Abstract:
A floating platform that has a flat low profile for use by swimmers, divers, boaters, and those engaged in other activities on water. The platform is used alone or as a module in combination with other such floating platform modules; attaching the modules to form a larger floating platform. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the platform is provided with several connection points enabling multi-point attachment to other vessels and stationary objects, anchor straps and towing straps, and apertures configured to accommodate beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. In another embodiment, a detachable cover is attached to the module, the cover forming the floating platform surface. A stable platform and low profile are achieved through use of stiffeners integrated within the platform surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/619,655, entitled Modular Floating Swim Platform, filed Jul. 14, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,066 which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/412,264, file Sep. 20, 2002. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to floating structures, and more particularly to modular floating structures that may be used alone or interconnected with a plurality of similar modular units to form varying sizes of floating structures for various applications. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   It is well known to utilize inflatable structures as platforms for use by swimmers, boaters and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 2,888,690 features the use of a watertight rigid frame constructed of wood or sheet metal that has a central main body portion, with outrigged floatation units. This raft is not collapsible or capable of being stowed in a relatively small area. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,804 (1976) teaches a collapsible raft that makes use of rigid hull and deck members. While this raft is collapsible, its rigid members hinder the ability to stow the collapsed raft in a small enclosure. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,820 (1988) teaches a floating dock for a small vessel that may be attached to other buoyant members to form a larger polygonal floating dock. This invention is limited to triangular shaped buoyant members with indentations to receive the nose of a small vessel. However, such a device would be suitable for applications other than mooring small vessels. 
   It is also known to gang together a plurality of floating structures to provide a larger surface area. However, prior devices have suffered from having the intersection between adjacent floating structures present difficulties because of the lack of structural integrity among adjacent floats. Frequently, safety hazards result when two or more floating units are connected together and used as a platform, especially when the floating units are not designed to nest together (e.g., round or elliptical-shaped rafts). There is clearly a need for a floating structure which may be used individually or which may be readily ganged together with a structural connection that provides structural integrity from one floating unit to another. 
   Most floating platforms intended for use by swimmers are significantly thick or sit high in the water necessitating the use of a ladders for personal access. Also, a larger floating structures assembled from multiple smaller modular floating units would have a tendency to be less stable given the movement of the water. 
   Floating structures that have a more rigid surface are not readily portable. Wooden swimming rafts and docks must remain for the most part in a fixed location. The utility of a floating structure is improved if the floating structure can readily be moved to a desired location and secured in position, or easily relocated as necessary. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Disclosed herein are a number of embodiments of a modular floatable structure for use by swimmers and for other various applications that may be used alone or as a module connected with one or more other modules in linear or rectangular configurations to form a larger floatable structure. At least one embodiment of the floatable modular units disclosed utilizes stiffeners to add to the dimensional and structural integrity of the unit, thus providing improved stability and a low profile relative to the water&#39;s surface. 
   Various embodiments of the modules disclosed herein can have one of several geometric shapes when viewed from above. Also disclosed herein are means for connecting a plurality of modules to each other, thereby creating a larger floating structure. 
   Each floatable module disclosed herein is a substantially planar structure that is made up of one or more inflatable bladders to provide floatation, and an upper surface or cover system that may incorporate stiffening means, such as a plastic or wood deck. 
   The ability to inflate and deflate the module allows the device to be stowed in a small container and then opened up and inflated to form a semi-rigid floating platform when and where desired. Inflatable internal beams are integrated within the bladders to provide longitudinal strength, stability and a low profile. This low profile enables ease of access to passengers and occupants without the need for a ladder. 
   The utility of a floating platform would be greatly improved if it provided for the various amenities and necessities of individuals recreating on the water. Accordingly, it is an object of this document to disclose floating platforms that have a variety of structural provisions to accommodate accessory items such as coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable shade tops, and the like. Surface fittings are provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention on either the module surface or the cover to attach accessory items such as coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable shade tops, slides and the like. The floatable modules disclosed herein also have attached straps by which the modules may be towed to, and anchored in a desired location. 
   The modular floating swim platforms disclosed herein come in a variety of shapes. Preferred embodiments of modular floating swim platforms constructed according to the disclosure herein can have a variety of geometrical shapes, when viewed from above, including square, triangle, rectangle, circular oval, hexagon, octagon pentagon, and other shapes. The shape of the modular platforms is only limited by the ability to construct such platform according to the disclosure herein. 
   Various other purposes and advantages of the modules disclosed herein will become clear from its description in the specification that follows, and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives described above, this invention consists of the features hereinafter illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and particularly pointed out in the claims. However, such drawings and description disclose only some of the various ways in which the invention may be practiced. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a floatable platform showing the location of connectors along the top edges, and a member to provide structural stiffening between adjoining floatable platforms. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a member to provide structural stiffening, shown connected between adjoining floatable platforms. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention as seen from above and from one end. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of one embodiment of a floatable platform according to this invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention to show two mesh drain vents. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross section view showing internal I-beam structure and an external cover. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross section view showing stiffening members integrated within the upper surface of the external cover, and ribs integrated within the bottom of the module. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the corner detail of a floatable platform showing one embodiment of a motor mount. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the bottom of the present invention as seen from one end. 
       FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  are perspective views showing connection detail and the use of a connection member between two swimming platforms of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two swimming platforms of the current invention connected to each other. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now to the drawings, the modular floating platforms disclosed herein will be described in preferred embodiments by reference to the numerals of the drawing figures wherein like numbers indicate like parts.  FIG. 1  shows a single inflatable module  30 , which constitutes a substantially square shape in plan view, and has a vertical dimension established by the height of the inflatable bladders or chambers used. The inflatable module  30  has connectors (such as D-rings) affixed along the outside edges of the module to enable multi-point attachment to adjacent modules, other water vessels, or fixed objects. The connectors are positioned along edges of the inflatable module  30  at locations  10 ,  10 ′,  12 ,  12 ′,  14 ,  14 ′,  16 ,  16 ′,  18  and  18 ′ as shown in  FIG. 2 . Attachment is made using connector devices such as webbing straps, ropes, caribiners, snap locks and the like. In one preferred embodiment, the connector means is a system of stainless D-rings and several layers of fabric PVC-welded together to make a strong connection. 
   Alternative means of connecting the inflatable modules  30  together may include interengaging means positioned at intervals along the sides  20  and  20 ′ of the module shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, zipper structures could be placed top and bottom, hook-and-pile type fasteners could be utilized, all of which are designed to provide a structural inter-engagement between adjacent inflatable modules. 
     FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  illustrate an embodiment of an interengaging means for attaching adjacent floatable modules.  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show a plastic rail structure  24  formed in a “T” cross-section and used to provide structural stiffening between adjoining inflatable modules  30 . The horizontal portion  22  of the connector shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  has apertures  26  and  26 ′ positioned therein to receive the connector devices along the floatable platform edges.  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the structural stiffening structure  24  shown in place between two adjoining inflatable modules  30  and  30 ′ attached to fastener fittings  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  or  10 ′,  12 ′,  14 ′,  16 ′, and  18 ′, by reinforced web straps  28  and  29  extending through apertures  26  and  26 ′ of structural stiffening structure  24 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a preferred embodiment of a single inflatable module  30  having a cover. The external surface cover structure  35  is shown covering the module whereby a deck surface is formed.  40  and  40 ′ are stainless steel mooring rings provided so that the module is releasably engagable with additional modules, boats, other vessels, and anchoring devices. A reinforced towing strap  41  is secured to one corner of the floatable module to allow the floating platform to be towed or to be attached to an anchor to secure the floating platform in a fixed location. The towing strap is attached to the floatable module using webbing straps that spread the load of towing over a broad area of the module&#39;s surface. 
   Apertures  42  and  42 ′ are provided within the top of the floatable platform to securely hold cylindrical beverage containers such as bottled and canned drinks, and are located to optimize ease of use and enjoyment by users. Similar additional apertures may be provided in a wide variety of configurations to receive accessory items such as beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. Inflation valves  43 , in the form of two recessed or non-recessed valves that are configured for inflating the module, are located on the surface of the inflatable module in this embodiment (one valve for each of two inflatable bladders used to provide floatation for this embodiment). This embodiment also provides four removable padded swim straps  44 ,  45 ,  46  and  47  attached at intervals along the sides of the external surface cover structure  35  that can be adjustable and changed to a variety of configurations, including a towing configuration. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment showing the location of oar locks  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53 ,  54  and  55  located at intervals along the top of the surface cover structure  35 , and two ropes  56  and  57  attached to the top of the surface cover structure and extending along opposite sides of the inflatable module. Inflation valves  43  are shown located on one corner. A tow strap  41  is affixed to one corner of the floatable module. 
     FIG. 5  shows the location of two mesh drain vents  70  and  70 ′ in this embodiment to provide a way of draining accumulated water from the top of the surface cover structure  35 . 
     FIG. 6  is a cross section end view of a floatable module showing an internal structure of essentially parallel running I-beam members  41 . The internal beams are integrated within the bladders to provide longitudinal strength, stability and a low profile. This low profile enables ease of access to passengers and occupants without the need for a ladder. 
   A flexible, but substantial external, cover structure  35  is provided in one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of an external cover structure that utilizes stiffening means  45 , such as a sheet of plywood or rigid plastic, slats or the like embedded within a sealable plastic sleeve  47  and positioned over the top of a floating module  30 . The top of the platform stiffened with materials such as plywood or plastic make the platform more rigid and easier to walk across. In at least one preferred embodiment where an external cover structure is used to cover an array of interconnected modules, the stiffeners or slats are preferably positioned perpendicularly to the joint between adjacent floating modules  30  to provide further structural integrity to the overall array of floating modules. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates one embodiment of a reinforced motor mount assembly  81  releasably attached to a corner of a floating module  30 . Reinforced tabs  82  are integrated within the top and side surfaces of the floating module and receive bracket arms  83  and  84 , which are secured by a fastener system  85 , such as washers and retaining clips. A corner bracket  86  is attached to the vertical portions of bracket arms  83  and  84  with common fasteners. A transom plate is attached to the corner bracket  86  to provide a mount for a small gas or electric motor. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a plurality of essentially parallel longitudinal ribs integrated within the bottom of the module  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the ribs are arranged diagonally with respect to the sides, and run in the intended direction of travel when the floating module is towed or self-propelled, thus providing added stability of travel in water. Ribs arranged in this manner also provide cross-directional reinforcement further enhancing the overall structural integrity of the module and further enabling a low-profile construction. 
     FIG. 10  through  FIG. 12  shows another preferred embodiment of a modular floating swim platform according to the disclosure herein. Each platform  90  has a generally circular perimeter and has a vertical dimension established by the height of the inflatable bladders or chambers used. Similar to the embodiments described above, each inflatable module  90  can have connectors  101 – 106  affixed along the outside edges of the module to enable multi-point attachment to adjacent modules, other water vessels, or fixed objects. Attachment can then be made using connector devices such as webbing straps, ropes, caribiners, snap locks and the like. In one preferred embodiment, the connector means is a system of stainless D-rings and several layers of fabric PVC-welded together to make a strong connection. 
   The figures show an embodiment of an interengaging means for attaching adjacent floatable modules that have a circular perimeter. A rail structure  110  is constructed from suitable buoyant material. The rail has a generally T-shaped cross-section when viewed from the end, and it is configured along its length to correspond to the exterior perimeters of two adjacent circular shaped platforms. The rail is used to provide structural stiffening between adjoining inflatable modules  90 . The horizontal portion of the connecting rail has a plurality of apertures  113 – 118  positioned therein to receive the connector devices along the floatable platform edges. 
   The circular shaped modular platforms can include stiffeners and covers as described above. The surface and the covers for the circular platforms can be configured with connectors and accessory apertures to securely hold cylindrical beverage containers such as bottled and canned drinks, as described above. Similar additional apertures may be provided in a wide variety of configurations to receive accessory items such as beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. Towing straps and other accessories may be connected to the perimeter of the circular platforms. At least one embodiment of a circular platform includes a motor mount attached to the perimeter thereof, and at least one other preferred embodiment includes a slide attached to the platform. 
   The circular shaped platforms are constructed from a plurality of inflatable bladders having integrated I-beam members as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The bottom of the circular platforms can include a plurality of essentially parallel longitudinal ribs thereon. In essence, the platforms with the circular perimeters are constructed in the same manner and from the same materials as the modular platforms having square or rectangular perimeters. The circular modular platforms can have the same accessories as the square and rectangular platforms, and the only major difference in the embodiments is the shape of the perimeter as viewed from above. 
   While not depicted in the drawings, other embodiments of the platforms can have perimeters that are other than square or circular as viewed from above. Such embodiments have perimeters, as viewed from above, that can be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal and hexagonal. Other embodiments can have other geometrical shapes and the shape is only limited by the ability to build the platforms such that they are constructed according to the disclosure above. embodiment of a circular platform includes a motor mount attached to the perimeter thereof. 
   Regardless of the shape, the inflatable, modular platforms disclosed herein are constructed from a plurality of inflatable bladders having integrated I-beam members as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The bottom of the platforms can include a plurality of essentially parallel longitudinal ribs thereon. All platforms are constructed in the same manner and from the same materials as the modular platforms having square or rectangular perimeters. The modular platforms can have the same accessories as the square and rectangular platforms, and the only major difference in the embodiments is the shape of the perimeter as viewed from above. 
   All inflatable, modular platforms can include stiffeners and covers as described above. The platform surfaces and the covers can be configured with connectors and accessory apertures to securely hold cylindrical beverage containers such as bottled and canned drinks, as described above. Similar additional apertures may be provided in a wide variety of configurations to receive accessory items such as beverage containers, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable tops and the like. Towing straps and other accessories may be connected to the perimeter of the platforms. One example of such accessories is a motor mount attached to the perimeter of a platform, and another example is a slide attached to a platform. 
   To use the modular platforms disclosed herein, a user or users must select the number of platforms desired, and the desired shape of the platforms. The platforms are then inflated, and placed on the surface of a body of water. If desired, the platforms can be connected to each other or used separately. 
   A variety of accessories can be used with the platforms to provide user comfort or otherwise based on the desires of the users. The platforms can be towed to a desired location, or they can be propelled by other means. Once in a desired location, the platforms can provide a stable structure for use in waterborne recreation or for other purposes as desired by the end users. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   The invention has applicability to the field of floating structures, and more particularly to low-profile modular floating structures that may be assembled in varying sizes for various applications by connecting together a plurality of modular floating platforms. The platforms can have surface fittings for attachment of devices such as coolers, chairs, umbrellas, retractable shade tops, and the like; and structural accommodations by which the floating structure may be towed and anchored. The platforms disclosed herein are suitable for waterborne recreational and light utility use. 
   In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the means and construction shown or described comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. Additionally, while this invention is described in terms of being used with modular floating structures, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be adapted to other uses for other floating platforms as well, and therefore the invention should not be construed as being limited to modular floating. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.