CA1233704A - Flotation system - Google Patents
Flotation systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1233704A CA1233704A CA000473881A CA473881A CA1233704A CA 1233704 A CA1233704 A CA 1233704A CA 000473881 A CA000473881 A CA 000473881A CA 473881 A CA473881 A CA 473881A CA 1233704 A CA1233704 A CA 1233704A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flotation
- units
- diagonally
- flotation unit
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
- B63B35/34—Pontoons
- B63B35/38—Rigidly-interconnected pontoons
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Floating structures, for example, for recreational aquatic activities, comprises a plurality of individual uniquely-constructed modular flotation units constructed to permit any desired freeboard dimension and/or buoyancy characteristics.
Floating structures, for example, for recreational aquatic activities, comprises a plurality of individual uniquely-constructed modular flotation units constructed to permit any desired freeboard dimension and/or buoyancy characteristics.
Description
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FLOTATION SYSTEM
The present invention relates to flotation systems comprising modular flotation units.
Floating structures of various types are used for recreational aquatic activities, including docks, marinas and pontoons. Such structures generally comprise some form of a flotation means immersed partially or wholly in the water and some form of decking attached to the flotation means. The flotation means generally are customized for the particular structure and do~not permit modification.
The present invention provides a modular floating unit which permits the construction of floating structures having any desired floating characteristics.
The present invention also includes the floating structures produced from the individual flotation units, including docks, marinas and pontoons.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, comprising upper and lower generally planar parallel surfaces; nesting means associated with the surfaces to permit multiples of the flotation units to be stacked in face-abutting relationship one on another in vertical alignment while inhibiting lateral movement of the stacked units one with another; the nesting means comprising a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on the upper surface and a symmetrically-arranged pair of dia~onally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on the lower surface, the depressions being complementarily shaped with respect to the protrusions and the symmetrical arrangement on the upper surface being complementary with the symmetrical arrangement on the lower surface, the symmetrical arrangement on both the upper and lower surfaces being located wholly within the periphery of the respective upper and lower surfaces;
FLOTATION SYSTEM
The present invention relates to flotation systems comprising modular flotation units.
Floating structures of various types are used for recreational aquatic activities, including docks, marinas and pontoons. Such structures generally comprise some form of a flotation means immersed partially or wholly in the water and some form of decking attached to the flotation means. The flotation means generally are customized for the particular structure and do~not permit modification.
The present invention provides a modular floating unit which permits the construction of floating structures having any desired floating characteristics.
The present invention also includes the floating structures produced from the individual flotation units, including docks, marinas and pontoons.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, comprising upper and lower generally planar parallel surfaces; nesting means associated with the surfaces to permit multiples of the flotation units to be stacked in face-abutting relationship one on another in vertical alignment while inhibiting lateral movement of the stacked units one with another; the nesting means comprising a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on the upper surface and a symmetrically-arranged pair of dia~onally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on the lower surface, the depressions being complementarily shaped with respect to the protrusions and the symmetrical arrangement on the upper surface being complementary with the symmetrical arrangement on the lower surface, the symmetrical arrangement on both the upper and lower surfaces being located wholly within the periphery of the respective upper and lower surfaces;
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and fastening means associated therewith to permit multiples of the flotation units to be stably joined one to another in a stack of at least two surface-abutted units.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, ther~ is provided a modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, which comprises a generally cubic or box-like shape having upper and lower surfaces, end surfaces and side surfaces and constructed to float on water; the upper surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions complementarily-shaped with respect to the protrusions;
the lower surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions located complementarily to the depressions in the top surface and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions located complementarily to the protrusions in the top surface and complementarily-shaped with respect to the protrusions; each end wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the upper end and open at the lower end; each side wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the l.ower end and open at the upper end; each wall having a bore therethrough to enable abutted walls of surface-abutting flotation units to be fastened together by fastening means engaging the aligned bores.
The nesting feature enables a stack of such modular flotation units of desired height and, therefore, buoyancy to be formed, while the fastening means enables the stack to be joined together into a coherent structure.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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and fastening means associated therewith to permit multiples of the flotation units to be stably joined one to another in a stack of at least two surface-abutted units.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, ther~ is provided a modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, which comprises a generally cubic or box-like shape having upper and lower surfaces, end surfaces and side surfaces and constructed to float on water; the upper surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions complementarily-shaped with respect to the protrusions;
the lower surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions located complementarily to the depressions in the top surface and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions located complementarily to the protrusions in the top surface and complementarily-shaped with respect to the protrusions; each end wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the upper end and open at the lower end; each side wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the l.ower end and open at the upper end; each wall having a bore therethrough to enable abutted walls of surface-abutting flotation units to be fastened together by fastening means engaging the aligned bores.
The nesting feature enables a stack of such modular flotation units of desired height and, therefore, buoyancy to be formed, while the fastening means enables the stack to be joined together into a coherent structure.
The invention is described further, by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of one form of modular flotation unit constructed in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view Erom below of the flotation unit of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of two of the units of Figures 1 and 2 in stacked relation;
Figure 4 is a detailed view of the manner of joining together the nested units of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an end view of two of the flotation units, illustrating differing depths;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a floating dock structure embodying flotation units constructed in accordance with the pxesent invention;
Figure 7 is an end view of the floating dock of ~igure 6; and Figure 8 is an exploded view of the doc~ structure of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings, there are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, two perspective views of a flotation unit constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen in Figure 1, a flotation unit 10 has a generally cubic construction. The upper surface 12 has ai pair of rectangular cross-sectioned protrusions 14, 16 arranged diagonally with respect to each other and a pair of rectangular cross-sectioned depressions 18, 20 arranged diagonally with respect to each other.
The undersurface 22 of the flotation unit I0 is provided also with pairs of diagonally-arranged protrusions 114, 116 and depressions 118, 120. The protrusions 14 and 16, therefore, are complemented by depressions 118 and 120 at the same locations on the undersurface 22 and the depressions 18 and 20 are complemented by protrusions 114, 116 at the same loca~ions on the undersurface 22. The protrusions 14, 16, 114, 116 and the depressions 18, 20, 118, 120 are of the same lateral, longitudinal and depth dimensions.
The arrangement and dimensioning of the protrusions and "
Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of one form of modular flotation unit constructed in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view Erom below of the flotation unit of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of two of the units of Figures 1 and 2 in stacked relation;
Figure 4 is a detailed view of the manner of joining together the nested units of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an end view of two of the flotation units, illustrating differing depths;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a floating dock structure embodying flotation units constructed in accordance with the pxesent invention;
Figure 7 is an end view of the floating dock of ~igure 6; and Figure 8 is an exploded view of the doc~ structure of Figure 6.
Referring to the drawings, there are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, two perspective views of a flotation unit constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As may be seen in Figure 1, a flotation unit 10 has a generally cubic construction. The upper surface 12 has ai pair of rectangular cross-sectioned protrusions 14, 16 arranged diagonally with respect to each other and a pair of rectangular cross-sectioned depressions 18, 20 arranged diagonally with respect to each other.
The undersurface 22 of the flotation unit I0 is provided also with pairs of diagonally-arranged protrusions 114, 116 and depressions 118, 120. The protrusions 14 and 16, therefore, are complemented by depressions 118 and 120 at the same locations on the undersurface 22 and the depressions 18 and 20 are complemented by protrusions 114, 116 at the same loca~ions on the undersurface 22. The protrusions 14, 16, 114, 116 and the depressions 18, 20, 118, 120 are of the same lateral, longitudinal and depth dimensions.
The arrangement and dimensioning of the protrusions and "
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depressions permits multiples of the unit 10 to be stacked and interconnected one with another, as described below with respect to Figures 3 and 4.
Both the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 22 of the flotation unit 10 have a groove 24, 26 formed therein. Groove 24 extends from one lateral side edge to the other while groove 26 extends from one longitudinal side edge to the other. The grooves 24, 26 bisect the area of the respective surface into two halves. This arrangement enables the depressions 24 and 26 of one flotation unit 10 to align with those of another flotation unit 10 when the units are side abutted to receive utility conduits.
Formed in each end wall 28 of the flotation unit 10 is a pair of part-circular depressions 30, 32 while formed in each side wall 34 is a pair of part-circular depressions 36, 38. The part-circular end-wall depressions 30, 32 are located in the same locations in each end wall 28 while similarly the part-circular side-wall depressions 36, 38 are located in the same location in each side wall 34.
The part-circular end-wall depressions 30, 32 extend for substantially the height of the end wall ~8 and terminate at their upper end in a part-circular compression weld seal 40 integral with the adjoining portions of the flotation unit 10 and are open at the lower end. A bore 42 is formed through each seal 40.
The part-circular side-wall depressions 36, 33 extend for substantially the height of the side wall 34 and terminate at their lower end in a part-circular compression weld seal 44 integral with the adjoining portion of the flotation unit 10 and are open at the upper end. A bore 46 is formed through each seal 44.
The stacking together of two of the flotation units 10 and the fastening together of the stacked units is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. As seen therein, two flotation units 10 may be stacked one on another, with the upper unit 10 being turned upside down from the arrangement seen in Figures 1 and 2. The complementary " .,,
depressions permits multiples of the unit 10 to be stacked and interconnected one with another, as described below with respect to Figures 3 and 4.
Both the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 22 of the flotation unit 10 have a groove 24, 26 formed therein. Groove 24 extends from one lateral side edge to the other while groove 26 extends from one longitudinal side edge to the other. The grooves 24, 26 bisect the area of the respective surface into two halves. This arrangement enables the depressions 24 and 26 of one flotation unit 10 to align with those of another flotation unit 10 when the units are side abutted to receive utility conduits.
Formed in each end wall 28 of the flotation unit 10 is a pair of part-circular depressions 30, 32 while formed in each side wall 34 is a pair of part-circular depressions 36, 38. The part-circular end-wall depressions 30, 32 are located in the same locations in each end wall 28 while similarly the part-circular side-wall depressions 36, 38 are located in the same location in each side wall 34.
The part-circular end-wall depressions 30, 32 extend for substantially the height of the end wall ~8 and terminate at their upper end in a part-circular compression weld seal 40 integral with the adjoining portions of the flotation unit 10 and are open at the lower end. A bore 42 is formed through each seal 40.
The part-circular side-wall depressions 36, 33 extend for substantially the height of the side wall 34 and terminate at their lower end in a part-circular compression weld seal 44 integral with the adjoining portion of the flotation unit 10 and are open at the upper end. A bore 46 is formed through each seal 44.
The stacking together of two of the flotation units 10 and the fastening together of the stacked units is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. As seen therein, two flotation units 10 may be stacked one on another, with the upper unit 10 being turned upside down from the arrangement seen in Figures 1 and 2. The complementary " .,,
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locations of the projections 14, 16 and the depressions 18, 20 on the upper and lower surfaces of the flotation unit 10 and their diagonally-spaced locations enables the projections and depressions to be nested, thereby joining the flotation units together and preventing the face-abutted units 10 from relative lateral movement.
With the upper flotation unit 10 turned upside-down before stacking, the end wall compression seals 40 abut each other in the two units 10 with the bores 42 in alignment. This abutment of the seals 40 and alignment of the bores 42 permits the stacked units to be fastened together by the use of bolts 136 or similar fastening m~ans passing through the aligned openings 42, as may be seen from the detail of Figure 4.
Any desired number of the flotation units 10 may be formed into a stack, depending on the buoyancy characteristics desired. As greater numbers are added to the stack, the buoyancy increases. As discussed in detail below, this arrangement may be employed to provide a floating structure having varying buoyancy characteristics within the overall structure.
To add a third member to the stack, a further unit 10 is used in the orientation shown in Figures 1 and 2, if being stacked on the top of the stack or upside-down from the orientation of Figures 1 and 2, if being stacked on the bottom of the stack, whichever is the more convenient. The protrusions and depressions of the abutting faces nest with one another, as in the case of the first two members, as described above. In either case, i.e. stacked on the top or on the bottom, the side-wall compression seals 44 are in abutting relation, with the bores 46 in alignment. The third member of the stack is fas~ened to the other two mernbers by bolts passing through the aligned bores 46, in analogous manner to that shown in the detail of Figure 4 for the first two mernbers 10 of the stack.
Ihis operation can be repeated for any desired number of the flotation units 10 in the stack, with the vertically adjacent units being fastened into the stack
locations of the projections 14, 16 and the depressions 18, 20 on the upper and lower surfaces of the flotation unit 10 and their diagonally-spaced locations enables the projections and depressions to be nested, thereby joining the flotation units together and preventing the face-abutted units 10 from relative lateral movement.
With the upper flotation unit 10 turned upside-down before stacking, the end wall compression seals 40 abut each other in the two units 10 with the bores 42 in alignment. This abutment of the seals 40 and alignment of the bores 42 permits the stacked units to be fastened together by the use of bolts 136 or similar fastening m~ans passing through the aligned openings 42, as may be seen from the detail of Figure 4.
Any desired number of the flotation units 10 may be formed into a stack, depending on the buoyancy characteristics desired. As greater numbers are added to the stack, the buoyancy increases. As discussed in detail below, this arrangement may be employed to provide a floating structure having varying buoyancy characteristics within the overall structure.
To add a third member to the stack, a further unit 10 is used in the orientation shown in Figures 1 and 2, if being stacked on the top of the stack or upside-down from the orientation of Figures 1 and 2, if being stacked on the bottom of the stack, whichever is the more convenient. The protrusions and depressions of the abutting faces nest with one another, as in the case of the first two members, as described above. In either case, i.e. stacked on the top or on the bottom, the side-wall compression seals 44 are in abutting relation, with the bores 46 in alignment. The third member of the stack is fas~ened to the other two mernbers by bolts passing through the aligned bores 46, in analogous manner to that shown in the detail of Figure 4 for the first two mernbers 10 of the stack.
Ihis operation can be repeated for any desired number of the flotation units 10 in the stack, with the vertically adjacent units being fastened into the stack
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at either the top or bottom of the stack through the appropriate abutting seals. The units 10 in the stack alternate in orientation with respect to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, so as to provide the required adjacent location of seals to permit joining together of the units.
Stacks of units 10 may be provided in this manner with each stack containing the same number of flotation units or a variable number of units. Each stack has at the upper surface of the stack openings 42 which may be used as attachment points for stringers to enable multiple stacks of flotation units and/or individual flotation units to be joined in side-to-side or end-to-end abutted relationship. By the utilization of such stringers, floating structures of simple or complex shape with uniform or variable flotation characteristics, may be formed from the stacks of flotation units and from individual flotation units.
The individual flotation units 10 may be constructed of any desired material which provides a buoyant structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the flotation units 10 are blow moulded as hollow units from a suitable thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material, for example, polyethylene and then filled with rigid polyurethane foam or other suitable foam material.
The flotation units 10 have a modular structure, as just described. The units 10 usually have common lateral and longitudinal dimensions and are the same as each other, for example, 2 feet x 3 feet, although they may be provided with variable depth, to alter the flotation characteristics of the individual units, to provide further versatility in providing a floating structure having variable flotation characteristics, as may be seen in Figure 5. Typically, the flotation units 10 may have a depth of 5 inches or 8 inches.
The multidirectional nature of the flotation units 10 as described above, permits floating structures of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more feet in width and length to be provided.
The floating structures, therefore, can have an almost .~
at either the top or bottom of the stack through the appropriate abutting seals. The units 10 in the stack alternate in orientation with respect to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, so as to provide the required adjacent location of seals to permit joining together of the units.
Stacks of units 10 may be provided in this manner with each stack containing the same number of flotation units or a variable number of units. Each stack has at the upper surface of the stack openings 42 which may be used as attachment points for stringers to enable multiple stacks of flotation units and/or individual flotation units to be joined in side-to-side or end-to-end abutted relationship. By the utilization of such stringers, floating structures of simple or complex shape with uniform or variable flotation characteristics, may be formed from the stacks of flotation units and from individual flotation units.
The individual flotation units 10 may be constructed of any desired material which provides a buoyant structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the flotation units 10 are blow moulded as hollow units from a suitable thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material, for example, polyethylene and then filled with rigid polyurethane foam or other suitable foam material.
The flotation units 10 have a modular structure, as just described. The units 10 usually have common lateral and longitudinal dimensions and are the same as each other, for example, 2 feet x 3 feet, although they may be provided with variable depth, to alter the flotation characteristics of the individual units, to provide further versatility in providing a floating structure having variable flotation characteristics, as may be seen in Figure 5. Typically, the flotation units 10 may have a depth of 5 inches or 8 inches.
The multidirectional nature of the flotation units 10 as described above, permits floating structures of 2, 3, 4, 5 or more feet in width and length to be provided.
The floating structures, therefore, can have an almost .~
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infinitely variable freeboard and/or buoyancy, without the necessity of expensive custom building, as used in the prior art. Once constructed from the flotation units 10, the floating structure is capable of further variation in freeboard and/or buoyancy, again in complete contrast to tne prior art.
Turning now to consideration of Figures 5 to 7, there is illustrated therein a floating dock structure 210 formed from flotation units 10. The floating dock 210 comprises a plurality of flotation units 10 underlying a deck 212. The deck 21~ comprises a pair of elongate stringers 214, 215 located at the sides of the floating structure and a plurality of transverse boards 216 extending for the width of the dock 210.
As may be seen particularly in Figure 8, stacks of one, two, three or more flotation units 10 are located in side-face abutting relationship to define the basic shape of the dock 210. The structure illustrated in Figures ~ and 8 is a floating dock 210 having a width equal to the width of the individual units 10. It is apparent from the foregoing description that additional units 10 may be side-abutted to the end-faces of the floating structure, as illustrated in Figure 7.
The openings 42 of the top-most units 10 of the side face-abutted individual units or stacks are located in straight-line alignment, to permit joining together of these elements in the manner now described. The stringers 214 are laid the length of the dock 210 over the horizontally-aligned openings 42. Bores 218 are provided through the stringers 214 in alignment with the openings 42. The transverse boards 216 are laid on top of the stringers 21~ at the locations of the individual openings 42 and have openings 220 which align with openings 218 and 42. Bolts 222 then are passed through the openings 220 in the boards 216, openings 218 in the stringers 214 and openings 42 in the flotation units 10 at each location of opening 42 to assemble the dock structure.
infinitely variable freeboard and/or buoyancy, without the necessity of expensive custom building, as used in the prior art. Once constructed from the flotation units 10, the floating structure is capable of further variation in freeboard and/or buoyancy, again in complete contrast to tne prior art.
Turning now to consideration of Figures 5 to 7, there is illustrated therein a floating dock structure 210 formed from flotation units 10. The floating dock 210 comprises a plurality of flotation units 10 underlying a deck 212. The deck 21~ comprises a pair of elongate stringers 214, 215 located at the sides of the floating structure and a plurality of transverse boards 216 extending for the width of the dock 210.
As may be seen particularly in Figure 8, stacks of one, two, three or more flotation units 10 are located in side-face abutting relationship to define the basic shape of the dock 210. The structure illustrated in Figures ~ and 8 is a floating dock 210 having a width equal to the width of the individual units 10. It is apparent from the foregoing description that additional units 10 may be side-abutted to the end-faces of the floating structure, as illustrated in Figure 7.
The openings 42 of the top-most units 10 of the side face-abutted individual units or stacks are located in straight-line alignment, to permit joining together of these elements in the manner now described. The stringers 214 are laid the length of the dock 210 over the horizontally-aligned openings 42. Bores 218 are provided through the stringers 214 in alignment with the openings 42. The transverse boards 216 are laid on top of the stringers 21~ at the locations of the individual openings 42 and have openings 220 which align with openings 218 and 42. Bolts 222 then are passed through the openings 220 in the boards 216, openings 218 in the stringers 214 and openings 42 in the flotation units 10 at each location of opening 42 to assemble the dock structure.
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~ s seen in Figure 7, the side-abutted units are assembled with the main unit by extending the transverse boards 216 for the total width of the floating structure, providing double-width stringers 215 (or a pair of individual stringers 214) and using bolts 222 passing through the perspective aligned openings.
The grooves 24 of the abutting flotation units 10 are aligned in the dock structure 210 and may be used as a channel for utility wires or pipes 224, if desired.
It will be appreciated from the above description that additional stacks of flotation units may be end-face abutted to either side of the primary floating structure, with the cross-members 216 extending for the width of the resulting structure to act as stringers to join the end-abutting members together and thereby provide an overall tying together of the stacks.
The stacks of two flotation units 10 exhibit more buoyancy than a single flotation unit 10 and the buoyancy increases with increasing numbers of flotation units in a stack. By combining stacks of different numbers of flotation units and individual flotation units of varying depth in a single floating structure by the suitable use of stringers as described above, a floating structure may be provided which has differential areas of buoyancy, which may be used to support superstructures of differing weights at differing locations on the structure.
The modular nature of the flotation units of the present invention combined with their uni~ue manner of nesting and attachment one to another provides a considerable versatility in the size, shape and buoyancy characteristics of floating structures to be achieved which has heretofore not been the case. The resulting floating structure may be employed for a variety of purposes, including recreational aquatic activities.
In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a novel flotation unit and novel floating structures formed therefrom. Modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
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~ s seen in Figure 7, the side-abutted units are assembled with the main unit by extending the transverse boards 216 for the total width of the floating structure, providing double-width stringers 215 (or a pair of individual stringers 214) and using bolts 222 passing through the perspective aligned openings.
The grooves 24 of the abutting flotation units 10 are aligned in the dock structure 210 and may be used as a channel for utility wires or pipes 224, if desired.
It will be appreciated from the above description that additional stacks of flotation units may be end-face abutted to either side of the primary floating structure, with the cross-members 216 extending for the width of the resulting structure to act as stringers to join the end-abutting members together and thereby provide an overall tying together of the stacks.
The stacks of two flotation units 10 exhibit more buoyancy than a single flotation unit 10 and the buoyancy increases with increasing numbers of flotation units in a stack. By combining stacks of different numbers of flotation units and individual flotation units of varying depth in a single floating structure by the suitable use of stringers as described above, a floating structure may be provided which has differential areas of buoyancy, which may be used to support superstructures of differing weights at differing locations on the structure.
The modular nature of the flotation units of the present invention combined with their uni~ue manner of nesting and attachment one to another provides a considerable versatility in the size, shape and buoyancy characteristics of floating structures to be achieved which has heretofore not been the case. The resulting floating structure may be employed for a variety of purposes, including recreational aquatic activities.
In summary of this disclosure, the present invention provides a novel flotation unit and novel floating structures formed therefrom. Modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
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Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, comprising:
upper and lower generally planar parallel surfaces;
nesting means associated with said surfaces to permit multiples of said flotation units to be stacked in face-abutting relationship one on another in vertical alignment while inhibiting lateral movement of said stacked units one with another;
said nesting means comprising a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on said upper surface and a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on said lower surface, said depressions being complementarily shaped with respect to said protrusions and the symmetrical arrangement on said upper surface being complementary with the symmetrical arrangement on the lower surface, said symmetrical arrangement on both said upper and lower surfaces being located wholly within the periphery of the respective upper and lower surfaces; and fastening means associated therewith to permit multiples of said flotation units to be stably joined one to another in a stack of at least two surface-abutted units.
upper and lower generally planar parallel surfaces;
nesting means associated with said surfaces to permit multiples of said flotation units to be stacked in face-abutting relationship one on another in vertical alignment while inhibiting lateral movement of said stacked units one with another;
said nesting means comprising a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on said upper surface and a symmetrically-arranged pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and pair of diagonally-spaced depressions on said lower surface, said depressions being complementarily shaped with respect to said protrusions and the symmetrical arrangement on said upper surface being complementary with the symmetrical arrangement on the lower surface, said symmetrical arrangement on both said upper and lower surfaces being located wholly within the periphery of the respective upper and lower surfaces; and fastening means associated therewith to permit multiples of said flotation units to be stably joined one to another in a stack of at least two surface-abutted units.
2. The flotation unit of claim 1 wherein said nesting means comprises complementarily-shaped protrusion and depression means on said flotation unit provided on each of said upper and lower surfaces.
3. The flotation unit of claim 2 wherein two pairs of protrusion and depression means are provided in each said upper and lower surfaces located and arranged to permit said stacking of multiples of said flotation units.
4. The flotation unit of claim 1 wherein said fastening means comprises means establishing at least one connection point constructed to permit the connection point to be joined to the connection point on another flotation unit.
5. The flotation unit of claim 4 wherein said connection establishing means comprises a flange having an opening formed therethrough and two of said flanges are associated with each end wall and each side wall of said unit.
6. The flotation unit of claim 5 wherein depressions are provided in each end wall and each side wall of said unit and are terminated in the end wall by said flanges at the upper end thereof and in the side wall by said flanges at the lower end thereof.
7. The flotation unit of claim 5 or 6 wherein said fastening means comprises bolt means extending through aligned pairs of said openings.
8. A modular flotation unit useful for vertical assembly with other like flotation units to provide floating structures of desired buoyancy, which comprises:
a generally cubic or box-like shape having upper and lower surfaces, end surfaces and side surfaces and constructed to float on water, said upper surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions complementarily-shaped with respect to said protrusions, said lower surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions located complementarily to said depressions in said top surface and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions located complementarily to said protrusions in said top surface and complementarily-shaped with respect to said protrusions, each said end wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the upper end and open at the lower end, each said side wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the lower end and open at the upper end, each said wall having a bore therethrough to enable abutted walls of surface-abutting flotation units to be fastened together by fastening means engaging the aligned bores.
a generally cubic or box-like shape having upper and lower surfaces, end surfaces and side surfaces and constructed to float on water, said upper surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions complementarily-shaped with respect to said protrusions, said lower surface having a pair of diagonally-spaced protrusions located complementarily to said depressions in said top surface and a pair of diagonally-spaced depressions located complementarily to said protrusions in said top surface and complementarily-shaped with respect to said protrusions, each said end wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the upper end and open at the lower end, each said side wall having at least one depression extending for substantially the height thereof and terminating in a wall at the lower end and open at the upper end, each said wall having a bore therethrough to enable abutted walls of surface-abutting flotation units to be fastened together by fastening means engaging the aligned bores.
9. The flotation unit of claim 8, wherein each said protrusion and depression is rectangularly shaped.
10. The flotation unit of claim 9 including a first depression formed in said upper surface and extending between side surfaces a second depression formed in said lower surface extending between the end surfaces to bisect the respective surface into two substantially equal area segments.
11. The flotation unit of claim 8, 9 or 10 wherein said fastening means comprises bolt means.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000473881A CA1233704A (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1985-02-08 | Flotation system |
| GB08603069A GB2170760B (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1986-02-07 | Flotation system |
| JP1632086U JPS61159297U (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1986-02-08 |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000473881A CA1233704A (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1985-02-08 | Flotation system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1233704A true CA1233704A (en) | 1988-03-08 |
Family
ID=4129789
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000473881A Expired CA1233704A (en) | 1985-02-08 | 1985-02-08 | Flotation system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS61159297U (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1233704A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2170760B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5355825A (en) * | 1992-07-08 | 1994-10-18 | Free Form Plastic Products Inc. | Multipurpose flotation device |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100762519B1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2007-10-09 | 김임만 | mooring structure for boat |
| PL215842B1 (en) | 2008-06-23 | 2014-02-28 | Wojskowa Akad Tech | Modular floating passage systems |
| GB2470375A (en) * | 2009-05-20 | 2010-11-24 | John Hall Martin Kennedy | A lightweight portable pontoon formed from a number of interconnectable sections |
| KR101279149B1 (en) * | 2012-12-18 | 2013-06-26 | 주식회사 태성 | Assemble type floating device |
| KR101561255B1 (en) * | 2014-02-10 | 2015-10-16 | 동신산업(주) | Assemblable Type Pontoon |
| EP3772454B1 (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2023-06-28 | Delia Dr. agr. Micklich | Single float element and floating body |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1223229A (en) * | 1969-02-24 | 1971-02-24 | Eugen Stehr | Means for constructing buoyant platforms |
| FR2129888B1 (en) * | 1971-03-18 | 1973-11-30 | Maistre Michel | |
| US3942203A (en) * | 1974-04-03 | 1976-03-09 | Perkins Robert W | Segmented buoy |
| JPS51149727A (en) * | 1975-02-06 | 1976-12-22 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Dot printer |
| EP0074709A3 (en) * | 1981-07-28 | 1983-10-05 | Balmoral Group LIMITED | Buoy |
-
1985
- 1985-02-08 CA CA000473881A patent/CA1233704A/en not_active Expired
-
1986
- 1986-02-07 GB GB08603069A patent/GB2170760B/en not_active Expired
- 1986-02-08 JP JP1632086U patent/JPS61159297U/ja active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5355825A (en) * | 1992-07-08 | 1994-10-18 | Free Form Plastic Products Inc. | Multipurpose flotation device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS61159297U (en) | 1986-10-02 |
| GB8603069D0 (en) | 1986-03-12 |
| GB2170760B (en) | 1988-06-08 |
| GB2170760A (en) | 1986-08-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |