Fluid-actuated telescoping tower for supporting heavy loads

摘要

A fluid-actuated telescoping tower supporting an associated load at a height above an associated foundation includes a fluid barrier, first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, a fluid port configured to receive compressed fluid from an associated source into an interior space of the tower defined by the first and second tubular sections, and a fastening system for holding the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid received in the interior space of the tower and for mechanically connecting the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid exhausted from the interior space of the tower by the fluid port. A method of erecting a tower includes inflating nested first and second telescoping tubular tower sections, fastening the sections in an extended position, and depressurizing the tower. A method of collapsing uses a reversal of the erecting process.

主权项

1. A fluid-actuated telescoping tower for supporting an associated load at a selected height above an associated tower foundation, the tower comprising:
a fluid barrier; a first tubular tower section selectively coupled on a closed fluid end thereof with the associated tower foundation; a second tubular tower section configured for selective coupling on a closed fluid end thereof with the associated load, the second tubular tower section being telescopically connected with the first tubular tower section forming a nested retracted arrangement oriented in a generally vertical position, the first and second tubular tower sections being mutually fluid-tight by the fluid barrier when so nested and throughout relative axial movement between the first and second tower sections between opposite retracted and extended positions; a fluid port configured to receive compressed fluid from an associated source of compressed fluid into an interior space of the tower defined by the first and second tubular sections thereby urging relative motion between the first and second sections from the retracted relative position to the extended relative position to effect relative vertical movement of the associated load relative to the associated foundation raising the associated load to the selected height; and, threaded fasteners selectively connectable with the first and second tubular sections disposed in the extended position, the fasteners mechanically mutually coupling the first and second tubular sections to hold the first and second tubular sections in the extended position with the compressed fluid exhausted from the interior space of the tower by the fluid port.