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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to lighting fixtures and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly that is adaptable to accept varying lengths of lights.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Lighting bollards (or bollard lights) are so named because in shape they tend to resemble the bollards, i.e., posts, used at wharfs and around which mooring lines are fastened. Outdoor bollard lights are a sophisticated way to illuminate pathways and other areas of a landscape. The unobtrusive design offers a unique way to dress up the exterior of a home or commercial space through soft lighting without detracting from the architectural elements of a building's facade.
[0005] Traditional stacked louvered bollards are manufactured to provide a particular wattage of light within a particular louver stack atop the bollard in which the bollard is configured in a particular tubular shape. Thus, known bollard lights are manufactured as set structures that do not have the flexibility to adjust the configuration of the structures so as to accommodate varying lengths of light fixtures.
[0006] Such typical bollard lights are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,341,877 and 7,182,547, which disclose a bollard light with a diffuser rim retrofitted around the edge of a clear diffuser so as to emit a special light color effect; and a bollard post having a lamp resting atop the post, in which the lamp includes a spaced-apart louver stack, respectively.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It therefore would be advantageous to have a bollard light which is adaptable in structure so as to accept light bulbs of varying lengths and thus provide flexibility with respect to the choice of light output.
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly that provides a choice of light output.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly that is size-adaptable depending on the choice of light output.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a lighting bollard assembly produced according to the methods of the present invention.
[0011] These objectives are met by the embodiments of the present invention, which provide methods for manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly for a plurality of different elongated lights having different corresponding lengths.
[0012] In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly for a plurality of different elongated lights having different corresponding lengths, comprising mounting a circuit structured to power any one of the different elongated lights atop a base; mounting a first clamp plate atop the circuit and the base; selecting an elongated light from the different elongated lights and affixing the selected elongated light into a light socket; selecting a number of interposed lens rings and a number of light deflectors to correspond to the length of the selected elongated light; interposing the selected number of lens rings among the selected number of light deflectors, wherein each of the selected number of lens rings is inserted into a corresponding one of the selected number of light deflectors; mounting the selected number of interposed lens rings and the selected number of light deflectors atop the circuit; mounting a second clamp plate atop the selected number of interposed lens rings and the selected number of light deflectors; mounting a hood atop the second clamp plate; and connecting together the hood, the second clamp plate, the selected number of interposed lens rings, the selected number of light deflectors, the first clamp plate and the base.
[0013] The elongated lights may include, without limitation, fluorescent bulbs, each having a wattage of, for example, five, seven, nine or thirteen watts. When a five or seven watt fluorescent bulb is selected, three or four lens rings are interposed among two or three light deflectors, respectively. When a nine or thirteen watt fluorescent bulb is selected, five lens rings are interposed among four light deflectors.
[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting bollard assembly produced according to the methods of the present invention.
[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly for a plurality of different elongated lights having different corresponding lengths. The method comprises mounting a circuit structured to power any one of different elongated lights atop a base, in which the base is comprised of a mounting base and an upright tube, the upright tube being of a predetermined length, such as, without limitation, two feet long, four feet long, six feet long or eight feet long. A first clamp plate then is mounted atop the circuit and the upright tube, the first clamp plate having a plurality of openings therethrough. Conductors from the circuit are inserted through at least one of the openings of the first clamp plate, into a lamp cup having a first side and a second side and a plurality of openings therethrough, and into a light socket. An elongated light from the different elongated lights is selected and affixed into the light socket. The lamp cup is mounted atop the first clamp plate. A number of interposed lens rings and a number of light deflectors are selected which correspond to the length of the selected elongated light, in which each of the selected number of lens rings is inserted into a corresponding one of the selected number of light deflectors. The selected number of interposed lens rings and selected number of light deflectors are mounted atop the lamp cup. A second clamp plate having a plurality of openings therethrough is mounted atop the adjusted number of interposed lens rings and light deflectors. A hood having a plurality of openings therethrough is mounted atop the second clamp plate. The hood, the second clamp plate, the selected number of interposed lens rings and selected number of light deflectors, the lamp cup, the first clamp plate and the upright tube and the mounting base then are connected together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of four example lighting bollard assemblies, in which (A) is a five watt lighting bollard assembly, (B) is a seven watt lighting bollard assembly, (C) is a nine watt lighting bollard assembly and (D) is a thirteen watt lighting bollard assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the components of a lighting bollard assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of two components of the bollard light assemblies of FIG. 2 : (A) a mounting base, and (B) an upright tube.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of four components of the bollard light assemblies of FIG. 2 : (A) a terminal block, (B) a transition strap, (C) a light ballast, and (D) a first clamp plate.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of three components of one of the bollard light assemblies of FIG. 2 : (A) a lamp cup, (B) a light socket, and (C) a fluorescent bulb.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of two components of the bollard light assemblies of FIG. 2 : (A) a tube ring, and (B) a light deflector.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of three components of the bollard light assemblies of FIG. 2 : (A) a second clamp plate, (B) a set of four fasteners, and (C) a hood.
[0024] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an example thirteen watt lighting bollard assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] A complete understanding of the present invention will be obtained from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like reference characters identify like parts throughout.
[0026] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, “upper” and “lower” and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
[0027] As employed herein, the term “fastener” refers to any suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited to, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and washers and nuts.
[0028] As employed herein, the term “connector” refers to any suitable electrical connection or connection mechanism capable of carrying an electrical current therein.
[0029] As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are “connected” or “coupled” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts. Further, as employed herein, the statement that the two or more parts are “attached” shall mean that the parts are joined together directly.
[0030] The invention is described in association with a method for manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly for a plurality of different elongated lights having different corresponding lengths.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lighting bollard assemblies 10 , 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ′″ ( FIG. 1 ) is comprised of a base 11 ( FIG. 1 ) in which the base 11 is comprised of a mounting base 12 ( FIG. 2 ) and an upright tube 14 ( FIG. 2 ); a circuit 35 ( FIG. 1 ), in which the circuit 35 is comprised of a terminal block 18 ( FIG. 2 ), a transition strap 20 ( FIG. 2 ) and a light ballast 25 , 25 ′ ( FIG. 1 ); a first clamp plate 48 ( FIG. 2 ), a lamp cup 26 , a light socket 36 ( FIG. 2 ), a plurality of different elongated lights 62 , 64 , 66 ( FIG. 1 ) with different lengths; a plurality of lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ); a plurality of light deflectors 42 ; a second clamp plate 50 ( FIG. 2 ); a plurality of fasteners 56 ( FIG. 2 ); and a hood 52 .
[0032] The different elongated lights 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 can include, without limitation, fluorescent bulbs. The different fluorescent bulbs each can have wattages such as, without limitation, five watts (light 62 ), seven watts (light 63 ), nine watts (light 64 ) or thirteen watts (light 65 ).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3 , the mounting base 12 has a lower end 13 with a plurality of openings 19 therethrough and an upper end 17 with a center opening 37 therein. The upright tube 14 has a lower end 16 and an upper end 15 with a center opening 39 therein.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4 , the transition strap 20 has a lower end 21 , an upper end 22 , a first side 23 and a second side 24 . The light ballast 25 has an upper end 57 and a lower end 58 . The first clamp plate has an upper end 72 which has an opening 74 therethrough and four peripheral openings therein, and four legs 73 , in which each leg 73 has an opening therein 76 (two openings are shown).
[0035] Referring to FIG. 5 , the lamp cup 26 has an upper end 27 , a lower end 28 , a first side 29 , a second side 30 , a center opening 31 , four peripheral openings 32 at the upper end 27 and four openings 34 (two openings are shown) at the lower end 28 .
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6 , the light deflector 42 has an upper end 44 having four ears 45 therein and a center opening 46 therethrough. Each of the ears 45 has an opening 47 therein.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7 , the hood 52 has an upper end 51 and a lower end 53 having four openings 54 (one opening is shown) therein. The second clamp plate 50 has an upper end 84 having a center opening 86 therethrough and four peripheral openings 87 therein and two legs 85 (one leg is shown), each leg 85 having an opening therein 88 .
[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a lighting bollard assembly 10 , 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ′″ ( FIG. 1 ), comprising mounting a circuit 35 ( FIG. 1 ) structured to power any one of the different elongated lights 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ( FIG. 1 ) atop a base 11 ( FIG. 1 ); mounting a first clamp plate 48 ( FIG. 2 ) atop the circuit 35 and the base 11 ; selecting an elongated light 62 , 63 , 64 or 65 from the different elongated lights 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , affixing the selected elongated light 62 , 63 , 64 or 65 into a light socket 36 and inserting the light socket 36 into the center opening 31 in the upper end 27 of the lamp cup 26 ; selecting a number of interposed lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and a number of light deflectors 42 to correspond to the length of the selected elongated light 62 , 63 , 64 or 65 ; interposing the selected number of lens rings 40 among the selected number of light deflectors 42 , wherein each of the selected number of lens rings 40 is inserted into a corresponding one of the selected number of light deflectors 42 ; mounting the selected number of interposed lens rings 40 and the selected number of light deflectors 42 atop the circuit 35 , the first clamp plate 48 and the lamp cup 26 ; mounting a second clamp plate 50 ( FIG. 2 ) atop the selected number of interposed lens rings 40 and the selected number of light deflectors 42 ; mounting a hood 52 atop the second clamp plate 50 ; and connecting together the hood 52 , the second clamp plate 50 , the selected number of interposed lens rings 40 , the selected number of light deflectors 42 , the lamp cup 26 , the first clamp plate 48 and the base 11 .
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the method further comprises inserting the lower end 16 of the upright tube 14 ( FIG. 3B ) into the opening 37 in the upper end 17 of the mounting base 12 ( FIG. 3A ).
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the method further comprises affixing the terminal block 18 ( FIG. 4A ) to the lower end 21 of the transition strap 20 ( FIG. 4B ) and affixing the lower end 58 of the light ballast ( FIG. 4C ) to the upper end 22 of the transition strap 20 .
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2-5 , the method further comprises inserting the lower end 28 of the lamp cup 26 ( FIG. 5A ) into the transition strap 20 ( FIG. 4B ) by inserting the first side 29 of the lamp cup 26 into the first side 23 of the transition strap 20 and inserting the second side 30 of the lamp cup 26 into the second side 24 of the transition strap 20 . Conductors 49 ( FIG. 2 ), such as, without limitation, insulated electric wires, are inserted from the terminal block 18 , through the transition strap 20 , the light ballast 25 , the center opening 74 in the first clamp plate 48 , the center opening 31 of the lamp cup 26 , and into the light socket 36 ( FIG. 5B ). The lower end 21 of the transition strap 20 is inserted into the opening 39 in the upper end 15 of the upright tube 14 . Each of the legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 is inserted into the opening 39 in the upper end 15 of the upright tube 14 .
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7 , the method further comprises attaching together the hood 52 ( FIG. 7C ) and the second clamp plate 50 ( FIG. 7A ) by mounting the hood 52 atop the second clamp plate 50 ; aligning the two openings 54 (only one opening is shown) in the lower end 53 of the hood 52 with a corresponding one of the two openings 88 (only one opening is shown) in the two legs 85 of the second clamp plate 50 ; employing a press nut 81 at each of the openings 88 in each of the legs 85 of the second clamp plate 50 ; and inserting a bolt 82 in each of the openings 54 in the lower end 53 of the hood 52 , each of the bolts screwably attaching into a corresponding one of the nuts in the legs of the second clamp plate 50 .
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4-7 , the method further comprises connecting together the second clamp plate 50 , the selected number of interposed lens rings 40 ( FIG. 6A ) and the selected number of light deflectors 42 ( FIG. 6B ), the lamp cup 26 and the first clamp plate 48 by inserting a fastener 56 ( FIG. 7B ) into one of four peripheral openings 87 in the upper end 84 of the second clamp plate 50 , into a corresponding one of the four openings 47 in the four ears 45 of the selected number of light deflectors 42 , into a corresponding one of four peripheral openings 32 in the upper end 27 of the lamp cup 26 , and into a corresponding one of the four peripheral openings 75 in the upper end 72 of the first clamp plate 48 .
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3-5 , the method further comprises attaching the lamp cup 26 and the first clamp plate 48 to the upper end 15 of the upright tube 14 by placing four openings 41 in the upright tube 14 , inserting the four legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 into the upright tube 14 , mounting the lamp cup 26 atop the first clamp plate 48 , aligning the four openings 34 (two openings are shown) in the lower end 28 of the lamp cup 26 with the four openings 76 (two openings are shown) in the four legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 and with the four openings 41 in the upright tube 14 , inserting a press nut 81 into each of the openings 76 in the legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 , and inserting a bolt 82 into each of the openings 34 in the lower end 28 of the lamp cup 26 , into a corresponding one of the openings in the upright tube 14 , and into a corresponding one of the openings 76 in the legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 , each of the bolts screwably attaching into a corresponding one of the press nuts in the openings 76 of the legs 73 of the first clamp plate 48 .
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8 , the method further comprises attaching the lower end 13 of the mounting base 12 to a surface 68 by inserting bolts 82 into each of the four openings 19 in the lower end 13 of the mounting base 12 and fixedly attaching each of the bolts to the surface 68 . The surface may include, without limitation, wood, concrete or asphalt.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 5 , the method further comprises interposing three lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and two light deflectors 42 when a five watt fluorescent bulb 62 ( FIG. 1A ) is selected for use in the bollard light assembly 10 ( FIG. 1A ); interposing four lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and three light deflectors 42 when a seven watt fluorescent bulb 63 ( FIG. 1B ) is selected for use in the bollard light assembly 10 ′ ( FIG. 1B ); interposing five lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and four light deflectors 42 when a nine watt fluorescent bulb 64 ( FIG. 1C ) is selected for use in the bollard light assembly 10 ″ ( FIG. 1C ); and interposing five lens rings 40 ( FIG. 2 ) and four light deflectors 42 when a thirteen watt fluorescent bulb 65 ( FIG. 1D ) is selected for use in the bollard light assembly 10 ′″ ( FIG. 1D )
[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting bollard assembly 10 , 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ′″ ( FIG. 1 ) manufactured according to the methods of the present invention.
[0048] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof. | The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a bollard light assembly that provides a choice of light output by being size-adaptable depending on the choice of light output. The methods comprise, in pertinent part, selecting an elongated light and interposing a number of lens rings and light deflectors which correspond to the length of the selected elongated light. Also provided is a lighting bollard assembly manufactured according to the methods of the present invention. |
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT/EP2008/010667 filed Dec. 10, 2008, which claims priority to DE 10 2008 003 718.4 filed Jan. 9, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a louver blind with louvers that can pivot about a vertical axis and that are held at their two ends by louver holders extending across the louver width so that they can move between an upper and a lower guide track, wherein the louver holders are connected aligned parallel to each other to carriages that can move in the guide tracks and can pivot by means of synchronously driven rotating means arranged in the carriages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Louver blinds are used in architecture to protect buildings and their users from the undesired effects of intense solar irradiation. Simultaneously, however, a high degree of transparency should remain. For this purpose, the louvers must be mounted in carriages so that they can pivot such that, in the state when they are moved apart from each other, these can each be rotated perpendicular to the incident solar irradiation.
Louver blinds of the type named above are known, for example, from DE 75 39 579 U. Here, the louver holders and the gear devices arranged in the carriages are connected rigidly to each other. The production of this connection requires special effort in terms of assembly and also makes any repair work more difficult, for example, when changing out particularly wide louvers, like those being used increasingly for facades with large surface-area glass windows.
The task of the invention is to form the connection between the louvers and the carriages so that both the assembly of the louver blinds and also repair work on the louvers can be performed more easily. In addition, the connections should automatically disconnect when critical tensile forces or torques are exceeded, in order to prevent damage to the connecting parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve this task, it is proposed according to the present invention that the connection between the louver holders and the carriages is produced by permanent magnets that can be decoupled.
This can be achieved advantageously in that the rotating means in the carriage are locked in rotation with a rotary plate projecting from the slot of the guide tracks that is open to the louvers, wherein the magnets are mounted in radial alignment on this rotary plate, and a magnet holder is mounted on the louver holders opposite each rotary plate, wherein this magnet holder is equipped with counter magnets of corresponding strength for producing the connection to the magnets of the rotary plate.
In this way, not only is the assembly made easier, but it can also be achieved that, for the case of the unintentional appearance of torque or tensile stresses that lead to the detachment of the coupling connection, the magnets easily disconnect from each other and automatically rejoin when the disconnection forces are eliminated. Such stresses can then occur, for example, when a window washer inserts his ladder between louvers that are arranged at a right angle for cleaning large surface-area windows, in order to reach the windowpanes, and, in this way, pushes against the louver holders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional features of the invention and their advantages follow from the subordinate claims and the explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention that is shown in the drawings and that shall be described in detail below. Shown herein are:
FIG. 1 , a louver blind with louvers moved apart from each other and arranged at an angle to the window;
FIG. 2 , the lower guide track with rotary plate when coupled with the magnet plate in a perspective top view;
FIG. 3 , the same picture with a decoupled magnet holder;
FIG. 4 , the upper guide track with carriages and rotary plates in a perspective diagram with a view into the gear;
FIG. 5 , the same picture in side view;
FIG. 6 , the same picture in longitudinal section according to line VI-VI in FIG. 5 ;
FIG. 7 , a front view of FIG. 5 ;
FIG. 8 , the upper louver holder with rotary plates and chocks assembled together in a perspective view from above;
FIG. 9 , the upper louver holder with decoupled rotary plates in longitudinal section according to line IX-IX in FIG. 10 ;
FIG. 10 , a cross section in this respect according to line X-X in FIG. 9 ;
FIG. 11 , an upper rotary plate in top view with a view of the magnets;
FIG. 12 , the rotary plate in section according to line XII-XII in FIG. 11 ;
FIG. 13 , the rotary plate in section according to line in FIG. 11 ;
FIG. 14 , a section through the edge of the plate according to line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11 ;
FIG. 15 , the magnet holder in section according to line XV-XV in FIG. 16 ;
FIG. 16 , the same magnet holder in front view;
FIG. 17 , a chock in side view; and
FIG. 18 , the same chock in front view with view of the projection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The louver blind shown in the figures is equipped with louvers 1 that can pivot about a vertical axis. The louvers 1 are held at their two ends by louver holders 2 that usually extend across the entire louver width. These louver holders 2 are held so that they can move and pivot on their side between an upper and a lower guide track 3 , wherein the louver holders 2 are connected to each other with carriages 4 that can move in the guide tracks 3 in a way still to be described by means of permanent magnets 16 and 18 .
In FIGS. 4-7 , the configuration of a carriage 4 with a gear housed in this carriage for pivoting the louvers 1 is shown clearly and shall be explained in detail below—as much as necessary for understanding the invention.
The carriage 4 is here guided so that it can move in the guide track 3 by means of laterally mounted track rollers 5 . For movement, in the front carriage 4 , a threaded sleeve 6 with large thread pitch is fit in the longitudinal direction, with a threaded rod 7 with the same thread pitch being guided through this sleeve. The threaded rod 7 is driven by a motor arranged at the beginning of the guide track 3 , in order to move the front carriage 4 in the longitudinal direction. The following carriages 4 are then pulled along by typical spacers.
The gear installed in the carriage 4 is made essentially from a toothed wheel 8 that is mounted vertically in the center of the carriage 4 and that projects downward with a rotating rod 9 through an open slot 10 in the guide track 3 , with this rotating rod being locked in rotation, in turn, with a rotary plate 11 or 31 . The toothed wheel 8 engages in vertically mounted pinions 12 that are driven on their side by worms 13 mounted in the carriage 4 at the side of the pinion 12 .
Here it has proven useful to drive the toothed wheel 8 by means of two diametrically opposed pinions 12 and two worms 13 , in order to keep the structural height of the carriage 4 as small as possible.
The worms 13 are provided with a crossed slot 14 through which a rotating rod 15 is inserted that is shaped corresponding to the profile of the slot 14 . This rotating rod 15 is guided through the worms 13 of several carriages 4 arranged one after the other and is connected to a motor at the beginning of the guide track 3 . Therefore, the rotary plate 11 or 31 of all of the carriages 4 can be pivoted in sync by the same angle.
In FIGS. 2 and 3 , the effect according to the invention of the magnet connection between a lower louver holder 2 and a lower rotary plate 11 locked in rotation with the carriage 4 is shown, with this rotary plate having two diametrically opposed permanent magnets 16 in radial alignment relative to the louver holder 2 . On the bottom side of the louver holder 2 , a magnet holder 17 is mounted above the rotary plate 11 , wherein this magnet holder is equipped with counter magnets 18 of corresponding strength for producing the connection to the magnets 16 of the lower rotary plate 11 .
On its edge, the lower rotary plate 11 has—just like the upper rotary plate 31 in FIGS. 8-10 and 11 - 13 —a ring 19 that is directed toward the magnet holder 17 and that is notched in the radial projection of the magnets 16 up to the plate base 20 at the width of the magnet holder 17 . In this way, the notch faces 21 are directed outward at an angle from the plate base 20 , so that the magnet holder 17 can rotate upward along the inclined faces 21 and in this way can be simultaneously decoupled for an unexpected rotating force on the louver holder 2 .
The magnet holder 17 is made from an elongated base body 22 , as can be seen from FIGS. 15 and 16 , in which the two counter magnets 18 are embedded at the same spacing as the magnets 16 in the lower rotary plate 11 . On its bottom side, the base body 22 has a projection 23 that has a T-shaped cross section and that is inserted into a correspondingly shaped groove 24 on its bottom edge for connecting to the louver holder 2 and that is anchored in the center of the louver holder 2 .
In the center of the base body 22 , a circular recess 25 is formed in which engages a round peg 26 fixed on the lower rotary plate 11 in the center between the two magnets 16 in the coupled state. This round peg 26 ensures that, after the appearance of the previously mentioned rotational effect and the decoupling dependent on this effect, the centering of the magnet holder 17 relative to the rotary plate 11 is maintained, so that after the rotational effect is eliminated, the magnet holder 17 can be docked again without a problem. Obviously, the intentional centering effect could then also be achieved when the recess 25 is provided as in FIG. 13 on the upper rotary plate 31 and the associated round peg 26 as in FIG. 15 on the magnet holder 17 .
While just the force of gravity is responsible for the coupling situation at the lower end of the louvers 1 , in which, after the louver holder 2 drifts away, the magnet holders 17 dock on the rotary plates 11 again due to magnetic forces, additional measures must be taken at the upper end of the louvers 1 , as can be seen from FIGS. 8-10 , so that the louver holder 2 does not fall downward due to unexpected appearance of tensile or torque forces after the disconnection of the magnet connection.
Therefore, on the upper louver holders 2 on both sides of the upper rotary plate 31 , chocks 27 are provided with inward-directed projections 28 that have the same T-shaped projections 23 as the magnet holders 17 . These chocks 27 are pushed with their projections 23 on both sides of the rotary plate 31 into the grooves 24 on the lower edge of the louver holder 2 and anchored in the groove 24 shortly before contact on the rotary plate 31 . In this way it is achieved that the projections 28 , as can be seen from FIG. 8 , engage behind the rotary plate 31 in the coupled state of the magnets 16 and 18 with a safety spacing “a”. When the upper rotary plate 31 is decoupled from the magnet holder 17 by the unexpected effect of tensile or torque forces, it can fall downward only by the safety spacing “a” and is then held by the projections 28 ( FIG. 9 ).
The upper edge 29 of the upper rotary plate 31 is here preferably offset inward by a radial step 30 corresponding to the radial dimension of the projections 28 (see FIGS. 10 and 13 ). In order to also achieve the most centered position possible here after the decoupling, the radial step 30 of the upper rotary plate 31 is provided underneath the projections 28 with recesses 32 corresponding to the width of the chocks 27 (see FIGS. 11 and 14 ).
Similar to the notch faces 21 in the ring 19 , here the notch faces 33 are also directed outward at an angle from the base of the recesses 32 , while the projections 28 of the chocks 27 , as can be seen from FIGS. 17 and 18 , have counter faces 35 that are directed inward at an angle corresponding to their engagement edges 34 and that engage in the recesses 32 of the step 30 in the decoupled state of the magnet holder 17 .
In addition it shall be noted that the upper rotary plates 31 differ from the lower rotary plates 11 in shape only by the additional formation of radial steps 30 on the upper edge 29 and recesses 32 in the steps 30 that are provided for the interaction with the chocks.
It is understood that the upper rotary plates 31 can also be used on the lower end of the louvers 1 , in order to eliminate a second shape for the rotary plate 11 or else in order to be able to also insert the same chocks 27 at the lower end of the louvers 1 in the louver holder 2 , if all that matters is protection against decoupling due to the effect of torque forces.
It is further understood that the characterizing features of the invention can also be used in such louver blinds in which the vertically directed louvers 1 are held so that they can move and pivot only at their upper ends with their louver holders 2 on an upper guide track 3 , when a lower guide track can be eliminated or if the upper guide track runs at an angle, because the window frame is beveled at the top.
It is also understood that the connection according to the invention between the louver holders 2 and the carriages 4 can also relate completely generally to louver blinds in which the louvers 1 are held so that they can pivot about their louver axis between two parallel guide tracks 3 , regardless of whether the guide tracks are arranged vertically, horizontally, or at an angle in space. | The invention relates to a louver blind having louvers ( 1 ) that can be pivoted about a vertical axis, displaceably held at both ends thereof by louver holders ( 2 ) extending beyond the louver width between an upper and a lower guide track ( 3 ). The louver holders ( 2 ) are hereby connected to each other by carriages ( 4 ) displaceable in the guide tracks ( 3 ) and aligned in parallel to each other, and can be pivoted by synchronously driven drive device disposed in the carriages ( 4 ). In order to make the installation of the louver blind—or optionally the removal thereof—easier, according to the invention, decoupleable permanent magnets ( 16, 18 ) are provided for connecting between the louver mounts ( 2 ) and the carriages ( 4 ). Said arrangement has the further advantage that the connections can automatically release when critical tension or rotational forces are exceeded, so that damage can be prevented in the connecting parts. |
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/813,731, filed Jun. 13, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The general concept of trench drains is well known in the prior art. Trench drains are generally used to transport large amounts of liquid from one location to another. Typically, trench drains are used to collect liquid runoff from residential and commercial structures and deliver the runoff to a sewer system.
[0003] Current trench drains are typically modular in design and constructed of light weight polymers, such as fiberglass reinforced polyester. Typically, the trench drains consist of channels that have two sidewalls separated by a bottom wall. To install the trench drains, a trench is typically dug to a depth twice as deep as the height of the sidewalls, such that the top of the sidewall is about ⅛″ below the surrounding surface. Modular trench drain pieces, typically in about 1 meter lengths, are connected and sealed together. Concrete is poured in the bottom of the trench, the connected trench drain pieces are placed on top, and then concrete is poured around the trench drain up to a height approximately equal to the sidewall.
[0004] Because the top of a trench drain remains level, the slope is typically built into the channel itself. To accomplish this, each section of trench drain, as the drain slopes down, has higher sidewalls than the prior, adjacent section of trench drain. Thus, many different molds are needed to cast and form construct each section of the sloping trench drain. Suppliers will also need to keep a supply of each different section of sloping channel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a modular, non-sloping section of trench drain is transformed into a sloping section of trench drain by installing sloping overlay rails. The overlay rails rest on the top of the upper edge of the sidewalls.
[0006] In another embodiment, the sloping overlay rails have a ledge which allows grating, which spans across the channel, to rest on top.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, the channels are held together and in place by a clip with a hole(s) for accepting a support rod, typically rebar, to further secure the channel in place before and after the concrete has cured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a trench drain with sloping overlay rails according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an end view of a trench drain with sloping overlay rails according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a trench drain channel without sloping overlay rails according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 4A is an overhead perspective view of the overlay rails according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4B is an overhead perspective view of an anchor clip according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a trench drain with sloping overlay rails and installed grating according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a channel bracket according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an overhead perspective view of a channel bracket according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is and overhead view of the underside of two sections of trench drain channel joined before adding a channel bracket according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an overhead view of the underside of two sections of trench drain channel joined with a channel bracket according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 10 A-D show various views of the lock device for the grates according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, a modular, non-sloping section of trench drain is transformed into a sloping section sloping trench drain by installing sloping overlay rails.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1 , sloping overlay rails 11 , 12 are mounted on a non-sloping, modular trench drain component 13 to create a sloping trench drain 10 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the non-sloping modular trench drain component 20 , comprises sidewalls 21 and a bottom section 22 . Each sidewall 21 has an upper edge 24 and an inner shelf 23 below the upper edge 24 . There is also a flange with a groove 25 at one end of the modular trench drain component 20 , which flange may correspond to a “female” end and is dimensioned and adapted to receive a corresponding “male” end. The other end of the trench drain component 20 , the “male” end (not shown), is dimensioned and adapted be inserted into the “female” end, to make a tight fitting joint. In an embodiment, the joint is held together with an adhesive and is watertight. The bottom of each overlay rail 11 , 12 has an inverted U-shaped groove. As shown in FIG. 2 , each overlay rail 11 , 12 comprises an inner ledge 11 a , 12 a respectively, and an outer ledge 11 b , 12 b respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bottom of the inner ledge 11 f , 12 f rests on the top of the inner shelf 23 of the non-sloping modular trench drain component 20 .
[0021] In another embodiment, the vertical distance from the inner ledge 11 a , 12 a , to the top of the overlay rail 11 d , 12 d is constant throughout the length of the overlay rail 11 , 12 . As shown in FIG. 5 , this allows grating 31 that is level with the top rail 32 to be installed on the sloping trench drain 30 .
[0022] In an additional embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the vertical distance from 11 a , 12 a to 11 f , 12 f increases linearly from end A to end B, thereby creating the sloped trench drain 10 . For the outside of the overlay rail 11 , 12 the vertical distance from the top of the rail 11 d , 12 d to the outer ledge 11 b , 12 b increases as the slope increases, and the distance from the outer ledge 11 b , 12 b to the bottom of the outer leg 11 e , 12 e is constant. In one embodiment the rail increases in height at a rate of 0.50% to 1.00%, and in another embodiment it increases in height at a rate of about 0.75%. Thus, for a 1 meter section of trench drain having rails that increase in height at a rate of 0.75%, the increase from end A to end B would be about 0.0075 meters or about 0.295 inches. In another embodiment, fifteen different 1 meter sections of trench drain are connected together with sloping overlay rails having a 0.75% rate of increase in height, yielding a height differential of 0.1125 meters or 4.425 inches between the beginning of the first section and end of the last section. In one embodiment, the overlay rails are 1 mm shorter than the channel section to allow for some linear expansion, although a larger gap may be used.
[0023] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A , each rail 41 , 42 in the matched pair 40 is a mirror image of the other. Each section of trench channel will require a different matched pair of overlay rails to create continuously sloping trench drain system. The height at the end of the overlay rail of the previous section of trench drain should correspond to the beginning height of the overlay rail of the next section of trench drain, so as to make a continuously sloping trench drain system. In another embodiment, the outside edge of each rail 41 , 42 contains four anchor lugs 44 , with center openings 45 . Each rail 41 , 42 may contain more or less than four anchor lugs 44 . The lugs 44 enhance positive anchoring during the concrete pour and the center the allows attachment of wire mesh (not shown) prior to the concrete pour. In yet another embodiment, the inside edge of each rail 41 , 42 contains two anchoring tabs 43 with a center hole 46 . Each rail 41 , 42 may contain more or less than two anchoring tabs 43 . In one embodiment, an anchoring clip 50 , as shown in FIG. 4B is inserted into an anchoring tab center hole 46 on a rail 41 and a corresponding center hole 46 on the opposite rail 42 . The anchoring clip 50 assists in maintaining a constant distance between the two rails 41 , 42 . Thus, neither pressure exerted inward from poured concrete, nor pressure exerted outward from the molded draft of the modular channel will significantly change the upper span between the rails 41 , 42 .
[0024] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B , the anchoring clip 50 comprises a top 47 plate with two pins 48 , and a center hole 49 . In one embodiment, the distance between the two pins 48 corresponds to the distance between the anchor tab center holes 46 , opposite each other on rails 41 , 42 . In yet another embodiment, the center hole 49 is used for a grate locking device and lines up with bolt holes 33 in the grating 31 as shown in FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the anchoring clip 50 is inserted into corresponding holes 46 with the pins facing down. If it is desired to use a grating lock device, the anchoring clip 50 may be inserted with the pins facing up as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 10 A-D.
[0025] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-9 , different sections of the modular trench drain component are joined together with brackets to create longer sections of trench drain. Note that the sloping overlay rails are not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 because the Figs. show the bottom portion of the trench drain system. As shown in FIG. 8 , one section of modular trench drain channel 81 is joined to another section of trench drain channel 82 . In an embodiment, trench drain channel 81 is the female end with a flange 83 , and trench drain channel 82 is the male end with securing tabs 84 . In one embodiment, trench drain channel 82 has a circular cutout 87 for a round discharge pipe (not shown).
[0026] According to one embodiment, to secure and assist in stabilizing the modular trench drain, channel brackets 60 are used as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . In an embodiment, the channel bracket 60 comprises a base 61 , connected to two side walls 66 , and two anchor tabs 64 on the sidewalls 66 . In one embodiment, each sidewall 66 has two grooves 62 , 63 , dimensioned to receive flanges 83 or securing tabs 84 located on modular trench channel sections as shown on FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, only a portion of each sidewall is connected to the base 61 , and one section containing one of the groves 63 is cantilevered from the base 61 . One of the grooves 62 continues from the top of the clip down through the base 61 of the clip. The other groove 63 is only present on the cantilevered portion of the sidewall that is not connected to the base 61 . In another embodiment, the anchor tabs 64 have two center holes 65 which are dimensioned to receive a piece of rebar (not shown).
[0027] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , a channel bracket 85 is mounted over a flange (not shown) and a securing tab 84 to secure two sections of trench channel 81 , 82 together. Center holes 85 may receive rebar (not shown) to anchor the secured sections prior to pouring the concrete, as well as after the concrete has cured.
[0028] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 A-D, a locking device 100 is used to hold down slotted grates and solid covers and comprises a bolt 101 , a washer 102 , and a threaded flange 103 . In another embodiment, the flange may be used in conjunction with the anchor clip 50 shown in FIG. 4B . The anchor clip 50 would be installed with the pins facing up, and the bolt 101 with a washer 102 would be inserted through a hole in the grating, like hole 33 in FIG. 5 , and the flange 103 would be placed under the anchor clip 50 , so that the bolt 101 may be inserted into the threads 104 of the flange 103 and tightened.
[0029] Various materials may be used for the different components of the trench drain system. In one embodiment, the channel is constructed of fiberglass, polypropylene, polyethylene, polymer concrete, concrete, or combinations thereof In another embodiment, the overlay rails may be constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the rails are constructed of the same material as the channel, fiberglass, polymer concrete, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the anchor clips may be constructed of PVC, plastic, steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, polyurethane may be used as a sealer/adhesive between the channel sections, however any commonly known sealer in the art may be used. In an embodiment, the grating lock device is constructed out of stainless steel or galvanized steal, although other materials may be used for various parts such as plastics for the flange.
[0030] While this invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, dimensions, and configurations but, on the contrary, also extends to various modifications and equivalent arrangements. The invention is limited only by the claims and their equivalents. | A modular trench drain system with sloping overlay rails. A non-sloping section of trench drain is transformed into a sloping trench drain by installing sloping overlay rails. The overlay rails rest on the top of the upper edge of the sidewalls and may have a ledge which allows grating, which spans across the channel, to rest on top. The modular channels sections may be held together and in place by a clip with holes for accepting support rods which further secure the channels in place before and after the concrete has been poured and cured around the channels. |
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/158,768, filed Oct. 12, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to well casing hangers in petroleum production wells. More specifically, the present invention relates to a full bore wellhead having a retractable load shoulder for suspending a casing.
2. Description of the Related Art
In some types of wellhead assemblies casing is suspended by a casing hanger on a load shoulder formed in the bore of the wellhead housing. Generally the load shoulder is formed integrally or permanently attached to the wellhead housing. The fixed load shoulder results in a reduced diameter in the bore below the load shoulder. Any tools or pipe must be smaller than the fixed shoulder. In some wells, more than one load shoulder is utilized for supporting multiple strings of casing.
Retrievable load shoulders are also known in the art, employing a running tool to deploy and retrieve the load shoulder selectively. Also, the prior art includes retractable load shoulders that are installed with the wellhead housing, but retracted before running casing. Retrievable and retractable load shoulders provide full bore access.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A wellhead load ring constructed in the shape of a C-ring is pre-installed in a wellhead in a storage position that maintains full bore of the wellhead. The load ring is preferably secured in this position by shear pins. The shear pins are sheared by a tool that pushes the load ring into an operational position, where it rests on a landing shoulder of a support ring. The load ring is further secured in this position by one of several latching methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an upper and lower portion of a wellhead housing showing a load shoulder ring in a storage position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 2 an enlarged vertical cross section of the wellhead housing shown in FIG. 1, showing the load shoulder ring in a storage position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section of the load shoulder ring of FIG. 2, but showing the load shoulder ring in an operational position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention, showing a load shoulder ring in a storage position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the load shoulder ring of FIG. 4, but showing the load shoulder ring in an operational position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the invention, showing a load shoulder ring in a storage position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the load shoulder ring of FIG. 6, but showing the load shoulder ring in an operational position in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, wellhead housing 110 has an axial bore 112 . Axial bore 112 has upper portion 114 and a lower portion 116 , which is an upper portion of a large diameter string of casing. Upper portion 114 has a constant inner diameter and is considered full bore for the purpose of receiving tools and casing during drilling. Lower portion 116 has a diameter larger than upper portion 114 , therefore no portion of bore 112 is less than full bore. Four circumferentially spaced cavities 118 are located at the lower end of the upper portion 114 of axial bore 112 . Cavities 118 are adapted to receive a tool (not shown) as explained later.
A split C-ring 120 is located in bore 112 immediately below cavities 118 . C-ring 120 is initially secured to a support ring 122 by a plurality of shear pins 124 . C-ring 120 is in its free state while in this position, and its inner diameter is greater than or equal to the main diameter of bore upper portion 114 . Support ring 122 is statically secured to bore 112 by means of external threads 126 and by resting on lock ring 128 . Support ring 122 has mating shear holes 130 for receiving shear pins 124 . Shear pins 124 are designed to fail at a predetermined load, at which time the resiliency C-ring 1 20 allows it to contract to a smaller inner diameter. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show C-ring 120 in a storage position. Support ring 122 has an internal upward facing shoulder 132 and a profile 134 on its inward facing surface that mates with an outward facing lip or protrusion 136 on the upper end of C-ring 120 , when in the operational position. The inner diameter of support ring 122 is not less than the inner diameter of bore upper portion 114 .
During operation, wellhead housing 110 is installed within a previously installed tubular wellhead on the subsea surface. Casing 116 extends into the well from wellhead housing 110 . When it is desired to install casing within casing 116 , C-ring 120 is moved to the operational position by a tool (not shown) lowered from above. The tool will preferably be simultaneously running the casing. The tool has fingers that protrude outward and locate in cavities 118 and engages C-ring 120 . The tool is moved downward to shear pins 124 and push C-ring 120 downward. As C-ring 120 moves downward, outward facing wedging surface 138 mates with inward facing wedging surface 140 to force C-ring 120 to a smaller diameter so that it can land on landing shoulder 132 . The smaller inner diameter provides an upward facing load shoulder 142 which is used to hang the additional casing string. As C-ring 120 rests on landing shoulder 132 , protrusion 136 mates with profile 134 to secure C-ring 120 to support ring 122 .
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, wellhead housing 210 has an axial bore 212 . Four circumferentially spaced cavities 218 are located in axial bore 212 . Cavities 218 are adapted to receive a tool (not shown) as explained later.
A load shoulder split C-ring 220 and spring split C-ring 222 are located immediately below cavities 218 . C-rings 220 , 222 respectively, are pre-installed in wellhead 210 as shown in FIG. 4 such that the axial bore 212 remains full bore. Load shoulder split C-ring 220 is located inside spring split C-ring 222 when in a storage position such that the inner diameter of C-rings 220 , 222 in the storage position are not less than full bore. Spring split C-ring 222 locates in a groove 223 in bore 212 . Shear pins 224 extend through load shoulder split C-ring 220 to secure it to spring split C-ring 222 . Spring split C-ring 222 is located on top of a support ring 226 . Support ring 226 is secured to the wellhead housing by external threads 228 , and further supported by a lock ring (not shown). Support ring 226 has a recess 232 on it upper surface that receives a rib 234 on the lower surface of spring split C-ring 222 . As shown in FIG. 4, spring split C-ring 222 is positioned between upper portion 214 and support ring 226 such that rib 234 and recess 232 retain spring split C-ring 222 to the wellhead housing 210 , but allow radial movement.
Load shoulder split C-ring has an outward facing wedging surface 236 on it lower end. Spring split C-ring 222 has a matching inward facing wedging surface 238 below load shoulder split C-rings storage position. Spring split C-ring has a lip 240 below inward facing wedging surface 238 . Load shoulder split C-ring has an upward facing load shoulder 242 on its upper end.
During operation, the wellhead housing 210 is installed in a wellhead previously installed on the subsea surface. When it is desired to install casing within wellhead housing 210 , load shoulder C-ring 220 is moved to the operational position by a tool (not shown) lowered from above. The tool, which preferably is simultaneously running the casing, locates in cavities 218 and engages load shoulder C-ring 220 . The tool is moved downward to shear pins 224 and push load shoulder C-ring 220 downward. As load shoulder C-ring 220 moves downward, outward facing wedging surface 236 mates with inward facing wedging surface 238 to force load shoulder C-ring 220 to a smaller diameter and spring split C-ring 222 to a slightly larger diameter, allowing load shoulder split C-ring 220 to pass lip 240 on spring split C-ring 222 . Once pass lip 240 , the smaller inner diameter of load shoulder split C-ring 220 provides an upward facing load shoulder 242 which may be used to hang additional casing string. As C-ring 220 rests on landing shoulder 244 , lip 240 overlaps the top of load shoulder C-ring 220 slightly to secure load shoulder C-ring 220 to support ring 226 . FIG. 5 shows load shoulder C-ring 220 in an operational position, resting on landing shoulder 244 and secured by lip 240 .
FIGS. 6 and 7 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.6, wellhead housing 310 has an axial bore 312 . Four circumferentially spaced cavities 318 are located in axial bore 312 . Cavities 318 are adapted to receive a tool (not shown) as explained later.
A split C-ring 320 is located in bore 312 immediately below cavities 318 . A C-ring 320 is initially secured to a support ring 322 by a plurality of shear pins 324 . C-ring 320 is in its free state while in this position, and its inner diameter is greater than or equal to the main diameter of bore upper portion 314 . A support ring 322 is statically secured to bore lower portion 316 by means of external threads 324 and resting on lock ring 326 . Support ring 322 has mating shear holes 328 for receiving shear pins 324 . Shear pins 324 are designed to fail at a predetermined load, at which time the resiliency C-ring 320 allows it to contract to a smaller inner diameter. FIG. 6 shows C-ring 320 in a storage position. Support ring 322 has an internal upward facing shoulder 330 . Support ring 322 has a recess 332 on its inward facing surface that mates with a retainer ring 334 . Retainer ring 334 is located so that it aligns with a seat or notch 336 on the upper end of C-ring 320 when in the operational position. The inner diameter of support ring 322 is not less than the inner diameter of bore upper portion 314 .
During operation, the wellhead housing 310 is installed in a wellhead on the subsea surface. When it is desired to install casing within wellhead housing 310 , C-ring 320 is moved to the operational position by a tool (not shown) lowered from above. The tool locates in cavities 318 and engages C-ring 320 . The tool is moved downward to shear pins 324 and push C-ring 320 downward. As C-ring 320 moves downward, outward facing wedging surface 338 mates with inward facing wedging surface 340 to force C-ring 320 to a smaller diameter so that it can land on landing shoulder 330 . The smaller inner diameter provides as an upward facing load shoulder 342 which is used to hang an additional casing string. As C-ring 320 comes to rest on landing shoulder 330 , retainer ring 334 snaps into notch 336 securing C-ring.
The embodiments described above all provide the same advantages. The load shoulders are fully retracted when in the storage position. This allows full bore tools to pass. The design also allows the shoulder operation to be performed simultaneously with running the casing or separately so that the shoulder may be tested prior to running the casing.
While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes without departing from the scope of the invention. | A wellhead load ring constructed in the shape of a C-ring is pre-installed in a wellhead in a storage position that maintains full bore of the wellhead. The load ring is secured in this position by shear pins. The shear pins are sheared by a tool that pushes the load ring into an operational position where it rests on a landing shoulder of a support ring. The load ring is further secured in this position by one of several latching methods. |
You are an expert at summarizing long articles. Proceed to summarize the following text:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tools and methods for installing replaceable blades onto moldboards, bowls and the like, and removing them therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Road graders and scrapers often have replaceable cutting blades that are attached to a moldboard or bowl, and which need to be replaced when worn out from contact with the ground surface. These blades are generally elongate metal bars that are mounted onto the moldboard or bowl, by bolting them thereto using a number of bolts that pass through corresponding apertures in the moldboard or bowl, and the blade.
Graders and scrapers are quite large and the blades are therefore large and heavy, making them difficult to replace. Not only must the blade be lifted to abut the moldboard or bowl but it must also be positioned properly such that the relatively small apertures in the moldboard or bowl and the blade line up. Then, it must be held in that position until at least a few of the bolts are in place. The blade replacement process is a difficult task that often requires the coordinated efforts of two or more persons, to ensure that the blade is not accidentally dropped before it is secured.
Often, one person operates a grader or scraper in a remote area. When the blade needs to be replaced the person must either replace it themselves, if possible, or call for another person to come to the site to assist in the replacement. What is needed in the art is a means for enabling one person to remove a used blade, and then lift, line up and securely bolt, a new blade to a moldboard or bowl in a manner that is easy, quick and avoids injury.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided herein an apparatus and method by which one person can lift, line up and securely hold a blade to a moldboard, or to a bowl, until the blade is fastened to the moldboard.
In one aspect, this invention is an apparatus for moving an elongated blade that has a plurality of apertures, towards a support, that has a plurality of apertures that correspond with the apertures on the blade, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a frame; (b) two flexible hoisting means, each having a free end and a fixed end, the free end and the flexible hoisting means being capable of passing through an aperture in the support and through a corresponding aperture in the support, and the free end being capable of being reversibly modified to prevent the slippage of the free end through the aperture in the blade after it has been inserted therethrough; (c) a drum rotatably connected to the frame, to which the fixed end of each flexible hoisting means is attached, and around which the flexible hoisting means may be wound; and (d) a stabilizing means fastened to the apparatus, said stabilizing means being capable of stabilizing the apparatus when in use on a support.
In one embodiment, the apparatus additionally comprises a rotation control means for controlling the rotation of the drum. In one embodiment the rotation control means controls the rotation of the drums in one direction. In another embodiment the rotation control means controls the rotation of the drum in a selected one of two directions.
In yet another embodiment the apparatus comprises two drums, each said drum being positioned on the apparatus such that it will be above an aperture on the support when the apparatus is being used.
In one embodiment the stabilizing means is a stud. In another embodiment the apparatus comprises two studs, each said stud being positioned on the apparatus such that it will securely engage an aperture on the support when the apparatus is being used. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises both two drums, and two studs.
In another embodiment, the studs are comprised of two parts, a fixed part and a removable adapter part. In this embodiment, the adaptor part can be changed, so that the apparatus may be used with supports that have apertures of different diameters.
In another aspect, this invention is a method for lifting an elongated blade that has a plurality of apertures from the ground to a support that has a plurality of apertures that correspond with the apertures on the blade, said method comprising:
(a) providing two flexible hoisting means, each said hoisting means comprising a free end and a fixed end; (b) inserting the free end of each flexible hoisting means through an aperture on the support, said apertures being different from one another; (c) inserting the free end of each flexible hoisting means through a corresponding aperture on the blade; (d) modifying the free end of each flexible hoisting means so that it is no longer capable of passing through the aperture on the blade; (e) providing a drum to which each fixed end is attached, and onto which each flexible hoisting means can be wound; (f) winding the flexible hoisting means onto the drum until the blade abuts the support; and (g) securing the blade to the support.
In one embodiment, this method involves the creation of a sling in which the blade can be cradled, so that the angle of the blade can be adjusted to ensure that it abuts the support at a selected angle.
In another aspect, this invention is a method for lowering an elongated blade from a support to the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention.
FIGS. 5A–C are side elevation views of embodiments of the stud of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 to 4 , which show various embodiments of the invention. Although described herein as being used to lift or lower a blade of a grader to a moldboard, it is apparent that the apparatus could be used to lift or lower a replaceable blade of a scraper, of a snow wing, or other types of machines, to a support, such as a bowl, to which the blade will be attached.
FIG. 1 shows apparatus 10 mounted onto a moldboard 12 and supporting a blade 16 . Moldboard 12 has a plurality of apertures 14 that correspond with a plurality of apertures 18 on blade 16 . Apparatus 10 comprises a frame 20 , two drums 22 , a drive shaft 24 , a rotation control means 26 , which in this embodiment is a ratchet, a lever 28 and studs 30 . Studs 30 securely engage apertures 14 , and correctly position apparatus 10 for use. Each drum 22 has a flexible hoisting means 32 , which in this embodiment is a strap, and which is capable of passing through apertures 14 and 18 . The drums 22 are fixed to and coaxially disposed about shaft 24 , which shaft is driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis by pivotally mounted operating lever 28 . The rotation of shaft 24 causes the drums 22 to rotate, and therefore straps 32 will wind onto or off of the drum, depending upon the direction of rotation. Rotation control means 26 is also fixed to and coaxially disposed about shaft 24 , and functions to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the shaft, when the apparatus is in use. Apparatus 10 may include a handle 34 and stud storage means 36 .
Frame 20 is an elongate support member that must be strong enough to support the various components of apparatus 10 , when the apparatus is being used to lift or lower a blade 16 . A blade 16 can weigh 125 pounds or more, and therefore frame 20 must be able to withstand this weight. The inventors have found that a frame 20 made from iron will provide the required support. However, other metals, or wood, or synthetic materials, such as plastic and plexiglass, may be used to make frame 20 , provided that they have sufficient strength to withstand the lifting of a blade.
Frame 20 rests upon the upper surface of moldboard 12 when apparatus 10 is being used to lift or lower blade 16 , as shown in FIG. 1 . Frame 20 is designed so that the drums 22 are able to rotate about their axes, in order to lift or lower the blade. Therefore the ends of the frame 20 have vertical spacing members 21 , as shown in FIG. 1 , which function to provide sufficient space between the moldboard and the drums 22 , to allow the drums to rotate. As is apparent, the vertical spacing members 21 could be elsewhere disposed on the frame, for example towards, or at, the middle of the longitudinal axis of frame 20 . There can be more than two vertical spacing members 21 , for example as shown in embodiment 10 b in FIG. 3 , wherein there is a central vertical spacing member provided near rotation control means 26 , which provides support for the center part of frame 20 .
Shaft 24 is attached to, and supported by, frame 20 in such a manner that the shaft is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , shaft 24 is functionally attached at each end to the vertical spacing member 21 . Shaft 24 passes through drums 22 , and rotation control means 26 , as shown in FIG. 1 , and is fixed to the drums and the rotation control means so that, as shaft 24 is rotated by lever 28 , the drums and the rotation control means rotate therewith to the same degree. One means of attaching drums 22 and rotation control means 26 to shaft 24 is by welding.
Shaft 24 must be sufficiently strong to withstand the forces applied to it when bit 16 is being hoisted toward moldboard 12 . In this regard, 1″×¼″ and 1¼″×¼″ cold roll flat bar, a solid hexagonal shaft, or a round cold bar may be useful, depending upon the length of shaft 24 , and other features of the apparatus.
Instead of comprising a one-piece unit as shown in FIG. 1 , shaft 24 may comprise several portions 24 a that are functionally joined together to rotate in unison with one another, as shown in embodiment 10 a , in FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, drums 22 and rotation control means 26 comprise independent units that are carried within separate frames, 38 and 40 respectively, that are welded to frame 20 . Each of the drums 22 or the rotation control means 26 rotate within their respective frames, and can be activated to rotate via an activator 42 , that functionally connects drum 22 or rotation control means 26 to shaft portion 24 a , so that they rotate therewith. In one embodiment, the activator 42 is two ½ moon pieces of key stock separated by ¼″, and mounted to the sides of the frame 38 or 40 .
Shaft portions 24 a , must be sufficiently strong to withstand the forces applied to them when blade 16 is being lifted or lowered. In this regard, 1″×¼″ and 1¼″×¼″ cold roll flat bar have been found to be useful. The pieces of cold roll flat bar are cut to the appropriate length, so that they extend the distance between, and functionally interconnect, the activators 42 of frames 38 and 40 .
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rotation control means 26 is a ratchet, which is a wheel or other structure with teeth on its outer surface that interact with a loose, pivoted pawl 27 . The pawl is a pivoted catch, latch or cog that is yieldingly urged, as by a spring, to engage the teeth on the ratchet to prevent the rotation of the ratchet, and therefore shaft 24 . Therefore, the ratchet and pawl prevent uncontrolled rotation of the shaft when the blade is being lifted or lowered. In one embodiment of this device, the ratchet is a Klingspor™ PS33 150 Klingon Disc, which comprises a substantially square metal frame with a toothed wheel on either side of the frame, and a pivoted spring-activated pawl 27 that engages the teeth on both of the toothed wheels simultaneously. This rotation control means 26 is shown in FIG. 2 or 4 . The embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 includes a latch 29 , that can be used to disengage the pawl 27 from the ratchet 26 , and thereby allow free rotation of the shaft 24 .
In one embodiment the rotation control means 26 functions to prevent the unrestricted rotation of the shaft 24 in one direction only, and can be used therefore, to prevent the blade from falling when it is being lifted towards the moldboard. In an alternative embodiment, the rotation control means 26 functions to prevent the unrestricted rotation of shaft 24 in a selected one of both directions of rotation, and can therefore be used to control both the lifting and the lowering of blade 16 . Although shown and disclosed herein as a ratchet, any device or combination of devices that would control the rotation of shaft, is intended to be included herein.
An example of the assembly of embodiment 10 a that the inventors have used, is herein provided. Frame 20 comprises 4″ channel iron, cut to an appropriate length, to which is welded the frames 38 and 40 . One source of the drums and rotation control means, in a frame, is the Klingspor™, PS33 150 Klingon Disc. In order to make the drums 22 on either end of apparatus 10 a , the pawl 27 on the PS33 150 Klingon Disc is removed. The shaft portions 24 a comprise 1¼″×¼″ cold roll flat bar, inserted into the ¼″ space between the two ½ moon pieces of key stock on the PS33 150 Klingon Disc, and bolted thereto.
Lever 28 is pivotally mounted and functionally connected to shaft 24 , such that it will cause shaft 24 to rotate when actuated. Other means of causing shaft 24 to rotate are intended to be included herein, for example, lever 28 may be replaced by an electric or hydraulic device that rotates shaft 24 . Note that, depending upon what type of means are used to rotate the shaft 24 , the apparatus of this invention may or may not need to have a rotation control means 26 . For instance, if the shaft is rotated by an electric device, rather than a lever, the device may lift the blade in one continuous and controlled motion, and therefore the rotation control means 26 may be dispensed with, as there will be little risk of uncontrolled rotation.
The drums 22 rotate in unison, as they are both securely fixed to shaft 24 and therefore move in coordination therewith, as lever 28 is pivoted. Wound around the drums is a flexible hoisting means 32 , such as a cable, rope, chain, strap or belt, as shown in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1–4 . In these embodiments, drums 22 are positioned on shaft 24 at such a location that they are substantially above an aperture 14 on moldboard 12 . In this position the flexible hoisting means will be easily and accurately wound onto drum 22 , as blade 16 is being lifted towards moldboard 12 .
The distance between drums 22 corresponds to the distance between apertures 14 of the moldboard on which apparatus 10 will be used. In one embodiment of this invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , drums 22 are separated by a distance that is four times the distance between apertures 14 . In conventional moldboards, the distance between two apertures 14 is about 6 inches, and therefore in this embodiment drums 22 would be separated by about 24 inches. As is apparent, drums 22 could be separated by a distance that is a multiple of about one, two, three, or more than four times, the distance between apertures 14 . The present invention is not intended to be limited by the distance between drums 22 , provided that the apparatus will still function as intended herein at whatever distance is selected.
Although FIGS. 1 to 4 show an apparatus in which drums 22 are positioned at either end of shaft 24 , this invention is intended to include embodiments in which the drums 22 are positioned closer to the middle of the apparatus, but still substantially above apertures 14 .
In another embodiment, the drums 22 are not positioned substantially above an aperture 14 in the moldboard. Rather, only the flexible hoisting means 32 are positioned substantially above the apertures 14 . This could be accomplished, for instance, by directing the flexible hoisting means 32 from the drums through a guide means, which guide means positions the flexible hoisting means 32 substantially above the apertures 14 . What is important with regard to the positioning of the flexible hoisting means 32 , is that the flexible hoisting means 32 be able to pass through at least two different holes in the moldboard, and this is easily accomplished by placing the drums 22 above the apertures 14 . If the flexible hoisting means 32 pass through only one aperture 14 , the blade will be capable of pivoting around that point as it is being lifted or lowered, and may cause damage to equipment or injury to workers. By passing through at least two apertures 14 , the ability of blade 16 to pivot is thereby reduced.
The flexible hoisting means 32 is comprised of material that, recognizing that at least two flexible hoisting means 32 are used in this invention, is strong enough to support blade 16 while it is suspended. Each flexible hoisting means 32 comprises a free end 45 . In order to use apparatus 10 , free end 45 is passed through apertures 14 and 18 , and then modified in some manner so that it will not slip out of aperture 18 when the user is lifting or lowering blade 16 . In this regard then, free end 45 must be capable of being reversibly modified in some manner, to prevent it from slipping out of aperture 18 , after it is inserted therethrough.
In one embodiment, flexible hoisting means 32 is a strap. After insertion of the strap through aperture 14 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , free end 45 is brought back up to the drum 22 . At drum 22 , the free end is modified by winding it around the drum in such a manner that, when the drum is turned to lift the blade, the free end will turn therewith. This can be accomplished, for example, by inserting the free end 45 between the drum 22 and the flexible hoisting means 32 , such that when the drum is turned, the free end becomes trapped between the drum and flexible hoisting means, and turns therewith.
In another embodiment, the free end 45 may be reversibly secured to the moldboard, the blade, or to some part of the apparatus itself in order to prevent it from slipping out of an aperture 18 after it is inserted therethrough. One way of accomplishing this is to increase the diameter of the free end, for example by tying a knot in it, which will, for example, secure the free end to the underside of the blade. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3 , free end 45 may be modified to include a terminal 47 to which a fastening device 49 that is larger than aperture 18 , can be attached, as by threading onto the terminal. This fastening device will be incapable of passing through the aperture in the bit, or through another aperture that can be formed on the apparatus itself.
It is preferred to restrain the free end 45 at or near the drum, so that the flexible hoisting means 32 forms a sling 33 that cradles the blade, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 . If this means of securing the free end is used, the angle of blade 16 can be adjusted while it is in the sling, before it abuts moldboard 12 . This will help to ensure that the moldboard and blade meet at an angle that will enable them to be bolted together easily and efficiently.
While the invention has been described herein as having two drums 22 and two flexible hoisting means 32 , it is understood that more drums and more flexible hoisting means may be used. As is also apparent, both flexible hoisting means may be rolled onto one drum 22 , if they are otherwise appropriately positioned for insertion into apertures 14 .
Studs 30 are longitudinal members oriented so that they will engage apertures 14 in moldboard 12 . Studs 30 function to align apparatus 10 with respect to apertures 14 , and to prevent apparatus 10 from moving out of alignment with apertures 14 when it is being used. Additionally, studs 30 assist in preventing the apparatus from flipping about its longitudinal axis when it is being used. Therefore studs 30 are sufficiently long, and of a suitable diameter to securely engage apertures 14 , and perform these functions. As is apparent, studs 30 are longer than vertical spacing members 21 , in order to be able to be received in apertures 14 . Studs 30 may also be of a length sufficient to enable them to be received in apertures 18 of blade 16 .
Studs 30 may be of any shape in cross-section, including round, oval, square and rectangular, that will permit them to securely engage apertures 14 . The studs are comprised of a material that will provide sufficient strength to prevent them from breaking when apparatus 10 is being used. In one embodiment, studs 30 are made of iron, however, other metals, or wood, or synthetic materials, such as plastic and plexiglass may be used, provided that they have sufficient strength. The studs 30 are fastened to frame 20 , for example by welding to frame 20 , or by threading into a nut that is welded to frame 20 .
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A–C , studs 30 are comprised of two parts, fixed part 46 and adaptor 48 , that are connected together to form the studs 30 . Fixed part 46 has a spacer 50 and connector 52 . Spacer 50 is fastened, as by welding, to frame 20 . Connector 52 comprises a means of securely and reversibly connecting fixed part 46 to adaptor 48 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , connector 52 comprises a nut, that is partially threaded onto spacer 50 and welded thereto.
Adaptor 48 comprises a connector 54 and an aperture-engaging portion 56 . Adaptor 48 securely and reversibly connects to fixed part 46 , for example by threading connector 54 into connector 52 . Aperture-engaging end 56 is sized so as to securely engage an aperture on a moldboard. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5B , aperture-engaging end 56 has a ¾ inch diameter, whereas in another embodiment, 48 a , shown in FIG. 5C , aperture-engaging end 48 a has a ⅝ inch diameter. Both of these diameters are the diameter of standard apertures in moldboards. The end user of apparatus 10 would have access to both adaptors 48 and 48 a , and therefore could select an adaptor depending upon the size of the apertures in the moldboard. Therefore, one apparatus 10 could be used with moldboards that have a different aperture size.
As is apparent, the diameter of aperture-engaging end 56 is not limited to ¾″ or ⅝″ but could be any diameter that will securely engage an aperture of a moldboard, or bowl. Additionally, other means of securely connecting fixed part 46 and adaptor 48 to one another may be devised by those skilled in the art, and these means are intended to be included in the scope of this invention.
As mentioned above, studs 30 perform two functions, namely to position the apparatus before and during use, and to stabilize the apparatus so that it does not flip about its longitudinal axis, during use. The studs 30 may be replaced by other means for stabilizing the apparatus, for example magnets or clamps that clamp the apparatus to the moldboard. Alternatively the width of the base of the apparatus, being the part that contacts the moldboard, may be increased, for example by adding skis thereto. In one embodiment, the studs are dispensed with altogether, as the apparatus is stabilized by some other means, and the positioning function of the studs is provided by the flexible hoisting means 32 .
One embodiment of this invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , provides a stud storage means 36 , which stores adaptors 48 when they are not being used or when they are not connected to fixed part 46 . In this embodiment, adaptor 48 is threaded, via its connector 54 , into the stud storage means, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a nut. As is apparent, the stud storage means 36 may be designed to co-operate with whatever means is used to securely connect fixed part 46 and adaptor 48 together.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , studs 30 are attached to frame 20 at two positions that lie between drums 22 . However, the two studs 30 could be positioned anywhere along the longitudinal axis of frame 20 , including on the outside (as in FIG. 1 ) of drums 22 , provided that apparatus 10 will still function as indicated herein.
In one embodiment of this invention apparatus 10 comprises only one stud 30 , and in yet another embodiment, three or more studs. These studs can be positioned anywhere along the longitudinal axis of frame 20 , provided they are able to engage the apertures 14 . The present invention is not intended to be limited by the number of studs 30 , provided that the apparatus will function as intended herein, using the selected number of studs.
The distance between studs 30 will correspond to the distance between apertures 14 of the moldboard on which apparatus 10 will be used. In one embodiment of this invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , studs 30 are spaced apart a distance that is twice the distance between apertures 14 . For conventional moldboards therefore, the studs in this embodiment would be separated by about 12 inches. In other embodiments, the studs 30 may engage adjacent apertures, or they may be separated by more than twice the distance between apertures 14 . The present invention is not intended to be limited by the distance between studs 30 , provided that the apparatus will still function as intended herein at the selected distance.
In one embodiment apparatus 10 comprises a handle 34 that is used to carry the apparatus.
Having thus described various embodiments of the apparatus 10 , a method of lifting a blade to a moldboard will now be disclosed. The first step of this method is to position apparatus 10 on the top face of moldboard 12 by inserting studs 30 into apertures 14 of the moldboard. The moldboard will have any blades previously attached thereto removed.
A moldboard may require only one blade, or it may require two or more blades. In one embodiment of this method, apparatus 10 is positioned above the apertures 14 that would correspond with the apertures 18 that are approximately in center of the particular blade that is to be installed. An aperture 14 on the moldboard and an aperture 18 on the blade “correspond” when they are the apertures that are connected by the same bolt, after the blade is bolted to the moldboard. By selecting apertures 14 that would correspond with apertures 18 that are in approximately the center of the particular blade 16 , the blade will remain essentially level when it is being lifted upwards. As an example, a 12-foot moldboard generally requires two blades, each a length of six feet. Each blade will usually comprise thirteen apertures 18 , of which the 7 th aperture is the center. Therefore, to mount the blade on the moldboard, using for example the embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the apparatus would be positioned so that the studs 30 are in the 6 th and 8 th apertures 14 from one end of the moldboard, and the rotation control means 26 is positioned above the 7 th aperture.
The method described herein is not limited to the insertion of studs 30 into apertures 14 that correspond with apertures 18 positioned approximately in the center of the particular blade that is to be installed on the moldboard. Other apertures 14 can be used.
Upon insertion of the studs 30 into the apertures 14 , the free ends 45 of the flexible hoisting means 32 will line up with apertures 14 through which they will be inserted. The next step of the method is to insert the free ends 45 through the apertures 14 .
In another embodiment of the method of this invention, the first and second steps noted above are reversed. Therefore, the apparatus is approximately positioned over top of the apertures 14 , and the flexible hoisting means are inserted through their respective apertures 14 before the studs 30 are inserted into the selected apertures 14 on the moldboard.
The next step is to insert the free ends 45 through the apertures 18 on the blade that correspond with the apertures 14 on the moldboard through which they were previously passed. The free ends are then secured to the drum, blade, moldboard or apparatus, as described above, to prevent them from slipping back through the apertures 18 .
The next step is to rotate shaft 24 by actuating lever 28 . Drums 22 will rotate, and the flexible support members 32 will be wound around drums 22 and thereby move the blade towards the moldboard. If free end 45 is secured in such a manner that a sling 33 is formed, the angle of the blade may be adjusted at any time before it abuts the moldboard. When blade 16 abuts moldboard 12 , apertures 14 and 18 will be aligned. The user will then bolt together two or more apertures 14 and 18 that do not have a stud 30 or flexible hoisting means 32 extending therethrough.
The free ends 45 are then released, the flexible hoisting means 32 are removed from the apertures 14 and 18 . The apparatus 10 is removed from the moldboard and any remaining apertures 14 and 18 are bolted together.
If the apparatus is to be used to remove a moldboard, the steps in the method described above are essentially reversed. This method would use an apparatus that has a rotation control means that controls the rotation of shaft 24 while the blade is being lowered.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, to be used to mount a blade onto a snow-wing, the apparatus may be adapted in order to enable the studs 30 to securely engage the apertures on the snow-wing. Such adaptations are intended to be included herein. | An apparatus for lifting and aligning a blade to a support, such as a grader moldboard or a scraper bowl. In one aspect the invention is an apparatus with a frame, flexible hoisting means for holding the blade, a drum to which each flexible hoisting means is attached, a stabilizing means for stabilizing the apparatus, and a drive means for rotating the drums. In another aspect, the invention is a method for lifting a blade to a support, which involves inserting flexible hoisting means through different apertures of a support and the corresponding apertures in the blade, and providing means to controllably reduce the length of the flexible hoisting means while holding the blade. The apparatus and method can be used by one person to lift, line up, and securely bolt a blade to a support. |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to submersible artificial lift devices, and in particular to a single or multi-device system provided with a barrier to deter an ingress of well fluids into the device to reduce or prevent development of corrosion, formation of scale or asphaltenes or other problems in an idle device within a wellbore.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Submersible artificial lift devices are widely used to pump fluid from a wellbore, particularly for purposes of hydrocarbon recovery. Examples of submersible artificial lift devices include an electrical submersible well pump (ESP) and an electrical submersible progressing cavity pump (ESPCP). Typically, an artificial lift device is suspended within a well from a flow conduit. The artificial lift device is submerged in well fluids. Prolonged inactivity and exposure to well fluids may damage motor and pump components of a typical artificial lift device. Therefore, it is desirable to protect the internals of an inactive artificial lift device when the device is submerged in wellbore fluids.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,783,400 to Arutunoff teaches a protecting unit for an oil field submergible electrical motor. The protective unit provides a pathway for a lubricating and protecting fluid to expand or contract as a result of heating or cooling due to the electric motor. Additionally, the protecting unit essentially doubles the length of a path traveled by moisture or any contaminating fluid before such fluid can reach the pumping unit. One potential drawback of the protecting unit of Arutunoff is that the lengthened moisture path delays rather than prevents moisture migration to the pumping unit.
[0006] In some cases, it has been desirable to deploy multiple pumping units within a wellbore. Examples of multiple pumping units include the following:
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,298 to Canton teaches a multiple well pump assembly wherein upper and lower pumps are both housed in a single wellbore hole and the pumps are connected in parallel so as to supplement each other's output. The pumps may be provided with different flow capacities and may couple with power means for running each pump individually or both simultaneously to provide a well pump system capable of selectively delivering three different effective flow rates from a single wellbore hole to satisfy varying flow demands.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,934,458 and 5,099,920 to Warburton et al. teach a small diameter dual pump pollutant recovery system. The system includes a water pump assembly and a pollutant pump assembly mounted at the lower end of piping, which serves to suspend the pumps in a well and also as an exhaust conduit for transporting pump water to the surface. The pollutant pump is used to recover lower density immiscible pollutants from the surface of the underground water table using the cone of the pressure method. The water pump may be raised and lowered to the position at the pollutant/water interface. A method of relocating the pollution intake and resetting the height of the cone of depression when conditions vary the height of the pollutant/water interface is also disclosed.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,943 to Strawn teaches a multiple pump assembly for wells. Strawn teaches a design to allow multiple submersible pumps in a single borehole. The multiple pump assembly provides flexibility in use of multiple pumps by allowing the user to avoid multiple well requirements through the use of standby or peak loading pumps.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,780 to Christmas teaches a wellbore fluid recovery system and method for recovering fluid from a wellbore that has at least one lateral wellbore extending out therefrom. The system includes a first electrical submergible pumping system for recovering fluids from a first zone of a wellbore and a second electrical submergible pumping system for recovering fluids from a second zone of a wellbore, such as a from a lateral wellbore. The fluid recovery system allows fluid recovery from each lateral wellbore to be independently controlled and also to provide adequate draw down pressure for each lateral wellbore.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,390 to Narvaez et al. teaches a dual electric submergible pumping system for producing fluids from separate reservoirs. A first submergible pumping system is suspended from deployment tubing and a second submergible pumping system is suspended from deployment tubing. The first submergible pumping system is connected to a fluid transport such that fluid may be discharged into the first fluid flow path, and a second submergible pumping system is connected to the fluid transport such that the fluid may be discharged into the second fluid flow path.
[0012] Typically, once an ESP is located below the static fluid level during deployment of the ESP into the well, wellbore fluid is free to enter into and fill the pump. If a blanking plug is installed, e.g. in a Y-Tool crossover, wellbore fluid is free to fill the open path in the pump and compress the air cap in the pump having a blanking plug in place. Depending on submergence pressure, the wellbore fluid may partially or substantially fully fill the pump.
[0013] A difficulty with having an idle unit that is at least partially filled with well fluid is that the idle unit is subject to the possibility of degradation of internal components including scale or asphaltenes precipitating out in the unit, which can cause either plugging of flow passageways and/or interference or locking of rotating components. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a protective environment for internals of the pump(s) that are held in backup or that have a delayed start-up. A protective environment increases the reliability of starting and running the pumps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention features an artificial lift device that is suspended on a flow conduit within a well. The artificial lift device is submerged in well fluids. A barrier is provided to prevent ingress of well fluids into the artificial lift device.
[0015] In many instances it is desirable to use multiple artificial lift devices in a single borehole. One advantage is that one device may be used as a primary pump and a second device may be used as a backup pump. One difficulty is that the static, or backup, unit sits idle and soaks in the wellbore environment, where the backup unit may be exposed to pressure cycles and possibly small temperature cycles. Possibilities exist for scale or asphaltenes to precipitate out in the unit. This can cause plugging of flow passageways and/or interference or locking of rotating components. By providing a barrier to protect the internal components of a backup unit or units from well fluid, the probability of damage to internal components is reduced.
[0016] In one embodiment, a multi-unit system of the invention is suspended on a tubing string into the wellbore. The multi-unit system has a junction, such as a Y-tool, T-connector or other type of junction having an upper end that communicates with production tubing and has a lower end having an operating unit port and a backup unit port. An operating unit communicates with the junction via the operating unit port and a backup unit communicates with the junction via the backup unit port. A barrier, such as a valve, blanking plug or other type of barrier is provided in the junction for selectively blocking off either the operating unit port or the backup unit port, thereby blocking fluid communication with either the operating unit or the backup unit. The backup unit is also provided with an intake barrier that deters ingress of well fluids into the backup unit. Therefore, the backup unit may remain submerged within well fluids for an extended period of time without experiencing degradation of the backup unit internals. The intake barrier may include a plug, burst disk, soluble material, a selectively openable intake barrier such as a sleeve or a spring biased member or other member that is capable of providing a suitable barrier.
[0017] In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided in communication with the interior of the backup unit. The pressure sensor communicates with a pressure producing device, such as a compressor, pump, or other device that may be activated to maintain a positive pressure within the backup unit to assist in preventing well fluids from entering the backup unit. A pressure sensor may also be provided in communication with the interior of the primary unit to detect a failure of the primary unit and to send a signal to an automated system to auto-activate the backup unit. Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be used to send a warning to the surface, e.g., to a workstation, so that an operator may intervene to take appropriate action, such as starting the back-up unit in the event of primary unit failure.
[0018] The invention further includes a method of preserving pump integrity of an idle unit in a well, e.g., as a backup unit in a multiple unit system in a common wellbore. The method includes locating a multi-unit system in a wellbore wherein the multi-unit system includes an operating unit in communication with a junction and the backup unit in communication with a junction. A fluid barrier is provided in an output port output passageway, the junction, an intake port, or both ports or other combination of locations to deter ingress of well fluids into the backup unit. The backup unit is preferably filled with a protective fluid. The backup unit may be filled with protective fluid prior to deploying the multiple unit system within the wellbore or the backup unit may be filled, e.g., via a hydraulic communication line after the multiple unit system is deployed within the wellbore.
[0019] In one embodiment, a bubbler gage system may be used to deliver a fluid, such as an inert gas, to the backup unit. Typically, a bubbler gage system includes a fluid line extending from the surface to a location below the fluid level in a well, in this case to a submerged artificial lift unit. Fluid is then continuously delivered to the interior of the unit to maintain a positive pressure therein, which deters ingress of fluids into the unit. The bubbler gage also provides an additional benefit in that the well fluid level may be determined by noting when the pressure required to deliver additional fluid into the fluid line ceases to increase as a function of volume of fluid delivered.
[0020] To facilitate operation of the idle unit, the barrier is removed. The barrier may be removed by the application of additional pressure in the backup unit to push out a barrier or to burst a burst disk type barrier or by activating the unit to “pump out” a barrier. Additionally, if the barrier is comprised of a soluble material, then a solvent may be delivered to the backup unit to dissolve the fluid barrier. A selectively openable member may also be activated to open a flapper type valve, to slide a sliding sleeve, or to manipulate other types of selectively openable members. Examples of activators include, but are not limited to, a hydraulic line, an electric line in communication with a servo or an electric line to deliver a one time electrical pulse to activate a charge, a pneumatic line, or other means. Further, the barrier may be a spring-biased member that opens automatically by activation of the backup unit. Additionally, the barrier may be activated to open by rotation of the shaft in the unit. The barriers may also be opened to allow the fluid barrier to drain or flow out of the unit. Other types of barriers may also be used. Although the invention is described primarily as it relates to a protection scheme for a backup unit, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to a single ESP unit that is to remain idle for a period of time while submerged in well fluids.
[0021] A better understanding of the present invention, its several aspects, and its advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein there is shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] [0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a multiple unit artificial lift system deployed in a wellbore.
[0023] [0023]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a Y-Tool having a blanking plug installed therein.
[0024] [0024]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a Y-Tool having a flapper valve installed therein.
[0025] [0025]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a barrier plug obstructing a pump intake port.
[0026] [0026]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a burst disk obstructing a pump intake port.
[0027] [0027]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a soluble plug obstructing a pump intake port.
[0028] [0028]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spring-biased member obstructing a pump intake port.
[0029] [0029]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sliding sleeve obstructing a pump intake port.
[0030] [0030]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hydraulically actuated flapper valve obstructing a pump intake port.
[0031] [0031]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-unit in-line artificial lift system deployed in a wellbore.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the embodiments and steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a multiple unit system designated generally 10 . The multi-unit system 10 is deployed within wellbore 12 . Wellbore 12 is lined with casing 14 . A tubing string 16 carries the multiple unit system 10 . Typically, the multiple unit system 10 is utilized to lift wellbore fluids 18 that enter the wellbore 12 through perforations 20 . Wellbore fluids 18 are directed upward through tubing string 16 , through wellhead 22 , and to a production line 24 . A junction, designated generally 23 , such as Y-Tool crossover 26 , is affixed to the lower end of the tubing string 16 . As can be seen in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, Y-Tool crossover 26 has an upper end 28 and a lower end 30 , which is provided with a first unit port 32 and a second unit port 34 . Typically, a junction 23 , such as the Y-Tool crossover 26 , is provided with an output barrier 35 in either the first unit port 32 or second unit port 34 . Examples of output barriers 35 include a blanking plug 36 (FIG. 2) and a flapper valve 38 (FIG. 3). Flapper valve 38 is preferably capable of 180° rotation to selectively seal either the first unit port 32 or the second unit port 34 . Further examples include a traveling ball used to selectively close a selected side. Although blanking plug 36 and flapper valve 38 are specifically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it should be understood that other types of output barriers may be suitable for use to selectively seal off either the first unit port 32 or the second unit port 34 . Additionally, in some cases it may be desirable to directly seal off a discharge port 39 (FIG. 1) of the unit 42 , or to locate a barrier in a first unit passageway 40 , which extends upwards from the unit 42 .
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, first unit passageway 40 communicates with first unit port 32 of Y-Tool 26 . First unit passageway 40 delivers output from first unit 42 through Y-Tool 26 and up tubing string 16 to the surface. As shown, first unit 42 is an ESP having a centrifugal pump 44 , a rotary gas separator 46 , a seal section 48 , and an electric motor 50 . Typically, rotary gas separator 46 is provided with pump intakes 52 . The electric motor 50 receives power from a cable, which transmits electric power to electric motor 50 from the surface.
[0035] The multiple unit system 10 of the invention is provided with a second unit 60 , which may be used as a primary unit or as a back-up unit as desired. Second unit 60 communicates with the second unit port 34 of Y-Tool 26 via a second unit passageway 62 . Second unit passageway 62 communicates with discharge port 61 of second unit 60 . The second unit 60 and the second unit passageway 62 are preferably affixed to the first unit 42 via a series of clamps 64 . As shown, second unit 60 is an ESPCP having a progressing cavity pump 66 , a flex shaft section 68 , a seal section 70 , a gear reducer 71 and an electric motor 72 . The electric motor 72 receives power from the surface via a cable. Second unit 60 is also provided with a fluid intake 74 .
[0036] It should be understood that although FIG. 1 shows first unit 42 as an ESP and second unit 60 as an ESPCP, this arrangement is shown for example purposes only. Other combinations are possible and fall within the scope of the invention. For example, first unit 42 and second unit 60 may both be an ESP unit or may both be an ESPCP unit. First unit 42 may be an ESPCP unit and second unit 60 may be an ESP unit. Additionally, other types of artificial lift devices may be substituted for either or both the first unit 42 and second unit 60 . Moreover, additional units 42 , 60 may be provided in combination with additional junctions 23 so that three or more artificial lift devices may be provided in any combination of ESPs, ESPCPs, or other artificial lift devices. Finally, as shown in FIG. 1, the terms “first unit” and “second unit” are used for convenience only and it should be understood that either or both of the units may be operated or held as a backup as required. Still referring to FIG. 1, wherein first unit 42 is shown as an ESP and second unit 60 is shown as an ESPCP, it may be desirable to operate one or the other of units 42 and 60 depending upon well conditions or process preferences.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4 - 9 , in the preferred embodiment, first unit 42 and second unit 60 are provided with an intake barrier designated generally 100 , which may be located in the pump intake 52 of the first unit 42 and in pump intake 74 of second unit 60 or intakes 208 and 238 (FIG. 10), discussed below, to prevent wellbore fluids 18 from entering the units 42 , 60 when units 42 , 60 are not in use. Although units 42 , 60 are specifically referenced, it should be understood that FIGS. 4 - 9 are equally applicable to a stand-alone artificial lift unit or to an artificial lift unit in any multi-unit system configuration. A pressure sensor 101 may be provided to sense pressure within a unit 42 , 60 . Pressure information is communicated to the surface where a pressure producing device, such as compressor or pump 104 (FIG. 1), may be selectively operated to maintain pressure within the unit 42 , 60 at a pressure above that of the wellbore fluids 18 . The pressure producing device, such as compressor 104 , communicates with the unit 42 , 60 via a communication line, such as hydraulic line 106 . Hydraulic line 106 is connected to the multiple unit system 10 at a location below the junction 23 .
[0038] Examples of intake barrier 100 include plug 108 (FIG. 4), burst disk 110 (FIG. 5), soluble plug 114 (FIG. 6), and a selectively openable member designated generally 116 (FIGS. 7 - 9 ). Selectively openable member 116 includes a spring biased member 118 as shown in FIG. 7, a sliding sleeve 120 , actuated by a hydraulic system and hydraulic piston 121 , as shown in FIG. 8, or flapper valve 122 actuated by hydraulic piston 123 , as shown in FIG. 9. Other selectively openable members may also be used as required.
[0039] In practice, a method of preserving pump integrity of an idle unit, such as second unit 60 of a multiple unit system 10 is as follows. It should be understood that the method of preserving pump integrity is equally applicable to first pump 42 or to a stand alone artificial lift device, secondary back-up unit or other artificial lift device and that second unit 60 is used herein for purposes of example only. An intake barrier 100 is provided in pump intake 74 of the second unit 60 to deter ingress of well fluids 18 into the second unit 60 . The second unit 60 is filled with a protective fluid to inhibit contamination of the second unit 60 within the wellbore 12 . Examples of suitable protective fluids include but are not limited to a range of fluids having a generally lighter specific gravity, e.g. diesel, to protective fluids that have a generally heavy specific gravity, e.g. “Beaver Lube”. Preferably, the protection fluids are inert with respect to component materials of the unit. Second unit 60 may be filled with protective fluid prior to deployment of multi-unit system 10 within the wellbore 12 or may be filled with protective fluid via hydraulic communication line 106 after multiple unit system 10 reaches setting depth. In one embodiment, pressure within the second unit 60 is at least periodically maintained at a level that is equal to pressure external of the second unit 60 in the wellbore. Pressure within the second unit 60 may be maintained via hydraulic communication line 106 , which is operatively connected to a pressure producing device, such as compressor 104 . Additionally, periodic flushing of the second unit 60 may be undertaken to assure continued protection over the time.
[0040] If a protective fluid is used that has a heavier specific gravity than well fluids, then the unit 60 may be sealed with an intake barrier 100 since the protective fluid will tend to settle to the lower portions of the unit. Conversely, if a protective fluid is used that has a lighter specific gravity than well fluids, then a barrier may located in the junction 23 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in passageway 40 , 62 , in output ports 39 , 60 or at another location in the upper regions of units 42 , 60 . Such a barrier shall be referred to herein as an “output barrier”. The lighter protective fluid will float on any well fluid present in the unit and, when held in place with an output barrier, will serve to prevent ingress of well fluids into the unit. Therefore, it can be seen that a protective fluid may prevent ingress of well fluids when used in conjunction with one of an intake barrier and an output barrier. Of course, barriers may be provided at both the intake and output regions and used with or without a protective fluid.
[0041] In operation, if an operating unit, e.g. first unit 42 , fails or if it is desired to run first unit 42 and second unit 60 simultaneously, an intake barrier 100 and/or output barrier 35 must be removed from the pump intake 74 and/or the output region of the second unit 60 . Similarly, if unit 60 is a stand alone unit in a well, e.g., if for some reason it is desirable to install the unit 60 and leave the unit idle for some period of time, then intake barrier 100 and/or output barrier 35 will be removed from pump intake 74 before operating unit 60 .
[0042] One method of removing an intake barrier is to apply additional pressure within the backup unit 60 via hydraulic line 106 to push out the intake barrier 100 , such as plug 108 (FIG. 4 ). Additionally, pressure may be delivered to the second unit 60 via hydraulic line 106 to burst a burst disk 110 (FIG. 5).
[0043] Further, in one embodiment, intake barrier 100 and/or output barrier 35 may be a soluble plug 114 (FIGS. 2 and 6). To remove soluble plug 114 , a solvent is introduced through a passageway such as hydraulic line 106 into the unit 42 , 60 . Examples of suitable materials for a soluble plug include gels, solids, or other suitable materials. The solvent acts to dissolve soluble plug 114 , thereby opening the pump intake 74 or pump output. Examples of suitable solvents include acids, e.g. hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, or other fluid treatments that are preferably not damaging to the unit or to the reservoir and which are preferably not soluble to well fluids. Hydraulic line 106 may be used to selectively activate a selectively openable member 116 (FIGS. 7 - 9 ). For example, pressure may be delivered to move a sliding sleeve 120 to expose the pump intake 74 (FIG. 8) or hydraulic pressure may be applied to open flapper valve 122 (FIG. 9), thereby opening pump intake 74 . A pressure differential across pump intake 74 when the pump is running may be sufficient to open a spring biased member 118 to open pump intake 74 (FIG. 7). Additionally, sliding sleeve 120 (FIG. 8) and flapper valve 122 (FIG. 9) may be opened by internal pump pressure rather than by pressure via hydraulic line 106 .
[0044] Although, second pump 60 has been shown as part of a multi-unit artificial lift system 10 , the protection schemes of the invention could be utilized on multi-unit artificial lift systems having multiple backup pumps or the protection schemes of the invention could be utilized on a single artificial lift device deployed downhole, particularly where the single artificial lift device may not be started immediately.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, an additional embodiment of a multi-unit system is shown. In particular, an in line POD system 200 is suspended from tubing 202 within a wellbore 204 . An upper artificial lift device 206 has an intake port 208 and an output port 210 . Upper artificial lift device 206 may be an ESP or an ESPCP or other types of submersible artificial lift devices. A passageway 212 communicates the output port 210 with the tubing 202 . Passageway 212 has an upper selectively openable member 214 thereon. In one embodiment, the selectively openable member is a sliding sleeve 216 that may be positioned to selectively block fluid flow. Other types of selectively openable members may be used to allow selective flow from an outside to an inside passageway 212 . Additional selectively openable members may include but are not limited to spring biased members similar to spring biased member 118 shown in FIG. 7 or may employ a hydraulic system and hydraulic piston similar to the hydraulic system and piston shown in FIG. 8, a flapper valve similar to the flapper valve 122 shown in FIG. 9, or other types of selectively openable member.
[0046] A shroud 218 surrounds the upper artificial lift device 206 . Shroud 218 defines an annulus 220 between the upper artificial lift device 206 and the shroud 218 . An upper closure member 222 is positioned on an upper end of shroud 218 . The upper closure member 222 preferably has a first electric cable aperture 224 and a second electric cable aperture 226 . A first cable 228 extends down through wellbore 204 through the first electric cable aperture 224 and provides power to the upper artificial lift device 206 . A lower closure member 230 is provided on the lower end of shroud 218 . The lower closure member 230 preferably has an aperture 232 located therein. The upper closure member 222 and the lower closure member 230 seal off ends of annulus 222 and define a sealed annular space 234 .
[0047] A lower artificial lift device 236 is located below the upper artificial lift device 206 . Lower artificial lift device 236 has an input port 238 that it is in communication with wellbore fluids in wellbore 204 . Lower artificial device 236 additionally has an output port 240 . The output port 240 is in communication with the aperture 232 and the lower closure member 230 . Preferably, a passageway 242 communicates the output port 240 of the lower artificial lift device 236 with the annular space 234 by passing through aperture 232 in the lower closure member 230 . Passageway 242 is additionally provided with a lower selectively openable member 246 , which may be of the type described above with respect to upper selectively openable member 214 . A second electric cable 250 extends through the second electric cable aperture 226 in the upper closure member 222 . The second electric cable extends within annular space 234 and provides power to the lower artificial lift device 236 . Second electric cable 250 may also extend through an aperture in lower closure member 230 similar to second electric cable aperture 226 in upper closure member 222 , as required.
[0048] In operation, lower artificial lift device 236 may be provided with intake barriers 100 (FIGS. 4 - 9 ) to prevent well fluid from entering into the lower artificial lift device 236 . The intake barriers may be of the type described above in reference to FIGS. 4 - 9 . When lower artificial lift device 236 is used as a backup unit, intake ports 238 are provided with intake barriers 100 . Lower selectively openable member 246 is opened to allow output fluid from lower artificial lift device 236 to pass through passageway 242 and into sealed annular space 234 . Upper artificial lift device 206 then is able to draw wellbore fluids in through lower selectively openable member 246 through passageway 242 and into the annular space 234 where the fluids pass into intake port 208 of the upper artificial lift device 206 . The upper artificial lift device 206 then forces wellbore fluids to the surface through passageway 212 .
[0049] If upper artificial lift device 206 fails, or if it is desirable to run lower artificial lift device 236 while using upper artificial lift device 206 as a backup, then upper selectively openable member 214 is opened to allow wellbore fluids to pass therethrough. In this mode of operation, lower artificial lift device 236 intakes wellbore fluids through input ports 238 . The wellbore fluid is driven out of output port 240 and through passageway 242 into the annular space 234 between the shroud 218 and upper artificial lift device 206 . The wellbore fluid then flows past the upper artificial lift device 206 and through the open selectively openable member 214 and through passageway 212 and into tubing 202 where it can pass through the surface. Advantages of the POD system 200 include the ability to install dual or multi-unit systems in well casing having a smaller diameter as compared to multi-unit systems utilizing a junction, as shown in FIG. 1. The in-line POD system 200 permits multi-unit installation having larger pumps than does a Y-type multi-unit system in the same diameter of well casing. Additionally, a larger motor may be used for the lower artificial lift device 222 than is used for the upper artificial lift device 206 due to the pressure containment shroud 218 , which surrounds the upper artificial lift device 206 .
[0050] While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) set for herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled. | A protection system for an artificial lift device including but not limited to electrical submersible pump (ESP) and an electrical submersible progressing cavity pup (ESPCP). The artificial lift device is suspended on a tubing string into a wellbore where the artificial lift device contacts well fluids. The artificial lift device is provided with a barrier such as an intake barrier or output barrier that deters an ingress of well fluids into the artificial lift device. As a result, the artificial lift device may remain idle and submerged within well fluids for an extended period of time without experiencing degradation of the artificial lift device internals. The intake barrier may include a plug, burst disk, dissolvable material, a selectively openable barrier such as a sleeve or a spring biased member or other member that is capable of providing a suitable barrier. The barrier may be removed once the artificial lift device is ready for operation. The artificial lift device may be filled with a protective fluid. An optional pressure sensor may be provided that is in communication with the interior of the backup unit for communicating with a compressor that may be activated to maintain a positive pressure within the artificial lift device to prevent well fluids from entering the unit. The protection system of the invention is desirable for protecting an idle artificial lift device, including when the artificial lift device is a backup unit in a multi-artificial lift device deployment. |
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/831,911, filed Jun. 6, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to jumper line configurations. More specifically, in certain embodiments the present disclosure relates jumper line configurations for hydrate inhibition and associated methods.
[0003] The extraction of hydrocarbons from deepwater oil and gas reservoirs requires the transportation of a production stream from the reservoirs to facilities for processing. Water, along with oil and gas, may be included in these production streams. During transportation, if the temperature of the production stream is low and the pressure is high, the system can enter the hydrate region where gas hydrates form. Gas hydrates are solids and behave like ice and, if formed in large quantities, may plug the pipeline. Hydrates may also plug or cause malfunction of other units, such as valves, chokes, separators, and heat exchangers.
[0004] Jumper lines are flowlines that are commonly used to connected subsea units together. Conventional jumper line configurations often incorporate a valley and a bend in order to provide flexibility to the jumper line. During shut ins, liquids may settle and segregate in the lower middle section of these jumper lines. During shut in restart cycles, these jumper lines are often at risk of forming gas hydrates.
[0005] It is desirable to develop a jumper line configuration that aids in preventing the formation of gas hydrates.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to jumper line configurations. More specifically, in certain embodiments the present disclosure relates jumper line configurations for hydrate inhibition and associated methods.
[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a jumper line system comprising: a first subsea device; a second subsea device; and a jumper line providing fluid communication between the first subsea device and the second subsea device, wherein the jumper line does not comprise a valley.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of transporting hydrocarbons from a subsea well comprising: providing a subsea well; providing a manifold; connecting the subsea well to the manifold via a jumper line, wherein the jumper line does not comprise a valley; and flowing hydrocarbons from the subsea well to the manifold via the jumper line.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of connecting two subsea devices comprising: providing a first subsea device; providing a second subsea device; providing a jumper line, wherein the jumper line comprises a first end section and a second end section and does not comprise a valley; connecting the first end section of the jumper line to the first subsea device; and connecting the second end section of the jumper line to the second subsea device.
[0010] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] So that the above recited features and advantages of the disclosure may be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of a typical M-shaped jumper line geometry.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of a jumper line geometry in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B are top and side view illustrations of a jumper line geometry in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present disclosure relates generally to jumper line configurations. More specifically, in certain embodiments the present disclosure relates jumper line configurations for hydrate inhibition and associated methods.
[0016] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatuses, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional jumper line configuration 100 . As can be seen in FIG. 1 , conventional jumper line configuration 100 may comprise a first subsea device 110 , a second subsea device 120 , and a jumper line 130 . Jumper line 130 may comprise one or more straight sections 131 , one or more elbows 132 , one or more peaks 133 , one or more valleys 134 , and one or more end sections 135 . In certain embodiments, the one or more peaks 133 are comprised of one or more elbows 132 . In certain embodiments, the one or more peaks 133 define the one or more valleys 133 .
[0018] In this conventional configuration, the valleys 134 and elbows 132 may provide flexibility to the jumper line. However, during shut ins, liquids may settle and segregate in the valleys 134 , as well as end sections 135 , of the jumper lines 130 thus increasing the risk of hydrates forming in the valleys 134 during shut in-restart cycles.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides jumper line configurations that aid in the prevention of hydrate blockages. Examples of such jumper line configurations are illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A and 3B .
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 illustrates jumper line configuration 200 . As can be seen in FIG. 2 , jumper line configuration 200 may comprise a first subsea device 210 , a second subsea device, and a jumper line 230 .
[0021] In certain embodiments, first subsea device 210 and second subsea device 220 can comprise any type subsea equipment. Examples of suitable subsea devices include subsea Christmas trees, well heads, and manifolds. In certain embodiments, first subsea device 210 may comprise a well head. In certain embodiments, second subsea device 210 may comprise a manifold.
[0022] Jumper line 230 may be constructed out of any material suitable for use as a jumper line. Examples of suitable materials include carbon steel, allows of titanium and chrome, flexible pipes, or composite materials.
[0023] Jumper line 230 may comprise one or more straight sections 231 , one or more elbows 232 , peak 233 , and one or more end sections 235 . In certain embodiments, the one or more straight sections 231 may be horizontal or vertical along a primary axis. In certain embodiments, the primary axis is defined as the horizontal line that is in line with the overall flow of hydrocarbons from first subsea device 210 to second subsea device 220 . In certain embodiments, the one or more straight sections 231 may be inclined from 0 degrees to 90 degrees from the primary axis. In certain embodiments, the one or more straight sections 231 may be straight along the primary axis while incorporating a number of straight sections and elbows along a perpendicular axis. In certain embodiments, peak 233 is comprised of the one or more elbows 232 . In certain embodiments, the one or more elbows 232 may comprise one or more connectors. Unlike jumper line configuration 100 of FIG. 1 , jumper line configuration 200 does not comprise a valley defined by one or more peaks 233 . Rather, in certain embodiments, the maximum elevation of jumper line configuration 200 occurs at peak 233 , and no local maximum elevation occurs on either side of peak 233 .
[0024] In certain embodiments, jumper line 230 may further comprise one or more injection ports 236 wherein a hydrate inhibitor may be injected into the jumper line 230 . In certain embodiments, the one or more injection ports 236 may be disposed on the one or more end sections 235 .
[0025] In certain embodiments, jumper line 230 may further comprises one or more valves 237 that allow the end sections of jumper line 230 to be drained or provide means to move gas from the first subsea device 210 to the second subsea device 220 . In certain embodiments, the one or more valves 237 may be disposed on the one or more end sections 235 above the one or more injection ports 236 . In other embodiments, the one or more valves 237 may be disposed on the one or more ends sections 235 below the one or more injection ports 236 . In certain embodiments, the one or more valves 237 may be tree valves.
[0026] In certain embodiments, during shut ins, gas may segregate into the one or more peaks 233 of the jumper lines 230 and water may segregate into the one or more end sections 235 of jumper lines 230 . The one or more valves 237 may be manipulated to drain the water from the one or more end sections 235 , thus lowering the risk of forming hydrates when the lines are restarted.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of jumper line configuration 300 and FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of jumper line configuration 300 . As can be seen in FIG. 3A , jumper line configuration 300 may comprise a first subsea device 310 , a second subsea device 320 , and a jumper line 330 . Jumper line 330 may comprise straight section 331 , one or more elbows 332 , peak 333 , and one or more end section 335 . Jumper line 330 may further comprise one or more injection ports 336 and one or more valves 337 .
[0028] In certain embodiments, straight section 331 may be inclined with respect to the primary axis. In FIG. 3 , peak 333 is comprised of a single elbow 332 . Similar to jumper line configuration 200 , jumper line configuration 300 does not comprise a valley defined by one or more peaks 333 . Rather, in certain embodiments, the maximum elevation of jumper line configuration 300 occurs at peak 333 , and no local maximum elevation occurs on either side of peak 333 . However, as shown in FIG. 3B , jumper line 330 may comprise one or more secondary elbows 338 . The one or more secondary elbows 338 may be arranged in a configuration that does not result in the formation of a valley in jumper line 330 along the primary axis. For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more secondary elbows 338 may be in an axis perpendicular to the primary axis and produce one or more bends 339 in jumper line 330 in the same plane as the flow within the jumper line 330 . In certain embodiments, the one or more secondary elbows 338 may provide flexibility to the jumper line configuration 300 .
[0029] The jumper line configuration discussed herein may have several advantages. One advantage is that the jumper line configurations discussed herein are able to provide bends without having valleys, thus increasing the flexibly while limiting the formation of hydrates. Another advantage is that using the jumper line geometry discussed herein, gas may segregate into the higher part so of the jumper line and water may segregate in the low sections, thus allowing water to be drained during shut ins.
[0030] While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.
[0031] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. | A jumper line system comprising: a first subsea device; a second subsea device; and a jumper line providing fluid communication between the first subsea device and the second subsea device, wherein the jumper line does not comprise a valley. |
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to European patent application No. 05075058.7, filed 11 Jan. 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a holder for a vane of a vertical venetian blind assembly used, for instance, for covering an architectural opening, such as a window or door.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vertical venetian blinds have generally been provided with horizontally-extending head rails, holding a plurality of carrier or travellers that can be moved in spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal length of each head rail. Each carrier has typically supported a vertically-extending louver, slat or vane by a vane holder in such a manner that the user of the vertical blind can move the vane along the length of the head rail (e.g. by pulling on a first operating cord or pull cord) and also can rotate or tilt the vane about its vertical axis (e.g. by pulling on a second operating cord or tilt cord). For this purpose, each carrier has typically included a main body with a vertically oriented drive hub or worm wheel, which is drivingly connected to a worm gear. The bottom of each drive hub has supported a depending vane holder, adapted to hold securely the top of a vane. A horizontally-extending tilt rod or drive shaft has been provided in the head rail, extending through the carriers and engaging their worm gears, whereby rotation of the tilt rod about its longitudinal axis has caused the drive hubs of the carriers to rotate about their vertical axes so as to make the vane holders and the attached vanes tilt together.
A problem in mounting a vertical venetian blind in a slanted or sloped architectural opening is that, for each slope angle, different vane holders are required. Specifically, a suitable length has to be chosen for each related slope under which the blind is mounted, since the length of the vane holder influences the space the vane of the blind has for rotating and thus tilting. The steeper the slope, the longer the vane holder has to be. When the vane holder is too short, the upper marginal portion of the vane hits the head rail when rotated. When the vane holder is too long, it negatively influences the look of the blind, because light will leak into the room even when the blind is closed. Generally, a blind manufacturer will offer a limited number of different length vane holders. For slopes that are not covered in the assortment of vane holders, a compromise can be made by using a vane holder of a length that comes closest to the ideal one. So in practice, vane holders of a specific length will be used for a range of slope angles. This is not ideal and will lower the quality of the product. The same problem occurs with blinds that are to be mounted in arched or curved architectural openings.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,456 solves a different problem, based on a difficulty that can be encountered when mounting a vertical blind assembly adjacent an architectural opening. In particular, where the vanes of the vertical blind assembly are of a particular length, it is necessary that the head rail is positioned and mounted accurately relative to the architectural opening. If the head rail is mounted too high or too low, it becomes necessary to remount it, possibly causing undesirable damage to the architectural opening surrounding. As a solution to this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,456 proposes a vane holder having an adjustable length. The vane holder has a vane clasp and a clasp holder, the vane clasp having a first end, to which the vane of the blind is attached, and a second end which can be attached to the clasp holder. The holder, in turn, can be attached to a carrier of a vertical blind. The second end of the clasp has ratchet grooves, each of which can co-operate with a single locking tooth in the holder, such that a resilient ratchet-type mechanism is created. The clasp can be moved resiliently between engaging consecutively one of the securing points or ratchet grooves to the locking tooth in the holder so as to vary the height of the vane.
The length adjustable vane holders of U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,456 could theoretically solve the problem of for sloped vertical blinds. Unfortunately, this is not the case since such holders were originally designed only for correcting small inconvenient differences in length. Also a drawback of the adjustable ratchet of such holders is that it is difficult to control their adjustment. In order to overcome the connection between the operably engaged ratchet parts of these holders, one generally has to pull on them, but it is not uncommon that too much force is used and thereby the desired length of the holders is exceeded. This is because the correct amount of force is difficult to control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to provide an adjustable length holder that can support a vane from a carrier of a vertical blind assembly and that can be more easily and reliably adjusted, the holder of this invention comprises:
a length adjustable mounting extending from a top end connectable to the carrier to a bottom end connectable to a hook member for suspending the vane, the length adjustable mounting comprising a first part and a second part which are operably interconnected to allow displacement of the two parts upwardly or downwardly relative to each other, by which the vertical length of the vane holder between the top end and the bottom end can be adjusted, the first and second parts being rotatably interconnected such that the rotation of one of the first or second parts relative to the other of the first or second parts results in the adjustment of the vertical length of the vane holder.
Advantageously, the first part comprises one of a threaded spindle element or a spindle nut and the second part comprises the other of a threaded spindle element or a spindle nut and wherein the spindle thread and the nut thread are rotatably interconnected. It is especially advantageous that the threaded spindle comprises an elongated body with an outer surface having a screw thread and wherein the spindle nut comprises a nut body with an inner surface having a screw thread.
Also advantageously, the bottom end of the vane holder is rotatable relative to the top end of the vane holder. It is especially advantageous that: the first part comprises a threaded spindle element forming the top end of the holder and the second part comprises a spindle nut forming the bottom end of the vane holder and wherein the threaded spindle element and spindle nut are rotatably interconnected and rotation of the spindle nut causes the nut and the bottom end of the vane holder to move vertically; or the first part comprises a spindle nut which forms the top end of the vane holder and wherein the second part comprises a threaded spindle element which forms the bottom end of the vane holder and wherein the threaded spindle element and the spindle nut are rotatably interconnected and rotation of the spindle nut causes the threaded spindle element and the bottom end of the vane holder to move in a vertical direction towards or away from the top end of the vane holder.
Advantageously, a locking arrangement is provided between the top end and the bottom end of the vane holder which, in a locked position, prevents inadvertent rotation of the bottom end relative to the top end. It is especially advantageous that the locking arrangement comprises a vertically extending groove in the thread of the spindle element and a locking pin that is on the inner surface of the spindle nut and that can cooperate with the groove such that at one point in every 360 degree rotation of the bottom end relative to the top end, the locking pin lodges in the groove to lock the spindle element and spindle nut.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical blind assembly including a vane holder of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the vane holder of the invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the vane holder of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the vane holder of the invention, attached to a carrier;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the vane holder of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the vane holder of the invention; and
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the vane holder of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a vertical blind assembly 1 which includes a plurality of vertical vanes or louvers 3 suspended from a generally longitudinally-extending head rail 5 that is mounted at an upward slope or angle (from left to right in FIG. 1 ). The vanes 3 may be conventional metal, plastic or fabric slats, each having an upper marginal portion 7 securely suspended vertically from a holder 15 . Each holder is attached to a conventional carrier or traveller (not shown) that extends downwardly for, is carried by, and can be moved longitudinally along, the head rail 5 .
As shown in FIG. 1 , the head rail 5 may also be provided with a conventional pull cord 9 for moving a plurality of the carriers along the head rail and a conventional bead chain 11 which serves as a tilt cord for rotating a grooved tilt rod (not shown) of the head rail 5 so as to tilt the vanes 3 .
FIG. 2 shows the vane holder 15 with a carrier 13 , which can be carried by the head rail 5 . The vane holder 15 has a top end 15 A that is connectable to the carrier, a bottom end 15 B which carries a hook member 17 , and a length adjustable mounting 19 which provides the possibility of changing the vertical length of the vane holder between the top end 15 A and the bottom end 15 B. The length adjustable mounting 19 includes a top or first part 21 forming the top end 15 A of the holder 15 for attachment to the carrier 13 and a bottom or second part 23 forming the bottom end 15 B of the holder 15 for carrying a hook member 17 . The first part 21 has a threaded spindle element 25 , and the second part 23 has a threaded spindle nut 51 carrying the hook member 17 , so that the two parts can be displaced vertically relative to one another.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the first part 21 of the length adjustable mounting 19 , which includes the threaded spindle element 25 , includes an elongated body 27 with a top base 29 a bottom base 31 and a threaded outer surface 33 . The threaded outer surface 33 has a circumferential screw-thread 35 of multiple windings 37 . Extending from the top base 29 vertically down to the bottom base 31 of the outer surface 33 is a groove 39 . The groove cuts through the windings 37 of the thread 35 and is part of a locking arrangement 75 which is explained further below. Extending upward from the top base 29 is a connector 41 for attachment to the carrier 13 ; for sloped blinds, the attachment of the vane holder 15 to the carrier 13 is preferably by a conventional intermediate gimbals mounting (not shown).
The second part 23 of the length adjustable mounting 19 , which includes the spindle nut 51 , is suitable for carrying the hook member 17 . The spindle nut 51 has an elongated body 53 with a top base 55 , a bottom base 57 and a threaded inner surface 59 (not visible). The threaded inner surface 59 has a circumferential screw-thread 61 (not shown) of multiple windings 63 (not shown).
As also shown in the FIG. 2 , the spindle nut 51 is vertically at least as long as, and preferably longer than, the threaded outer surface 33 of the spindle element 25 . The vertical lengths of the nut 51 and the spindle element 25 determine the maximum possible vertical length of the vane holder 15 which is reached when the top base 55 of the nut 51 is at the bottom base 31 of the spindle element 25 . Means for preventing the disengagement of the parts 21 , 23 at this point can be provided, such as by closing the last thread winding on the bottom base 31 of the spindle thread 35 or the last thread winding on the top base 55 of the nut thread 61 or both.
In accordance with the invention, the spindle element 25 and the nut 51 are operably interconnected in that the nut 51 is rotatably placed about spindle element 25 and the nut thread 61 co-operates with the spindle thread 35 . In use rotation of the nut relative to the spindle results in a vertical displacement of the bottom end 15 B and the hook member 17 it carries either towards or away from the top end 15 A of the vane holder, depending on the type i.e. left or right handed screw-threads that are chosen. At the same time rotation of the nut 51 will also rotate the hook member 17 and change its orientation relative to the threaded spindle 21 , relative to the top of the vane holder 15 A and when the vane holder 15 is installed in a blind also relative to the carrier 13 . Thus in practice when the desired length of the vane holder is determined and even when the vane holder is assembled into a vertical venetian blind, only rotations of integers of 360 degrees can than be used to adjust the vertical position of the hook member. Rotations of less then 360 degrees would be unacceptable since they would change the angle of the hook member relative to the top end of the vane holder, while a change of the angle of the hook member should only be a direct result of the normal tilting action and only relative to the carrier to which the vane holder is attached. The length resulting from the adjustment per 360 degree turn, depends on the pitch of the thread of the spindle and nut. The length of the vane holder 15 and the vertical position of the hook member 17 relative to the top end 15 A of the vane holder 15 can thus be adjusted.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment 115 of the adjustable length holder of the invention which is similar to the holder 15 of FIGS. 1-2 and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
The vane holder 115 has a top end 115 A that is connectable to the carrier, a bottom end 115 B which carries a hook member 117 , and a length adjustable mounting 119 which provides the possibility of changing the length of the vane holder between the top 115 A and the bottom 115 B. The length adjustable mounting 119 of the second embodiment also comprises two-parts including a first part 121 having a top 115 A for attachment to the carrier and a second part 123 having the bottom 115 B for carrying a hook member 117 . The first and second parts 1211 , 123 can be displaced vertically relative to each other.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the first part 121 has a spindle nut 151 which includes an elongated nut body 153 with the top nut base 155 , the bottom nut base 157 and a the nut thread 161 on the inner surface 159 (not shown). The nut thread 161 comprises multiple windings 163 (not shown). Extending upward from the top nut base 155 is a connector 141 for attachment to the carrier 113 (not shown); for sloped blinds preferably attachment to the carrier 113 is preferably realized by an intermediate gimbals mounting (not shown).
The second part 123 includes a threaded spindle element 125 and carries a hook member 117 . The threaded spindle element 125 comprises an elongated body 127 with a top base 129 a bottom base 131 and a threaded outer surface 133 . The threaded outer surface 133 comprises a circumferential screw-thread 135 of multiple windings 137 . Extending from the top base 129 vertically down to the bottom base 131 of the outer surface is a groove 139 . The groove cuts through the windings 137 of the thread 135 , and is part of a locking arrangement 175 between the spindle and the nut of the adjustable mounting 119 which is explained further below. The spindle thread 135 is of course chosen to co-operate with the nut thread 161 .
As also shown in the FIG. 3 , the spindle nut 151 is vertically, at least as long as, and preferably longer than, a threaded outer surface 133 of the spindle element 125 . The length of the nut 151 and the spindle element 125 determine the maximum possible length of the vane holder 115 which is reached when the bottom or free base 167 of the nut 151 is at the base 129 of the spindle element 125 . Means for preventing the disengagement at this point can be added such as closing the last thread winding on the top base 131 of the spindle thread 135 or the last thread winding on the free base 167 of the nut thread 161 or both.
In use, the first part 121 which includes the nut 151 , and the second part 123 which includes the spindle element 125 are operably interconnected in that the spindle element 125 is rotatably placed within the nut 151 . Rotation of the spindle element 125 relative to the nut 151 results in a vertical displacement of the bottom 115 B and the hook member 117 it carries either towards or away from the top 115 A of the vane holder. At the same time rotation of the spindle element 125 will also rotate the hook member 117 and change its orientation relative to the threaded nut 151 , the top of the vane holder 115 A and the carrier 113 . Thus, as in the first embodiment, in practice when realizing the desired length for the vane holder 115 and or adjusting it even when the vane holder 115 is assembled into a vertical venetian blind, integers of 360 degree rotations can than be used to adjust the vertical position of the hook member.
In the vane holders 15 and 115 of FIGS. 1-3 , a locking arrangement 75 , 175 is provided to ensure that during normal tilting action each vane holder 15 , 115 rotates as a single unit, and thus prevents the threaded parts 25 , 51 , 125 , 151 of the adjustable mountings 19 , 119 from inadvertently rotating relative to each other during the normal tilting action, which could result in an undesired vertical displacement of the hook member 17 , 117 as well as an undesired radial lagging behind the desired tilt. The locking arrangement is provided between the threaded spindle element 25 , 125 and the nut 51 , 151 to prevent this undesired displacement and ensures rotation of the vane holder 15 , 115 during normal tilting as single body. The locking arrangement 75 , 175 comprises the vertically extending groove 39 , 139 in the thread 35 , 135 of the threaded spindle element 25 , 125 , and a lock pin 65 , 165 (not shown) on the inner surface 59 , 159 of the threaded nut 51 , 151 at a free base 67 , 167 of the nut body 53 , 153 . The free base 67 , 167 is the top nut base 55 in the first embodiment and the bottom nut base 157 in the second embodiment. The lock pin 65 , 165 (not visible) provides a locking action in the groove 39 , 139 such that during normal tilting the vane holder 15 , 115 acts as a single body.
For initially choosing and adjusting to the desired length of the vane holder 15 , 115 or for adjusting the length later, relative easy un-locking of the lock pin 65 , 165 from the groove 39 , 139 is realized by the lock pin being positioned on a relative flexible leg 69 , 169 of the nut body 53 , 153 . The leg portion 69 , 169 is realized between two parallel, adjacent slits 71 , 73 ; 171 , 173 in the nut body 53 , 153 . When the hook member 17 , 117 is rotated relative to top 15 A, 15 A of the vane holder 15 , 115 , the flexible leg portions 69 , 169 of the nut 51 , 151 flexes outward and the latch pin 65 , 165 disengages from the groove 39 , 139 of the spindle element 25 , 125 .
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a preferred, third embodiment 215 of the adjustable length holder of the invention which is similar to the holder 15 of FIGS. 1-2 and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 200) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
The vane holder 215 can be vertically adjusted between the top and bottom ends 215 A, 215 B without affecting the radial orientation of the bottom end 215 B and hook member 217 relative to the top end 215 A. Thus, this arrangement allows length adjustment by rotational movement of the second part 223 of the length adjustable 219 mounting relative to the first part 221 by less than 360 degree turns. This means that a more precise length adjustment can be realized.
FIG. 4 shows a carrier 213 with the vane holder 215 . The connection of the vane holder 215 to the carrier 213 can be of any desired arrangement for suspending the vane holder. FIG. 4 shows a preferred gimbals mounting 216 for connecting the vane holder to the carrier in a sloped blind.
The vane holder 215 has a top end 215 A that is connectable to the carrier 213 , a bottom end 215 B which is suitable for connection to a hook member 217 , and a length adjustable mounting 219 which provides the possibility of changing the vertical length of the vane holder between the top 215 A and the bottom 215 B. The length adjustable mounting 219 includes a top or first part 221 comprising the top 215 A for attachment to the carrier 213 and a bottom or second part 223 comprising the bottom 215 B for connection to the hook member 217 , and these parts can be displaced relative to each other.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the top part 221 of the length adjustable mounting 219 has a threaded spindle element 225 and the bottom part 223 comprises a threaded spindle nut 251 carrying the hook member 217 . The spindle element 225 and the nut 251 are operably interconnected in that the nut 251 is rotatably placed about spindle element 225 . The top part 221 , which has the threaded spindle element 225 , includes an elongated body 227 with a top base 229 , a bottom base 231 and a threaded outer surface 233 . The body 227 further has a plurality of outwardly extending wings 277 . The wings extend radially outwards from the vertical axis of the body 227 and are part of a locking arrangement 275 . Each of the radial or locking wings 277 ends in an outer surface 277 A. The outer surfaces 277 A of the wings 277 together shape the circumferential, discontinuous outer surface 233 of the spindle element 225 and comprise the spindle thread 235 . The spindle thread 235 has multiple windings 237 .
The bottom part 223 has the spindle nut 251 and a nut holder 391 , and the nut 251 is rotatably mounted on a nut holder 291 , which in turn carries the hook member 217 . The spindle nut 251 comprises an elongated body 253 with a top base 255 a bottom base 257 and a threaded inner surface 259 . The threaded inner surface 259 comprises a circumferential screw-thread 261 of multiple windings 263 .
The nut holder 291 comprises a bottom base 287 and at least one locking arm 285 . The bottom base 287 coincides with the bottom end 215 B of the vane holder. The bottom base 287 comprises a circumferential channel portion 283 and the at least one locking arms 285 extends vertically upwardly from the bottom base 287 . When there are more than one locking arms, they are parallel and spaced apart on the bottom base 287 . The channel portion 283 is a circumferential waist like portion. The nut holder bottom base 287 extends outwardly in circumferential direction beyond the channel portion 283 both above and below it. The at least one locking arm 285 thus extends upwardly from above the channel portion 283 . The locking arms 285 each have an outer surface 285 A which together form a circumferential, discontinuous outer surface 297 of the nut holder 291 which is smooth and not threaded. The threaded nut 251 is mounted about the locking arms 285 of the nut holder 291 , and is rotatable about the circumferential, discontinuous outer surface 297 of the nut holder 291 . The at least one locking arm 285 of the nut holder 291 is part of a locking arrangement 275 which prevents rotation of bottom end 215 B of the vane holder and of the hook member 217 it carriers relative to the top end 215 A of the vane holder. The locking arrangement 275 is described further below.
The nut 251 of the third embodiment further comprises at the bottom nut base 257 of the cylindrical nut body 255 , at least one radially inwardly projecting flange portion or foot 279 for attachment to and rotatable co-operation with the circumferential channel portion 283 on bottom base 287 of the nut holder 291 . The bottom nut base 257 of the cylindrical nut body 255 can additionally be provided with a number of slits, dividing the body into a plurality of lower legs 281 , each including one of the inwardly projecting feet 279 , that can flex slightly in and out for assembly to the circumferential channel portion 283 on the nut holder bottom base 291 . Since as described above the hook member 271 is carried by the nut holder bottom base 287 , which coincides with the bottom end 215 B of the vane holder, the nut 251 when assembled to the nut holder 291 carries the hook member 217 while being rotatable relative to the hook member 217 . As in the previous embodiments the nut thread 261 is of course chosen to co-operate with the spindle thread 235 .
The locking arrangement 275 comprises the at least one locking arm 285 on the nut holder 291 in slidable co-operation with the at least one locking wing 277 of the threaded spindle 223 . Adjacent radial wings 277 of the spindle body 227 are at angles to each other, such that between each pair of adjacent radial wings one locking arm 285 can be slidingly accommodated. The locking arm 285 of the locking arrangement 275 does not project radially beyond the outer radial wing surfaces 277 A or outer spindle surface 233 of the spindle element 225 and does not hinder rotation of nut 251 relative to the spindle element 225 . This arrangement of the co-operating locking arms with the wings prevents the rotation of the bottom end 215 B relative to the top end 215 A of the vane holder 215 and ensures that the vane holder 215 once assembled into a vertical venetian blind acts as a single element during operation of the blind.
In the third embodiment of the vane holder 215 there are four locking wings 277 on the spindle body 227 and four locking arms 285 on the nut holder 291 . The arms are spaced apart along in a general circular manner. The locking arms 285 are preferably of the same length as the nut 251 to ensure operation of the locking arrangement in any length of the vane holder 215 . If the locking arms where shorter than the nut 251 they could at a certain length of the vane holder be disengaged from the locking wings 277 of the spindle element 225 rendering the locking arrangement inoperable.
As shown in the FIGS. 4 and 5 , the spindle nut 251 is at least as long as or longer than the threaded outer surface 233 of the spindle element 225 . The length of the nut 251 and the spindle element 225 determine the maximum possible length of the vane holder 215 which is reached when the top or free base 255 , 267 of the nut 251 is at the bottom base 231 of the spindle element 225 . Means for preventing the disengagement at this point can be added, preferred it to close the last thread winding 263 (not visible) at the free base 267 of the nut 251 .
When assembled, the adjustable mounting 219 comprises as top part 221 the threaded spindle element 225 and as bottom part 223 the nut 251 and the nut holder 291 . The hook member 217 is carried by the nut holder 391 as part of the bottom part 223 of the adjustable mounting 219 . The spindle nut 251 is rotatably mounted relative to the hook member 217 by the inwardly projecting flange 279 to the channel portion 283 on the nut holder 291 and relative to the threaded spindle element 225 by the connection between the nut thread and the spindle thread. The locking arrangement 275 between the hook member 217 and the spindle element 225 , including at least one locking arm 285 of the nut holder 391 in sliding co-operation and between two adjacent locking wings 277 of the spindle element 225 , ensures that the vane holder 215 rotates as a single element when it is mounted in a vertical blind assembly and during normal tilting of the vanes of the vertical blind assembly. The spindle nut 251 is rotatably placed about the outer surface of the spindle element 225 , and at the same time about the locking arms 285 .
In use, when the length of the vane holder 215 is chosen and set or needs to be adjusted, the nut 251 is rotated in clockwise or counter clockwise direction. This clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the nut 251 translates into an upward or downward movement of the nut 251 relative to the spindle 223 depending on the sort of thread that is used. The upward or downward movement of the nut 251 directly causes an identical vertical movement of the hook member 217 because of the connection of nut 251 by the inwardly projecting flange 279 to the channel portion 283 on the nut holder 291 . Thus by rotation of the nut 251 the length of vane holder 215 between the top 215 A and the bottom 215 B reduces or increases, and the vertical position of the hook member 217 relative the top 215 A of the vane holder 215 is changed. The radial orientation of hook member 217 relative to the top 215 A of the vane holder remains unchanged due to rotational connection between the nut 251 and the hook member 217 and the due to locking arrangement 275 which prevents rotation of the hook member 217 relative to the spindle element 225 .
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a preferred, fourth embodiment 315 of the adjustable length holder of the invention which is similar to the holder 15 of FIGS. 1-2 and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 300) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. The vertical length of the vane holder 315 can be adjusted between the top and bottom 315 A, 315 B without effecting the radial orientation of the hook member 317 .
The vane holder 315 has a top end 315 A that is connectable to a carrier (not shown), a bottom end 315 B which is suitable for connection to a hook member 317 , and a length adjustable mounting 319 which provides the possibility of changing the vertical length of the vane holder between the top 315 A and the bottom 315 B. The length adjustable mounting 319 includes a top or first part 321 comprising the top end 315 A of the vane holder 315 for attachment to a carrier and a bottom or second part 323 comprising the bottom end 315 B of the vane holder 315 for connection to the hook member 317 , and the two-parts can be displaced relative to each other.
The top part 321 has a spindle nut 351 , and the bottom part 323 has a threaded spindle element 325 carrying the hook member 317 . The spindle element 325 and the nut 351 are operably interconnected in that the nut 351 is rotatably placed about spindle element 325 . The top part 321 also has a nut holder 391 on which the nut 351 is rotatably mounted. The nut holder 391 includes a top base 393 , one or more parallel and spaced apart vertically locking arms 385 extending vertically downwardly from the top base 393 and ending in a bottom base 395 . The nut holder 391 and the locking arms 385 are part of a locking arrangement 375 which prevents rotation of the bottom end 315 B of the vane holder and of the hook member 317 relative to the top end 315 A of the vane holder. The locking arms 385 each have an outer surface 385 A which together form a circumferential, discontinuous outer surface 397 of the nut holder 391 which is smooth and not threaded. The threaded nut 351 is mounted about the locking arms 385 of the nut holder 391 , and is rotatable about the circumferential, discontinuous outer surface 397 of the nut holder 391 . The bottom base 395 of each locking arms 385 has outwardly flared edges preventing the nut 351 from detaching from the nut holder. Extending upwardly from the top base 393 of nut holder 391 is a connector 341 for connection of the vane holder 315 to a carrier.
The nut 351 includes a cylindrical nut body 353 which is shorter in length then the spindle element 325 and having an outer surface 354 and an inner surface 359 . The inner nut surface 359 comprises a screw thread 361 of multiple windings 365 . The nut body 353 can be cylindrical with a smooth or knurled outer nut surface 352 or it can be hexagonal.
The bottom part 323 of the length adjustable mounting 319 has the threaded spindle element 325 and is suited for carrying the hook member 317 . The threaded spindle 323 includes an elongated body 327 with a bottom base 331 which carries the hook member 317 . The spindle body 327 is in the shape of two parallel vertically locking wings 377 extending upwardly from bottom spindle base 331 . Each spindle locking wing 377 having with a top base 329 and a threaded outer surface 377 A. The threaded outer surfaces 377 A of both wings 377 together form a circumferential but discontinuous outer surface 333 of the spindle, with a circumferential but discontinuous spindle thread 335 of multiple windings 337 .
The locking arrangement 375 has at least one locking wing 377 on the hook member 317 that is in slidable co-operation with at least one locking arm 385 of the nut holder 391 . Adjacent locking wings 377 of the spindle element 325 are at angles to each other, such that between the adjacent locking wings 377 one locking arm 385 can be slidingly accommodated. The locking wings 377 of the locking arrangement 375 project radially beyond the outer radial arm surfaces 385 A of the nut holder 391 and its outer threaded surface 333 provides a suitable connection with the inner threaded surface 359 of the nut 351 . The at least one locking wing 377 is fixedly connected to the hook member 317 . It extends from a top hook base 387 of the hook member 317 . In the fourth embodiment of the vane holder 315 there are two locking arms 385 on the nut holder 391 and two locking wings 377 on the hook member 217 .
The cross-sectional shapes of both the locking wings 377 and the locking arms 385 and their relative positions on the top hook base 387 and the top nut holder base 393 are chosen to allow a slidable interaction between the nut holder 391 and the spindle element 325 . As can be best seen in FIG. 7 , the locking wings 377 of the spindle element 325 and the locking arms 385 of the nut holder 391 have a general pie-point shaped cross-section. The wings and arms having a outer curved wall 377 A, 385 A and left and right inner walls 377 B, 377 C, 385 B, 385 C projecting radially inwards. The locking wings 377 are placed relative to each other at certain angles, such that between the two wings 377 between opposite inner walls 377 B, 377 C one of the locking arms 385 can be accommodated. This arrangement of the co-operating locking arms with the wings prevents the rotation of the bottom end 315 B relative to the top end 315 A of the vane holder 315 and also ensures that the vane holder 315 once assembled into a vertical venetian blind acts as a single element during operation of the blind.
The locking arms 385 of the nut holder 391 do not project radially beyond the outer circumferential threaded surface 333 of the locking wings 377 of the spindle 323 . Ensuring that the inner threaded surface 359 of the nut 351 comprising the nut thread 361 can co-operate with the outer radial threaded surfaces 333 of the spindle 323 . As is partly visible in FIG. 7 , the inner nut thread 361 comprises a plurality of windings 363 .
When assembled, the adjustable mounting 319 comprises as top part 321 the threaded nut 351 and the nut holder 391 and as bottom part 323 the threaded spindle element 325 . The hook member 317 is carried by the bottom part 323 , the threaded spindle element 325 of the adjustable mounting 319 . The spindle nut 351 is rotatably mounted relative to both the nut holder 391 and to the threaded spindle element 325 . The locking arrangement 375 between the hook member 317 and the nut holder 391 , including the locking arms 385 of the spindle 325 in sliding co-operation with the locking wings 377 of the nut holder 391 , prevents rotation of the bottom end 315 B and of the hook member 317 relative to the tope end 315 A of the vane holder. The spindle nut 351 is rotatably placed about the outer surface of the spindle element 325 , and at the same time about the locking wings 377 of the nut holder 391 .
As shown in the FIGS. 6 and 7 , the spindle nut 351 has a short ring like nut body 353 , and the nut holder 391 is at least as long as or longer than threaded outer surface 233 of the spindle element 325 . In stead of the nut 351 , in this embodiment the length of the nut holder 391 and the length of the spindle element 325 determine the maximum possible length of the vane holder 315 . The maximum length is reached when the top base 329 of the spindle element 325 is moved to the bottom base 357 of the nut 351 . In this respect the position of the nut 351 nearest the bottom portion 395 on the nut holder 391 is also determinative for the maximum length of the vane holder 315 . Means for preventing the disengagement of the spindle element 325 from the nut 351 can be to close the last thread winding 363 (not visible) at the bottom base 357 of the nut 351 or the last thread winding 337 at the top base 329 of the spindle element 325 .
In use, when the length of the vane holder 315 is chosen and initially set or when it needs to be adjusted, the nut 351 is rotated in clockwise or counter clockwise direction. This clockwise or counter clockwise rotation of the nut 351 translates into an upward or downward movement of the spindle element 325 and associated hook member 317 depending on whether a right or left handed the thread is used. Thus by rotation of the nut 351 the length of vane holder 315 between the top 315 A and the bottom 315 B reduces or increases, and the vertical position of the hook member 317 relative the top 315 A of the vane holder 315 is also changed. The locking arrangement 375 ensures that radial orientation of hook member 317 relative to the top 315 A of the vane holder remains unchanged during adjustment of the length of the vane holder as well as during operation of the blind when it is assembled to a blind.
Additionally, to prevent inadvertent vertical sliding displacement of the nut 351 along the nut holder 391 , protrusions 399 are placed on the outer surface of the locking wings 377 of the nut holder 391 . The protrusions 399 and the bottom flanges 395 of the nut holder 391 confine the nut 351 to its vertical position on the nut holder. Alternatively, the nut 351 can comprise an inner screw thread comprising a single winding instead of a plurality of windings.
All the vane holders 15 , 115 , 215 , 315 include an additional locking arrangement for ensuring that the vane holder will act as a single body during normal tilting operation of the vanes in a blind. The locking arrangement either preventing inadvertent rotation during tilting, or preventing all rotation between the top end and the bottom end of the vane holder. However, other solutions to ensure that the vane holder will act as a single element during tilting are also possible. Such solutions include the choice of a nut thread and a spindle thread that allow relative rotation only by exerting a relative large rotational force on one or both of the parts, e.g. by ensuring a relative high friction between the threads. The force needed for rotation should be significantly larger than the force that would be caused by the normal tilting action. The length of a vane holder of such an embodiment could preferably only be set before assembly into a blind, i.e. during assembly of the various elements of the vane holder. Later length adjustment would be possible but less easily realized and could require dismounting the vane holder from the blind.
Alternatively during assembly of the various elements of the vane holder, the desired length could be set and fixated. The fixation can e.g. be realized by adhesive. The advantage of an easily set length is still there, less parts are still needed because any desired length can be produced by the top and bottom parts of the vane holder elements that are in stock. But once the length is set for a blind that will be mounted under a specific slope, it cannot be adjusted later.
This invention is, of course, not limited to the above-described embodiments which may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its advantages. In this regard, the terms in the foregoing description and the following claims, such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “inward”, “outward”, “longitudinal” and “lateral”, have been used only as relative terms to describe the relationships of the various elements of the spindle-type adjustable length vane holder of the invention. For example, when the vane holder is being assembled or when it is sold as a separate part of a vertical venetian blind, it can be in a generally horizontal position, and the holder in such a position would be within the scope of this invention. Also, the hook member 17 , 117 , 217 , 317 can either be integrally formed with the bottom end 15 B, 115 B, 215 B, 315 B of the vane holder 15 , 115 , 215 , 315 or it can be connected thereto by any suitable means. The type of hook member is also not critical, so long as it is suited for carrying a vane. | A vertically adjustable holder for interconnecting a carrier in a control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening and a suspended vane includes two component parts which are rotatably adjustable relative to each other to increase or decrease the length of the holder and thus the spacing between the carrier and the suspended vane. |
"You are an expert at summarizing long articles. Proceed to summarize the following text: \nBACKGROU(...TRUNCATED) | "A system and method of providing a wheelchair accessible path through a variety of impact attenuati(...TRUNCATED) |
"You are an expert at summarizing long articles. Proceed to summarize the following text: \nFIELD OF(...TRUNCATED) | "Discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate one(...TRUNCATED) |
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