US 11,807,345 B2
Modular flotation device
David R. Neidert, Mantua, UT (US)
Assigned to Tillicum International, Inc., Brigham City, UT (US)
Filed by Tillicum International, Inc., Brigham City, UT (US)
Filed on Apr. 14, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/230,939.
Prior Publication US 2021/0316820 A1, Oct. 14, 2021
Int. Cl. B63B 7/02 (2020.01); B63B 35/38 (2006.01); B63B 1/12 (2006.01); B63B 7/04 (2020.01); B63H 16/06 (2006.01); B63B 3/08 (2006.01); B63H 20/06 (2006.01)
CPC B63B 7/02 (2013.01) [B63B 1/121 (2013.01); B63B 7/04 (2013.01); B63B 35/38 (2013.01); B63B 2001/123 (2013.01); B63B 2003/085 (2013.01); B63H 20/06 (2013.01); B63H 2016/063 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A modular flotation device comprising:
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 substantially parallel to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules, and lateral members extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second elongated rigid pontoon modules;
wherein the first, second, third, and fourth pontoon sections comprise the same connection profile and are interchangeable with one another, and wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pontoon sections comprises:
a non-directional first end;
a second end opposite the first end, the second end comprising a connection profile having a top projection with a top surface extending coplanar with an upper surface of the pontoon section, a top depression adjacent to the top projection, a bottom projection below the top depression, and a bottom depression below the top projection, such that the top projection of the first and second pontoon sections is received in the top depression of the second and first pontoon sections, respectively, and the bottom projection of the first and second pontoon sections is received in the bottom depression of the second and first pontoon sections, respectively, thereby mating the first and second pontoon sections to form the first pontoon module, and such that the top projection of the third and fourth pontoon sections is received in the top depression of the fourth and third pontoon sections, respectively, and the bottom projection of the third and fourth pontoon sections is received in the bottom depression of the fourth and third pontoon sections, respectively, thereby mating the third and fourth pontoon sections to form the second pontoon module;
laterally spaced apart longitudinal grooves formed in the pontoon section, wherein one of the longitudinal members of the intermediate frame is received within each longitudinal groove of the laterally spaced part longitudinal grooves, and
a recess formed in the upper surface of the pontoon section extending between a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein one of the lateral members of the intermediate frame is received within the recess, and wherein a position of the lateral member of the intermediate frame received in the recess is longitudinally adjustable within the recess.