US3340553A - Marine floats and method for making same - Google Patents

Description

sept. 12, 1967 R. LQ JONES MARINE FLOATS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Filed April 3G, 1965 2 .Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

- RALPH L f/a/vfs ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 12, 1967 R @JONES 3,340,553

MARINE FLOATS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Filed April 30, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

,641 PH L. Jan/fs ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent O 3,340,553 MARINE FLoATs AN? METHOD FOR MAKIN This invention relates to marine floats and method of making the same, and more particularly to masonry coated marine floats and buoys.

One object of the instant invention is to provide a marine oat which is light in weight and 'inexpensive to produce.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marine float or buoy which is totally waterproof and airtight.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marine float or buoy which may be colored during manufacture to provide a permanently tinted oat.

Another object of this invention is to provide a strong durable marine oat which is chemically inert and which will not suffer from electrolytic decomposition.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method of making marine oats by spray coating a Styrofoam core with a masonry coating. I

Another object of this invention is to provide a marine float having a Styrofoam core and a masonry coating with internal strengthening means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method of making marine floats into any desired configuration.

Another object of this invention is to provide a marine float having a central well into which may be placed the operative mechanism for a si-gnalling device.

Other objects and advantages of this invention reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein there are shown preferred embodiments of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a plan view of a raft which utilizes marine oats in accordance with the principles of the instant invention, certain parts being broken away for clarity of illustration;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE l and viewing in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 3 is a partial sectional view of the marine float shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 ls a schematic view showing a number of the oats of FIGURE 3 being used to cordon oif an area of a water body;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of another oat made in accordance with the instant invention;

FIGURE 6 is a transverse sectional View of the ernbodiment shown in FIGURE 5, taken along line 6-6 and viewing in the direction of Ithe arrows;

FIGURE 7 is a view showing a plurality of marine oats of varying configurations, all of the floats being made in accordance with the principles of the instant invention;

FIGURE 8 is an embodiment of a marine buoy which is adapted to carry a signalling means;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged partially sectioned view of the device of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a cross sectional view of the device of FIGURES 8 and 9 taken along the line 10-10 of FIG- URE 9 and viewing in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 11 is a larger marine buoy of similar lower configuration to the embodiment of FIGURES 8 to l0, and having a gong type alarm on the upper surface thereof; and

3,340,553 Patented Sept. 12, 1967 FIGURE 12 is another embodiment of a marine buoy having a similar lower configuration and having a whistle or horn type alarm on the upper end thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters indicate like elements throughout the several views thereof, there is indicated generally at 10 a raft comprising an upper planar surface 12 which is customarily rectangular in configuration and bounded by fore and aft depending flanges 14, 16 and lateral depending flanges 18, 20.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, a series of depending slats 22 divide the under surface of float 10 into a series of elongated stalls into which are positioned a plurality of marine floats indicated generally at 24. Any suitable means may be provided to secure oats 24 in the stalls provided by depending flanges 18, 20 and depending ridges 22.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, float 24 comprises an interior cylindrical or rectangular Styrofoam or polystyrene core 26 having upper and lower planar surfaces 28, 30 and a peripheral surface 32. The outer surface 34 of float 24 is a masonry coating which is applied as more fully explained hereinafter.

It has been found particularly advantageous to utilize a masonry compound composed of white Portland cement and graded silica sand in ratios of between one part cement to three parts sand to one part cement to four parts sand and additives in accordance with the following table:

It has been found that a marine float or buoy sprayed with a masonry compound in accordance with the above formulation provides an unusually strong waterproof surface. In addition it has been found that in spraying a core of Styrofoam or polystyrene there is substantially adhesion of the sprayed compound to the core. Such excellent adhesive properties of the core and the sprayed compound precludes extensive rebound of the expensive formulation.

In addition to the previously indicated ingredients, calcium chloride may be added to the mix in amounts of 1-2 pounds per 10() pounds of composition to regulate the curing time of the sprayed cement. Likewise a liquid additive will be added in a proportion necessary to achieve the desired texture. A coloring pigment may be added to achieve a readily visible buoy which requires no repainting during the life thereof.

After the masonry compound is prepared, a suitable Styrofoam core is selected and placed vertically on lower surface 30. The masonry compound so prepared is placed in a masonry spray gun, such as may be purchased from the Refractall Manufacturing Company, of Tulsa, Okla. Upper surface 28 and peripheral surface 32 are then spray coated using the nozzle of the spray gun to direct the ow of the masonry compound. After this applied surface has set to the extent that oat 24 may be handled, the cylindrical body is turned upside-down with surface 28 resting on the working area with surface 30 then being coated as previously mentioned.

Another marine float indicated generally at 40 is shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 and comprises a central cylindrical Styrofoam or polystyrene core 42 having upper and lower planar surfaces 44, 46 and a peripheral cylindrical wall 48. Each of walls 44 and 46 has an indentation 48, 50 substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of cylindrical core 42. Wall 48 has two indentations 52, 54 which are placed on a diameter of cylindrical core 42 approximately midway through the length thereof. A longitudinal strengthening rod 56 extends between indentations 48, S and is provided with an eye 58 Vat each end. A transverse strengthening rod 60 extends between indentations 52, 54 and is likewise provided with an eye 62 on each end. Float 40 is 4covered with a masonry coating 64 which provides a high strength, hard durable covering. As shown in FIGURE 6 provisions are made so that longitudinal strengthening rod 56 does not interfere with transverse rod 60, as by positioning rod 56 slightly removed from the axis of cylindrical core 42 or by providing a centrally disposed bent portion which straddles rod 60.

In the construction of float 40 rods 56, 60 are preferably formed without eyes 58, 62 and are placed in a mold into which is poured the raw materials necessary to form core 42. The mold is so formed as to produce indentations 48, 50, 52, 54 with the extreme ends of rods 56, 60 extending thereinto. After the core has hardened it is removed for further assembly steps. A suitable protective covering is placed on the exposed ends of rods 56, 60 after which masonry coating 64 is applied as previously discussed. Eyes 58, 62 may then be secured to rods 56, 60 by any suitable manner, such as by welding or by threaded connections which may be peened.

Alternatively, float 40 may be constructed by selecting a cylindrical Styrofoam core and cutting indentations 48, 50, 52, 54 therein with a knife or the like. Rods 56, 60, with at least one end being formed without an eye may then be inserted into an indentation and pushed through Styrofoam core 42 exiting in the oppositely placed indentation. A suitable protective device is placed on the exposed ends of rods 56, 60 after which masonry coating 64 is applied as previously discussed. The additional eye may be secured to either of the rods as previously mentioned.

It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, eyes 58, 62 are positioned with their outermost extremity disposed inwardly of the outer edge of coating 64, to preclude the eyes being broken off during rough treatment or handling.

Another mode of utilizing marine oat 40 is shown in FIGURE 4 where a series of cords, cables or the like 36 connect the planar ends of float 24 and a similar series of cables 38 connects another group of floats 34 so that an area of water may be cordoned off to establish a safe swimming area which may be readily observed by a lifeguard.

Referring now to FIGURE 7 there is indicated generally at 64 a nun-type navigational buoy comprising a lower frusto-conical shaped section 66 to which is secured a depending eye 68 carrying a cable 70 which may be secured to any convenient anchoring means (not shown). Buoy 64 also comprises a relatively shorter upper frusto-conical shaped section 72 with the enlarged edges of frusto-conical sections 66, 72 abutting. In the manufacture of such a buoy, a Styrofoam core is molded to the opposed double frusto-conical shape shown with a masonry coating sprayed thereon.

Also shown in FIGURE 7 is a can-type navigational buoy indicated generally at 74 comprising a lower frustoconical shaped section 76 and an upper cylindrical shaped section 78. A longitudinal strengthening rod 80 is provided carrying eyes 82, 84 to which .may be secured a cable or the like as shown at 86. A transverse strengthening rod 88 is provided which extends through the cylindrical upper section 7S and which carries eyes 90, 92 so that a series of such buoys may be secured together above the surface of the Water in much the same manner as oats 24 are secured as shown in FIGURE 4.

Also shown in FIGURE 7 is a spar-type marine buoy indicated generally at 94, comprising a short lower frustoconical shaped section 96 to which is dependingly secured an eye 98 carrying a cable 100 for attachment to an anchoring (not shown). The upper section spar-type buoy 94 comprises an elongated truste-conical shaped core 102. Buoy 94 may be conveniently made in the manner previously indicated.

Referring now to FIGURES 8 to l0, inclusive, there is indicated generally at 104 a marine buoy which is adapted to carry a signal light. Buoy 104 comprises a lower cylindrical masonry covered float 106 and an upper light `housing 108. Float 106 comprises a cylindrical Styrofoam or polystyrene core 110 having a blind aperture 113 in the upper end thereof. The exterior surfaces of Styrofoam core 110 carry a masonry coating 112 which may be of any desired thickness, but which is substantially thicker at the lower end thereof as shown at 114. An eye 116 is secured in an indentation 118 in lower wall 114 by any conventional means, such as by a shank 120 which extends through lower wall 114, core 110, and inner wall 112 and which is secured thereto by a washer 122 and a threaded nut and bolt 124, 126.

Se-curing light housing 108 to oat 106 is an attachment means indicated generally at 128 comprising an annular ring 130 having a series of circumferentially'spaced threaded openings and located beneath wall 112 as more fully explained hereinafter.

In the construction of oat 106, core 110 is molded to the desired configuration, which includes an indentation surrounding blind aperture 113 for the reception of annular ring 130, and an axial indentation on the outer planar surface of core 110 so that eye 116 may be positioned as shown in FIGURE 9. As previously mentioned the masonry compound is prepared with core 110 being vertically placed on a suitable working area. Annular ring 130 is placed in the appropriate indentation with a grease covered threaded bolt being placed in each of the threaded apertures of ring 130. A grease covered shank is placed so that it extends upwardly through the hole which corresponds to the :position of shank 120.

The outer surfaces of core 110 are then sprayed with the masonry compound to provide exterior walls 112. After the walls 112 have initially set, the greased bolts which were inserted into the threaded openings of annular ring 130 are removed and oat 106 is turned upsidedown with thickened layer 114 being similarly applied. The grease covered shank is then removed with eye 116, shank 120 being inserted in place thereof. Light housing 108 is assembled with bolts 142 replacing the previously removed grease covered bolts and engaging the threaded openings in annular ring 130.

Light housing 108 may be of any desired type, but is shown as comprising a waterproof seal 132 having a series of circumferential-ly spaced openings, a cover plate 134 having a similar series of openings, and a second waterproof seal 136. Positioned above second waterproof seal is a lower shield frame 138 having a series of peripherally spaced openings and a glass light shield 140 secured to shield :frame 138 by any suitable means. Shield frame 138 carries a `series of outwardly extending hooks 141 for purposes hereinafter more fully explained.

As shown in FIGURE 9 a bolt 142 is used to align the openings of shield frame 138, second waterproof seal 136, cover plate 134, and rst waterproof seal 132 for engagement with the threaded openings of annular ring 130. Secured to the upper portion of glass light shield 140 is a hooded top 144 having a series of radial circumferentially spaced openings 146 which provide a vent means for the escape of combustion materials within housing 108. Secured to the upper peripheral edge of hooded top 144 is a roof 148 of transluscent or transparent material.

A series of hook bolts 150 are secured as by threaded' shield frame 13S. Roof 148 and hooded top 144 are secured to shield 140 by bolts 150 in cooperation with ange 141 and nut 152.

Any suitable lighting device may be placed in iloat 104, such as an automatic electric lamp. The bulb of the lamp would extend through cover plate 134 with the necessary battery and wiring being conveniently held in blind aperture 113. A light sensitive switch may be installed on buoy 104 to actuate a lamp only during hours of darkness.

Alternatively a gas operated or kerosene operated light could be provided with the burner portion extending through the center of cover plate 134. The necessary gas supply tank could he -conveniently housed in blind aperture 113. It has been found that with a kerosene operated lamp, fuel may be placed in blind aperture 113 without the necessity of a tank or of special preparation of inner wall 112. In order that the gas or kerosene llame burns only during hours of darkness, a light sensitive switch may be installed in a battery powered circuit to actuate an electric lighter.

FIGURE 11 shows a -much larger navigational buoy indicated generally at 154 comprising a lower lloat section indicated generally at 156 and an upper framework shown generally at 158. Lower oat section 156 is of similar configuration to oat 106 providing a blind aperture. Framework section 158 comprises a series of converging braces 160 secured by any convenient means to oat 156, braces 160 being spaced apart by a series of parallel braces 162 and diagonal supports 164. Disposed centrally of framework 158 is an electrically operated bell 166 and a pair of stationary clappers 168. Bell 166 is conveniently pivotally mounted such that the oscillation thereof will contact clappers 168 thus providing an audible alarm. A battery and other necessary electrical equipment needed to operate bell 166 is housed in the blind aperture.

Shown in FIGURE 12 is another navigational buoy indicated generally at 170 comprising a lower float section shown generally at 172 and an upper alarm housing indicated generally at 174. Float 172 is made in a similar manner to oats 156 and 106. Alarm housing 174 houses a suitable whistle or horn 176 with the necessary electrical equipment being housed in a blind aperture in oat 172.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved marine oat and method of making the same, which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of the inventive concept, and since many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in `a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A marine float comprising a substantially cylindrical inner core having a longitudinal axis and dimension, a diameter, and an exterior surface, said core having a centrally disposed blind aperture with an inwardly facing wall therein; said exterior surface and said inwardly facing wall carrying a spray coated masonry surface, and an annular ring having peripherally spaced threaded apertures positioned adjacent said blind aperture between said core and said masonry surface, said masonry surface having a plurality of openings coaxial with and immediately above said threaded apertures of said annular ring.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said masonry surface comprises White Portland cement and graded silica sand in a ratio between one part cement to three parts sand and one part cement to four parts sand, between one to two pounds of Berylex per cubic yard of masonry compound and between 15 to 37 pounds of expanded pumicite per cubic yard of masonry compound.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said core is of Styrofoam.

4. 'The structure of claim 1 wherein said core is of polystyrene.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said ring supports an annular transparent light housing, and a light in said housing.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein said light housing has a translucent roof.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein said ring supports an electrically operated bell.

S. The structure of claim 1 wherein said ring supports an alarm whistle.

9. The method of forming a marine float comprising the steps of selecting a core made of a material chosen from the group consisting of Styrofoam and polystyrene and having a centrally disposed blind aperture, selecting an annular ring having a series of peripherally spaced threaded openings, placing said annular ring on the upper end of said core coaxial with said blind aperture, threadably securing a series ofvbolts in each of said threaded openings, grease coating the upper ends of said bolts, and spraying a masonry compound on the external surfaces of said core.

10. The method of claim 9 including the further steps of permitting said masonry compound to dry, removing said grease coated bolts, and securing an alarm housing to said ring by additional bolts.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,643,329 9/1927 Baribault 114-65 2,501,698 3/1950 Stecker.

3,132,417 5/ 1964 Irwin 9 8 X 3,157,144 11/1964 De Jarnett 114.5

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,346,454 11/1963 France.

OTHER REFERENCES The Dow Chemical Co. Styrofoam Technical Data, Midland, Mich., 1947, p. 16.

MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner. T. MAJOR, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A MARINE FLOAT COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL INNER CORE HAVING A LONGITUDINAL AXIS AND DIMENSION, A DIAMETER, AND AN EXTERIOR SURFACE, SAID CORE HAVING A CENTRALLY DISPOSED BLIND APERTURE WITH AN INWARDLY FACING WALL THEREIN; SAID EXTERIOR SURFACE AND SAID INWARDLY FACING WALL CARRYING A SPRAY COATED MASONRY SURFACE, AND AN ANNULAR RING HAVING PERIPHERALLY SPACED THREADED APERTURES POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID BLIND APERTURE BETWEEN SAID CORE AND SAID MASONRY SURFACE, SAID MASONARY SURFACE HAVING A PLURALITY OF OPENINGS COAXIAL WITH AND IMMEDIATELY ABOVE SAID THREADED APERTURES OF SAID ANNULAR RING.

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