CLOSURES FOR ELONGATED FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS

摘要

A closure (200) includes a plug (100) having a number of grooves (150) to receive portions of an inflatable article (260). A clamp (120) is capable of retaining portions of the inflatable article (260) against the plug (100). The article (260) may be composed of non-rigid sheet material, and has a given circumference when fully inflated and fully distended that is substantially greater than the peripheral extent of the plug (100). A method of fabricating the closure (200) is also provided as is a flotation assembly (260) for raising a structure such as a ship in a body of water, as is a method of assisting a vessel to navigate a body of water whose depth is less than the minimum draft of the vessel alone.