Patent Abstract:
A system for protecting a modular barge, which includes a plurality of modular barge sections assembled together using male and female connections, is provided. Each modular barge section has a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. Some of the male connectors are exposed at an outer peripheral of the barge. A bumper is coupled with the at least one exposed male connector. The bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section to which it is attached.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to barges and docks. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to bumper assemblies for modular barges. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is known to use bumper assemblies to protect ships, boats, barges, docks, and rigs such as oil rigs. These bumper assemblies are needed to both protect the structure carrying the bumper assemblies, as well as any object (e.g., a boat) that may collide with the bumper-bearing structure. 
     Effort has been directed to providing bumper assemblies for marine structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,241 to Helveston et al. discloses a bumper assembly mounted to a stationary offshore structure. The bumper assembly includes shock absorbing members mounted to the stationary offshore structure and a vertical frame member extending between the shock absorbing members. At each end of the vertical support member, at the point of attachment to the shock absorbing member, a supporting chain or cable is attached to support the vertical member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,962 to Guibault discloses a modular floating dock that includes an interlocking assembly of floating dock units. Each of the floating dock units has four corner eye lugs used to couple adjacent floating dock units together. Nuts and bolts are passed through overlapping eye lugs for connecting adjacent dock units together. After all the floating dock units are assembled together, bumpers are secured in the eye lugs that remain exposed at an outer periphery of the dock. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,951,181 to Lemke discloses a protective fender for a pontoon boat having an upper support member and a lower support member. The fender includes an elongated body formed from a protective material, a first fastening structure connected to the elongated body and being connectable with the lower support member of the boat, and a second fastening structure connected to the elongated body and being connectable with the upper support member of the boat. The protective fender may be readily moved along the length of the pontoon boat to protect a selected section of the boat. 
     Barges are frequently used to support activities such as river dredging operations, laying underwater pipelines and conducting bridge repair projects. In many instances, a barge is assembled from many different barge sections connected together. Such barges are generally referred to as modular barges. 
       FIG. 1  shows a conventional modular barge system  50  including modular barge sections  52 A- 52 F. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the modular barge sections  52 A- 52 F may be coupled or connected together to form a single modular barge  50 . The assembled modular barge  50  may be floated in water to support one or more of the activities described above. 
     Modular barge sections may be connected together using a wide variety of interconnection methods. For example,  FIG. 3  shows two modular barge sections  52 A and  52 B that may be connected together using male connectors coupled with female openings. One version of this type of modular barge is sold under the trademark FLEXIFLOAT, and available from Robishaw Engineering, Inc. of Houston, Tex. The first modular barge section  52 A includes a top surface  54 , a bottom surface  56 , a first side wall  58  and a second side wall  60 . The first side wall  58  has a first array of female openings  62 A- 62 D and the second side wall  60  has a second array of female openings  64 A- 64 D. Each of the side walls  58 ,  60  may have more or fewer female openings than are shown in  FIG. 3 . The second modular barge section  52 B includes a top surface  66 , a bottom surface  68 , a first side wall  70  and a second side wall  72 . The first side wall  70  has an array of male connectors  74 A- 74 D and the second side wall  72  has an array of female openings  76 A- 76 D. 
       FIG. 4  shows the first side wall  70  of the second modular barge section  52 B, and the four male connectors  74 A- 74 D extending from the first side wall  70 . The male connectors  74 A- 74 D are adapted to be captured in opposing female openings of an opposing modular barge unit for coupling adjacent modular barge sections together. The male connectors are defined by a first set of male connectors  74 A,  74 C that are vertically aligned with one another, and a second set of male connectors  74 B,  74 D that are vertically aligned with one another. 
       FIG. 5  shows how the male connector of a barge section is received within the female opening of an opposing barge section. In  FIG. 5 , the second barge section  52 B has a male connector  74 A extending from the first side wall  70 . The male connector  74 A includes a base  78  connected with the first side wall  70 , a tip  80  spaced from the base, and a reduced diameter neck  82  located between the base  78  and the tip  80 . The first barge section  52 A has a female opening  62 B formed in the first side wall  58 , which is adapted to receive the male connector  74 A. The first barge section  52 A has a locking bar  84  that is moved upwardly to prepare the female opening to receive the male connector. As the opposing side walls of the barge sections  52 A,  52 B are moved toward one another, the male connector  74 A is inserted into the female opening  62 B until the reduced diameter neck  82  of the male connector is generally aligned with the locking bar  84 . The locking bar  84  may then be moved downwardly, such as by using a sledge hammer, so as to lock the two barge sections  52 A,  52 B together. The other male connectors on the modular barge section  52 B are coupled with opposing female openings of an adjacent barge section in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 6  shows a fragmentary side view of the second modular barge section  52 B shown in  FIG. 3 . The second modular barge section includes a first male connector  74 A and a third male connector  74 C. The first and third male connectors are vertically aligned with one another (see  FIG. 4 ) and comprise a first set of male connectors. The first male connector  74 A includes a base  78 A, a tip  80 A and a reduced diameter neck  82 A. The second male connector  74 C also includes a base  78 C, a tip  80 C and a reduced diameter neck  82 C. The two male connectors  74 A,  74 C are similar in size and shape. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8A  show a bumper used with the FLEXIFLOAT system to protect at least some of the male connectors  74  extending from the second modular barge section  52 B. The bumper  88  is coupled with the first and second male connectors  74 A,  74 B using loop fasteners  90 A,  90 B that are attached to the bumper  88 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the loop fasteners are adapted to engage the neck portions of the respective male connectors. The bumper  88  extends in a horizontal direction and only covers the male connectors  74 A,  74 B adjacent the top surface  66  of the barge section. The male connectors  74 C and  74 D adjacent the bottom surface  68  of the barge section remain exposed and unprotected by a bumper. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a perspective view of the second modular barge section  52 B after the bumper  88  has been positioned over the first and second male connectors  74 A,  74 B. The bumper  88 , which extends in a generally horizontal direction, is designed to protect the upper male connectors, while the two lower male connectors are not covered by a bumper and thus remain exposed and unprotected. Damages due to the lower connectors are of greater concern because they are not visible while the barges are in water, creating hidden hazards. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  shows two barges  50 A and  50 B floating next to each other in a body of water  94 . The first barge  50 A has upper male connectors  74 A covered by a first bumper  88 . The lower male connectors  74 C of the first barge  50 A are not protected by a bumper. The second barge  50 B has upper male connectors  74 A′ covered by a second bumper  88 ′. The lower male connectors  74 C′ of the second barge  50 B are not protected by a bumper. 
     When the first and second barges  50 A,  50 B have the same draft in the water  94 , the opposing male connectors and bumpers  88 ,  88 ′ are at the same elevation relative to one another. Having two unconnected barges with the same draft is rare in nature and highly unlikely in most applications because it occurs only when the barges and the loads on the barges are identical. In all the other cases, either the barges or the loads on the barges are not identical so the barges are not at the same elevation. These general cases are shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . The opposing barges are not at the same elevation relative to one another because the first barge  50 A has more freeboard than the second barge  50 B. The freeboard differences may be due to a number of factors, including the size of the barge, as shown on  FIG. 9A , or the load carried by each barge, as depicted on  FIG. 9B . As a result, if the barges  50 A,  50 B engage one another, the bumpers  88 ,  88 ′ will not prevent the male connectors from colliding with opposing barges. This event (i.e., a male connector striking a side wall of an opposing barge) will generally cause damage to the side walls of the barges. 
     For example, holes may be punched in the side walls of barges. In many instances, the damage may not even be visible because the damaged section may be below the waterline. The described potential damage may create a need for more frequent inspections and may also require the barges to be unassembled and taken out of water for more frequent inspections, which costs time any money. The cost may be even higher when damage is discovered. In cases of other water vessels engaging into these barges, the invisible lower connectors may also damage the vessel. Such damage is unpredictable for someone who is not familiar with the modular barges increasing the risk of hazard to the other vessel. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved barge systems and improved bumper assemblies for barge systems, docks, rigs, boats and ships. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to structures that float in water or are secured in stationary positions after being placed in the water. Such structures have bumpers or fenders attached thereto to prevent damage to the structure that may result when an object collides with the structure. The present invention provides bumpers attached to peripheral regions of such structures. In some embodiments, the structures are modular barges connected together using a plurality of barge sections, each section having male connectors and female openings. The modular barge sections may be assembled together in many different configurations, whereby the male connectors of one modular barge section are inserted into the female openings of an adjacent modular barge section. The process is continued until all modular barge sections are connected together to form a single barge. 
     After the above-described modular barge sections are assembled together, some of the male connectors may remain exposed at outer edges of the barge. Embodiments of the present invention provide bumpers attached to the male connectors to protect the barge and/or structures that may collide with the barge. In certain embodiments, the bumpers cover one or more of the male connectors exposed at the outer edge of the barge. The bumpers may extend between the top and bottom surfaces of the barge. In certain embodiments, the bumpers may extend in vertical directions between the top and bottom surfaces of the barge. 
     Embodiments of the present invention comprise bumpers having quick-connecting attachment flanges that engage the male connectors. Unlike known bumpers, embodiments of the present invention comprise bumpers that may be easily attached to the male connectors, without requiring special fasteners or special tools. After use, the bumpers may be easily removed from their attachment to the male connectors. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention comprise bumpers that provide additional protection for the barge that cannot be obtained using known systems. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, a system for protecting a modular barge includes a modular barge section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. The system includes a bumper coupled with the at least one male connector, whereby the bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section. In certain embodiments, the bumper extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section. In certain embodiments, the bumper extends in a substantially vertical direction between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section. Each modular barge section may have more than one bumper coupled therewith. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the barge sections may have a plurality of male connectors. The plurality of male connectors may include sets of male connectors, whereby the male connectors of each set are vertically aligned with one another. The sets of male connectors may include two or more male connectors that are aligned with one another. In certain embodiments, each set of male connectors exposed at an outer peripheral region of a barge is desirably covered by a bumper having a first end coupled with one of the male connectors of the set and a second end coupled with another one of the male connectors of the set. When first and second bumpers are coupled with male connectors, the adjacent first and second bumpers extend in directions that are substantially parallel to one another. 
     In certain embodiments, one of the modular barge sections may include a second side wall having at least one female opening formed therein that is adapted to receive one or more male connectors of a second modular barge section. The male connectors are received in the female openings for assembling the first and second modular barge sections together. 
     Each bumper may have a first end coupled with a first male connector located adjacent the top surface of a modular barge section and a second end coupled with a second male connector located at another level below the top connector level of a modular barge section. The first end of the bumper may have a first attachment flange in contact with the first male connector and the second end of the bumper may have a second attachment flange in contact with the second male connector. The bumper may include a metal frame and at least one insert, such as a wood or rubber or another energy absorbing material insert, attached to the metal frame. The frame desirably has a locking pin opening and the system may include a locking pin insertable into the locking pin opening for securely fastening the bumper to the male connectors of a barge section. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a modular barge includes a plurality of modular barge sections, each modular barge section having male connectors and female openings, whereby the female openings are adapted to receive the male connectors for assembling the modular barge sections together. The modular barge also includes a bumper coupled with one or more of the male connectors exposed at an outer periphery of the modular barge, the bumper extending between a top surface and a bottom surface of the modular barge. In certain embodiments, the bumper extends substantially vertically between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge. The bumper desirably has a first end coupled with a male connector adjacent the top surface of the modular barge and a second end coupled with a male connector adjacent the bottom surface of the modular barge. The bumper may include a first attachment flange having an opening extending therethrough and a second attachment flange having a U-shaped opening that extends to a distal end of the bumper. The opening in the first attachment flange has a larger diameter section adjacent a lower end thereof and a smaller diameter section adjacent an upper end thereof. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling and protecting a modular barge includes providing a plurality of modular barge sections, each modular barge section having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side wall with female openings formed therein and a second side wall with male connectors extending therefrom. The method desirably includes assembling the modular barge sections together by inserting at least some of the male connectors into at least some of the female openings, whereby one or more of the male connectors are exposed at an outer periphery of the assembled modular barge, and coupling at least one bumper with one or more of the exposed male connectors, whereby at least one bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge sections. 
     In certain embodiments, a modular barge has a plurality of male connectors exposed around the periphery thereof, and the method includes assembling a bumper with each of the exposed male connectors. The bumpers may extend vertically between the top and bottom surfaces of the barge sections. The exposed male connectors may include sets of two or more male connectors that are vertically aligned with one another, whereby each bumper is coupled with one of the sets of male connectors. The assembling step may include coupling a first end of a first bumper with a first male connector adjacent the top surface of a first modular barge section and coupling a second end of the first bumper with a second male connector adjacent the bottom surface of the first modular barge section. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a bumper for a barge includes a frame, such as a metal frame, having a first end and a second end, a first attachment flange extending from the first end of the frame, the first attachment flange including an opening extending therethrough, and a second attachment flange extending from the second end of the frame, the second attachment flange having a U-shaped opening extending therethrough, whereby the U-shaped opening extends to a distal end of the bumper. The opening in the first attachment flange may have a wider diameter section, and a smaller diameter section located between the wider diameter section and a proximal end of the bumper. The frame has a U-shaped cross-section, with an insert, such as an insert made of a wood or polymer material, disposed in the U-shaped cross-section. The frame desirably has opposing side walls and aligned openings in the opposing side walls. The insert has openings extending therethrough that are aligned with the aligned openings in the side walls of the frame. Fasteners may be placed through the aligned openings for securing the insert to the frame. The bumper may include a locking pin opening extending through the bumper adjacent the first end of the frame. The bumper may have a locking pin insertable into the locking pin opening. 
     These and other embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a conventional modular barge system including a plurality of modular barges; 
         FIG. 2  shows the modular barge sections of  FIG. 1  assembled together to form a modular barge; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of two of the modular barge sections shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows an end view of one of the modular barge sections shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a fragmentary view of the two modular barge sections of  FIG. 3  being assembled together; 
         FIG. 6  shows a fragmentary side view of the modular barge section shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a conventional bumper covering two male connectors of the modular barge section shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a front elevational view of the bumper and the modular barge section shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a perspective view of the bumper and the modular barge section shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  each show two opposing modular barge sections having the conventional bumpers of  FIG. 7  coupled therewith; 
         FIG. 10  shows a bumper for a barge, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show an insert for the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  show a lateral insert for the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14A  shows a first attachment flange for the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14B  shows a side view of the first attachment flange shown in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a second attachment flange for the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 15B  shows a side view of the second attachment flange shown in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  shows an end view of the bumper shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows the bumper of  FIG. 10  coupled with male connectors of a modular barge section, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  shows the upper end of the bumper shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows another view of the upper end of the bumper shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20A  shows two opposing same size modular barge sections, each having one of the bumpers shown in  FIG. 10  coupled therewith; 
         FIG. 20B  shows two opposing different size modular barge sections, each having one of the bumpers shown in  FIG. 10  coupled therewith; and 
         FIG. 20C  shows two opposing different size modular barge sections, with one barge having the bumper shown in  FIG. 10  coupled therewith. 
     
    
    
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a bumper  100  for a barge has a first end  102  and a second end  104 . The bumper  100  includes a U-shaped frame  106  that extends between the first and second ends  102 ,  104 . The U-shaped frame may be made of a rugged material such as metal. One type of metal is steel. The U-shaped frame may be made of any material that is able to withstand the forces exerted upon barges or by the sea. The bumper  100  includes a first attachment flange  108  adapted to be coupled with a first male connector (not shown) of a modular barge section and a second attachment flange  110  adapted to be coupled with a second male connector (not shown) of the modular barge section. The first attachment flange  108  is desirably attached to a first end of the frame  106  and the second attachment flange  110  is desirably attached to a second end of the frame  106 . The bumper  100  also includes first and second lateral stabilizers  112 A,  112 B that extend alongside the U-shaped frame  106  between the first and second ends thereof. 
     The bumper  100  also includes an insert  114 , such as a block of marine grade wood, rubber or any energy absorbing material insert, which is disposed in the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame  106 . The insert has openings  116  extending therethrough that are aligned with openings  118  formed in the side walls  120 ,  122  of the U-shaped frame  106 , depending on the insert structure. After the openings  116  and  118  are aligned, fasteners such as bolts may be passed through the opening for securing the insert  114  to the frame  106 . Nuts may be tightened onto the ends of the bolts. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the insert  114  has a height greater than the height of the sidewalls  120 ,  122 . In one embodiment, the insert  114  has a length of about 4-6 feet, a height of about 5-7 inches and a width of about 5-7 inches. The length of the bumper is adjusted according to the depth of the barge. In another embodiment, the insert  114  has a length of about 5 feet, 2 inches, a height of about 6 inches, and a width of about 6 inches. The insert may be any energy absorbing material, including laminated or molded rubber or CCA treated, marine grade wood, able to withstand long-term exposure to the elements including sea water. The openings  116  in the insert have a constant diameter. In one embodiment, the openings are drilled through the insert and have a diameter of about one inch. 
     The bumper also includes two lateral inserts  124 A,  124 B attached to the frame  106 . In one embodiment, the first lateral insert  124 A is attached to the first side wall  120  of the frame  106 , and the second lateral insert  124 B is attached to the second side wall  122  of the frame  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the bumper  100  includes a locking pin  123  that is insertable into a locking pin opening  125 . As will be described in more detail below, after the bumper  100  is coupled with one or more male connectors, the locking pin  123  may be inserted into the locking pin opening  125  to prevent the bumper from decoupling from the male connectors. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  show the insert  114  that is connected to the frame of  FIG. 10 . The insert  114  has openings  116  extending therethrough. As noted above, the openings may be about one inch in diameter and are adapted to receive fasteners such as bolts for attaching the insert to the frame  106  ( FIG. 10 ). In certain embodiments, the insert  114  has a length of about 3-5 feet, a width of about 4-8 inches, and a height of about 4-8 inches. The insert may be made of wood, such as marine treated wood, or may be made of any sturdy material that is able to withstand the forces of the sea, and the forces generated when barges collide with one another. The insert may also be made of a polymer material such as rubber or any energy absorbing material. 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  show one of the lateral inserts  124  shown in  FIG. 10 . The lateral insert  124  is also adapted to be attached to the metal frame  106 . As described above, a first lateral insert is adapted to be secured to a first side wall of the frame and a second lateral insert is adapted to be secured to a second side wall of the frame. The lateral inserts are made of a sturdy material such as marine grade wood (e.g., CCA treated) or any energy absorbing material. The lateral insert has a plurality of openings  126  extending therethrough. The diameter of the openings  126  may be larger adjacent one of the side walls  128  of the lateral insert  124 . The larger diameter section of the opening  126  enables the head of a fastener to be positioned therein. 
     In certain embodiments, the lateral insert  124  has a length of about 4-6 feet, a width of about 2-4 inches, and a height of about 3-5 inches. In other embodiments, the lateral insert  124  has a length of about 5 feet, 2 inches, a width of about 3 inches, and a height of about 4 inches. The openings  126  may have a diameter of about one inch. The larger diameter section of the openings  126  may have a diameter of about 2 inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the attachment flange  108  has a first end  130 , a second end  132 , and an opening  134  that extends therethrough. The opening  134  has a first larger width section  136  and a second smaller width section  138 . In order to couple the first attachment flange  108  with a male connector (not shown), the tip of the male connector is passed through the large diameter section  136 . Once the flange  108  is aligned with the reduced diameter neck of the male connector, the first attachment flange  108  and the bumper may be moved toward the bottom surface of the barge section until the smaller diameter section  138  engages the reduced diameter neck of the male connector. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the second attachment flange  110  has a first end  140  and a second end  142  with a U-shaped opening  144 . In order to couple the second attachment flange  110  with a male connector, the U-shaped opening  144  of the second attachment flange is inserted over the reduced diameter neck section of a male connector until the closed end of the U-shaped opening  144  engages the reduced diameter neck. At that point, the bumper cannot move further toward the bottom surface of the barge section. 
       FIG. 16  shows an end view of the bumper  100  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  above. The bumper  100  includes the U-shaped frame  106  having side walls  120  and  122 . The bumper  100  includes the insert  114 , and the lateral inserts  124 A,  124 B. The openings  126  in the lateral inserts  124 A,  124 B are aligned with the openings extending through the side walls  120 ,  122  of the U-shaped frame  106 , which in turn are aligned with the openings in the insert  114 . As described above, fasteners may be passed through the aligned openings for connecting the insert  114 , and the lateral inserts  124 A,  124 B, with the frame  106 . The insert  114  may have a height greater than the height of the side walls  120 ,  122  of the frame  106 , and the height of the lateral inserts  124 A,  124 B. 
     A method for securing the above-described bumper  100  to male connectors extending from a modular barge section will now be described in conjunction with what is shown in  FIGS. 17-19 .  FIG. 17  shows a side wall of a modular barge section having a structure similar to the modular barge section  52 B shown and described above in  FIG. 3 . The modular barge section  52 B includes an upper male connector  74 A adjacent a top surface of the barge section and a lower male connector  74 C adjacent a bottom surface of the barge section. The upper and lower male connectors  74 A,  74 C are in vertical alignment with one another. 
     A bumper  100 , similar to that shown and described above in  FIGS. 10-11 , is coupled with the upper and lower male connectors  74 A,  74 C by aligning the C-shaped opening of the lower attachment flange with the reduced diameter neck of the lower male connector  74 C, and the large diameter opening of the upper attachment flange with the upper male connector  74 A. After the tip of the upper male connector is passed through the large diameter opening of the upper attachment flange, the bumper  100  may be moved in a downward direction toward the bottom surface of the barge section  52 B. The bumper  100  is moved toward the bottom surface of the barge section until the closed end of the C-shaped opening of the lower attachment flange engages the reduced diameter neck of the lower male connector  74 C, and the reduced diameter section of the upper attachment flange engages the reduced diameter neck of the upper male connector. The locking pin  123  shown in  FIG. 11  may be inserted into the locking pin opening  125  to prevent the bumper from moving upwardly and decoupling from the upper and lower male connectors  74 A,  74 C. 
       FIG. 18  shows the upper end of the bumper  100  after the bumper has been coupled with the upper male connector  74 A of the modular barge section  52 B. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the larger diameter tip of the upper male connector  74 A extends through the opening in the upper connector flange  108 , with the reduced diameter section of the flange opening being in contact with the reduced diameter neck of the male connector  74 A. Although not shown in  FIG. 18 , the lower flange connector at the lower end of the bumper is coupled with the lower male connector shown in  FIG. 17 . The locking pin (not shown) passes laterally underneath the upper male connector and through the bumper to prevent the bumper from moving upwardly and becoming decoupled from the upper male connector  74 A. 
       FIG. 19  shows another view of the upper end of the bumper  100  after the bumper has been coupled with the upper male connector  74 A. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the tip  80  of the upper male connector  74 A extends through the opening in the upper attachment flange  108 , as the reduced diameter section of the flange opening engages the reduced diameter neck of the male connector. The insert  114  and the frame  106  extend in a vertical direction between the upper and lower male connectors. The insert  114  is secured to the frame by fasteners that extend through aligned openings in the insert and the frame. Although not shown in  FIGS. 17-19 , lateral inserts may be secured to the side walls of the frame, or opposite sides of the frame. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20A , two barges  150 A,  150 B float next to one another in the water  194 . The two barges have the same size and dimensions. The first barge  150 A is carrying a lighter load than the second barge  150 B, which causes the second barge  150 B to have a greater draft than the first barge  150 A. As a result, the two barges are not at the same elevation relative to one another. Each barge  150 A,  150 B has male connectors extending from side walls thereof, and the bumpers described above in  FIGS. 10-11  are coupled with the male connectors. The bumpers  100 A,  100 B extend between top and bottom surfaces of the barges and extend in generally vertical directions relative to the top and bottom surfaces of the barges. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20B , two barges have different dimensions and as such have different drafts. As a result, the two barges are not at the same elevation relative to one another. Each barge  150 A,  150 B has male connectors extending from side walls thereof, and the bumpers described above in  FIGS. 10-11  are coupled with the male connectors. The bumpers  100 A,  100 B extend between top and bottom surfaces of the barges and extend in general vertical directions relative to the top and bottom surfaces of the barges. Referring to  FIG. 20C , only one barge is carrying the bumper as described above and even the one bumper is operating to substantially minimize or prevent damage to both barges. 
     Although the present invention is not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that providing bumpers that extend in generally vertical directions will advantageously protect the side walls of barges when opposing barges are at different drafts relative to one another. Bumpers  100 A,  100 B are embodiments of the present invention that provide an improvement over prior art bumpers (see  FIGS. 7-8B ) that extend in horizontal directions. 
     In addition, the bumpers of embodiments of the present invention may be easily coupled with and removed from the male connectors of modular barge sections. As discussed above, known bumpers are usually attached using tools and permanent fastener. In contrast, the bumpers of embodiments of the present invention may be attached and detached quickly, without requiring special tools or permanent fasteners. In addition, embodiments of the present invention enable barges having a wide range of dimensions and shapes to be assembled, whereby the male connectors exposed on the periphery of the barge may be readily covered by bumpers. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. For example, the bumpers disclosed in the present invention may be attached to any type of structure, whether stationary or movable, in water or on land. The present invention may also be used to protect any type of vessel, whether the vessel is a sea-going vessel or a land vessel (e.g., an automobile, truck, bus, camper, RV, etc.). It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1