GB1343389A - Towable floating storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

1343389 Flexible barges GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO 30 Aug 1972 [29 Sept 1971] 40177/72 Headings B7A and B7N A liquid container 1 comprises a flexible body 2 having the shape of a truncated cone with hemispherical flexible end portions 3, 4 each having an opening for mounting a rigid closure fitting 6, 7 for the attachment of a towline 28, at least one of the fittings having a filling and discharge opening 33, the top inner wall of the body 2 having buoyant material, such as pads 18, for floating the container when empty of liquid. Each opening comprises a bead portion 5 to which an inner ribbed plate 8 and an outer ring 10 are clamped by bolts 11 and nuts 12. A bracket is welded to the plate 8 of the front fitting 6 for receiving a towline 28 with anchor 30, locating buoy 31, and fail-safe link 29. The pads 18, preferably of vinyl foam, as are end pads 19, are secured to the container wall by an adhesive. Bands 20 are provided for the attachment of mooring lines 23 carrying buoys 24. The container has further a vent 25 which permits escape of gases and a battery operated beacon light 26 which is activated on impact with the water. The rear fitting 7 has a rib 36 with an opening 37 which permits flow of liquid from opening 33. A valve assembly 39, having a butterfly type valve 41, and a cam lock device 42 for securing an end plug 43, in fastened to the clamping plate 34 by bolts 40. A line 46 for receiving a mooring line 47 with buoy 24 is attached to brackets 45. An annular drag skirt (not shown) may surround the rear of the container. The material of the container is preferably polyurethane coated nylon cloth and the end fittings 6, 7 are preferably aluminium.