WO2013033733A1

WO2013033733A1 - Non-corrodible pontoon and saddle assemblies

Info

Publication number: WO2013033733A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/053713
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralph D. FORD; Cesar N. GALLARDO; Jeffrey Brian TERAI; Mark S. VOROBIK
Original assignee: Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-09-01
Filing date: 2012-09-04
Publication date: 2013-03-07

Abstract

The subject disclosure presents assemblies, devices and methods to float a structure over a body of water by using a saddle fastened to a pontoon, whereby the saddle remains above the water line. The saddle includes a plurality of external clamp plates outside a pontoon sidewall, and fastened to one or more internal clamp plates placed inside the pontoon sidewall, thereby clamping the sidewall between them. Attachment points for the external and internal clamp plates are situated at a height that is relatively higher than a water line anticipated when the pontoon is under a load. This ensures that corrodible components are maintained above a water level while the pontoon is floating the structure, reducing corrosion.

Description

NON-CORRODIBLE PONTOON AND SADDLE ASSEMBLIES

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/603,353, filed September 4, 2012; and to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 61/530,301 , filed September 1 , 201 1 ; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety into this disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

Field of the Subject Disclosure

The present subject disclosure relates to flotation devices. More specifically, the present subject disclosure relates to non-corrodible pontoon and saddle assemblies.

Background of the Subject Disclosure

Pontoons are devices used for flotation. Pontoons may be used to float structures above a body of water. Pontoons may be of any shape and size, and may include attachment points to attach the structure to be floated, among other components. Frequently, a saddle is used to couple the structure to the pontoon. The saddle may be fastened to the pontoon, and the structure coupled to the saddle.

Being immersed in several different environments for extended periods of time, pontoons, saddles, and fastening mechanisms (hereinafter referred to as a pontoon assembly) are subject to constant wear and tear. A prime source of wear is corrosion caused by electrolysis and exposure to salt water. For instance, the United States Navy used to employ steel pontoons to float barriers for purposes of national security. Steel may rust with exposure to salt water. Further, electrolysis caused by environmental conditions causes corrosion to metallic components over time. Fixing these issues required a high level of maintenance, including disassembly, removal of paint and external layers by sandblasting, cleaning, and reinstalling the pontoon assembly.

[005] To get around the corrosion of the pontoon itself, navies and other entities started using plastic pontoons. Plastic proved to be a better pontoon design because it is far less dense than water (and steel), and is able to be molded for several different applications. However, plastic is too weak to use to couple heavy structures to pontoons, and therefore the typical saddle and fastening mechanisms cannot avail of this approach. A typical pontoon assembly today consists of a plastic pontoon with a saddle assembly comprising several corrodible steel components (including one or more steel bands wrapped around an outside of the pontoon to capture the pontoon, and steel fasteners such as nuts and bolts).

[006] Consequently, corrosion issues still exist. General environmental

conditions such as electrolysis cause the steel bands to corrode. Electrolysis may be avoided by applying an anode to the submerged portions of the saddle assembly. However, this is expensive and involves additional equipment and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

What is being described in this subject disclosure is a pontoon assembly that maintains any corrodible components above a water level [008] The subject disclosure addresses the above-identified deficiencies in the state of the art by coupling a saddle to a pontoon using fastening mechanisms positioned at attachment points on the pontoon sidewall at a height greater than a water line when the pontoon is under a load. A saddle, including a plurality of external clamp plates, resides on the outside surface of the pontoon sidewall. The external clamp plates align with attachment points on the pontoon sidewalls. One or more internal clamp plates are placed along an inside surface of the pontoon sidewall. The internal clamp plates align with the attachment points on the pontoon. The external clamp plates are fastened to the internal clamp plates, thereby clamping the sidewall of the pontoon between the internal clamp plate and the external clamp plate. The attachment points are positioned at a height greater than a water line while the pontoon is floating a structure. In this manner, the corrodible components (including the fastening mechanisms and the saddle with the external clamp plates) are also maintained above the water line. Consequently, their contact with the water is minimized, reducing corrosion. Further, plastic components may be welded on top of the pontoon, and the saddle fastened to the welded plastic on the pontoon. The presented devices and methods may be applied not only to pontoons but also to submersible ballast tanks.

[009] In one exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a pontoon assembly for floating a structure above a water line. The pontoon assembly includes a pontoon having a sidewall and a plurality of attachment points along the sidewall, a plurality of internal clamp plates on an inner surface of the sidewall and aligned with the attachment points, a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, the saddle being aligned with the attachment points, and a plurality of fasteners to couple the saddle to the plurality of internal clamp plates such that the sidewall is clamped between the internal clamp plates and the saddle. The attachment points are at a location such that the saddle is entirely above the water line when the pontoon is providing support.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a saddle assembly for coupling a structure to a pontoon having a sidewall. The saddle assembly includes a plurality of internal clamp plates on an inner surface of the sidewall, a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall and aligned with the plurality of internal clamp plates, and a plurality of fasteners to fasten the saddle to the plurality of internal clamps such that the sidewall is clamped between the plurality of internal clamp plates and the saddle. The plurality of internal clamp plates is located such that the saddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating a structure.

[0011] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the subject disclosure is a

method for floating a structure above a water line. The method includes placing a plurality of internal clamp plates on an inner surface of a sidewall of a pontoon, placing a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, the saddle being aligned with the plurality of internal clamp plates, and fastening the saddle to the plurality of internal clamp plates using a plurality of fasteners such that the sidewall is clamped between the plurality of internal clamp plates and the saddle. The plurality of internal clamp plates is located such that the saddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating the structure BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a pontoon assembly, according to an exemplary

embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective views of a pontoon assembly,

according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B show exploded views of a saddle, according to an

exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 4A-4C show perspective views of a saddle, according to an

exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 5A-5B show a mounting bracket of a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 6A-6B show a flange for coupling an external clamp plate to a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 7A-7B show views of a cross beam of a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 8A-8D show views of an external clamp plate of a saddle,

according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 9A-9C show views of an internal clamp plate, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 10A-10B show views of an internal clamp plate having a nut, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 11A-11 B show views of attachment points on a pontoon,

according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 12A-12B show an internal clamp plate being coupled to an inner sidewall of a pontoon, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13D show views of an internal clamp plate having vertical studs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

[0025] The subject disclosure presents devices and methods to float a

structure over a body of water by using a saddle coupled to a pontoon, whereby the saddle and fastening mechanisms remain above a water line. This ensures that corrodible components are maintained above water while the pontoon is floating the structure. A pontoon is provided having attachment points positioned along one or more sidewalls of the pontoon at a height greater than a water line when the pontoon is under a load. A saddle including a plurality of external clamp plates resides on an outside surface of a sidewall of the pontoon. The external clamp plates align with the attachment points on the pontoon sidewall. One or more internal clamp plates are placed along an inside surface of the pontoon sidewall and in alignment with the attachment points. The external clamp plates are fastened to the internal clamp plates, thereby clamping the sidewall of the pontoon between them. The attachment points are positioned at a height greater than a water line while the pontoon is floating a structure. In this manner, the corrodible components (including the external and internal mounting plates and the fastening mechanism) are also maintained above the water line.

Consequently, their contact with the water is minimized, reducing corrosion.

[0026] "Pontoon", as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a flotation device used to assist in maintaining and supporting structures above water. Pontoons consist of one or more sidewalls defining the external

surface of the pontoon, and possibly a filler material, such as foam. The sidewalls may be constructed of any material suitable for floating structures such as plastic, HDPE, etc., and may be filled with any fluid or solid with a density that is substantially less than that of water, such as polyurethane foam. A pontoon may support boats/rafts, barriers, drilling equipment, measuring instruments, domiciles, laboratories, and any combinations thereof. Further, a pontoon may be made submersible by varying the density of the filler material. Such a pontoon may also be referred to as a ballast tank.

[0027] Any welded components, such as the saddle components, internal clamp plates, etc. may conform to AWS D1 .1 structural welding codes. All welds may be 0.25"continuous welds. Clamp plates and other components may be ASTM A36 or equivalent, with fastening mechanisms such as bolts being ASTM A325 galvanized. With regards to dimensions, provided tolerances for 2 decimal places are +/- 0.06", and for three decimal places are +/-0.010". Tolerances for angles are +/- one degree. Foam filling may be type 1 , closed cell, polystyrene, preformed foam logs, or equivalents thereof. Any plastic parts may be full surface fusion welded.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a pontoon assembly 100, according to an exemplary

embodiment of the subject disclosure. Pontoon assembly 100 includes a pontoon 101 coupled to a saddle 1 1 1 . Pontoon 101 comprises a cylindrical sidewall, and endcaps 107. The saddle 1 1 1 is coupled to flanges 1 13, and each flange 1 13 is coupled to an external clamp plate 1 15. Saddle 1 1 1 further includes a saddle mount 1 17, used to couple to a structure to be floated. External clamp plates 1 15 are adapted to fit snugly against the sidewall of the pontoon. To couple saddle 1 1 1 to pontoon 101 , boltholes in external clamp plates 1 15 are aligned with attachment points 109 on the sidewall of pontoon 101 . Attachment points 109 may include boltholes or other fastening mechanisms. For instance, external clamp plates 1 15 may be bolted to internal clamp plates (not shown) residing along an inner surface of the pontoon sidewall, also aligned with attachment points 109. Attachment points 109 are placed such that they remain above a water line when the pontoon is under a load.

[0029] FIGS. 2A-2C show perspective views of a pontoon assembly,

according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a top view of a saddle 21 1 fastened to a pontoon 201 . Pontoon 201 includes a sidewall 203 having attachment points 209 located thereon, and end plates 207. Saddle 21 1 includes a saddle mount 217, and first and second flanges 213 that are coupled to first and second external clamp plates 215. Boltholes in external clamp plates 215 are aligned with attachment points 209 on sidewall 203, and are used to fasten external clamp plates 215 to internal clamp plates 221 placed against an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0030] FIG. 2B shows a side view of saddle 21 1 fastened to pontoon 201 .

External clamp plates 215, coupled to saddle 21 1 via flanges 213, are fastened to internal clamp plates (not shown) via attachment points 209 on sidewall 203.

[0031] FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view (along cutaway line B) of saddle

21 1 fastened to pontoon 201 . This figure shows pontoon 201 having a sidewall with an outer surface 203 and an inner surface 205. A plurality of internal clamp plates 221 is situated along inner surface 205 and aligned with attachment points 209. Further, external clamp plates 215 coupled to saddle 21 1 via flange 213 are fastened to internal clamp plates 221 using fastening mechanisms 225 in a way that clamps the sidewall of pontoon 201 between external clamp plates 215 and internal clamp plates 221 . The exemplary fastening mechanism includes inserting a bolt 225 into bolt holes in each external clamp plate 215 along attachment points 209, and securing the bolt 225 to internal clamp plates 221 using nuts on the inner sidewall 205 of pontoon 201 to receive bolt 225. As can be seen, the attachment points are positioned such that the corrodible components (mounting plates and saddle) are maintained above a water line 250 while pontoon 201 is floating a structure that is coupled to saddle mount 217.

FIGS. 3A-3B show exploded views of a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3A, saddle 31 1 includes a saddle mount 317 for coupling the saddle to a structure to be floated. Saddle mount 317 is coupled, for instance welded, to saddle 31 1 . Further, the saddle 31 1 is coupled at each end of its longitudinal axis to first and second flanges 313. Flanges 313 are further coupled to first and second external clamp plates 315. Each external clamp plate 315 has bolt holes that are adapted to be aligned with and bolted to one or more internal clamp plates 321 via fastening mechanisms such as bolts 325. Internal clamp plates 321 may be coupled to an inner sidewall of a pontoon, such as pontoon 101 , using fasteners 327. Alternatively, internal clamp plates 321 may be permanently affixed to the inner sidewall aligned at attachment points that receive bold 325 through the boltholes in external clamp plates 315.

Components of saddle 31 1 such as flange 313 and external clamp plates 315 may be welded or otherwise connected together from several different pieces.

In the present exemplary embodiment, four internal clamp plates are shown, as well as fasteners to fasten the clamp plates, the fasteners including bolts, washers, and nuts, however, any number of clamp plates, and any type of fastener, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3B shows saddle 31 1 being coupled to a pontoon 301 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. The bolt holes on each external clamp plate 315 are aligned with corresponding attachment points 309 on the sidewall 303 of pontoon 301 . Internal clamp plates 321 and nuts / receivers for bolts 325 are aligned with attachment points 309 on an inside surface of wall 303, and the external and internal clamp plates are bolted together, clamping sidewall 303 in between them. As shown, pontoon 301 (and, correspondingly, flanges 315) has a cylindrical shape, however, other shapes and configurations may be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 4A-4C show views of a saddle 41 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 4A shows a top view of saddle 41 1 having a saddle mount 417, flange 413, and external clamp plate 415 having drilled thereon a bolt hole 419. The dimensions of an exemplary saddle are shown in this figure in inches. For instance, a length of saddle 41 1 , measured as the distance between flanges 413, may be 48 inches.

Saddle mount 417 may be 12.72 inches in length, and 10.72 inches in width. A thickness of flange 413 may be ¼ inch, while a width of external clamp plate 415 may be 8 inches. Other dimensions are possible, as well as alternative fastening mechanisms including bolt holes, nuts, or studs for receiving nuts or other fasteners in any combination at the attachment points.

[0035] FIG. 4B shows a side view of saddle 41 1 . It can be observed that the flange 413 attaches perpendicularly to external clamp plate 415, the external clamp plate 415 having bolt holes 419 to be aligned with attachment points of a pontoon sidewall.

[0036] FIG. 4C shows a front view of saddle 41 1 . A structure to be supported is coupled to a top surface of saddle mount 417. It can be observed that the external clamp plate 415 is curved along flange 413 to conform to the sidewall of a cylindrical pontoon, however, other shapes and configurations are possible. Further, bolt holes or attachment points 414 are used to coupled the flange to the saddle 41 1 . Alternatively, these may be weld points.

[0037] FIGS. 5A-5B show a saddle mount 517, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. The figure shows the dimensions of an exemplary saddle mount 517, as well as positioning and dimensions of bolt holes for attaching structures to be floated by the pontoon. For instance, the exemplary saddle mount 517 has a length of 12.75 inches, a width of 10.75 inches, and a thickness of 0.63 inches. The bolt holes have a diameter of 0.81 inches.

[0038] FIGS. 6A-6B show a flange 514 for coupling an external clamp plate to a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 6A shows dimensions of an exemplary flange and bolt holes, while FIG. 6B shows a side view and a thickness dimension for the flange. For instance, a bottom surface of flange 514 is shaped like an arc with a radius of 15.38 inches, enabling coupling to a similarly curved external clamp plate and, therefore, a pontoon having a similar radius of curvature. Other dimensions provided, while specific to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, may vary with other embodiments and configurations, depending on the application.

[0039] FIGS. 7A-7B show views of a cross beam 712 of a saddle such as saddle 41 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. Dimensions are shown for an exemplary cross beam 712 having a rectangular cross-section. FIG. 7A shows the cross beam from a side view. FIG. 7B shows the cross beam from a front view. The cross beam is used to couple on either end to flanges and, at a center, to a saddle mount.

[0040] FIGS. 8A-8D show views of an external clamp plate 815 of a saddle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 8A shows a front view of external clamp plate 815. The external clamp plate comprises a sheet of metal that is curved with a radius of curvature to conform to an external surface of a cylindrical pontoon sidewall. The exemplary embodiment shown extends from -52.5 degrees to +52.5 degrees from a normal or vertical line. In other words, external clamp plate 815 aligns with the top 105 degrees of a pontoon sidewall having a similar radius of curvature. External clamp plate 815 includes bolt holes 819 which are situated at -45 degrees and +45 degrees from the normal line. This arrangement ensures that the saddle and any other corrodible components remain above a water line. In exemplary embodiments, the water line is typically between 50-60% of a height of the pontoon under a load of a structure. Therefore, the exemplary bolt holes correspond to attachment points that ensure the external clamp plate 815 and any fastening mechanisms stay above said water line when the pontoon is under a load.

[0041] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view (from the bottom) of an external clamp plate. FIG. 8C shows a side view of the external clamp plate, including dimensions and distances for the bolt holes. For instance, bolt holes 819 may be situated 1 .5 inches away from an edge of external clamp plate 815. FIG. 8D shows a flattened external clamp plate 815, i.e. a shape of the external clamp plate before it is curved to the radius of curvature of the pontoon to be fitted as shown in FIG. 8A. As provided herein and throughout this disclosure, the shape of the external clamp plate may be modified, for instance by forming a flat sheet of metal, to conform to an outer sidewall of a pontoon, with bolt holes being provided to align with attachment points that ensure that the external clamp plate and any fastening mechanisms remain above a water line while the pontoon is floating a structure.

[0042] FIGS. 9A-9C show views of an internal clamp plate 921 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 9A shows a side view of internal clamp plate 921 , highlighting the curvature of the internal clamp plate, and showing a thickness dimension. For instance, internal clamp plate 921 is curved with a radius of curvature of 14.13 inches, and has a thickness of 0.38 inches. Further, bolt hole 929 is aligned with attachment points on an inner surface of a pontoon sidewall.

[0043] FIG. 9B shows a front view of the internal clamp plate having flat top and bottom edges, and curved left and right edges. The internal clamp plate has two large bolt holes 929 close to the center of the plate for receiving a fastening mechanism via attachment points on a pontoon, enabling internal clamp plate 921 to be fastened to a saddle. Further, smaller bolt holes 926 enable internal clamp plate 921 to be coupled to receiving bolt holes,

threaded holes, nuts, etc. coupled to an inner surface of the pontoon sidewall. For instance, internal clamp plate 921 may be attached to the pontoon sidewall via bolt holes 926, with bolt holes 929 being aligned with attachment points for being fastened to an external clamp plate residing against an outer sidewall of the pontoon.

[0044] FIG. 9C shows exemplary dimensions for the internal clamp plate and bolt holes 926 and 929. These dimensions are for manufacturing an internal clamp plate 921 before curving internal clamp plate 921 . Once manufactured according to the dimensioning in FIG. 9C, internal clamp plate 921 may be curved to match the inner sidewall of a pontoon. Although bolt holes are shown that accommodate bolts, other fastening mechanisms are possible.

[0045] FIGS. 10A-10B show views of an internal clamp plate 1021 having a nut 1023, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 10A shows a side view of a nut 1023 coupled to a concave or inner side of internal clamp plate 1021 . Nut 1023 is adapted to receive a bolt to fasten internal clamp plate 1021 to the external clamp plate of a saddle, thereby clamping a pontoon sidewall between them. Nut 1023 is welded or otherwise permanently coupled to internal clamp plate 1021 . Nut 1023 must be coupled to the concave side so as not to be in between internal clamp plate 1021 and the pontoon sidewall when assembled. In other words, the nut is positioned opposite to the side of internal clamp plate 1021 , with internal clamp plate 1021 being positioned adjacent an internal surface of the pontoon sidewall. FIG. 10B shows a front view of the internal clamp plate with a coupled nut, as well as a dimension for the nut. Bolt holes 1026 enable internal clamp plate 1021 to be coupled the inner surface of a pontoon sidewall, with nuts 1029 being adapted to receive a bolt to fasten internal clamp plate 1021 to an external clamp plate of a saddle.

[0046] FIGS. 11A-11 B show views of attachment points on a pontoon 1 101 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 11 A shows the attachment points located -45 and +45 degrees from the normal along the upper sidewall of pontoon 1 101 . The pontoon centerline is halfway up the pontoon. When supporting structures in water, the water level may rise as high as three-fifths of a height of pontoon 1 101 . This position of the attachment points ensures that any steel components such as the nuts, bolts, and clamp plates included in a saddle remain above the water line. Internal clamp plates 1 121 are shown affixed or coupled to an inner sidewall 1 105 of pontoon 1 101 . These internal clamp plates 1 121 may be coupled to the inner sidewall 1 105 using any of the methods described above, such as using bolt holes 1026. Internal clamp plates may also include receiving bolt holes or nuts to enable fastening to an external clamp plate of a saddle, the external clamp plates having bolt holes aligning with the attachment points as described above. FIG. 11 B shows a side view of pontoon 1 101 with internal clamp plates 1 121 aligned with attachment points 1 109. Each internal clamp plate 1 121 has two bolt holes enabling coupling with an external clamp plate of a saddle, and may include nuts coupled to each bolt hole. Further, dimensions of an exemplary pontoon are shown with a length of 10 feet 9 inches.

[0047] FIGS. 12A-12B show means for fastening an internal clamp plate 1221 to a pontoon 1201 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 12A shows bolts 1227 being used to affix or couple internal clamp plate 1221 to pontoon sidewall 1201 . These bolts 1221 are used to simply hold internal clamp plate 1221 in position until the saddle can be fastened to internal clamp plate 1221 via, for instance, a nut 1223 coupled to internal clamp plate 1221 . Nut 1223 may be welded to internal clamp plate 1221 prior to bolting internal clamp plate to the sidewall. FIG. 12B shows dimensions of an exemplary internal clamp plate 1201 having nuts 1223 welded thereon, and temporary bolt holes 1026 enabling attachment to the pontoon sidewall.

FIGS. 13A-13D show views of an internal clamp plate 1331 having vertical studs 1333, according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure. FIG. 13A shows a top view of internal clamp plate 1331 , including an inner plate curved to match the inner surface of the pontoon sidewall, and four studs 1333 that are adapted to align with attachment points on the pontoon sidewall. The studs travel through bolt holes positioned at the attachment points, and are attached to a saddle, for instance by being inserted through bolt holes within the external clamp plates of a saddle, or by any other means. This internal clamp plate is relatively larger that the previously disclosed internal clamp plates, and clamps more material. FIG. 13B shows the curvature of internal clamp plate 1331 , which matches the inner surface of a pontoon sidewall. FIG. 13C shows a side view of internal clamp plate 1331 . FIG. 13D shows a perspective view of internal clamp plate 1331 . Studs 1333 are parallel to each other, enabling insertion of the studs through bolt holes positioned at attachment points on the pontoon sidewall during assembly. In this manner, the corrodible components (including the internal mounting plates and the saddle with the external mounting plates) are also maintained above the water line. Consequently, their contact with the water is minimized, reducing corrosion. Further, plastic components may be welded on top of the pontoon, and external clamp plates of a saddle fastened to the welded plastic on the pontoon. The presented devices and methods may be applied not only to pontoons but also to submersible ballast tanks.

The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present subject disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the subject disclosure is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.

Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present subject disclosure, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present subject disclosure as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible.

Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present subject disclosure should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present subject disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A pontoon assembly for floating a structure above a water line, the pontoon assembly comprising:

a pontoon having a sidewall and a plurality of attachment points along the sidewall;

an internal clamp plate coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall and aligned with one of the attachment points;

a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, the saddle including bolt holes aligned with the plurality of attachment points; and a fastener to couple the saddle to the internal clamp plate at the one of the attachment points;

wherein the attachment points are situated such that the saddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating a structure.

2. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a bolt inserted through a bolt hole of the saddle, the one attachment point in the sidewall of the pontoon, and the internal clamp plate.

3. The pontoon assembly in claim 2, further comprising a nut to receive the bolt, the nut being coupled to the internal clamp plate on a side of the internal clamp plate opposite the inner surface of the sidewall.

4. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the saddle includes a plurality of external clamp plates, each external clamp plate including a means for coupling with the internal clamp plate via the attachment points.

5. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the pontoon is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

6. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the saddle and the plurality of internal clamp plates are made from steel.

7. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of attachment points is located at any point along the sidewall that is higher than three-fifths of a height of the pontoon.

8. The pontoon assembly in claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is cylindrical.

9. The pontoon assembly in claim 8, wherein the plurality of attachment points is located at any point along the sidewall that is less than sixty degrees away from the top of the sidewall.

10. A saddle for coupling a structure to a pontoon, the saddle comprising:

a cross beam coupled to an external clamp plate, the external clamp plate including a bolt hole that is placed adjacent an attachment point on an outer surface of a sidewall of a pontoon; and a fastener inserted into the bolt hole of the external clamp plate and mating with a receiving portion of an internal clamp plate situated on an inner surface of the sidewall of the pontoon and aligned with the attachment point such that the sidewall is clamped between the external clamp plate and the internal clamp plate;

wherein the internal clamp plate is situated such that the saddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating a structure, the structure being coupled to the saddle.

1 1 . The saddle in claim 10, wherein the fastener is a bolt going through the bolt hole, the sidewall of the pontoon, and the internal clamp plate.

12. The saddle of claim 1 1 , wherein the receiving portion of the internal clamp plate include a nut being coupled to an inside surface of the internal clamp plate.

13. The saddle in claim 1 1 , further comprising a saddle mount that is coupled to a structure to be floated by the pontoon.

14. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the internal clamp plate is aligned with a plurality of attachment points on the sidewall of the pontoon.

15. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the internal clamp plate is located at any point along the inner surface of the sidewall that is higher than three-fifths of a height of the pontoon.

16. The saddle in claim 10, wherein the sidewall is cylindrical.

17. The saddle in claim 16, wherein internal clamp plate is located at any point along the internal surface of the sidewall that is less than sixty degrees away from the top of the sidewall.

18. A method for floating a structure above a water line, the method comprising:

placing an internal clamp plate on an inner surface of a sidewall of a pontoon;

placing a saddle on an outer surface of the sidewall, the saddle being aligned with the internal clamp plate; and

fastening the saddle to the internal clamp plate using a fastener

inserted through the saddle and the sidewall and being received by the internal clamp plate such that the sidewall is clamped between the internal clamp plate and the saddle; wherein the internal clamp plate is positioned such that the saddle is entirely above a water line when the pontoon is floating the structure.

19. The method in claim 18, further comprising coupling the structure to be floated to the saddle via a saddle mount.

20. The method in claim 19, further comprising bolting an external clamp plate of the saddle to the internal clamp plate, the bolt being inserted through the sidewall at the attachment point.