Hopper barge bottom seal construction

摘要

A hopper barge bottom seal construction comprises a barge having a first and second pivotal part which extend longitudinally and are oriented with their lower ends extending obliquely together but spaced apart at their lower ends. A seal is provided below the lower ends of the parts for sealing the space therebetween and it comprises a first support which is positioned below the first pivotal part as a first top generally horizontal member engaged below the first part and secured to the bottom end thereof. A second support has a second top substantially horizontal member alongside the first top horizontal member and it is secured to the second pivotal part and both supports are movable inwardly toward each other and outwardly in an opposite direction during assembly. The first support has a lower support plate which extends below the second support and an elastic seal body in the form of a hollow tubular member is disposed between the bottom of the second support and the top of the lower support plate. A rib on each side of the seal body extending along the bottom of the second support holds the elastic seal body in place. The elastic seal body advantageously comprises a tube which is filled with a gaseous fluid which is pressurized to an extent which corresponds to the actual sealing pressure conditions.