Pontoon unit and an arrangment for a pontoon

Abstract

This invention relates to a pontoon unit (2) for use in a lake, pool or corresponding water area, preferably interconnected with one or more other pontoon units (2) to form a pontoon (2), comprising a buoyancy body (20) and an upwardly facing support surface (2A) for carrying a load, wherein said pontoon unit (2) is circumferentially enclosed by an attachment base (3) that is integrated with the pontoon unit (2) by means of a covering flexible layer (22), wherein said attachment base (3) comprises a plurality of interconnected base members (3A, 3B), each comprising an attachment face (340, 341) arranged to attach connecting member / s (40, 41, 43, 44) for connecting two neighboring pontoon units (2) to each other, wherein at least one of said frame members (3A, 3B) includes an attachment structure (300) having two parallel walls (305, 306) extending vertically a distance (H3) that is greater than the horizontal distance (W3) between said walls (305, 306) and at least one horizontally extending attachment channel (302A, 302B) which is integrated in a bridging member (303) that forms a bridge between said two walls (300, 301).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a pontoon for use in a lake, pool or corresponding water area, and comprising at least one pontoon unit, preferably a plurality of connected pontoon units, for providing buoyancy and comfort for a pontoon.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Known pontoons of different kind present one or more disadvantages. One disadvantage that many modular pontoons present is that each pontoon unit has rather limited floatability, e.g. as known from EP 1636426, which may lead to discomfort for people using such a pontoon. Some pontoons present frames etc., e.g. as known from US2013019791, that contain metal parts, which may present sharp corners etc., which may cause injuries or discomfort in other respects, e.g. by transmitting high heat due to exposure to sun. From DE 1927274 there is known a modular pontoon, where cellular plastic is enclosed and strengthened by a skin of fibre composite plastic, which also has disadvantages from a comfort perspective. Further, a disadvantage that some of the modular pontoons present is that they are rather complex and therefore relatively expensive.

[0003] From SE544507 there is known an improved design. However, there still exists deficiencies that need further improvements.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention an object of the invention is to provide a more durable and reliable pontoon, which is achieved with a pontoon according to claim 1.

[0005] Thanks to the invention a design providing improved stability, strength and durability is made available, which may also provide many advantages, when compared to state of the art.

[0006] Further preferred aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying Drawings. In the accompanying Drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pontoon according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a pontoon unit according to the present invention, Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an upper frame member, as shown in Fig.2, Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a lower frame member, as shown in Fig.2, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a modified frame member intended for a pontoon entering unit of a pontoon assembly, Fig. 6 shows an attachment device according to a preferred embodiment for attaching a pontoon unit to a pole, Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an insert that may be used together with an attachment device shown in Fig. 6, Figs. 8 and 9 show two possible connecting members in a perspective view, and Fig. 10 shows a novel anchoring arrangement that may be combined with the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0008] In Fig. 1 there is shown a pontoon 1 in accordance with the invention comprising a plurality of pontoon units 2. Thanks to a connection arrangement 3, 4 providing great flexibility the pontoon units 2 may be interconnected at different positions relative to each other, such that a large variety of pontoons 1 with different lay-out may be created. The connection arrangement 3, 4 comprises an attachment base 3 that is integrated with the pontoon unit 2. The attachment base 3 forms, along the sides of each pontoon units 2, an enclosing frame by means of including two long side frame members 3A that are interconnected at each vertical corner by means of corner connections (not shown) with two short side frame members 3B. Each frame part 3A, 3B includes an attachment face 340, that may be used for attachment of a plurality and variety of devices, e.g. to connect pontoon units 2 to each other by means of a variety of connecting members 4.

[0009] Thanks to the invention the connecting arrangement 3,4 facilitates ease in interconnecting pontoon units 2, e.g. to form an open space S (closed or open at one end) in between three, four or more pontoon unit 2, which (open or closed) space S may be provided with different applications, e.g. a bottom / floor portion (not shown), e.g. attached at a lower level than the upper surface 2A of a pontoon unit.

[0010] Further figure 1 shows use of two different kinds of connecting members 4. There is shown a first connecting member 40 (see also Fig. 2) that is used to connect sides of two neighbouring pontoon units 2 a long a common vertical plane. Also, there is shown a second connecting member 41 used to interconnect 2 sides of two neighbouring pontoon units 2, having a short side 3B of a transversal pontoon connected to a long side of a longitudinal pontoon. i.e. such that their long sides 3A extend perpendicularly in the vertical plane. The connecting members 40, 41 shown in Figure 1 are all stiff, i.e. do not provide flexibility but instead connected neighbouring pontoon units 2 with sides in contact providing a rigid and stable pontoon 1.

[0011] In Fig. 2 there is shown a partial cross-section of a pontoon unit 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the cross-sectional view of the pontoon unit 2 it is shown that the inner body of the pontoon unit 2 comprises a float body 20. The preferred embodiment the float body 20 is produced in a lightweight material, preferably a low-cost cellular material, preferably plastic, e.g. a lightweight EPS cellular plastic or in an XPS cellular plastic.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment each pontoon unit 2 is parallel epipetric, and most of them having the same height H and the same width and length. However, as is evident pontoon units 2 may be provided in varying sizes. In the preferred embodiment the height H is 200-400 mm.

[0013] At one and the same pontoon unit 2, preferably most or indeed all, the same attachment frame structure 300 is used, most preferred the same total frame structure 3 is used all around the pontoon unit 2. AS shown in Fig. 2, depicting a preferred embodiment, the frame structure includes an upper frame part 3D and a lower frame part 3E. In this embodiment the upper frame part 3D includes an attachment frame structure 300 having two parallel walls 305, 306. The walls 305, 306 extend vertically a distance H3 that is greater than the horizontal distance W3 between the walls 305, 306. Adjacent a central plane P300 of the attachment frame structure 300 there is arranged two (possibly one can be sufficient) horizontally extending attachment channels 307 which are integrated in a bridging member 303, which forms a bridge between the two walls 305, 306. Thanks to the bridging member 303 a significant increase of strength of the attachment frame structure 300 is obtained.

[0014] Further there is an open track 308, which extends horizontally the whole way of the upper frame part 3D, preferably in all frame parts with the attachment frame structure 300. As can be noted, see Fig. 3, the with W308 of the open track 308 is smaller than the width W307 of the attachment channels 307, which facilitates slidable positioning of attachment members 8 within the channel, e.g. a screw wherein the shank 80 is smaller than the with W308 of the open track 308 and the screw head 81 (or indeed a nut) is larger than the with W308 of the open track 308 but smaller than the width W307 of the attachment channels 307. Thanks to this feature an attachment member 8 may be flexibly positioned at any location along the attachment frame structure 300 and thereafter fixated at any desired location. To enable easy placement of a bolt or nut in the attachment channel 307 holes (not shown) may be drilled, such that the bolt / nut can be placed into the attachment channel 307 and then pushed in sideways. Preferably a plurality of such holes may be provided, e.g. c-c 600.

[0015] Further, Fig. 2, shows that preferably the attachment frame structure 300 at the outer side, centrally in relation to the central plane P300, there is arranged with a U-shaped indentation 310 that also is horizontally extending, wherein the connecting member 40 is arranged, which may provide extra strength and rigidity. In Fig. 2 also shows that auxiliary devices, e.g. a boat attachment fence 47, may be connected to the attachment frame structure 300 with the same screws 8 as the connecting member 40, by means of using longer screws. Moreover, Fig. 2 shows that two frame members 3D, 3E may be used to provide for a wholly covering frame 3 that is attached to the float body 20, i.e. covering the whole side surfaces of the float body 20. The lower frame part 3E also is arranged with two walls 305', 306' and accordingly has the same total width W3 as the upper frame member 3B.

[0016] Moreover Fig 2 shows that there is arranged a sealing sheet 9 on at least the upper side, preferably also the underside, of said buoyancy body 20 which sealing sheet 9 is covered by a protecting flexible layer 22. The protective flexible layer 22 is adhered on top of the sealing sheet 23 and also on top of and around horizontally extending corner parts 36 of the frame parts 3D, 3E. Preferably protecting flexible layer 22 is polyurea, which is extremely wear resistant and also resilient, which will provide for durability, comfort and also eliminate possibly sharp ends projecting from frame part 3A, 3B. The polyurea layer is of a thickness of about 1-3 mm, more preferred about 2 mm. In order to safeguard extra good grip for the protective flexible layer 22 there are arranged grip improving surface structures 313 at the outer surface of the outer wall 305 the frame parts 3D, 3E, i.e. are intended to be covered by the protective layer 22. This grip improving surface structures 313, may be in the form of longitudinal ridges, preferably having height that is at least greater than 0,5 mm and that is smaller than the thickness of the homogenous goods (preferably in the range of 1,2 - 3 mm) from which the grip improving surface structures 313, e.g. gripping ridges, protrude. Most preferred, at the end of the grip improving surface structures 313, there is a ranged a locking groove structure 313A, that is formed to provide a form lock (e.g. Y-shaped or L shaped groove) of the outer edge of protective flexible layer 22, such that there is arranged for an extra safety measure to hinder the protective flexible layer 22 from loosening its grip from the frame part. Further, preferably the inner surface of the frame parts may be arranged with surface irregularities 37 that may assist in providing a good connection by means of an adhesive (e.g. PU glue) between the float body 20 and the frame part, e.g. by means of small ridges and valleys, which preferably have a total height in the range of 0,1 - 0,5 mm.

[0017] An advantage with using a sealing sheet 23 is that it may prevent the appearance of pinholes in the protecting flexible layer 22. The protecting flexible layer 22 is hot when applied, which may cause the open cells to release some of the air contained in the open cells, which may result in pores / pinholes in the protecting flexible layer 22. Since the protecting flexible layer 22 preferably shall form a completely waterproof layer, it is beneficial that no pores appear. Thanks to the use of a sealing sheet 23 it can be prevented that escaping air passes out through the protecting flexible layer 22. Hence, the use of a sealing sheet 23 may provide for preventing / minimizing the occurrence of pinholes. Another advantage of the sealing sheet 23 is that on hot days and under the influence of the sun, the air volume increases volume in the float body 20. The volume change may be powerful and could inflate the protecting flexible layer 22 like a balloon and then separate it from the float body 20, if not hindered by a sealing sheet 23. Alternatively, or in combination, one frame part 3D, 3F may be arranged with small ventilation holes 317, 318 (see Fig 3), e.g. one through the inner wall 306 and one through the wall of the bridging part 303, such that air may pass through via the holes 317, 318 and the track 308. Possibly, the inner hole may be provided with a check valve, to hinder water from entering through the inner wall 306. Preferably there are arranged two upper ventilation holes 317 through the inner wall 306, one adjacent each corner and one lower ventilation hole 318 through the wall of the bridging part 303 adjacent the center of each frame part 3A, 3B. Thanks to such a positioning, in combination with using connecting corner parts (not shown) that seal, or an assembly of parts forming sealings, at each end of the frame part, it is arranged for a design wherein the inner of the float body 20 is well protected from water entering in through said upper ventilation holes, i.e. normally not necessitating use of check valves.

[0018] Further, it is shown that the attachment base 3 is arranged with flanges 311, 312 that are protruding inwardly enabling the attachment base 3 to include flange parts 311, 312 that extend on top of both the upper surface 201 and lower surface 204 of the float body 20. Preferably the sealing sheet 23 extends all the way out to the horizontally extending corners 21 of the float body 20 such that the flanges 311, 312 overlap, i.e. extend over the outer end parts of the sealing sheet 9.

[0019] The two frame parts 3D, 3E are attached to each other by means of a male / female attachment 314 / 315, wherein preferably the upper frame member 3D is arranged with female part 314 and the lower frame part is arranged with the male part 315. It is seen that preferably the height H3 of the upper frame part 3B may in many applications be larger than the height of the lower frame part 3E.

[0020] In Fig. 3 there is shown a more detailed view of upper frame part 3D and showing in more detail the different features of the upper frame part.

[0021] In Fig. 4 there is shown a more detailed view of the lower frame part 3E, showing in more detail features of the lower preferred frame part 3E. As is evident for the skilled person this concept of using two attachable frame parts 3D, 3E will easily facilitate and provide for pontoon units with different heights H, e.g. by means of having lower frame parts 3E of different heights.

[0022] In Fig. 5 there is shown a further embodiment of the frame 3 according to the invention, so-called frame part 3F, which has a substantially lower height H3F than the height H of the frames / attachment base 3 shown in Fig. 2. The reason for this is that it may be beneficial to merely use a sufficient thickness of the floating body 20 to arrange for sufficient strength for persons to walk on for a pontoon unit 2 intended for connection to the pontoon anchoring place, since such a pontoon unit must not have floating ability.

[0023] As seen in Figs. 2, 3, and 5 preferably all frame members 3D, 3F arranged with the attachment frame structure 300 at their outer side, centrally in relation to the central plane P300, are arranged with a horizontally extending U-shaped indentation 310, preferably having a width adapted to match a variety of connecting members 40,41, 43, 44, 48.

[0024] In Fig. 6 there is shown a pole attachment device 48 with an open passage 483 and a gap 485 for attaching a pontoon unit to a pole (not shown) that is anchored in the water. Thanks to the arrangement of the channels 307 and open tracks 308 such an attachment device 48 may by means of matching holes 480 be arranged slideably along the attachment base 3, which may be beneficial due to movements of the pontoon unit 2 due to shifting water levels etc. Preferably, the body of the attachment device 48 is reslilient. It is foreseen that separate protection, e.g. by means of a divisional, may be applied for regarding the basic of design pole attachment device 48.

[0025] In Fig. 7 there is shown a friction reducing insert 482 that may be used within the attachment device 48 shown in Fig. 6. The insert 482 may provide for reduced friction in order to allow the pontoon unit 2 to move vertically along an anchoring pole (not shown), e.g. by means of being made of a material (e.g. Teflon) that has a lower friction than the body 485 of the insert 482. This is especially suitable if the passage 483 has sloping sides 484, on at least one side above or under the insert, or if centrally positioned both above and under the insert, such that basically merely the insert 483 is in contact with the outer surface of the pole. Preferably, the attachment device 48 with insert 483 is bendable, such that the pole attachment device 48 may be attached to a pole by means of resiliently open up the gap 481 of the pole attachment device 48 such that a sufficient gap is provided for laterally pushing the attachment device onto the pole. To achieve this it may be an advantage to provide a groove 486 at the inner surface of the insert adjacent to a center part thereof.

[0026] In Fig. 8 there is shown a third kind of connecting member 43. This kind of connecting member 43 is provided with a resilient member 400 to provide for flexibility, resiliency in the connection between two neighbouring pontoon units 2. Two such connecting members 43 are preferably attached to interconnect to neighbouring pontoon units 2. The connecting member 43 comprises two L-shaped plates 43A, 43B having the resilient member 400 attached between two legs 431 of the L-shaped plates 43A, 43B. These two legs 431 are positioned in parallel having the resilient member between them. The other two legs 430 of the L-shaped plates 43A, 43B are positioned to extend in the same plane, i.e. perpendicular to legs 431. The plates 43A, 43B are arranged with a hole configuration adapted to match the hole configuration of an attachment face 341 of each pontoon 2. Preferably the hole configuration of the plates 43A, 43B are positioned such that attachment faces 341 on two sides of each pontoon 2 may be used to securely attach the connecting member 43. Screws 6 adapted for the nuts 34 are used to secure the connecting member 43.

[0027] In Fig. 9 there is shown a fourth connecting member 44 which is similar to the third connecting member 43, in that it provides flexibility by means of a resilient member 400. Contrary to the third connecting member 43 the fourth connecting member enables connecting a second pontoon unit 2 having a side that extends perpendicularly compared to the outer attachment side of the first pontoon 2. Accordingly, it comprises one attachment plate 44B that is L-shaped (or 43B, same as for the third connecting member) and a second attachment plate 44A that is planar. Further it is shown that the attachment legs 44A, 44B may be adapted to the attachment face 340 having four holes 36 to provide for a rigid attachment. It is shown that the width W of the plate part (for all connecting elements) preferably is adapted to the width W of the indentation 310, which will provide for extra strength by having the edges of the plate parts being supported by the walls 31B of the indentation. Preferably the thickness of the plate parts is adapted to the depth T (e.g. 5-10 mm) of the indentation 31 to be the same or slightly smaller, such that the plate parts do not protrude outside of the frame parts 3A, 3B.

[0028] The scope of the invention is not limited to what has been described above but may be varied within the limits defined by the claims. For instance, it is evident that merely one pontoon unit may form the actual pontoon. Further it is evident for the skilled person that a pontoon unit according to the basic principles of the invention must not be parallel epipedic, but may be given varying shapes, e.g. providing a mixture of different shapes that increases flexibility regarding lay out even more. For example, a unit may have end parts that have parallel epipedic form and a central part that has another shape, e.g. having circle sectors protruding along the sides, or triangles, etc. Further units may be provided without any parallel epipedic part, e.g. having a triangular shape, etc. Moreover, it is evident that modifications may be made to meet certain needs, e.g. regarding strength and / or cost. Moreover, although preferred it is evident that the frame parts and / or connecting members must not be made in metal but may be made in a variety of materials that may meet required needs, strength, durability, etc, e.g. polymeric composites.

[0029] In Fig 10 there is shown an anchoring arrangement 49 of a pontoon unit 2 / pontoon 1 according to a new principle. Normally, a plurality of very heavy anchoring weights are used that are connected to the pontoon 1 / unit 2, by means of chains. The chain then needs to have an oversize so that the pontoon 1 / unit 2 can move up and down when the water level changes otherwise there is a risk that it will lift and move the weights or end up under water. Due to the oversize of chains, especially regarding smaller pontoons 1 / units 2, the pontoon / unit 2 may move somewhat sideways, i.e. feeling instable. Further there is an obvious risk that if someone jumps into the water from the pontoon 1 / unit 2 that then that person will hit the chain, which may have fatal consequences.

[0030] Thanks to the shown anchoring arrangement 49 of a pontoon unit 2 / pontoon 1 this problem may be eliminated or at least significantly reduced. The new principle is based on having at least one anchoring arrangement 49 comprising a chain 494 (or cabel, or rope, or the like), wherein at (or adjacent) each end thereof there is attached a weight 492, 493. Further the pontoon / unit 2 is arranged with two low friction members 490, 491 (preferably wheels) on which the chain may be slidably (lengthwise relative the chain) and securely (e.g. flanges hindering the chain from moving out of contact with the low friction members 490, 491) arranged. The low friction members 490, 491 are attached to the pontoon / unit 2. Preferably the low friction members 490, 491 are attached by means of an attachment device 496, 497 that may be secured to the attachment structure 300 of an attachment base 3 provided on one side, e.g. at an outer short end 3B. Most preferred the low friction members 490, 491 are positioned below the surface level St, suitably below the lower edge of the pontoon unit 2, which may be an advantage if further pontoon unit is to be connected at the side where low friction members 490, 491 are attached, such that appropriate space is provided for connecting the further pontoon, e.g. by means of the above mentioned third kind of connecting members 43.

[0031] The low friction members 490, 491 are preferably attached such that a substantial distance L2 is kept between them, preferably at least one meter, more preferred one each adjacent each corner said side. Further, the length of the chain Ltot is chosen such that one weight may rest on the bottom B and the other somewhere in between the bottom and the surface, preferably such it during "normal" conditions will be positioned near the center of the distance between the bottom B and the surface SF. Hence the length L 1 of a chain part between a first weight 493 and a first low friction members 490 is chosen to be longer than the length L3 of a chain part between a second weight 492 and a second low friction member 492. Thanks to the novel anchoring arrangement 49 the pontoon 1 / unit 2 will be held in the intended position regardless of the water level. In case of lateral movement from waves etc., the movable weight 492 in cooperation with the fixed weigth 493 may keep the pontoon 1 / unit 2 in the intended position, whereby it is also easy to know where the weights and chains are located and indeed they may then always be kept close to the edge of pontoon 1 / unit 2, such that the risk of jumping onto them is eliminated or at least significantly reduced. In some installations it may be preferred to use weights of different weight, i.e. having a heavier weight 493 for the one that rests on the bottom. It is foreseen that separate protection, e.g. by means of a divisional, may be applied for regarding the basic of design the novel anchoring arrangement 49.

Claims

1. A pontoon unit (2) for use in a lake, pool or corresponding water area, preferably interconnected with one or more other pontoon units (2) to form a pontoon (2), comprising a buoyancy body (20) and an upwardly facing support surface (2A) for carrying a load, wherein said pontoon unit (2) is circumferentially enclosed by an attachment base (3) that is integrated with the pontoon unit (2) by means of a protecting flexible layer (22), wherein said attachment base (3) comprises a plurality of interconnected base members (3A, 3B), each comprising an attachment face (340) arranged to attach connecting member / s (40, 41, 43, 44) for connecting two neighboring pontoon units (2) to each other, characterized in that at least one of said frame members (3A, 3B) includes an attachment structure (300) having two parallel walls (305, 306) extending vertically a distance (H3) that is greater than the horizontal distance (W3) between said walls (305, 306) and that adjacent a central plane (P3) of said attachment structure (300) there is arranged at least one horizontally extending attachment channel (302A, 302B), preferably two, which is integrated in a bridging member (303) that forms a bridge between said two walls (300, 301).

2. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that there is arranged a sealing sheet (23) on at least the upper side (201), preferably also the underside (204), of said buoyancy body (20) which sealing sheet (23) is covered by said covering flexible layer (22), wherein preferably said covering flexible layer (22) has a greater extension than said sealing cover sheet (23).

3. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said attachment structure (300) is included in a frame part (3D, 3F) that includes at least one horizontally extending corner part (36), which preferably comprises a flange member (311, 312) that is arranged to protect a corner (21) of said float body (20).

4. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that said attachment structure (300) is included in an upper frame part (3D) and that said upper frame part (3D) at a lower end is arranged with a connecting device (314) to enable interconnection with a lower frame part (3E) having a matching connecting device (315) at an upper end, wherein preferably the height (H3) of the upper frame part (3D) is larger than the height of the lower frame part (3E).

5. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that said attachment structure (300) is included in a frame part (3F) that extends all the way from bottom to top of a side of said float body (20).

5. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that each frame part (3D, 3E, 3F) comprises at least one flange member (311, 312) that is arranged to protect a corner (21) of said float body (20).

6. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said flange member (311, 312) is arranged with a grip improving surface structure (313) arranged to improve attachment to said covering flexible layer (22).

7. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that an outer surface of an outer wall (305) of said attachment structure (300) is arranged with a grip improving surface structure (313) arranged to improve attachment to said covering flexible layer (22 8. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that an inner wall (306) of said attachment structure (300) is arranged with at least one ventilation passage (317), and preferably that also a wall of said bridging member (303) is arranged with at least one ventilation passage (318).

9. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that an inner surface of an inner wall (306) of said attachment structure (300) is arranged with surface irregularities (37).

10. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that there are provided a plurality of different connecting members (40, 41, 43, 44), wherein a plurality of said connecting members (40, 41, 42, 43, 44), include at least one attachment part having plate shape with a hole configuration adapted to fit said attachment face (340).

11. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized by a pole attachment device (48) having attachment holes (480) matching said attachment channel (302A, 302B) and arranged to be slidably attached to said attachment face (340), wherein preferably said pole attachment device (48) is provided with a friction reducing insert (482).

12. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized by an anchoring arrangement (49) comprising a pair of low friction members (490, 491) each having an attachment device (496, 497) with attachment holes matching said attachment channel (302A, 302B) and arranged to hold an anchoring chain (494) or the like.

13. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said anchoring chain (494) has one weight (492, 493) attached at each end thereof.

13. The pontoon unit (2) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said anchoring chain (494) at one side is arranged to have a shorter length (L3) than at the length (L1) at the other side.

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