JP2019523382A - Flood protection for underground vents - Google Patents

Abstract

Allows ventilation through the ventilation shaft to the underground ventilation duct that is in fluid communication with the air opening of the ventilation shaft through the ventilation shaft and works to prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct in the event of a flood Possible, the device includes a support side wall that fits within the ventilation shaft to provide a ventilation passage between the support top and bottom openings and the suspension member, the suspension member being one or more Supported on opposing lateral sidewalls adjacent to the top opening holding the hinged panels of one or more, the one or more hinged panels are manually released to rotationally close the passageway. Ventilation is possible by being able to manually lift up to the home position. Since the panel drain automatically closes when the panel is raised to the home position, it is already closed when the panel rotationally closes the released passage.

Description

(Refer to related applications)
This application is similar to this application and claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 887,416, filed Oct. 6, 2013, US Patent Application No. 14 filed on Oct. 6, 2014. No. 506,778, which is a continuation-in-part application and claims its benefit, and further claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 363,024, filed July 15, 2016, The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

(Statement on research and development funded by the federal government)
Not applicable.

  The present invention relates to preventing flooding water from entering underground ventilation passages.

  Surface storms that enter and invade underground tunnels and underground rooms through ventilation ducts that connect the basement or underground tunnel to the air at the surface include, but are not limited to, underground transport tunnels for road vehicles, trains and subways, And associated with underground utilities that require ventilation, such as those associated with connecting tunnel and shaft complexes, such as those used in underground hydropower plants, etc. Affects the basement.

  In a typical subway ventilation configuration, a ventilation duct or shaft is incorporated into the subway system near the station to exhaust the squeezed air as the train approaches the station and fresh outside air as the train leaves the station. In addition, it reduces the “piston effect” of air that can be passed through the tunnel at high speed by moving trains. Typically, ventilation ducts communicate from underground tunnels and ventilate below grade levels that open to the atmosphere at a grade level, such as a sidewalk where openings are covered by a subway grid. Terminate in the shaft structure.

  The subway has a system for dealing with water. When it rains, the water flows down the stairs, into the platform, and from there into tracks, and some enters the ventilation system through the surface grid. The drains below the track route water to the groundwater sump in the pump chamber adjacent to the subway track. The pump pulls water up to a pressure-relief manhole that is open to the atmosphere at street height, from which drainage flows under gravity into the city's storm sewer. The problem is that during a heavy rain, the rainwater pipes are overwhelmed, bringing the water back to the streets, flooding the streets, water flooding the sidewalks, flowing into the ventilation system through the subway grid, and then into the tunnel, and Flow into orbit. The pumping system can only return water to the flooded street. From there, the water re-enters the flood pool that is pouring into the ventilation system and defeats the pumping system as a means of controlling subway floods. The problem is particularly acute in cities such as New York and Lower Manhattan, which are low-lying, susceptible to storm surges, and dotted with grade-level grids, stairs, and other entry points of water into the subway. It is.

  Reduce inflow of spilled water into underground systems through sidewalk grid openings and ventilation ducts, as was done in several locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and New York City in Manhattan after the 2007 heavy rainstorm flood One solution was to raise the subway ventilation grid above the sideway height. This was not only expensive to implement, but also sacrificed much of the sidewalk area available to pedestrians. Workers who rely on sandbags and fasting plywood when the high tides and low tides are predicted in addition to the heavy rains that presume the flooding of the subway prior to the 2013 super storm sandy, Attempts were made to cover the ventilation grid to prevent flooding. Sandy was a testimony to flood hazards in subways and underground structures with vents. As revealed by Sandy's subway flooding, plywood fastening is a solution in an incomplete labor and material intensive process that can cover too many vent grids in a short time period, too little and too late. possible. What is needed is a way to prevent flooding through sidewalk vent grids that is simpler, faster, relatively inexpensive, and more effective.

FIG. 6 is an isometric top view of a panel assembly with the panel in a lowered position. 2 is an isometric view of the top surface of an embodiment of the panel on the right side of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from the same field of view as in FIG. FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the bottom surface of the embodiment of the panel of FIG. 6A. 2 is an isometric view of the top surface of an embodiment of the panel on the left side of the embodiment of FIG. 1 from the same field of view as in FIG. FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the bottom surface of the embodiment of the panel of FIG. 6A. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a quadrilateral (with four sides) support structure that accepts the embodiment of FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a top view of the quadrilateral embodiment of FIG. 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the quadrilateral embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 1 received within a quadrilateral support viewed in this view from the left side. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 1 received within a quadrilateral support rotated 180 degrees from the field of view of FIG. 6, ie, the opposite (right) view of FIG. 2B is a top view of the panel of FIG. 2A. FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a region indicated by “10” in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 8, with the position of the plug assembly in the raised and partially lowered position indicated by dashed lines and the position of the plug assembly in the fully lowered position indicated by solid lines. . FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the plug assembly portion of the panel of FIG. FIG. 13 is a top view of the plug assembly of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. FIG. 13B is a top and side view of the top plate component of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B is a top and side view of the bottom plate component of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13B is a top and side view of the concave sealing gasket of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a top and side view of the plug arm of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 also seen in the top view of FIG. 13 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the plug assembly in place on the panel. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a plug arm portion of the plug assembly of FIG. 15. FIG. 4 is a side view of a tool for manual lifting of components of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a tool for manual lifting of components of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool for manual lifting of components of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of a single panel assembly received within a quadrilateral support showing the panel deployed in the passage closed position. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 taken along line 18A-18A of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of a single panel assembly received in a quadrilateral support showing the panel fully raised to a home position. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 taken along line 19A-19A of FIG.

  According to the present invention, a device for installation in a ventilation shaft that is already in fluid communication between an atmospheric opening and an underground ventilation duct is Allows manual ventilation to allow ventilation when there is no flood and closes ventilation from the air opening when there is a risk of flooding, and downwards into the underground ventilation duct for surface water entering the air opening Prevent the flow of.

  The idea embodied in the exemplary embodiments of such devices described herein, whether due to heavy rains, or due to storm surges driven by hurricanes or tropical storms or otherwise, The atmosphere opening has application in any system that communicates with a ventilation duct for a basement or tunnel or other underground structure that requires ventilation, through which a substantial amount of water can enter.

  In the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Certain details disclosed herein are non-limiting embodiments that represent, in every case, the specific ways in which the concepts of the invention may be implemented. This serves to teach those skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in virtually any reasonably detailed system, structure or method consistent with their ideas. It will be appreciated that various changes and alternatives to the particular described embodiments and details of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention. The details herein are exemplary because many different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, as well as within the specific embodiments detailed herein. It should be understood that it should be construed as, and not as a limitation.

  `` Upper '', `` lower '', `` bottom '', `` top '', `` transverse '', `` perpendicular '' used in the detailed description of the embodiments Various directions, such as “,” “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc., are merely made in connection with the drawings for a simpler description. Components may be oriented differently while performing the same functions and achieving the same results as the embodiments detailed herein that embody the inventive idea, such terms Should not be construed as limiting the concepts illustrated by the embodiments.

  The term "vertical" means substantially perpendicular to a reference to the extent that the right angle, if not absolute, does not significantly adversely affect the arrangement and function of elements described as vertical. To do. The term “vertical” or “vertically” includes, but is not limited to, literally vertical, and generally, if not absolute, significantly adversely affects the function of elements described as vertical. Means that it is directed up and down with respect to the horizon to the extent that it does not affect Similarly, the term “horizontal” or “horizontally” includes, but is not limited to, literally horizontal, and is generally relative to the horizon to the extent that it significantly adversely affects the function of the element described as horizontal. Means that it will not deviate from the horizontal.

  As used herein, the use of the singular when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” (or synonymous “having” or “including”) in the claims and / or specification is “one”. May also mean “one or more (one or more)”, “at least one”, “one or more”. In addition, as used herein, the phrase “connected to” shall be joined or placed in communication, whether directly or through an intermediate component. Means.

  For components of the same embodiment described, in some cases, the first described component is identified by a given reference number and the second such component is identified by the same reference number marked with an apostrophe. For example, “panel handle 259” identifies the first described component and a second such similar component is identified as “panel handle 259 ′”. For example, combining two separated reference numbers by a comma, such as “panel handle 259, 259 ′”, unless the context implies that both are described together, “panel handle 259” or This means that any component of “panel handle 259 ′” is described.

  For exemplary purposes of applying the concepts disclosed herein to prevent water from entering into a ventilation duct, the concepts embodied with reference to a particular ventilation environment will be described. An exemplary application is for a metro system. In a particular embodiment described herein by way of example, the atmospheric opening for flooded water is at least linear with respect to a grid-covered grade level sidewalk opening for a subway ventilation system that is typically rectangular in New York City. Assume that it has a shape. Although the detailed description of a particular embodiment relates to a linear shape for a particular environment, the present invention is directed to the fact that the aperture is linear, or that the embodiments of the present invention conform to the linear shape or atmospheric aperture. Does not need to be at a grade level. Any ventilation shaft useful for any underground tunnel, room, room or other underground structure, whether linear, circular or oval, or some other shape It can be configured to fit within a dimension that projects vertically downwards on the surface opening.

  In the following description of the exemplary embodiment, the passage closed position is the position where the panel or panels of the embodiment are horizontal. The idea of the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. A constraint or stop that stops the panel from descending may be positioned to close the vent passage while stopping downward movement above the horizontal plane. The described embodiments are non-limiting illustrations of examples in which the inventive concepts may be implemented.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a ventilation shaft manual closure assembly. The support for the exemplary assembly embodiment includes opposing lateral sidewalls for placement in an underground ventilation duct in fluid communication with the atmospheric opening of the shaft through the ventilation shaft within the vertical ventilation shaft. The atmospheric opening may be cylindrical and the support may be cylindrical. The atmospheric opening may be straight and the support may be a quadrilateral. As described above, in the exemplary embodiment, the atmospheric opening is linear.

  The support including the lateral sidewalls is sized to fit internally within the vertical shaft between the ventilation duct and the atmospheric opening. In certain embodiments, the support has a horizontal flange transverse to the side wall for a protrusion that traverses the top of the shaft to suspend the support within the shaft. The support defines a passageway between the top and bottom openings of the support for fluid communication through the ventilation duct through the support to the atmospheric opening.

  In an exemplary embodiment, in an upright home position (upright home position) that does not obstruct a ventilation passage that allows the underground ventilation duct to be in fluid communication with the atmospheric opening of the ventilation shaft so that ventilation is possible as usual when there is no risk of flooding. Attached one or more downwardly rotatable panels may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, a single panel is attached to the side of such a passage in the home position and falls by gravity alone from the home position to a passage closure position across the passage, Protect ventilation ducts from flooding. In another exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels are attached to both sides of the passage and drop by gravity from the home position downward toward each other to the passage closed position to close the passage together. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels are centrally mounted within the passage for rotation of the panels in opposite directions from the home position to the lower passage closed position. The advantage of paired panels is that they may be used to close wider passages than is feasible to close a single higher panel.

  The manual closure assembly includes one or more panels having proximal and distal ends, top and bottom surfaces. Proximal end of manual rotation of the panel upwards to an upright home position that does not block the passageway and downward rotation from the home position solely due to its own gravity impetus to reach the lower passage closure position. For this purpose, it is connected to a horizontal hinge having an axis perpendicular to the opposite lateral side wall. One or more panels have a profile that closes the passageway as each panel rotates to the passage closure position by gravity.

  At least one restraint limits the downward rotation of each panel to the lower passage closed position. One or more foldable or flexible (flexible) fasteners are fastened at one end to the upper part of a suspension member (discussed below) and fastened at the other end to the top surface of the panel. Alternatively, the restraining body may include one or more stops that do not block the passage and are disposed within and connected to the support proximate the bottom opening. Good.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the adjacent sidewall includes a base with rounded corners having a first radius of curvature, and the distal portion of the panel is when the distal portion of the panel rotates to the passage closed position. Having a rounded corner with a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the corner of the sidewall. In certain exemplary embodiments, the panel includes a seal that seals the passageway in the passage closed position.

  The suspension member extends horizontally close to the top opening of the support so as not to block the passage and holds one or more hinge connection panels within the passage. The suspension member is supported on lateral sidewalls that are opposed in close proximity to the support top opening and the support bottom opening. The suspension member has at least one handle connected to the suspension member for holding the suspension member to vertically move the suspension member in and out of the support on the opposite lateral side wall. The suspension member may include a single integral vertically extending member that holds the horizontal hinge and the panel connected to the hinge, or is vertically suspended to hold the horizontal hinge and the panel connected to the hinge. Beams having vertically hung straps may be included. In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal hinge includes a hinge attachment member held by a suspension member and a plurality of hinge members attached to the hinge attachment member. In an exemplary embodiment, each hinge member includes a stationary member, a movable member, and a hinge pin interconnecting the stationary member and the movable member, the stationary member connected to the hinge mounting member, and the movable hinge member Connects to the proximal end of the panel. The horizontal hinge may include a continuous hinge, sometimes referred to as a piano hinge, or any other hinge for the panel.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension member is centrally supported between opposing lateral sidewalls and is paired in the vent passage for rotation of the panel in an opposite direction from or to the upright home position. Suspend the panel. In an exemplary embodiment where the air opening is straight and the support is a quadrilateral, such a centrally supported suspension member is a vertical holding a horizontal hinge and a panel connected to the horizontal hinge. Including a beam having a strap suspended on it. In such exemplary embodiments, the opposing sidewalls are each horizontal to receive and support the beam centrally in the ventilation passage adjacent to the top opening of the shaft, in the vertical bar as well as on the horizontal bar. A cradle having a pair of spaced parallel vertical bars connected to the bar and upright is mounted.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a panel holder that holds each panel in an upright home position includes a latch supported by the suspension member below the suspension member, and a latch catch supported by the panel, wherein the panel is to the home position. When rotated upwards, the latch captures and holds the latch catch. Embodiments further include a panel releaser for the panel holder that includes a linkage connected to the panel holder supported by the suspension member, the linkage moving perpendicular to the suspension member Being able to translate the latch causes the latch to lose capture of the catch and release the panel from the upright home position, allowing the panel to fall rotationally to the lower passage closed position by gravity .

  In an exemplary embodiment, a drain (drain) in at least one of the one or more panels intermediate the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the one or more panels. ) Is provided. The drain includes a conduit that passes through the panel. The conduit has a hole in the top surface of the panel. The drain includes a self actuating drain closure. The closure device includes a plug that pivots on a drain plug axis positioned between the distal end of the panel having the drain and the drain conduit. The drain plug axis is parallel to the horizontal hinge axis of the panel. The plug can be manually pivoted upward on the drain plug shaft to remove the plug from the drain opening and drain the water contained above the one or more panels when the one or more panels are in the passage closed position It is. The plug automatically pivots downwards when the panel containing the drain is pivoted upwards toward the home position due to the gravitational force of its own weight, causing the plug to move into the conduit opening. To place. In that case, the drain opening is already closed when the panel rotates downward by gravity to the passage closed position.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the self-actuating drain closure plug faces upwards around the plug periphery to seal any space between the plug periphery and the conduit opening when the panel containing the plug is in the passage closed position. Includes a concave sealing gasket.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a panel including a self-actuated drain closure device has a pair of spaced posts fixedly attached to the top surface of the panel between the distal end of each panel and the drain. The drain plug shaft includes a rod that spans between posts that are supported by posts that are parallel to the horizontal hinge axis and above the top surface of the panel. The drain closure device is a plug arm pivotable at the proximal end of the arm with or on the rod for movement of the arm to the raised drain open position and the lowered drain closed position including. The rod may be secured to the post with the plug arm rotating on the rod, or the plug arm may be secured to the pivot shaft rod with the rod rotating within the post. The plug arm is weighted to place the center of gravity of the plug arm away from the rod. The plug arm includes a mounting projection remote from the rod, an upwardly concave sealing gasket, and a top plate and a bottom plate. Both the top and bottom plates are smaller than the gasket. A concave sealing gasket is secured between the top and bottom plates, at least the bottom plate having a size configured to enter and close the conduit opening. The top plate and the bottom plate expose a concave gasket portion on the outside extending upward from the bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are fixedly connected to the arm with mounting projections that remotely place the center of gravity of the arm beyond the pivot axis of the rod in the direction of the drain, so that the plug arm is raised from the drain opening and the panel Rotating the panel upwards towards the home position after emptying the water above the panel while the is in the passage closed position will act on the center of gravity of the raised plug arm exclusively. Due to gravity, the gasket portion is automatically rotated downward from a raised position to drain the panel down to a position parallel to the panel, with at least the bottom plate positioned within the drain conduit opening and outwardly concave gasket portion To close the conduit opening and seal the space between the top and bottom plates and the conduit opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug arm includes a relief (relief) on the underside of the arm distal from the rod for capture of the arm by the arm that lifts the reach tool.

  Referring now to the drawings, these drawings block the downward flow of surface water into an underground ventilation duct that is in fluid communication with the ventilation shaft's linear atmospheric opening through the ventilation shaft. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus. 1-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment having a pair of panels. 18-19A illustrate exemplary embodiments having a single panel. Referring first to FIGS. 4, 5 and 5A, exemplary embodiments include quadrilateral or four-sided including sidewalls 224 (224a, 224b, 224c, 224d). Including a support embodied in a box 210, the side wall 224 is at the upper extent of the side wall to the atmospheric opening above the top opening 226 upward through the box 210. Above the top of the wall of the ventilation shaft for suspending the box 210 vertically in the shaft to define a passage 225 between the top opening 226 and the bottom opening 228 of the box 210 for fluid communication of the ventilation duct. The flange 220 (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) is provided in a direction transverse to the side wall 224 for the purpose of spreading. Cradles 211a and 211c are formed above the opposing side walls 224a and 224c, respectively. The illustrated device is suitable as a drop in solution that seals the vent passage from storm water by lowering the device into the ventilation shaft and positioning it on the wall of the shaft. In place, a grid (not shown) covers the top opening 226. In normal operation, operator access to the interior of box 210 is through the grid.

  The exemplary embodiment as described herein utilizes a quadrilateral box support 210, but some locations are hollow with a stop 230 proximate the bottom opening of the support. The use of a cylinder-shaped support may be possible and this configuration is envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

  Stops 230 a, 230 b, 230 c, 230 d in the form of corner braces (corner reinforcements) in the box 210 are in the side wall 224 proximate to the bottom opening 228 and connected to the side wall 224. The passage 225 is not blocked. Adjacent sidewalls include a base 228 having rounded corners 227a and 227d on respective stoppers 230a and 230d, and a base 229 having rounded corners 229b and 229c on respective stoppers 230b and 230c. including. The rounded corners 227a, 227d and 229b, 229c have round corner radii of curvature.

  Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a beam 242 containing extruded tubing is spanned horizontally across the passage 225 and close to the top opening 226. Connected to opposing side walls 224a, 224c of box 210. The beam 242 is lodged in the cradle 211a, 211c and is conveniently lowered into the groove 211a, 211c (channels) by holding the handle 212a, 212c, which can be folded by the operator. The beam 242 and strap 244 described below include suspension members for the devices described below. After the box 210 is installed in the ventilation shaft located on the flange 220, the beam 242 and its mountings can be lowered into place as a fully assembled unit 201. By pulling the beam 242 out of the grooves 211a, 211c using the handles 212a, 212c, the assembled unit 201 can be removed from the box 210 for servicing.

  Although the exemplary embodiment as described utilizes a suspension member that includes a beam 242 and a strap 244 for supporting the equipment described below, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. . Suspension members other than beam 242 and strap 244 may be used, for example, the suspension member is a single, integrally extending vertically or solid window that suspends a hinged panel similar to beam 242 and strap 244. It can be a board. The advantages of the beam 242 and strap 244 described are lighter weights that impose a lesser load on the flange 220 than the solid plate, but the windowed plate is also considered to be an expensive element but is also lighter Will contribute to the benefits of loading.

  Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the hinge mounting member 245 hangs horizontally across the passage 225 in a manner similar to the beam 242 connected to the beam 242 by a plurality of straps 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d. Yes. A hinge mounting member 245 housed in the cradle 211a, 211c and spanning between the side walls 224a, 224c is centered in the passage 225 of the box 210 with the beam 242 just above the hinge mounting member 245. The hinge attachment member 245 attaches and supports a plurality of hinge members 243. Each of the hinge members 243 includes a stationary member 243b, a movable member 243a, and a hinge pin 243c that interconnects the stationary member 243b and the movable member 243a. The stationary member 243b is connected to the hinge mounting member 245.

  A pair of opposing panels 234, 236, each having a proximal portion and a distal portion 234a, 234b and 236a, 236b, are connected to the stationary hinge member 243b by a movable hinge member 243a at the proximal portions 234a, 236b. Accordingly, the hinge attachment member 245 is connected to the beam 242 from the hinge attachment member 245 via the straps 244a and 244b. The connection of the movable hinge member 243a to the proximal portions 234a, 236a of the panels 234, 236 on the hinge pin 243c forms the respective pivot axes of the panels 234, 236 for vertical rotation of the panels 24,236. Panels 234, 236 rotate in opposite directions from or up to the home position tucked under beam 242. The upward rotation of the panel to the home position (one clockwise and the other counterclockwise) is manually effected as described further below. The home position of the panel pushed under the beam 242 does not block the passage 225. The rotating panels 234, 236 are exclusively from their upright home position to their lower passage closed position (generally indicated by reference numeral 215) where further rotation is prevented by stoppers 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e. It falls under the driving force of gravity of its own weight. Each panel has a profile that closes the passageway as the panel rotates by gravity to the passage closure position.

  Referring to FIGS. 2A-3B, panels 234, 236 have a top plate 238 and a bottom surface 232. The bottom surface 232 is crossed with internal cross braces 237 and 239 (internal cross braces) for rigidity. The distal portion of the panel is a rounded corner with a radius of curvature substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the sidewall corners 229a, 229b, 229c, 229d that sweep when the distal portion of the panel rotates to the passage closed position. 219. The panel includes peripheral distal and lateral seals 221, 222 for sealing the passage in the passage closed position, seals 221a, 222a for the panel 234 and seals 221b, 222b for the panel 236. Gasket seals (223a for panel 234, 223b for panel 236) span the proximal end of the base of panels 234, 236 below pin 243c and when the panels are in the channel closed position, the panels 234, 236 The bottom opening 228 is sealed at the proximal end. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and described further below, at least one of the panels, such as panel 236, has a drain 270 (drain) between the proximal and distal ends of the panel. Prepare.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 238 of each panel 234, 236 includes a recess 233 or 233 '. The recess includes a panel holder latch catch 235 for panel 234 and a panel holder latch catch 235 ′ for panel 236 (latch catch 235 ′ is shielded from view in FIG. 1 but is the same as latch catch 235). And will be understood to work similarly). Panel holder 240 latch 247 for panel 234 and panel holder 240 latch 249 for panel 236 (latch 249 is shielded invisible in FIG. 1 but is understood to be the same as latch 247 and operate similarly). Like). The panel holder 240 including the latches 247 and 249 is supported by the suspension member 242. Latches 247 and 249 pivot vertically on horizontal axis 254 at the proximal end of the latch. The latch shaft 254 is parallel to the panel shaft of the pin 243 c parallel to both sides of the hinge mounting member 245. Each panel holder latch 247, 249 pivots outwardly from the latch shaft 254 distally to an inferior return having an inclined surface that terminates at an insertion notch 251, 251 '. When the panels 234, 236 are rotated vertically upward, the lower inserts of the latches 247, 249 until the plug notches 251, 251 'pass the latch catch edges 235, 235' and catch the latches 247, 249 '. The recesses 233, 233 ′ and the latches 247, 249 are aligned horizontally and vertically with respect to each other so that they are in sliding contact with the ramps 241, 241 and the inclined surfaces of the latch slides on the lamps 241, 241 ′, Be made. This capture holds the panels 234, 236 in the home position 213.

  The panel holder 240 is suspended movably from the suspension member 242 by a rod 246 connected to the panel holder 240. The rod 246 is vertically slidably translated through a brace 255 clamped between the straps 244b, 244c and is mounted through the beam 242 and terminates above the beam 242 with a T-shaped handle 252 under the cover 253, The T-shaped handle 252 is protected from the pedestrian's field of view through a grid covering the quadrilateral support 210. Cover 253, if not avoided, reduces undue tampering with the device and undesirable placement of the panel by malicious manufacturers.

  Rod 246 and T-handle 252 include a panel releaser. Reach tool protrusion or hook that can be inserted vertically through a small opening in the grid that covers the support 210 to reach under the cover 253 and hook the T handle 252 to lift the panel holder 240 Provides convenient holding, such as Lifting the rod 246 by the T-shaped handle 252 causes the panel holder 240 to move upward, causing the movable members 247 and 249 to lose their retention with respect to the catches 241 and 241 ′ and to release the panels 234 and 236. The panels 234, 236 allow gravity to fall rotationally from the upright home position 213 to the lower passage closed position 215 exclusively by their own weight propulsion.

  A panel 236 as in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 11 and 11 has a drain 270 attached midway between the proximal and distal ends of the panel. Drain 270 includes a hollow conduit 271 through panel 236 and has an opening 272 that opens at panel top surface 238. With reference to FIGS. 8-16, a self-actuated drain closure device, generally designated by reference numeral 273, includes a plug 274 that pivots appropriately on an axis 275 parallel to the panel axis 243c of the panel 236. Plug shaft 275 is disposed between distal end 236 b of panel 236 and drain conduit 271. In operation, while panel 236 is in the passage closed position, plug 274 is manually pivoted upward on pivot axis 275 to remove the plug from drain opening 272 and provide ventilation protected by device 200. Drain the flood water contained in the box 210 that was prevented from entering the shaft by the panel. When the panel 236 is pivoted upward to the home position after draining the box 210 to allow resumption of ventilation between the air opening and the protected ventilation duct, the plug 274 is caused by the force of gravity. Automatically pivots downward to place the plug within the conduit opening 272.

  More specifically, the panel 236 has spaced posts 276, 276 ′ that are fixedly attached to the top surface 238 of the panel 236 between the distal end 236 b of the panel 236 and the drain 270. A pivot shaft rod 275 is supported by the posts 276, 276 'in parallel with the axis 243c of the panel 236 and spans between the posts above the top surface 238 of the panel 236. The drain closure device 273 includes a plug arm 277 which is pivoted at one end 277a for movement of the plug arm 277 into a raised drain open position and a lowered drain closed position. 275 pivots cooperatively with H.275. The pivot shaft rod 275 may be secured to the posts 276, 276 ′ with the plug arm 277 rotating on the pivot shaft rod 275, or the pivot shaft rod 275 may be secured to the pivot arm rod 275. And may rotate within posts 276, 276 ′.

  Plug arm 277 includes a mounting projection 278 spaced from pivot shaft rod 275. The plug 274 further includes a concave sealing gasket 280, a top plate 281 and a bottom plate 282, and both the top plate 281 and the bottom plate 282 are smaller in size than the gasket 280. As shown in the drawing, drain conduit 271 is cylindrical, top plate 281 and bottom plate 282 are circular discs, and concave sealing gasket 280 is circular. Other complementary conduits, gaskets and plate shapes may be used, and a circle is suitable and probably less complex but need not be. Concave seal gasket 280 is secured between top plate 281 and bottom plate 282 by fasteners 283 in holes 284, 284 '. At least the bottom plate 282 is sized to enter and close the conduit opening 272. The plates 281 and 282 sandwiching the gasket 280 expose a concave gasket portion 280 'facing upward outwardly extending above the bottom plate 281. The plates 281, 282 are fixedly connected to the plug arm 277 by attachment protrusions 278, thereby placing the center of gravity of the plug 274 beyond the pivot shaft rod 275 in the direction of the drain 270. Thus, with the panel 236 in the passage closed position 215, the panel 236 has a panel 276 in the raised position to eject the box 210, and the panel 236 (with the plug 274 in the raised position) is then , When rotated upward toward the home position to restore ventilation through the box 210, the plug 274 is due to gravity acting on the centered mass of the raised plug in front of the plug shaft 275. From a raised position to a position parallel to the panel 236, which is rotationally downward, placing at least the bottom plate 282 in the degree line conduit opening 272, so that the outwardly concave gasket portion 280 ' With the space between the plates 281 and 282 and the opening 272 sealed, the drain conduit fired 272 is closed.

  The plug arm 274 has a lower relief intermediate between the end of the arm 274 remote from the rod 275 and the plug shaft 275 and the mounting projection for catching the plug arm 274 by a projection such as 291 on the hook reach tool 290. 279 is suitably included. The operator inserts the tool 290 through the opening in the grid covering the support 210, hooks the lower relief 279, lifts the tool 290, raises the captured arm 274, removes the plug 274 from the drain opening 270, Drain box 210 while panel 236 is in passage closed position 215.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 8 to 12 are used when applicable to the deformation of the plug 274. The deformation plug is generally indicated by reference numeral 310. FIG. 15 is compared with FIG. Plug 310 places a reach tool such as 290 where the plug arm 277 can be captured with an insert 310 (inset) formed at the distal end 311 of the plug arm 277 above the top plate 210. The bottom plate 282 is configured as a reverse frustoconical member with a greater mass and a deeper reach into the opening 272 of the drain conduit 270 to increase the center of gravity of the plug arm 277.

  If the self-actuated drain closure device 273 is not present, the operator uses the other type of drain closure device to raise the panel 236 to the home position while the other type of drain closure device remains open. Thus, there is a risk of creating a situation where water entering the box 210 through the top opening 226 enters the ventilation shaft that is intended to be closed when the panel 236 is in the passage closed position 215. The presence of a “fool proof” self-actuating means that automatically closes the opening 272 by the action of the rising panel 236 allows the drainage when the panel 236 is subsequently lowered to the panel closing position 215. Ensure that opening 270 is already closed.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-19A, another exemplary embodiment utilizes a single panel. Components in a single panel embodiment that are the same as in the exemplary pair panel embodiment have the same reference numbers as in the exemplary pair panel embodiment. The exemplary embodiment of a single panel, like the other exemplary embodiments, assumes a straight atmospheric opening of the vertical ventilation shaft,
Allows normal ventilation through the shaft to the underground ventilation duct that is in fluid communication with the atmospheric opening in the grid above the shaft through the ventilation shaft, and when there is a risk of flooding, the downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct Operate to prevent flow. The exemplary embodiment of a single panel, like the exemplary embodiment of a pair of panels, includes a support embodied as a square vertical box that opens at the bottom and top, and the top opening of the box support. And a passage 225 is defined between the bottom opening. Some details have been omitted for simplicity of construction, but will be understood from the description of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of panels. Exemplary flanges, e.g., 220b, 220c, extend horizontally and lie above the vertical wall of the ventilation shaft (the flanges 220a, 220d are not shown by reference numbers in FIGS. It will be understood from the embodiment). The support box sidewalls 224b, 224c, 224d are visible in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 18A and 19A (the sidewall 224a will be understood from the description of the pair of panel embodiments). The four sidewalls 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d fit vertically inside the four vertical ventilation shaft walls, as in the exemplary embodiment of a pair of panels. A stopper, such as stoppers 230a, 230d in the exemplary embodiment of the pair of panels, is adjacent to the bottom opening, such as 229 in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-5A, and the side walls 224a, 224b and 224a, 224d and connected to them respectively, they do not block the passage 225. Adjacent side walls include a base 227 having rounded corners 227a, 127d above the respective stoppers 230a, 230d.

  The cradle 211a, 211c is formed on the upper side of the opposing side walls 224a and 224c adjacent to the side wall 224d. The device shown is suitable as a fallout in solution for sealing the vent passage from storm water by lowering it into the ventilation shaft and positioning it on the wall of the shaft. In place, a grid (not shown) covers the top opening 226. In normal operation, operator access to the interior of the support box is through the grid.

  Referring now to FIGS. 18-19A, a beam 242 containing extruded tubular tissue hangs horizontally across the passage 225 so as not to block, adjacent to the side wall 224d and adjacent to the top opening 226. Are connected to opposite side walls 224a and 224c of the box 210. The beam 242 is housed in the cradle 211a, 211c, and is conveniently lowered into the groove 211a, 211c by holding the handle 212a, 212c that can be folded by the operator. Beam 242 and strap 244 include suspension members. After mounting the support box in the ventilation shaft located on the flange 220, the beam 242 and its attached equipment can be lowered into place as a fully assembled unit. By pulling the beam 242 out of the grooves 211a, 211c using the handles 212a, 212c, the assembled unit can be removed from the support box for maintenance.

  Referring specifically to FIG. 19A, the hinge mounting member 245 lies horizontally across the passage 225 so as not to obstruct, similar to the beam 242 connected to the beam 242 by a plurality of straps 244 (FIGS. 18A and 19A). Only 244d is visible in the cross-sectional view). Housed in cradle 211a and 211c, beam 242 and hinge mounting member 245 span between side walls 224a and 224c adjacent to side wall 224d with beam 242 being directly above hinge mounting member 245. The hinge attachment member 245 attaches and supports the plurality of hinge members 243. The hinge member 243 includes a stationary member 243b, a movable member 243a, and a hinge pin 243c interconnecting the stationary member 243b and the movable member 243a, respectively, as in the exemplary embodiment of the pair of panels. 243 b is connected to the hinge mounting member 245. In FIG. 19A, only the movable member 243a is referenced to avoid obscuring the elements.

  A single panel 236, each having a proximal portion and a distal portion (understood the same as 236a, 236b in the pair of panel examples), is a proximal portion 236a with a movable hinge member 243a and a stationary hinge member 243b. To the hinge mounting member 245 and from the hinge mounting member 245 to the beam 242 via the straps 244a, 244b, 244c and 244d, as in the pair of panels example. The connection of the movable hinge member 243a to the proximal portion 236a of the panel 236 on the hinge pin 243c forms the pivot axis of the panel 236 for vertical rotation of the panel 236. The panel 236 rotates from or to the upright home position pushed under the beam 242. As described further below, the rotation of panel 236 to the home position upward (counterclockwise in the exemplary embodiment) is effected manually. The home position of panel 236 pushed under beam 242 does not block passage 225. The rotating panel 236 falls from an upright home position to a lower passage closed position where further rotation is blocked by the stoppers 230a, 230d, exclusively under the force of gravity of its own weight. Each panel has a profile that closes the passageway as the panel rotates by gravity to the passage closure position.

  In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18-19A, the same panel 236 as the panel 236 in the pair of panel examples includes a recess 233 'that includes a panel holder latch catch 235'. Panel holder 240 latch 249 for panel 236. The panel holder 240 including the latch 249 is supported by the suspension member 242. The latch 249 pivots vertically on the horizontal axis at the proximal end of the latch. The latch axis is parallel to the panel axis of the pin 243c. Panel holder latch 249, similar to latch 247 of FIG. 6, pivots outwardly from the latch axis to a downward return with a ramp that terminates at latch notch 251 '. When the panel 236 is rotated vertically upward, the lower return portion of the latch 249 is brought into sliding contact with the ramp 241 ′ supported by the panel, and the plug notch 251 ′ passes the latch catch edge 235 ′ to disengage the latch 249. The recess 233 ′ and the latch 249 are aligned with each other both horizontally and vertically so that the inclined surface of the latch slides on the ramp 241 ′ until capture. This capture holds the panels 234, 236 in the home position 213. As in the case of a pair of panels, the arrangement of latches and latch catches can be reversed.

  As in the case of the pair of panels, the panel holder 240 is suspended from the suspension member 242 by a rod 246 connected to the panel holder 240. The rod 246 is slidably translated through the beam 242 through a brace 255 clamped between the straps 244b and 244c, and terminates above the beam 242 with a T-shaped handle 252 below the cover 253. The T-shaped handle is hidden from the view of the pedestrian through the grid covering the support 210. Rod 246 and T-handle 252 include a panel release device. The T-handle is due to a reach tool protrusion or hook that can be inserted vertically through a small opening in the grid that covers the support to reach under the cover 253 and hook the T-handle to lift the panel holder 240 Provide convenient holding. Lifting the rod 246 by the T-shaped handle 252 causes the panel holder 240 to move upward, causing the movable members 247, 249 to lose their retention on the catches 241, 241 ′, and releasing the panels 234, 236. The panels 234, 236 allow gravity to fall from the upright home position 213 to the lower passage closed position 215 exclusively by their own weight propulsion.

  As shown in FIGS. 18-19A, an exemplary embodiment of a single panel is proximally pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the panel 236 on a pivot axis parallel to the hinge axis 243c by a pivot pin 267. A lift arm 260 ′ having an end 261 ′ and a distal end 263 ′, the lift arm 260 ′ being raised using a panel handle 259 ′ to complete rotation of the panel 236 to the home position. When the distal end 263 'is pivoted upward inside the side wall 224b to apply a lateral force to the connected panel 236, the distal end 263' contacts the opposite side wall 224b The dimensions are as follows.

  Having described exemplary examples of embodiments incorporating the concepts of the present invention, those skilled in the art can use these concepts as guided by these embodiments and nevertheless are disclosed herein. Alternative variations may be made which encompass the ideas made and still fall within the scope of the invention as claimed in the subsequent claims.

Claims (18)

Allows ventilation through the ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct that is in fluid communication with the atmospheric opening of the ventilation shaft through a vertical ventilation shaft, and surface water into the underground ventilation duct when there is a risk of flooding A device operable manually to prevent downward flow, wherein
A support comprising opposing lateral sidewalls for placement in the ventilation shaft, the top and bottom openings of the support for fluid communication of the underground ventilation duct through the support to the atmospheric opening above A support that defines a passage between and
One or more panels having proximal and distal ends and top and bottom surfaces, the proximal ends rotating each panel upward to an upright home position that does not obstruct the passage And a horizontal hinge having a hinge axis perpendicular to the opposite lateral side wall for rotation downward from an upright home position due to its own gravity gravity propulsion to reach the lower passage closed position; and The one or more panels have a profile that closes the passage as each panel rotates to the passage by gravity; and
Horizontally spans the passages supported on the opposing lateral sidewalls proximate to the top opening so as not to block, and the one or more in the passages proximate the bottom opening. A suspension member holding a hinged panel;
At least one panel of the one or more panels intermediate the proximal end and the distal end of at least one of the one or more panels; A drain through the panel, the conduit having an opening in the top surface of the panel and a self-actuating drain closure device in each panel having a drain; The self-actuated drain closure device includes a plug pivotably pivoted on a drain plug axis positioned between the distal end of each panel and the drain conduit, the drain plug axis being connected to the horizontal hinge axis The plugs are parallel and the one or more panels are removed when the panels are in the passage closed position with the plugs removed from the drain openings. It can be manually pivoted upward on the drain plug shaft to drain the water contained above, and the plug is automatically pivoted downward by the gravity force of its own weight, When the panel containing the drain is pivoted upwards to the home position, the plug is placed in the conduit opening so that the panel is lowered by gravity to the passage closed position. When rotating, the conduit opening is already closed,
apparatus.   The plug is concave upwardly around the outer periphery of the plug so as to seal any space between the outer periphery of the plug and the conduit opening when the panel includes the plug in the passage closed position. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sealing gasket. Each panel including the drain has a spaced post fixedly attached to the top surface of each panel between the distal end of each panel and the drain, and the drain plug shaft is defined by the post. A rod supported parallel to the horizontal hinge axis, spanning between the posts above the panel top surface;
Each drain closure device
With a plug arm pivotally rotatable at the proximal end of the arm with or on the rod for movement of the arm to a raised drain open position and a lowered drain closed position A plug arm including a mounting projection remote from the rod;
An upwardly concave sealing gasket,
A top plate and a bottom plate, both of which are smaller in size than the sealing gasket,
The concave sealing gasket is fixed between the top plate and the bottom plate, and at least the bottom plate has a size configured to enter and close the conduit opening, and the top plate and the bottom plate are An upwardly extending concave gasket portion is exposed outwardly extending above the bottom plate, the top plate and the bottom plate being fixedly connected to the arm by the mounting projection, and the pivot of the rod in the direction of the drain. Arranging the center of gravity of the arm beyond the axis, the panel containing the drain has the plug arm in the raised position so that the panel is in the closed position while the panel is in the closed passage position. After draining the water, the plug including the drain is directed to the home position with the plug arm in the raised position. The plug arm is moved downward from the raised position to a position parallel to the panel due to gravity acting on the center of gravity of the raised plug arm. And at least the bottom plate is disposed within the conduit opening, thereby closing the conduit opening with an outwardly upwardly concave gasket portion between the top plate and the bottom plate and the conduit opening. Sealing the space of
The apparatus of claim 1.   4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plug arm includes a relief in the lower surface of the arm distal to the rod for capture of the arm by a reach tool that lifts the arm.   4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plug arm includes a recess at the end of the arm distal to the rod for capture of the arm by a reach tool that lifts the arm.   4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the drain conduit is a hollow cylinder, the top plate and the bottom plate are circular discs, and the concave gasket is circular.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bottom plate is a reverse truncated conical plate.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the rod is fixed to the post and the plug arm rotates on the rod.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the rod rotates within the post and the plug arm is secured to the pivot shaft rod.   The support including the lateral sidewalls is sized to fit internally within the vertical shaft between the ventilation duct and the atmospheric opening, and the support crosses the top of the shaft. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal flange transverse to the side wall for projecting and suspending the support within the shaft.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atmospheric opening is cylindrical and the support comprises a hollow cylinder.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atmospheric opening is straight and the support is a quadrilateral.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension member comprises a single, integrally extending member.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension member includes a beam having a vertically suspended strap that holds the horizontal hinge and the panel connected to the horizontal hinge.   The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the horizontal hinge includes a hinge attachment member held by the suspension member and a plurality of hinge members attached to the hinge attachment member.   Each hinge member includes a stationary member, a movable member, and a hinge pin interconnecting the stationary member and the movable member, the stationary member is connected to the hinge mounting member, and the movable member is connected to the panel. The apparatus of claim 15, connected to the proximal end.   The shaft is vertical, and the support including sidewalls is sized to fit internally within the shaft between the ventilation duct and the atmospheric opening, the support being of the shaft The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flange transverse to the side wall to suspend the support within the shaft located on the top, the side wall supporting the suspension member.   A pair of the panels, the atmospheric opening is straight, the support is a quadrilateral, and the suspension member is from or upright from the upright home position so as not to block the passage. A beam centrally supported between the opposing lateral sidewalls for attachment of the panel in the passage for rotation of the panel in opposite directions to a home position, the beam comprising: 17. The apparatus of claim 16, comprising a vertically suspended strap that holds the horizontal hinge and the panel connected to the horizontal hinge.

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