Inflatable nose cone system
The present invention provides a nose cone system that comprises an inflatable body, a plurality of retainer ribs, a retainer trough positioned below the inflatable body, a plurality of winches attached along the outer surface of the retainer trough, and a plurality of winch straps with which to pull in the inflatable body as it is deflated while holding it in place, in coordination with the winch.
1. A nose cone system comprising:
an inflatable body that forms a half dome shape when inflated;
a plurality of retainer ribs attached to the inflatable body;
a retainer trough positioned below the inflatable body, the retainer trough including a channel;
a plurality of hull mounting feet coupled to the retainer trough;
a plurality of winches attached along an outer surface of the retainer trough; and
a plurality of winch straps attached to the inflatable body and the plurality of winches.
2. The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the inflatable body includes a plurality of inner air bladders and a plurality of outer air bladders.
3. The nose cone system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the plurality of inner air bladders and the plurality of outer air bladders are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
4. The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the retainer ribs are made of mild steel tubing.
5. The nose cone system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of retainer ribs are rotatably mounted to the retainer trough.