US4867093A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pontoon
Assignee: Sullivan Flotation Systems Inc
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Filing: 1987-11-19
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Granted: 1989-09-19
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Expires: 2007-11-19
Abstract
Abstract A pontoon for supporting a dock structure in the water includes a core member of buoyant material encased in a plastic closure member. Bottom and top walls of substantially the same dimensions are substantially parallel with each other and are interconnected by slightly rounded sidewalls. The thickness of the pontoon is substantially reduced with respect to its width. The core is advantageously made of extruded styrofoam and attached to the dock structure by through bolting.
Inventors
- 👤 John F. Sullivan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 04:50
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The pontoon according to claim 1, wherein said thickness of said floating member is about 10".
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The pontoon according to claim 1, wherein said closure member is made of polyethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The pontoon according to claim 1, further comprising means for fastening said floating member to said structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The pontoon according to claim 1, wherein the ratio between the thickness and the width of said floating member is about 1 to 5.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
110 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width; and wherein said core is made of extruded styrofoam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
110 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width; and wherein said core is made of extruded styrofoam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
120 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width; wherein said thickness of said floating member is about 10"; and wherein said core is made of extruded styrofoam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
120 words
A pontoon for supporting a structure in the water comprising: a floating member including a core of buoyant material pressed between two substantially identical parts made of plastic material of higher density, said parts defining a closure member; a first part of said two parts including a top wall and downwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls; a second part including a bottom wall and upwardly extending, outwardly rounded side walls, ends of said side walls of said first and second part being thermo-connected to encase said core therebetween; wherein the thickness of said floating member is substantially smaller than its width; wherein said thickness of said floating member is about 10"; and wherein said core is made of extruded styrofoam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The pontoon according to claim 7, further comprising means for fastening said floating member to said structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The pontoon according to claim 8, wherein said means for fastening includes through bolts extending through said closure and said core of said floating member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-03-20 | 1993-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-18 | 1997-03-20 | 1997-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-18 | 2001-03-20 | 2001-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |