GB2595359A - Floating platform assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A floating platform assembly comprises a floating component 2 and a platform 12 secured above the floating component in a horizontally extending orientation. The floating component has an elongate main body 2, at least one end 8 of which has a shaped end section designed, in use, to divide a wave impacting said end. Each end section may be angled downwardly into the body of water with respect to the main body. Opposing side surfaces of each end section of each floating component may be tapered.

Description

FLOATING PLATFORM ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a floating platform assembly. More especially the invention relates to a floating platform that minimizes wave impact to provide a stable floating base on which other structures can be built.

Background to the invention

One critical consideration in the design of floating platforms is how to reduce the impact of waves to ensure that the stability and structural integrity of the platform is not compromised over time.

There are currently a number of solutions utilized which have the intention of reducing or minimizing wave impact, none of which have proven to be particularly efficient.

One solution, for example, is to simply make the platform as large as possible. This solution has proven too costly for industry to make it commercially viable.

Other solutions involve securing the platform tightly to the seabed, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry due to the resultant lack of flexibility of movement of the platform, which is often required.

Large buoys are also used, but these too fail to meet industry needs because of prohibitive costs.

The present invention seeks to provide a floating platform assembly that provides a passive structure which has minimal interaction with wind or waves.

The invention also seeks to provide a floating platform assembly that can be manufactured, assembled, and maintained at low cost.

Summary of invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a floating platform assembly comprising at least one floating component and means to secure a horizontally orientated platform above the or each float component, wherein the or each floating component comprises an elongate main body, at least one end of which having a shaped and/or angled end section designed, in use, to divide a wave impacting that end.

Preferably the or each end section is angled with respect to the main body.

Preferably the or each end section is angled downwardly.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or both side surfaces of the or each end section is tapered.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only 10 with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a floating platform assembly constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates structures mounted on the platform assembly of figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the assembly showing how the assembly is anchored; is Figure 4 is a side view of the assembly showing it anchored to the seabed; Figure 5 illustrates a movable anchor mechanism for use with an assembly; Figure 6 illustrates a support frame of an assembly; Figure 7 illustrates an alternative support structure for an assembly; Figure 8 illustrates a plan view of a platform assembly; zo Figure 9 is a simplified plan view of the platform of assembly; Figure 10 illustrates a framework interface suitable for an assembly; Figure 11 illustrates a corner framework suitable for an assembly; Figure 12 illustrates an alternative plateau interface framework suitable for an assembly; Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a floating platform assembly constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, Figure 14 is side perspective views of floats of the assembly; Figures 15 to 17 illustrate a float connection mechanism; Figure 18 illustrates an alternative float connection mechanism; Figure 19 illustrates a shield for the connection mechanism of figure 18; Figures 20 and 21 illustrate an alternative connection mechanism for floats; and Figure 22 show illustrates an alternative connection mechanism for two plateaus.

lo Figures 23 and 25 are schematic illustrations of a simplified platform assembly; Figure 24 illustrates an alternative construction of a simplified platform assembly; Figures 26 and 27 illustrate how platform assemblies can be secured; Figure 28 illustrates end attachments for floats of an assembly; Figures 29 and 30 illustrates how two float end attachments can be secured; Figure 31 illustrates a connection interface between two platforms; Figure 32 illustrates how two platforms can be secured sideways; Figure 33 is a schematic illustration of a latch mechanism to secure to floats; Figure 34 illustrates how two platforms can be secured end-ways; Figures 35 and 37 illustrate apparatus for capturing and connecting two floats suitable for use with an assembly; Figure 38 illustrates an alternative float construction suitable for an assembly; Figure 39 illustrates an alternative platform construction; Figure 40 illustrates an alternative support structure for the assembly; Figure 41 illustrates a sub-water wave reducer for use with the assembly; Figure 42 illustrates an alternative wave absorption mechanism suitable for an assembly; Figure 43 illustrates an alternative float construction; Figures 44 and 45 illustrate an alternative corner support mechanism suitable for an assembly Figure 46 illustrates a mast-float joint mechanism suitable for use with an assembly; Figure 47 illustrates a mast-float joint mechanism suitable for an angled mast of the assembly; Figure 48 is a schematic illustration showing of a mast from a plan view; Figure 49 illustrates the connection between a mast and a float; Figure 50 illustrates an alternative mast to float connection; Figures 51 and 52 illustrate telescopic masts constructions suitable for an assembly; Figures 53 to 57 illustrate wind direction regulation systems suitable for use with an assembly; Figure 58 illustrates how a platform assembly can be dragged by a tugboat; Figures 59 to 61 illustrate how a fish farm can be incorporated into an assembly; Figure 62 illustrates an alternative support frame construction for an assembly; and Figure 63 is an illustration of a width stabilizer suitable for an assembly.

S

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a floating platform assembly constructed in accordance with the invention. Buoyancy of the floating platform is provided by a float or floating component 2 comprising a main section 4 that lies generally horizontal when the float 2 is floating on or near the surface of the water 6.

Each end 8 of the main section 4 is sloped or angled downwardly in respect of the lateral axis of the float 2, so to extend beneath the water level 6. The angled ends 8 have the effect of causing waves to divide or split as they flow up the sloped edges 8 and along the main section 4 without any significant impact against the float 2. The angle of the slope at each end 8 is optimized to provide the best stability of the assembly. Generally, the smaller the slope angle the better the stability.

The float 2 is typically made from steel, although other suitable strong but buoyant materials may be used. The steel is coated with industry standard coatings to protect against sea water, to maintain structural integrity.

Secured to the top surface of the float 2 is a plurality of diagonal support rods or beams 10 providing an overall support structure for a platform or plateau 12 held in a horizontal orientation above the float 2.

The supports 10 are preferably made from steel but they could be made from other suitable materials such as, for example, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, or concrete. The embodiment of figure 1 shows the supports as diagonal rods or beams but they make take other structural forms such as arcs.

The plateau 12 provides a base or floor on which other structures can be mounted (as shown for example in figure 2). The plateau 12 is made from pre-stressed concrete. Preferably the polymer is a polymer concrete which has specific properties suited for use at sea. It could though be made from Portland cement. The plateau 12 could be made from alternative materials such as, for example, steel, aluminum, wood, glass, fiberglass, or stone.

Secured to and extending from the undersurface of the plateau 12 are further inverted-T shape support structures 14 to provide further support to the plateau 12 under heavy weight. The structures 14 are also made of steel but could also be made from aluminum, wood, glass, fiberglass, or concrete, for example.

Figure 2 illustrates how structures, such as buildings 16, can be mounted on the plateau 12. There are no limitations in the size of the plateau 12. This allows platform assemblies to be constructed to the specific industry need. A single platform assembly could be constructed for a single building, or alternatively, a large platform, or several platforms linked or secured together, may provide a base area suitable for a town or even a city.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the platform assembly. The plateau 12 is generally elongate (having a length greater than its width) and is supported by two floats 2A, 2B.

Each float 2 is anchored to the seabed. To this end, an anchor rode 18 is secured at or near to the end of each float 2. The anchor rodes 18 are connected at the distal ends at a central point at which point they are secured to 15 a heavy chain 20 carrying an anchor 22.

Figure 4 shows the seabed anchorage from the side.

To provide optimized aerodynamic stability, the position and/or design of the anchor securement is such that the center or mass of the platform assembly is in front of the center of drag.

Examples of a suitable anchor 22 are, without limitation, plow anchors, claw anchors, danforth or fluth anchors grapnel anchors, navy anchors. mushroom anchors, hydrobubble anchors or drilled piles.

Figure 5 illustrates a mobile anchor assembly for use with the platform assemblies. This allows greater flexibility for movement of the platforms. The anchor assembly includes an anchor 22 that can be lowered or raised from an anchor platform 21 extending between two platform floats 3. The anchor platform is movable along the length of each float to a desired position using wheels or castors 5 on rails (not shown). U-shaped underwater grabbers 7 may be utilized to secure the secure the anchor assembly to each float 3 in which case rails are secured to underside of each float 3 to receive further wheels or casters 9 attached to the respective arm of each grabber 7.

Figure 6 shows an additional support structure for the plateau 12. Here, diagonally extending support beams 11 are secured to and extend between the masts 13 and the underside of the plateau 12. The support beams 11 are secured together at the connection with the plateau 12. The support beams may alternatively have an arcuate structure.

Figure 7 shows an alternative structural support having an arcuate structure. The arched structure 15 extends between two end masts or poles 13 which are connected at their bottom to floats 2. Further poles 17 are provided to support the plateau 12 across the entire length of the arcuate framework.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the assembly of figure 7 from the front. As can be seen in this figure, the top of each mast 13 is secured to a mast interface 19 that extends above and along the length of the main section 4 of each float 2. A plateau support frame 23 extends perpendicular to the mast interfaces 19 between the top of each mast 13 extending upwardly from one float 2A to the top of each mast 13 extending upwardly from the other float 2B.

As can be seen in figures 9 and 10, generally rectangular plateau blocks 24 are located between each plateau support frame 23. The blocks 24 are preferably 20 made from pre-stressed concrete, but can also be made from other suitable materials, such as steel, wood, or glass.

An elongate length of support blocks 24 (shown in figure 9) located on a free-floating platform cause the assembly to always face into the wind. This, in combination with specifically design aerodynamically shaped masts and other components, reduces the wind impact significantly and increases stability of the floating platform.

Figure 10 shows a plateau support frame 23 in more detail. Preferably the framework is made from steel although other suitable materials may be used. The framework includes a vertically orientated steel plate 25 with two C-shaped clamps sections 26 connected face to face either side of the plate 25 by bolts 84.

The plateau blocks 24 are placed within the framework either side of the metal plate 25, the ends of each block being supported on the top surface of each C5 shaped clamp section 26.

The described combination of structural components provides significant flexural strength to the assembly. In addition, the blocks 24 are pre-stressed in several directions. As far as possible, the plateau blocks 24 and plateau support framework should be standardized for ease of assembly.

Once assembled, the top of the plateau blocks 24 provides a base surface on which structures can be mounted.

Figure 11 illustrates a generally triangular support bracket 28 which secures the top of the mast 13 to the adjacent plateau block 24.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative construction of a plateau support frame to that of figure 10. The plateau blocks 24 are supported on triangular frames 28 secured to either side of the top of the mast 13.

It will be appreciated that figure 10 shows one of a plurality of mast and frame structures used to support a length of plateau.

Figure 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of floating platform assembly constructed in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the ends 8 of the float 2 are sloped or angled upwardly from the horizontally orientated main section 4 of the float 2. The buoyancy of this assembly is lowered as the ends 8 of the float 2 extend above sea level. Nevertheless, the platform assembly will exhibit similar stability performance as the assembly of the first embodiment.

The plateau 12 is supported above and by the main section 4 of the float 2 using masts 13, 13a, 13b. The central masts 13 are orientated generally vertically whereas the end masts 13a, 13b extending from the end of the main section 4 of the float 2 are angled to be secured to each end of the plateau 12.

Angled support rods or beams 10 extend from each end of the plateau 12 to the upwardly angled ends 29 of the float 2 to maintain the ends in an upwardly sloped orientation.

Figures 14 to 16 illustrate various connection mechanisms to secure the sloped ends of the float 2 to its main section 4. The figures show the connection for downwardly angled end sections 8, but the principles of connection could equally apply for upwardly angled end sections 29.

Figure 14 shows a float 2 in the form of a plurality of tubular or cylindrical metal sections 30 that are bent to desired and complimentary shapes before being 10 welded, screwed, or otherwise connected together. In the embodiment shown, the sections have cylindrical cross section.

The end of the angled section 8 is closed by a flat steel plate 32. The steel plate 32 could have an alternative shape such as, for example, a cone, sphere, tetrahedron, square pyramid or hexagonal pyramid. In such a case the main section 4 of the float 2 would be formed with a complimentary-shaped structure.

For smaller constructions, regular pipes may be used. Larger sections may be used to minimize welding.

Instead of steel, the sections 30 may be made from PVC, fiberglass, stainless steel, or other appropriate material.

Figure 15 illustrates a joint mechanism that can be used to provide a pivotal connection between the angled end 8 and main section 4. Such a joint allows for the float to be constructed on land with the end section 8 being initial connected in the same horizontal plane as the main body 4 through a rotatable joint 31. The end section 8 can then be pivoted downwardly to the desired angle once the float 2 is in the water. The joint takes the form of a hydraulic cylinder 33 secured at each to end to the main body 4 and end section 8 respectively, with brackets 34. The cylinder 33 can pivot on the brackets 34 by rotatable joints 31, as the end section 8 is lowered.

As can be seen in figure 16, once lowered, the downward slope of the end 30 section 8 is maintained by one or more wires or chains 35 secured to and extending between the end section 8 and the main body 4. The or each wire 35 may have a weight 36 attached to it to create a further downward force thereby keeping the wire 35 taught.

Figure 17 shows an alternative hydraulic connection arrangement. Here, a hydraulic piston rod 37 is used to extend the height of telescopic end support pole 38 secured to and extending between the underside of the plateau 12 and the top surface of the end section 8 of the float 2 so to pivot the end section 8 downwardly once the assembly is placed in the sea. Once fully extended, bolts 39 are inserted through end pole 38 to maintain its height to thereby maintain a lo downward force on the end section 8.

Figure 18 illustrates an alternative connection mechanism for the main section 4 and the sloped or angled end sections 8 of the float 2. The angle A of the end section 8 with respect to the main section 4 is between 10 and 15 degrees, preferably around 13 degrees.

Here, the opposing end surfaces of the main section 4 and angled section 8 both comprise an array of longitudinally extending plates 40A, 40B which are interwoven such that each plate 40A extending from the main section 4 of the float 2 is located between two plate sections 40B extending from the sloped section 8 of the float 2 -as can be best seen in the exploded view of the figure.

An aperture 41 is provided through each plate 40 through which an elongate bolt 42 can extend to connect all the plates 40 in the assembly.

Each plate 40 may be generally triangular with the aperture 41 near the apex of the triangle to provide a suitable pivotal connection between the float sections 4, 8 providing the required range of slope angle.

Turning now to figure 19, a shield 43 is provided to shield the connection mechanism shown in figure 18 to stop waves impacting against any sharp edges. The shield design is simple being a section of sheet metal curved to accommodate the connection. The sheet has a plurality of apertures 44 along one edge which allow bolts (not shown) to be inserted to attach the shield 43 to the float sections 4, 8. A plurality of elongate slots 45 extend along the opposing edge to provide adjustment.

Figure 20 shows an option on how the two end attachments 46 can be connected and secured. Connector plates 47 are secured perpendicularly across the respective each tapered edge 48 of each attachment 46 and the end of each plate 47 is secured to its respective end attachment 46. This allows end attachments 46 to be secured together in a stable manner. Cushioning material may be provided between the edges 48 prior to securement to reduce any frictional forces.

The connection plates 47 are shown more clearly in figure 21. Each connector plate 47 comprises a T-shaped frame 49 with one arm 50 extending between the end attachments 46, and the other arm 51 of the T-frame extending across the top surface of its respective attachment 46. A cross support arm 52 provides additional strength to the connection. A bolt 53 then extends through the distal end of the vertically orientated arms 50 of each plate 47, secured by a nut 54.

Figure 22 illustrates a similar plate connection can be used to secure the underside of two plateaus 12.

Figure 23 illustrates a simpler frame construction suitable for small-scale platforms. The frame construction is preferably made from wood although other suitable materials as previously described could be used. The assembly comprises a mast 13 raised to a vertical orientation with a float 2 held in place at the bottom of the mast 13 by an angled support arm or plank 56. Ropes or straps 57 extend between the plank 56 and the mast 13 and against the underside of the float 2 to hold it in position. A further support 58 arm is secured between the mast 13 and the plank 56 to absorb some load on the structure Preferably the main body of the float 2 is submerged. The frame sections may be attached by screws or nails 55 that are coated for water resistance.

Figure 24 illustrates a platform 12 formed with a simplified structure of figure 23.

The floats may be, for example of PVC or closed steel pipes.

Figure 25 illustrates how platform assemblies can be secured together at their ends. The respective end masts 59 of each platform are secured by laterally extending cross beams 60 attached to the masts 59 by screws 61. It can be seen that the end masts 59 extend through each float 2 and are secured at their bases by a cross beam 60. Further diagonally orientated beams (not shown) may be secured across the frame structure to minimize vertical movement between the platforms. It can also be seen that each platform plateau should be at the same height to allow consistency along the overall platform base.

Each corner platform may be supported by four masts 59 and four supporting lo frames.

Smaller platforms may be secured together for ease of transportation, particular over land.

Figure 26 illustrates how two platform assemblies could be secured together sideways. The end surface of each platform includes a connection interface 62 which are bolted together. A support beam 63 is secured to, and extends between, each float 2. X-shaped support frames (not shown) may be provided secured between each mast 13.

As can be seen in this figure, the floats 2 could have a rectangular rather than circular cross section.

Figure 27 is a plan view illustrating how a number of platforms (in this case eight platforms 12) can be secured together. In this example, end attachments 46 as previously described extend from the main section of the floats.

Figure 28 illustrates an alternative float design for any of the platform assemblies described. In this design, an end attachment section 46 is secured 25 to the main body 4 of the float. Each side of the end attachment 46 is tapered inwardly to form a tip or point 64 at the end of the attachment 46.

The attachment 46 may be welded to the end of the main body 4 of the float or may, alternatively be bolted to the body using a bolt clamp 65 as shown in figures 28B and 28C.

Alternatively, still, the ends of the float body 4 itself may be shaped like the attachment described.

As can be seen in figure 28A, an attachment could be secured to both ends of the main body 4 of the float.

The tip 64 of the attachment serves to split a wave of impact. The length of the front attachment is sufficient to spread the initial force of the wave across the attachment allowing the wave to flow over the rest of the float without any significant impacting force.

Figure 29 shows plan views illustrates how floats 2 with end attachments 46 can be secured together to assemble an array of platforms as shown in the example of figure 27. In this case, only one longitudinal surface 66 of each end attachment 46 is formed with a taper. The tip 64 of each end attachment 46 is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the float 2. This allows to end attachment 46 pointing in opposing directions to be secured adjacent each other maintaining a common longitudinal axis along the entire length of attached floats 2. The end attachments 46 can be secured together in position using bolts.

The alternative surface of each end attachment 46 to that shown may be tapered.

Figure 30 illustrates how two platforms 12A, 12B can be connected end to end.

The end attachments 67A extending out the back of the floats 2 of the first platform, 12A, are aligned against the end attachments 67B extending from the front of the floats 67A of the second platform 12B. The platforms 12A, 12B are then secured together with a perpendicularly extending interface 68.

Figure 31 illustrates a connection interface to secure two platforms together side-by-side at the top level of the platform assembly. The interface comprises a generally rectangular metal plate 69 with apertures 41 to receive bolts (not shown) which are fastened with nuts to secure to platforms together.

Figure 32 illustrates a method of connection two floating platforms 70 together.

Each platform has connection stations 71 located at strategic points along the periphery of at least one side. Each station 71 houses a rope and means to extend or retract the rope, for example using a spool. Ropes are thrown or otherwise extended from each station 71A, 71B in turn of one platform 70A to a respectively positioned station 71B on the other platform 70B. The ropes are then retracted to pull and align the platforms together. Once aligned adjacently, the platforms 71 can then be connected together in ways previously described.

Figure 33 illustrates a latching mechanism used to align and secure two platforms. The latching mechanism is attached to the end of one float 73A. The latching mechanism includes a trigger mechanism which is activated when impacted by the second float 73B when that float 73B moves towards the first float 73A. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger plate 74 extending to the side of the first float 73A in the gap between the two floats 73A, 73B.

On impact with the second float 73B, the trigger plate rotates about an axle 75 causing rotation of a trigger plate arm 78 which distal end is attached to a gear is wheel 77. Rotation of the gear wheel 77 causes displacement of a gear arm 76 which in turn causes a latch element 79 to tilt sideways to clamp the two floats 73A, 73B together. The end of the latch element 79 includes a perpendicularly extending end section, one end of which provides a weight 80, and the other end of which provides a hook 81. The weight 80 imparts a sideways force to the zo latch 79 to ensure that the hook 81 extends underneath the second float 73B to be secured thereto.

When the latch element 79 is lifted to separate the floats 73A, 73B, it abuts, and is stopped from tilting too far in the opposing direction by a support frame 82 against which it is retained until it is once again activated by the float of another 25 platform.

Figure 34 illustrates a method of aligning the ends of two platforms 12 from the top level using rope stations 71 as described with reference to figure 32. Impact absorption materials, such as for example tires, may extend over the ends (or sides) to prevent any damage to the platforms during their alignment. It can be seen from the figure that the platforms should be pulled or dragged together initially at an angle to minimize the initial impact.

Figures 35 to 37 illustrate apparatus that can be used to receive and capture the end attachment 88 of a float 83. This apparatus helps to mechanize the process of connecting platforms.

The framework of the apparatus is secured to side of a platform and the apparatus is mounted on wheels or casters 9 located on rails 84 that allow the apparatus to move outwardly from the platform, to be positioned over the end attachment 88 of the float 83 to be captured.

As can be seen in figure 36, the apparatus comprises a horizontally orientated support arm 85 downwardly extending from it are spaced-apart grapples 86 which extend party into the water. Each grapple 86 is hydraulically operated to grapple the end attachment 88 of a float 83. Once grappled, the float 83 is positioned by the apparatus and held in place while the float is secured.

The operation of the apparatus along rails is shown best in figure 37. Each rail arm 84 can move vertically up and down to the desired position. It can be seen is that one rail arm 84C has a greater length than the others. At the end of the long rail arm 84C is an eyelet or aperture 87.

A rope (now shown) is supported from the support arm 85 and dropped down on to the end attachment 88 of the float 83. The rope is then fed through a hook on the end attachment 88 before being fed through the eyelet 87 of the rail arm 84C. The rope can then be pulled to drag the float 83 into position for securement.

Figure 38 illustrates a float 89 from the front, having an alternative shape to those previously described. The main body of the float 89 has a generally rectangular cross-section so that it extends deeper into the water. The end of the float 89 has an end attachment or sloped section as previously described.

By splitting waves (flowing, as the figure is viewed, into the paper) at a lower depth, the impact of the wave against the platform is significantly reduced. Green water flowing over the float 89 has little impact.

As can be seen in figure 39, the end edges of a platform 90 may be provided 30 with pattern of peaks 91 and troughs 92 which compliment those of the edge of a another platform to cause the ends of respective platforms to fit snuggly together. Other complimentary shaped platform edges may be utilized. The edges could include respective male and female connectors.

Figure 40 illustrates a side view of the arcuate support structure 93. The load is carried by the main horizontally orientated section 4 of the float 2, most of which is submerged underwater.

As can be seen in figure 41, a damper plate 94 is provided to further reduce the impact of waves against the platform assembly, especially with smaller platform installations. The damper plate 94 is submerged under the platform assembly and hangs down from the floats 2 by steel wires 95. As the damper plate 94 is submerged to a level below the waves, its effect is to slow the vertical movement of the travelling waves.

Figure 42 illustrates how the impact of each wave can be reduced or minimized. The fact that the end section 8 of the float 2 is angled downwardly into the water causes the wave to split over the time of impact so not to lose much energy is to travels through the assembly. Unlike with regular boats, the wave does not impart large amounts of energy at a specific point of impact. Consequently, much of the energy remains in the wave and is not transferred to the platform assembly.

As already described, the masts too are shaped to reduce the impact of the waves Ideally, each float 2 has a length that covers a number of wave patterns. Its length should be more than one wave pattern.

As an alternative the mast 13 extending directly into the float body 4, an internal support structure may be used, as seen in figure 43. The bottom of the mast 13 is secured to the top of the support structure 96 which in turn extends into the float body. The support structure 96 is made from steel or similar material and is designed to offload the pressure from the top of the float 2 to the bottom of the float. A steel wire 95 may be stretched across the diameter of the float body to offload further pressure from the support structure 96 and transfer it across the float structure.

Figure 44 illustrates an alternative corner construction for the platform assembly. Here, an expanded section 97 is welded to the top of corner mast 98 5 to accommodate an end plateau block 99 and to provide an end wall section 100 extending upwardly over the end surface of the block 99.

In an alternative arrangement that top of the mast 98 is shaped to form the expanded section.

Figure 45 shows the underside of the mast 98 and the expanded section 97. 10 Support frames 101, preferably made of steel are secured to mast 98 and extend upwardly to the extremities of the expanded section 97. Further support frames may be provided to strengthen the joint.

Figure 46 illustrates a joint mechanism to connect an end mast 102 to a sloped end section 8 of a float 2. Figure 46A shows the mechanism from the side and 15 figure 46B shows the mechanism from the front.

A connector plate 103 forming along one side an array of vertically aligned and spaced shaped ribs or plates 104, is secured by bolts 105 to a float connector block 106 located within the float structure.

When connected, the plates or ribs 104 extend upwardly from the float and are 20 received within a complimentary shaped mast connector block 107 secured to the bottom of the mast 102.

Once the mast connector block 107 is placed over the rib assembly 104 a bolt 108 is threaded through the ribs or plates 107 to connect the mast 102 and float 2 together. This connection mechanism allows for vertical adjustment.

Figure 47 illustrates a suitable connection mechanism between an angled mast 109 and a sloped end 8 of the float 2. The same plate mechanism is used as previously in relation to the figure 46 (repeated in this figure for the end mast 102) connection, but the connector plates 103 and the float connector block (not shown) are connected at an angle to float 2.

Figure 48 is a plan view of part of the assembly showing a mast 13 upstanding from a float 2. The platform assembly is anchored in such a way it is otherwise free-floating and able change its orientation on the surface of the sea such that wind and waves impact the assembly from a consistent direction. The mast 13 has an outer profile that is shaped to minimize the impact force of waves and wind from the expected impact direction and accordingly has a shaped-profile of two convex curved faces 48A, 48B meeting at each end to form a pointed edge 110 directed into the wind.

The mast 13 itself may be formed having the shape or, alternatively, the mast 13 may be constructed as a standard cylindrical pole but is encircled by an outer layer formed or moulded to have the aerodynamic shape.

As can be seen in figure 49, the float 2 may have additional areas of thickness where the masts 13 are connected. To add further support to the structure, the masts 13 may extend partially or entirely through the float 2. By extending through to the base of the float 2, the stress applied to the float 2 by the masts is greatly reduced. Moreover, the impact forces of a wave are transferred directly to the masts 13 allowing the float 2 to have a simpler structure.

Figure 50 shows further structural detail of the connection between each mast 13 and the float 2. A plurality of float support beams 111 extend downwardly through the float structure to spread the load pressure from the mast across the float 2. Upwardly extending float support beams 112 absorb some of the downward force from the mast 13. In the example shown in figure 13, pressure is also transferred through a side mast 113 connected to the main mast 13.

The pressure is then absorbed inside the float 2 through side mast support beams 114.

Figure 51 illustrates an alternative telescopic mechanism for a corner mast 98. Expansion or contraction of the masts 98 is caused by rotation of an elongate bolt 117 extending longitudinally through the masts 98. The top of the bolt 118 is accessible for rotation by a hydraulic pump. The bolt 117 has upper and lower sections 123, 124 either side of its center 122. The upper and lower sections 123, 124 carry directionally opposite threads. A nut 121 is provided on the upper and lower sections 123, 124 which is attached to the inner surface of respective upper and lower mast sections 119, 120.

As the thread directions of the upper and lower sections 123, 124 of the bolt 117 are opposite, rotation of the bolt 117 causes the nut 121 to move towards or away from each other, depending on the direction of rotation of the bolt 117, thereby causing mast sections 119, 120 to move in respect of each other to expand or contract the masts 98.

Once the desired height is reached, the mast sections 119, 120 are fastened in position relative to each other using a nut and bolt 104 on either side of the masts 98.

Figure 52 illustrates an alternative structure for a mast. An elongate bolt 125 extends though the center of an aerodynamically shaped mast structure 126 which is expandable or contractable as the bolt 125 is rotated.

Figure 53 illustrates further components of the platform assembly that are designed to reduce the effect of wind on the platform. A wind shelter 115 is provided at the front edge of the plateau 12. At the trailing edge of the plateau 12 there is provided a windmill or wind turbine 116. Not only will this capture wind to produce energy, it will also serve to slow the speed of wind approaching it.

The wind turbine 116 is positioned on a downwardly sloped support 127 extending out of the rear of the plateau 12. The sloped support 127 is supported from below by a frame extending upwardly from the sloped end 8 of the float 2.

Wind deflectors 128 change the trajectory of approaching wind at the top and bottom of the plateau 12.

Figure 54 illustrates a wind direction regulation system for use with the platform assembly. The trailing end or edge of the plateau 12 has upstanding therefrom a system of vertical stabilizers 129 and rudders 130 which can used to move and steer the platform assembly. This provides the ability to regulate wind direction and also ensures that the center of drag is always behind the center of mass to maintain stability.

A weathervane 131 is located at the front end or edge of the plateau 12 to indicate the direction of the approaching wind to allow the rudder system to be adjusted accordingly.

Figure 55 illustrates an alternative or additional wind direction regulation system mounted on the bottom of the plateau 12. Ideally the stabilizer/rudder system 129/130 is located between the end masts of the platform assembly. The system could though be located outside masts.

Figure 56 illustrates the platform assembly of figure 53 from the front. The two vertical stabilizers 129 upstand from either side of the plateau 12. They may alternatively be mounted to, or on the top of, the end masts 59.

Figure 57 shows the assembly with the vertical stabilizers 129 mounted on the underside of the plateau 12 and extending downwardly therefrom. The stabilizers 129 could alternatively be mounted to and extend down from the arcuate frame 132 The stabilizers 129 could also include rudders (not shown) to steer the platform to optimize the wind direction.

As can be seen in figure 58, a tug boat 133 could be used to drag the platform by a line 134 attached to the main section 4 of the float 2, if movement of the platform is required, or if there is problems with the anchor for example.

One suitable use for the platform assembly and variants of it a described is fish-farming.

Figure 59 illustrates how a fish farm can be attached the platform assembly.

The platform assembly takes a simple structure as described, comprising floats 2, masts 13 and a plateau 12. A cage 135 extends below the floats 2. The cage 135 is made, for example, of steel wire or nylon.

Instead of a cage 135, a large net 136 can be provided extending between the ends of each sloped section 8 of each float 2, as can be seen in figure 60. The weight of the net 136 causes the floats 2 to be almost entirely submerged causing their movement to be slow when impacted by waves.

As can be seen in figure 61, a plurality of fishing nets may extend from the floats 2. This allows for individual batches of fish to be raised at appropriate times. Each net 137 can be independently raised and lowered. The bottom of each net 137 may carry further weights to provide greater stability in stronger sea currents.

Figure 62 illustrates further components of the platform assembly, in the form of generally diagonally orientated support frames 138 extending from the end of each sloped section 8 of each float 2 to the plateau support frame 139. These support frames 138 assist in transferring energy from the waves to the plateau 12. Moreover, the diagonal orientation of the frames 138 provide greater rigidity to the structure which is particularly helpful in strong winds or high waves.

It can be seen from the figure that the sloped ends 8 of each float 2 extend deeper into the water thereby causing buoyancy of the platform assembly to be only slightly positive. This means that the platform assembly will slowly rise to the water surface after each wave thereby minimizing its impact.

Figure 63 illustrates an additional mechanism to provide width stability of the platform assembly. Here, a shaft 140 is connected to and extends between each float 2. The shaft 140 may have a downwardly orientated arcuate structure or may be straight and orientated horizontally.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS1. A platform assembly for floating on a body of water, the assembly comprising: at least one floating component; a platform secured above the or each floating component in a horizontally orientation; wherein the or each floating component comprises an elongate main body, at least one end of which having a shaped end section designed, in use, to divide a wave impacting said end.
2. 2. A platform assembly according to claim 1, wherein said end section of the or each floating component is angled with respect to the main body.
3. 3. A platform assembly according to claim 2, wherein said end section of the or each floating component is angled downwardly into the body of water.
4. 4. A platform assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one side surface of said end section of the or each floating component is tapered.
5. 5. A platform assembly according to claim 4, wherein opposing side surfaces of said end section of the or each floating component are tapered.