Abstract: Floating structures are made to carry load up to their design loading capacities without the risk of being capsized or damaged, wherein the improvement comprises the method and apparatus for diverting all or part of the initial load to other area(s) of the structure by means of a hydraulic and/or spring action between two or more floating or resilient means that were installed under the structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably connecting floating barge sections or other construction components includes a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly disposed in an open-ended sleeve in a first component with the piston connected to the construction component and the cylinder movable between a retracted position within the sleeve and an extended position such that a portion of the cylinder extends into and is releasably locked in place within a socket in a second construction component.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A buoyant walkway module for a boatlift is formed from a plurality of pneumatically discrete elongated compartments. Each of the compartments has a substantially flat upper horizontal exterior surface and complementary exterior end surfaces. With the end of one such module in abutment with the complementary end of another such module, the upper horizontal surfaces lie in the same plane so as to provide a suitable walkway for the boatman. Preferably, the end surfaces are perpendicular to the horizontal surface so as to provide maximum stability in the walkway.With the modules positioned in end-to-end relationship, they are coupled together by a flat plate disposed across the upper exterior surface of their junction and by a pair of straps extending longitudinally across the lower exterior surface at their junction.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dock for personal or commercial watercraft is assembled from a combination of hollow, air-tight floatation units. The dock includes a beam formed from a plurality of floatation units coupled together positioned underneath and attached to the dock to provide transverse support and lift for the floatation units and thereby reduce bowing or flexion when substantial forces are exerted, such as by large size watercraft, on the dock surface. Additionally, at least one of the floatation units that form the beam includes an aperture so that the buoyancy of that unit can be adjusted.

Abstract: A floating dock comprising a pair of flotation tanks arranged in parallel side-by-side relation, a plurality of transverse, equispaced double-saddle brackets having a pair of spaced-apart saddles each adapted to receive a flotation tank straddling said tanks along the length of the tanks, and connector means adapted to partially encircle each tank and to seat in a recess between corrugations extending from each saddle for connecting the tanks to the saddle brackets. The flotation tank comprises a cylindrical smooth inner wall and a corrugated outer wall coextensive and concentric with said inner wall defining a plurality of equispaced peripheral annular flotation cells extending along the inner cylindrical wall, and a closure plate at each end of the cylindrical walls connected to the inner and outer walls in a water-tight relationship defining a central flotation cell.

Abstract: A structural deck (1) has watertight flotation (2, 16, 18, 20) and structural resistors (8) to movement in water and wave-resistance. Wave-resistance also is resistant to movement in water. Railing sections (11) which are convertible to ladders, steps (13) and ramps (22) are provided in addition to fixed railing (10) and drop-down or removable railing as desired. Furnishing and fixtures for swimming, diving, fishing, eating, entertainment and weather protection (25, 26, 27) can be attached as desired. Powered propulsion (4, 5, 21, 23, 24) is provided for slow and convenient movement for repositioning in bodies of water. Construction can be sectional (17, 18, 20) for convenient assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A modular float for forming a floating structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of sides connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the sides has a plurality of engagement structures extending therefrom. The engagement structures are spaced apart from each other by a plurality of receivers. The engagement structures and the side define the receiver. Each of the sides have a channel extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The channel is sized to receive a joining device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to metal planking used to construct planar surfaces, such as patio, porch and balcony decks, and interior floors and roofs of structures. The metal planking comprises an elongated strut and a slidable cap that covers the strut after the strut is fastened to support members in the structure. The strut includes a first flange and first web spaced apart from a second flange and second web, and a cord extending between the first web and the second web. The cord provides a surface for fastening the strut to the support members of the structure, and the cord includes at least one corrugation extending in an upward direction to a location adjacent the plane of the first and second strut flanges. The slidable cap includes a first hem extending along one edge of the cap, and a second hem extending along the opposite edge of the cap.

Abstract: A floating dock made from a plurality of float elements and the float elements. Each float element is hollow and open to the water on the bottom. On the top of each float element are slots for attaching beams from which to construct the dock. These slots may be at different levels to allow the beams to cross in different planes. The float elements also have flanges at their bottom edges which provide an additional means of connection between elements.

Abstract: A barge linking system which includes a pair of flexible connector assembs stored on board a rear pontoon of a pair pontoons to be connected at sea. Each flexible connector assembly has a forward housing and a rear housing which are connected by a shear pin and rotate about the shear pin. Attached to the front end of the forward housing is flexible rubber sleeve which encases a substantial portion of a chain sling. The front end of the chain sling, which extends from the rubber sleeve, has a master link which allows the chain sling to be connected to a cable from a winch on board the forward pontoon. The rear housing of the flexible connector assembly has a chain shackle which allows the rear housing to be connected to a cable from a winch on board the rear pontoon. The forward housing has a pair of slots which align with a pair of slots in the forward pontoon, while the rear housing has a pair of slots which align with a pair of slots in the rear pontoon.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete floating dock comprised of a plurality of main walkway floats and finger floats comprised of a lightweight but relatively strong concrete shell, a stout inner metal flame and a buoyant foam core. A grid of continuous steel reinforcing is embedded throughout the concrete shell. Utilities are enclosed in conduits within the shell or can be placed in an accessible alternative utility trench. Floats are connected using a hook and eye or swivel type of connection. Docks are positioned using metal cages extending out from opposite sides of floats supporting winch stands with cables attached to anchors along the harbor floor. A stout inner metal frame fitted against the inner side walls of the concrete shell is directly connected to metal elements used for connecting floats, mooring boats and positioning docks, such that all substantial external forces imparted to the dock are endured by the inner metal frame leaving the concrete shell crack and maintenance free.

Abstract: A modular pump barge and walkway system having a modular subsystem of pump barges and a modular subsystem of walkways releasably attached thereto. Each of the pump barges has a top deck and four side walls, wherein each of two oppositely disposed side walls has a recess disposed therein with a bottom shelf and a pair of holes. Each of the barges has a link pin assembly for interconnecting with an adjacent barge, comprising a support plate and a pair of vertically disposed pins, the support plate arranged so as to be removably attachable to the top deck so as to cover the recess, the pins being disposed so as to be mated with and removably inserted into the pair of holes disposed within the bottom shelf of the recess when the support plate is attached to the top deck.

Abstract: A float includes a hollow main body having four upper corners each having a first recess defined in therein, a cavity defined below the first recess, and a lug extending outwardly therefrom at a position below the cavity. The hollow main body further includes a second recess defined in an upper side thereof. An anti-slip cover is removably mounted to the second recess.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A pontoon connector system and process are provided which allows pontoons to be connected at sea, even under rough sea conditions, so that the pontoons can be connected, for example, to form a barge. Initially, the pontoons are coupled by cables which are connected to winches disposed on one of the pontoons. The cables are then wound upon the winches to draw the pontoons together until latch members can be connected between the pontoons. Once the latch members connect the pontoons together, conventional connectors can then be inserted between connector sites of the pontoons.

Abstract: Semi-submersible platform comprised particularly of semi-immersed columns and totally immersed elongate elements or pontoons (4) having a substantially horizontal axis, at least some of them having porous walls, the porosity being obtained by a large number of small holes in said walls. The porosity degree, in other words the ratio between the total surface of the holes and the total surface of the walls is preferably at the most equal to 30%.

Abstract: A pier unit includes a float having substantially a box shape with an opening at the top and including a flange extending outward along a top peripheral edge thereof; a rectangular frame attached to the float; a deck provided on the frame; and a connecting member secured to at least one of four corners of the frame for connecting the pier unit to another pier unit.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extrusion for use in a floor assembly that is secured to a rigid underlying support. The extrusion has an exposed surface and a base section underlying the exposed surface. The extrusion is made of a first extruded material, preferably a hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and more preferably a co-extrusion of a recycled polyvinyl chloride substrate covered by a weatherable polyvinyl chloride capstock. The base section has at least a portion thereof including a second extruded material which is interposed between the plastic extrusion and the rigid underlying support when the plastic extrusion is secured to the rigid underlying support. The second extruded material resists undesired squeaking sounds from occurring when weight bearing loads move on the floor assembly. A floor assembly adapted to be secured to an underlying rigid support and a complete floor assembly and rigid underlying support are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A modular offshore movable drilling platform support includes a double-layer dodecahedrous float having an outer dodecahedrous structure and an inner dodecahedrous structure defining a sealed volume therebetween. The outer dodecahedrous structure is anchored to the ocean floor by tout mooring polyester fiber ropes or aramid guide ropes, and the inner dodecahedrous structure is tied to the ocean floor directly through the use of a riser system. The sealed volume between the inner and outer dodecahedrous structures provides a buoyancy force upon installation of the dodecahedrous float in its position offshore. Both the outer and the inner dodecahedrous structures have 12 pentagonal surfaces formed by the use of rigid Y substructural space components, which contribute to simplified erection process with substantial saving in erection time. The need for expensive underwater welding is minimized in this construction.

Abstract: An aquatic device comprising a buoyant member which has a first surface and a second surface and a central plane therebetween. The buoyant member also has a peripheral edge therearound. Two pair of clips are included with each pair including a male member and a female member. The male and female member of each pair are spaced with respect to each other. Attachment elements are included to couple the clips to the peripheral edge of the buoyant member with one pair at a first location and the other pair at an opposite location.

Abstract: A float or floats for use with a marine dock structure in which a body in the form of a hollow rectangular block formed of resinous plastic material is provided with a bottom slot in which a board or other mechanism is inserted to space the float bottom wall from the supporting surface when the floats or dock structures in which the floats are a part of are dragged or otherwise moved across the ground to facilitate repair or storage and in which fasteners are provided for attaching the floats to such dock structure.

Abstract: A floating airport that consists of a multiple-deck structure floatingly supported by a plurality of independent hulls removably attached to the underside of the structure. A system of propulsion jets is provided on all sides to permit the motion of the structure in any desired direction relative to the water. The anchoring of the structure is achieved by dynamically monitoring the horizontal position of its center of gravity and by utilizing the propulsion system to avoid any significant movement with respect to a predetermined location. The structure is allowed to rotate approximately around its vertical axis in order to align the runways with the prevailing winds and minimize the winds' impact on its stability, and any translational motion of the center of gravity of the airfield with respect to the water surface is minimized.

Abstract: A dock float having a sealed elongated buoyant hollow housing with at least one longitudinal channel for securing a joist to which decking is supported. A floatable marine dock is constructed by interconnecting two similar floats by securing header boards in laterally extending recesses in the ends of each float. The width of the floatable dock is determined by the length of the header boards and decking. The length of the floatable docks may be varied by juxtapositioning in an end to end manner any required number of floats.

Abstract: A large floating platform assembly is assembled from a plurality of identical, relatively small modules each comprising a tubular member which is open at one end and has a flat head at the opposite end. The modules are secured together in a side-by-side arrangement at their headed ends to form a continuous flat platform of the desired area with the tubular members projecting downwardly from the platform into the water to receive water into their lower ends and form trapped pockets of compressed air beneath the entire area of the platform on which the platform is supported. The trapped air chambers may be interconnected to increase stabilization of the platform.

Abstract: A modular environmental mooring system generally of star shaped configuration accommodates a plurality of boats at circumferentially spaced, radially extending positions with respect to a central dock member. The central dock member is of generally annular configuration which includes a plurality of segments, each having a planar outwardly facing endwall and a pair of planar sidewalls lying in spaced apart angularly disposed planes. The segments are arranged with their sidewalls in a contiguous relationship. The boats float alongside a plurality of elongated finger dock members which extend radially outwardly from associated endwalls of the segments. Each segment and each finger dock member includes a plastic foam core member having planar structural sheet members which coterminously underlie and overlie the plastic foam core and are bonded to the plastic foam core.

Abstract: In order to provide a water-float coupling device which, even when floats on the water are moved relative to one another, for instance, by waves, prevents the floats from being unintentionally disconnected from one another, a water-float coupling device according to the present invention comprises: tightening member 15 for maintaining, when a locking part 11 is engaged with fastening member 9 to connect a plurality of floats 2 to one another, the locking part 11 engaged with the fastening member 9.

Abstract: A mono-air-cell body made of a flexible elastic material and having a hollow interior and no less than one connecting tube for connecting different mono-air-cell bodies together one after another, for making up a shock-absorbing cushion. Each mono-air-cell body can have any shape in its top plan view. Each connecting tube can be a male one having at least one round circumferential groove or a female one having at least one round circumferential ridge so that the male and the female connecting tubes can be joined together, thereby connecting two mono-air-cell bodies together. The shock-absorbing cushion can be composed to have a shape of a band, a plane, a sphere or any three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed in which modules that are of integral, unitary structure may be joined to form a floating dock. Each module is made up of a deck and side walls to form a hollow chamber within which is disposed a flotation unit of a large-scale honeycomb made by joining plastic containers to each other and to the deck and side walls. A substantially isotropic tension member or system of tension members is joined to the bottom of the walls and cells to complete a module in which applied forces are shared by all elements. Apparatus for aligning and joining modules to form dock structures are described as are apparatus to ballast the structure and determine freeboard.

Abstract: A concrete floatation module adapted for use as a floating dock or breakwater includes a molded concrete shell and a buoyant core positioned therein to also serve as a molding core. Integrally molded lengthwise extending tubular liners define passageways through the module for the passage of an interconnecting cable or rod therethrough to facilitate interconnecting a series of modules in end-to-end relation, or other configurations. Widthwise extending tubular liners may also be provided to facilitate the interconnecting of laterally extending branches of modules. The floatation modules may be readily formed on-site by integrally molding the buoyant foam core and tubular liners in the concrete shell. Upper and lower assemblies of tubular liners hold the buoyant core in proper position as the concrete is poured into the mold.

Abstract: An interconnecting water platform composed of a plurality of buoyant units. The buoyant units have digitated interleaved edges for joining the units, and links attached to the sides of the units bridging the edges for interconnecting the units.

Abstract: A floating structure suitable for use as a breakwater is composed of at least two displacing units have an elongated shape arranged in series. Each unit is a conventional box-like structure of reinforced concrete. The units are linked together by means of wires passing through channels provided at the top of the longitudinal sides of the units. Bodies of resilient material are fitted into recesses at the ends of the channels, and the wires also pass through these bodies. During erection of the structure the wires will be subjected to straining, and the length of the blocks and the resiliency of the material is selected so a margin will remain between meeting edges of two juxtaposed units.

Abstract: A float having a substantially prismatic and preferably parallelepipedic body, which has corner edge portions provided with corner-connecting elements having eyes and recesses for receiving and interlocking with connecting bolts for connecting a plurality of identical floats in an assembly. In order to increase the strength and stability of the joints between such floats in an assembly consisting of a plurality of layers of such floats, the body of the float is formed at its center with a vertical retaining opening. The opening is adapted to receive a connecting bolt and contains a recessed bearing surface that is engageable by such bolt, a plurality of identical ones of said floats are adapted to be arranged in a plurality of layers in an assembly.

Abstract: A floating platform is assembled from a number of square or rectangular modules. In the corner edges of the modules are slots adapted to receive link plates. Keys lock the plates to the modules by passing through bores in the modules and holes in the plates. The holes in the plates are shaped so that rotation of a key within a hole towards a locking position cams the plate further into its slot. Recesses are provided in walls of the modules to prevent water from spurting onto the surface of the platform when the modules are brought into abutment. Apparatus is provided around the edge of the platform for attaching posts and hinged ramps.

Abstract: A float includes a substantially prismatic hollow body, which is made of plastic and which is provided at its side walls, preferably adjacent to its side edges, with connectors for use in assembling a plurality of such floats. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs and to ensure a steady floating behavior, the hollow body is open at its bottom and is formed in its walls with at least one vent hole, which is spaced above the bottom level of the hollow body.

Abstract: A concrete floatation module adapted for use as a floating dock, breakwater, and the like. The module includes thickened portions of concrete extending lengthwise in a concrete shell preferably in the corner portions of the shell. The shell surrounds a buoyant foam core which may be used as a molding core for the floatation module. The thickened lengthwise extending portions of concrete include integrally molded tubular liners for creating passageways through the module for the passage therethrough of an interconnecting means, such as a steel cable. The tensioned steel cables maintain the modules in compression in an end-to-end relation thereby forming a single monolithic structure. Widthwise extending liners may also be provided to facilitate the interconnecting of laterally extending branches of modules. The floatation modules may be readily formed on-site by integrally molding the buoyant foam core and tubular liners in the concrete shell.

Abstract: A floating dock section is attachable to adjacent sections to provide floating dock structures of various configurations. The sections are formed by coating polymer foam with a polyurethane elastomer so as to seal the polymer foam. A decking is affixed to the coated foam with an adhesive which may be a polyurethane elastomer and extending downwardly from the decking are edge members that tightly grip the polymer foam. The entire structure is coated when assembled by applying a polyurethane elastomer of somewhat denser material and the decking itself may be suitably roughened to avoid slippage.

Abstract: A concrete dock section has a polyfoam billet coating having sides and bottom coated with a fiberglass-cement mixture, and a top surface having a plurality of transverse channels. A concrete dock surface is poured over the channels which have a steel through rod centered in each. The top surface of the billet extends slightly over the billet sides and the concrete deck edges extend downward to engage the extended top surface. The deck section is made by coating the billet in an inverted position, placing the billet in a pouring collar the top surface of the billet, installing the through rods, and pouring concrete to the top of the pouring collar.

Abstract: A dock structure, adapted to mount to a frame, having clips which are attached to the frame and plank members which are assembled to the clips. Both the clips and the planks are integrally formed of plastic to provide high weatherability, durability and pleasing aesthetics. In assembly, clips are securely attached to the frame and a plank member is adapted to securely attach to the clips thus concealing any fasteners which secure the dock structure to the underlying structural frame.

Abstract: A buoyant module which is useful in the construction of modular docks, marinas and the like is fabricated by providing a buoyant member and appling a protective sheet over a portion of the member, and pumping a fiber-reinforced concrete layer over one face of the buoyant member. Structural rods extending through the layer are interconnected with peripheral whalers, which in turn permit the buoyant member - concrete layer combination to be joined together with similar modules in a unitary, low cost and facile construction.

Abstract: A column belt is between upper and lower reduced-diameter columns and is only in the vicinity of and across the water surface so that the heave resonant period is increased which is due to the effect of the shape of the column belt.

Abstract: A multi-element floating dock has shock-absorbing flexible tieing elements which are installed as a unit without any manual adjustment being required to create a pretension in the shock-absorbing components. Elastomeric pads positioned in aligned cavities formed in the edges of the dock sections receive the ends of the flexible tieing elements. Stops located on the ends of the tieing elements engage the pads so that adjacent dock sections cannot be separated from one another without compressing the pads and thereby creating a compressibly yieldable restraint against the separation of the dock sections and preventing their being separated from one another past a predetermined limit. An elastomeric spacer located between adjacent dock sections provides a compressibly yieldable restraint against moving the dock sections toward one another and prevents them from coming closer to one another than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A floating rescue or bathing island comprising several segment-shaped floating elements linked together to form an annular or circular disk as viewed from above. The floating elements are releasably connected to one another by their lateral surfaces. Each floating element comprises a plastic shell filled by expanded foam.

Abstract: A buoyant module which is useful in the construction of modular docks, marinas and the like is fabricated by providing a buoyant member and applying a protective sheet over a portion of the member, and pumping a fiber-reinforced concrete layer over one face of the buoyant member. Structural rods extending through the layer are interconnected with peripheral whalers, which in turn permit the buoyant member--concrete layer combination to be joined together with similar modules in a unitary, low cost and facile construction.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space between the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A hinge assembly means for connecting a float to a base includes a male member means connected to one of the base and the float having a cylindrical outwardly extending boss and a female member means connected to the other of the base and the float having a cylindrical, inwardly-extending recess. A resilient, rubber-like bearing sleeve means encircles and engages the outer circumference of the boss and is of a thickness to fit between the boss and the recess to rotatably attach the recess about the outer circumference of the sleeve.

Abstract: Polyethylene float drums are constructed as modules, in various configurations, and then assembled into various modular systems to float a variety of structures. All float drum modules utilize at least one flat, perpendicular side wall to insure accurate assembly of the float drum modules into a flanged load bearing modular float assembly having desired float characteristics.

Abstract: Vertically adjustable floating dock units for mooring boats are adapted to be vertically adjustable relative to the water line. The floating dock unit contains a detachable pontoon mounting assembly to which pontoons are secured and the assembly is removably secured to the dock understructure at variable vertical height adjustments.