System and method for connecting marine bodies
US8176868B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B35/38
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A coupling to engage and retain two adjacent buoyant marine bodies in a side to side abutting relationship, is described. The coupling has two coupling portions (9), one each on one of the two adjacent buoyant marine bodies. The coupling portion (“first coupling portion”) including a downwardly directed receiving recess that includes at least one bearing surface (7) that faces away from a plane of abutment of the two marine bodies and that increases in distance away from the plane of abutment from top to bottom. The coupling also having a locking bar to be retained by the other coupling portion (second coupling portion) in a manner to allow it to move vertically thereto and to project from the second coupling portion for engagement with the first coupling portion, the locking bar including a receiving surface (16) to abut with the bearing surface (7). The relative movement of the two marine bodies together causes the locking bar to drop down the receiving recess thereby holding the two marine bodies together, in more restrained juxtaposition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.