Work vessel and trailer
OwnerAnthony P. Lumpkininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vessel includes an interlocking gunwale system permitting a plurality of like vessels to be disposed in interlocking combination with one another for providing an enlarged work platform. The vessels are configured to permit side-to-side, stern-to-side, bow-to-side, bow-to-bow, bow-to-stern and stern-to-stern engagement. The interlocking gunwales are held in secure interlocking engagement by a tether line and a cleat and post arrangement provided on each vessel. A trailer for stowing and transporting a plurality of the vessels is also disclosed.
Claims34
A vessel for surface operation wherein a plurality of like vessels may be secured to one another for forming an enlarged working platform, the vessel comprising:
- a. a floating platform having a generally rectangular outer perimeter;
- b. upstanding rim extending substantially about the perimeter for defining side walls having a common upwardly projecting edge;
- and
- c. a gunwale secured to and extending substantially about the rim, the gunwale having an interlocking support surface, a guide member, a locking member, and a locking channel adapted for engaging and interlocking with a like gunwale on a second vessel, whereby the vessels may be interlocked with one another along any of the sides thereof.
A vessel for surface rescue operations wherein a plurality of like vessels may be secured to one another for forming an enlarged working platform, the vessel having a generally rectangular outer perimeter and upstanding side walls about the perimeter, the side walls including a common upper rim extending substantially about the perimeter for defining an outer upwardly projecting edge, the vessel further including a gunwale secured to and extending substantially about the rim, the gunwale including an interlocking support surface adapted for engaging and interlocking with a like gunwale on another vessel, whereby the vessels may be interlocked with one another, the gunwale comprising:
- a. a support adapted for securing the gunwale to the vessel;
- b. a guide member projecting from the support, the guide member having an inner end attached to the support and an outer end spaced outwardly from the support for defining a locking channel therebetween;
- and
- c. a locking member secured to the outer end of the guide member and adapted to be received in the locking channel of like gunwale of another vessel along any side wall of the perimeter thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.