US4448569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lift sling emplacement device
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1981-06-22
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Granted: 1984-05-15
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Expires: 2001-06-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is disclosed which is employable by a remotely controlled unwater work system to emplace a lift sling beneath an object resting on mud, sand or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and a guide having rollers through which the tube may be passed. The rearward end of the tube is attached to a hose through which water under pressure is directed into the tube. The forward end of the tube is provided with a nozzle so that jets of water issue from it with selected strength and in a selected configuration. A sling or strap is connected at one end to the nozzle end of the tube and at its other end to the guide. A rope or cord is also attached to the guide portion of the apparatus. A mechanical grabber or other mechanism holds the guide in a fixed position with respect to the object to be retrieved while a manipulator arm of the system pushes the tube through the guide and beneath the object to be salvaged. The water jetting from the nozzle of the tube clears a path for the tube as it passes beneath the object and pulls the sling or strap under the object. When the tube reaches the far side of the object, the end of the lifting sling is accessible. The rope is transported across the top of the object and is pulled through the far end of the lifting sling to cinch the lifting sling around the object. A latch hook is attached to the end of the rope and may then be hooked onto a lifting device to recover the object.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald J. Hackman
- 👤 Don W. Caudy
- 👤 Robert L. Wernli
- 👤 Carl S. Albro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:14
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63C; B63C7/00; B63C7/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A device for enabling the lifting of an object comprising: a support frame; an elongate tubular member in slideable engagement with said support frame, said tubular member having a first end and a second end; a hose having a first end connected to said tubular member first end and having a second end secured to said support frame; a strap having a first end connected to said tubular member second end and having a second end secured to said support frame; and a cord having first and second ends, said cord first end being secured to said support frame.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A device for enabling the lifting of an object comprising: a support frame; an elongate tubular member in slideable engagement with said support frame, said tubular member having a first end and a second end; a hose having a first end connected to said tubular member first end and having a second end secured to said support frame; a strap having a first end connected to said tubular member second end and having a second end secured to said support frame; and a cord having first and second ends, said cord first end being secured to said support frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said support frame comprises: a support bracket; a plurality of rollers affixed to said support bracket for said slideable engagement with said tubular member; and a drum member secured to said support bracket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said drum member further comprises: means for securing said cord to said drum member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said securing means comprises an eyelet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 3 wherein: said device has a storage position and a utilization position; said drum member has an interior cavity and said cord is stored in said interior cavity in said storage position and said strap is wound around said drum in said storage position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said strap has a loop at said strap second end and wherein said strap loop is looped around said drum member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 6 further comprising: a snap hook connected to said cord second end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 7 further comprising: a snap hook support hanger for receiving said snap hook when said device is in said storage position.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
22 words
The device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 wherein said strap first end terminates in a loop.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 9 further comprising: a grabber plate affixed to said support frame for enabling a mechanical grabber to hold said support frame.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 7 further comprising: a grabber plate connected to said snap hook for enabling holding of said snap hook by a mechanical grabber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising: a quick disconnect fitting connected to said hose second end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: said elongate tubular member terminates in a fluid spray nozzle.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
20 words
The device of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 wherein said elongate tubular member is curvilinear.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: said tubular member is substantially longer than said support frame.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 5 wherein: said strap first end terminates in a loop; and in said utilization position, said cord second end extends through said strap first end loop.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
189 words
A device for enabling the lifting of an object comprising: a support frame; an elongate tubular member in slidable engagement with said support frame for encompassing at least a portion of said object, said tubular member having a first end and a second end; a hose having a first end connected to said tubular member first end and having a second end secured to said support frame for transmitting fluid into said tubular member; a strap having a first end connected to said tubular member second end and having a second end secured to said support frame; and a cord having first and second ends, said cord first end being secured to said support frame; whereby as said elongate tubular member is moved so as to partially encompass said object, said strap is drawn therewith so as to partially encompass said object and whereby said cord may be drawn so as to partially encompass said object and so as to be coupled with said strap so as to cooperate with said strap to completely encompass said object and enable lifting thereof by applying a lifting force to said cord.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
189 words
A device for enabling the lifting of an object comprising: a support frame; an elongate tubular member in slidable engagement with said support frame for encompassing at least a portion of said object, said tubular member having a first end and a second end; a hose having a first end connected to said tubular member first end and having a second end secured to said support frame for transmitting fluid into said tubular member; a strap having a first end connected to said tubular member second end and having a second end secured to said support frame; and a cord having first and second ends, said cord first end being secured to said support frame; whereby as said elongate tubular member is moved so as to partially encompass said object, said strap is drawn therewith so as to partially encompass said object and whereby said cord may be drawn so as to partially encompass said object and so as to be coupled with said strap so as to cooperate with said strap to completely encompass said object and enable lifting thereof by applying a lifting force to said cord.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 17 wherein: said elongate tubular member is substantially longer than said support frame.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-05-15 | 1987-11-14 | 1988-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-15 | 1991-11-14 | 1992-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-15 | 1995-11-14 | 1996-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |