Multi-functional connector for modular floating platforms
OwnerBruce Nelsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular floating platform connector includes a connecting unit with a hollow center chamber that has one or more inside diameters. The chamber may have wall surfaces to secure components to modular floating platforms. The connector may further incorporate one or more external features such as a collar and retaining ribs that engage with the connecting tabs on modular floating platform float modules to securely hold the float modules together and to retain attachment members of accessories, fixtures, structures and other components to modular floating platforms.
Claims25
A multi-functional connector for a modular floating platform, comprising:
- a connector body;
- a centrally located internal chamber positioned within the connector body, said chamber defining a top opening and having one or more selected wall diameters for receiving and retaining attachment members extending through the top opening, said top opening defining a diameter greater than or equal to at least one of the one or more selected wall diameters;
- and
- at least one external feature positioned on the connector body to hold the connector to the modular floating platform.
A modular floating platform, comprising:
- a plurality of float modules, each float module including a tab projecting from a main body of the corresponding float module;
- and
- a connector extending through at least two tabs of adjacent float modules of the plurality of float modules, the connector defining a centrally located top opening and having an internal chamber for receiving an attachment member through the top opening, a diameter of the top opening being greater than or equal to a wall diameter of the internal chamber the connector further including at least one external feature to hold the connector to the adjacent float modules.
A method for securing mechanisms such as accessories, fixtures, structures and other apparatuses to modular floating dock structures comprising the steps of:
- assembling a plurality of float modules;
- connecting the plurality of float modules to each other by using connectors defining top openings and having centrally located hollow chambers for receiving and retaining attachment members through the top openings, the top openings having diameters being greater than or equal to corresponding wall diameters of the hollow chambers;
- and
- securing mechanisms with attachment members to the floating dock structure by inserting one or more attachment members into the hollow chambered connectors.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.