Weight distribution and stiffening system for modular floating platforms

Abstract

A weight distribution and stiffening system is provided for modular floating platforms by creating internal channels that allow for the incorporation of stiffening members within the modular floating platform assembly. Float modules with horizontal recessed areas that are aligned with adjacent float modules to create open channels within the body of a modular floating platform.

Claims

1. A float module for use in forming an internal channel system in a modular floating platform, comprising: a float body including a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second opposed side surfaces and third and fourth opposed side surfaces connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; a first recess positioned in the first side surface, wherein the first recess extends along the first side surface from the third side surface to the fourth side surface in a direction that is parallel to the bottom surface; and a second recess positioned in the second side surface.

2. The float module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tabs extending from the float body.

3. The float module of claim 2, wherein the first recess is positioned closer to the bottom surface than the plurality of tabs.

4. The float module of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tabs each include an aperture sized to receive a connector.

5. The float module of claim 1, wherein the top surface is planar.

6. The float module of claim 1, wherein the top surface is contoured.

7. A modular floating platform, comprising: a plurality of float modules, each float module including a tab and positioned in one of a plurality of rows and including a recess positioned on a side surface and extending in a first direction, each recess aligned with a first corresponding recess along the first direction and facing a second corresponding recess in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; a connector positioned through at least two tabs; and a stiffening member positioned within the recess, the first corresponding recess and the second corresponding recess, wherein the stiffening member is positioned below the connector.

8. The modular floating platform of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of float modules includes a top, planar surface.

9. The modular floating platform of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of float modules includes a top, contoured surface.

10. A method of forming a modular floating platform, comprising: aligning a first plurality of float modules in a first row, each module of the first plurality of float modules including a first tab and a first recess extending in a first direction, each first recess aligned with an adjacent first recess of at least one of the first plurality of float modules along the first direction; aligning a second plurality of float modules in a second row adjacent to the first row, each module of the second plurality of float modules including a second tab and a second recess extending in the first direction, each second recess aligned with an adjacent second recess of at least one of the second plurality of float modules along the first direction, wherein the first recesses and the second recesses together form a channel; a connector positioned through one first tab and one second tab; and positioning a stiffener member within the channel, wherein the stiffening member is positioned below the connector.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first plurality of float modules includes a top, planar surface.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first plurality of float modules includes a top, contoured surface.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: aligning a third plurality of float modules in a third row, each module of the third plurality of float modules including a third recess extending in the first direction; and positioning a second stiffening member in each third recess of the third plurality of float modules.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Some embodiments of the system are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a float module for use in a floating vessel platform with a horizontal recessed area in a vertical face of the float module.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second type of float module for use in a floating vessel platform with a horizontal recessed area in a vertical face of the float module.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one type of floating vessel platform that is used for storing watercraft.

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the floating platform depicted in FIG. 3

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of two adjoining float modules with recessed areas facing each other and creating a channel that extends through the float modules.

(7) FIG. 6a is a perspective view of one type of strengthening member.

(8) FIG. 6b is a perspective view of an alternate type of strengthening member.

(9) FIG. 7 is a side view of a strengthening member inserted into an internal channel of a floating platform.

(10) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a floating vessel platform with strengthening members embedded in the channels of the floating vessel platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the system. The present disclosure is considered as an exemplification of the system and is not intended to limit the system to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

(12) In accordance with the system described herein, support members inserted into open channels within modular floating platforms provides an efficient means of adding to rigidness, stability and buoyancy of modular floating platforms that exceed what can be achieved by providing external support and stiffening means. As illustrated is FIGS. 1 and 2, recessed areas 12 are incorporated into vertical faces of float modules 10 and 14, respectively. In one embodiment, such recessed areas are incorporated into two opposite sides of the float modules 10 and 14. Alternatively, recessed areas can be incorporated into all four vertical sides of the float modules, thereby creating channels that run both side to side and front to back in a modular floating platform.

(13) A plurality of float modules 10 and 14 are joined together to create a floating vessel platform such as the one illustrated in FIG. 3. When float modules 10 and 14 are joined together with other float modules, the recessed areas in the float modules of adjoining float modules are aligned, thereby creating an open channel 20 that runs through the entire floating platform from edge to edge as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(14) A support member that is rigid and with an outside perimeter that is sized to fit into the open channels of modular floating platforms is provided. One or more of the support members are inserted into channels of the modular floating platform. The support member can be of any outer shape. One such member 22 is illustrated in FIG. 6a. An alternate member 24 is illustrated in FIG. 6b. FIG. 7 illustrates support member 22 inserted into an open channel 20 within a floating vessel platform.

(15) In one embodiment, the recessed areas in the float modules are located such that when the support member 22 is inserted into the open channel 20, the member is positioned immediately below a connecting member 24 that secures the float modules together so that the bottom of the connecting member 24 rests on top of the support member 22. By so doing, the support member 22 helps to achieve greater rigidity to the floating platform.

(16) FIG. 8 illustrates a floating vessel platform 16 with support members 22 inserted into channels. Support members can be placed in one or as many channels as necessary to achieve the stiffness and rigidity desired for any particular application. When a heavy load is placed on the floating platform, the support members prevent the floating platform assembly from deflecting upward in areas away from the area bearing the weight and thereby helps to maintain the flatness of the floating platform and distributes weight of the load positioned thereon.

(17) A modular floating platform comprised of float modules with recessed areas on the vertical faces of the float modules and positioned so that the recessed areas are aligned on adjoining float modules creates internal channels within the modular floating platform into which support members can be inserted. The support members, being rigid, create a skeletal-like structure within the modular floating platform that will increase the stiffness of the platform and keep the floating platform flat under heavy loads, and at the same time will distribute the weight of the load over a larger area of the floating platform. Having an internal stiffening system provides a simpler and more efficient means of achieving rigidity, distributing weight and increasing buoyancy for modular floating platforms as compared to external means.

(18) Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.