A float structure comprising a top frame and pontoons

Abstract

The present invention relates to a float structure comprising a top frame (30) and interconnected pontoons (1) having plurality of elements (1). Each element comprises a pair of connection members (7) through which the elements of the pontoon are connected to the top frame (30). The element (1) comprises a front protrusion (9) and connection grooves (14), and a back recess (10) and connection grooves (15). The back recess (10) and the front protrusion (9) are formed so that they form a secure dovetail joint, and connection grooves (14; 15) form a common hole, into which a threaded rod (45) may be inserted and tightened thereto firmly fixing both joined elements (1). The top frame (30) comprises profiled connector bars (31) that are attached to the elements (1) and the profiled connector bars (31) are connected through Z-shaped cross beams (50) forming a top frame (30) as a deck.

Description

[0001] A FLOAT STRUCTURE COMPRISING A TOP FRAME AND PONTOONS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004]

[0001] Invention relates to a float structure comprising a top frame and pontoons.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006]

[0002] The prior art discloses various float structures comprising a top frame and pontoons. One of such float structures is disclosed in the US patent publication No. 8,707,494, wherein a modular frame structure comprises L-shaped planar sheet form drop gussets having horizontal and vertical leg portions provided with respective upper and lower receivers for connection of upper and lower tubular frame members.

[0007]

[0003] The US patent publication No. 10,589,823 discloses a pontoon boat that includes port and starboard pontoons and cross members connecting the pontoons. A shock absorber is installed at each point of connection of the pontoons to the cross members. A cross member are embodied as a double-webbed beam having first and second parallel flanges and first and second webs disposed between and connected to the flanges. Each pontoon includes a two- stage lifting strake having a first surface and a second surface inclined from the first surface.

[0008]

[0004] The US patent publication No. 6,345,681 discloses a modular pontoon boat including a modular deck and modular pontoons. The modular deck includes interlocking portions. Each modular pontoon includes interlocking sections having locks and keys.

[0009]

[0005] The US patent publication No. 11,807,345 discloses a modular flotation device comprises a first elongated rigid pontoon module comprising a first pontoon section and a second pontoon section, a second elongated rigid pontoon module comprising a third pontoon section and a fourth pontoon section, and an intermediate frame module comprising longitudinal members extending parallel to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules, and lateral members extending perpendicular to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules.

[0010]

[0006] The US patent publication No. 4,768,456 discloses a modular float that has two side walls, two end walls extending between the side walls, and a generally rounded lower portion and generally rectangular upper portion, both when viewed from one side. The upper portion has several intersecting grooves, which are designed to carry standard sized support members, which in turn carry a deck. The grooves have resilient ridges for releasably engaging the support members.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012]

[0007] The present invention is a float structure comprising at least two sets of pontoons and a top frame that interconnects the two sets of the pontoons and form a deck. Each set of pontoons has interconnected at least two elements. The present invention is unique design of a pontoon that provide easy, modular assembly and at the same time secure interconnection of said elements of the pontoon. In addition, with the top frame the float structure is made as an easy to configure system. Technical features of the invention as described below and, in the claims, allow to design various float structures adapted to specific need of the customer or user. In the same the float structure is easy to assemble, and this ease of assembly is not compromised by the security of interconnected parts such as pontoons and top frame. The safety of said interconnected part is even increased by means of technical features disclosed in the claims.

[0013]

[0008] The element comprises a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a back wall and two side walls therebetween. The walls form a hollow element with all its buoyancy characteristics.

[0014]

[0009] The top wall of the element comprises a pair of connection members extending upwards from the top wall. Each connection member comprises at least two holes that extends through the connection member parallel to the top wall of the element.

[0015]

[0010] The front wall of the element comprises a front protrusion. The front protrusion of the front wall enlarges in a direction towards away from the front wall. The front wall of the element comprises at least two connection grooves extending from the top wall till the bottom wall and parallel to the side walls of the element.

[0016] [Oi l] The back wall of the element comprises a back recess. The back recess of the back wall enlarges towards a centre of the element. The back wall of the element comprises at least two connection grooves extending from the top wall till the bottom wall and parallel to the side walls of the element.

[0017]

[0012] The back recess of the back wall and the front protrusion of the front wall are formed so that the back recess of one element and the front protrusion of adjacent element form a dovetail joint. This dovetail joint, when the elements are joined, restricts a movement of joined elements in a longitudinal direction and on its side direction.

[0013] The front protrusion of the front wall of the element and the back recess of the back wall of the element extends from the top wall till the bottom wall of the element.

[0018]

[0014] Moreover, the connection grooves of the front wall of one element coincides with at least two connection grooves of the back wall of the adjacent element or joined element so that the connection groove of the front wall joined with the connection groove of the back wall form a hole. In this hole a threaded rod is inserted and tightened from both ends by nuts firmly fixing both joined pontoons. This connection restricts a movement of joined elements in a vertical direction. Hence, the dovetail joint and the threaded rod provides secure connection of elements.

[0019]

[0015] The bottom wall of the element comprises a bottom recess extending from the front wall till the back wall and parallel to the side walls of the element. The width of the bottom recess is such that the pair of the connection members are insertable therein when the elements are stacked on each other. The top wall of the element comprises a bump and the bottom wall of the element comprises a dent. The bump is positioned on the top wall of the element so that it engages with the dent of the bottom wall of the above stacked element when the elements are stacked on each other providing secure stacking of the elements. The aforementioned features allow easy and secure stacking of the elements onto each other.

[0020]

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the front wall of the element may comprise a bow section. This element then can be arranged as a front element from the series of the elements in the set of the elements allowing easier travel on a water.

[0021]

[0017] The connection members, the front protrusion, the back recess, the bump, the dents, as well as the bow section may be integral part of the element.

[0022]

[0018] The top frame comprises the following main members: a profiled connector bars, U- shaped beams for connecting together the profiled connector bars and Z-shaped cross beams.

[0023]

[0019] The profiled connector bar is profiled so that it comprises a square tube part and an upper part extending from said square tube part. The square tube part has a central void and connection holes. The upper part of the profiled connector bar comprises at least two T-slots and each T-slot at its base comprises an auxiliary groove. The square tube part of the profiled connector bar is shaped so that the square tube part of the profiled connector bar is insertable between the pair of the connection members of the element and connectable to the connection members of the element by means of fasteners that extend through the holes of the connection member and the connection holes of the profiled connector bar. The fasteners can be any fastener known to the skilled person like bolt, nut, threaded bar, etc.

[0020] The U-shaped beam is shaped so that it is insertable into the central voids of the square tube parts of two adjacent profiled connector bars and connectable to the two adjacent profiled connector bars by means of the fasteners fixing together both adjacent profiled connector bars.

[0021] The Z-shaped cross beams comprises base holes and interconnection holes. The Z- shaped cross beams are connected to each other through the interconnection holes and by means of the fasteners and each Z-shaped cross beam is connected to the profiled connector bar through the base holes and by means of the fasteners.

[0024] Brief description of the drawings

[0025]

[0022] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments of the invention.

[0026]

[0023] Fig. l is a top perspective view of two interconnected elements (1) of a pontoon .

[0027]

[0024] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of two elements (1) as seen in Fig. 1.

[0028]

[0025] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of area A as seen in Fig. 2 illustrating connection features of the elements (1) in more detail.

[0029]

[0026] Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the elements (1) as seen in Figs. 1 to 3.

[0030]

[0027] Fig. 5 is to top perspective view of at least two stacked elements (1).

[0031]

[0028] Fig. 6 is a top perspective and exploded view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of area A as seen in Fig. 6.

[0032]

[0030] Fig. 8 is top perspective view of a float structure comprising a top frame (30) and two pontoons.

[0033]

[0031] Fig. 8A is an enlarged view of area A as seen in Fig. 8.

[0034]

[0032] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the float structure comprising the top frame (30) and two pontoons as seen in Fig. 8.

[0035]

[0033] Fig. 10 is a front view of the float structure as seen in Figs. 8 to 9.

[0036]

[0034] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 10.

[0037]

[0035] Fig. 12 is a front view of a profiled connector bar (31).

[0038]

[0036] Fig. 13 is a top view of a top frame (30).

[0039]

[0037] Fig. 14 is a cross-section view (as seen in Fig. 13 under A-A) of Z-shaped cross beams (50) attached to the profiled connector bar (31). Detailed description of the embodiments

[0040]

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the figures to illustrate objectives, advantages, and efficiency of the present invention.

[0041]

[0039] Figs. 1 to 4 illustrates two pontoons of the present invention. Fig. l is a top perspective view of two interconnected pontoons, wherein each pontoon is formed by a plurality of elements (1). The element (1) comprises a bottom wall (2), a top wall (3), a front wall (4), a back wall (5) and two side walls (6) therebetween. The inner section between the walls (2; 3; 4; 5; 6) is empty and enclosed by said walls (2; 3; 4; 5; 6) to provide buoyancy of the pontoon. The top wall (3) of the element (1) comprises two pairs of connection members (7) extending upwards or in vertical direction (V) from the top wall (3). Each connection member (7) comprises two holes (8) separated by a distance and each hole (8) extends through the connection member (7) parallel to the top wall (3) of the element (1). The hole (8) of one connection member (7) from the pair of the connection members (7) coincides with the hole (8) of a second connection member (7) from the same pair of the connection members (7), in result of which a fastener (40 - as seen in Fig. 11) such as a screw can be inserted therethrough. The front wall (4) of the element (1) comprises a front protrusion (9). The front protrusion (9) enlarges in a direction towards away and in a longitudinal direction (L) from the front wall (4). In addition, the front wall (4) of the element (1) comprises two connection grooves (14) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6) of the element (1). The cross section of the connection groove (14) is in a shape of half of circle. The back wall (5) of the element (1) comprises a back recess (10). The back recess (10) enlarges towards a centre of the element (1). The back wall (5) of the element (1) further comprises two connection grooves (15) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6) of the element (1). Moreover, the front protrusion (9) and the back recess (10) extends from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) of the element (1). The back recess (10) of the back wall (5) and the front protrusion (9) of the front wall (4) are formed so that the back recess (10) of one element (1) and the front protrusion (9) of adjacent element (1) form a dovetail joint. The two elements (1) are joined to each other by sliding the front protrusion (9) of one element (1) into the back recess of the adjacent element (1) forming a secure dovetail joint. Due to this dovetail joint both joined elements (1) are secured against any movement in the longitudinal direction (L) to each other as well as a side direction (S) to each other. In addition the two connection grooves (14) of the front wall (4) of one element (1) coincides with the two connection grooves (15) of the back wall (5) of the adjacent joined element (1) so that the connection groove (14) of the front wall (4) joined with the connection groove (15) of the back wall (5) form a hole extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (6) of the element (1). The float structure comprises two threaded rods (45), where each threaded rod (45) is inserted into the hole formed by the connection grooves (14; 15) of both joined elements (1). The length of the threaded rod (45) is such that once inserted into the hole it partly extends from the hole on both sides so that from both ends of the threaded rod (45) washers (55) and nuts (54) can be put on. The nuts (54) are tightened from both sides of the threaded rod (45) firmly fixing both connected elements (1). This fixing secures the joined elements (1) from any vertical movement (V) to each other. Together with the dovetail joint this screwed joint provides easy to assemble and secure joint of pontoons. Elements (1) do not move in the vertical direction (V), the longitudinal direction (L) and the vertical direction (V) to each other.

[0040] Moreover, the elements (1) have features, which provide easy and secure stacking of said elements (1) allowing easy transportation thereof. First, the bottom wall (2) of the element (1) comprises a bottom recess (11) extending from the front wall (4) till the back wall (5) and parallel to the side walls (6) of the element (1). The width of the bottom recess (11) of the element (1) is such that the pair of the connection members (7) of another element (1) are insertable therein, when the elements (1) are stacked on each other (see Fig. 4 and 5). Secondly, the top wall (3) of the element (1) comprises a bump (12) and the bottom wall (2) of the element (1) comprises two dents (13). The bump (12) is positioned on the top wall of the element (1) so that it engages with any of two dents (13) of the bottom wall (2) of the above stacked element (1), when the elements (1) are stacked on each other. As the bottom wall (2) of the element (1) has two dents (13), then it does not matter, how the element (1) is stacked on another element (1) as always one dent (13) of two dents (13) of the element (1) that is stacked above is engaged with the bump (12) of the element (1) positioned below. Said combination of features provides easy and secure stacking of the elements (1).

[0042]

[0041] Figs. 6 and 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a top perspective view and exploded view of another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of area A as seen in Fig. 6. This embodiment differs from the previous one as seen in Figs. 1 to 4 in that it has larger pontoons (1). And due to its larger size, some elements (1) of the pontoon are multiplied, such as connection members (7), connection grooves (14) of the front wall (4), connection grooves (15) of the back wall (5) and respective threaded rods (45) with its washers (55) and nuts (54). The top wall (3) of the element (1) comprises four pairs of the connection members (7) extending upwards from the top wall (3). Each connection member (7) comprises two holes (8). Two pairs of the connection members (7) are positioned at the front wall (4) and another two pairs of the connection members (7) are positioned at the back wall (5). The front wall (4) of the element (1) comprises three connection grooves (14) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6) of the element (1). The back wall (5) of the element (1) also comprises three connection grooves (15) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6) of the element (1). Said three connection grooves (14) of the front wall (4) of one element (1) coincides with three connection grooves (15) of the back wall (5) of the adjacent element (1) so that each connection groove (14) of the front wall (4) joined with each connection groove (15) of the back wall (5) form a hole. In result of three connection grooves (14; 15) three holes are formed. In each hole the threaded rod (45) is insertable, and the threaded rods (45) are tightened to the joined elements (1) by means of the washers (55) and nuts (54).

[0042] In the Figs. 1 to 7 it is shown that one of the elements (1) comprises a bow section (16). In the provided embodiments the bow section (16) is formed on the back wall (5) of one of the elements (1). In other embodiments, the bow section (16) may be formed on the front wall (4) of the element (1).

[0043]

[0043] Fig. 8 is top perspective view of a float structure comprising two sets of the elements (1) as described above and a top frame (30) attached to said elements (1). The same float structure is in an exploded view in Fig. 9. Each set comprises six elements (1). In each set, the element (1) at the front comprises the bow section (16) defining the front part of the float structure. The top frame (30) comprises two sets of profiled connector bars (31). Each set comprises three profiled connector bars (31). Those profiled connector bars (31) are inserted in pairs of the connection member (7) of the elements (1) and connected thereto by means of fasteners (40; 41) as shown in more detail in Fig. 11. The top frame (30) comprises two sets of U-shaped beams (32). Each set comprises two U-shaped beams (32), where each U-shaped beam (32) is insertable into the two joined profiled connector bars (31). The U-shaped beam (32) is shaped so that it is insertable into central voids (34) of two adjacent profiled connector bars (31) and connectable to the two adjacent profiled connector bars (31) by means of the fasteners (40; 41) fixing together both adjacent profiled connector bars (31). The U- shaped beam (32) comprises connection holes (33) and the profiled connector bar (31) comprises connection holes (37). The U-shaped beam (32) is inserted into the profiled connector bar (31) so that the connection holes (33) of the U-shaped beam (32) coincide with the connection holes (37) of the profiled connector bar (31) so that the bolts can be inserted and tightened. Hence, securely connecting profiled connector bars (31) to each other through the U-shaped beams (32). The top frame (30) comprises sixteen pairs of Z-shaped cross beams (50). Each Z-shaped cross beam (50) comprises base holes (51) and interconnection holes (52). The two Z-shaped cross beams (50) in its pair are connected to each other through the interconnection holes (52) and by means of the fasteners (40; 41) and each Z-shaped cross beam (50) is connected to the profiled connector bar (31) through the base holes (51) and by means of the fasteners (40; 41). Hence, securely interconnecting both sets of the elements (1). Not all fasteners (40; 41) is the form of bolts and nuts are illustrated as the skilled person would know where and how to use the bolts and nuts where there is interconnecting holes.

[0044]

[0044] Fig. 8A is an enlarged view of area A as seen in Fig. 8. Two Z-shaped cross beams (50) are connected to each other through the interconnection hole (52) and by means of the fasteners (40; 41), which in this embodiment is a screw (40) and a bolt (41). In addition, the Z- shaped cross beams (50) comprise the base holes (51), through which the -shaped cross beams (50) are connected to the profiled connector bar (31) by means of the fasteners (40; 41).

[0045] Fig. 10 is a front view of the float structure as seen in Figs. 8 to 9. Fig. 10 illustrates the connection link how two sets of the elements (1) are connected to each other through profiled connector bars (31), which are connected to the elements (1) through connection member (7) of the elements (1), and through Z-shaped cross beams (50), which are connected to the profiled connector bars (31) and to each other.

[0045]

[0046] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 10. The profiled connector bar (31) is profiled so that it comprises a square tube part (38) and an upper part (39) extending from said square tube part (38). The square tube part (38) has a central void (34) making the square tube part (38) hollow. The upper part (39) of the profiled connector bar (31) comprises two T- slots (35) and each T-slot (35) at its base comprises an auxiliary groove (36). The square tube part (38) of the profiled connector bar (31) is shaped so that the square tube part (38) of the profiled connector bar (31) is insertable between the pair of the connection members (7) of the element (1) and connectable to the connection members (7) of the element (1) by means of fasteners (40; 41) such as a threaded bar (40) and nuts (41). Fig. 12 is a front view of a profiled connector bar (31) as seen in Figs. 8, 9 to 11.

[0046]

[0047] Fig. 13 is a top view of a top frame (30) comprising interconnected profiled connector bars (31) and the Z-shaped cross beams (50). Fig. 14 is a cross-section view (as seen in Fig. 13 under A- A) of Z-shaped cross beams (50) attached to the profiled connector bar (31). The pair of the Z-shaped cross beams (50) are attached to each other by means of the fasteners in the form of a bolt (40) and a nut (41). And this pair of the Z-shaped cross beams (50) is attached to the profiled connector bar (31) or to the upper part (39) of the profiled connector bar (31) by means of the fasteners in the form of a bolt (40) and a nut (41), which cannot be seen in Fig. 14 as it is hidden in the upper part (39) of the profiled connector bar (31).

[0047]

[0048] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0048]

[0049] List of references

[0049] 1 - an element;

[0050] 2 - a bottom wall of the element;

[0051] 3 - a top wall of the element;

[0052] 4 - a front wall of the element;

[0053] 5 - a back wall of the element;

[0054] 6 - a side wall of the element;

[0055] 7 - a connection member;

[0056] 8 - a hole in the connection member;

[0057] 9 - a front protrusion of the front wall of the element;

[0058] 10 - a back recess of the back wall of the element;

[0059] 11 - a bottom recess of the bottom wall of the element;

[0060] 12 - a bump on the top wall of the element;

[0061] 13 - a dent on the bottom wall of the element;

[0062] 14 - a connection groove of the front wall of the element;

[0063] 15 - a connection groove of the back wall of the element;

[0064] 16 - a bow section of the front wall of the element;

[0065] 30 - a top frame;

[0066] 31 - a profiled connector bar;

[0067] 32 - a U-shaped beam;

[0068] 33 - a connection hole of the profiled connector bar;

[0069] 34 - a central void of the profiled connector bar;

[0070] 35 - a T-slot of the profiled connector bar;

[0071] 36 - an auxiliary groove of the T-slot of the profiled connector bar;

[0072] 37 - a connection hole of the profiled connector bar; 38 - a square tube part of the profiled connector bar;

[0073] 39 - an upper part of the profiled connector bar;

[0074] 40 and 41 - fasteners;

[0075] 42 - a base hole of the Z-shaped cross beam

[0076] 43 - an interconnecting hole of the Z-shaped cross beam;

[0077] 45 - a threaded rod;

[0078] 50 - a Z-shaped cross beam;

[0079] 51 - a base hole of the Z-shaped cross beam

[0080] 52 - an interconnection hole of the Z-shaped cross beam;

[0081] 54 - a nut for the threaded rod;

[0082] 55 - a washer for the threaded rod;

[0083] V - a vertical direction;

[0084] L - a longitudinal direction; and

[0085] S - a side direction.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A float structure comprising two pontoons arranged in parallel and connected together by a top frame (30), wherein each pontoon is formed by a plurality of elements (1) assembled in a longitudinal direction of the pontoon, wherein each element (1) comprises a bottom wall (2), a top wall (3), a front wall (4), a back wall (5) and two side walls (6) therebetween, wherein the top wall (3) of each element (1) comprises a pair of connection members (7) extending upwards from the top wall (3), wherein the front wall (4) of each element (1) comprises a front protrusion (9), wherein the back wall (5) of each element (1) comprises a back recess (10), characterized in that each connection member (7) comprises at least two holes (8) that extends through the connection member (7) parallel to the top wall (3), wherein the front protrusion (9) enlarges in a direction towards away from the front wall (4), and wherein the front wall (4) comprises at least two connection grooves (14) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6), wherein the back recess (10) enlarges towards a centre of the element (1), and wherein the back wall (5) comprises at least two connection grooves (15) extending from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2) and parallel to the side walls (6), wherein the back recess (10) of the back wall (5) and the front protrusion (9) of the front wall (4) are formed so that, the back recess (10) of one element (1) and the front protrusion (9) of adjacent element (1) form a dovetail joint, and wherein at least two connection grooves (14) of the front wall (4) of one element (1) coincides with at least two connection grooves (15) of the back wall (5) of the adjacent element (1) so that the connection groove (14) of the front wall (4) joined with the connection groove (15) of the back wall (5) form a hole, and wherein the float structure comprises a threaded rod (45), which is inserted into the hole formed by the connection groove (14) of the front wall (4) of one element (1) and the connection groove (15) of the back wall (5) of the adjacent element (1) and tightened from both ends by nuts (54) firmly fixing both connected elements (1), and it that the top frame (30) comprises: a profiled connector bar (31) that is profiled so that it comprises a square tube part (38) and an upper part (39) extending from said square tube part (38), wherein the square tubepart (38) has a central void (34) and connection holes (37), and wherein the upper part (39) of the profiled connector bar (31) comprises at least two T-slots (35) and each T-slot (35) at its base comprises an auxiliary groove (36), and wherein the square tube part (38) of the profiled connector bar (31) is shaped so that the square tube part (38) of the profiled connector bar (31) is insertable between the pair of the connection members (7) of each element (1) and connectable to the connection members (7) by means of fasteners (40; 41) that extend through the holes (8) of the connection member (7) and the connection holes (37) of the profiled connector bar (31), a U-shaped beam (32) that is shaped so that it is insertable into the central voids (34) of the square tube parts (38) of two adjacent profiled connector bars (31) and connectable to the two adjacent profiled connector bars (31) by means of the fasteners (40; 41) fixing together both adjacent profiled connector bars (31), and at least two Z-shaped cross beams (50) comprising base holes (51) and interconnection holes (52), wherein the two Z-shaped cross beams (50) are connected to each other through the interconnection holes (52) and by means of the fasteners (40; 41) and each Z-shaped cross beam (50) is connected to the profiled connector bar (31) through the base holes (51) and by means of the fasteners (40; 41).

2. The float structure according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall (2) of each element (1) comprises a bottom recess (11) extending from the front wall (4) till the back wall (5) and parallel to the side walls (6), wherein the width of the bottom recess (11) is such that the pair of the connection members (7) are insertable therein when the elements (1) are stacked on each other.

3. The float structure according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the top wall (3) of each element (1) comprises a bump (12) and the bottom wall (2) of each element (1) comprises a dent (13), wherein the bump (12) is positioned on the top wall of each element (1) so that it engages with the dent (13) of the bottom wall (2) of the above stacked element (1) when the elements (1) are stacked on each other providing secure stacking of the elements (1).

4. The float structure according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front protrusion (9) and the back recess (10) of each element (1) extends from the top wall (3) till the bottom wall (2).

5. The float structure according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each pontoon comprises a bow section (16) formed either on the back wall (5) or on the front wall (4) of the element (1).

6. The float structure according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection members (7) are integral part of the element (1).

Images