WO1979000022A1

WO1979000022A1 - Hydraulic jacking method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1979000022A1
Application number: PCT/US1978/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: W Holmes
Original assignee: W Holmes
Priority date: 1977-07-01
Filing date: 1978-07-03
Publication date: 1979-01-25

Abstract

A hydraulic jacking apparatus (1) comprising an elongated, flexible, inflatable tubular member (2), which is inflatable using air, water and the like, is described. The tubular member (2) is made of material such as that used for making a fire hose. One end of the tubular member is clamped in an air and watertight manner by means of two plate members (3, 4). A hole (6) is provided in the plate members (3, 4) for attaching a line or the like for positioning the tubular member (2) relative to an object to be lifted or moved. In the opposite end of the tubular member there is provided an end cap (7). In the end cap (7) there is provided a pair of quickdisconnect connectors (9, 10) and a bleed valve member (13). The quickdisconnect connectors (9, 10) are adapted to receive a mating connector and comprise internal valve means. The internal valve means is operable to open when the mating connector is connected thereto and to close when the mating connector is disconnected therefrom. The bleed valve (13) is operable for deflating the tubular member (2) independently of the quickdisconnect connectors (9, 10). Hose means (125, 126, 127) is provided for coupling a plurality of the hydraulic jacking apparatus (2) in series and a manifold means (130) is provided for coupling a plurality of the hydraulic jacking apparatus to a manifold depending on the requirements of a particular job. To lift or move an object from the tubular member there is provided a jack show (40, 75) and an extendible pipe member (58, 71). The pipe member has at least one end which is provided for fitting in the jack shoe (40, 75) and a second end (90) adapted to be placed against an object to be moved. The second end (90) may include a pivotable end plate or a spiked or like surface for preventing slippage of the pipe member relative to the object to be moved. In addition, the jack shoe (40) is provided with receptacles (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54) for receiving stabilizing pipes for stabilizing the jack shoe (40) during a lifting or moving operation. Plate members (30, 31) are also provided for lashing to the top and bottom of the tubular member (2) of the hydraulic jacking apparatus for protecting the tubular member (2) from damage due to rough and sharp objects.

Description

HYDRAULIC JACKING METHOD AND APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to jacking apparatus in general and in particular to a light-weight, safe, portable jacking apparatus which is inflatable by gas, water or the like under pressure. 5 In both natural and man-made disasters, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, explo¬ sions, train and automobile crashes and the like, a person can become trapped in wreckage or debris. Often it is necessary to remove him immediately to administer medical

I® care. In a situation where access to the person is impaired or blocked, as by debris, or as in a tall build¬ ing without an operating elevator, or where rescue workers cannot, for other reasons, get heavy-duty power rescue equipment, cranes, hoist forklifts, etc. to the person, or

15 where the danger of fire precludes the use of electrically or gasoline-powered saws or burning cutting torches, the person trapped may die or face long delays in his eventual rescue.

Heretofore, very few apparatus and methods have been

20 specifically proposed for rescuing trapped persons. Typi¬ cally, the prior known methods and apparatus comprise con¬ ventional equipment for clearing away wreckage, such as crowbars and the like and heavy mechanized equipment such as hydraulic oil jacks, screw jacks, cranes and the like. Often the prior known methods using crowbars, mechanical and hydraulic jacks and cranes have proved slow, cumber¬ some and impractical. In many cases, their use is dangerous due to the possibility of the jacks slipping.

In other cases they are too large for use in confined

3^o0^υ areas.

There is, therefore, a present need for a portable, safe, light-weight emergency lifting apparatus which may be rapidly deployed and operated in any disaster regardless

OMPf of the inaccessibility of the person, the loss of electric power , the amount of debris in the way, or the presence of flammable material that would preclude the use of con¬ ventional rescue equipment .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, principal objects of the present invention are a method and an apparatus for deploying in a matter of minutes a portable, emergency lifting and moving system for rescue operations in a disaster or other environmental condition presenting similar problems.

The apparatus described is a hydraulic jacking apparatus comprising a flexible, tubular member made of the same material or a material equivalent to that which is used for making .high-pressure fire hoses. On one end of the tubular member .there is provided a pair of plates. The plates are screwed together, pressed or otherwise attached for clamping the tubular member shut in a. gas and fluid-tight manner. In the opposite end of the tubular ^•member there is provided an end cap. In the end cap there is provided a pair of quick-disconnect connect¬ ing members. In each of the quick-disconnect connecting members there is provided a valve member. The valve mem¬ ber is operable to open for providing a passageway to the interior of the tubular member when a mating connector is connected thereto and to close automatically when the mating connector is disconnected therefrom. One of the connecting members is provided for connecting to a source of gas or fluid under pressure. The other of the connect- ing members is provided for deflating the tubular member or for connecting the tubular member to another tubular member in another jacking apparatus when two or more jacking apparatus are employed simultaneously. An inde¬ pendent bleed valve member is also provided for control- lably deflating the tubular member when neither of the quick-disconnect connecting members are available or being used for that purpose.

Another feature of the present invention is a cubicle or rectangularly-shaped aluminum block forming a jack shoe and an extendible pipe assembly fittable in the jack shoe for bridging a space between the tubular member of the jacking apparatus and an object to be moved The block is designed so that it can be used individually or together with similar blocks or shoes either end-to-en or side-by-side.

Another feature of the invention is a top and a bottom plate member of sufficient size and strength to protect the tubular member against injury. The plate mem bers act.as shields. The top plate provides a solid sur- face between the tubular member and an object to be lifte The bottom plate protects the tubular member from a rough or uneven surface below.

Another feature of the invention is a manifold use with two or more tubular members in a plurality of jacking apparatus so that all of the tubular members can be inflated and deflated simultaneously. Alternatively, hose means are provided for hooking a plurality of tubula members in series also so that they can be inflated and deflated simultaneously. Still another feature of the present invention a means for coupling the tubular member in the jacking apparatus to a water pumper fire truck, a garden hose or a manual fire hose testing pump or the like to obtain the required water pressure when water is used for inflating the tubular mmeber.

Referring to the energy available from a water pumper fire truck, heretofore, present-day technology has not harnessed this energy for any practical purpose other than the delivery of water to a fire. In past disasters, unless the pumper truck was used for actually pumping water on a fire, it has been useless, a vast source of energy gone to waste. This pumper energy, in conjunction with the present invention, is now of prime importance an usefulness in rescuing people in disaster situations even while it is being used conventionally, especially when an where all other sources of power are unavailable. A further advantage of using a pumper fire truck is that experienced personnel are readily available for deploying a hose for inflating the jacking apparatus. The method of extending the fire hose over a considerable dis- tance and across hazardous areas to a point where it is needed is already well known to trained firemen and need not be explained.

When a rescue of a trapped person is required, rescue personnel will carry a collapsed jacking apparatus, comprising the tubular member or a plurality of jacking apparatus to the disaster area to the location where the person is trapped. The tubular members are then placed on one or both sides of the person or in any other suit¬ able location. While this is being done, the regular pumper crew deploys the fire hose to the rescue scene.

When the required number of jacking apparatus is in place and connected in series by interconnecting hoses if more than one jacking apparatus is used, the fire hose is snapped into one of the quick-disconnect connectors. A manifold may also be used with^' a plurality of jacking apparatus if desired. The water flow into the tubular members of each of the jacking apparatus is then con¬ trolled precisely using the nozzle-control valve which is a conventional termination of a fire hose. In this manner, a careful lifting procedure can be maintained and assures that the person trapped can be carefully removed.

Other methods for inflating a tubular member accord¬ ing to the present invention can also be employed. If a pumper truck is not available, a garden hose or simply a small quantity of water in a can or the like can be used with a manually operated conventional fire hose testing pump or the like to develop enormous pressures. If water is not available, air or oxygen may be used. It is, how¬ ever, not preferred because of its compressibility. If air or oxygen is used, it can be obtained from a conven¬ tional piece of equipment usually found on fire or rescue

SMEL trucks. If necessary, even an aerosol can may be used for inflating a tubular member if the volume of the tubular member is not excessive. This is because, though limited in volume, the gas in an aerosol can is retained under relatively high pressure.

If an extended lift is needed, the load can be h by blocks while the tubular member of the jacking apparatu is deflated and itself placed on a block and reinflated. Alternatively, when a pipe extender is used, the length of the extender can be adjusted before reinflation of the tubular member.

A jacking apparatus according to the present inv tion with its tubular member in a collapsed state will fit into a very small area and, upon being inflated, will exert an enormous pressure. Because of this- characteristi it is also very useful in separating crushed metal away from persons trapped in a train, plane or automobile crash For example, the apparatus may be used for pressing open the doors of a vehicle or for moving the dashboard and steering wheel of a vehicle from a person.

In .addition to its use in general rescue operati the jacking apparatus according to the present invention may also be used to move, lift and level a house or the like, as a press to crush metal or rock, and, because of the incompressibility of water, as a press for cutting or breaking metal or other materials with high pressure, to lift pre-cast slabs in the construction of a building, in a mine to hold back walls of rock if the rock starts to flow and, because of its size and versatility, it may be used in areas generally too confined for conventional jacking apparatus and with complete safety.

In addition to the above non-emergency uses, the jacking apparatus of the present invention may also be used for lifting and moving heavy machinery in power plants, steel mills, shipyards and the like. Typical pieces.of equipment that can be lifted with the jacking apparatus are multi-ton steel turbines, generators, ball and rolling mills , all types of construction material , sec¬ tions of bridges and freeways , as well as ships and barges on the ways or the dry docks .

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advan¬ tages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a jacking apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side view of Fig. 1 with a tubular member according to the present invention deflated. Fig. 4 is a top view of a clamping plate accordin to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view of a connection between a hose for connecting to a device of the present invention and a conventional fire hose and nozzle assembly.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a jacking apparatus with a protective plate according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a top view of a protective plate accord ing to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an end view of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a top view of a jack shoe according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a side view of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is an end view of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a view illustrating the use of the shoe of Figs. 10-12 with a pipe extension according to the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a pipe extension according to the present invention.

Fig. 15 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a shoe according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a top view of the shoe of Fig. 15.

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- Fig. 17 is a top view of another end of the pipe extension of Fig. 14.

Figs. 18A, B, C and D illustrate the use of a jacking apparatus according to the present invention, for lifting objects using blocking members.

Fig. 19 illustrates an arrangement for coupling a plurality of the jacking apparatus according to the present invention in series.

Fig. 20 illustrates a manifold for coupling a plurality of the jacking apparatus according to the present invention.

Figs. 21A and B are diagrams illustrating two different sizes of jacking apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figs. 1-5 there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a jacking appa¬ ratus designated generally as 1. In apparatus 1 there is provided an elongated, flexible, inflatable, tubular member 2. The tubular member 2 is made from a section of a fire hose or the like which is rated to withstand high pressures such as 200-400 lbs/sq inch. Fitted to one end of the tubular member 2 there is provided a pair of plate members 3 and 4. In the plate members 3 and 4 there is provided a plurality of screws, bolts or the like 5. The screws, bolts or. the like 5 are provided for clamping the plate members 3 and 4 together with the end of the tubular member 2 sandwiched therebetween, to seal the end of the tubular member 2 in a gas and fluid-tight manner. As shown in more detail in Fig. 5, the interior under edge of the plate members 3 and 4 is provided with a radius at 3¹ and 4'. The radius is. provided for preventing tear¬ ing of the tubular member 2 when the tubular member 2 is inflated. Along the exterior edge of the plate members 3 and 4 there is provided a hole 6. The hole 6 is provide for attaching a line, cable, rope or the like for posi¬ tioning the tubular member 2 in narrow or otherwise con¬ fined spaces.

At the opposite end of the tubular member 2 ther is provided an end cap 7. The end cap 7 is held on the tubular member 2 in an air and water-tight fashion by means of a collar 8. The end cap 7 and collar 8 are typi¬ cally conventional members which are installed in a con¬ ventional manner. In the face of the end cap 7 there is provided a pair of quick-disconnect connecting members 9 and 10,. for connecting to the tubular member 2 a pair of high-pressure hoses 11 and 12, respectively. Hose 11 may be a 3/4-inch high-pressure hose and the hose 12 may be.a 1/2-inch high-pressure hose. Alternatively, both of the hoses 11 and 12 may be the same diameter. Typically, both of the connecting members 9 and 10 are quick-disconnect connecting members such as those manufactured by Snaptite, Union City, Pennsylvania. As is well known, the Snaptite type connector comprises an internal valve member. The valve member opens when a mating connector is coupled thereto, and closes automati¬ cally when the mating connector is disconnected therefrom.

In addition to the connectors 9 and 10, there is provided in the end cap 7 a bleed valve member 13. The bleed valve member 13 is operable for controllably deflat¬ ing the tubular member 2 when the connectors 9 and 10 are being used for other purposes.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is provided a fire hose 20. The hose 20 is provided for connecting the tubu- lar member 2 of a jacking apparatus to a fire department water pumper truck (not shown) as by the hose 11. At the left end of hose 20 there is coupled thereto a flow con¬ trol nozzle 21 having a control handle 22. The nozzle 21 is coupled to the high-pressure hose 11 by means of a quick-disconnect connector 23 such as a Snaptite con¬ nector described above.

Referring to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, there is provided a pair of protective plates 30 and 31. Each of the plates

30 and 31 is substantially identical. As shown in Fig. 8, each of the plates 30 and 31 comprises a plurality of keyhole slots 32 equally spaced along the edges thereof. The slots 32 are provided for lashing the plates 30 and

31 to the tubular member 2 for protecting the tubular member 2 against sharp and rough surfaces, as by a lash- ing 33. The lashing 33 may comprise rope, rawhide, cable or the like. Attached to each end of the members 30 and 31 there is provided a pair of handle members 34 and 35. Each of the handle members 34 and 35 is attached to the members 30 and 31 as by bolts, rivets or the like 36. The handles 34 and 35 may comprise simple woven straps or other suitable members. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, prefer-

_ OMPI $ IPO . * . ably all of the corners and the edges of the members 30 and 31 are provided with a radius for preventing injury to the tubular member 2 and to persons positioning the jacking apparatus. Referring to Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13, there is provided a jack shoe designated generally as 40. Shoe 40 comprises a bottom plate member 41, a pair of longitudi¬ nally extending ribs 42^* and 43 and a plurality of trans- . verse rib members 44, 45, 46 and 47. Located between the rib members 42, 43 and 44, there is provided a cylindri¬ cal pipe-receiving member 48. Between the ribs 42, 34, 45 and 46 there is provided a cylindrical pipe-receiving member 49. Similarly, between the rib members 42, 43 and

47 there is provided a cylindrical pipe-receiving member 5 Each of the pipe-receiving members 48, 49 and 50 has an axis orientated perpendicular to the plane of the bottom plate 41. Extending normal to the pipe-receiving member

48 there is provided a pipe-receiving member 51 and extending perpendicularly from the pipe-receiving member * 49 there is provided a pair of pipe-receiving members

52 and 53. Extending perpendicularly to the pipe-receivin member 50 there is provided a pipe-receiving member 54. Each of the pipe-receiving members 51, 52, 53 and 54 is provided for receiving stabilizing pipe members such as 3/4-inch pipe members of various lengths (not shown) . In addition, each of the pipe-receiving members 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 is provided with snap pins 54' for releasably engaging a pipe inserted therein for prevent¬ ing the inadvertent withdrawal of a pipe therefrom. Referring in particular to Fig. 13, the shoe 40 is provided to receive and support an extendible pipe assembly 55 comprising an outer pipe 56 and an inner pipe 57. The size of the pipes 56 and 57 is such that the pipes 56 and 57 telescope relative to each other. In each of the pipes 56 and 57 there is further provided a plurality of holes 58 and 59, respectively. The holes 58 and 59 are provided for removably receiving a pin 60. The

OMPl pin .60 is provided for inserting in the holes 58 and 59 for fixing the relative position of the pipes 56 and 57 after they have been suitably extended.

Referring to Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17, there is provided an extendible pipe assembly designated generally as 70, which may be used in lieu of .the pipe assembly 55 of Fig. 13. The pipe assembly 70 comprises a pipe member 71 and a pipe member 72. The size of the pipe members 71 and 72 is chosen such that the pipe member 72 telescopes

^I® within the pipe member 71. In each of the pipe members 71 and 72 there is provided a plurality of holes 73. The holes 73 are provided for removably receiving a pin member 74. The pin member 74 is inserted in the holes 73 for fixing the relative position of the pipe members 71 and

1 72 after they have been suitably positioned. At one end of the pipe member 71 there is provided- a shoe member 75. The shoe member 75 is pivotably connected to the pipe mem¬ ber 71 as by a pin member 76.

As seen in Figs. 15 and 16, the shoe member 75 ® comprises a base plate 80. Extending perpendicularly from the base plate 80 there is provided a pair of spaced plate members 81 and 82. Each of the plate members 81 and 82 has a bore hole 83 for receiving the pin 76. The pipe member 71 fits between the plate members 81 and 82.

²⁵ Fitted in the base plate 80 there is further provided a plurality of spike members 84. The spike members 84 are provided with a pointed end 85 or the like for gripping a v. softener or board 86 placed between a tubular member 2 of a jacking apparatus and the bottom of the plate 80 as ³⁰ shown more clearly in Fig. 14.

As seen in Fig. 14, at the opposite end of the pipe assembly 70 there is provided a plate member 90.

In the plate member 90 there is provided a plurality of spike members 91. Each of the spike members 91 is pro- ³⁵ vided with pointed ends 92. The plate member 90 is screwed into the end of the pipe 72 or attached thereto as by welding or the like.

SrUREAC?

CMP! λ>> ' In a deflated condition substantially the major ty of the tubular member 2 of the jacking apparatus of th present invention is about one inch thick. Because it is so thin and flexible when it is deflated, it is easily slipped under a relatively low object or positioned in co fined .spaces. If necessary, a line, wire, hook or the li can be coupled into the hole 6 to assist in positioning the jacking apparatus. Either before or after the jackin apparatus is positioned, depending on which is more con¬ venient, the apparatus is coupled to a source of gas or fluid under pressure_.as by the hose 11. If the hose 12 is not used for coupling the apparatus to another jacking apparatus, it is disconnected from the jacking apparatus for closing the valve member in the connector.

If the tubular member 2 of the jacking apparatu is inflated with water under pressure, it is connected to a suitable source as by a fire hose coupled to a fire department pumper truck. As shown in Fig. 6, a convenien method for controllably inflating the tubular member 2 with water is to couple the high-pressure hose 11 to the flow control nozzle 21 at the end of a fire hose by means of a quick-disconnect connector 23. As the handle 22 on the flow control nozzle is pulled backward in a conventio al manner well known to firemen and others experienced in operating such equipment, a controlled flow of water will flow through the fire hose and into the hose 11. As the water flows through the hose 11 and into the tubular member 2, the tubular member 2 expands.

Referring to Figs. 21A and 21B, there are provi two diagrams representing two sizes of tubular members, a 3x24-inch tubular member and a 6x24-inch tubular member, respectively. In each of the diagrams the flat lifting area is given in square inches. For example, as shown in Fig. 21A, when a 3-inch x 24-inch tubular member is in- flated to a height of 2 inches, the flat lifting area is about.56.65 square inches. The lifting area of the 6-inc x 24-inch tubular member which is inflated to the same height is 160 square inches. The capacity of a jacking apparatus according to the present invention comprising a 3-inch by 24-inch tubular member 2, which is inflated to a height of 2 inches using .100 lbs. per square inch pres- sure, is 5,664 lbs. or 2.8 tons. Similarly, referring to Fig. 21B, the capacity of the jacking apparatus compris¬ ing a 6-inch x 24-inch tubular member 2, which is inflated to a height of 2 inches using 100 lbs. per square inch pres¬ sure has a lifting capacity of 16,600 lbs. or 8 tons. Referring to Figs. 18A, B, C and D, there is represented a method for increasing the height to which an object can be lifted using a plurality of jacking appa¬ ratus and a plurality of blocking members. As seen in Fig. 18A, an object designated 100 can be lifted by a single jacking apparatus to a predetermined height cor¬ responding to the diameter of the tubular member 2. When the tubular member 2 has been inflated to its maximum diameter, a block 101 is placed beneath the object 100 and a second tubular member 2¹ in a deflated or partially deflated condition is inserted between the object 100 and the block 101. After the tubular member 2' is inflated to its maximum diameter, the tubular member 2 is deflated and placed upon two blocks 102 and 103. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 18D, after the tubular member 2 is re- inflated to its maximum diameter, the tubular member 2^* can be deflated and blocks placed therebeneath. To raise the object 100 still further, obviously the method of deflating and inflating a pair of tubular members using blocks to increase their effective stroke can be repeated endlessly until a desired lifting height is achieved.

What is believed to be not so obvious is the fact that the use of the jacking apparatus according to the present invention is quick, reliable, clean and safe in comparison to conventional jacking apparatus using compressed air or oil.

In other applications, the jack shoe 40 and the extendible, adjustable pipe assembly 55, as shown in Fig. 13, .may be used in lieu of the blocks described above with respect to Fig. 18. To use the jack shoe and pipe assembly 55, the shoe 40 is placed on the jacking apparatus and the pipe 55 extended to its maximum height, as shown in Fig. 13 to abut the object 110 which it is desired to lift. It is, of course, clear from the foregoing that the shoe 55 may also be used in conjunction with block members as described above with respect to Fig. 18 if necessary.

Referring again to Fig. 14, in addition to liftin objects, the jacking apparatus according to the present invention may also be used for pressing objects apart, such as the jammed doors of a wrecked automobile. As shown in Fig. 14, the extendible pipe assembly 70 can be placed with the shoe member 90 against one door, and the shoe member 75 against the softener or board 86. With the tubular member 2 inserted between a protective plate 31, the pipe assembly 70, in conjunction with the tubular member 2 is able to press open the doors of any other similar object with the same capacity described above with ^" respect to Figs. 21A and 21B, depending on the size of the tubular member and pressures employed.

Referring to Fig. 19, there is provided a plurali of jacking apparatus 121, 122, 123 and 124. Each of the jacking apparatus 121-124 is identical and comprises, as^' described above with respect to Figs. 1-3, a quick¬ disconnect connector 9 and 10 and a bleeder valve member 13. For convenience, the connector members 9 are con¬ sidered the input connector, and the connector members 10 are considered the output or discharge connector. Intercon necting the jacking apparatus 121 and 122 there is pro¬ vided a high-pressure hose 125. The hose 125 interconnects the output connector 10 of the jacking apparatus 121 to the input connector 9 of the jacking apparatus 122. Interconnecting the jacking apparatus 122 and 123 there is provided a high-pressure hose 126. The hose 126 connects the output connector 10 of the jacking apparatus 122 to the input connector 9 of the jacking apparatus 123. Interconnecting the jacking apparatus 123 and 124 is a high-pressure hose 127. The hose 127 connects the out¬ put connector 10 in the jacking apparatus 123 to the .input connector 9 of the jacking apparatus 124. Without a mating connector connected to the discharge connector 10 of the jacking apparatus 124, the valve member in the connector 10 is closed.

To inflate the jacking apparatus 121-124, the high-pressure hose 11 is connected to a fire department pumper truck, as described above with respect to Fig. 6. , As the handle 22 on the flow control nozzle 21 is pulled rearwardly, water will flow through each of the jacking apparatus 121-124 with equal pressure. In contrast to the use of air, which is compressible, the presence of equal pressure in each of the jacking apparatus 121-124 serves to provide extremely precise lifting. For example, if a house is to be lifted from its foundation or a heavy piece of machinery is to be lifted .from its foundation, each of the jacking apparatus 121-124 will lift in concert. If, thereafter, it is desired to remove one of the hoses 11, 125, 126 and 127, the hoses may be disconnected from their respective connectors and the valve members within the connectors will close automatically for preventing a loss of water from the corresponding jacking apparatus. If it is necessary to reduce or lower a particular one of the jacking apparatus 121-124, the bleeder valve member 13 of that particular jacking apparatus may be used. For example, if the jacking apparatus 122 is to be deflated by a predetermined or desired amount, the hoses 125 and 126 are disconnected therefrom. After the hoses 125 and 126 are disconnected from the jacking apparatus 122, the bleeder valve 13 is opened to permit the desired amount of water to be discharged from the apparatus. Referring to Fig. 20, there is provided a manifold

130. The manifold 130 has an input connector 131 which is a quick-disconnect connector such as the Snaptite

quick-disconnect connector described above with respect to each of the jacking apparatus. The quick-disconnect connector 131 is coupled to a source of water under pres¬ sure by means of the hose member 11 as described above with respect to Fig. 6. Coupled to the manifold 130, there is provided a plurality of jacking apparatus 132 and 133. The jacking apparatus 132 is connected to the mani¬ fold 130 by means of a section of high-pressure hose 134. Similarly the jacking apparatus 133 is connected to the manifold 130 by means of a section of high-pressure hose 135. Similarly, each of the hoses 134 and 135 is connected to the jacking apparatus and manifold by means of quick¬ disconnect connectors.

In practice, the manifold 130 permits the simul- taneous inflation of a plurality of jacking apparatus, as described above with respect to Fig. 19. The advantage of using the manifold 130, instead of the apparatus of Fig. 19, is that individual ones of the jacking apparatus can be disconnected at the manifold instead of at the ^' jacking apparatus.

Several alternative embodiments of a method and apparatus according to the present invention are described. It is contemplated, however, that various changes and modi¬ fications can be made with respect to both the method and the apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, instead of a cylindrical shape, the tubular member 2 of the jacking apparatus could be formed to have an oblong or egg-shaped cross section and, instead of a pair of plates for clamp- ing one end of the tubular member, the tubular member could be woven with a hemispherically-shaped closed end in the course of fabricating the tubular member. Like¬ wise, the opposite end of the tubular member could be fabricated with a bottle-neck opening of reduced cross section to accommodate an end cap of a diameter less than the maximum diameter of the tubular member when the tubu¬ lar member is inflated.

..OMPI wipo The inflation of the tubular member can also be accomplished using a manually operated hydrostatic pump of a type available from Perfecto Products, Incorporated of South El Monte, California. The hydrostatic test pump described is commonly used by fire departments and the like for testing fire hoses. Since water is incompressi¬ ble, the tubular member of a jacking apparatus according to the present invention can be filled to a maximum no- load condition with a minimum of water pressure. There- after, the pressure can be increased with the hydro.static test pump from 0 to 1000 pounds per square inch with only a few strokes of the test pump piston. The total amount of water used is relatively small and, in most cases, readily available, even under the most difficult conditions or in the remotest of areas, unlike hydraulic oil or the like used in other types of jacking apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 21B, it may be noted that great internal pressures are not necessarily required for lift¬ ing considerable weight. For example, using a jacking apparatus comprising a 6-inch tubular member 2, a pressure of 50 lbs. per square inch, which is less than that com¬ monly available with an ordinary garden hose using muni¬ cipal water pressure, can raise or move 4 tons to a height or distance of 2 inches, an excess of 3 tons to a height of 3 inches and one ton to a height of 4 inches.

In the case of an automobile accident, this much capacity would ordinarily be sufficient for lifting an automobile from a victim or for pressing open the jammed doors thereof. A further and important feature of a system according to the present invention is the use of intercon¬ necting hoses which have the same type of connector on each end and two connectors of opposite types on each of the jacking apparatus. With this type of arrangement, there is less likelihood of confusion when hooking up the jack¬ ing apparatus because it will be immediately apparent whether a hose is a male-male hose or a female-female hose. In view of the foregoing, it is contemplated that

OMPI still other modifications in the apparatus and method of fabrication will occur to those skilled in the art, and accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be not limited to the embodiments described herein but rather be determined by reference to the claims hereafter appended and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of making a hydraulic jacking apparatus comprising the steps of: fabricating an elongated, flexible, inflatable, fluid-tight, tubular member having a paiprofi spaced ends, having between its ends an uninter¬ rupted continuous uniform interior wall surface for uniformly withstanding internal pressures and having, when fully inflated, a cylindrical shape; providing a fluid-tight sealing means at each end of the tubular member for sealing the ends of the tubular member in a fluid-tight fashion; and providing means for admitting and discharging fluid into and from the tubular member through at least one of the fluid-tight sealing means.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of providing a means for admitting and discharging a fluid into .and from the tubular member through at least one of the fluid-tight sealing means comprises the step of coupling a valve means to said fluid-tight sealing means.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of coupling a valve means to said fluid-tight sealing means comprises the step of coupling a valve means to said fluid-tight sealing means which is responsive to the coup¬ ling of a mating connecting means thereto to automati- cally open the valve means and which is responsive to the decoupling of the mating connecting means- therefrom to automatically close the valve means so that hose means fitted with the mating connecting means can be readily connected to and disconnected from the tubular member for controlling the internal pressure therein.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of providing a fluid-tight sealing^'means comprises the step of providing at least one rigid sealing means and the step of providing a means for admitting and discharg- ing a fluid into and from the tubular member comprises the

BUR-_ t/^* OMPI step of coupling to the rigid sealing means a pair of quick-disconnect type, connecting means, each of which com¬ prises a valve means which automatically opens when a mat¬ ing connecting means is connected thereto and automatical- 5 ly closes when the mating connecting means is disconnected therefrom.

5. A method according to claim 1 comprising the step of .providing a means for bridging a space between the tubular member and an object to be moved for moving the

10 object when the tubular member is inflated with a fluid.

6. A method according to claim 1 comprising the steps of providing a means for interconnecting a plurality of the tubular members together to a single source of flui under pressure for simultaneously inflating all of the _5 tubular members to an equal internal pressure.

7. A jacking apparatus comprising: an air and fluid-tight, inflatable, flexible tubular member having between its ends an uninterrupted, continuous, uniform, interior 20. wall surface for uniformly withstanding inter¬ nal pressures; and means for inflating said tubular member using a gas or a fluid whereby said tubular member expands in response thereto for moving an ob- 25 ject from a first position to a second position.

8. A jacking apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means for interconnecting a plurality of said flexible tubular members so that all of the tubular

30 members can be inflated and deflated simultaneously. .

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9. A jacking apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for inflating said flexible tubular member comprises: means for connecting said flexible tubular mem- ber to a source of gas or fluid under pressure for inflating said flexible tubular member with gas or fluid; and means forming a bleeder valve for controllably bleeding said gas or fluid from said flexible tubular member to controllably deflate said tubular member.

10. A jacking apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said inflating means comprises means for connect¬ ing said flexible tubular member to a source of water under pressure.

11. A jacking apparatus comprising: a flexible tubular member having between its ends an uninterrupted, continuous uniform wall surface for uniformly withstanding internal pressures; means for sealing both ends of said flexible tubular member in a gas and fluid-tight manner; means located at one of the ends of said flexi¬ ble tubular member with a gas or a fluid; and means for deflating said flexible tubular member.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said sealing means comprises means for clamping one of said ends closed in a gas and fluid-tight manner, and said inflating and deflating means comprises connecting means mounted in said opposite open end in a gas and fluid-tight manner, said connecting means comprising a valve means which automatically opens when a mating con¬ necting means is connected thereto for providing passage- way for the passage of a fluid or a gas therethrough,

OMPI i_ and which automatically closes when said mating connect¬ ing means is disconnected therefrom for automatically closing said passageway to hold a gas or fluid in said flexible tubular member.

5 13. An apparatus according to claim 11 compris ing means for protecting said flexible tubular member from damage.

14. An apparatus according to claim 11 comprising means for bridging a space between said lø flexible tubular member and an object which it is desired to move for moving said object when said tubular member ^■■" is inflated.

15. An apparatus according to claim 12 com¬ prising means for connecting a line, cable or the like

15 thereto for positioning said apparatus.

16. An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said apparatus comprises a first jacking apparatus; said connecting means comprises a first connecting means for connecting said tubular member in said first jacking

20 apparatus to a source of gas or fluid under pressure and a second connecting means for connecting said tubular member in said first jacking apparatus to a connecting means in a second jacking apparatus for operating said first and said second jacking apparatus simultaneously.

25 17. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said connecting means comprises means for connecting said line, cable or the like to said clamping means.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said clamping means comprises a plurality of plate member

3 and means for clamping said one open end of said tubular member between said plate members and said connecting means comprises a hole or the like in said plate members in' which said line, cable or the like is connected.

19. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein 35 said first and said second connecting means comprise a ho

_OMW member .

20. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said first connecting means comprises means for connect¬ ing said hose member to a portable water pump.

21. An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said first connecting means comprises means for connect¬ ing said hose member to a manually operable, portable water pump.

22. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein

10 said protecting means comprises a plurality of plate mem¬ bers and means for attaching said plate members to said flexible tubular member.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said attaching means comprises a plurality of slots in

-_j_5 - each one of said plurality of plate members and means insertable in said plurality of slots for lashing said plurality of plate members to said flexible tubular member.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23 compris- 20 ing means forming a handle on each of said plate members for handling said plate members.

25. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said bridging means comprises: an elongated^* pipe means;

25 a shoe member for receiving said supporting one end of said pipe means against said tubular member, said shoe member including a surface for bearing against said tubular member; means for reducing slippage of said pipe means 30 relative to said tubular member as said tubular member is inflated; means located at the opposite end of said pipe means for engaging the object it is desired to move; and means for reducing slippage of said pipe means relative to said object as said tubular member .is inflated.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25 compris- ing means for stabilizing said shoe member relative to sai tubular member.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said stabilizing means comprises: pipe means; and means^' located on said shoe member for receiving said pipe means.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said pipe-receiving means comprises a plurality of pipe- receiving means, at least one of which is accessible from each side of said shoe means.

29. An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said elongated pipe means comprises means for adjusting the length of said pipe means.