JP2019527806A - Flood protection for underground vents - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow 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 to prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct when there is a risk of flooding A device that is operable in a horizontal manner that supports a support side wall that fits within a ventilation shaft that provides a ventilation passage between the top and bottom openings of the support, and is horizontally mounted close to the top opening so as not to block the passage. And one or more hinged panels, including suspension members supported on opposite lateral sidewalls holding one or more hinged panels in the passageway, It can be removed manually to close the passages and prevent flooding, and to be lifted manually to the home position, allowing ventilation. The suspension member is detachable from the support in a liftable manner and includes an end key that is housed within the keyed support so that the suspension member can fit within the support so that a particular panel is identified Approach the side wall.

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 view of a quadrilateral (with four sides) support structure that accepts the embodiment of FIG. 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. 2B is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 housed within the quadrilateral support of FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A viewed in this view from the left side. FIG. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 housed within the quadrilateral support of FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A rotated 180 degrees from the view of FIG. 3, ie, opposite (right side) of FIG. FIG. FIG. 6 is an isometric top view of a liftably removable panel assembly with the panel lowered. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 5 indicated by a broken line indicated by reference numeral 6. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 5 indicated by a broken line indicated by reference numeral 7. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 5 indicated by a broken line indicated by reference numeral 8. FIG. 6 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 5 lowered to a predetermined location within the support of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 with the panel in the raised home position. FIG. 6 is a cut-away isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 in place within the quadrilateral support of FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A illustrating the panel of FIG. 5 in the raised home position. FIG. 6 is a top view of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 in place showing the panel in a lowered position. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of a variation of the panel assembly of FIG. 5 and the cradle support of FIG. 1 (the panel is shown raised to a home position). FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A of FIG. 13 showing a deformation of the end of the beam portion of the panel assembly of FIG. FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a variation depicted in cross section in FIG. 13A. It is a front view of a cradle deformation | transformation of the support body of embodiment of FIGS. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cradle deformation depicted in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a side view of the cradle deformation depicted in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 is a top view of the cradle deformation depicted in FIG. 15. FIG. 19 is a cutaway isometric view of the panel assembly deformation of FIG. 5 showing the cradle support deformation of FIGS. 15-18 supporting the notch of the deformation assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. 19 is a top view showing the deformation of FIGS. 13A and 14 in place in the cradle deformation support of FIGS. 15-18. 5 shows the position of the deformed panel assembly of FIG. 5 when the deformed panel assembly is lowered into place in the cradle of FIGS. 15-18 and in the lower support anchor depicted in FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment with components removed. FIG. 6 is a front view of a lower connector plate for the deformable assembly of FIG. 5. It is a side view of the connector board of FIG. It is a perspective view of the connector board of FIG. FIG. 26 is a front view of an uncover for the deformation assembly of FIG. 25. It is a side view of the uncover of FIG. It is a perspective view of the uncover of FIG. Several components have been removed showing the position of the assembly of FIG. 5 in place within the cradle of FIGS. 15-18 that is secured in place within the lower anchor support depicted in FIGS. 24-26. FIG. FIG. 25 is a top view of the connector plate of FIGS. 22-24 secured in place within the lower anchor support depicted in FIGS. 25-27. FIG. 6 is a top view of a single panel assembly housed in a quadrilateral support showing a panel deployed in a passage closed position. FIG. 31 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 30 taken along line 30A-30A of FIG. 30. FIG. 5 is a top view of a single panel assembly housed in a quadrilateral support showing the panel fully raised to the home position. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 31 taken along line 31A-31A 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, 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 to allow normal ventilation when there is no risk of flooding. One or more downward-rotatable panels attached to can be used. In one exemplary embodiment, a single panel is attached to the side of such a passage in the home position and descends by gravity alone from the home position to the passage closure position across the passage. Protect ventilation ducts from flooding. In another exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels are mounted on either side 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 removably supported in a liftable manner on lateral sidewalls that oppose proximate 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 that connects two linked panels as well as a movable joint on which the panel is raised and lowered.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension member is removably supported in a centrally liftable manner between opposing lateral side walls, and the rotation of the panel in an opposite direction from or to the upright home position. For this purpose, a pair of panels are suspended in the ventilation passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the atmospheric opening is straight, the support is a quadrilateral, and the opposing sidewalls are used to lift the beam in such a vertical arm and on a horizontal bar, respectively. A cradle that has a pair of spaced parallel vertical arms upward to removably receive and support, and optionally connected to the bar and upright on the bar and optionally on the horizontal bar Centrally deposited in the ventilation passage adjacent to the top opening of the shaft.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one side wall adjacent to the opposing lateral side wall so that the structure on the panel is located below the indicator. Indicates. In such an embodiment, the suspension member has opposite ends, each end supports a key that extends laterally beyond the side of the suspension member, and each cradle has a panel with the structure below the indicator. As positioned, it is keyed to receive the key only within one arm of the cradle.

  In an exemplary embodiment utilizing such a suspension support cradle, such a centrally supported suspension member includes a beam having a vertically suspended strap that holds a horizontal hinge and a panel connected by the horizontal hinge. May be included. Such a beam has both ends, side surfaces between both ends of the beam, and a quadrilateral beam end plate attached to each end of the beam. Each beam end plate has side surfaces extending laterally beyond the side surfaces of both ends of the beam. Each cradle includes a perpendicular depression angle between the vertical mutually perpendicular projections of the vertical arm, one projection of each vertical arm being attached to one of the opposing side walls. The other protrusion of each vertical arm is not attached to one such side wall. Such unattached protrusions and the perpendicular depression angle of the vertical arm face each other. The attached projections are spaced sufficiently to receive the beam end plate vertically within a pair of vertical arms. In an exemplary embodiment having such a cradle and beam end plate, one side surface of each beam end plate extends further laterally than the other side surface of such beam end plate, One non-attached protrusion of the vertical arm of the beam receives the side surface of the beam end plate that extends further than the other side surface of the beam end plate, thereby receiving the beam end plate in a pair of vertical arms. The other vertical arm has a longer length than the non-attached protrusion.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one side wall adjacent to the opposing lateral side walls. The indicator indicates that a particular structure on the panel is located below the indicator. The longer insert of the vertical arm that receives only the longer side of the beam end plate and the longer side of the end plate allows the beam to move a particular panel with its structure below the indicator when the panel is in the passage closed position. It can be placed horizontally in the cradle only in the orientation to be placed.

  In an exemplary embodiment, where the beam support cradle allows the beam to be positioned in only one horizontal orientation, the hinge mounting member includes both ends, sides between the hinge mounting members, and the hinge mounting member. And a quadrilateral hinge attachment member end plate attached to each end. The end plates of the hinge mounting members each have side surfaces that extend laterally beyond the side surfaces at both ends of the hinge mounting member. The opposing side walls each centrally attach a pair of spaced horizontal uncovers below the cradle and adjacent to the bottom opening in the passage. Each uncover includes a perpendicular depression angle between unequal lengths of mutually perpendicular horizontal protrusions, and the shorter protrusion of each uncover adheres to one of the opposing sidewalls and is longer than that uncover The protrusion is not attached to one side wall. The protrusions that are not attached and the perpendicular depression angle of the uncover face each other. The attached projections are spaced sufficiently to vertically receive the hinge mounting member endplates within the pair of uncovers. Thus, in order to show that the structure on the panel is located below the indicator, if the quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one wall adjacent to the opposing lateral sidewall, the beam The end plate, cradle vertical arm, hinge mounting member end plate, and uncover cooperate to direct the arrangement of the beam and hinge mounting member suspended from the beam so that when the panel is in the passage closed position, the structure The panel having it is arranged below the indicator.

  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 to 29 show an exemplary embodiment having a pair of panels. 30-31A illustrate an exemplary embodiment having a single panel. Referring first to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A, exemplary embodiments include quadrilateral or four-sided including side walls 224 (224a, 224b, 224c, 224d). Including a support embodied in a box 210, the side wall 224 is in fluid communication of the ventilation duct through the box 210 to the upper atmospheric opening 214 to the upper extent of the side wall. In order to define a passage 225 between the top opening 226 and the bottom opening 228 of the box 210, the side wall for spreading over the top of the wall of the ventilation shaft for suspending the box 210 vertically within the shaft. 224 has flanges 220 (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) transverse to the direction. 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.

  An exemplary embodiment as described herein utilizes a four-sided box support 210, although several locations are located near the bottom opening of the support, with a stop 230 (stops 230). ) May also allow the use of a hollow cylinder-shaped support, this form being 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. 3 and 4, a beam 242 containing extruded tubing is spanned horizontally across the passage 225 and proximate 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 grooves 211a, 211c (channels) by holding the handles 212a, 212c that 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 the beam 242 and strap 244 may be used, for example, the suspension member may be a single integrally vertically extending solid or fenestrated plate. . 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 in particular to FIGS. 5 and 8-11, the hinge mounting member 245 extends horizontally across the passage 225 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. The hinge attachment member 245 includes a stiffener bar 231 attached lengthwise along the lower surface of the hinge attachment 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. The panels 234, 236 rotate in opposite directions from or up to the home position under the beam 242 indicated generally by the reference numeral 213. The panel upwards to the home position 213 (one is clockwise and the other is Counterclockwise rotation is effected manually, as described further below: The panel home position pushed under beam 242 does not occlude passage 225. Downward panel rotation (one is clockwise) Rotation, the other counterclockwise), due to gravity acting exclusively on the mass of the panel when the panel is released from the home position, as described further below. From this, further rotation is prevented by the stoppers 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d, 230e (reference numeral 215). Shown) to the lower passage closed position, exclusively fall. Each panel under the impetus of gravity of their own weight, the panel has a profile that closes the passage when rotated by gravity to the passage closed position.

  The panels 234 and 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.

  Panels 234 and 236 are held at home position 213 by panel holder 240. The panel holder 240 is suspended so as to be movable in the box 210 by a grip rod 246 connected to the panel holder 240. Rod 246 is slidably translated through beam 242 through brace 255 clamped between straps 244b and 244c and terminates above beam 242 with a T-shaped handle grip 252 under cover 253, Protecting the pedestrian handle grip 252 from pedestrian visibility through the grid over 210 reduces, if not avoided, unauthorized tampering with the device and undesirable placement of the panel by malicious manufacturers. Panel holder 240 includes a movable member 247 on the side facing panel 234 and a movable member 249 on the side facing panel 236. It is the movable member components 247 and 249 of the panel holder 240 that capture and hold the panels 234 and 236 in the upright home position 213. Rod 246 and grip 252 include a panel releaser. The T-handle, such as by a hook of a hook reach tool that can be inserted vertically through a small opening in the grid that covers the box 210 to reach under the cover 253 and hook the grip 252 to lift the panel holder 240. The grip 252 is configured for convenient gripping. Lifting the rod 246 by the grip 252 causes the panel holder 240 to move upward, releasing the panels 234, 236 held by the movable members 247, 249, so that the panels are upright home position 213 solely by their own mass. To the lower passage closing position 215 to allow rotational drop by gravity.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 5-8, the movable members 247, 249 include latches engageable with latch catches 235, 235 ', respectively. Latches 247 and 249 pivot vertically on pivot shaft 254 at the proximal end of the latch. The pivot shaft 254 is inside the panel holder 240 parallel to the panel shaft of the pin 243 c parallel to both sides of the hinge mounting member 245. Each latch 247, 249 pivots outwardly from the panel holder 240 to a distal lower return 248, 248 'having inclined surfaces 250, 250' ending at insertion notches 251, 251 '. Recesses 233, 233 and panel holder 240 allow the lower distal return portions 248, 248 'of latches 247, 249 to be in sliding contact with ramps 241, 241' when panels 234, 236 are rotated vertically upward. So that the inclined surfaces 250, 250 ′ are over the ramps 241, 241 ′ until the insertion notches 251, 251 ′ pass through the latch catch edges 235, 235 ′. Slide to capture latches 247 and 240 and latches 247 and 240 hold panels 244 and 246 as the panel completes upward rotation to home position 213.

  The panels 234 and 236 have a structure for manually lifting the panels to the home position 213. Each panel 234, 236 has a handle 259, 259 'on its top surface 238, 238' remote from the pivot axis of the pin 243c of the hinge member 243 to which the proximal ends 234a, 236a of the panels 234, 236 are connected. . The operator can use a reach tool with end projections and insert it through a grid covering box 210 to grasp handles 259, 259 'and lift panels 234, 236. The lift arm 260 for the panel 234 and the lift arm 260 'for the panel 236 are operated by a second reach tool to provide lateral thrust to the bottom of the panel to complete the panel rotation to the upright home position. Provide mechanical assistance.

  At least one of the panels, such as panel 236, includes a drain 270 intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the panel, as shown in FIGS.

  As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, 3 and 4, the quadrilateral box support 210 is a single indicator 285 on one side wall 224d adjacent to the opposing lateral side walls 224a, 224c. And two indicators 286, 287 on the facing side wall 224b. The indicator is a labeled indicator arrow 285, 286, 287 that points to where a particular structure on the panel is located below the indicator. A single indicator 285 labeled “Lift Arm” refers to the location where the lift arm 260 is placed on the panel 234. Side wall 224b with two indicators 286, 287, labeled "Drain" and "Lift Arm", respectively, positions on panel 236 where drain 270 is located and other locations where lift arm 260 'is located. Point to.

  The purpose of the labeled indicators 285, 286, 287 is to teach the operator where to insert the reach tool through a grid covering the support 210 to find and manipulate the structure indicated by the markings on the indicator. Thus, suspension members 242 holding panels 234, 236 having structures 260, 260 ', 270, respectively, are positioned next to the side walls on which the panels having those structures are disposed. It is important that they are arranged in the cradle 211a, 211c. A panel 236 having a lift arm 260 'and a drain 270 needs to be placed adjacent to the sidewall 224b. To ensure correct placement, the suspension member 242 has opposite ends, each end supporting a key that extends laterally beyond the side of the suspension member, and each cradle 211a, 211c is a cradle. Since the panel is keyed to receive the key only in one of the arms, the panel with the displayed structure is positioned below the indicator. That is, the cradle 211a, 211c is keyed and the suspension member 242, e.g., the beam 242 is provided with a key, the key is the beam 242 and the two panels 234, 236 with which the panel is suspended are displayed. The structure, in this case the panel 236 with the drain 270 and the lift arm 261 ′ can be mounted in the support 210 only in the orientation adjacent to the side wall 224b where the two indicators 286, 287 are located To. This then automatically places the panel 234, which in this example has only one structure displayed on the side wall 224d where one indicator 285 is located for the lift arm.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the beam 242 has opposite ends 288, 288 ', side surfaces 289, 289' between the opposite ends 288, 288 ', and a quadrilateral beam end plate 290 attached to each beam end. Referring to FIGS. 13A and 14, the beam end plate 290 has side surfaces 291 and 291 'that extend laterally beyond the side surfaces 289 and 289' at both ends of the beam.

  Referring to FIGS. 15-18, keyed cradles 292a, 292c (only one is shown and the other is the same) are connected to vertical mutually perpendicular projections 295a, 295b of vertical arm 293 ′, respectively. Includes a pair of vertical arms 293, 293 'having perpendicular depression angles 294, 294' between the vertical mutually perpendicular projections 296a, 296b of the vertical arm 293 ', one projection 295b of the vertical arm 293 and the vertical The corresponding protrusion 296b of the arm 293 ′ is attached to one of the opposing side walls 224a or 224c. The other protrusion 295a of the vertical arm 293 and the other protrusion 296a of the vertical arm 293 'do not adhere to such one side wall 224a or 224c. Such unattached protrusions and the perpendicular depression angle of the vertical arm face each other. The protrusions 295b and 296b that are not attached are sufficiently spaced to receive the beam end plate 290 vertically in the pair of vertical arms 293 and 293 'and are positioned on the horizontal bar 297.

  14 and 20, the side surface 291 of the side surface 291, 291 ′ of each beam end plate 290 further extends laterally than the side surface 291 ′ of the beam end plate 290 to provide a key. Referring to FIGS. 16, 18 and 20, the non-attached protrusion 296 a of the vertical arm 293 ′ of the cradle 292 c serves as a key for the side surface 291 of the beam end plate 290 that extends further than the other side surface 291 ′ of the beam end plate 290. It has a longer length than the unattached protrusion 296a of the other vertical arm 293 'of the cradle 292c to receive and thereby receive the beam end plate 290 in a pair of keyed vertical arms 293, 293'. The longer side 291 of the beam end plate 290 is the key, the longer insert at the unattached protrusion 296a of the vertical arms 293, 293 ′ is the keyed element, and the keyed element is the twist of the end end plate 290. Only in the orientation where the key of the long side 291 is received, so that the beam 242 places a particular panel 234, 236 having the same structure as the sign on the side wall adjacent to and below the indicator. 292a and 292c can be arranged horizontally.

  In cooperation with the end plate 290 and the keys and keyed functions of the cradle 292a, 292c, the hinge mounting member 245 has a side 299 between the ends 298, 298 'and the ends 298, 298' of the hinge mounting member. , 299 ′ and a quadrilateral hinge attachment member end plate 300 attached to each end 298, 298 ′ of the hinge attachment member. The hinge mounting member end plate 300 has side surfaces 301 and 301 'that extend laterally beyond the side surfaces 299 and 299' of the hinge mounting member ends 298 and 298 ', respectively. Opposing sidewalls 224a and 224c each center a pair of spaced apart horizontal uncovers adjacent to the bottom opening 228 and below the cradle 292a or 292c in the passage. Uncover 302 includes a perpendicular depression angle 303 between unequal lengths of mutually perpendicular horizontal protrusions 304a, 304b, with shorter protrusion 304b adhering to one of opposing sidewalls 224a or 224c and uncover 302. The longer protrusions 304a of the first side wall 224a or 224c are not attached. Similarly, the uncover 302 'includes a perpendicular depression angle 303' between unequal lengths of mutually perpendicular horizontal protrusions 305a, 305b, with the shorter protrusion 305b attached to one of the opposing sidewalls 224a or 224c. However, the longer protrusion 305a of the uncover 302 'is not attached to one side wall 224a or 224c. The protrusion that is not attached and the perpendicular angle of the uncover face each other. The attached protrusions 304b, 305b are sufficiently spaced apart to receive the hinge mounting member end plate 300 vertically within the pair of uncovers. FIG. 20 shows the uncovers 302, 302 'and the beam 224 descending into the cradle 292c. FIG. 27 shows the beam 24 landed in place in the cradle 292c and the hinge mounting member 245 landed in place in the uncovers 302, 302 '. FIG. 28 shows the fitment of the hinge mounting member 245 with the end plate 300 between the uncovers 302, 302 '. A seal 305 separates the brace 306 from the anchors 302 and 302 '.

  Thus, the quadrilateral support 210 has at least one indicator on at least one wall 224b or 224d adjacent to the opposing lateral side walls 224a, 224c, and the structure on the panel is located below the indicator. The cradle vertical arms 293, 293 ′, the hinge mounting member end plate 300 and the uncovers 302, 302 ′ are disposed below the indicator when the panel is in the passage closed position. As such, the arrangement of the beam 242 and the hinge mounting member 245 suspended from the beam is cooperatively oriented.

  Referring now to FIGS. 30-31A, another exemplary embodiment utilizes a single panel. Components in the single panel exemplary 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 in the vertical ventilation shaft and fluids through the ventilation shaft to the atmospheric opening in the grid above the shaft. It allows normal ventilation through the shaft to the communicating underground ventilation duct and is operable to prevent the downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct when there is a risk of flooding. 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 numerals in FIGS. Will be understood from the exemplary embodiments). The support box sidewalls 224b, 224c, 224d are visible in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 30A and 31A (the sidewall 224a will be understood from the description of the exemplary embodiment of a pair of panels). The side walls 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. 1-2A, 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. 30-31A, 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. 31A, 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. 30A and 31A). 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. 31A, 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 exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 30-31A, 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 and 249 to lose their retention on the catches 241 and 241 ′ and causing the panels 234 and 236 to be released. The panels 234, 236 allow gravity to descend from the upright home position 213 to the lower passage closed position 215, exclusively by their own weight propulsion.

  As shown in FIG. 31, as in the case of a pair of panels, an exemplary embodiment of a single panel is pivoted to the bottom surface of panel 236 on a pivot axis parallel to hinge axis 243c by pivot pin 267. A lift arm 260 ′ having a dynamically connected proximal end 261 ′ and a distal end 263 ′, the lift arm 260 ′ being configured to complete rotation of the panel 236 to a home position. When the distal end 263 'is pivoted upward inside the sidewall 224b to apply a lateral force to the connected panel 236 that has been raised using 259', the distal end 263 ' Is dimensioned to contact the opposing sidewall 224b.

  As shown in FIGS. 30-31A, an exemplary embodiment of a single panel includes a drain 270 in panel 236 intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the panel.

  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 (20)

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 An apparatus operable to prevent downward flow of the apparatus,
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 an axis perpendicular to the opposite lateral side wall for downward rotation from an upright home position by its own gravity propulsion to reach the lower passage closed position, and One or more panels having one or more panels having a profile that closes the passage when each panel rotates by gravity to the passage closure position;
Stand horizontally close to the top opening so as not to block the passage, hold the one or more hinged panels in the passage, and lift on the opposing lateral sidewalls A suspension member, removably supported
At least one handle connected to the suspension member for moving the suspension member vertically into and out of the support on the opposite lateral side wall;
apparatus.   The support including the lateral side walls is sized to fit internally within the vertical shaft between the ventilation duct and the atmospheric opening, the support being within the shaft within the support. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a horizontal flange transverse to the side wall to project across the top of the shaft to suspend 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 according to claim 6, 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 device of claim 7, wherein the device is connected to the proximal end of the device.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one restrainer that restricts the downward rotation of each panel to the lower passage closed position.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the restraining body includes a stopper in the support body, connected to the support body in proximity to the bottom opening, and does not block the passage.   The side wall includes a base having a rounded corner with a first radius of curvature adjacent to the side wall, the distal portion of the panel sweeping as the panel rotates to the passage closed position. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a rounded corner with a radius of curvature substantially the same as the first radius of curvature of the corner.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a seal that seals the passage in the passage closed position.   A pair of the panels, wherein the suspension member attaches the panel in the passage for rotation of the panel in an opposite direction from or to the upright home position that does not block the passage 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is removably and centrally supported between the opposing lateral sidewalls.   The atmospheric opening is straight, the support is a quadrilateral, and the opposing sidewalls removably receive the suspension member in the vertical arm and on the bar, respectively. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a cradle having a pair of spaced parallel vertical arms above the bar is centrally mounted in the passage adjacent to the top opening for support.   The quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one wall adjacent to the opposing lateral sidewalls to indicate where the structure on the panel is located below the indicator; The suspension member has opposite ends, each end supports a key that extends laterally beyond the side of the suspension member, and each cradle is keyed to receive the key in only one arm of the cradle. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the panel having the structure is disposed below the indicator.   The suspension member is a beam having a vertically suspended strap that holds the horizontal hinge and the panel connected to the horizontal hinge, and the beam includes both ends, side surfaces between both ends of the beam, and a beam. A beam end plate attached to each end of the beam, each beam end plate having a side surface extending laterally beyond the side surfaces of both ends of the beam, and each of the cradles is each of the vertical arm Each perpendicular arm includes a perpendicular depression angle, with one projection of each vertical arm attached to one of the opposing side walls, and the other projection of each vertical arm Such a non-attached protrusion and the perpendicular depression angle of the vertical arm that are not attached to the side wall face each other, and the attached protrusion vertically brings the beam end plate into the pair of vertical arms. It is sufficiently moved away to receive, according to claim 15.   One side of the side of each beam endplate extends further laterally than the other side of such a beam endplate, and one unattached protrusion of one vertical arm of the cradle is connected to the beam endplate. Longer than the non-attached protrusion of the other vertical arm of the cradle to receive the side surface of the beam end plate extending further than the other side surface of the cradle and to receive the beam end plate within the pair of vertical arms. The apparatus of claim 16 having a length.   The quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one wall adjacent to the opposing lateral sidewalls to indicate where the structure on the panel is located below the indicator; A beam end plate and the vertical arm position the beam so that the panel having that structure is positioned below the indicator. The apparatus of claim 17.   The hinge mounting member has both ends, side surfaces between both ends of the hinge mounting member, and a quadrilateral hinge mounting member end plate attached to each end of the hinge mounting member. Each having side surfaces extending laterally beyond the side surfaces at both ends of the hinge mounting member, the opposing side walls each having a pair of spaced apart horizontal uncovers adjacent to the bottom opening and the cradle Lowerly centered in the passage, each uncover includes a perpendicular depression angle between unequal lengths of mutually perpendicular horizontal protrusions, and the shorter protrusions of each uncover The longer protrusion of the uncover attached to one of the side walls to be attached is not attached to the one side wall, and such a non-attached protrusion and the perpendicular depression angle of the uncover are Fit, the projection being the adhesion is sufficiently moved away to accept the hinge mounting member end plate perpendicular to the pair of the uncovered Apparatus according to claim 17.   The quadrilateral support has at least one indicator on at least one wall adjacent to the opposing lateral sidewalls to indicate where the structure on the panel is located below the indicator; The beam end plate, the vertical arm, the hinge mounting member end plate, and the uncover, together position the beam so that the panel having the structure is positioned below the indicator. The device described.

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