US3683839A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spring-loaded coupling for seagoing vessels
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-08-21
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Granted: 1972-08-15
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Expires: 1990-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A coupling for connecting two seagoing vessels comprises a turnbuckle extending between the vessels with opposite ends engaged by respective nuts articulated to a pair of shackles swingable in mutually orthogonal planes. One shackle is pivotally attached to an axially spring-loaded drawbar on one vessel. The free end of the other shackle has a crossbolt which slides in a vertical track mounted on the confronting side of the second vessel after insertion through a vertical slot in the track and subsequent rotation through 90*. The vessels can be drawn together by rotating the turnbuckle in such a way as to shorten the coupling.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinrich Harbisch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:13
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B21/00; B63B21/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
A coupling for interconnecting two floating vessels, comprising: first terminal means on board one of said vessels secured to the body thereof with freedom of at least limited motion in a vertical plane; a contractable linkage engaging said first terminal means; second terminal means engaging said contractable linkage at a location remote from said first terminal means; and anchor means on board the other of said vessels rigidly secured to the body thereof, said anchor means forming an upright channel with a vertical slot confronting said one of said vessels for latching engagement by said second terminal means; said linkage including a turnbuckle with oppositely threaded extremities and with a pair of nuts respectively engaging said extremities, said first terminal means including a first link hinged to one of said Nuts for swinging about a first transverse axis, said second terminal means including a second link hinged to the other of said nuts for swinging about a second transverse axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
A coupling for interconnecting two floating vessels, comprising: first terminal means on board one of said vessels secured to the body thereof with freedom of at least limited motion in a vertical plane; a contractable linkage engaging said first terminal means; second terminal means engaging said contractable linkage at a location remote from said first terminal means; and anchor means on board the other of said vessels rigidly secured to the body thereof, said anchor means forming an upright channel with a vertical slot confronting said one of said vessels for latching engagement by said second terminal means; said linkage including a turnbuckle with oppositely threaded extremities and with a pair of nuts respectively engaging said extremities, said first terminal means including a first link hinged to one of said Nuts for swinging about a first transverse axis, said second terminal means including a second link hinged to the other of said nuts for swinging about a second transverse axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A coupling as defined in claim 1 wherein said first link comprises a pair of articulated members relatively swingable about an axis parallel to said first axis, said first terminal means further including a mounting rigid with the body of said one of said vessels slidably supporting the member more remote from said turnbuckle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A coupling as defined in claim 2 wherein said first terminal means further comprises spring means bearing upon said mounting and upon said more remote member for axially tensioning said links in a direction away from said other of said vessels.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A coupling as defined in claim 3, further comprising restraining means on said one of said vessels for preventing rotation of said first link from a position in which said first axis is substantially horizontal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A coupling as defined in claim 4 wherein the member of said first link proximal to said turnbuckle is a yoke straddling the associated nut, said restraining means including a support for said associated nut bracketed by the arms of said yoke.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
A coupling as defined in claim 2 wherein said second link is provided at an end remote from said turnbuckle with a transverse element skew to said second axis insertable through said slot into said channel and rotatable therein together with the associated nut for latching engagement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said mounting rises from the deck of said one of said vessels and said second link is provided with an arcuate bearing member centered on said turnbuckle for supporting said second terminal means on said deck in different rotary positions of said transverse element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
A coupling as defined in claim 6 wherein said anchor means comprises a generally C-shaped profile with a pair of front flanges approaching each other to define said slot, said profile rising above the deck and below the waterline of said other of said vessels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
A coupling as defined in claim 8 wherein said other of said vessels has a hull flush with said flanges, said mounting being set back on the deck of said other of said vessels by a distance sufficient to let said hull come to rest against the body of said one of said vessels upon a tightening of said turnbuckle with engagement of said profile by said transverse element.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-15 | 1976-02-14 | 1976-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-15 | 1980-02-14 | 1980-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-15 | 1984-02-14 | 1984-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |