BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to blocking flooding water from entering underground ventilation
passages.
Background Art
[0002] Surface storm waters entering and flooding underground tunnels and chambers through
ventilation ducts connecting the underground chambers or tunnels to air at ground
surface affect without limitation, underground transportation tunnels for road vehicles,
trains, and subways, and underground chambers, such as associated with a complex of
connecting tunnels and shafts, for example as used for such things as underground
hydroelectric-power plants, or with underground utilities which require ventilation,
such as underground transformer rooms.
[0003] In a typical subway ventilation arrangement, ventilation ducts or shafts are incorporated
into subway systems near stations to exhaust stale pushed air as the train nears a
station and to pull in fresh outside air as a train leaves a station, Also reducing
the "piston effect" of air being forced through the tunnels at high speeds by moving
trains. Typically, a ventilation duct communicates from an underground tunnel and
terminates in a ventilation shaft structure below grade level that opens to the atmosphere
at grade level such as a sidewalk where the opening is covered by a subway grating.
[0004] Subways have systems for handling water. When it rains, water runs down stairwells,
onto platforms and thence onto tracks, and some gets in the ventilation systems through
the surface gratings. Drains beneath the tracks pipe water to underground sumps in
pump rooms next to the subway tracks. Pumps pull the water up to pressure relief manholes
open to the atmosphere at street level; from there the water drains under gravity
flow into city storm sewers. The problem is that in heavy rains, storm sewers are
overwhelmed and flush water back into the streets, flooding the streets with water
inundates sidewalk and pours down through subway gratings into the ventilation system
thence into the tunnels and onto the tracks. The pumping system can only return water
to the flooded street; from there the water reenters the flood pool pouring into the
ventilation system, defeating the pumping system as a means of controlling subway
flooding. The problem is especially acute in cities like New York and Lower Manhattan,
which is low-lying, vulnerable to storm surges and dotted with grade-level gratings,
stairwells and other points of entry for running water into the subways.
[0005] One solution for reducing entrance of runoff water from sidewalk grating openings
through the ventilation ducts down into the underground systems was raising the subway
ventilation gratings above sidewalk level, as was done in some locations in New York
City in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn after flooding from a severe rainstorm in 2007.
This not only was costly to implement but also sacrificed much of the available sidewalk
area available for pedestrians. In advance of the super storm Sandy in 2013, when
predicted storm surge and high tides in addition to heavy rains signaled flooding
of subways, workers resorted to sandbags and fastening plywood covers over subway
ventilation gratings to try to prevent flooding. Sandy was testament to flood hazards
of subways and vented subterranean structures. Fastening plywood covers over large
numbers of air vent gratings in a short period of time as a solution is an imperfect
labor and materials intensive process and can be too little too late, as was made
clear by subway flooding from Sandy. A simpler, faster, relatively inexpensive and
more effective method of preventing flooding through sidewalk air vent gratings is
needed.
[0006] WO 2015/051352 describes apparatus for allowing ventilation as usual for underground tunnels through
a ventilation shaft opening to atmosphere yet preventing underground flooding from
surface waters pouring through the grate. The apparatus comprises an assembly that
fits within the ventilation shaft and includes one or more panels held in an upright
home position that allows ventilation as usual but is releasable to rotationally gravitate
to a lower sealing position closing a passage between the ventilation shaft and atmosphere
to prevent water from entering the underground tunnels. A panel position indicator
moves from a hidden position to a visible position with lowering of the panels to
visually signify that the panels are lowered and that flooding protection is activated.
The present invention is set out in the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007]
FIG. 1 is an isometric top view of a panel assembly with panels in lowered position.
FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the top side of an embodiment of a panel on the right
side of the embodiment of FIG. 1, from the same perspective as in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the bottom side of the embodiment of the panel of
FIG. 6A.
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the top side of an embodiment of a panel on the left
side of the embodiment of FIG. 1, from the same perspective of the panel as in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the bottom side of an the embodiment of a panel of
FIG. 6A.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a quadrilateral (four sided) support structure for
receiving the embodiment of FIG. 5
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the quadrilateral embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5A is a cross section view of the quadrilateral embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along
the lines 2A-2A of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 1 received in the a quadrilateral
support viewed in this perspective from a left side.
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the panel assembly of FIG. 1 received in a quadrilateral
support rotated 180 degrees from the view of FIG. 6, that is, it is a view of the
opposite side of FIG. 4 (the right side).
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the panel of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the panel of FIG. 8 taken along the line 9-9 of
FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is an enlargement of the area indicated by "10" in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the panel of FIG. 8 showing the position of
a plug assembly by dashed lines in raised and partially lowered positions and in solid
lines in fully lowered position.
FIG. 12 is an isomeric view of a plug assembly part of the panel of FIG. 8.
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the plug assembly of FIG. 12.
FIG. 13A is a cross section of the plug assembly of FIG. 12 taken along the line 13A-13A
of FIG. 13.
FIG. 13B is a top plan and side view of a top plate component of the plug assembly
of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross section view of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 13C is a top plan and side view of a bottom plate component of the plug assembly
of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross section view of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 13D is a top plan and side view of a concave sealing gasket of the plug assembly
of FIG. 12 better seen in the cross section view of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 14 is a top plan and side elevational view of a plug arm of the plug assembly
of FIG. 12 also seen in the top plan view of FIG. 13 and the cross sectional view
of FIG. 13A.
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a variation of a plug assembly in place on a
panel.
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the plug arm portion of the plug assembly of
FIG. 15.
FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are respectively side, frontal and perspective views of a tool
for manual raising of components of embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a single panel assembly received in a quadrilateral
support showing the panel deployed in a passage closed position.
FIG. 18A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 taken along the line
18A-18A of FIG. 18.
FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a single panel assembly received in a quadrilateral
support showing the panel completely raised to home position
FIG. 19A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 taken along the line
19A-19A of FIG. 19.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0008] In accordance with this invention apparatus for installation in a ventilation shaft
already fluidly communicating between an atmospheric opening and an underground ventilation
duct allows the ventilation when there is no treat of flooding and on threat of flooding
is manually operable to close ventilation from the atmospheric opening and prevent
downward flow into the underground ventilation duct of surface water entering the
atmospheric opening.
[0009] The concepts embodied in the exemplary embodiments of such apparatus described herein
have application to any system in which an atmospheric opening communicates with a
ventilation duct for an underground chamber or tunnel or other underground structure
requiring ventilation, and through which opening substantial volumes of water can
enter, whether by heavy rain or by storm surge propelled by hurricane or tropical
storm or otherwise.
[0010] In the descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention that follow, reference
is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown,
by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
Specific details disclosed herein are in every case a non-limiting embodiment representing
concrete ways in which the concepts of the invention may be practiced. This serves
to teach one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately
detailed system, structure or manner consistent with those concepts. It will be seen
that various changes and alternatives to the specific described embodiments and the
details of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention. Because
many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive
concepts herein described and in the specific embodiments herein detailed, it is to
be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not
as limiting.
[0011] The various directions such as "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," "transverse", "perpendicular",
"vertical", "horizontal," and so forth used in the detailed description of embodiments
are made only with respect to easier explanation in conjunction with the drawings.
The components may be oriented differently while performing the same function and
accomplishing the same result as the embodiments herein detailed embody the concepts
of the invention, and such terminologies are not to be understood as limiting the
concepts which the embodiments exemplify.
[0012] The term "perpendicular" means substantially at a right angle to a reference to a
degree that if not absolutely a right angle will not materially adversely affect the
arrangement and function of the element described as perpendicular. The terms "vertical"
or "vertically" include but are not limited to literal vertical and generally mean
oriented up and down with respect to the earth's horizon to a degree that if not absolutely
vertical will not materially adversely affect the function of the element described
as vertical. Similarly, the terms "horizontal" or "horizontally" include but are not
limited to literal horizontal and generally mean not out of level with respect to
the earth's horizon to a degree that will materially adversely affect the function
of the element described as horizontal.
[0013] As used herein, the use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the
term "comprising" (or the synonymous "having" or "including") in the claims and/or
the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one
or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." In addition, as used herein,
the phrase "connected to" means joined to or placed into communication with, either
directly or through intermediate components.
[0014] For components of described embodiments that are the same, in some cases the first
mentioned component is identified by a given reference numeral, and the second such
component is the same reference number marked with an apostrophe, for example "panel
handle 259" identifies a first mentioned component, and the second such like component
is identified as "panel handle 259' ". Coupling the two reference numerals separated
by a coma, for example "panel handles 259, 259' " means either component "panel handle
259" or "panel handle 259' " is being described unless the context means both are
being described together.
[0015] For illustrative purposes of an application of the concepts herein disclosed for
blocking entrance of water into a ventilation duct, the embodied concepts are described
in reference to a specific ventilation environment. The exemplary application is for
a subway system. In the specific embodiments described herein as examples, it is assumed
the atmospheric opening through which flooding waters enter has a rectilinear shape,
as for grating covered grade level sidewalk openings for subway ventilation systems,
which at least in New York City typically are rectangular. Although the detailed descriptions
of specific embodiments relate to a rectilinear shape and for a particular environment,
the invention does not require that the opening be rectilinear or that embodiments
of the invention conform to a rectilinear shape or that the atmospheric opening be
at grade level. The elements of the invention can be configured to fit within downwardly
vertically projected dimensions of any ventilation shaft surface opening serving any
underground tunnel, chamber, room or other underground structure, whether rectilinear,
circular or oval or some other shape.
[0016] In the descriptions of exemplary embodiments that follow, the passage closing position
is one in which the panel or panels of the embodiments are horizontal. The concept
of the invention is not limited to this disposition. Restrains or stops for stopping
panel lowering may be positioned to stop the downward travel above horizontal and
still close a ventilation passage. The described embodiments are non-limiting illustrations
of examples in which the concepts of the invention may be implemented.
[0017] The exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise a ventilation shaft manual closure
assembly. Support for the exemplary assembly embodiment includes opposed lateral sidewalls
for arrangement in a vertical ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct
fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the
shaft. The atmospheric opening may be cylindrical and the support cylindrical. The
atmospheric opening may be rectilinear and the support quadrilateral. As mentioned,
in the exemplary embodiments, the atmospheric opening is rectilinear.
[0018] The support inclusive of the lateral sidewalls is sized to internally fit in the
vertical shaft between the ventilation duct and the atmospheric opening. In an exemplary
embodiment, the support has horizontal flanges transverse to the sidewalls for projection
across a top of the shaft to hang the support in the shaft. The support defines a
passage between top and bottom openings of the support for fluid communication of
the ventilation duct up through the support to the atmospheric opening.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more downwardly rotatable panels may be used,
mounted in an upright home position not obstructing the ventilation passage that fluidly
communicates the underground ventilation duct with the atmospheric opening of the
ventilation shaft, to allow ventilation as usual when there is no flooding threat.
In one exemplary embodiment, a single panel is mounted in the home position to a side
of such a passage to alone gravitationally fall from home position to a passage closing
position across the entirety of the passage to protect the underground ventilation
duct from flooding. In another exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels is mounted on
opposite sides of the passage, to gravitationally fall from home position down toward
each other to passage closing positions to combine to close the passage. In yet another
exemplary embodiment, a pair of panels is mounted centrally in the passage for rotation
of the panels in directions opposite each other from the home position to a lower
passage closing position. An advantage of paired panels is that they may be used to
close a passage that is wider than it would be feasible for a single taller panel
to close.
[0020] The manual closure assembly comprises one or more panels having proximal and distal
ends, a top side and a bottom side. The proximal end connects with a horizontal hinge
having an axis perpendicular to the opposed lateral sidewalls for manual rotation
of a panel upwardly to an upright home position not obstructing the passage and rotation
from the home position downwardly solely by gravitational impetus of its own weight
to reach a lower passage closing position. The one or more panels have a profile that
closes the passage when each panel gravitationally rotates to the passage closing
position.
[0021] At least one restraint limits the downward rotation of each panel to the lower passage
closing position. The restraint may be one or more foldable or flexible members anchored
at one end to an upper portion of a suspension member (next mentioned) and fastened
at the other end to the topside of a panel, or it may comprise one or more stops that
do not obstruct the passage and that are located within and connected to the support
proximate the bottom opening.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent sidewalls include a base having rounded corners
with a first radius of curvature and in which the distal portions of the panels have
rounded corners with a radius of curvature substantially the same as the first radius
of curvature of the sidewall corners they sweep when rotating to the passage closing
position. In an exemplary embodiment, the panels include seals for sealing the passage
in the passage closing position.
[0023] A suspension member unobstructively horizontally spans the passage proximate the
support top opening and holds the one or more hinge connected panels in the passage.
The suspension member is supported on the opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the
support top and bottom openings. The suspension member has at least one handle connected
to the suspension member for holding the suspension member to move it vertically into
or out from the supports on the opposed lateral sidewalls. The suspension member may
comprise a single unitary vertically extending member holding the horizontal hinge
and the panels connected to the hinge, or may comprise a beam having vertically hung
straps holding the horizontal hinge and the panels connected to the hinge. In an exemplary
embodiment, the horizontal hinge comprises a hinge mounting member held by the suspension
member and a plurality of hinge members mounted on the hinge mounting member. In an
exemplary embodiment, each hinge member comprises a stationary member, a moveable
member and a hinge pin interconnecting the stationary and moveable members, the stationary
member connecting to the hinge mounting member, and the moveable hinge member connecting
to the proximal end of a panel. The horizontal hinge may also comprise a continuous
hinge, sometimes called a piano hinge, or any other hinge for panels.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension member is supported centrally between
the opposed lateral sidewalls, and suspends a pair of panels in the ventilation passage
for rotation of the panels in directions opposite each other from or to said upright
home position. In an exemplary embodiment in which the atmospheric opening is rectilinear
and said support is quadrilateral, such centrally supported suspension member comprises
a beam having vertically hung straps holding the horizontal hinge and the panels connected
with said horizontal hinge. In such exemplary embodiment, the opposing sidewalls each
attach centrally in the ventilation passage adjacent the top opening of the shaft
a cradle having a pair of spaced apart parallel vertical bars connecting to and standing
upright on a horizontal bar for receiving and supporting the beam within such vertical
bars and on the horizontal bar.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, a panel holder for holding each the panel in the upright
home position comprises a latch carried by the suspension member below the suspension
member, and a latch catch carried by the panel, the latch capturing and holding the
latch catch when the panel is rotated upwardly to the home position. The embodiment
further comprises a panel releaser for the panel holder comprising linkage connected
to the panel holder carried by the suspension member, the linkage being vertically
moveable relative to the suspension member to translate the latch to cause it to lose
capture of the catch and release the panel from the upright home position, allowing
the panel to gravitationally rotationally fall to the lower passage closing position.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, a drain is provided in at least one of the one or more
panels intermediate the proximate and distal ends thereof. The drain comprises a conduit
passing through the panel. The conduit has an aperture at the panel top side. The
drain includes a self actuating drain closure. The closure comprises a plug pivoting
rotatably on a drain plug axis positioned between the drain conduit and the distal
end of the panel having the drain. The drain plug axis parallels the horizontal hinge
axis of the panels. The plug is manually pivotable upwardly on the drain plug axis
to remove the plug from the drain opening to drain water contained above the one or
more panels when the one or more panels is in the passage closing position. The plug
by gravitational impetus of its own weight automatically pivots downward to place
the plug in the conduit opening when the panel containing the drain is pivotally raised
upward to the home position, Then when the panel gravitationally rotates downwardly
to the passage closing position, the drain opening is already closed.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the self actuating drain closure plug includes an upwardly
concave sealing gasket around the plug periphery to seal any space between the plug
periphery and the conduit opening when the panel containing the plug is in the passage
closing position.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment a panel containing a self actuating drain closure has
a pair of spaced posts fixedly mounted to the top side of the panel between the drain
and the distal end of each the panel. The drain plug axis comprises a rod spanning
between the posts supported by the posts parallel to the horizontal hinge axis and
above the panel top side. The drain closure comprises a plug arm pivotally rotatable
at a proximal end of the arm with or on the rod for movement of the arm to a raised
drain opening position and to a lowered drain closing position. The rod may be fixed
to the posts with the plug arm rotating on the rod, or the plug arm may be fixed to
the pivot axis rod with the rod rotating in the posts. The plug arm is weighted to
place the center of gravity of the plug arm remotely from the rod. The plug arm comprises
an attachment projection remote from the rod, an upwardly concave sealing gasket,
a top plate and a bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are both smaller in size
than the gasket. The concave sealing gasket is secured between the top and bottom
plates, at least the bottom plate being of size configured to enter and plug the conduit
opening. The plates expose an outer upwardly concave gasket portion extending above
the bottom plate. The plates are fixedly connected to the arm at the attachment projection
locating the center of gravity of the arm remotely past the pivot axis of the rod
in the direction of the drain, so that after a plug arm is raised from the drain opening
to empty water above the panel while the panel is in the passage closing position,
rotating the panel upwardly toward the home position causes the plug arm solely by
reason of gravity acting on the center of gravity of the raised plug arm, to automatically
rotate downwardly from the position raised for draining the panel to a position parallel
to the panel, placing at least the bottom plate in the drain conduit opening closing
the opening with the outer upwardly concave gasket portion sealing space between the
plates and the opening. In an exemplary embodiment the plug arm includes a relief
on an underside of the arm distal from the rod for capture of the arm by an arm lifting
reach tool.
[0029] Turning now to the drawings, they show exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for
preventing downward flow of surface water into an underground ventilation duct fluidly
communicating through a ventilation shaft to a rectilinear atmospheric opening of
the shaft. FIGS. 1-7 show exemplary embodiments having a pair of panels. FIGS. 18-19A
show exemplary embodiments having a single panel. Referring initially to FIGS. 4,
5 and 5A, an exemplary embodiment comprises a support embodied in a quadrilateral
or four-sided box 210 inclusive of sidewalls 224 (224a, 224b, 224c, 224d) having at
the upper extent of the sidewalls flanges 220 (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) transverse
to the sidewalls 224 for extension over a top of walls of a ventilation shaft for
suspension of box 210 vertically in the shaft to define a passage 225 between top
opening 226 and bottom opening 228 of box 210 for fluid communication of a ventilation
duct up through box 210 to an atmospheric opening above top opening 226. Cradles 211a,
211c are formed in the upper sides of opposing sidewalls 224a and 224c respectively.
The apparatus shown is suitable as a drop in solution to sealing vent passages from
storm waters by lowering it into a ventilation shaft to rest on walls of the shaft.
In place, a grating (not pictured) covers top opening 226. In normal operation, operator
access to the interior of box 210 is through the grating.
[0030] Although an exemplary embodiment as described herein employs a quadrilateral box
support 210, some locations may allow use of a support in the shape of a hollow cylinder
also having stops 230 proximate a bottom opening of the support, and this form is
comprehended within the scope of the invention.
[0031] Stops 230a, 230 b, 230c and 230d in the form of corner braces in box 210 are within
and connected to sidewalls 224 proximate bottom opening 228 and do not obstruct passage
225. Adjacent sidewalls include a base 227 having rounded corners 227a, 227d above
respective stops 230a, 230d, and a base 229 having rounded corners 229b and 229c above
respective stops 230b, 230c. Rounded corners 227a, 227d and 229b, 229c have a round
corner radius of curvature.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a beam 242 comprising extruded tubing unobstructively
horizontally spans across passage 225 and connects to opposed sidewalls 224a, 224c
of box 210 proximate top opening 226. Beam 242 is lodged in cradles 211a, 211c, and
is conveniently lowered into channels 211a, 211c by operators holding beam foldable
handles 212a, 212c. Beam 242 and straps 244 described below comprise a suspension
member for equipment described below. Beam 242 and its attached equipment can be lowered
into place as a complete assembled unit 201 after box 210 is installed in ventilation
shaft resting on flanges 220. This assembled unit 201 can be removed from box 210
for servicing by withdrawing beam 242 from channels 211a, 211c by means of handles
212a, 212c.
[0033] Although an exemplary embodiment as described employs a suspension member comprising
a beam 242 and straps 244 for supporting equipment described below, the scope of the
invention is not limited to such embodiment. A suspension member may be employed other
than beam 242 and straps 244, for example a suspension member can be a single unitary
vertically extending solid or fenestrated plate suspending the hinged panels the same
as beam 242 and straps 244. An advantage of the described beam 242 and straps 244
is a lighter weight imposing a lesser load on flanges 220 than a solid plate, but
a fenestrated plate would serve a lighter load advantage as well, albeit likely a
more costly element.
[0034] Referring particularly to FIG. 1, a hinge mounting member 245 unobstructively horizontally
spans across passage 225 the same as beam 242 connected by a plurality of straps 244a,
244b, 244c, 244d to beam 242. Lodged in cradles 211a and 211c, beam 242 and hinge
mounting member 245 spanning between sidewalls 224a, 224c are centered in passage
225 of box 210 with beam 242 directly over hinge mounting member 245. Hinge mounting
member 245 mounts and supports a plurality of hinge members 243. Hinge members 243
each comprise a stationary member 243b, a moveable member 243a and a hinge pin 243c
that interconnects stationary member 243b and moveable member 243a. Stationary member
243b connects to hinge mounting member 245.
[0035] A pair of opposing panels 234, 236 each having proximal and distal portions, respectively
234a, 234b and 236a, 236b, are connected at proximal portions 234a, 236a by moveable
hinge members 243a to stationary hinge members 243b and thereby to a hinge mounting
member 245 and from hinge mounting member 245 via straps 244a, 244b to beam 242. The
connection of moveable hinge members 243a to the proximal portions 234a, 236a of panels
234, 236 on hinge pins 243c forms respective pivot axes of panels 234, 236 for vertical
rotation of panels 234, 236. Panels 234, 236 rotate in directions opposite each other
from or to an upright home position tucked under beam 242. Rotation of the panels
upwardly (one clockwise, the other counterclockwise) to home position is effected
manually as further described below. The home position of the panels tucked under
beam 242 does not occlude passage 225. Panels 234, 236 in rotation fall solely under
the gravitational impetus of their own weight from the upright home position to a
lower passage closing position (indicated generally by reference numeral 215) where
further rotation is prevented by stops 230a, 230b, 230c, 230d and 230e.-Each panel
has a profile that closes the passage when the panels gravitationally rotate to the
passage closing position.
[0036] Referring to FIGS 2A-3B, Panels 234, 236 have a top side plate 238 and a bottom side
232. Bottom side 232 is crisscrossed with internal cross braces 237, 239 for rigidity.
The distal portions of the panels have rounded corners 219 with a radius of curvature
substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the sidewall corners 229a, 229b,
229c and 229d they sweep when rotating to the passage closing position. The panels
include peripheral distal and lateral seals 221, 222 for sealing the passage in the
passage closing position, seals 221a, 222a for panel 234 and seals 221b, 222b for
panel 236. A gasket seal 223 (223a for panel 234, 223b for panel 236) spans the proximal
ends of bases of panels 234, 236 below pin 243c and seals bottom opening 228 at the
proximal ends of panels 234, 236 when the panels are in the passage closing position.
At least one of the panels, such as panel 236 is fitted with a drain 270 intermediate
the proximate and distal ends of the panel, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and further
described below.
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 each panel 234, 236 topside 238
includes a recess 233 or 233'. The recess contains a panel holder latch catch 235
for panel 234, 235' for panel 236 (latch catch 235' is shielded from view in FIG.
1 but will be understood to be the same and operate the same as latch catch 235).
A panel holder 240 latch 247 for panel 234, 249 for panel 236 (latch 249 is shielded
from view in FIG. 1 but will be understood to be the same and operate the same as
latch 247.) Panel holder 240 inclusive of latches 247, 249 is carried by the suspension
member 242. Latches 247, 249 are vertically pivotal on a horizontal axis 254 at a
proximate end of the latches. The latches axis 254 is parallel to the panel axes of
pins 243c paralleling either side of hinge mounting member 245. Each panel holder
latch 247, 249 pivotally extends externally from latch axis 254 distally to an inferior
return having a sloped surface ending at an inset notch 251, 251'. Recesses 233, 233'
and latches 247, 249 are horizontally and vertically aligned with each other such
that when panel 234, 236 is rotated vertically upward, the inferior return of latch
247, 249 is brought into sliding contact with ramp 241, 241' carried by the panel
and the sloped surface of the latch slides on ramp 241, 241' until inset notch 251,
251' passes over latch catch edge, 235, 235', capturing latch 247, 249. This capture
holds panel 234, 236 in home position 213.
[0038] Panel holder 240 is movably suspended from suspension member 242 by a rod 246 connected
to panel holder 240. Rod 246 is mounted through beam 242 vertically slideably translatable
through a brace 255 fastened between straps 244b, 244c and terminates above beam 242
at T-handle 252 under a cover 253 sheltering T-handle 252 from pedestrian view through
a grating covering quadrilateral support 210. Cover 253 reduces if not avoiding gratuitous
tampering with the apparatus and unwanted deployment of the panels by mischief makers.
[0039] Rod 246 and T-handle 252 comprise a panel releaser. The T-handle provides convenient
holding, such as by a projection or hook of a reach tool that can be vertically inserted
through a small opening in a grating covering support 210 to reach under cover 253
and hook T-handle 252 for lifting panel holder 240. Lifting rod 246 by T-handle 252
moves panel holder 240 upwardly to cause moveable members 247, 249 to lose their hold
on catch 241, 241' and release panels 234, 236, allowing panels 234, 236 to rotationally
gravitationally fall solely by impetus of their own weight from the upright home position
213 to the lower passage closing position 215.
[0040] Panel 236 as in the depicted exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 8 and 11 is fitted
with a drain 270 intermediate the proximate and distal ends of the panel. Drain 270
comprises a hollow conduit 271 passing through panel 236 and has an opening 272 open
at panel top side 238. Referring particularly to FIGS. 8-16, a self actuating drain
closure, indicated generally by reference numeral 273, includes a plug 274 suitably
pivoting rotatably on an axis 275 parallel to the panel axis 243c of panel 236. Plug
axis 275 is positioned between drain conduit 271 and the distal end 236b of panel
236. Operatively plug 274 is manually pivoted upwardly on pivot axis 275 to remove
the plug from drain opening 272 while panel 236 is in the passage closing position,
to drain flooding water contained in box 210 that has been prevented by panels from
entering ventilation shafts guarded by apparatus 200. As panel 236 is pivotally raised
upward to the home position after drainage of box 210 to allow resumption of ventilation
between the atmospheric opening and the protected ventilation duct, plug 274 by force
of gravity automatically pivots downward to place the plug in conduit opening 272.
[0041] More particularly, panel 236 has spaced posts 276, 276' fixedly mounted to the top
side 238 of panel 236 between drain 270 and distal end 236b of panel 236. A pivot
axis rod 275 is supported parallel to the axis 243c of panel 236 by posts 276, 276'
and spans between the posts above top side 238 of panel 236. Drain closure 273 comprises
a plug arm 277 pivotally rotating cooperatively at one end 277a thereof with pivot
axis rod 275 for movement of arm 277 to a raised drain opening position and to a lowered
drain closing position. Pivot axis rod 275 may be fixed to posts 276, 276' with plug
arm 277 rotating on pivot axis rod 275, or pivot axis rod 275 may rotate in posts
276, 276' with plug arm 277 fixed to pivot axis rod 275.
[0042] Plug arm 277 comprises an attachment projection 278 remote from pivot axis rod 275.
Plug 274 further comprises a concave sealing gasket 280, a top plate 281 and a bottom
plate 282, both smaller in size than gasket 280. As shown in the drawings, the drain
conduit 271 is a cylinder, the top and bottom plates 281 and 282 are circular discs
and the concave gasket 280 is circular. Other complementary conduit, gasket and plate
shapes may be used, circular being suitable and perhaps less complicated but not necessary.
Concave sealing gasket 280 is secured between top and bottom plates 281 and 282 by
fasteners 283 in holes 284, 284'. At least bottom plate 282 is of a size configured
to enter and plug conduit opening 272. Plates 281, 282 sandwiching gasket 280 expose
an outer upwardly concave gasket portion 280' extending above bottom plate 281. Plates
281, 282 are fixedly connected to plug arm 277 at attachment projection 278, thereby
locating a center of gravity of plug 274 past pivot axis rod 275 in the direction
of drain 270. Thus when panel 236 has plug 274 in raised position for draining box
210 with panel 236 in the passage closing position 215, and panel 236 (with plug 274
in raised position) is then rotated upwardly toward home position to restore ventilation
through box 210, plug 274-by reason of gravity acting on the centered mass of the
raised plug forward of plug axis 275-falls rotating downwardly from the raised position
to a position parallel to panel 236, placing at least bottom plate 282 in the drain
conduit opening 272, thereby closing drain conduit opening 272, with the outer upwardly
concave gasket portion 280' sealing space between plates 281, 282 and opening 272.
[0043] Plug arm 274 suitably includes an inferior relief 279 intermediate the attachment
projection and a terminus of arm 274 remote from rod 275 and plug axis 275 for hooking
capture of plug arm 274 by a projection such as 291on hooking reach tool 290. An operator
insert tool 290 through an opening in a grating covering the support 210, hooks the
inferior relief 279 and lifts tool 290 to raise the captured arm 274 to remove plug
274 from drain opening 270 to drain box 210 while panel 236 is in passage closing
position 215.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the same reference numerals are used as in FIGS. 8-12
where applicable for a variation of the plug 274. The variant plug is indicated generally
by reference numeral 310. FIG. 15 compares to FIG. 11. Plug 310 places the location
where a reach tool such as 290 can capture plug arm 277 at an inset 310 formed in
the distal end 311 of plug arm 277 above top plate 210. Bottom plate 282 is configured
to an inverted frustoconical member of greater mass and deeper reach into opening
272 of drain conduit 270, increasing the center of gravity of plug arm 277
[0045] Without the presence of self actuating drain closure 273, there is a risk that with
another kind of drain closure an operator might raise panel 236 into home position
with the other kind of drain closure remaining open, creating a situation where water
entering box 210 through top opening 226 would enter the ventilation shaft meant to
be closed when panel 236 is in passage closing position 215. The presence of the "fool
proof' self actuating means for automatically closing opening 272 by the action of
raising panel 236 assures that drain opening 270 is already closed when panel 236
is subsequently lowered to panel closing position 215.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 18-191A, another exemplary embodiment employs a single panel.
Components in the single panel embodiments that are the same as in the exemplary pair
of panels embodiments have the same reference numbers as in the exemplary pair of
panels embodiments. The single panel exemplary embodiment, as with the other exemplary
embodiments, assumes a rectilinear atmospheric opening of a vertical ventilation shaft
and allows ventilation as usual through the shaft to an underground ventilation duct
fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening at a
grating over the shaft and on threat of flooding is operable to prevent downward flow
of surface water into the underground ventilation duct. The single panel exemplary
embodiment, like the pair of panels exemplary embodiments comprises a support embodied
as a four-sided vertical box open at bottom and top to define a passage 225 between
top and bottom openings of the box support. Some details are omitted for simplicity
of exposition but will be understood from descriptions of the pair of panels exemplary
embodiments. Exemplary flanges, e.g. 220b, 220c horizontally extend and rest atop
vertical walls of a ventilation shaft (flanges 220a, 220d are not indicated by reference
numerals in FIGS 18-19A but are understood from the prior embodiments). Support box
sidewalls 224b, 224c and 224d are visible in the sectional views FIGS 18A and 19 A
(sidewall 224a will be understood from descriptions of the embodiments of the pair
of panels. The four sidewalls 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d of box 218 vertically fit inside
the four vertical ventilation shaft walls, as in the pair of panels exemplary embodiments.
Stops like stops 230a, 230d in the pair of panels exemplary embodiments are within
and connected to sidewalls, respectively, 224a, 224b and 224a, 224d, proximate bottom
opening like 229 in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS.4-5A where they do not obstruct
passage 225. Adjacent sidewalls include a base 227 having rounded corners 227a, 127d
above respective stops 230a, 230d.
[0047] Cradles 211a, 211c are formed in the upper sides of opposing sidewalls 224a and 224c
respectively, adjacent sidewall 224d. The apparatus shown is suitable as a drop in
solution to seal vent passages from storm waters by lowering it into a ventilation
shaft to rest on walls of the shaft. In place, a grating (not pictured) covers top
opening 226. In normal operation, operator access to the interior of the support box
is through the grating.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 18-19A, a beam 242 comprising extruded tubing unobstructively
horizontally spans across passage 225 and connects to opposed sidewalls 224a, 224c
of box 210 adjacent side wall 224d and proximate top opening 226. Beam 242 is lodged
in cradles 211a, 211c, and is conveniently lowered into channels 211a, 211c by operators
holding beam foldable handles 212a, 212c. Beam 242 and straps 244 comprise a suspension
member. Beam 242 and its attached equipment can be lowered into place as a complete
assembled unit after the support box is installed in ventilation shaft resting on
flanges 220. This assembled unit can be removed from the support box for servicing
by withdrawing beam 242 from channels 211a, 211c by means of handles 212a, 212c.
[0049] Referring particularly to FIG. 19A, a hinge mounting member 245 unobstructively horizontally
spans across passage 225 the same as beam 242 connected by a plurality of straps 244
to beam 242 (only 244d is seen in the sectional views of FIGS. 18A and 19A). Lodged
in cradles 211a and 211c, beam 242 and hinge mounting member 245 spans between sidewalls
224a, 224c adjacent sidewall 224d with beam 242 directly over hinge mounting member
245. Hinge mounting member 245 mounts and supports a plurality of hinge members 243.
The hinge members 243, as in the pair of panels exemplary embodiments, each comprise
a stationary member 243b, a moveable member 243a and a hinge pin 243c that interconnects
stationary member 243b and moveable member 243a, stationary member 243b connecting
to hinge mounting member 245. In FIG. 19A, only moveable member 243a is referenced
to avoid obfuscation of elements,
[0050] A single panel 236 having proximal and distal portions, respectively (understood
the same as 236a, 236b in the pair of panels exemplars) are connected at proximal
portion 236a by moveable hinge members 243a to stationary hinge members 243b and thereby
to a hinge mounting member 245 and from hinge mounting member 245 via straps 244a,
244b, 244c and 244d to beam 242, as in the pair of panels exemplars. The connection
of moveable hinge members 243a to the proximal portion 236a of panels 236 on hinge
pins 243c forms a pivot axis of panels 236 for vertical rotation of panel 236. Panel
236 rotates from or to an upright home position tucked under beam 242. Rotation of
panel 236 upwardly (counterclockwise in the exemplary embodiment show) to home position
is effected manually as further described below. The home position of panel 236 tucked
under beam 242 does not occlude passage 225. Panel 236 in rotation falls solely under
the gravitational impetus of its own weight from the upright home position to a lower
passage closing position where further rotation is prevented by stops 230a, 230d.
Each panel has a profile that closes the passage when the panels gravitationally rotate
to the passage closing position.
[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18-19A, panel 236 the same as panel 236 in
the pair of panels exemplar includes a recess 233' that contains a panel holder latch
catch 235'. A panel holder 240 latch 249 for panel 236. Panel holder 240 inclusive
of latch 249 is carried by the suspension member 242. Latch 249 is vertically pivotal
on a horizontal axis at a proximate end of the latches. The latch axis is parallel
to the panel axes of pins 243c. Panel holder latch 249, like latch 247 in FIG. 6 pivotally
extends externally from the latch axis distally to an inferior return having a sloped
surface ending at an inset notch 251'. Recess 233' and latch 249 are horizontally
and vertically aligned with each other such that when panel 236 is rotated vertically
upward, the inferior return of latch 249 is brought into sliding contact with ramp
241' carried by the panel, and the sloped surface of the latch slides on ramp 241'
until inset notch 251' passes over latch catch edge 235', capturing latch 249. This
capture holds panel 234, 236 in home position 213. As in the case of the pair of panels
exemplar, the placement of the latch and latch catch can be reversed.
[0052] As in the case of the pair of panel exemplars, panel holder 240 is movably suspended
from suspension member 242 by a rod 246 connected to panel holder 240. Rod 246 is
mounted through beam 242 slideably translatable through a brace 255 fastened between
straps 244b, 244c and terminates above beam 242 at T-handle 252 under a cover 253
sheltering T-handle 252 from pedestrian view through a grating covering quadrilateral
support 210. Rod 246 and T-handle 252 comprise a panel releaser. The T-handle provides
convenient holding, such as by a projection or hook of a reach tool that can be vertically
inserted through a small opening in a grating covering support 210 to reach under
cover 253 and hook T-handle 252 for lifting panel holder 240. Lifting rod 246 by T-handle
252 moves panel holder 240 upwardly to cause moveable members 247, 249 to lose their
hold on catch 241, 241' and release panels 234, 236, allowing panels 234, 236 to rotationally
gravitationally fall solely by impetus of their own weight from the upright home position
213 to the lower passage closing position 215.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 18-19A the single panel exemplary embodiment includes a lift arm
260' having a proximal end 261' pivotally connected by pivot pin 267 to the bottom
side of panel 236 on a pivotation axis parallel to the hinge axis 243c and a distal
end 263', the lift arm 260' being of dimension to contact distal end 263' with opposed
lateral sidewall 224b when distal end 263' is pivoted upward inside sidewall 224b
for exertion of lateral force onto connected panel 236 being raised with panel handle
259' to complete rotation of panel 236 into the home position.
[0054] Having described illustrative examples of embodiments that incorporate concepts of
the invention, those skilled in the art will be able to use these concepts as guided
by these embodiments, and may form alternative variations that nonetheless embrace
the concepts herein disclosed and still be within the scope of my invention as claimed
in the claims that follow.
1. Apparatus for allowing ventilation through a vertical ventilation shaft to an underground
ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric
opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding manually operable to prevent downward
flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct, comprising
a support (210) comprising opposed lateral sidewalls (224) for arrangement in said
shaft defining a passage between top (226) and bottom (220) openings of the support
for fluid communication of said ventilation duct up through said support to said atmospheric
opening,
one or more panels (234; 236) having proximal and distal ends (234a; 234b; 236a; 236b),
a top side and a bottom side, said proximal end connecting with a horizontal hinge
(243) having a hinge axis perpendicular to said opposed lateral sidewalls (224) for
rotation of each said panel (234; 236) upwardly to an upright home position not obstructing
said passage and rotation from said home position downwardly by gravitational impetus
of its own weight to reach a lower passage closing position, said one or more panels
having a profile that closes said passage when each said panel gravitationally rotates
to said passage closing position,
a suspension member (242; 244) unobstructively horizontally spanning said passage
(225) supported on said opposed lateral sidewalls (224) proximate said top opening
(226) and holding said one or more hinge connected panels (234; 236) in said passage
proximate said bottom opening,
a drain (270) in at least one of said one or more panels (234; 236) intermediate said
proximate and distal ends thereof, said drain (270) comprising a conduit (271) passing
through said panel (234; 236), said conduit (271) having an opening (272) at said
panel top side (231) and a self actuating drain closure (273) on each said panel having
a drain, said closure comprising a plug (274) pivoting rotatable on a drain plug axis
(275) positioned between said drain conduit (271) and said distal end of each said
panel, said drain plug axis (275) paralleling said horizontal hinge axis, said plug
(274) being manually pivotable upwardly on said drain plug axis (275) to remove said
plug from said drain opening (272) to drain water contained above said one or more
panels when each said panel is in said passage closing position, said plug (274) by
gravitational impetus of its own weight automatically pivoting downward to place said
plug (274) in said conduit opening when said panel (234; 236) containing said drain
is pivotally raised upward to said home position, whereby the conduit opening is already
closed when the panel gravitationally rotates downwardly to said passage closing position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said plug (274) further comprises an upwardly concave
sealing gasket (280) around said plug periphery to seal any space between said plug
periphery and said conduit opening when said panel containing said plug (274) is in
said passage closing position.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which each said panel (234; 236) containing a said drain
(270) has spaced posts (276; 276') fixedly mounted to said top side of each said panel
(234; 236) between said drain (270) and said distal end of each said panel (234; 236),
and in which said drain plug axis comprises a rod (275) supported parallel to said
horizontal hinge axis by said posts (276; 276') and spans between said posts above
said panel top side, each said drain closure comprising:
a plug arm (277) pivotally rotatable at a proximal end of said arm with or on said
rod (275) for movement of said arm to a raised drain opening position and to a lowered
drain closing position, said plug arm comprising an attachment projection remote from
said rod (275),
an upwardly concave sealing gasket (280),
a top plate (281) and a bottom plate (282), both smaller in size than said gasket
(280),
said concave sealing gasket (280) being secured between said top and bottom plates
(281; 282), at least said bottom plate (282) being of size configured to enter and
plug said conduit opening, said plates (281; 282) exposing an outer upwardly concave
gasket portion extending above said bottom plate (282), said plates being fixedly
connected to said arm at said attachment projection locating a center of gravity of
said arm past said pivot axis of said rod (275) in said direction of said drain (270),
so that after a panel (234; 236) containing said drain (270) has a said plug arm (277)
in said raised position to drain water above the panel while said panel is in said
passage closing position, when said panel containing said drain (270) with said plug
arm (277) in raised position is rotated upwardly toward said home position, said plug
arm (277) by reason of gravity acting on said center of gravity of said raised plug
arm (277) rotates said plug arm downwardly from said raised position to a position
parallel to said panel (234; 236), placing at least said bottom plate (282) in said
conduit opening thereby closing said opening with said outer upwardly concave gasket
portion (280) sealing space between said plates and said opening.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said plug arm (277) includes a relief on an underside
of the arm distal from said rod (275) for capture of the arm by an arm lifting reach
tool.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said plug arm (277) includes a recess on an end
of the arm distal from said rod (275) for capture of the arm by an arm lifting reach
tool.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said drain conduit is a hollow cylinder, said top
and bottom plates (281; 282) are circular discs and said concave gasket (280) is circular.
7. The apparatus of claim 3 in which bottom plate (282) is an inverted frustoconical
plate.
8. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said rod (275) is fixed to said posts (276; 276')
and said plug arm rotates on said rod (275).
9. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said rod (275) rotates in said posts (276; 276')
and said plug arm (277) is fixed to said pivot axis rod (275).
10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said support (210) inclusive of said lateral sidewalls
(224) is sized to internally fit in said vertical shaft between said ventilation duct
and said atmospheric opening, said support further comprising horizontal flanges (220)
transverse to said sidewalls for projecting across a top of said shaft to hang said
support in said shaft.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said atmospheric opening is rectilinear and said
support (210) is quadrilateral.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said suspension member comprises a beam (242) having
vertically hung straps (244) holding said horizontal hinge (243) and said panels (234;
236) connected to said horizontal hinge.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said horizontal hinge (243) comprises a hinge mounting
member (245) held by said suspension member (242; 244) and a plurality of hinge members
(243) mounted on said hinge mounting member (245).
14. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said shaft is vertical and said support (210) inclusive
of sidewalls is sized to internally fit in said shaft between said ventilation duct
and said atmospheric opening, said support (210) further comprising flanges (220)
transverse to said sidewalls (224) for overlaying a top of said shaft to hang said
support (210) in said shaft, said sidewalls supporting said suspension member (242;
244).
15. The apparatus of claim 14 comprising a pair of said panels (234; 236) in which said
atmospheric opening is rectilinear, said support (210) is quadrilateral, said suspension
member comprises a beam (242) supported centrally between said opposed lateral sidewalls
(224) for mounting of said panels (234; 236) in said passage for rotation of the panels
in directions opposite each other from or to said upright home position not obstructing
said passage, said beam (242) having vertically hung straps (244) holding said horizontal
hinge (243) and said panels connected with said horizontal hinge.
1. Vorrichtung zum Ermöglichen von Belüftung durch einen vertikalen Belüftungsschacht
zu einem unterirdischen Belüftungskanal, der durch den Belüftungsschacht mit einer
atmosphärischen Öffnung des Schachts in Fluidverbindung steht und bei drohender Überflutung
manuell betätigbar ist, um das Abwärtsfließen von Oberflächenwasser in den unterirdischen
Belüftungskanal zu verhindern, die Folgendes umfasst:
ein Auflager (210) mit gegenüberliegenden lateralen Seitenwänden (224) zur Anordnung
in dem genannten Schacht, das einen Durchgang zwischen einer oberen (226) und einer
unteren (220) Öffnung des Auflagers für eine Fluidverbindung des genannten Belüftungskanals
durch das genannte Auflager nach oben zu der genannten atmosphärischen Öffnung definiert,
ein oder mehrere Paneele (234; 236) mit proximalen und distalen Enden (234a; 234b;
236a; 236b), einer Oberseite und einer Unterseite, wobei das genannte proximale Ende
mit einem horizontalen Scharnier (243) mit einer Scharnierachse lotrecht zu den gegenüberliegenden
lateralen Seitenwänden (224) zum Drehen jedes genannten Paneels (234; 236) nach oben
in eine aufrechte Ausgangsposition, die den genannten Durchgang nicht versperrt, und
zum Drehen aus der genannten Ausgangsposition nach unten durch die Schwerkraft seines
eigenen Gewichts verbunden ist, um eine untere Durchgangsverschlussposition zu erreichen,
wobei die genannten ein oder mehreren Paneele ein Profil haben, das den genannten
Durchgang verschließt, wenn sich jedes genannte Paneel unter Schwerkraft in die genannte
Durchgangsverschlussposition dreht,
ein Aufhängungselement (242; 244), das den genannten Durchgang (225) ungehindert horizontal
überspannt, der auf den genannten gegenüberliegenden lateralen Seitenwänden (224)
in der Nähe der genannten oberen Öffnung (226) getragen wird und die genannten ein
oder mehreren gelenkig verbundenen Paneele (234; 236) in dem genannten Durchgang in
der Nähe der genannten unteren Öffnung hält,
einen Abfluss (270) in mindestens einem der genannten ein oder mehreren Paneele (234;
236) zwischen dem genannten proximalen und distalen Ende davon, wobei der genannte
Abfluss (270) eine Leitung (271) umfasst, die durch das genannte Paneel (234; 236)
verläuft; wobei die genannte Leitung (271) eine Öffnung (272) an der genannten Paneelenoberseite
(231) und einen selbsttätigen Abflussverschluss (273) an jedem genannten Paneel mit
einem Abfluss aufweist, wobei der genannte Verschluss einen Stopfen (274) umfasst,
der um eine Abflussstopfenachse (275) drehbar ist, die zwischen der genannten Abflussleitung
(271) und dem genannten distalen Ende jedes genannten Paneels angeordnet ist, wobei
die genannte Abflussstopfenachse (275) parallel zu der genannten horizontalen Gelenkachse
verläuft, wobei der genannte Stopfen (274) manuell auf der genannten Ablassstopfenachse
(275) nach oben schwenkbar ist, um den genannten Stopfen aus der genannten Ablassöffnung
(272) zu entfernen, um oberhalb der genannten ein oder mehreren Paneele enthaltenes
Wasser abzulassen, wenn jedes genannte Paneel in der genannten Durchgangsverschlussposition
ist, wobei der genannte Stopfen (274) durch die Schwerkraft seines eigenen Gewichts
automatisch nach unten schwenkt, um den genannten Stopfen (274) in der genannten Leitungsöffnung
zu platzieren, wenn das den genannten Abfluss enthaltende genannte Paneel (234; 236)
schwenkbar nach oben in die genannte Ausgangsposition angehoben wird, so dass die
Leitungsöffnung bereits geschlossen ist, wenn sich das Paneel durch Schwerkraft nach
unten in die genannte Durchgangsverschlussposition dreht.
2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der genannte Stopfen (274) ferner eine nach oben
konkave Dichtung (280) um den genannten Stopfenumfang herum umfasst, um jeglichen
Raum zwischen dem genannten Stopfenumfang und der genannten Leitungsöffnung abzudichten,
wenn sich das genannte, den genannten Stopfen (274) enthaltende Paneel in der genannten
Durchgangsverschlussposition befindet.
3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei jedes genannte, einen genannten Abfluss (270) enthaltende
Paneel (234; 236) beabstandete Pfosten (276; 276') aufweist, die fest an der genannten
Oberseite jedes genannten Paneels (234; 236) zwischen dem genannten Abfluss (270)
und dem genannten distalen Ende jedes genannten Paneels (234; 236) montiert sind,
und wobei die genannte Abflussstopfenachse einen Stab (275) umfasst, der parallel
zu der genannten horizontalen Scharnierachse von den genannten Pfosten (276; 276')
getragen wird und sich zwischen den genannten Pfosten oberhalb der genannten Paneeloberseite
erstreckt, wobei jeder genannte Abflussverschluss Folgendes umfasst:
einen Stopfenarm (277), der an einem proximalen Ende des genannten Arms mit oder auf
dem genannten Stab (275) für eine Bewegung des genannten Arms in eine angehobene Abflussöffnungsposition
und in eine abgesenkte Abflussverschlussposition schwenkbar ist, wobei der genannte
Stopfenarm einen von dem genannten Stab (275) entfernten Befestigungsvorsprung aufweist,
eine nach oben konkave Dichtung (280),
eine obere Platte (281) und eine untere Platte (282), die beide kleiner als die genannte
Dichtung (280) sind,
wobei die genannte konkave Dichtung (280) zwischen der genannten oberen und unteren
Platte (281; 282) befestigt ist, wobei zumindest die genannte untere Platte (282)
eine Größe hat, die zum Eintreten in die und Verschließen der genannte(n) Leitungsöffnung
konfiguriert ist, wobei die genannten Platten (281; 282) einen äußeren, nach oben
konkaven Dichtungsabschnitt exponieren, der sich über die genannte untere Platte (282)
erstreckt, wobei die genannten Platten fest mit dem genannten Arm an dem genannten
Befestigungsvorsprung verbunden sind, der einen Schwerpunkt des genannten Arms hinter
der genannten Schwenkachse des genannten Stabs (275) in der genannten Richtung des
genannten Abflusses (270) anordnet, so dass, nachdem ein den genannten Abfluss (270)
enthaltendes Paneel (234; 236) einen genannten Stopfenarm (277) in der genannten angehobenen
Position hat, um Wasser oberhalb des Paneels abzulassen, während das genannte Paneel
in der genannten Durchgangsverschlussposition ist, wenn das genannte Paneel, das den
genannten Abfluss (270) mit dem genannten Stopfenarm (277) in der angehobenen Position
enthält, nach oben in Richtung der genannten Ausgangsposition gedreht wird, der genannte
Stopfenarm (277) aufgrund der genannten, auf den genannten Schwerpunkt des genannten
angehobenen Stopfenarms (277) wirkenden Schwerkraft den genannten Stopfenarm von der
angehobenen Position nach unten in eine Position parallel zu dem genannten Paneel
(234; 236) dreht, wodurch zumindest die genannte Bodenplatte (282) in der genannten
Leitungsöffnung platziert wird, wodurch die genannte Öffnung mit dem äußeren, nach
oben konkaven Dichtungsabschnitt (280) verschlossen wird, der den Raum zwischen den
genannten Platten und der genannten Öffnung abdichtet.
4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei der genannte Stopfenarm (277) ein Relief an einer
Unterseite des Arms distal von dem genannten Stab (275) zum Erfassen des Arms durch
ein Armhebegreifwerkzeug aufweist.
5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei der genannte Stopfenarm (277) eine Aussparung an
einem Ende des Arms entfernt von dem genannten Stab (275) zum Erfassen des Arms durch
ein Armhebegreifwerkzeug aufweist.
6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die genannte Abflussleitung ein Hohlzylinder ist,
die genannte obere und untere Platte (281; 282) kreisförmige Scheiben sind und die
genannte konkave Dichtung (280) kreisförmig ist.
7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Bodenplatte (282) eine umgekehrte kegelstumpfförmige
Platte ist.
8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei der genannte Stab (275) an den genannten Pfosten
(276; 276') befestigt ist und der genannten Stopfenarm sich auf dem genannten Stab
(275) dreht.
9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei sich der genannte Stab (275) in die genannten Pfosten
(276; 276') dreht und der genannte Stopfenarm (277) an der Schwenkachse des genannten
Stabs (275) befestigt ist.
10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das genannte Auflager (210) einschließlich der
genannten lateralen Seitenwände (224) so bemessen ist, dass es innen in den genannten
vertikalen Schacht zwischen dem genannten Lüftungskanal und der genannten atmosphärischen
Öffnung passt, wobei das genannte Auflager ferner horizontale Flansche (220) quer
zu den genannten Seitenwänden umfasst, die über eine Oberseite des Schachts vorstehen,
um das genannte Auflager in dem genannten Schacht aufzuhängen.
11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die genannte atmosphärische Öffnung geradlinig
und das genannte Auflager (210) viereckig ist.
12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das genannte Aufhängungselement einen Träger (242)
mit vertikal hängenden Bändern (244) umfasst, die das genannte horizontale Scharnier
(243) und die mit dem genannten horizontalen Scharnier verbundenen genannten Paneelen
(234; 236) halten.
13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, wobei das genannte horizontale Scharnier (243) ein von
dem genannten Aufhängungselement (242; 244) gehaltenes Scharniermontageelement (245)
und mehrere an dem genannten Scharniermontageelement (245) montierte Scharnierelemente
(243) umfasst.
14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der genannte Schacht vertikal ist und das genannte
Auflager (210) einschließlich der Seitenwände so bemessen ist, dass er innen in den
genannten Schacht zwischen dem genannten Lüftungskanal und der genannten atmosphärischen
Öffnung passt, wobei das genannte Auflager (210) ferner Flansche (220) quer zu den
genannten Seitenwänden (224) zum Überlagern einer Oberseite des genannten Schachts
umfasst, um das genannte Auflager (210) in dem genannten Schacht aufzuhängen, wobei
die genannten Seitenwände das genannte Aufhängungselement (242; 244) tragen.
15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 14, die ein Paar der genannten Paneele (234; 236) umfasst,
in denen die genannte atmosphärische Öffnung geradlinig ist, wobei das genannte Auflager
(210) vierseitig ist, das genannte Aufhängungselement einen Träger (242) umfasst,
der mittig zwischen den genannten gegenüberliegenden lateralen Seitenwänden (224)
zum Montieren der genannten Paneele (234; 236) in dem genannten Durchgang zur Drehung
der Paneele in einander entgegengesetzten Richtungen von oder zu der genannten aufrechten
Ausgangsposition getragen wird, die den genannten Durchgang nicht behindert, wobei
der genannte Träger (242) vertikal aufgehängte Bänder (244) aufweist, die das genannte
horizontale Scharnier (243) und die mit dem genannten horizontalen Scharnier verbundenen
genannten Paneele halten.
1. Appareil pour permettre une ventilation à travers un puits de ventilation vertical
vers une gaine de ventilation souterraine communiquant de manière fluidique à travers
le puits de ventilation vers une ouverture à l'atmosphère du puits et, lors d'un risque
d'inondation, opérable manuellement pour empêcher un écoulement vers le bas de l'eau
de ruissellement jusque dans la gaine de ventilation souterraine, comprenant
un support (210) comprenant des parois latérales opposées (224) pour un agencement
dans ledit puits définissant un passage entre des ouvertures supérieure (226) et inférieure
(220) du support pour une communication de fluide de ladite gaine de ventilation vers
le haut à travers ledit support jusqu'à ladite ouverture à l'atmosphère,
un ou plusieurs panneaux (234; 236) ayant des extrémités proximale et distale (234a;
234b; 236a; 236b), un côté supérieur et un côté inférieur, ladite extrémité proximale
étant raccordée à une articulation horizontale (243) avec un axe d'articulation qui
est perpendiculaire auxdites parois latérales opposées (224) pour une rotation dudit
chaque panneau (234; 236) vers le haut jusqu'à une position de repos dressée n'obstruant
pas ledit passage et une rotation à partir de ladite position de repos vers le bas
en vertu d'une impulsion gravitationnelle sous son propre poids afin d'atteindre une
position de fermeture de passage inférieure, lesdits un ou plusieurs panneaux ayant
un profil qui ferme ledit passage lorsque ledit chaque panneau tourne de manière gravitationnelle
vers ladite position de fermeture de passage,
un élément de suspension (242; 244) s'étendant de manière non obstructive dans le
plan horizontal ledit passage (225) soutenu sur lesdites parois latérales opposées
(224) à proximité de ladite ouverture supérieure (226) et maintenant lesdits un ou
plusieurs panneaux raccordés par une articulation (234; 236) dans ledit passage à
proximité de ladite ouverture inférieure,
un drain (270) dans au moins un desdits un ou plusieurs panneaux (234; 236) entre
lesdites extrémités proximale et distale de ceux-ci, ledit drain (270) comprenant
un conduit (271) qui passe à travers ledit panneau (234; 236), ledit conduit (271)
ayant une ouverture (272) au niveau dudit côté supérieur de panneau (231) et une fermeture
de drain à actionnement automatique (273) sur ledit chaque panneau ayant un drain,
ladite fermeture comprenant un obturateur (274) apte à tourner de manière pivotante
sur un axe d'obturateur de drain (275) positionné entre ledit conduit de drain (271)
et ladite extrémité distale dudit chaque panneau, ledit axe d'obturateur de drain
(275) étant en parallèle auxdits axes d'articulation horizontaux, ledit obturateur
(274) étant apte à pivoter manuellement vers le haut sur ledit axe d'obturateur de
drain (275) afin d'enlever ledit obturateur de ladite ouverture de drain (272) pour
drainer l'eau contenue au-dessus desdits un ou plusieurs panneaux lorsque ledit chaque
panneau se trouve dans ladite position de fermeture de passage, l'obturateur (274)
en vertu de l'impulsion gravitationnelle sous son propre poids pivotant vers le bas
afin de placer ledit obturateur (274) dans ladite ouverture de conduit lorsque ledit
panneau (234; 236) contenant ledit drain est relevée de manière pivotante vers le
haut jusqu'à ladite position de repos, assurant ainsi que l'ouverture de conduit est
déjà fermée lorsque le panneau tourne de manière gravitationnelle vers le bas jusqu'à
ladite position de fermeture de passage.
2. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit obturateur (274) comprend en outre
une garniture d'étanchéité concave vers le haut (280) autour de ladite périphérie
d'obturateur afin d'étanchéifier tout espace entre ladite périphérie d'obturateur
et ladite ouverture de conduit lorsque ledit panneau contenant ledit obturateur (274)
se trouve dans ladite position de fermeture de passage.
3. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit chaque panneau (234; 236) contenant
ledit un drain (270) a des montants espacés (276; 276') montés de manière fixe sur
ledit côté supérieur dudit chaque panneau (234; 236) entre ledit drain (270) et ladite
extrémité distale dudit chaque panneau (234; 236), et dans lequel ledit axe d'obturateur
de drain comprend une tige (275) soutenue en parallèle audit axe d'articulation horizontal
par lesdits montants (276; 276') et s'étend entre lesdits montants au-dessus dudit
côté supérieur de panneau, ladite chaque fermeture de drain comprenant:
un bras d'obturateur (277) apte à tourner de manière pivotante au niveau d'une extrémité
proximale dudit bras avec ou sur ladite tige (275) pour permettre un mouvement dudit
bras jusqu'à une position d'ouverture de drain relevée et jusqu'à une position de
fermeture de drain abaissée, ledit bras d'obturateur comprenant une saillie d'attache
qui est éloignée de ladite tige (275),
une garniture d'étanchéité concave vers le haut (280),
une plaque supérieure (281) et une plaque inférieure (282), toutes les deux ayant
une dimension plus petite que ladite garniture (280),
ladite garniture d'étanchéité concave (280) étant assujettie entre lesdites plaques
supérieure et inférieure (281; 282), au moins ladite plaque inférieure (282) ayant
une dimension configurée de façon à entrer dans et obturer ladite ouverture de conduit,
lesdites plaques (281; 282) exposant une portion de garniture concave vers le haut
s'étendant au-dessus de ladite plaque inférieure (282), lesdites plaques étant raccordées
de manière fixe audit bras au niveau de ladite saillie d'attache qui localise un centre
de gravité dudit bras devant ledit axe-pivot de ladite tige (275) dans ladite direction
dudit drain (270), de sorte qu'après un panneau (234; 236) contenant ledit drain (270)
présente ledit un bras d'obturateur (277) dans ladite position relevée pour drainer
l'eau au-dessus du panneau pendant que ledit panneau se trouve dans ladite position
de fermeture de passage, lorsque ledit panneau contenant ledit drain (270) avec ledit
bras d'obturateur (277) en position relevée est tourné vers le haut vers ladite position
de repos, ledit bras d'obturateur (277) en raison de la gravité qui agit sur ledit
centre de gravité dudit bras d'obturateur relevé (277) tourne ledit bras d'obturateur
vers le bas à partir de ladite position relevée jusqu'à une position parallèle audit
panneau (234; 236), plaçant au moins ladite plaque inférieure (282) dans ladite ouverture
de conduit ce qui permet ainsi de fermer ladite ouverture avec ladite portion de garniture
concave externe vers le haut (280) étanchéifiant l'espace entre lesdites plaques et
ladite ouverture.
4. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel ledit bras d'obturateur (277) inclut un
élément en relief sur une sous-face du bras qui est distale par rapport à ladite tige
(275) pour capturer le bras à l'aide d'un outil à portée de levage de bras.
5. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel ledit bras d'obturateur (277) inclut un
renfoncement sur une extrémité du bras qui est distale par rapport à ladite tige (275)
pour capturer le bras à l'aide d'un outil à portée de levage de bras.
6. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel ledit conduit de drain est un cylindre
creux, lesdites plaques supérieure et inférieure (281; 282) sont des disques circulaires
et ladite garniture concave (280) est circulaire.
7. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel la plaque inférieure (282) est une plaque
frustoconique inversée.
8. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel ladite tige (275) est fixée auxdits montants
(276; 276') et ledit bras d'obturateur tourne sur ladite tige (275).
9. Appareil de la revendication 3 dans lequel ladite tige (275) tourne dans lesdits montants
(276; 276') et ledit bras d'obturateur (277) est fixé à ladite tige d'axe-pivot (275).
10. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit support (210) incluant lesdites parois
latérales (224) est dimensionné de façon à s'adapter de manière interne dans ledit
puits vertical entre ladite gaine de ventilation et ladite ouverture à l'atmosphère,
ledit support comprenant en outre des brides horizontales (220) transversalement par
rapport auxdites parois latérales pour faire saillie en travers d'une face supérieure
dudit puits afin de suspendre ledit support dans ledit puits.
11. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ladite ouverture à l'atmosphère est rectiligne
et ledit support (210) est quadrilatéral.
12. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit élément de suspension comprend une
poutrelle (242) ayant des armatures suspendues verticalement (244) qui maintiennent
ladite articulation horizontale (243) et lesdits panneaux (234; 236) raccordés à ladite
articulation horizontale.
13. Appareil de la revendication 12 dans lequel ladite articulation horizontale (243)
comprend un élément de montage d'articulation (245) maintenu par ledit élément de
suspension (242; 244) et une pluralité d'éléments d'articulation (243) mountés sur
ledit élément de montage d'articulation (245).
14. Appareil de la revendication 1 dans lequel ledit puits est vertical et ledit support
(210) incluant les parois latérales est dimensionné de façon à s'adapter de manière
interne dans ledit puits entre ladite gaine de ventilation et ladite ouverture à l'atmosphère,
ledit support (210) comprenant en outre des brides (220) transversalement par rapport
auxdites parois latérales (224) pour se superposer une face supérieure dudit puits
afin de suspendre ledit support (210) dans ledit puits, lesdites parois latérales
soutenant ledit élément de suspension (242; 244).
15. Appareil de la revendication 14 comprenant une paire desdits panneaux (234; 236) dans
lequel ladite ouverture à l'atmosphère est rectiligne, ledit support (210) étant quadrilatéral,
ledit élément de suspension comprend une poutrelle (242) soutenue centralement entre
lesdites parois latérales opposées (224) pour le montage desdits panneaux (234; 236)
dans ledit passage pour une rotation des panneaux dans des directions opposées l'une
à l'autre à partir de ou vers ladite position de repos dressée n'obstruant pas ledit
passage, ladite poutrelle (242) ayant des armatures suspendues verticalement (244)
qui maintiennent ladite articulation horizontale (243) et lesdits panneaux raccordés
à ladite articulation horizontale.