CA1310210C - Post-tension marine float connector - Google Patents
Post-tension marine float connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1310210C CA1310210C CA000592708A CA592708A CA1310210C CA 1310210 C CA1310210 C CA 1310210C CA 000592708 A CA000592708 A CA 000592708A CA 592708 A CA592708 A CA 592708A CA 1310210 C CA1310210 C CA 1310210C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shock absorbing
- linking
- floating
- bolt
- primary
- 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 - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPINGÂ
- 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
This invention is directed to a shock absorb-ing connector which is useful for linking together two or more marine floats. The invention in one aspect is directed to a connector that is useful for linking together two floating means comprising a) a linking means which is adapted to extend from one floating means to the other and secured to the adjacent ends of at least two floating means; b) at least one primary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be positioned between the adjacent ends of the floating means; c) at least one secondary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be position-ed remote from the primary shock absorbing means; and d) tensioning and compressioning means adapted to apply a tensile force upon the linking means, and a compressive force upon the primary and secondary shock absorbing means.
This invention is directed to a shock absorb-ing connector which is useful for linking together two or more marine floats. The invention in one aspect is directed to a connector that is useful for linking together two floating means comprising a) a linking means which is adapted to extend from one floating means to the other and secured to the adjacent ends of at least two floating means; b) at least one primary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be positioned between the adjacent ends of the floating means; c) at least one secondary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be position-ed remote from the primary shock absorbing means; and d) tensioning and compressioning means adapted to apply a tensile force upon the linking means, and a compressive force upon the primary and secondary shock absorbing means.
Description
~31~
POST-TENSION ~A~INE FLOAT CONNECTOR
___ FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a post-tensional shock absorbing connector which is useful for linking together two or more marine floats.
BACKGROUND OF THE IN~ENTION
Reinforced concrete floats connected together to form wharfs, docks, marinas, jetties, platforms, walkways, Eish farm net pens and the like, have a number of advantages, notably longevity, low malntenance, sta-bility and resistance against salt water corrosion.
However, concrete floats have a disadvantage in that because of the inherent mass of the float, and the brit-tle nature of concrete, conventional connectors have not been capable of withstanding the alternating high ten-sile, compressive, torque, sheer and impact forces thatoccur due to strong wave action during severe storms.
; When two or more concrete floats are connected together, strong wave action tends to move the adjacent end of one float in a direction opposed to the adjacent end of the other float. This action creates opposing forces which place tremendous demands on the connecting means between the two floats.
Many types of connectors for concrete floats have been designed over the years but they and/or the concrete floats invariably break down because they do not have the ability to withstand the high tensile, com-pressive, torque, shear and impact forces that occur when two or more concrete floats are connected together.
~L3~ ~2~0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one aspect is directed to a connector (or a plurality of connectors) that is useful for linking together two floating means comprising a) a linking means which is adapted to extend from one float-ing means to the other and secured to the adjacent ends of at least two floating means; b) at least one primary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be positioned between the adjacent ends of the floating means; c) at least one secondary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be position-ed remote ~rom the primary shock absorbing means; and d) tensioning and compressioning means and adapted to apply a tensile force upon the linking means, and a compres~
sive force upon the primary and secondary shock absorb-ing means.
The invention is also directed to a connec-tor(s) wherein the primary resilient shock absorbing means is constructed so that a volume space exists between the linking means and the resilient shock absorbing means which encircles the linking means.
In the connector, the linking means may be a bolt and the tensioning means may comprise a washer, an adjusting nut and a lock nut, located at the exterior ends of the one or more secondary resilient shock absorbing means located at one or both ends of the link-ing means.
In the connector, the linking means may be a cylindrical bolt, and the central resilient shock absorbing means may have a square or rectangular cross-section, with an oversized central circular openingtherethrough for receiving the bolt. To obtain more flexibility, greater clearance between the floats is required. If greater flexibility is required, a steel cable or chain may be substituted for the bolt. The adjacent ends of the floating means may have therein receptacles for receiving each end of the primary resi-lient shock absorbing means. Top and/or side access ports may be formed in the floating means.
In typical cases, the interior of the adjacent floating means can be hollow or comprise a core of suit-able flotation material. The linking means can be used in pairs and can be a pair of cyl:indrical bolts which penetrate from the adjacent ends of the two floating means into spaces within the respective floating means.
The two ends of the pair of bolts can be secured in place in the spaces of the two floating means by respec-tive, resilient shock absorbing means, washer means, adjusting nuts and lock nuts.
If required, the connector can have at least two interior shock absorbing, resilient means located between the secondary resilient means located at the respective ends of the linking means.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, but which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in any way:
Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation partial section view of a float connecting bolt.
~ 3 ~
~ igure 2 illustrates a plan partial section view of the float connecting bolt.
Eigure 3 illustrates a perspective partial section view of four floats connected together by an arrangement of floa~ connectin~ bolts.
Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation partial section view of a float connecting bolt where the adja-cent floats are in a non-aligned attitude due to current or wave action.
Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation partial section view oE a float connectiny cable connecting adjacent highly non-aligned floats.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the bolt 2 is illustrated connecting a first concrete float 4 to a second concrete float 6 The first and second floats 4 and 6 are filled with suitable flotation material such as expanded polystyrene foam. The body of the bolt 2, which is always under static tension in a properly tuned connector, fits within an oversize bolt hole 16 formed in the first float 4 and a second over-size bolt hole 14 formed in the second float 6. A pri-mary bung 8 formed of suitable resilient material such as rubber or NEOPRENE encircles the bolt 2 and cushions and controls differential torque, shear, impact and static compressive forces between the two floats 4 and 6. Two secondary bungs 10 and 12 are positioned at the outer ends of bolt 2 and develop dynamic compressive forces equal and opposite to the dynamic tensile Eorces set up in bolt 2 as floats ~ and 6 tend to pull apart due to wave or current action. sungs 10 and 12 along with primary bung 8 accommodate the dynamic tensile, compressive 20 forces that are developed due to wave and current action. The two secondary bungs 10 and 12 are also formed of resilient material such as rubber or NEOPRENE and are secured in place by a combination of washers 18, adjusting nuts 20 and lock nuts 22.
When two concrete floats are pivotally joined together, and are subjected to strong wave action, a number of complex movements take place. One of the movements experienced by the two floats is that the end of one concrete float rises, while the other end falls or vice versa. This action creates strong opposing shear, torque and impact forces. The float interaction is complicated by the fact that the wave action also tends to cause one Eloat to try to pull away from the other float (tensile force), or alternately, the two floats tend to move towards one another, which creates a compressive force. In many cases, where there are wave reflections off stationary objects and the like, there are a large number of conflicting directions, forces, collisions, and sudden jerking actions, all of which present a formidable challenge to anyone attempting to design a suitable connector which satisfactorily links the two adjoining ends of the adjacent concrete floats, under all conditions.
The bolt construction as described has a num-ber of critical functions which contribute to the success of the invention. The primary bung 8 absorbs torque, shear impact and compressive forces exerted by the two floats 4 and 6. The bolt 2 is always under ten-sion as provided by nuts 20 and 22 and prevents the two ~L3:~02~
floats 4 and 6 from pulling apart. Dynamic tensile forces developed in the bolt 2 as the floats attempt to move apart are oEfset by resulting equal and opposite dynamic compressive forces developed ln the secondary bungs 10 and 12. When the first concrete float 4 moves up relative to the second concrete float 6, the bung 8 bends or flexes and the bolt 2 is angularly displaced within the ample space provided by the two oversize bolt holes 14 and 16 and the channel in the primary bung 8.
The bolt 2 remains straight under all conditions (See Figure 4 which shows the bolt 2 straight even though the floats 4 and 6 are highly non-aligned.) It is important to the proper operation of the overall connection system that bolt holes 14 and 16, the channel in primary bung 8, bolt 2 diameter spacing between floats 4 and 6, and total distance between the end washers 18 and 18, are designed so as to avoid any bolt bending action.
The bolt 2 is typically 1" in diameter and is constructed of strong steel. The diameter of the bolt holes 14 and 16 are typically 2" in diameter. The bolt 2 is not designed to absorb any substantial compressive, torque shear, impact or bending forces. The main pur-pose of the bolt 2 is to remain under constant static tension and hold the adjoining floats 4 and 6 together.
All other forces are taken up and absorbed by the pri-mary bung 8 or secondary bungs 10 and 12. The main bung 8 is preferably square in cross-section and each end of it fits within a respective cube-like recess in each end of the adjoining concrete floats 4 and 6.
As shown in Figure 1, the components of the float connector, comprising the bolt 2~ primary bung 8, secondary bungs 10 and 12, and the like, are positioned in the adjacent floats 4 and 6 above the respective ~ 3 ~
neutral axis of the 10ats 4 and 6. The adjacent lower ends of the floats 4 and 6 are flared away from one another as indicated by respective flares 5 and 7. In this way, the adjacent ends of the floats 4 and 6 do not collide with one another during severe wave action.
Such collisions could iead to gradual breakdown of the adjacent ends of the floats 4 and 6. See Figure 4 for a side elevation view oE the floats 4 and 6 under highly non-aligned relationship. Free spaces in the interiors of the respective floats 4 and 6 are filled with expand-ed polystyrene foam, or some other suitable flotation material.
The primary advantage of the overall float connector design as discussed and illustrated is that it has tremendous capacity to absorb compressive, tensile, shear, torque and impact forces in various directions, such as collision and jerking forces. The connector are typically used in parallel pairs and can absorb such forces readily so that they do not build up to the point where the float connector(s) and/or float(s) break down.
This avoids the attendant hazards and dangers involved in having the adjacent floats 4 and 6 part or break loose, thereby becoming significant danger and damage hazards during a severe storm.
Figure 3, which depicts a perspective partial section view of adjoining floats, illustrates the manner in which the basic float connector can be arranged in pairs to connect floats together end to end, and also accommodate "finger" floats joined to the series of end to end floats. Such finger floats assume more or less the pattern of ribs along a bac~bone, the backbone being formed by the end to end linked basic concrete floats.
2 ~ ~
In Flgure 3, the basic float connector i5 shown in parallel pairs adjoining adjacent floats 30 and 32. The tensioning nuts 22 and secondary bungs 10 and 20 are installed and tightened to a properly tuned con~
dition through side openings 24 and top openings 26 Openings 24 and 26 allow for visual inspection, adjust-ment and maintenance as required. However, at a point removed from the end of float 32, laterally extending bolt pairs 34 and 36, together with accompanying bung 38 and 40 respectively, are fitted through float 32 and finger floats 40 and 42. The oppositely extending fin-ger floats 40 and 42 are typically utilized to form walkways which extend laterally from the end-to-end main floats 30 and 32. In this way, the concrete floats can be assembled together to form a boat marina or the like.
The purpose of laterally extending bolts 34 and 36, and the main bung 38 and 40 is the same as with the basic bolt 2 and primary bung 8 which link together adjacent ends of adjoining floats 30 and 32. The bungs 38 and 40, being constructed of rubber or ~OPRENE, are strong~
resilient and absorb compressive, shear, torque and impact forces exerted by wave action upon the finger -~ floats 40 and 42. Bolts 34 and 36 remain under constant static tension, and hold the finger floats 40 and 42 in place relative to float 32.
Bolts 34 and 36, together with secondary bungs 10 and 12, and the tensioning nuts can be installed and tightened to a properly tuned condition using top open-ings 44 and side openings 46 formed in the top of float32 and sides of finger floats 40 and 42 respectively.
In addition to illustrating ln a general manner the relative orientations of the linearly extend-ing connectors, the laterally connecting connectors, andthe manner in which the main concrete floats are con-nected together in end to end relationship, with ~L3~2~1D
laterally extending finger floats spaced along the length of the main concrete float components, Pigure 3 illustrates how laterally extending bolt 48 differs from the basic linearly extending bolt 2. Bolt ~8 extends across the entire width of float 30 and has two primary bungs 50, one at each location where the finger floats 40 and 42 are proximate to the main body of the linear extending float 32. A pair of secondary bungs 52 are located at each end of the bolt 48 and are held in place by a washer, adjusting nut-lock nut combination~ similar to that described above in association with the linear bolt 2, depicted in Figure 1. The function of the lateral extending bolt 4~ is the same as described above for primary bolts 2, and lateral bolts 34 and 36.
However, a unitary lateral bolt 48 which extends across the width of the float 32 is preEerred because it is less expensive then using two connectors (e.g. 34 and 36) and requires tensioning at only two locations-Figure 5 illustrates a side partial sectionview of a float connector formed from a steel cable 56 rather than a bolt 2. This connector design is used in cases where extreme flexing of the connector takes place and a rigid bolt 2 (if used) would bend. A pair of swadges 58 and 6~ connect the steel cable 56 to respec-tive threaded bolts 62 and 6~, which carry the secondary bung 12, washer 18, tensioning nut 20, lock nut 22 at each end.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure, many altera-tions and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
_ g _
POST-TENSION ~A~INE FLOAT CONNECTOR
___ FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a post-tensional shock absorbing connector which is useful for linking together two or more marine floats.
BACKGROUND OF THE IN~ENTION
Reinforced concrete floats connected together to form wharfs, docks, marinas, jetties, platforms, walkways, Eish farm net pens and the like, have a number of advantages, notably longevity, low malntenance, sta-bility and resistance against salt water corrosion.
However, concrete floats have a disadvantage in that because of the inherent mass of the float, and the brit-tle nature of concrete, conventional connectors have not been capable of withstanding the alternating high ten-sile, compressive, torque, sheer and impact forces thatoccur due to strong wave action during severe storms.
; When two or more concrete floats are connected together, strong wave action tends to move the adjacent end of one float in a direction opposed to the adjacent end of the other float. This action creates opposing forces which place tremendous demands on the connecting means between the two floats.
Many types of connectors for concrete floats have been designed over the years but they and/or the concrete floats invariably break down because they do not have the ability to withstand the high tensile, com-pressive, torque, shear and impact forces that occur when two or more concrete floats are connected together.
~L3~ ~2~0 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one aspect is directed to a connector (or a plurality of connectors) that is useful for linking together two floating means comprising a) a linking means which is adapted to extend from one float-ing means to the other and secured to the adjacent ends of at least two floating means; b) at least one primary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be positioned between the adjacent ends of the floating means; c) at least one secondary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be position-ed remote ~rom the primary shock absorbing means; and d) tensioning and compressioning means and adapted to apply a tensile force upon the linking means, and a compres~
sive force upon the primary and secondary shock absorb-ing means.
The invention is also directed to a connec-tor(s) wherein the primary resilient shock absorbing means is constructed so that a volume space exists between the linking means and the resilient shock absorbing means which encircles the linking means.
In the connector, the linking means may be a bolt and the tensioning means may comprise a washer, an adjusting nut and a lock nut, located at the exterior ends of the one or more secondary resilient shock absorbing means located at one or both ends of the link-ing means.
In the connector, the linking means may be a cylindrical bolt, and the central resilient shock absorbing means may have a square or rectangular cross-section, with an oversized central circular openingtherethrough for receiving the bolt. To obtain more flexibility, greater clearance between the floats is required. If greater flexibility is required, a steel cable or chain may be substituted for the bolt. The adjacent ends of the floating means may have therein receptacles for receiving each end of the primary resi-lient shock absorbing means. Top and/or side access ports may be formed in the floating means.
In typical cases, the interior of the adjacent floating means can be hollow or comprise a core of suit-able flotation material. The linking means can be used in pairs and can be a pair of cyl:indrical bolts which penetrate from the adjacent ends of the two floating means into spaces within the respective floating means.
The two ends of the pair of bolts can be secured in place in the spaces of the two floating means by respec-tive, resilient shock absorbing means, washer means, adjusting nuts and lock nuts.
If required, the connector can have at least two interior shock absorbing, resilient means located between the secondary resilient means located at the respective ends of the linking means.
DRAWINGS
In the drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, but which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in any way:
Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation partial section view of a float connecting bolt.
~ 3 ~
~ igure 2 illustrates a plan partial section view of the float connecting bolt.
Eigure 3 illustrates a perspective partial section view of four floats connected together by an arrangement of floa~ connectin~ bolts.
Figure 4 illustrates a side elevation partial section view of a float connecting bolt where the adja-cent floats are in a non-aligned attitude due to current or wave action.
Figure 5 illustrates a side elevation partial section view oE a float connectiny cable connecting adjacent highly non-aligned floats.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the bolt 2 is illustrated connecting a first concrete float 4 to a second concrete float 6 The first and second floats 4 and 6 are filled with suitable flotation material such as expanded polystyrene foam. The body of the bolt 2, which is always under static tension in a properly tuned connector, fits within an oversize bolt hole 16 formed in the first float 4 and a second over-size bolt hole 14 formed in the second float 6. A pri-mary bung 8 formed of suitable resilient material such as rubber or NEOPRENE encircles the bolt 2 and cushions and controls differential torque, shear, impact and static compressive forces between the two floats 4 and 6. Two secondary bungs 10 and 12 are positioned at the outer ends of bolt 2 and develop dynamic compressive forces equal and opposite to the dynamic tensile Eorces set up in bolt 2 as floats ~ and 6 tend to pull apart due to wave or current action. sungs 10 and 12 along with primary bung 8 accommodate the dynamic tensile, compressive 20 forces that are developed due to wave and current action. The two secondary bungs 10 and 12 are also formed of resilient material such as rubber or NEOPRENE and are secured in place by a combination of washers 18, adjusting nuts 20 and lock nuts 22.
When two concrete floats are pivotally joined together, and are subjected to strong wave action, a number of complex movements take place. One of the movements experienced by the two floats is that the end of one concrete float rises, while the other end falls or vice versa. This action creates strong opposing shear, torque and impact forces. The float interaction is complicated by the fact that the wave action also tends to cause one Eloat to try to pull away from the other float (tensile force), or alternately, the two floats tend to move towards one another, which creates a compressive force. In many cases, where there are wave reflections off stationary objects and the like, there are a large number of conflicting directions, forces, collisions, and sudden jerking actions, all of which present a formidable challenge to anyone attempting to design a suitable connector which satisfactorily links the two adjoining ends of the adjacent concrete floats, under all conditions.
The bolt construction as described has a num-ber of critical functions which contribute to the success of the invention. The primary bung 8 absorbs torque, shear impact and compressive forces exerted by the two floats 4 and 6. The bolt 2 is always under ten-sion as provided by nuts 20 and 22 and prevents the two ~L3:~02~
floats 4 and 6 from pulling apart. Dynamic tensile forces developed in the bolt 2 as the floats attempt to move apart are oEfset by resulting equal and opposite dynamic compressive forces developed ln the secondary bungs 10 and 12. When the first concrete float 4 moves up relative to the second concrete float 6, the bung 8 bends or flexes and the bolt 2 is angularly displaced within the ample space provided by the two oversize bolt holes 14 and 16 and the channel in the primary bung 8.
The bolt 2 remains straight under all conditions (See Figure 4 which shows the bolt 2 straight even though the floats 4 and 6 are highly non-aligned.) It is important to the proper operation of the overall connection system that bolt holes 14 and 16, the channel in primary bung 8, bolt 2 diameter spacing between floats 4 and 6, and total distance between the end washers 18 and 18, are designed so as to avoid any bolt bending action.
The bolt 2 is typically 1" in diameter and is constructed of strong steel. The diameter of the bolt holes 14 and 16 are typically 2" in diameter. The bolt 2 is not designed to absorb any substantial compressive, torque shear, impact or bending forces. The main pur-pose of the bolt 2 is to remain under constant static tension and hold the adjoining floats 4 and 6 together.
All other forces are taken up and absorbed by the pri-mary bung 8 or secondary bungs 10 and 12. The main bung 8 is preferably square in cross-section and each end of it fits within a respective cube-like recess in each end of the adjoining concrete floats 4 and 6.
As shown in Figure 1, the components of the float connector, comprising the bolt 2~ primary bung 8, secondary bungs 10 and 12, and the like, are positioned in the adjacent floats 4 and 6 above the respective ~ 3 ~
neutral axis of the 10ats 4 and 6. The adjacent lower ends of the floats 4 and 6 are flared away from one another as indicated by respective flares 5 and 7. In this way, the adjacent ends of the floats 4 and 6 do not collide with one another during severe wave action.
Such collisions could iead to gradual breakdown of the adjacent ends of the floats 4 and 6. See Figure 4 for a side elevation view oE the floats 4 and 6 under highly non-aligned relationship. Free spaces in the interiors of the respective floats 4 and 6 are filled with expand-ed polystyrene foam, or some other suitable flotation material.
The primary advantage of the overall float connector design as discussed and illustrated is that it has tremendous capacity to absorb compressive, tensile, shear, torque and impact forces in various directions, such as collision and jerking forces. The connector are typically used in parallel pairs and can absorb such forces readily so that they do not build up to the point where the float connector(s) and/or float(s) break down.
This avoids the attendant hazards and dangers involved in having the adjacent floats 4 and 6 part or break loose, thereby becoming significant danger and damage hazards during a severe storm.
Figure 3, which depicts a perspective partial section view of adjoining floats, illustrates the manner in which the basic float connector can be arranged in pairs to connect floats together end to end, and also accommodate "finger" floats joined to the series of end to end floats. Such finger floats assume more or less the pattern of ribs along a bac~bone, the backbone being formed by the end to end linked basic concrete floats.
2 ~ ~
In Flgure 3, the basic float connector i5 shown in parallel pairs adjoining adjacent floats 30 and 32. The tensioning nuts 22 and secondary bungs 10 and 20 are installed and tightened to a properly tuned con~
dition through side openings 24 and top openings 26 Openings 24 and 26 allow for visual inspection, adjust-ment and maintenance as required. However, at a point removed from the end of float 32, laterally extending bolt pairs 34 and 36, together with accompanying bung 38 and 40 respectively, are fitted through float 32 and finger floats 40 and 42. The oppositely extending fin-ger floats 40 and 42 are typically utilized to form walkways which extend laterally from the end-to-end main floats 30 and 32. In this way, the concrete floats can be assembled together to form a boat marina or the like.
The purpose of laterally extending bolts 34 and 36, and the main bung 38 and 40 is the same as with the basic bolt 2 and primary bung 8 which link together adjacent ends of adjoining floats 30 and 32. The bungs 38 and 40, being constructed of rubber or ~OPRENE, are strong~
resilient and absorb compressive, shear, torque and impact forces exerted by wave action upon the finger -~ floats 40 and 42. Bolts 34 and 36 remain under constant static tension, and hold the finger floats 40 and 42 in place relative to float 32.
Bolts 34 and 36, together with secondary bungs 10 and 12, and the tensioning nuts can be installed and tightened to a properly tuned condition using top open-ings 44 and side openings 46 formed in the top of float32 and sides of finger floats 40 and 42 respectively.
In addition to illustrating ln a general manner the relative orientations of the linearly extend-ing connectors, the laterally connecting connectors, andthe manner in which the main concrete floats are con-nected together in end to end relationship, with ~L3~2~1D
laterally extending finger floats spaced along the length of the main concrete float components, Pigure 3 illustrates how laterally extending bolt 48 differs from the basic linearly extending bolt 2. Bolt ~8 extends across the entire width of float 30 and has two primary bungs 50, one at each location where the finger floats 40 and 42 are proximate to the main body of the linear extending float 32. A pair of secondary bungs 52 are located at each end of the bolt 48 and are held in place by a washer, adjusting nut-lock nut combination~ similar to that described above in association with the linear bolt 2, depicted in Figure 1. The function of the lateral extending bolt 4~ is the same as described above for primary bolts 2, and lateral bolts 34 and 36.
However, a unitary lateral bolt 48 which extends across the width of the float 32 is preEerred because it is less expensive then using two connectors (e.g. 34 and 36) and requires tensioning at only two locations-Figure 5 illustrates a side partial sectionview of a float connector formed from a steel cable 56 rather than a bolt 2. This connector design is used in cases where extreme flexing of the connector takes place and a rigid bolt 2 (if used) would bend. A pair of swadges 58 and 6~ connect the steel cable 56 to respec-tive threaded bolts 62 and 6~, which carry the secondary bung 12, washer 18, tensioning nut 20, lock nut 22 at each end.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure, many altera-tions and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
_ g _
Claims (10)
1. A connector which is useful for linking together two floating means comprising a) a linking means which is adapted to extend from one floating means to the other and is secured to the adjacent ends of at least two floating means; b) at least one primary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be positioned between the adjacent ends of the floating means; c) at least one secondary resilient shock absorbing means associated with the linking means and being adapted to be position-ed remote from the primary shock absorbing means; and d) tensioning and compressioning means adapted to apply a tension force upon the linking means, and a compression force upon the primary and secondary shock absorbing means.
2. A connector according to claim 1 wherein the primary resilient shock absorbing means is constructed so that a volume space exists between the linking means and the resilient shock absorbing means which encircles the linking means.
3. A connector according to claim 1 wherein the linking means is a bolt and the tension means comprises a pair of washer, adjusting nut and lock nut combina-tions, located at the respective exterior ends of the two secondary shock absorbing means located at the ends of the linking means.
4. A connector according to claim 2 wherein the linking means is a cylindrical bolt, and the central resilient shock absorbing means has a square or rectan-gular cross-section, with an oversized central circular opening therethrough for receiving the bolt.
5. A connector according to claim 4 wherein the adjacent ends of the floating means have therein recep-tacles for receiving each end of the primary resilient shock absorbing means.
6. A connector according to claim 4 wherein the adjacent ends of the floating means have secured thereto receptacles for receiving each end of the primary resi-lient shock absorbing means.
7. A connector according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the interior of the adjacent floating means is hollow, the linking means is a cylindrical bolt which penetrates from the adjacent ends of the two floating means into the interior spaces within the respective floating means, and the two ends of the bolt are secured in place in the interiors of the two floating means by respec-tive, resilient shock absorbing means, washer means, adjusting nuts and lock nuts.
8. A connector according to claim 1 wherein at least two interior shock absorbing, resilient means are located between the secondary resilient means located at the respective ends of the linking means.
9. A connector according to claim 2 wherein the linking means is a flexible steel cable.
10. A connector according to claim 9 wherein the steel cable is connected at each end by swadges to bolts which hold the tensioning and compressioning means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000592708A CA1310210C (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1989-03-03 | Post-tension marine float connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000592708A CA1310210C (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1989-03-03 | Post-tension marine float connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1310210C true CA1310210C (en) | 1992-11-17 |
Family
ID=4139723
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000592708A Expired - Fee Related CA1310210C (en) | 1989-03-03 | 1989-03-03 | Post-tension marine float connector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1310210C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-03-03 CA CA000592708A patent/CA1310210C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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