Patent US3822667A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3822667A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible connection for articulating vessels
Assignee: American Metal Bearing Co
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Filing: 1973-09-21
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Granted: 1974-07-09
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Expires: 1993-09-21
Abstract
Abstract A coupling apparatus interposed between two vessels to connect such vessels in an articulated manner. The vessels may be components of a barge train. The coupling apparatus permits the barges to be individually removed from such train. The apparatus includes one or more resilient posts removably interposed between the vessels. The resiliency of the posts permits the posts to flex and bend for accommodating simultaneous relative movement in roll, pitch, yaw, surge and heave between the vessels resulting from wave action.
Inventors
- 👤 J Marriner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:59
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/66; B63B35/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus interposed between two closely adjoining vessels, comprising: post means having a generally elongated body formed of an unconfined resilient material, said post means normally extending horizontally and longitudinally in a cantilever fashion relative to said vessels; horizontally and longitudinally extending socket means on the facing bow and stern portions of said vessels that receive the ends of said post means, the body of resilient material bridging the gap between said vessels; means operatively associated with said socket means securing said post means therewithin; with said resilient material being free to undergo bending, compression and tension in transferring compressive and tensive forces between said vessels; and a tension element operatively associated with said post means to limit the longitudinal distance said elongated body can be stretched when said post means is placed in tension.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus interposed between two closely adjoining vessels, comprising: post means having a generally elongated body formed of an unconfined resilient material, said post means normally extending horizontally and longitudinally in a cantilever fashion relative to said vessels; horizontally and longitudinally extending socket means on the facing bow and stern portions of said vessels that receive the ends of said post means, the body of resilient material bridging the gap between said vessels; means operatively associated with said socket means securing said post means therewithin; with said resilient material being free to undergo bending, compression and tension in transferring compressive and tensive forces between said vessels; and a tension element operatively associated with said post means to limit the longitudinal distance said elongated body can be stretched when said post means is placed in tension.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body has its opposite ends secured to front and rear cap elements and said tension element is secured to said cap elements and extends through said body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said apparatus further includes lock means operatively associated with said socket means and selectively engageable with said cap elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tension element extends through said body and has its opposite ends secured to front and rear cap elements and a snubber means are interposed between at least one of said cap elements and said body to absorb tension loads applied to said post means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Force-transfer coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said snubber means include annular elements forMed of resilient material coaxial with said tension element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |