APPARATUS FOR BLOCKING FLUID SPILL AND FLOODING THROUGH WALL DAMAGE

Abstract

An apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage includes a first blocking unit including an anchor configured to be inserted through a wall damage of a liquid tank or a ship and to be deployed on an opposite side of the wall damage, a support unit formed in a rod shape including a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to support the anchor at the first end portion, the support unit including an anchor deploying unit configured, when the anchor is inserted through the wall damage, to deploy the anchor, and a second blocking unit provided at the second end portion of the support unit in a slidable manner along the support unit.

Claims

1. An apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, the apparatus comprising: a first blocking unit including an anchor configured to be inserted through a wall damage of a liquid tank or a ship and to be deployed on an opposite side of the wall damage; a support unit formed in a rod shape including a first end portion and a second end portion and configured to support the anchor at the first end portion, the support unit including an anchor deploying unit configured, when the anchor is inserted through the wall damage, to deploy the anchor; and a second blocking unit provided at the second end portion of the support unit in a slidable manner along the support unit, wherein the support unit includes a first unidirectional sawtooth portion on the anchor side, the anchor deploying unit is formed in a cylindrical shape on an outer circumference of the support unit, includes a first coupling portion coupled to the first unidirectional sawtooth portion on a part of an inner side thereof and a second unidirectional sawtooth portion on a part of an outer side thereof, and is configured to deploy and fix the anchor by the first coupling portion moving toward the anchor along the first unidirectional sawtooth portion, and the second blocking unit includes a second coupling portion coupled to the second unidirectional sawtooth portion on a part of an inner side thereof, and is configured to move toward the anchor by the second coupling portion moving toward the anchor along the second unidirectional sawtooth portion.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a handle at an end of the second end portion of the support unit.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a trigger unit coupled to the anchor deploying unit, and configured to trigger the anchor deploying unit to deploy the anchor by using an elastic force or an air pressure.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support-unit detaching unit configured, when the second blocking unit moves toward the anchor by a predetermined distance along the support unit, to detach a portion of the support unit protruded from the second blocking unit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first unidirectional sawtooth portion and the second unidirectional sawtooth portion are configured, when coupled to the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, respectively, to allow the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion to move toward the anchor and keep the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion from moving in an opposite direction, respectively.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a first coupling release unit configured to release coupling of the first unidirectional sawtooth portion and the first coupling portion to allow the first coupling portion to move in the opposite direction; and a second coupling release unit configured to release coupling of the second unidirectional sawtooth portion and the second coupling portion to allow the second coupling portion to move in the opposite direction.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second blocking unit includes a first plate having a predetermined width toward the anchor and a second plate attached to the first plate on an opposite side of the anchor, the first plate is formed in a pad shape having elasticity, and the second plate is formed of a material having rigidity stronger than the first plate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first plate is formed of at least one of silicone, rubber, fabric, and gel pack, and the second plate is formed of at least one of metal, plastic, reinforced plastic, resin, and rubber.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second plate is formed of a lid having a diameter larger than an outer circumference of the first plate and surrounds a part of the first plate in a width direction.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a cap inserted into the first end portion of the support unit, a plurality of upper ribs each formed in a rod shape including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is rotatably fixed to the cap, a first wing fixed to a first side of each of the plurality of upper ribs, a second wing fixed to a second side of each of the plurality of upper ribs, and a plurality of support ribs each formed in a rod shape including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is rotatably fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs, and the second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is rotatably fixed to the anchor deploying unit.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a width of the first wing is narrower than a width of the second wing, and when the anchor is deployed, the first wing is positioned on an inner side of the second wing such that the first wing supports the second wing.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first wing is formed of a rigid material, and the second wing is formed of an elastic material.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a cap inserted into the first end portion of the support unit, a plurality of upper ribs each formed in a rod shape including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is rotatably fixed to the cap, a wing formed on each of the plurality of upper ribs in one direction, and a plurality of support ribs each formed in a rod shape including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is rotatably fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs, and the second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is rotatably fixed to the anchor deploying unit.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a width of the wing is wider than an interval between neighboring upper ribs when the anchor is deployed, and when the anchor is deployed, a neighboring upper rib supports an outer side of the wing.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the wing is formed of an elastic material.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a universal joint between the anchor and the anchor deploying unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention with an anchor (deploying unit) deployed.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention with the anchor deployed and a second blocking unit moved toward the anchor by a predetermined distance.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention with the anchor deployed, the second blocking unit moved toward the anchor by a predetermined distance, and a support unit removed from the second blocking unit.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anchor according to some embodiments of the present invention before being deployed.

[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the anchor according to some embodiments of the present invention after being deployed.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention including a universal joint.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 with an anchor (deploying unit) 110 deployed, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 with the anchor 110 deployed and a second blocking unit 150 moved toward the anchor 110 by a predetermined distance.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a first blocking unit 120, a support unit 140, and a second blocking unit 150. The first blocking unit 120 includes a folding anchor 110 adapted to be inserted through a wall damage (damage hole) of a liquid tank or a ship and to be deployed on an opposite side of the wall damage. The support unit 140 is formed in a rod shape including a first end portion and a second end portion and is adapted to support the anchor 110 at the first end portion. The support unit 140 includes an anchor deploying unit 130 that deploys the anchor 110 when it is inserted through the wall damage. The second blocking unit 150 is provided at the second end portion of the support unit 140 in a slidable manner along the support unit 140.

[0021] The support unit 140 includes a first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210 on the anchor side thereof. The anchor deploying unit 130 is formed in a cylindrical shape on the outer circumference of the support unit 140. The anchor deploying unit 130 includes a first coupling portion 220 formed on a part of an inner side thereof, which is adapted to engage the first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210, and a second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160 formed on a part of an outer side thereof. The anchor deploying unit 130 is adapted to deploy and fix the anchor 110 by the first coupling portion 220 moving toward the anchor 110 along the first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210.

[0022] The second blocking unit 150 includes a second coupling portion 310 formed on a part of an inner side thereof, which is adapted to engage the second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160. The second blocking unit 150 is moved toward the anchor 110 with the second coupling portion 310 moving toward the anchor 110 along the second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, further includes a handle 170 at an end of the second end portion of the support unit 140.

[0024] The above structure allows a user to hold the apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 by the support unit 140 with one hand and by the handle 170 with the other hand, to insert the anchor 110 through the damage hole into the interior of the hull against the pressure of liquid flowing in or out through the damage hole.

[0025] After insertion, deploying the anchor 110 by sliding the anchor deploying unit 130 towards the anchor 100 can primarily block the inflow or outflow of liquid through the damage hole on the inside of the liquid tank or ship. As shown in FIG. 2, the anchor 110 when deployed on the opposite side of the damage hole provides an expanded cover over the damaged area, and thereby achieves the primary blockage, taking advantage of the pressure of liquid inflow or outflow (first blocking unit 120).

[0026] Once the deployed anchor 110 penetrating the damage hole primarily blocks the inflow or outflow of liquid on the opposite side thereof, the second blocking unit 150 is pushed towards the anchor 110 to get the first blocking unit 120 and the second blocking unit 150 as close as possible to each other as shown in FIG. 3, whereby substantially blocking the liquid inflow or outflow through the damage hole.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, further includes a trigger unit (not shown) coupled to the anchor deploying unit 130, for triggering the anchor deploying unit 130 to deploy the folding anchor 110 by using an elastic force or an air pressure.

[0028] The trigger unit (not shown) is used to insert the anchor 110 inwardly of the damage hole and then immediately activate the anchor deploying unit 130 to deploy the anchor 110 quickly.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, further includes a support-unit detaching unit 410 which operates, once the second blocking unit 150 has moved toward the anchor 110 by a predetermined distance along the support unit 140, to sever a portion of the support unit 140 protruding from the second blocking unit 150.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus 100 with the anchor 110 deployed, the second blocking unit 150 moved toward the anchor 110 by a predetermined distance, and the support unit 140 removed from the second blocking unit 150.

[0031] In the apparatus 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, the first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210 and the second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160 are adapted, when coupled to the first coupling portion 220 and the second coupling portion 310, respectively, to allow the first coupling portion 220 and the second coupling portion 310 to move toward the anchor 110 and keep the first coupling portion 220 and the second coupling portion 310 from moving away from the anchor 110, respectively.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, further includes a first coupling release unit (not shown) and a second coupling release unit (not shown). The first coupling release unit operates to release the coupling between the first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210 and the first coupling portion 220 to allow the latter to move away from the anchor 110. The second coupling release unit operates to release the coupling between the second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160 and the second coupling portion 310 to allow the latter to move away from the anchor 110.

[0033] With the first coupling-release unit (not shown) and the second coupling-release unit (not shown), the apparatus 100 can release the coupling when necessary, between the first unidirectional sawtooth portion 210 and the first coupling portion 220 or between the second unidirectional sawtooth portion 160 and the second coupling portion 310, so as to reinstate the blocking process.

[0034] In the apparatus 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, the second blocking unit 150 includes a first plate 180 having a predetermined width facing toward the anchor 110, and a second plate 190 attached to the first plate 180 on an opposite side of the anchor 110.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first plate 180 is formed in a pad shape having elasticity, and the second plate 190 is formed of a material having rigidity stronger than the first plate 180.

[0036] For example, the first plate 180 is formed of at least one of silicone, rubber, fabric, and a gel pack, and the second plate 190 is formed of at least one of metal, plastic, reinforced plastic, resin, and rubber.

[0037] Forming the first plate 180 in a pad shape, having elasticity can minimize the possible gap due to irregular surfaces in the damaged area.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second plate 190 is formed of a lid having a diameter larger than an outer circumference of the first plate 180, and it surrounds a partial width of the first plate 180, as shown in FIG. 1. This allows the first plate 180 having elasticity to be firmly supported by the second plate 190 formed of a material having rigidity.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anchor 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention before being deployed, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the anchor 110 according to some embodiments of the present invention after being deployed.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor 110 includes a cap 510, a plurality of upper ribs 520, a first wing 530, a second wing 540, and a plurality of support ribs 550. The cap 510 is inserted into the first end portion of the support unit 140. Each of the plurality of upper ribs 520 is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the cap 510. The first wing 530 is fixed to one side of each of the plurality of upper ribs 520. The second wing 540 is fixed to the opposite side of each of the plurality of upper ribs 520. Each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is pivotally fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs 520.

[0041] The second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is pivotally fixed to the anchor deploying unit 130.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first wing 530 has a width narrower than that of the second wing 540. For example, when the anchor 110 is deployed, the first wing 530 is positioned on an inner side of the second wing 540 such that the first wing 530 supports the second wing 540.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first wing 530 is formed of a rigid material, and the second wing 540 is formed of an elastic material.

[0044] For example, the first wing 530 may be formed of a metal or plastic having a predetermined thickness (or reinforced plastic), and the second wing 540 may formed of a metal sheet bent into shape.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second wing 540 may be formed so as to have a convex surface curved towards the cap 510 when the anchor 110 is deployed. This minimizes the overall radius of the anchor 110 when unfolded, which facilitates insertion of the anchor 110 in the damage hole against the pressure of liquid inflow or outflow. Further, the convex surface of the second wing 540 advantageously resists the pressure of liquid inflow or outflow well enough to ensure the full functionality of the first blocking unit 120.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor 110 includes a cap 510, a plurality of upper ribs 520, a wing 530, and a plurality of support ribs 550. The cap 510 is inserted into the first end portion of the support unit 140. Each of the plurality of upper ribs 520 is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the cap 510. The wing 530 is fixed to one side of each of the plurality of upper ribs 520. Each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is pivotally fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs 520.

[0047] The second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs 550 is pivotally fixed to the anchor deploying unit 130.

[0048] In this case, a width of the wing 530 is wider than an interval between two neighboring upper ribs 520 when the anchor 110 is deployed. When the anchor 110 is deployed, the neighboring upper ribs support the outer sides of the wing 530.

[0049] As with the aforementioned embodiment, the wing 530 is formed of an elastic material.

[0050] The present invention in some embodiments relates to an apparatus for blocking outflow of liquid or flooding through a wall damage. The present invention aims to provide an apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, which provides a deploying unit for an operator to easily insert through the damage hole against the pressure of liquid inflow or outflow, whereby the deploying unit after deployment on the opposite side of the damage hole, can primarily block the liquid inflow or outflow.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage includes a first blocking unit, a support unit 140, and a second blocking unit. The first blocking unit includes an anchor adapted to be inserted through a wall damage of a liquid tank or a ship, and to be deployed on the opposite side of the wall damage. The support unit is formed in a rod shape, including a first end portion and a second end portion, and it is adapted to support the anchor of the first blocking unit at the first end portion. The support unit includes an anchor deploying unit adapted to deploy the anchor when it is inserted through the wall damage. The second blocking unit is provided at the second end portion of the support unit in a slidable manner along the support unit.

[0052] The support unit includes a first unidirectional sawtooth portion on the anchor side. The anchor deploying unit is formed in a cylindrical shape on an outer circumference of the support unit, it includes a first coupling portion on a part of an inner side thereof, which is adapted to engage the first unidirectional sawtooth portion, and a second unidirectional sawtooth portion on a part of an outer side thereof. The anchor deploying unit is adapted to deploy and fix the anchor by the first coupling portion moving toward the anchor along the first unidirectional sawtooth portion.

[0053] The second blocking unit includes a second coupling portion on a part of an inner side thereof, which is adapted to engage the second unidirectional sawtooth portion. The second blocking unit is adapted to move toward the anchor by the second coupling portion moving in the same direction along the second unidirectional sawtooth portion.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor includes a cap, a plurality of upper ribs, a first wing, a second wing, and a plurality of support ribs. The cap is inserted into the first end portion of the support unit. Each of the plurality of is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the cap. The first wing is fixed to one side of each of the plurality of upper ribs, and the second wing is fixed to the other side of each of the plurality of upper ribs. Each of the plurality of support ribs is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs. The second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is pivotally fixed to the anchor deploying unit.

[0055] The first wing has a width narrower than that of the second wing. When the anchor is deployed, the first wing is positioned on an inner side of the second wing such that the first wing supports the second wing. The first wing is formed of a rigid material, while the second wing is formed of an elastic material.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor includes a cap, a plurality of upper ribs, a wing, and a plurality of support ribs. The cap is inserted into the first end portion of the support unit. Each of the plurality of upper ribs is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the cap. The wing is formed on each of the plurality of upper ribs on one side thereof. Each of the plurality of support ribs is formed in a rod shape, including a first portion and a second portion with the first portion being pivotally fixed to the second portion of each of the plurality of upper ribs. In addition, the second portion of each of the plurality of support ribs is pivotally fixed to the anchor deploying unit.

[0057] The wing is wider than an interval between two neighboring upper ribs when the anchor is deployed. When the anchor is deployed, the neighboring upper ribs support the outer sides of the wing. The wing is formed of an elastic material.

[0058] In most cases, the apparatus 100 can be successfully inserted through the wall at an angle close to perpendicular to the wall, although some situations require that the apparatus 100 to form a predetermined angle with respect to the wall before the insertion can be proceeded. In that case, the anchor 110 and the anchor deploying unit 130 may be made angularly adjustable to form the predetermined angle, which allows the apparatus 100 to be inserted through the damage hole.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus 700 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage according to some embodiments of the present invention including a universal joint 710.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, an apparatus 700 for blocking fluid spill and flooding through a wall damage, includes a universal joint 710 for allowing the apparatus 100 and the anchor deploying unit 130 to form at least one predetermined angle therebetween. When it is necessary to insert the apparatus 700 through the damage hole at an angle out of the direction perpendicular to the wall surface, the apparatus 700 may be first inserted with the universal joint 710 correctly steered into the damage hole. Then, the second blocking unit 150 may be pushed towards the anchor 110 to get the first blocking unit 120 and the second blocking unit 150 as close as possible to each other as shown in FIG. 3, whereby substantially blocking the liquid inflow or outflow through the damage hole.

[0061] As explained above, an apparatus according to the present invention in some some embodiments for blocking a fluid spill and liquid inflow (flooding) through a wall damage of a liquid tank or a ship, provides an operator with (1) an anchor deploying unit to insert easily through the damage hole against the pressure of the liquid outflow or inflow, when it deploys an anchor on the opposite side of the damage hole to primarily block the outflow or inflow of liquid (first blocking unit), and (2) a second blocking unit to draw across from and as close as possible to the first blocking unit with the damaged area pinched between the first and second blocking units, whereby effectively blocking the liquid inflow or outflow through the damage hole.

[0062] As explained above, the present invention in some embodiments provides in effect, an apparatus for blocking a fluid spill and liquid inflow (flooding) through a wall damage of a liquid tank or a ship, which provides an operator with an anchor deploying unit to insert easily through the damage hole against the pressure of the liquid outflow or inflow, when the anchor deploying unit deploys an anchor on the opposite side of the damage hole to primarily block the outflow or inflow of liquid.

[0063] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that the invention can be implemented in other concrete forms without changing the technical idea and essential features thereof. It should therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.