20d with a first connection
device 128. The compression members 20e, 20d are connected together
such that the angle 120 between them is about forty-five degrees.
Likewise, the inward end 22 of the second compression member 20d is
connected to the inward end 22 of the next adjacent compression
member 20c with the first connection device 128 or with a second
connection device 129. These compression members 20d, 20c are also
connected together such that the angle 122 between them is about
forty-five degrees. The overall result is that the compression
members 20c and 20e at the ends of the cornering configuration are
disposed at about ninety-degrees relative to each other, allowing
the standoff system 10 as a whole to have a ninety-degree cornering
angle 123. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the
connection devices 128, 129 are formed of rope extending through
the rings 50 at the inward ends 22 of the compression members 20.
Crisscross tension members 112. 130 also have been installed
between the compression members 20 near the corner region to help
maintain the overall shape of the standoff system 10.
[0087] FIG. 12 shows an alternative method of cornering using two
separate standoff systems of the type shown in FIG. 2, arranged at
an angle to each other. In use, a first standoff system 130 is
deployed, and then a second standoff system 132 is deployed at the
selected angle 133 to the first standoff system 130. In the
particular embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the first and second
standoff systems 130, 132 are arranged to form a ninety-degree
angle. Of course, other angles may be selected as desired.
Connection devices 134 may be used to connect the two standoff
systems 130, 132 together in order to maintain the desired
cornering angle and to help strengthen the standoff systems 130,
132 in the cornering area.
[0088] In some applications, it also may be desirable to have a
standoff system 10 which is capable of following a curved
structure, such as a curved portion 136 of a ship 84, as shown in
FIG. 5. FIG. 13 shows a standoff system 10 that is capable of
assuming a curved or arcuate shape. In this embodiment, the outer
side member 18 is longer than the inner side member 16. The inward
ends 22 of the compression members 20 are spaced a first distance
26 apart from each other when the inner side member 16 is placed in
tension, and the outward ends 24 of the compression members 20 are
spaced a second distance 28 apart from each when the outer side
member 18 is placed in tension. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13,
the second distance 28 is greater than the first distance 26. As a
result, the side members 16, 18 assume a curved or arcuate shape
when both members 16, 18 are placed in tension. In this particular
case, the inner side member 16 defines a first radius of curvature,
while the outer side member 18 defines a second, larger radius of
curvature, allowing the standoff to conform to a structure having
convex surfaces.
[0089] It will be appreciated the first distance 26 can be made
greater than the second distance 28, if desired, to provide a
standoff system 10 that curves in the opposite direction and
conforms to a structure having concave surfaces. It also will be
appreciated that different degrees of curvature may be obtained by
the varying the differences between the first and second distances
26, 28. In yet other embodiment, the first and second distances 26,
28 between some pairs of compression members 20 are different,
while the first and second distances between other pairs of
compression members are substantially the same. In this way, one
continuous standoff system 10 may be used along a structure having
both straight portions and curved portions.
[0090] FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the standoff
system 10. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1. It includes an inner side member 16, an outer side
member 18, and a plurality of compression members 20 extending
between the side members 16, 18. However, unlike the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, which is collapsed by moving the side member 16,
18 longitudinally relative to each other, the embodiment shown in
FIG. 14 is collapsed by progressively moving the compression
members at the rearward end of the standoff 10 toward the forward
end of the standoff 10 into an abutting relationship as shown in
FIG. 14. The resulting reduction in length of the standoff 10 makes
it easier to store, maneuver and re-deploy than a standoff in a
fully deployed state. This particular method of longitudinal
collapsing is especially useful for moving the standoff 10 short
distances after it has been deployed.
[0091] The longitudinal collapsing of the standoff 10 can be
facilitated by providing a pair of pull lines 142, one on each side
of the standoff 10. Each pull line 142 is connected to the
rearward-most compression member 20 and passes sequentially through
the rings 50 on the ends of the remaining compression members 20.
By pulling these lines 142 in the forward direction, the rearward
compression members 20 are progressively moved forward into the
longitudinally collapsed state as shown. It will be appreciated
that the collapsing arrangement can be reversed if desired, by
connecting the pull lines 142 to the forward-most compression
members 20 instead of the rearward-most compression member 20 and
then pulling the lines 142 in a rearward direction so as to move
the forward compression members 20 rearwardly into a longitudinally
collapsed state.
[0092] A similar type of pull line 144 also can be used to assist
in moving the standoff into a cornering configuration. In the
example shown in FIG. 10, the pull line 144 is connected to an end
of the forward-most compression member 20a, and passes sequentially
through the rings on the ends of the adjacent compression members
20b, 20c, 20d, until it exits through the ring on the end of the
compression member 20e at the location where the cornering
configuration begins. By pulling this line 144 in the rearward
direction after tension has been released in the side members, the
forward portion 124 of the inner side member 16 can be moved from
the straight configuration to the cornering configuration.
[0093] While several particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and
aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or
substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the
invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *