US3785312A

US3785312A - Modular floating structure

Info

Publication number: US3785312A
Application number: US00166101A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Schneider
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-07-26
Filing date: 1971-07-26
Publication date: 1974-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 1991-01-15

Abstract

A fabricated floating structure particularly suited for use as a houseboat or the like, characterized by a repetative plurality of interchangeable, prefabricated, modular flotation units, or modules, including closed chambers selectively used to contain flotage, payload, or consumable ballast, and which are adapted to be interchangeably interconnected with beam-like members so arranged and disposed as to form a plurality of trusses extending between the modules, whereby the devices may be rapidly assembled and interconnected into laterally and longitudinally extended truss-like structural components which integrate the modules into a bouyant hull capable of supporting vertically disposed bulkheads forming living compartments and the like.

Description

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,785,312 Schneider Jan. 15, 1974 MODULAR FLOATING STRUCTURE Primary Examiner-George E. A. Halvosa [76] Inventor: Gordon L. Schneider, 5546 E. jssimm Examiner-Barry Kelmachter Donner Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93727 .i u fi r bnsr kwqq [22] Filed: July 26, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 166,101

A fabricated floating structure particularly suited for Related Apphcamm Data use as a houseboat or the like, characterized by a [63] comifluation-in'paft of 7931306, 23, repetative plurality of interchangeable, prefabricated, I969 abandoned modular flotation units, or modules, including closed chambers selectively used to contain flotage, payload, [52] [1.8. CI. 114/.5 F or Consumable ballast and which are adapted to be Ilrt. i h g ly interconnected beam like [58] Field of Search 114/.5 R, .5 F; bets so arranged and disposed as to form a plurality of 61/48 14/27 trusses extending between the modules, whereby the devices may be rapidly assembled and interconnected [56] References Cited into laterally and longitudinally extended truss-like UNITED STATES PATENTS structural components which integrate the modules 2,480,144 8/1949 Laycock l4/27 X into a bouyant hull capable of supporting vertically 3,024,753 5/1962 Benson 114/.5 F disposed bulkheads forming living compartments and 3,215,108 11/1965 Otis 114/.5 F the like 3,478,710 ll/l969 Bethurem 114/.5 F

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| i i I l 1 I 1 I 1 E P l PATENTEU JAN 15 I974 sum "01 0F 10 3.785.312

coma/v L. SCHNEIDER I INVENTOI? M rJ/r WZ A TTORNEVS PATENTEU JAN 1-5 I974 sum 02 or 1o GORDON L. SCHNEIDER A TTORNEVS PATENTEUJAH 15 1974 SHEET 03 OF T() scH/i/E/om PATENTEUJAH 15 1914 saw on or 10 GORDON L. SCHNEIDER Pmmmm 151974 3785312 sum 05 0F 10 GORDON L. SCHNEIDER lNl/fNTO/P A TTORNEVS PATENTEDJAH 15 1914 sum "as or 10 @0RDO/V L. SCHNE/DER INVENTOR M M ATTORNEYS IPATENTEDJAR 15 mm sumo-1mm GORDON L. SCHNE/DER PATENTEDJAH 15 1914 mm m or w GORDON LSCHNE/DER A TTO/PNEY PATENTEB JAN 1 5 I974 murmur 10 2 A TTORNEY MODULAR FLOATING STRUCTURE This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 793,306 filed Jan. 23, i969 now abandoned and entitled MODULAR FLOATING STRUC- TURE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a modular floating structure and more particularly to such a structure formed of prefabricated modules having versatile utilization in number and arrangement to constitute houseboats, barges, and other watercraft of widely varied capacities and characteristics.

The construction of boats, floats and the like has become a big business resulting in the marketing of numerous devices adapted to be employed as water-borne craft of both the powered and unpowered variety. Furthermore, it has become common practice to fabricate raft-like structures for use as floats in inland waters. It is also common practice to fabricate houseboats by securing cabin-like enclosures to the floats and employing the resulting encosures as living compartments or housing facilities. Depending upon the intended use, drive or propulsion means may be coupled with the thus fabricated floats and employed for propelling them through the water. As is now common practice, the floating structure employed in such construction is provided with a horizontal main deck constructed on a body of floats or flotation members. Vertical bulkheads, which serve to form compartments for the cabin or living areas, then are secured or connected to the uppermost surface of the main deck, through welding, nailing or other means as may be found practical.

This common technique of construction results in structure which suffers from various deficiencies including an inherent structural weakness resulting from the fact that the bulkheads are secured to the surface of the main deck. While welding is frequently employed in securing the bulkheads to the deck, it is noted that the resulting structure is of weakened nature due to the fact that the vertical beams extend from the upper surface of the deck and do not extend downwardly into the assembled body of floats or floating structure.

Furthermore, the techniques heretofore employed in houseboat construction have inherently resulted in the use of economically undesirable construction procedures requiring the provision of extensive shop facilities. Further, since the labor required in the current fabrication techniques is appreciable, an ever increasing cost of construction is being experienced. Additionally, maintenance costs frequently prove to be discouraging to boat owners, particularly when hull damage occurs, simply because of the requirement that extensive repairs must be made when only a small portion of the floating structure has been damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention overcomes many of the aforementioned disadvantages through the use of prefabricated interchangeable modules which may, if desired, be filled with buoyant material, or flotage, and are interconnected by beams by being interlocked with the beams in such a manner as to facilitate rapid assembly into a buoyant supporting hull structure. Furthermore, the particular prefabricated devices employed according to the instant invention afford rapid disassembly,

while enhancing the load-bearing characteristics. This is achieved through the provision of a plurality of truss members extended in both lateral and longitudinal directions, throughout the supporting structure, and connected within the body of the structure in a manner such that the boats superstructure or the bulkheads thereof are connected therewith and, in effect, are caused to extend into the body of the supporting structure, whereby the load-bearing characteristics of the resulting houseboat are enhanced.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide an improved fabricated flotation device.

Another object is to provide an improved flotation device fabricated from a plurality of interchangeable prefabricated modular components.

Another object is to provide a flotation device of modular construction which is economical, durable and versatile in size, form and utilization.

Another object is to provide an improved flotation structure of interconnected, prefabricated modular components and truss members supporting thereon living compartments defined by bulkheads which may be interconnected with the truss members and extending throughout the body of the structure to enhance loadbearing capability.

Another object is to provide prefabricated, interchangeable structural components particularly suited for use in the fabrication and assembly of houseboats and the like while providing for increased load-bearing capability.

Another objectis to provide interchangeable modular flotation devices including therein load-supporting beam-like structures adapted to serve as connectors for the modular devices while being so disposed as to inhibit creation of turbulence when the devices are displaced through a body of water.

Another object is to provide an improved module for use in flotation devices formed of a plurality of panels of thin-gauge sheet metal interlocked with support beams extending along marginal portions of the panel.

Another object is to provide a prefabricated flotation structure utilizing modular floats which may be formed in a variety of shapes to provide upon assembly a variety of hull contours adapted to reduce drag upon displacement through the water and provide a pleasing appearance.

Another object is to provide a prefabricated flotation structure utilizing prefabricated modular floats having connecting structure formed integral with the floats and filled with Styrofoam expanded within the float walls and adhesively attached thereto.

These together with other objects and advantages become more readily apparent by reference to the following description and claims in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a houseboat employing structure embodying the principles of the present in- FIG. 4 is a sectional enlarged fragmentary top plan view of the module structure taken at one corner of the houseboat illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of assembled modular flotation device and truss structure employed in the houseboat illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional elevation taken on line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an end view of assembled modular flotation device taken on line 77 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a fragmented cross sectional view of the modular flotation device taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a first form of the flotation device illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the flotation device illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a partially sectioned fragmented perspective view of a modified form of the device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross sectional view illustrating a transverse beam interconnected with the supporting structure of a pair of adjacent flotation devices of a type particularly adapted to reduce turbulence.

FIG. 13 is a fragmented sectional view illustrating an interconnection for a transverse bulkhead.

FIG. 14 is an end view of still another form of the instant embodiment in which the modular float devices are assembled into a supporting body utilizing I-beam construction for imparting a catamaran configuration to the resulting structure.

FIG. 15 is a partially sectioned fragmented view taken at line l5 15 in FIG. 14, illustrating the manner in which adjacent modules are interconnected employing I-beam construction.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of my invention, showing the floating structure and deck only.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial bottom plan view of the floating structure of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the floating structure of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a half-bow modular float used in the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18, looking rearwardly and upwardly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a full-bow modular float used in the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18, looking rearwardly and upwardly.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a half-bow outside modular float used in the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18, looking rearwardly and upwardly.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the half-bow outside modular float of FIG. 21, looking forwardly and upwardly.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a main float used in the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18, taken in line 24-24 in FIG. 16.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 2525 in FIG. 16.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary partially exploded perspective view of two main floats and their joining structure, with broken out sections.

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary sectional view of the side-toside joining structure of floats in the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18.

And FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a main float and adjacent panels of the floating structure of FIGS. 16 through 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention is embodied in a fabricated houseboat 10, FIG. 1, which includes a living compartment or cabin 12 supported by load-supporting structure 14. The structure 14 supports a main deck 15 and is assembled by interlocking a plurality of prefabricated modular flotation devices or modules 16. The modules 16 are interconnected by a plurality of longitudinally extended beams 18 of an inverted U-shaped cross sectional configuration, and a plurality of laterally extended beams 20 having a T-shaped cross sectional configuration.

The houseboat is of a suitable width for supporting thereon the cabin 12. It should be readily apparent that the number of modules 16 employed in fabricating the houseboat is determined by the preferred dimensions of the cabin 12, as well as by the particular dimensions of the modules employed. The houseboat may, if desired, be of a type which includes a flat roof adapted to be employed as a sun deck. In such instances, an access to the roof is provided through structure including a ladder 22 extending to a life line or rail 24 which extends along the sides of the roof of the houseboat to define a sun deck 25 above the cabin 12. A hand rail 26 which serves as a life line may be provided about the main deck 15 and serve as a rung for the ladder. In practice, the sun deck 25 is supported throughout by the vertical structure of the cabin l2 and by a plurality of vertical stanchions 28 rising from the main deck 15.

While not shown, it is to be understood that the houseboat 10, if desired, includes a suitable motor mount for supporting a motor or the like at appropriate locations, such as, for example, along one end of the boat. Since the boat 10, as shown, includes end surfaces which are mirror images, a motor may be mounted at either of its ends. However, it should be imder stood that this first embodiment of the instant invention is intended to be representative of types of structure which can be employed and that the boat 10 could include modules so arranged and configured as to provide the boat 10 with a conventional prow and stem configuration, as better illustrated in my second preferred embodiment. Should such configuration be imparted to the houseboat 10, then the position of probe formed of a plurality of elongated columns of endto-end modules 16 joined in a side-by-side relationship through the use of the longitudinally extended beams 18.

As better illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the modules or flotation devices 16 preferably is of hexahedral configuration and includes four longitudinal walls or panels 32 and a pair of oppositely disposed parallel end walls 33. The panels 32 are formed from suitable sheet material, such as, for example, heat treated aluminum sheets of any desired thickness. The particular dimension of the modules 16 also is a matter of preference, however, it is to be understood that in any loadsupporting structure I4 fabricated from a plurality of the modules 116, it is preferred that a substantial number of the modules be employed to facilitate fabrication, disassembly and utilization thereof as well as water-tight integrity in the event of localized damage.

The modules 16 are fabricated through well-known fabrication techniques. However, it is to be particularly noted that at each end of each of the modules 16 there is arranged a plurality of extruded shapes formed as right-angle, bar-like members or brackets 34. The brackets 34 are secured along the periphery of the outermost surfaces of the end panels 33. Each of the wall panels 32 is provided with lips or inwardly directed marginal portions 35. These lips are employed for coupling the panels 32 to the end panels 33 and to the brackets 34. In fabricating the modules 16, the marginal portion of the end panels 33 are sandwiched between the lips 35 of the panels 32 and the innermost surface of the brackets 34. As a practical matter, blind rivets 36 are extended through the brackets and panels and are thus employed in joining the panels and the right-angle brackets 34 into a unitary structure.

Along each longitudinal corner or juncture of the panels 32, there is extended a supporting extruded beam or stringer 38. The stringers 38 each may have a cross sectional T-shaped configuration or, if desired, a right-angle cross sectional configuration. The particu lar cross sectional configuration of the stringers 38 is determined primarily upon the use or manner in which the particular stringer is to be employed. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the uppermost stringers 38 are of a T-shaped configuration, while the lowermost stringers, or those disposed at the lowermost longitudinal edge portions of the modules 16, are of a right-angle configuration. This is because the primary purpose of the beams or stringers 38 having a right'angle cross sectional configuration simply is to join the panels 32 while the stringers 38 of a T-shaped cross sectional configuration which, in addition to joining the panels 32, are employed for coupling the associated modules 16 with the extended beams 18, The beams 18, in practice, are seated over the vertically extended or third portions of the T- shaped stringers to thus join the columns of modules in a side-by-side relationship.

It is important to note that each of the stringers 38 is from the extremity of a vertical portion thereof. This slot serves as a locking means for receiving a laterally extended portion of the T-shaped beam 20, as will hereinafter be more fully discussed, for coupling the modules 16 in an end-to-end fashion and for providing vertical support in lateral directions.

Turning back to FIG. 3, the U-shaped beam 18 joins the modules 16 along their uppermost longitudinal adjacent edges, while the lowermost longitudinal adjacent edges of the flotation devices are joined only at those noted that the beams 18, the uppermost pair of adjacent stringers 38, the vertically disposed right-angle bracket members 34, and the lowermost stringers or beams 38, in effect, form a plurality of elongated truss members which extend downwardly between adjacent modules 16 and longitudinally through the entire length of the structure 14. The strength of each of the thus formed trusses can be readily appreciated when it is recalled that the opposite ends of each of the flotation devices 16 each includes at least a pair of vertically extended right-angle bracket members. Hence, vertically aligned beams 18 are effectively connected at a plurality of relatively short intervals through the extruded brackets 34, to provide truss members having substantial load-bearing characteristics.

\Wi le various means may be employed for joining the bulkheads 40 to the truss structure, including the longitudinal beam 18, it has been found practical to extrude the beams 18 in a manner such that each of the beams includes a second U-shaped member, whereby each beam has a back-to-back U shaped configuration including opposing channels formed of pairs of oppositely extended right-

angle channel members

42 and 44, FIG. 13. In cross section, the beams 18 are so dimensioned as to provide a laterally extending supporting shoulder 45. The shoulder 45 serves as a support member adapted to receive and support a marginal or edge portion of the main deck l5. Hence, it should be readily apparent that the vertically disposed, longitudinally extended truss, in effect, is caused to serve as a vertical extension of the vertically disposed bulkhead 40 and laterally extended deck 15, whereby the bulkheads and deck are caused to be anchored well within the supporting structure 14 thus to enhance the structures loadbearing characteristics.

provided with an elongated slot 39 extending inwardly While it is conceivable that it might be 'fifihii desifable to provide a longitudinal truss extending between all of the stringers 38 of the adjacent longitudinal edges of the modules 16, it has not been found necessary to do so. Therefore, in the interest of enhancing ease of fabrication, the lowermost beam 18 may be omitted from those adjacent edges or junctures of the columns of modules 16 not having a bulkhead 40 rising there- ,from. Consequently, the extruded stringers 38 employed along the longitudinal edge portion of the modules which are not to be joined at a point beneath a bulkhead may be of a right-angle cross sectional configuration. In addition to enhancing fabrication, the elimination of a vertical or downwardly directed third portion of the T assures that the expected turbulence may be substantially reduced as the elimination of this portion of the stringer 38 serves to reduce drag when the structure 14 is propelled through a body of water. In order to join the modules 16 in longitudinal or an end-to-end relation and provide the vertical support heretofore mentioned, the beams 20 are so arranged as to have planar portions extended in fore-and-aft or lateral directions. These portions are received within the slots 39, while the vertical portions of the beams are extended between the modules l6. l -lence, it should be appreciated thatthe beams 20 extend across the entire width of the structure 14 with appropriate portions thereof being seated in slots 39 of the adjacent end-toend aligned modules, so that the modules are caused to be interlocked against displacement in vertical directions. Therefore, it should be readily apparent that the beams are also interconnected through the brackets 34, in effect, to serve as laterally extended trussmembers.

Accordingly, the

beams

18 and 20, through the vertically supported right-angle brackets 34, serve to establish both longitudinally and laterally extended truss members for supporting the modules 16 as individual modular flotation devices within the assembled structure.

In practice, each or any of the modules 16 may be filled with flotage 46. The flotage may be foamed chemical composition such as Polystyrene, for example, which is foamed in place or, if desired, inserted as pre-cut blocks of material and subsequently sealed within the modules 16 through the joining of

appropriate panels

32 and 33. It has been found desirable to utilize the foam as a means for displacing seepage as well as to serve as an internal compressive support for the associated module. As it is intended that the foam serves as an internal support for the modules, it may be found desirable to cause the foam to adhere to the panels so that the tensile strength of the foam may be utilized. This may be readily achieved through the use of known adhesives 48, FlG. 9, applied to the internal surfaces of the panels prior to engaging the panels and the foam. The adhesives employed may be thermal activated, or may be of a liquid epoxy type of adhesive.

Where desired, certain of the modules or devices 16 may be sealed by caulking, welding or otherwise rendering the structure water-tight so that water cannot penetrate the module. Water-tight modules thus fabricated may be employed as tanks for retaining a ballast of a consumable type, such as gasoline, drinking water, and the like. However, the sealed modules form compartments which may be utilized in any desired manner for storing desired material, and are not limited in their use to ballast tanks.

As previously indicated, it frequently is desirable to avoid the creation of turbulence as the structure 14 is displaced through a body of water. Therefore, the extruded brackets 34 may be joined to the panels 33 in a manner such that the planar portions of the T-shaped beams 20 are caused to extend along the outermost surface of the brackets 34 with the outermost surface thereof being disposed in a plane common to the plane of the outermost surface of the adjacent panels 32. Therefore, the brackets 34 are, in practice, offset inwardly with regard to the outermost surface of the panel 32 thus to form a relief, designated 50, FIG. 5, into which is seated one-half of the planar portions of the beam 20. Since interchangeability of components is of particular importance, it is to be noted that wherever an offset or relief portion 50 is provided and it is not desired to employ a T-shaped member 20 seated or received therein, a spacer such as a right-angle beam 51, may be inserted in the relief portion and employed to provide a planar surface therefore, and, where practical, increase the strength thereof (see FIG. 8).

While as many rivets 36 may be employed as is deemed advisable for joining the various modules 16 in end-to-end assembly, a channeled member 52 having an inverted winged-U cross sectional configuration is provided. This member, in practice, is employed for joining adjacent ends of modules 16 at the opposite sides of the beam 20, as well as to provide a raised horizontal surface or plateau 54 which serves as a practical support for receiving and supporting the deck 15 thereon.

Therefore, it should be readily apparent that the modules 16 are joined in lateral and longitudinal directions in a manner which accommodates a rapid disassembly thereof through the removal of selected rivets and beams without unduly damaging remaining sections of the structure 14, and that since cherry", blind and explosive rivets, and welding, if so desired, can be employed in assemblying and reassemblying the structure 14, repair of damaged portions is readily accommodated.

As additional supports for the deck 15, a plurality of Z-bars 56 are provided in addition to the channel member 52. The Z-bars extended parallel the channel members 52 at selected points along the uppermost surface of each of the devices 16, whereby the deck 15 may be secured thereto simply by effecting a riveting thereof. Furthermore, the deck 15 is supported by the beams 18. As interchangeability of components of the structure is of primary concern in the present invention, it should be readily apparent that the beam 18 may be provided with the opposing

channel portions

42 and 44 formed thereon, and during the assembly of the deck 15, the channel portions 44 may be removed, where not required to anchor or join a bulkhead 40 into the structure, so that the deck 15 may be extended thereacross. Since the beams 18 are, in practice, formed of an extruded aluminum material, the undesired portions or the channel 44 may be readily removed simply by grinding, chiseling, or, if desired, by sawing techniques commonly employed in fabricating structures of a similar nature.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a module particularly adapted for use where it is found desirable to reduce turbulence induced drag in foreand-aft directions. The module 16 may be fabricated in such a manner such that the beams 20 are caused to be operatively disposed beneath or inwardly from the innermost surfaces of the right-angle brackets 34. In such instances, the outermost surfaces of the right-angle brackets 34 are brought into coplanar disposition with the plane of the outermost surfaces of the adjacent panels 32 so that the outermost surfaces of the bracket 34 and panels 32 are caused to be disposed in a common plane. Consequently, the slots 39 are formed in the ends of stringers 38 at points below the innermost surface of the laterally extended brackets 34 so that the beam 20 may, in assembly, be extended therebeneath. However, it should be understood that a relief 56, FIG. 11, will be formed in the vertical portions of the stringers 38 in order to accommodate insertion of the vertical portion of the beams 20 so that they may be received between the modules 16 for thus forming a low turbulence, outermost, bottom surface.

Turning now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated another form of the instant embodiment wherein the supporting structure includes modular flotation devices or modules 16 connected in substantially spaced parallel columns by a plurality of parallel transverse I-beams 64. The beams 64 are arranged so that the resulting structure includes spaced columns of modules 16 connected by a plurality of I-beams. Since the structure including the spaced columns of modules may be employed in catamaran and trimaran construction, the transverse beams 20 have been eliminated. The I-beams extended between the columns are arranged near the uppermost portion or deck supporting surface of the devices 16 in order to enhance lowdrag characteristics of the structure.

As is illustrated, each l-beam is extended in much the same manner as the previously described beam 20. However, in order that the l-beam may be received between the abutted or endto-end arranged modules 16, the vertical right-angle brackets 34 are relieved to define slots 66 so that the modules 16 may be brought into the aforementioned abutting relationship with the I-beam extended therebetween. Once the modules 16 are brought into the abutting relationship, rivets 36 or the like are employed in the manner heretofore described with regard to the joining of beams 20 for securing the columns of modules to the outer ends of I- beams 64 (see FIG.

It should readily be apparent that the columns coupled through the I-beams 64, as described with regard to FIG. 14, are employed for a purpose consistent with the purposes of the structure hereinbefore described. Hence, in operation, the upper surfaces of the described columns are, because of their intended uses, maintained in a substantially coplanar relationship. Consequently, there is, in practice, little tendency for the modules 16 to separate from the slots 66. However, it should be clearly understood that where found desirable, those brackets 34 not coupled with the I-beam 64 readily can be coupled together through any suitable coupling members of any of the aforementioned configurations found to be practical.

SECOND EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, I show a second preferred embodiment of my invention in which I have incorporated features illustrating the versatility of a floating structure formed in accordance with the invention. The numeral 100 refers generally to the floating structure of my second embodiment which like the structure of my first embodiment is made up by the structural assembly of modular floats. The structure 100 is formed by assemblying various modular floats into rows of aligned floats and joining them together into a unified structure.

In my second embodiment, however, I use several different float shapes, and assemble the floats with greater variety, all of which results in a floating-structure with considerably more sophistication. Also, the floats themselves are constructed by means of a different fabricating technique.

The first type of float used in my second embodiment is a rectangular box-shaped float 102 which is substantially the same size and configuration as the floats 16 in my first embodiment. This float is designated the main float since an assembly of these floats constitutes the principal portion of my floating structure. In addition to these main floats 102, my floating structure also utilizes half-bow floats 104, full-bow floats 106, outside floats 108, and half-bow outside floats 110. As best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, these floats of different configurations, when appropriately assembled, form the floating structure 100 with a contoured bow 112, contoured sides 114 (see FIG. 24), and a stern 116.

The center of the floating structure 100 is formed by two parallel juxtaposed rows 118 of main floats I02 aligned end to end, with each center row of floats 118 having a half-bow float 104 at the how 1 12 of the structure. Each of the adjacent half-bow floats 104 are positioned. to turn inward toward the centerline of the structure and cooperate to form part of the contoured bow I12 on the front of the center float rows 118.

On each side of the center float rows 118 is a side row of floats 120. The side rows 120 are formed of a plurality of main floats I02 assembled in end-to-end alignment with each row juxtaposed a different one of the center rows 118. The main floats 102 in each of the side rows 120 are laterally aligned with the main floats 102 in each of the center rows 118, however, the side rows have one less main float at the front of the rows than the center rows. Replacing the forwardmost main float 102 in each of the side rows 120 is a full-bow float 106. Again, these full-bow floats form part of the contoured bow 112 of the floating structure.

Finally, outside each of the side rows 120 there is an outside row 12. The outside rows 122 are formed by assembly of a plurality of outside floats 108 in end-to-end alignment, with each row juxtaposed a side row. The outside floats 108 in the outside rows 122' are each laterally aligned with the main floats in the side rows and center rows, and the outside rows have the same number of outside floats as the side rows. The forwardmost float in the outside rows 122 is a half-bow outside float 110. The half-bow outside floats are laterally aligned with the full bow floats on the front of each side row and are positioned to form a transition contour into the full bow floats. Thus positioned, the half-bow outside floats-108 cooperate with the full-bow floats 106 on the side rows and the half-bow floats 104 on the center rows to complete the contoured how 112 of the structure.

MAIN FLOAT The floats in my second embodiment, though similar to the floats 16 in my first embodiment, are constructed differently in that the attachement structure is formed from the float panels themselves. The main floats I02, for example, have side panels 123, a top panel, 124, a bottom panel, 125, and a pair of end panels 126, all of which are fitted together to form the rectangular boxshaped float with a plurality of protruding edges utilized in connecting the floats into the floating structure. Referring particularly to FIGS. 23 through 27, the end panels 126 in the main floats 102 are rectangular and have each of their marginal edges bent at right angles to the center portion 128 of the panel and projecting outwardly. The marginal edges of each end panel thereby form an end panel border I30 completely around the periphery of the center portion I28 of each end panel.

The side panels 123 have their top edges bent at right angles to their center portions 132 and projecting outwardly to form at top border 134, their bottom edges end borders 144, co-planar with the center portion 140. The top panels 124 are completely flat and the end portions project beyond the center portion 145, and beyond the center portions of the side panels and end panels, to form a peripheral border 146 completely around the top panel.

When the panels of the main float 102 are assembled together, the projecting right angle border 130 of the end panels is overlapped at the top of the end panels with the peripheral border 146 of the top panel, at the sides with the projecting side borders 138 of the side panels, and at the bottom with the projecting end borders 144 of the bottom panel. These overlapping panel portions are spot welded together to form an end connecting frame 148 of double panel thickness around the periphery of the end panels 126 which projects at right angles outwardly from the center portion 128 of the end panels, as best shown in FIG. 23.

Also, the outwardly projecting top borders 134 of the side panels 123 are overlapped by the peripheral border 146 of the top panel and these overlapping panel portions are spot welded together to form top connecting flanges 150 of double panel thickness. The bottom borders 136 of the side panels overlap the downwardly projecting side borders 142 of the bottom panel to form downwardly projecting bottom connecting flanges 152 of double panel thickness along the bottom edges of the side panel. Again, these overlapping portions are spot welded together for structural strength.

The module thus formed has top connecting flange 150 of double panel thickness projecting horizontally outward from each of the side panels 123 along their top edges, a bottom connecting flange 152 of double panel thickness projecting downwardly below the bottom panel 125 and along each bottom edge of the side panels 123, and an end connecting frame 148 bordering each of the end panels 126 and projecting outwardly therefrom, again, of double panel thickness. These projecting flanges and frames are utilized to secure the floats together into the floating structure 100 in a manner hereinafter more fully explained.

HALF-BOW FLOATS The half-bow floats 104 which are mounted on the front of each of the center rows 118 have the same construction at their rear end panel 154 as the main floats 102 (see FIG. 19). That is, the rear end panel 154 is bordered by an end connecting frame 156 of double panel thickness, which projects outwardly at right angles to the center portion of the end panel. Since the forward end of this float is drawn to a point, however, there is no forward end panel. Instead, the bottom panel 158 is tapered and curved upwardly, and the

side panels

160 and 161 are tapered, with the outside side panel 161 curved inwardly to meet the bottom panel 158 and the inside side panel 160 at a point 162. The top panel 164 is rectangular like the top panel of the main floats 102 and at the forward end of the float projects substantially beyond the outside side panel 161 to form 'an apron 166. The adjoining edges of the

side panels

160 and 161 and the bottom panel 158 overlap to form downwardly projecting bottom connecting flanges 168 of double panel thickness which are spot welded together for strength and come together at the float point 162. The upper edges of the

side panels

160 and 161 project outwardly beneath the over-lapping portions of the top panel 164 to form outwardly projecting top connecting flanges 170 which are also of double thickness, spot welded together, and meet at the float point 162, however, the apron 166 projects beyond this flange at the forward end of the float.

FULL-BOW FLOATS The full-bow floats 106 are similar in construction to the half-bow floats 104 except that the side panels 171 and 172 both curve inwardly as well as upwardly to give a symetrical form to the forward portion of the float (see FIG. 20). The end panel 174 of the float is bordered by an end connecting frame 176 in the same manner as the end panel of the half-bow floats 104, and the bottom panel 177 and side panels join to form downwardly projecting bottom flanges 178 which meet at the point 180 of the float. The top panel 182 does not project beyond the outwardly projecting edges on the upper portion of the side panels 171 and 172 to form an apron as it does in the half-bow floats 104 but only projects outwardly a distance sufficient to overlap the outwardly projecting upper edges of the side panels and form outwardly projecting top/connecting flanges 184 which meet at the point 180 of the floats.

OUTSIDE FLOATS The outside floats 108 (FIG. 21) have end panels 186 generally similar to the end panels 126 on the main floats 102 except that one corner is formed to a curved radius to give the desired side contour to the float (see FIG. 24). The inside side panel 188 and the top panel 190 are identical to the side panels 123 and top panels 124 of the main float 102, however, the outside side panel 101 is made in two sections, 192 and 193, to provide the desired hull contour. The top section 192 of the outside side panel 191 has an upper edge 195 formed to project at right angles from the panel and disposed beneath the overlapping edge 196 of the top panel 190 to form a top flange 197. The side edges 198 of the upper section 192 project beyond each of the end panels 186 to form a portion of a projecting double ply end connecting frame 199 bordering the end panels, and the bottom edge 200 of the top section 192 is coplanar with the panel and is overlapped by an upwardly projecting upper edge portion 202 on the bottom section 193 of the panel to form junction 204. The two sections are spot welded at the junction 204 to secure them together. The bottom section 193 is bowed inwardly on a contour radius to provide the desired hull shape and its lower edge 206 is overlapped by an upwardly projecting outer edge 208 on the outer portion of the bottom panel 210 to form a junction 212. The two overlapping edges forming junction 212 are spot welded at the junction to secure them together. The end edges of the bottom section 193 also extend beyond the end panels 186 to overlap the right angle marginal edges of the end panels and form a further portion of the projecting double ply end connecting frame 199.

The bottom panel 210 is, of course, much narrower then the bottom panell25 of the main floats 102 and at its inside edge 214 has a downwardly turned right angle edge portion which is overlapped by the lower edge 216 of the inside side panel 188 to form downwardly projecting double-ply bottom flange 218. At its outside edge the bottom panel 210 is turned upwardly, as previously described, to overlap the downwardly projecting lower edge 206 of the bottom section of outside side panel 191 to form double ply junction 212. Therefore, no downwardly projecting bottom flange is formed at the outer edge of the outside floats. An inside top flange 220 is formed at the upper edge of the inside side panel 188 by the right angle projecting edge portion 222 of the side panel 188 and the overlapping edge 224 of the top panel 190. All overlapping panel portions are spot welded to form the frame, flanges and junctions described.

HALF-BOW OUTSIDE FLOATS The half-bow outside floats 110 are not only adapted to provide the side hull contour of the outside floats 108 but the pointed bow structure as well. As best shown in FIG. 22, the floats have a rearward end panel 226 substantially identical to the end panels of outside floats 108. It has no forward end panel since the forward end is drawn to a point 228 by the inward curving of the two side panels 229 and 230, and the upward curving from the bottom panel 232. Outwardly projecting top connecting flanges 234 and 235 are formed by the projecting top panel edges 236 which overlap the upper edge 238 of the top section 240 of the outside side panel 230 (not shown), and the outwardly projecting right angle top edge 242 of the inside side panel 229. The top flanges are substantially identical to the top flanges 197 and 220 of the outside floats 108 except that the outside top flange 235 turns inwardly at the front of the float to the point 228.

The bottom section 241 of the outside side panel 230 forms a top junction 244 and a bottom junction 246 with the top section 240 and the bottom panel 232, respectively, in the same manner as in the outside floats 108 except that the junctions turn inwardly to the float point 228. The bottom panel 232 forms a bottom flange 248 by the overlapping of its downwardly projecting inside edge with the lower edge of the inside side panel 229. No downwardly projecting flange is formed at the junction of the outside edge of the bottom panel 232 and the lower edge of the outside side panel 230 but instead these panels are joined here by junction 246, as in the outside floats 108. The edges of the end panel 226 all project outwardly at right angles and are overlapped by outwardly projecting edges of the top, bottom, and side panels to form end connecting frame 250. The end connecting frame 250, bottom flange 248 and top flanges 234 and 235 are all spot welded for strength, as in the other floats. I

All of the floats of my second embodiment are adapted for flotage filling 252 as in my first embodiment.

Having described the structure of the individual floats utilized to form, in assemblage, the overall float structure of my second embodiment, 1 will now describe the means utilized to secure the floats together into such a structure.

To secure main floats 102 together in end to end relationship for forming the center rows 118, and attach the half-bow floats 104 on the forward end of each of these rows, 1 utilize longitudinal channel members 254 and deck members 256. The channel members 254 fit over and connect the bottom connecting flanges 152 of two adjacent floats 102 to which the legs of the channel are secured by suitable means such as rivets or welding. The channel members 254 are formed in lengths which are equal to multiples of the length of the floats 102 so that junctions between any two aligned channel members along a row will occur intermediate a float, rather than at the junction between floats. The deck members 256 in this embodiment each have a length and width sufficient to overlap a number of floats and are so proportioned that their junctions with other deck members occur intermediate the ajjoined floats rather than at the junctions between floats. The deck members are secured to the floats by any suitable means such as blind rivets, screws or bolts 257.

The side rows are formed in a like manner to the center rows, by assembling main floats 102 into aligned rows, one on each side of the center rows 118, with a full bow float 106 at the forward end of each row. The floats in the side rows 120 are held in end to end alignment, and secured to their adjacent center row 118 by longitudinal beam members 254 and deck members 256, in the manner just described.

Finally, to complete the floating structure 100, outside rows 122 are formed by assembling outside floats 108 into aligned rows, one on the outside of each of the side rows 120, and attaching a half-bow outside float 110 to the forward end of each row. Again, the floats are held in alignment and secured to their adjacent side row by longitudinal beam members 254 and deck members 256.

To form a desirable contour for bow 112, the halfbow floats 104 are about equal in length to the main floats 102, the full bow floats 106 are about equal in length to the main floats 102, the half-bow outside floats 110 are about half as long as the main floats 102, and the outside floats 108 are equal in length to main floats 102. These variations in bow float length give the pointed contour best shown in FIG. 17.

Because of the flange and border structure of the bow floats, the longitudinal beam members 254 and deck members 256 are suitable for joining these floats into the assembled float structure as well as the main floats 102 and outside float 108. The two half-bow floats 104, for example, each have bottom connecting flanges 168 on their inside side panel which, upon their assembly into the floating structure, are positioned side by side. A longitudinal beam member 254 is then didposed over these connecting flanges and curved upwardly to fit the contour of the forward end of the floats (see FIG. 17). The deck members 256 are secured to the half-bow floats 104 by attachment to the apron 166 and top connecting flanges 170.

The full bow floats 106 have bottom flanges 178 which, upon assembly of these floats into the floating structure 100 as shown in FIG. 17, are disposed adjacent and parallel to the connecting flanges 168 on the outside side panel 161 of the half bow floats 104, for approximately the rearward or after one-half of the full bow floats length. Longitudinal beam members 254 fit over these parallel flanges and secure the adjacent floats together over this length, as shown in FIG. 17.

.The deck members 256 secure the floats together on the top side by extending completely over the top panels of the floats, and interconnecting with the half-bow float top connecting flanges 170, the full bow float top connecting flanges 184, and the half-bow outside float top connecting flanges 234 and 235. To provide a more useful forecastle deck at the forward end of the floating structure 100, a forecastle deck support frame 258 is provided which extends forwardly from the foremost main floats 102 where it is anchored to the top connecting flanges 150. A decker border member 260 is supported at the bow by the fore-castle deck support frame 258 and extends completely around the periphery of the deck. The deck border member 260 is rightangle shaped in cross section and extends outwardly and upwardly from the floating structure to overlap the peripheral edges of the deck members 256 as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, and is secured to the outside top flange 197 of the outside floats along the sides of the floating structure and to the top portion of the end connecting frame 148 on the main floats 102 at the stern.

It will thus be seen that the longitudinal beam members 254 and the deck members 256 join the floats both longitudinally into rows and laterally by connecting the rows, to form the unified floating structure 100. This interconnection of the floats is made possible by the flange structure formed by the interconnection of the panels which form the floats and their connection to the longitudinal beam members and deck members as described.

Substantial strength is afforded the floating structure 100 by joining the floats in this manner in that the truss effect described in my first is still present. A longitudinally extending vertically disposed truss is formed by the assembly of the adjacent side panels 123 of two main floats 102 secured together at their lower edges by a longitudinal beam member 254 at their upper edges by a deck member 256.

To give additional strength to the floating structure 100 and insure its ability to resist forces brought to bear by high seas, beaching, or the striking of underwater objects, I also add a cross-beam structure to my invention. The cross-beam structure consists of upper crossbeam members 262 and lower cross-beam members 264. The upper and lower cross-beams are T-shaped in cross-section (see FIGS. 25 and 26) and in order to permit passage of these cross-beam members between the abutting ends of the floats, slot 266 are provided in the end connecting frames of the floats. The upper cross-beam members 262 pass through the slots 266 in the upper portion of the end connecting frames with the T-leg directed downwardly and the top of the T positioned below the top of the end connecting frame 148, while the lower cross-beam members 264 pass through slots 266 in the lower portion of the end connecting frames with the T-leg directed upwardly and the T-top positioned above the bottom of the end connecting frame.

Slots 266 are provided not only in the end connecting frames 148 of the main floats 102, but also in the end connecting frames 199 of the outside floats 108, the end connecting frames 156 of the half-bow floats 104, the end connecting frames 176 of the full bow floats 106, and the end connecting frames 250 of the halfbow outside floats 110, since the

cross-beams members

262 and 264 interconnect with each of these floats.

The

cross-beam members

262 and 264 extend from the outermost edges of the outside floats 108 completely across the floating structure except for the forwardmost set of cross-beam members 268 which extend across center rows 118 only and interconnnect the half-bow floats 104 to the foremost main floats 102.

The cross-beam members are, of course, appropriately connected to the end connecting frame structure on the floats by spot welding, bolting, or blind rivets. When thus fastened the cross-beam members form a truss structure with the end connecting frames on the modules in a manner similar to that described in my first embodiment. Therefore, when complete assembly of the floating structure 100 is accomplished, a crossing network of longitudinal truss structures and lateral truss structures is developed in the same manner as in may first embodiment. In my second embodiment, however, I have utilized the panels which form the modules to also form the module interconnecting structure and have illustrated the possibilities for forming my modular floats into floating structures with different bow form and side hull forms, and yet retaining the facility for a high strength, unified floating structure.

It will be understood from this detailed description that my invention is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages heretofore attributed to it. It should also be understood that considerable variation is possible in effecting the principals of my invention.

The floats or modules are described as completely enclosed with flotage filling, however, it is also possible to leave the modules open at the top and rest the deck structure on the flotage filling.

In addition to modules of the forms illustrated, it is also possible, using the techniques disclosed, to form a keel contour on the bottom surface of the floating structure, or to form the floating structure with longitudinal voids such as a catamaran or trimaran. Also, by making the modules rectangular in cross-section rather than square, different deck levels can be achieved to provide for a step down cabin.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A floating structure comprising:

a. a plurality ofjuxtaposed interchangeable buoyant modules aligned in longitudinally and laterally extended directions in a manner such as to define a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinally extended buoyant columns of multiple modules, each module including a vertically spaced pair of parallel walls, the lowermost wall of each pair being adapted to be disposed beneath the water line of a supporting body of water b. means for securing the modules of said columns in serial alignment, including a pair oflaterally spaced longitudinally extended beams; and

c. means interconnecting said modules into an integrated structure including laterally spaced columns having low-drag characteristics, comprising a plurality of coplanar, longitudinally spaced l-beams disposed substantially above the water line of said body of water and being fixedly connected at their opposite ends with said modules.

2. A floating structure comprising a plurality of modular floats interrelated in size and shape for assembly into a unified floating structure, said floats each having connecting means disposed to permit their interconnection one with another; and a plurality of connecting members disposed adjacent said floats and interconnected with said float connecting means in a truss forming relationship; said floats being disposed to form a plurality of longitudinal rows with each longitudinal row having a plurality of floats aligned end to end, and a plurality of lateral rows with each lateral row having a plurality of floats aligned side to side, and said floats have end connecting flanges on end portions juxtaposed an adjacent longitudinally aligned float and side connecting flanges on side portions juxtaposed an adjacent laterally aligned float; and said connecting members including longitudinal members disposed between adjacent longitudinal rows of floats and interconnected with said side connecting flanges on floats in said longitudinal rows, and cross-members disposed between adjacent lateral rows of floats and interconnected with said end connecting flanges on floats in said lateral rows.

3. A self-contained floating structure comprising:

a plurality of contiguous columns, each column comprising a multiplicity of juxtaposed buoyant modules, and each module including:

1. pairs of connected parallel panels forming an elongated closed chamber having four elongated rectantualr side walls and a pair of transversely extended rectangular end walls,

2. bracket means circumscribing the transverse end walls of said modules,

3. four elongated parallel angle beams having first and second adjoining surfaces defining an included angle therebetween connected with and joining the side walls at the junctures thereof, and a third protruded portion extending away from the surface of the modules, and

4. locking means defining at least one slotted opening at the opposite ends of each of said elongated beams;

plurality of laterally spaced elongated beams extending in a first plane parallel the adjacent edge portions of the columns comprising a plurality of inverted U-shaped stringers so disposed as to have a pair of parallel sides extending in a first direction to receive the protruded portions of the angle beams for securing said columns of modules in a side-by-side relationship;

means disposed in a second plane normal to said first plane defining at least one elongated coupling disposed in vertical alignment with at least one of the elongated beams and joining at least a pair of said columns in side-by-side relationship in a manner such that the elongated coupling, brackets and elongated beams are interconnected to assume a structural configuration conforming to a longitudinally extended truss disposed in a vertical plane between selected columns of modules;

plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of parallel, vertically displaced beams, each having a T-shaped configuration and extending laterally between adjacent surfaces of said modules in planes normal to the plane of the longitudianlly extended truss, whereby the locking means of the elongated beams is caused to receive therein one portion of an adjacent T-shaped beam;

boat deck support means including:

1. a plurality of channular bars each having a horizontal surface extending transversely between the laterally spaced elongated beams and horizontally spanning the beams of the longitudinally spaced pairs of vertically displaced beams, and

2. Z-bars having horizontal surfaces aligned in planes common to the plane of the horizontal surfaces of the channular bars adapted to receive a boat deck thereon;

means defining a U-shaped member including a vertically directed pair of parallel side members extending vertically from the elongated beams adapted to receive vertically disposed bulkheads thereon, whereby received bulkheads may be coupled with the lateral and longitudinal trusses;

a horizontal boat deck supported on said Z-bars and channular bars;

roof means including a sun deck joining the bulkheads for completing living compartments disposed above the deck of the floating structure, whereby the. floating structure may be employed in a housing capacity; and

means filling selected modules with flotage and consumable ballast, whereby a self-contained floating structure is provided.

4. A floating structure comprising: a plurality of modular floats interrelated in size and shape for assembly into a unified floating structure, said floats each having connecting means disposed to permit their interconnection one with another; and

a plurality of connecting members disposed adjacent said floats and interconnected with said float connecting means in a truss forming relationship; said connecting members including longitudinal members disposed to interconnect said floats into longitudinally aligned columns, said longitudinal members being inteconnected with the connecting means on said modules to form therewith a truss structure longitudinally disposed with respect to said floating structure, and cross members disposed to interconnect said modules in lateral alignment, said cross member being interconnected with the connecting means on said modules to form therewith a truss structure laterally disposed with respect to said floating structure.

5. A floating structure as described in claim 4 in which:

said floats are aligned longitudinally and each has an end connecting frame on an end portion disposed adjacent the end portion of an aligned adjacent float, said end connecting frames each including a longitudinally projecting flange adjacent the periphery of said float, and said floats each has longitudinally extending connecting flanges projecting normally to the direction of projection of said end connecting frame flanges; and

said longitudinal members are interconnected with said longitudinally extending connecting flanges, and said cross-members are interconnected with said end connecting frame flanges.

6. A floating structure as described in claim 5 in which:

said connecting members further include Ushaped longitudinal members and T-shaped crossmembers.

7. Floating structure comprising:

a plurality of juxtaposed buoyant modules so aligned in both longitudinal and lateral directions as to define parallel columns of multiple modules;

angle members extending along the edge portions of each of said modules and connected therewith;

a plurality of spaced, elongated beams extending in a first plane parallel adjacent edge portions of the columns and coupled to said angle members for securing said columns in side-by-side relationship;

elongated coupling means disposed in a second plane normal to the first plane, and arranged in vertical alignment with selected beams joining at least a pair of the columns of multiple modules in side-byside relationship;

verically positioned bracket means fixed to the modules and extending between the beams and cou-

Claims

1. A floating structure comprising: a. a plurality of juxtaposed interchangeable buoyant modules aligned in longitudinally and laterally extended directions in a manner such as to define a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinally extended buoyant columns of multiple modules, each module including a vertically spaced pair of parallel walls, the lowermost wall of each pair being adapted to be disposed beneath the water line of a supporting body of water; b. means for securing the modules of said columns in serial alignment, including a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extended beams; and c. means interconnecting said modules into an integrated structure including laterally spaced columns having low-drag characteristics, comprising a plurality of coplanar, longitudinally spaced I-beams disposed substantially above the water line of said body of water and being fixedly connected at their opposite ends with said modules.

2. bracket means circumscribing the transverse end walls of said modules,

2. A floating structure comprising: a plurality of modular floats interrelated in size and shape for assembly into a unified floating structure, said floats each having connecting means disposed to permit their interconnection one with another; and a plurality of connecting members disposed adjacent said floats and interconnected with said float connecting means in a truss forming relationship; said floats being disposed to form a plurality of longitudinal rows with each longitudinal row having a plurality of floats aligned end to end, and a plurality of lateral rows with each lateral row having a plurality of floats aligned side to side, and said floats have end connecting flanges on end portions juxtaposed an adjacent longitudinally aligned float and side connecting flanges on side portions juxtaposed an adjacent laterally aligned float; and said connecting members including longitudinal members disposed between adjacent longitudinal rows of floats and interconnected with said side connecting flanges on floats in said longitudinal rows, and cross-members disposed between adjacent lateral rows of floats and interconnected with said end connecting flanges on floats in said lateral rows.

2. Z-bars having horizontal surfaces aligned in planes common to the plane of the horizontal surfaces of the channular bars adapted to receive a boat deck thereon; means defining a U-shaped member including a vertically directed pair of parallel side members extending vertically from the elongated beams adapted to receive vertically disposed bulkheads thereon, whereby received bulkheads may be coupled with the lateral and longitudinal trusses; a horizontal boat deck supported on said Z-bars and channular bars; roof means including a sun deck joining the bulkheads for completing living compartments disposed above the deck of the floating structure, whereby the floating structure may be employed in a housing capacity; and means filling selected modules with flotage and consumable ballast, whereby a self-contained floating structure is provided.

3. A self-contained floating structure comprising: a plurality of contiguous columns, each column comprising a multiplicity of juxtaposed buoyant modules, and each module including:

4. A floating structure comprising: a plurality of modular floats interrelated in size and shape for assembly into a unified floating structure, said floats each having connecting means disposed to permit their interconnection one with another; and a plurality of connecting members disposed adjacent said floats and interconnected with said float connecting means in a truss forming relationship; said connecting members including longitudinal members disposed to interconnect said floats into longitudinally aligned columns, said longitudinal members being inteconnected with the connecting means on said modules to form therewith a truss structure longitudinally disposed with respect to said floating structure, and cross members disposed to interconnect said modules in lateral alignment, said cross members being interconnected with the connecting means on said modules to form therewith a truss structure laterally disposed with respect to said floating structure.

4. locking means defining at least one slotted opening at the opposite ends of each of said elongated beams; a plurality of laterally spaced elongated beams extending in a first plane parallel the adjacent edge portions of the columns comprising a plurality of inverted U-shaped stringers so disposed as to have a pair of parallel sides extending in a first direction to receive the protruded portions of the angle beams for securing said columns of modules in a side-by-side relationship; means disposed in a second plane normal to said first plane defining at least one elongated coupling disposed in vertical alignment with at least one of the elongated beams and joining at least a pair of said columns in side-by-side relationship in a manner such that the elongated coupling, brackets and elongated beams are interconnected to assume a structural configuration conforming to a longitudinally extended truss disposed in a vertical plane between selected columns of modules; a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of parallel, vertically displaced beams, each having a T-shaped configuration and extending laterally between adjacent surfaces of said modules in planes normal to the plane of the longitudianlly extended truss, whereby the locking means of the elongated beams is caused to receive therein one portion of an adjacent T-shaped beam; boat deck support means including:

5. A floating structure as described in claim 4 in which: said floats are aligned longitudinally and each has an end connecting frame on an end portion disposed adjacent the end portion of an aligned adjacent float, said end connecting frames each including a longitudinally projecting flange adjacent the periphery of said float, and said floats each has longitudinally extending connecting flanges Projecting normally to the direction of projection of said end connecting frame flanges; and said longitudinal members are interconnected with said longitudinally extending connecting flanges, and said cross-members are interconnected with said end connecting frame flanges.

6. A floating structure as described in claim 5 in which: said connecting members further include U-shaped longitudinal members and T-shaped cross-members.

7. Floating structure comprising: a plurality of juxtaposed buoyant modules so aligned in both longitudinal and lateral directions as to define parallel columns of multiple modules; angle members extending along the edge portions of each of said modules and connected therewith; a plurality of spaced, elongated beams extending in a first plane parallel adjacent edge portions of the columns and coupled to said angle members for securing said columns in side-by-side relationship; elongated coupling means disposed in a second plane normal to the first plane, and arranged in vertical alignment with selected beams joining at least a pair of the columns of multiple modules in side-by-side relationship; verically positioned bracket means fixed to the modules and extending between the beams and coupling means in a manner such that the elongated coupling means, angle members, and elongated beams are caused to be interconnected to assume a structural configuration conforming to an elongated longitudinal truss disposed in a vertical plane between selected columns of said modules; a plurality of pairs of parallel, vertically spaced, transversely extended beams disposed in multiple parallel planes normal to the plane of the elongated truss and between adjacent surfaces of said modules; and locking means securing the beams with the angle members in a manner such that a plurality of transverse truss structures including a plurality of truss elements is provided and connected with the longitudinal truss, whereby the modules are caused to be supported by truss structure extending in both lateral and longitudinal directions.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein selected modules include chambers filled with a buoyant compression resistant material.

9. The structure of claim 7 wherein: each of the interconnected angle members comprises a T-shaped beam, the longitudinal axis of which is extended parallel to the longtitudinal axis of the module and includes two right-angle portions connected with the module and a third portion protruded vertically therefrom; and each of the elongated beams comprises an inverted U-shaped channular member so disposed as to have parallel sides extended in a first vertical direction to receivingly engage adjacent protruded portions of the T-shaped beam therebetween.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein the pairs of vertically spaced beams are of T-shaped configuration having three planar surface portions and wherein the locking means includes means defining a slotted opening provided at opposite ends of the angle members, each slotted opening being adapted to receive therein one planar portion of an adjacent T-shaped beam.

11. The structure of claim 10 wherein the elongated beams further includes a U-shaped channular member having a pair of parallel sides extended in a second vertical direction adapted telescopingly to receive therein vertically disposed bulkhead supports for coupling bulkheads to the longitudinal truss, whereby a coupling of a plurality of bulkheads with the truss structure as it is extended between the buoyant modules is accommodated.

12. The structure according to claim 11 further comprising a plurality of transversely extended, channular members coupled to adjacent modules of the columns of modules for joining the modules at opposite sides of the transversely extended beams and including a plateaued portion adapted to serve as a deck support for supporting a boat deck thereon.

13. The structure of claim 12 further including a plurAlity of spaced Z-bars extended across the modules between the angle members, each having a surface adapted to support a boat deck thereon, whereby the channular members and Z-bars cooperate to serve as support means for a boat deck thereon.

14. The structure according to claim 13 wherein each of the modules includes a plurality of pairs of rectangular, parallel walls formed of planar panels of thin-gauge sheet metal secured to the angle members and to the bracket means.

15. The structure according to claim 14 wherein the panels of sheet metal are secured to the angle members in a manner such that planes of the surfaces of angle members are parallel to and displaced from the planes of th panels of sheet metal.

16. The structure according to claim 15 further comprising horizontally positioned bracket means fixed to the modules and extending between the vertically positioned bracket means near the opposite ends thereof, and displaced relative to the planes of selected panels of sheet metal in a manner such that a plurality of reliefs are formed for receiving therein planar portions of the vertically spaced beams.

17. The structure according to claim 14 wherein the sheet metal panels are joined to the angle members in a manner such that the planes of the outer surface of the angle members and the planes of the panels of sheet metal are disposed in a common plane.

18. The combination according to claim 17 wherein each of the angle members is provided with means defining an elongated slot extending the length thereof adapted to receive an edge portion of a sheet metal panel therein.

19. The combination according to claim 18 wherein each of the elongated slots are in depth disposed in oblique directions relative to the planes of the panels of sheet metal, and the peripheral portions of the panels are deformed to extend diagonally from the plane of the panel.