System for connecting buoyant marine bodies
US7063036B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01D15/14
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for connecting a two buoyant marine body in a side to side manner, the system comprising first male and female coupling members fixed to the side of a first and second marine body and Second male and female coupling members which are fixed to the side of a first and second marine body. The first male and female coupling members have an opposing relationship and can be moved from an unengaged condition to a fully engaged condition by the movement of the first and second floating marine bodies towards each other in a first horizontal direction. The freedom of movement between the male coupling and the female coupling members, at least in the vertical direction, is decreased as they become vertically aligned. Second male and female coupling members will create a rigid coupling to prevent relative movement in at least the vertical direction, as the freedom of movement between the first male and female coupling members is or is proximate to being vertically aligned. The first male coupling member is of a resiliently flexible nature and can take any impact loading between the two bodies. A securing device is included to attach the buoyant marine bodies together in a horizontal d…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.