GB2354021A

GB2354021A - Airbag brace for shoring a grave

Info

Publication number: GB2354021A
Application number: GB9921439A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Smalley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-09-11
Filing date: 1999-09-11
Publication date: 2001-03-14
Also published as: GB9921439D0

Abstract

An airbag arrangement for shoring the walls of a grave hole comprises an inflatable airbag 1, ropes 2 for positioning the airbag within the hole, and a valve 4 that allows for inflation and deflation of the airbag and maintains the pressure inside for a required length of time. A pair of bracing telescopic beams 3 are used to restrain the airbag once inflated and these are covered by a pair of covers 9. The ropes are fed through the covers and tied securely to hold the airbag when deflation is necessary. The covers have hatches 10 subsequently locked into place for providing security to the valve and ropes. The inflation may be provided by an air delivery tube 8 connected to an air delivery unit 7 and power source 6. A wheeled trolley 5 may be used for the delivery of the whole system.

Description

2354021 Patent application 02/09/99 14004 A irb ag system for storing

graves This invention relates to an air bag for insertion into ready dug graves to keep the hole open and to prevent ingress of water and vermin.

Background

Changes in cemetery practise has led to the necessity of having grave holes prepared for use at short notice, particularly at holiday times. This poses a degree of health and safety risk for the relevant authority. Conventional methods of shoring such a hole are cumbersome and time consuming to erect and use, do not keep out vermin or ground water. The airbag system will be speedy to use, will weigh considerably less than conventional metal or wooden shoring and so be easier to use. Filling the hole with air under pressure will keep out vermin and ground water.

According to the present information there is provided an air bag suitably braced to maintain the formation of the hole and with four ropes to assist location in and removal from the hole, Inflated by fan or pump, with valve to control inflation/deflation and to hold air under pressure inside the bag for the required length of time. Fitted with two piece lid/cover combination for safety and security.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing figure one, which shows in perspective the suitably braced air bag fully inflated ( 1), with four ropes ( 2) which allow the bag to be held in place inside the hole whilst the air delivery tube (8) is connected to a valve (4). Once the air delivery unit (7) is activated by means of the power source (6) air enters the bag. Once inflated and the valve closed, the bracing telescopic beams (3) are positioned to restrain the airbag. The first cover (9) is put into place, the ropes are threaded through it and tied securely, the other cover is slid into place by means of locating spigots. When all is secure the hatches (10) are locked into place and the whole grave is then securely stored until needed. The whole system is utilised from a wheeled trolley (5) Once the grave is required for use, the top covers are removed, the valve is opened, the bag deflates and may be removed by use of the ropes which should have been held securely whilst the bag is deflated.

I airbag system

Claims

I. An air bag suitably braced to confonn to the dimensions of a grave, fitted with ropes to allow for inflation and deflation. Substantially as described herein with reference to figures I - 10 of accompanying drawing 2. An air bag as in claim I with valve such that air is retained for a controlled period.

3. The air bag system as in claims I and 2 is provided with telescopic bracing beams which when forced from the apex to the horizontal the spade shaped feet penetrate the graveside, with locking sleeve slide over hinge to make a rigid horizontal beam. Being adjustable each end by having three ratchet positions thus requiring no tools. One pair of beams will hold the bag in position 4. The air bag system in claims 1, 2 and 3 has two interlocking lids to enable the grave to be left safely, within the parameters of the relevant health and safety regulations. Having a recessed hatchway at one end of each, with two holes in the recess, so that two of the ropes may be threaded through and tied across with sufficient strength to carry the weight of one end of the airbag when deflated, with the hatch being closed providing security to the air control valve and securing ropes.

5. Transporting device to support one or more airbags, two interlocking lids, power source, air delivery system and sufficient switches to control the arrangement.
2 L I I U-M w Lr (Jej cj,> QJ airbag system CLAIMS I.An air bag suitably sized and braced to conform to the dimensions of a grave, fitted with ropes to allow for inflation and deflation. Substantially as described herein with reference to figures I - 6 of accompanying drawing 2. An air bag as in claim I with valve such that air is retained for a controlled period.
3. The air bag system as in claims I and 2 is provided with telescopic bracing beams which when forced from the apex to the horizontal the spade shaped feet penetrate the graveside, with locking sleeve slide over hinge to make a rigid horizontal beam. Being adjustable each end by having three ratchet positions thus requiring no tools. One pair of beams will hold the bag in position so retaining the shape of the grave and preventing the entry of water to the hole.
4. The air bag system in claims 1, 2 and 3 has two interlocking lids to enable the grave to be left safely, within the parameters of the relevant health and safety regulations. Having a recessed hatchway at one end of each, with two holes in the recess, so that two of the ropes may be threaded through and tied across with sufficient strength to carry the weight of one end of the airbag when deflated, with the hatch being closed providing security to the air control valve and securing ropes.

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