Lid closure system

What is this patent about?

'958 is related to the field of pressure vessel lid closures, specifically addressing the need for a quick-release mechanism suitable for vessels operating under positive or negative pressure. Traditional closure methods, such as bolted clam-shell designs or swing-bolt systems, often suffer from drawbacks like misalignment, uneven tightening, and slow operation, hindering frequent access for service or maintenance.

The underlying idea behind '958 is a circumferential hoop that, when tightened, forces multiple clamping blocks onto corresponding lugs around the lid and vessel. This action draws the lid and vessel together, compressing a seal and securing the closure. The key insight is to distribute the clamping force evenly around the perimeter, enabling quick and reliable sealing without the need for individual bolt tightening.

The claims of '958 focus on a pressurized vessel featuring a quick-release lid closure. This system comprises a lid and container, each with circumferentially spaced lugs. An open hoop, carrying clamp blocks that mate with these lugs, encircles the vessel. A mechanism for pulling the hoop ends together forces the clamp blocks onto the lugs, drawing them together and sealing the lid to the container.

In practice, the hoop is segmented and hinged, allowing it to swing open for lid access. The clamp blocks are designed with wedge-shaped channels that engage the sloped faces of the lugs. As the hoop is tightened, these channels cam against the lugs, pulling the lid and vessel together. A crucial aspect is the floating design of the clamp blocks, which accommodates manufacturing tolerances and ensures consistent clamping force distribution.

This design differentiates itself from prior solutions by offering a modular and adaptable system. The individual components can be interchanged regardless of vessel size, eliminating the need for custom designs. The floating clamp blocks further simplify manufacturing by reducing the precision required in lug placement. The quick-release mechanism, facilitated by the hinged hoop and camming action of the clamp blocks, significantly reduces the time and effort needed to open and close the vessel.