WO2017077130A1

WO2017077130A1 - Modular boat structure and modules for forming said structure

Info

Publication number: WO2017077130A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/076887
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Mathieu BOURGEON
Original assignee: Ecole Nationale Superieure De Creation Industrielle
Priority date: 2015-11-05
Filing date: 2016-11-07
Publication date: 2017-05-11
Also published as: FR3043385A1; FR3043384A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular boat structure, comprising: - a first module (200) comprising a first bearing surface (209) and two recesses located on either side of the first bearing surface (209), - a second module (100) comprising a second bearing surface (109) and a projection able to be fitted into one of the recesses of the first module (200), by means of which the second bearing surface comes into contact with the first bearing surface (209), and - a locking device (400) comprising a hook (430) having a first end (431) connected to the second module (100) and a second end (432) that is curved and is able to engage in the other of the recesses of the first module (200) so as to keep the second bearing surface in contact with the first bearing surface (209).

Description

MODULAR BOAT STRUCTURE AND MODULES FOR

FORM STRUCTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a modular boat structure, as well as modules for forming the modular structure.

STATE OF THE ART

We know different types of boats for different purposes: navigation in fresh water or sea, sailing (for leisure) or motor (for fishing or walking), monohull or multihull, etc.

Each type of boat is generally adapted to a particular use and it is not possible to modify the structure of these boats to adapt them to different uses.

Document US 3,438,073 describes a boat structure comprising a removable front bridge which prevents the boat from being flooded by the bow when the sea is rough, the front deck being removable to obtain a cockpit extending the entire length of the boat. when the boat is at anchor or when the sea is calm. For this purpose, the front deck comprises removable panels that can be arranged to bear on the edges of the cockpit, the panels being held by hook fasteners.

Such a structure allows only limited modifications (addition or removal of the front deck panels), but does not allow to really adapt or customize the boat for different uses.

In particular, such a structure does not allow to change the structural parts of the boat (that is to say the parts of the boat that support the main efforts and which form the framework on which are fixed the accessories and equipment), because the Fasteners are not intended to withstand significant effort.

FIRE I LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (RULE 26) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a modular boat structure allowing each user to create his own boat or modify it, depending on the intended use.

This object is achieved in the context of the present invention by means of a modular boat structure, comprising:

a first module comprising a first bearing surface and two recesses located on either side of the first bearing surface; a second module comprising a second bearing surface and a protuberance adapted to be fitted into the first bearing surface; one of the recesses of the first module, whereby the second bearing surface is in contact with the first bearing surface, and

a locking device comprising a hook having a first end connected to the second module and a second curved end adapted to engage in the other of the recesses of the first module, so as to keep the second bearing surface in abutment against the first support surface.

The first bearing surface is thus held in abutment against the second bearing surface of a first side thanks to the engagement of the protuberance in one of the recesses and a second side thanks to the engagement of the hook in the other recess.

In this way, the hook is opposed to any relative movement of the modules that tends to disembowel the second module of the first module.

While being easily removable, the proposed structure thus allows a particularly robust maintenance modules between them.

The modular structure proposed may furthermore have the following characteristics:

the protuberance is adapted to be fitted into the recess by a conical interlock,

the first module comprises a longitudinal rail having an upper surface forming the first bearing surface, and two lateral grooves forming the recesses,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) the longitudinal rail has a cross section of symmetrical shape, the lateral grooves extending symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal rail,

the first module comprises a plurality of stiffening ribs extending transversely inside the lateral grooves,

the structure comprises a plurality of transverse grooves formed in one of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface and a plurality of transverse beads formed on the other of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface, the transverse beads engaging in the transverse grooves when the second bearing surface is in contact with the first bearing surface,

the first module and / or the second module is (are) formed of plastic material by rotational molding,

the first module is a float.

the locking device comprises a support piece fastened to the second module and a lever rotatably mounted on the support piece around a first axis of rotation, the hook being rotatably mounted on the lever around a second axis; rotation, different from the first axis of rotation, so as to form a toggle locking device,

the locking device comprises a support piece fixed on the second module, the hook being slidably mounted relative to the support piece between an unlocked position in which the second end of the hook is disengaged from the recess of the first module and a locked position; in which the second end of the hook is engaged in the recess,

- The hook has a bore and the support member has a bore located opposite the bore of the hook, the bores being adapted to receive a fixing screw for fixing the hook on the support part in the locked position,

the locking device comprises a support piece fastened to the second module, a lever rotatably mounted on the support piece around a first axis of rotation, and a mechanical linkage assembly;

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) connecting the hook to the lever so that rotation of the lever relative to the support member causes, via the mechanical linkage assembly, movement of the hook between an unlocked position in which the second end of the hook is disengaged from the recess of the first module and a locked position in which the second end of the hook is engaged in the recess,

the mechanical linkage assembly connecting the hook to the lever comprises a guide piece fixedly mounted on the second module, and a connecting rod having a first end connected to the hook, and a second end rotatably mounted on the lever around a second axis; different rotation of the first axis of rotation,

the mechanical linkage assembly comprises a rod connecting the hook to the connecting rod, the rod comprising a first end rotatably mounted on the hook and a second end rotatably mounted on the connecting rod,

- The guide piece has a guide groove and the rod is rotatably mounted relative to the rod via a third axis of rotation, the third axis of rotation being slidably mounted in the guide groove, the hook being driven in displacement between the locked position and the unlocked position via the rod during the sliding of the third axis of rotation in the guide groove,

the rod is connected to the hook via a fourth axis of rotation,

- the second module is a canoe,

the second module is a transverse link arm intended to connect two floats forming the hulls of a catamaran,

the first module has a recess adapted to receive the link arm.

The invention further relates to a first module for a boat structure, intended to cooperate with a second complementary module to form the boat structure, the first module comprising:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a first clean bearing surface to come into contact with a second bearing surface of the second module, and

two recesses located on either side of the first bearing surface, one of the recesses being adapted to receive a protuberance of the second module and the other of the recesses being adapted to receive a curved end of a connected hook; the second module, so as to maintain the second bearing surface bearing against the first bearing surface.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising:

a second module for a boat structure, the second module being intended to cooperate with a first complementary module to form the boat structure, the second module comprising a second support surface capable of coming into contact with a first surface of support of the first module, and a neat protrusion to be fitted into one of the recesses of the first module, whereby the second bearing surface is in contact with the first bearing surface, and

PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and should be read with reference to the appended figures, among which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a first example of a boat formed from a modular structure according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically represents a second example of a boat formed from the modular structure,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) FIG. 3 schematically represents a third example of a boat formed from the modular structure

FIG. 4 schematically represents an example of a first module forming part of the modular structure,

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically represent an example of a second module forming part of the modular structure,

FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically represent a locking device making it possible to assemble the module of FIG. 4 with the module of FIGS. 5 and 6, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically represent, in section, the locking device in the unlocked position and in the locked position,

FIG. 10 schematically represents another example of a second module forming part of the modular structure,

FIGS. 11A and 11B schematically represent a locking device making it possible to assemble the module of FIG. 4 with the module of FIG. 10, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention, the device being shown in the unlocked position and in the locked position respectively,

FIGS. 12A and 12B schematically represent a locking device making it possible to assemble the module of FIG. 4 with the module of FIG. 10, in accordance with a third possible embodiment of the invention, the device being represented in FIG. unlocked position and locked position respectively,

FIGS. 12C and 12D show diagrammatically, in front view and back view, the locking device of FIGS. 12A and 12B in the unlocked position,

- Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show schematically, in section, the locking device of Figures 12A and 12B, in the unlocked position, in the intermediate position and in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Figures 1 to 3 illustrate schematically three examples of boats formed from a modular structure according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

The three examples of boats illustrated in these figures are obtained from three different possible configurations of the modular structure.

In these three configurations, the boat is formed from a single module or several modules assembled together.

In the first configuration illustrated in Figure 1, the boat is formed from a single module 100. In this example, the module 100 is a boat.

In addition, in this first configuration, the boat 100 can be used with a small rig dedicated to learning the sail (in the manner of an optimist), or with oars, or with a small power engine for short trips (for example, to connect with a boat at anchor, to practice local fishing or a nearby walk).

In the second configuration illustrated in Figure 2, the boat is formed from three modules assembled together. The three modules include two floats 200 and a boat 100.

More specifically, the boat comprises two longitudinal floats 200 and a boat 100. The boat 100 is identical to the boat of FIG.

Each float 200 extends along a respective longitudinal side of the boat 100, port and starboard. The two floats 200 are identical to each other, so that they can be placed indifferently to the port or starboard relative to the boat 100. Each float 200 is fixed to the boat 100 by locking devices 400.

The structure may further comprise a complementary front module 500, acting as storage and access gateway.

In this second configuration, the boat obtained can be used as a dinghy with a dedicated rig for intermediate navigation, or as a boat for fishing or for the walk.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) In use, the two floats 200 are in contact with the water while the boat 100 is suspended above the surface of the water resting on the two floats. However, during navigation, or in case of heavy loading of the boat 100, the boat can come into contact with the water.

In the third configuration illustrated in Figure 3, the boat is formed from four modules assembled together. The four modules comprise two floats 200 and two transverse link arms 300.

More specifically, the boat comprises two longitudinal floats 200 and two transverse link arms 300 connecting the floats 200 between them. The floats 200 are identical to the floats of FIG.

In this configuration, the boat obtained can be used as a sport catamaran with a dedicated rig for sporting navigation. The rig includes, for example, a mast, a mainsail, a jib, a forestay, two stays and a trampoline, as well as the fittings needed to maneuver the boat.

In use, the two floats 200 are in contact with the water while the transverse link arms 300 extend above the surface of the water resting on the two floats.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the proposed modular structure thus comprises three types of modules, namely: a boat 100, a float 200 and a link arm 300, making it possible to adapt the boat to different uses (dinghy / fishing boat, catamaran, optimist / tender). Optionally, the modular structure may further comprise a complementary front module 500.

However, it should be noted that the modular structure could include other types of modules, to adapt the boat obtained for other uses.

Figure 4 schematically shows a first module 200 forming part of the modular structure. The first module 200 is a float for use in the second configuration (Figure 2) and in the third configuration (Figure 3).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The float 200 has a generally elongate shape in a longitudinal direction.

The float 200 comprises a hollow body 201 formed of plastic, such as polyethylene medium density for example. The body 201 has walls defining an interior cavity filled with air. The body 201 is preferably formed in a single piece of material, for example by rotational molding.

The body 201 of the float is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane, so that it can be used indifferently to port or starboard.

The body 201 of the float has a front portion 202 (or "bow") and a rear portion 203 (or "stern").

The body 201 of the float also has a lower portion 204 intended to be partially immersed in the water and an upper portion 205 on which can be fixed another module of the modular structure (for example a boat or one or more connecting arms) .

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper part 205 of the body 201 comprises a longitudinal rail 206 and two lateral grooves 207, 208 extending symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal rail 206.

The longitudinal rail 206 has a generally flat upper surface 209 forming a first bearing surface. The first bearing surface 209 extends in a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the body 201 of the float.

The upper portion 205 of the body 201 further comprises a series of transverse grooves 21 1 formed at regular intervals in the first bearing surface 209.

The upper portion 205 of the body 201 also includes a series of stiffening ribs 212 extending transversely within the lateral grooves 207 and 208.

The transverse grooves 21 1 and the ribs 212 serve to stiffen the upper portion 205 of the body 201 of the float on which are fixed the other modules of the structure.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Furthermore, the upper portion 205 of the body 201 also comprises two recesses 213, each recess 213 being provided to receive a respective link arm.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the lower portion 204 of the body 201 of the float has a thinned portion 214 forming an anti-drift fin.

The body 201 of the float also has longitudinal struts 215 and 216 arranged on the side walls at the stem 202 and the stern 203 respectively. The longitudinal steps 215 and 216 can generate additional lift forces related to speed and which help to sustenter the float 200, especially during charging or navigation in the chop.

The body 201 of the float further has recesses 217 located at the bow end of the recesses 222 located in the middle of the float. The recesses 217 and 222 are intended to house the mounting plates of the rigging. More specifically, the recesses 217 are intended to house the fastening plates of the strut. The recesses 222 are intended to house the fixing plates of the stays.

The body 201 also has openings 218 and 219 forming handling handles. The body 201 comprises a first opening 218 located at the front of the float and a second opening 219 located at the rear of the float.

Finally, the upper portion 205 of the body 201 has orifices 221 whose inner surface is threaded, to allow to fix a complementary front module 500.

Figures 5 and 6 show schematically a second module 100. The second module 100 is a boat for use in the first configuration (Figure 1) and the second configuration (Figure 2).

The boat 100 is formed of plastic, such as medium density polyethylene for example. It is preferably formed in one piece, for example by rotational molding.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The boat 100 comprises a hull 101 having walls 103 defining a cockpit 102 in which users can take place.

The hull 101 also has two longitudinal flanges 104 and 105 projecting from the walls 103, port and starboard, on either side of the cockpit 102.

Each flange 104, 105 has a lower surface 109 forming a second bearing surface.

The boat 100 comprises transverse beads 1 1 1 projecting from the second bearing surface 109. The transverse beads 1 1 1 are clean engage in the transverse grooves 21 1 of a float, 200 during the assembly of the boat 100 with the float 200.

The hull 101 further comprises a series of protuberances 107 projecting from the side walls of the boat, below each rim 104, 105.

Furthermore, each flange 104, 105 has recesses in which are fixed locking devices 400 for attaching the boat 100 on two floats 200.

The boat 100 comprises a drifting well 123 capable of receiving a drift, a mast well 124 capable of receiving a mast and a transom 125 on which a motor or a rudder can be fixed.

Figures 7, 8, 9A and 9B schematically show a locking device 400 for assembling a float 200 with the boat 100, according to a first possible embodiment of the invention.

The locking device 400 comprises a support piece 410, a lever 420 and a hook 430.

The support piece 410 is fixed on the boat 100.

More specifically, the support piece 410 comprises a fixing plate 41 1 and a rib 412 extending perpendicularly to the fixing plate 41 1. The fixing plate 41 1 is fixed inside a recess 122 formed in the rim 104 of the boat 100, for example

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) by means of screws. The rib 412 has a free edge 413 forming a depression 414.

The lever 420 is rotatably mounted on the support member 410 about a first axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction of the boat. For this purpose, the device 400 comprises a first axis 440 extending through the rib 412 transversely thereto. The lever 420 has a first end 421 and a second end 422. The lever 420 is rotatably mounted on the support piece 410 at its first end 421 via the first axis 440. The second end 422 of the lever 420 is provided to be seized by a user to operate the lever.

Furthermore, the hook 430 is rotatably mounted on the lever 420 about a second axis of rotation, different from the first axis of rotation. For this purpose, the device 400 comprises a second axis 450 extending through the lever 420 transversely thereto. The hook 430 has a first end 431 and a second end 432. The hook 430 is rotatably mounted on the lever 420 at its first end 431 via the second axis 450. The second end 432 of the hook 430 has a shape curved.

The support piece 410, the hook 430 and the pins 440 and 450 may be formed of metal, for example stainless steel. The lever 420 may be formed of plastics material.

The assembly of the float 200 with the boat 100 is carried out as follows.

The float 200 is disposed along a side wall of the boat 100.

The protuberances 107 of the boat 100 are nested in the lateral groove 208 of the float 200. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the protuberances 107 and the lateral groove 208 are formed so as to provide a conical engagement of the protuberances in the groove.

By "conical fitting" is meant that the width of the groove gradually decreases in the direction of insertion of the protuberance in the groove (arrow A). Similarly, the protuberance has a thickness which decreases gradually in this direction.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) In other words, the groove 208 has side walls that are inclined relative to the direction of engagement.

Such interlocking makes it possible to guide the protuberance 107 when it fits into the groove 208, and thus facilitates the correct positioning and blocking of the float 200 with respect to the boat 100. Furthermore, the interlocking obtained is without play, which ensures good rigidity of the assembly.

Once the protuberances 107 of the canoe nested in the lateral groove 208, the second bearing surface 109 is in contact with the first bearing surface 209. In other words, the boat 100 is placed on the float 200.

In addition, the transverse beads 1 1 1 of the boat 100 are engaged in the transverse grooves 21 1 of the float 200, thus preventing any relative movement of the boat 100 relative to the float 200 in the longitudinal direction of the float.

Then, the lock device 400 can be actuated to lock the boat 100 in position on the float 200.

In Fig. 9A, the latch 400 is shown in the unlocked position.

In this position, the hook 430 is disengaged from the lateral groove 207 of the float 200, and the second end 422 of the lever 420 is moved away from the fixing plate 410.

To lock the device 400, the user begins by engaging the second curved end 432 of the hook 430 in the lateral groove 207 and then exerts pressure on the lever 420, so as to rotate the lever 420 about the axis 440 towards the fixing plate 410 (arrow B).

In FIG. 9B, the locking device 400 is shown in the locked position.

In this position, the hook 430 is engaged with the lateral groove 207 of the float 200, and the second end 422 of the lever 420 is brought closer to the fixing plate 410.

FIRE I LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (RULE 26) The rotation of the lever 420 from the unlocked position to the locked position has the effect of pulling the hook 430 so as to further engage the hook 430 inside the groove 207 (arrow C).

In addition, the rotation of the lever 420 also has the effect of positioning the first axis 450 in the depression 414 formed in the rib 412. The engagement of the first axis 450 in the depression 414 has the effect of preventing rotation of the lever 420 which would tend to unlock the device 400 (arrow D).

The lever 420 abuts against a boss 126 formed in the recess 122. The fact that the lever 420 comes into abutment against the boss 126 makes it possible to provide a space 127 between the end 422 of the lever 420 and the bottom of the recess 122 enabling a user to introduce the fingers of the hand to be able to lift the lever to unlock the device.

The locking device 400 thus forms a toggle locking device for blocking the boat 100 on the float 200.

Once the locking device 400 in the locked position, the first bearing surface 209 is held in abutment against the second bearing surface 109, a first side through the interlocking of the protrusion 107 in the recess 208 and a second side through the engagement of the hook 430 in the recess 207.

The hook 430 is thus opposed to any relative movement of the modules 100 and 200 which tends to disintegrate the second module 100 of the first module 200.

In addition, once the locking device 400 in the locked position, the forces exerted between the float 200 and the boat 100 no longer pass through the lever 420, but only the hook 430, the second axis 440 and the workpiece. fixing 410.

The device 400 can be easily unlocked by a user, by lifting the lever by pivoting it away from the attachment plate (arrow D).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The same operations are performed to assemble the boat 100 with a second float 200.

Figure 10 schematically shows another example of a second module 300 forming part of the modular structure. In this example, the second module 300 is a transverse link arm for connecting two floats 200 forming the hulls of a catamaran. Link arm 300 is for use in the third configuration (Figure 3).

The link arm 300 comprises an elongate profile 301 having a first end 302 and a second end 303.

The linking arm 300 further comprises a first locking piece 307 fixed to the profile 301 near the first end 302 and a second locking piece 308 fixed to the profile 301 near the second end 303.

The profile 301 has a generally tubular shape. The profile 301 may be formed of metal, preferably aluminum. In addition, the profile 301 has a flat bottom surface 309 forming a second bearing surface.

Each locking piece 307, 308 comprises a fixing plate 31 1 adapted to be fixed on the profile 301, for example by means of screws, and locking plate 312 projecting from the fixing plate 31 1. Each locking plate 312 has a curved shape.

The locking plate 312 of the first locking piece 307 is bent towards the first end 302 of the profile 301. The locking plate 312 of the second locking piece 308 is bent towards the second end 303 of the profile 301. Each blocking plate 312 thus forms a protuberance intended to be nested in one of the recesses 207, 208 of the float 200.

Furthermore, a first locking device 400 is fixed on the connecting arm 300 at the first end 302 of the profile 301, and a second locking device 400, identical to the first locking device, is fixed on the link arm 300 at the second end 303 of the profile 301.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, each locking device 400 comprises a support piece 410 disposed inside the profile 301 and a hook 430 slidably mounted with respect to the support piece 410.

The locking device 400 shown in Figures 1 1A and

1 1 B allows to assemble a float 200 with a link arm 300, according to a second possible embodiment of the invention.

The support piece 410 of the locking device 400 comprises a slide 415.

The hook 430 has a first end 431 and a second end 432. The hook 430 is slidably mounted on the support piece 410 at its first end 431. The second end 432 of the hook 430 has a curved shape.

More specifically, the hook 430 has a straight portion 433, forming a rod, and a curved end portion 434. The rod 433 is able to slide inside the slide 415 in a longitudinal direction of the link arm 300, between an unlocked position (shown in Fig. 11A) and a locked position (shown in Fig. 11B).

Furthermore, the support piece 410 comprises a bore 416 and the hook 430 comprises a bore 436 formed opposite the bore 416 of the support piece 410. Thus, when the device 400 is in the locked position, the bore 436 the hook 430 is disposed in the extension of the bore 416 of the support piece 410 and a fixing screw can be screwed into the bores 416, 436 to fix the hook 430 on the support piece 410 in position and prevent its unlocking .

The assembly of the float 200 with the connecting arm 300 is carried out as follows.

One of the ends 302 of the connecting arm 300 is disposed in a recess 213 of the float 200, the protuberance 312 of the connecting arm 300 being nested in the lateral groove 208 of the float 200.

In this position, the connecting arm 300 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the float 200. In addition, the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) second bearing surface 309 of the connecting arm 300 is in contact with the first bearing surface 209 of the float 200.

Then, the locking device 400 can be actuated to lock the link arm 300 in position on the float 200.

In Fig. 11A, the locking device 400 is in the unlocked position.

In this position, the hook 430 is disengaged from the lateral groove 207. The curved end portion 434 of the hook 430 extends away from the groove 207.

To lock the device 400, the user slides the rod 433 of the hook 430 in the slide 415 of the support piece 410 towards the inside of the arm (arrow E), so that the bent portion 434 of the hook 430 comes engage in the lateral groove 207.

In FIG. 11B, the locking device 400 is in the locked position.

In this position, the hook 430 is engaged with the lateral groove 207 of the float 200.

Then, the user screws the hook 430 on the support piece 410 with a tool, so as to maintain the device 400 in the locked position.

The device 400 can be easily unlocked by a user, by unscrewing the screw and sliding the rod 433 of the hook 430 in the slide 415 of the support piece 410 away from the connecting arm 300 (arrow F). However, unlocking requires the use of a tool to unscrew the screw.

Such a locking device 400 is more robust than a tool-less locking device such as that illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

The same operations are performed to fix the end 303 of the link arm to a second float 200, as well as to attach a second link arm 300 to both floats.

FIRE I LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (RULE 26) The locking device 400 shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D makes it possible to assemble a float 200 with a connecting arm 300, according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.

The locking device 400 comprises a support piece 410, a lever 420, a hook 430, a guide piece 460, a rod 470 and two connecting rods 480.

The support piece 410 is fixed on the connecting arm 300. More specifically, the support piece 410 is disposed inside the profile 301 and is fixed to the profile, for example by means of screws. The support piece 410 comprises a fixing plate 41 1 and two wings 417 extending perpendicularly to the fixing plate 41 1.

The lever 420 is rotatably mounted on the support piece 410 about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the link arm 300. For this purpose, the device 400 comprises a first axis 440 extending through the two wings, transversely to these. The lever 420 has a first end 421 and a second end 422. The lever 420 is rotatably mounted on the support piece 410 at its first end 421 via the first axis 440. The second end 422 of the lever 420 is provided to be seized by a user to operate the lever.

Each connecting rod 480 has a first end 481 and a second end 482. The rods 480 are rotatably mounted relative to the lever 420 about a second axis of rotation, perpendicular to the connecting arm 300. The second axis of rotation is different from the first one. rotation axis. The second axis of rotation is located between the first axis 440 and the second end 422 of the lever 420. For this purpose, the device thus comprises a second axis 450 extending through the two connecting rods 480 and the lever 420.

The first end 481 of each rod 480 is connected to the second end 472 of the rod 470. Each rod 480 is rotatably mounted relative to the rod 470 via a third axis of rotation. For this purpose, the device comprises a third axis 490 extending through the two connecting rods 480 and to which is connected the rod 470.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The hook 430 has a first end 431 and a second end 432. The second end 432 of the hook 430 has a curved shape.

The rod 470 has a first end 471 and a second end 472. The first end 471 of the rod 470 is connected to the hook 430 via a fourth axis 4100. The second end 472 of the rod is connected to the rods 480 by via the third axis 490.

In this way, the rod 470 is rotatably mounted on the hook at its first end 471. The rod 470 is also rotatably mounted on the rods 480 at its second end 472.

The guide piece 460 is fitted inside the profile 301. For this purpose, the guide piece 460 has an outer shape allowing it to slide inside the section 301. The guide piece 460 furthermore has a shoulder 461 capable of abutting against the end edge of the profile 301 in order to block the guide piece 460 with respect to the linking arm 300 during the actuation of the locking device 400.

The guide piece 460 has two guide grooves 462 extending in a longitudinal direction of the profile 301, once the guide piece 460 fitted inside the section 301.

Furthermore, the third axis 490 is slidably mounted inside the two guide grooves 462.

In this position, the connecting arm 300 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the float 200. In addition, the second bearing surface of the link arm 300 is in contact with the first bearing surface 209 of the float 200 .

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Then, the locking device 400 can be actuated to lock the link arm 300 in position on the float 200.

In Fig. 13A, the locking device 400 is in the unlocked position.

To lock the device 400, the user begins by engaging the second curved end 432 of the hook 430 in the lateral groove 207 and then exerts a pressure on the lever 420, so as to pivot the lever 420 relative to the support piece 410 around the axis 440 towards the hook 430 (arrow G).

The rotation of the lever 420 has the effect of lowering the second axis 450 connecting the lever 420 to the rods 480.

As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the lowering of the second axis

450 has the effect of sliding the third axis 490 inside the guiding grooves 462. The guiding grooves 462 guide the third axis 490 in translation along the section 301. More precisely, the third axis 490 is displaced in translation in a first direction (arrow H) towards the inside of the arm 300.

In its displacement, the third axis 490 carries with it the hook 430 to which it is connected via the rod 470.

In this way, the bent portion 434 of the hook 430 engages in the lateral groove 207.

When moving from the unlocked position (FIG. 13A) to the locked position (FIG. 13C), the second axis 450 passes from one side to the other of the segment connecting the axes 490 and 4100.

In this way, the locking device 400 forms a toggle locking device, for locking the arm 300 on the float 200.

In FIG. 13C, the locking device 400 is in the locked position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) In this position, the hook 430 is engaged with the lateral groove 207 of the float 200.

In addition, the lever 420 closes the end 302 of the profile 301. This feature protects the user from the cutting edges of the profile 301.

The device 400 can be easily unlocked by a user, by lifting the lever 420 by pivoting it away from the hook 430 (arrow I).

The rotation of the lever 420 has the effect of lifting the second axis 450 connecting the lever 420 to the rods 480.

The lifting of the second axis 450 has the effect of sliding the third axis 490 inside the guide grooves 462. The third axis 490 is displaced in translation in a second direction (arrow J), opposite the first direction, towards the end 302 of the arm 300.

In this way, the bent portion 434 of the hook 430 is disengaged from the lateral groove 207.

Locking and unlocking does not require the use of a tool.

The locking devices 400 ensure a particularly reliable assembly of the floats 200 and the transverse link arms 300.

In addition, the embedment of the ends 302 and 303 of the connecting arms 300 in the recesses 213 of the floats 200 allows improved torsional strength of the structure, and a lowering of the link arms 300 relative to the surface of the 'water.

FIRE I LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (RULE 26)

Claims

1. Modular boat structure, comprising:

a first module (200) comprising a first bearing surface (209) and two recesses (207, 208) located on either side of the first bearing surface (209),

a second module (100, 300) comprising a second bearing surface (109, 309) and a protrusion (107, 312) capable of being fitted into one of the recesses (208) of the first module (200), by means of the second bearing surface (109, 309) is in contact with the first bearing surface (209), and

- a locking device (400) comprising a hook (430) having a first end (431) connected to the second module (100, 300) and a second end (432) bent clean to engage in the other recesses (207) of the first module (200), so as to maintain the second bearing surface (109, 309) bearing against the first bearing surface (209).

2. Structure according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (107) is adapted to be fitted into the recess (208) by a conical interlocking.

3. Structure according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first module (200) comprises a longitudinal rail (206) having an upper surface (209) forming the first bearing surface, and two lateral grooves (207, 208) forming the recesses.

4. Structure according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal rail (206) has a cross section of symmetrical shape, the lateral grooves (207, 208) extending symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal rail (206).

5. Structure according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the first module (200) comprises a plurality of stiffening ribs (212) extending transversely inside the lateral grooves (207, 208).

6. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of transverse grooves (21 1) formed in one of the first bearing surface (209) and the second bearing surface (109) and a plurality of transverse beads (1 1 1) formed on the other of the first bearing surface (209) and the second bearing surface (109), the transverse beads (1 1 1) engaging in the transverse grooves (21 1) when the second bearing surface (109) is in contact with the first bearing surface (209).

7. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first module (200) and / or the second module (100) is (are) formed (s) of plastic by rotational molding.

8. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first module (200) is a float.

9. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking device (400) comprises a support member (410) fixed on the second module (100) and a lever (420) rotatably mounted on the workpiece support (410) about a first axis of rotation (440), the hook (430) being rotatably mounted on the lever (420) about a second axis of rotation (450), different from the first axis of rotation (440) to form a toggle locking device.

10. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking device (400) comprises a support piece (410) fixed on the second module (300), the hook (430) being slidably mounted relative to the support piece (410) between an unlocked position in which the second end (432) of the hook (430) is disengaged from the recess (207) of the first module (200) and a locked position in which the second end (432) of the hook (430) is engaged in the recess (207).

11. Structure according to claim 10, wherein the hook (430) has a bore (436) and the support piece (410) has a bore (416) located opposite the bore (436) of the hook (430). , the bores (416, 436) being adapted to receive a fixing screw for fixing the hook (430) on the support piece (410) in the locked position.

12. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking device (400) comprises a support member (410) attached to the second module (300), a lever (420) rotatably mounted on the workpiece support (410) about a first axis of rotation (440), and a mechanical linkage assembly (450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 4100) connecting the hook (430) to the lever (420) so that rotation of the lever (420) relative to the support member (410) causes, via the mechanical linkage assembly, movement of the hook (420) relative to the support member (410) between an unlocked position in which the second end (432) of the hook (430) is disengaged from the recess (207) of the first module (200) and a locked position in which the second end (432) of the hook (430) is engaged in the recess (207) .

The structure of claim 12, wherein the mechanical link assembly (450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 4100) connecting the hook (430) to the lever

(420) comprises a guide piece (460) fixedly mounted on the second module (300), and a connecting rod (480) having a first end (481) connected to the hook (430), and a second end (482) rotatably mounted on the lever (420) about a second axis of rotation (550) different from the first axis of rotation (440).

The structure of claim 13, wherein the mechanical linkage assembly (450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 4100) comprises a rod (470) connecting the hook (430) to the rod (480), the rod (470) having a first end (471) rotatably mounted on the hook (430) and a second end rotatably mounted on the rod (480).

15. Structure according to claim 14, wherein the guide piece (460) has a guide groove (462) and the rod (480) is rotatably mounted relative to the rod (470) via a third axis of rotation (490), the third axis of rotation (490) being slidably mounted in the guide groove (460), the hook (430) being driven in displacement between the locked position and the unlocked position via the rod (470) during the sliding of the third axis of rotation (490) in the guide groove (462).

16. Structure according to one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the rod (470) is connected to the hook through a fourth axis of rotation

(4100).

17. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second module (100) is a boat.

18. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second module (300) is a transverse link arm for connecting two floats (200) forming the hulls of a catamaran.

19. The structure of claim 18, wherein the first module (200) has a recess (213) adapted to receive the link arm (300).

20. Modular structure according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of modules (100, 200, 300) including a boat (100), two floats (200) and two link arms (300), the modules being adapted to be assembled between them: in a configuration in which the boat (100) is assembled with the two floats (200), each float (200) being fixed to the boat (100) by the locking device (400), said float (200) forming the first module and the boat (100) forming the second module, and

in another configuration in which the link arms (300) are assembled with the two floats (200), each link arm (300) connecting the floats (200) to each other by means of the locking device (400), said float (200) forming the first module and each link arm (300) forming the second module.