US3712261A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fairing
Assignee: Ocean Science & Eng
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Filing: 1971-04-01
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Granted: 1973-01-23
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Expires: 1991-04-01
Abstract
Abstract A continuously applied fairing consisting of a preformed resilient tubular member of indeterminate length which can be opened and wound as a flat strip. When unwound, it is fed into engagement with a line and is allowed to assume its normal tubular shape encompassing said line.
Inventors
- 👤 J Mclelland
- 👤 T Mangels
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:23
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B21/00; B63B21/56; B63B21/66; B63B21/663
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A fairing to be applied to a line to be carried through water for the purpose of reducing drag, comprising an elongated hollow tubular member of spring material enclosing said line, said member being split along one side thereof longitudinally to define two adjacent edge portions, said hollow member normally assuming said tubular configuration but being spreadaBle into a substantially flat strip for winding onto a reel, said hollow member having a streamlined cross section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A fairing to be applied to a line to be carried through water for the purpose of reducing drag, comprising an elongated hollow tubular member of spring material enclosing said line, said member being split along one side thereof longitudinally to define two adjacent edge portions, said hollow member normally assuming said tubular configuration but being spreadaBle into a substantially flat strip for winding onto a reel, said hollow member having a streamlined cross section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fairing as defined in claim 1 wherein said streamlined cross section is of a tear-drop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A fairing as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring material is a non-corrosive metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fairing as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring material is a high-strength plastic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A fairing as defined in claim 1 and including a sealant disposed between said adjacent edge portions.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of continuously applying fairing to an elongated element of indeterminate length comprising the steps of feeding a substantially flat strip of indeterminate length, said strip being of a spring material and normally biased about its longitudinal axis to a substantially closed position to define a hollow streamlined cross section, feeding said elongated element into faired relationship with said fairing and in the same direction, and allowing said strip to assume its normal configuration encompassing said elongated element.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
79 words
A method of continuously applying fairing to an elongated element of indeterminate length comprising the steps of feeding a substantially flat strip of indeterminate length, said strip being of a spring material and normally biased about its longitudinal axis to a substantially closed position to define a hollow streamlined cross section, feeding said elongated element into faired relationship with said fairing and in the same direction, and allowing said strip to assume its normal configuration encompassing said elongated element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus continuously applying and removing fairing from a line wherein the fairing is formed from an inherently resilient flat strip normally biased to a substantially closed position defining a hollow cross-section, comprising a first feed reel for receiving said fairing in flat strip form, a second reel for receiving said line, first guide means through which said fairing strip is fed, second guide means through which said line is fed, said first guide means directing said fairing strip into fairing relationship with said line whereby said first guide means forms two converging paths permitting said strip to assume its substantially closed position encompassing said line.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus continuously applying and removing fairing from a line wherein the fairing is formed from an inherently resilient flat strip normally biased to a substantially closed position defining a hollow cross-section, comprising a first feed reel for receiving said fairing in flat strip form, a second reel for receiving said line, first guide means through which said fairing strip is fed, second guide means through which said line is fed, said first guide means directing said fairing strip into fairing relationship with said line whereby said first guide means forms two converging paths permitting said strip to assume its substantially closed position encompassing said line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first guide means comprises upper and lower rolls forming converging paths away from said first reel for receiving the side edge portions of said fairing strip.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first guide means comprises spaced channels for receiving the side edge portions of said strip, said channels forming paths converging away from said first reel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 and including means for driving said first and second reels.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 7 and including a pair of friction support rolls between said first reel and said first guide means whereby said strip is fed between said support rolls.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said strip has spaced apertures extending longitudinally of the strip on each side edge portion thereof, and including a rotatable support roll between said first reel and said first guide means, and sprocket teeth on said support roll and progressively received in said apertures as the strip is fed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-23 | 1976-07-24 | 1977-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-23 | 1980-07-24 | 1981-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-23 | 1984-07-24 | 1985-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |