Patent US3970024A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3970024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Modular floating load-supporting assemblage
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-09-04
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Granted: 1976-07-20
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Expires: 1995-09-04
Abstract
Abstract Modules composed of polymer foam blocks with impervious shells are individually provided with a continuous channel about the periphery of each module. Joined, a plurality of such modules form a load-supporting floating structure, the integrity of which is maintained by floatable bars which are fitted closely into the facing channels formed in adjacent modules to provide interconnections between the modules and a tension band which encircles the structure in outer aligned channels formed by the modules, channel bars of relatively rigid material being first fitted into such encircling aligned channels, which bars in turn receive the tension band. Optionally, a plurality of perimeter pieces may be provided at the circumference of the structure, each perimeter piece including a tongue fitting in adjacent aligned channels of the modules, an encircling channel being defined by the perimeter pieces which receives the tension band.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Fisher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:02
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/34; B63B35/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A floatable load-supporting structure adapted for ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises: a. a plurality of floatable box-shaped modules disposed in juxtaposition; b. each said module being provided with a groove about its periphery whereby said grooves in adjacent modules are in contraposition; c. bars received in said contrapositioned grooves of adjacent modules whereby such adjacent modules are joined by said bars; d. said joined modules forming a closed polygonal figure having a plurality of sides as seen from above with those grooves of said grooves which face outboard relative said figure providing a continuous channel around the perimeter of said figure; and e. a continuous tension band provided in said channel around said perimeter, said band being in a state of tension whereby said modules are pressed together into an essentially rigid platform structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A floatable load-supporting structure adapted for ease of assembly and disassembly which comprises: a. a plurality of floatable box-shaped modules disposed in juxtaposition; b. each said module being provided with a groove about its periphery whereby said grooves in adjacent modules are in contraposition; c. bars received in said contrapositioned grooves of adjacent modules whereby such adjacent modules are joined by said bars; d. said joined modules forming a closed polygonal figure having a plurality of sides as seen from above with those grooves of said grooves which face outboard relative said figure providing a continuous channel around the perimeter of said figure; and e. a continuous tension band provided in said channel around said perimeter, said band being in a state of tension whereby said modules are pressed together into an essentially rigid platform structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein said grooves and bars are substantially rectangular in cross-section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A structure in accordance with claim 2, wherein said channel receives channel bars, said band being received in a further continuous channel formed by said channel bars about the periphery of the polygon comprised of said modules.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A structure in accordance with claim 3, wherein said polygon figure comprises a rectangle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said modules has an identical configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A structure in accordance with claim 5, wherein each of said modules has a length of about 4 feet, a width of about 2 feet and a height of about 1 foot.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said modules is composed principally of a foam-type material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A structure in accordance with claim 7, wherein each of said modules is provided with a shell composed essentially of a substantially water impervious material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein said channel receives protective edge pieces, said edge pieces providing a further outboard continuous channel about the periphery of said polygon formed by said module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
A structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein said modules each have a shape whereby when bisected through its center by a flat plane parallel to any one of its sides each half of the module on either side of said plane is a mirror image of the other half.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3124858A
Cited
US3152568A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-20 | 1980-01-19 | 1980-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-20 | 1984-01-19 | 1984-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-20 | 1988-01-19 | 1988-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |