U.S. patent application number 10/693865 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for multi-chambered structure.
Invention is credited to Holler, Max Michael.
Application Number | 20050086875 10/693865 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522488 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050086875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holler, Max Michael |
April 28, 2005 |
Multi-chambered structure
Abstract
A structure consists of an intermediate platform surmounted by
at least one chamber of spherical or partially spherical form
occupying a relatively major portion of the platform upper surface,
and a plurality of smaller chambers on the underside of the
platform. The preferred construction of the chamber walls is single
panel monocoque. When used as a boat, the lower chambers may be
buoyancy chambers. A string of such boats are well adapted for
ocean-going transportation. The structure may be insulated and
reinforced by the application of an interior layer of polycarbonate
foam. Three or more underside chambers in mutually spaced apart
relation constitute flotation chambers on which the vessel is
supported. The chambers provides efficient, stable buoyancy, and
promote effective streamlining for ease of movement over the water.
Smaller versions may form play houses; miniature versions may serve
as play toys.
Inventors: |
Holler, Max Michael;
(Sudbury, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
D.W. EGGINS
18 DOWNSVIEW DRIVE
BARRIE
ON
L4M 4P8
CA
|
Family ID: |
34522488 |
Appl. No.: |
10/693865 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 3/16 20130101; B63B
1/12 20130101; E04B 2001/3294 20130101; E04B 2001/3276 20130101;
E04B 1/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/079.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 001/00 |
Claims
1. A lightweight structure having a deck surmounted by a
substantially semi-spherical enclosure having at least one access
door to the interior thereof, and a plurality of enclosed support
structures in mutually spaced supporting relation beneath the
deck.
2. The structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support
structures are substantially semi-spherical.
3. The structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
semi-spherical structure is of monocoque construction.
4. The structure as set forth in claim 2, wherein said
semi-spherical structures are of monocoque construction.
5. The structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said deck is
substantially triangular in plan-form.
6. The structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one said
structure has an insulative layer over at least a portion of the
interior of the structure.
7. The structure as set forth in claim 3, wherein said monocoque
construction consists of a plurality of ribbed panels in mutually
abutting, secured relation, said enclosure having at least one rib
extending inwardly from said panels, within said enclosure.
8. The structure as set forth in claim 1, having a pair of said
access doors; said enclosure including at least one window.
9. The structure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said deck is a
composite structure of channel sections, having an upper and a
lower sheathing to substantially enclose the deck, as a sealed
structure.
10. The structure as set forth in claim 1, being a boat, in
combination with at least one outboard motor.
11. The combination as set forth in claim 9, including access steps
secured to said deck.
12. A structure consisting of a deck surmounted by a substantially
monocoque paneled enclosure having at least one access door to the
interior thereof, wherein said enclosure has a wall consisting of a
plurality of panels in mutually abutting relation.
13. The structure as set forth in claim 12, wherein a plurality of
said panels are windows.
14. The structure as set forth in claim 12, wherein said enclosure
is attached in substantially sealed relation to said deck.
15. The structure as set forth in claim 14, including a plurality
of enclosed support structures in mutually spaced supporting
relation beneath the deck.
16. The structure as set forth in claim 15, wherein said plurality
of enclosed support structures are substantially identical; being
arranged in mutually spaced relation beneath said deck
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. This invention is directed to a multi-chambered
structure, and in particular to a structure having an intermediate
platform surmounted by a chamber occupying a relatively major
portion of the platform upper surface, and a plurality of smaller
chambers on the underside of the platform. The preferred
construction of the chambers is single panel monocoque. The lower
chambers may be buoyancy chambers.
[0005] 2. In my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,849 of Oct. 24, 2000,
which is incorporated herein by way of reference, is disclosed a
prefabricated self-supporting paneled structure system providing
dome-like monocoque structures. Triangular or rectilinear flat
panels are bent along their edges, forming flanges. The so-formed
panels are fastened together at the flanges, and may be reinforced
at the junctures of the flanges, providing a dome-like structure.
This differs from other geodesic-type structures that are usually
composed of a skeleton of ribs, covered separately by flat or
curved panels or fabric sheets.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a multi-chambered structure,
and in particular a structure having an intermediate platform
surmounted by at least one chamber occupying a relatively major
portion of the platform upper surface, and a plurality of smaller
chambers on the underside of the platform. The preferred
construction of the chamber walls is single panel monocoque. The
lower chambers may be buoyancy chambers.
[0007] The structure may be insulated and reinforced by the
application of an interior layer of polycarbonate foam.
[0008] In a water-born vessel embodiment, three or more underside
chambers in mutually spaced apart relation constitute flotation
chambers on which the vessel is supported. The spherical or
partially spherical form of the wetted surfaces provides efficient
buoyancy, and promotes effective streamlining for ease of movement
over the water.
[0009] The adoption of a triangulated geometry provides great
stability.
[0010] The substantially spherical form of the upper compartment,
allied to the discontinuous "hull" formation minimizes wind
resistance. The substantially spherical forms above and below the
deck are equally efficient in relation to head winds and seas, and
to quartering and following winds and seas. In the case of
ocean-going transportation, a train consisting of a multiplicity of
such vessels in connected relation overcomes the destructive
environment encountered by orthodox vessels of extended length,
when unusual wave forms arise.
[0011] The exposed surfaces of the structure, both anterior and
posterior may be sealed and protected by the application of a
protective outer coating of plastic, including such as a fiberglass
coating. This coating can also serve to smooth over the slight
discontinuities of the panel joints, as well as to more closely
approximate spherical surfaces.
[0012] It is contemplated that the major surface portion of the
individual panels may be formed from planar to spherical if so
desired, such as by hydroforming, so as to smoothly conform the
assembled panels to the selected spherical radius.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Certain embodiments of the invention are described by way of
illustration, without limitation thereto other than as set forth in
the accompanying claims, reference being made to the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view looking down from a front
quarter, of a first boat embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view looking down onto the FIG. 1
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view from below of a
second embodiment of the invention; and
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective interior view showing details of a
typical structure, including a series of panels in assembled
relation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a structure 10 in accordance
with the present invention has a substantially planar, triangular
deck portion 12, with an upper, anterior structure 14 and three
lower, posterior structures 16, 18, 18. The deck sheathing has been
omitted in order to show the underlying framework 19.
[0019] The FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiment has a "bow" portion 20 (as of a
boat), with the posterior structure 16 in underlying, supporting
relation therebeneath.
[0020] The "port" and "starboard" corner portions 22, 24 of the
deck 12 overly the respective posterior structures 18.
[0021] The anterior structure 14 has portals 26, 26 that open onto
the respective deck portions 22, 24. Viewing windows 27 are spaced
around the structure 14.
[0022] Doors such as the sliding glass patio type (not shown) are
contemplated for a houseboat vessel embodiment.
[0023] Deck extensions 28, 28 provide a walkway around the
structure 14, and a set of steps 30, which in use would normally be
above water level, facilitate accessing the deck 12.
[0024] Two attachment points 32, 32 are provided to which outboard
motors may be mounted.
[0025] Each of the structures may be insulated and reinforced by
the application of an interior layer of polycarbonate foam, such as
General Latex & Chemical Corp's "Vultafoam" (TM.).
[0026] The deck portion 12 preferably consists of a framework 19 of
U-channels in welded assembly, with upper and lower sheathing such
as marine plywood secured to the framework 19.
[0027] Also contemplated is the provision of a removable floor
panel or panels, within the structure 14, for use in fishing in
inclement weather, or through ice.
[0028] Safe use in arctic or semi-arctic conditions, as exist in
northern States, Canada, the Yukon, Nunavit and Canada's North West
Territories is anticipated, on account of the low immersion of the
posterior structures 16, 18, 18 and their substantially spherical,
smooth surfaces that would tend to avoid entrapment under freeze-up
conditions.
[0029] Use of structures incorporating the deck 12, the anterior
structure 14 and posterior structures 16, 18 or equivalent are
contemplated in a range of sizes, including a child's play toy.
[0030] In FIG. 3, the structure 14 omits certain of the details of
FIGS. 1 and 2, such as doors and windows, and shows a fully
triangular deck 12.
[0031] In one embodiment, the anterior structure 14 is 14 feet in
diameter; and the posterior structures 16, 18, 18 are 7-feet in
diameter. In the form of a vessel such as a houseboat, this
provides a startling 615 square feet of enclosed living space,
which can be readily partitioned.
[0032] It will be understood, in the case of significantly larger
vessel embodiments that the "igloo" form of the anterior structure
14 can be readily modified to provide a range of shapes, including
connected hemispheres, to meet specialized cabin/cargo
requirements, while retaining the strength and simplicity of a
monocoque structure.
[0033] The posterior structures 16, 18, 18 may be of different form
and number, while retaining many of the advantages of the
illustrated embodiments. The buoyant capacity of the overall
structure 10 is such that the posterior structures 16, 18, 18 and
their equivalent may be utilized appropriately for safe storage of
fuel, food, water and sewage, etc
[0034] Access from the anterior structure 14 to the respective
posterior structures may be readily provided through the floor of
the deck 12.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, in addition to a series of rectangular
panels 38 connected in mutually abutting relation, the manner is
shown of incorporation of ribs 40 and the attachment of other
structural members 42, in forming the monocoque structure, and its
attachment to the frame members 19 of the deck.
* * * * *