Douglas W Graham

US Patent:

40167267, Apr 12, 1977

Filed:

Aug 21, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/606696

Inventors:

Francis J. Campbell - Stanford CA
Douglas J. Graham - San Francisco CA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

E02B 1504

US Classification:

61 1F

Abstract:

A connector hinge for attaching oil spill containment booms having a male lindrical connector which fits loosely within a female cylindrical connector to allow easy movement of both connectors in both a vertical and horizontal direction. A resilient gasket is disposed within the male cylindrical connector such that the gasket forms an oil-tight seal between the male connector and female connector. The female connector is tapered along its length to allow easy disposition of the male member within its cylindrical cavity. Both the male and female connectors can be attached to a floating oil spill containment boom, a substantially immovable object such as a pier or jetty, or a floating tow assembly. The loose fit between the male and female connectors allows the connector hinge to adjust to tidal variations as well as additionally aiding in placement of the male connector within the female connector. The gasket material is formed of foam rubber, rubber, or any other suitable resilient material capable of forming an oil-tight seal.