(19)
(11)EP 3 204 286 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
09.10.2019 Bulletin 2019/41

(21)Application number: 15846172.3

(22)Date of filing:  27.03.2015
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B63B 35/38(2006.01)
B63B 35/44(2006.01)
B63B 35/34(2006.01)
B63B 35/58(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/TH2015/000018
(87)International publication number:
WO 2016/053208 (07.04.2016 Gazette  2016/14)

(54)

A FLOATING UNIT AND A FLOATING STRUCTURE ASSEMBLED FROM SUCH FLOATING UNITS

SCHWIMMENDE EINHEIT UND AUS SOLCHEN SCHWIMMENDEN EINHEITEN ZUSAMMENGEBAUTE SCHWIMMENDE STRUKTUR

UNITÉ FLOTTANTE ET STRUCTURE FLOTTANTE ASSEMBLÉE À PARTIR DE TELLES UNITÉS FLOTTANTES


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 01.10.2014 TH 1401005953

(43)Date of publication of application:
16.08.2017 Bulletin 2017/33

(73)Proprietor: Boonlikitcheva, Pichit
Bangkok (TH)

(72)Inventor:
  • Boonlikitcheva, Pichit
    Bangkok (TH)

(74)Representative: Thompson, Andrew John 
Withers & Rogers LLP 4 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AU
London SE1 2AU (GB)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 385 903
CN-Y- 2 711 039
JP-A- 2012 232 651
US-A1- 2013 008 900
EP-A1- 2 682 336
CN-Y- 200 939 934
US-A- 5 281 055
US-B2- 8 037 837
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The invention relates to a floating unit and a floating structure constructed by assembling said floating units.

    BACKGROUND ART



    [0002] Floating structures such as a dock, a jetty, a raft, etc. constructed from a single floating unit or a plurality of floating units assembled together, which can be utilized or towed, are well known.

    [0003] For the floating structure constructed from a plurality of floating units assembled together, US patent No. US8,037,837 B2 assigned to Candock Inc., Canada, discloses a dock unit attachable to another dock unit with a fastener for forming a floating dock. Likewise, for assembling a plurality of floating units as disclosed in European patent application, publication No. EP 2 682 336 A1 owned by Marine System Europa S.L., Spain, floating units are interlinked to each other in a jointed form by means of connectors being in the form of perforated projections and bolts.

    [0004] In said existing inventions as described above, the floating unit has protrusions each of which is laterally extended for receiving the respective fasteners or bolts, thereby the floating unit can be attached to another floating unit. This structure has several disadvantages including: these components are easily damaged; and the components of the floating unit formed by a plastic molding may leads to a complicated mold, so that it may cause increases in production cost of the floating unit.

    [0005] Meanwhile, in the invention according to European patent application, publication No. EP 0 385 903 A1 owned by S.A. Ateliers Polyvalents Chateauneuf, France, floating units are attached together by using bolts and nuts having four horizontal arms each of which is adapted in order to be fitted into a cavity on the lower surface of the floating unit, so that the floating units can be attached together without using any protrusions for receiving the bolts. However, since said floating units are attached together by screwing-in force for the bolts, it is possible that the bolts may be loosened.

    [0006] US patent No. 5.281.055 A discloses a floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for constructing a floating structure. The floating unit comprises a polygonally shaped, hollow floating body having an upper, a lower, and a plurality of lateral surfaces. The upper and the lower surfaces each comprise at least one engaging surface each being adapted to be fitted with a locking surface of the lock, thereby, attaching the floating body to another floating body. The upper and lower engaging surfaces comprise openings.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0007] In order to overcome the problems as mentioned above, an objective of the present invention is to provide a floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for assembling a floating structure which is simple and not complex, so that the manufacturing cost is low. The floating units can be locked together by the locks without using screws or other fastening means, so that the floating units can be easily assembled and firmly attached together.

    [0008] In addition, another objective of this invention is to construct a multi-floor floating structure with or without a space between floors, wherein the lower floor(s) is weighed by a material with a density higher than that of water such as sand, concrete, etc., so that the floating structure is more stable and can be further utilized.

    [0009] The floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by the locks for constructing the floating structure according to this invention comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper surface and said lower surface. Said upper surface and said lower surface of the floating body respectively comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surface are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock. Therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit.

    [0010] The foregoing and other objectives and features of this invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detail description of this invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0011] 

    Figures 1A- 1D show the first embodiment of a floating unit according to this invention;

    Figures 2A- 2C show the second embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention;

    Figures 3A-3C show the third embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention;

    Figures 4A- 4D show the forth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention;

    Figure 5 shows a process for assembly the floating units according to Figure 4 in order to construct a single-floor floating structure;

    Figures 6A - 6C show the fifth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention;

    Figure 7 shows a process for assembly the floating units according to Figure 6 together in order to construct a single-floor floating structure;

    Figures 8A- 8C show the sixth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention;

    Figure 9 shows a structure of the floating unit according to the forth embodiment as shown in Figure 4 for facilitating assembly with another floating unit or assembly with an external device;

    Figure 10 shows a detail of an auxiliary floating unit used in combination with the structure for facilitating assembly between floating units or assembly with the external connecting device such as a water pipe, an electric conduit, etc.;

    Figure 11 shows one form of a main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1;

    Figure 12 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the second embodiment as shown in Figure 2;

    Figures 13A, 13B 14A, and 14B show another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the third embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

    Figure 15 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the forth embodiment as shown in Figure 4;

    Figure 16 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the fifth embodiment as shown in Figure 6;

    Figure 17 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the seventh embodiment;

    Figure 18 shows the seventh embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention used with the main lock-connecting element as shown in Figure 17;

    Figure 19 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the sixth embodiment as shown in Figure 8;

    Figure 20 shows detail of the lock comprising a locking rod, an inner lock-inserting element, a locking element, and a lock-inserting element.

    Figures 21A- 21E show steps of assembling the lock as shown in Figure 20;

    Figure 22 shows an example of a two-floor floating structure constructed from the floating units and the locks according to this invention; and

    Figure 23 shows the second example of a three-floor floating structure constructed by assembling the floating units according to this invention.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION



    [0012] A floating unit according to this invention is in the form of a hollow polygonal floating unit, and preferably made of a plastic material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyprolylene random copolymer (PPR), polyester, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or similar plastic materials, or a metal such as aluminium, rust-preventive plated iron, etc. The floating unit is formed such that lateral surfaces, corners, an upper surface, and a lower surface have the structure capable of attachment for an extension in a longitudinal direction of all lateral surfaces, and an extension in a vertical direction of the upper and lower surfaces. The embodiments of this invention are only exemplified for clear disclosure in detail description of this invention, and the enlarged figures and the additional figures are provided for clarity of the disclosure.

    [0013] According to one embodiment, the floating unit according to this invention can be attached to another floating unit by locks for constructing the floating structure, wherein said floating unit comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces. Said upper surface and said lower surfaces of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit, and said upper and lower engaging surfaces of said floating body respectively comprise a number of notches, each of which has a contact surface inclined outwardly of said floating body, wherein, in use, the corresponding contact surfaces of the notches of said upper engaging surface and the corresponding contact surfaces of the notches of said lower engaging surface are contacted with the locking surfaces of said locks, therefore, said floating unit can be attached to another floating unit.

    [0014] According to another embodiment of this invention, the floating unit can be attached to another floating unit by the locks for constructing the floating structure, wherein said floating unit comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces. Said upper surface and said lower surface of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, and therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit, and said upper and lower engaging surfaces of said floating body respectively comprise a peripheral groove 10 and a radial groove(s) 2 communicated with said peripheral groove, in which contact surfaces of said upper engaging surface 200 and said lower engaging surface 202 are inclined, wherein, in use, the corresponding peripheral grooves (10), radial recesses 2 and contact surfaces of said upper engaging surface 200 and of said lower engaging surface 202 are contacted with the locking surfaces of said locks, therefore, said floating unit can be attached to another floating unit.

    [0015] According to another embodiment of this invention, the floating structure comprises a plurality of floating units according to one of the embodiments of this invention and a plurality of locks, wherein each said floating unit is attached to another floating unit by said locks respectively comprising: a locking rod being in the form of a hollow cylindrical rod with at least two holes pierced through the wall of said locking rod and located adjacent to one end of said locking rod; a lock-connecting element having a central through hole adapted for snugly inserting of said locking rod therethrough, wherein said lock-connecting element comprises an engaging surface capable of snugly engaging with said upper engaging surface or said lower engaging surface of said floating unit; a pair of lock-engaging elements, wherein each lock-engaging element is in the form of an arc-shaped portion capable of snugly enclosing the outside of the locking rod, and the inside of each lock-engaging element is provided with at least one latch for snugly inserting into the corresponding hole of the locking rod, while said pair of lock-engaging elements is enclosed the outside of the locking rod; and a lock-inserting element for putting on and covering on the end of the locking rod, while the outside of the locking rod is snugly enclosed by the pair of said lock-engaging elements, wherein, in use, an edge of each lock-engaging element is abutted on the corresponding lock-connecting element, such that the engaging surface of said lock-connecting element is locked onto said corresponding upper or lower engaging surfaces of at least two floating units together, whereby the floating units can be locked and attached together, and the floating structure can be constructed therefrom.

    [0016] The detailed description of this invention is given hereafter in a way of exemplary embodiments of this invention and taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which like elements in the appended drawings are identified by like reference numerals. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit this invention, and the scope of this invention is defined in the appended claims.

    [0017] Figures 1A- 1D show the first embodiment of the floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by the locks for constructing the floating structure according to this invention.

    [0018] According to Figure 1A, the floating unit comprises the floating body 100 being in the form of a hollow equilateral triangular prism as shown an elevation view, while Figure 1D is a plan view as viewed from below. The floating body 100 comprises an upper surface 101, a lower surface 103 (see Fig 1D which is the plan view as viewed from below), and three lateral surfaces 105 connected to said upper surface 101 and said lower surface 103.

    [0019] Figures 1B and 1C show the engaging surfaces located at the corners and the lateral edge respectively. The floating body 100 is provided with the upper engaging surfaces 200 located at the corner (as shown in Figure 1B) and the lateral edge (at least one engaging surface on each lateral edge of said polygonal-shaped floating body, as shown in Figure 1C), and the lower engaging surfaces 202 (see Figure 1D). The lower engaging surfaces 202 are identical and appear to be a mirror image of the upper engaging surfaces 200.

    [0020] Each upper and lower engaging surface (200 and 202) is adapted in order to fitted with the locking surface of the lock, wherein the detail of the lock will be described hereafter. Therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit.

    [0021] These engaging surfaces serve as surfaces for facilitating assembly with another floating unit and assembly with external connecting devices in both horizontal and vertical directions.

    [0022] According to Figure 1A at least one lateral surface 105 of the floating body 100 may be provided with a main concave portion 1 and/or a recess 6 being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface from the top to the bottom. The recess 6 is extended from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 103 of the floating body. Likewise, it may be provided with at least one projection 7 being in the form of a convex portion outwardly extended and having a certain size and shape on the lateral surface of the floating body, such that the projection can be snugly engaged to the recess 6.

    [0023] According to Figures 1B and 1C, at least one or a plurality of grooves 2 each of which has a certain width, length and depth, and not penetrated into the inside are formed on the respective regions of the upper surface and the lower surfaces located adjacent to the main concave portion 1. The grooves 2 located adjacent to the main concave portion 1 are periodically spaced apart on both upper and lower surfaces. The depression(s) 3 having a certain diameter and depth and not penetrated into the inside is(are) formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit. The depression 3 can also be an elliptic shape or another shape and is communicated to the corresponding groove 2, wherein the depth of one end of the groove 2 located near the depression 3 is shallower than that of the other end of the groove 2 located near the main concave portion 1, such that the groove 2 is upwardly inclined from the main concave portion 1 to the depression 3. A curved groove 4 having a certain width, curvature and depth, and not penetrated into the inside may be formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit, wherein the curved groove 4 is communicated with the corresponding and existing depressions 3, and both ends of the curved groove 4 are terminated at the respective left and right sides or the corresponding same side of the equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit.

    [0024] At least one of either side of the floating unit is provided with at least one recess 6 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the side from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface, so that the projection 7 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this recess. Likewise, at least one of either side of the equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one projection 7 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the lateral surface between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface, so that the recess 6 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this projection.

    [0025] According to Figure 1B, the 60-degree corner of the hollow equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 5 or a recess 6 being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width for inserting a shaft of the lock, or it can be a beveled portion at this corner fully extended between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface.

    [0026] Said upper engaging surface 200 and said lower engaging surface 202 of said floating body have the same features. Each engaging surface comprises a peripheral groove 4 being in the form of a groove extended into the surface, and a plurality of radial grooves 2 obliquely extended, communicated with the peripheral groove 4, and having a ridge at both walls of the groove, such that movement of the lock (not shown) can be prevented by the walls of said peripheral groove 4. This ridge may have an inclined contact surface being in the form of a wedge in order to produce friction between the engaging surface and the lock. While being used, the peripheral groove 4 and the corresponding contact surface of the upper engaging surface 200 and the lower engaging surface 202 are engaged to the locking surface of the lock (not shown). Therefore, said floating unit can be firmly attached to another floating unit.

    [0027] According to Figures 1B and 1C, a groove 2 being in the form of a inclined groove having a certain width, length and depth, and not penetrated into the inside are formed on the respective regions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 5. A depression 3 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside is formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit. The depression 3 can also be an elliptic shape or another shape and is communicated to the corresponding groove 4 and inclined groove 2, wherein the depth of one end of the groove 2 located near the depression 3 is shallower than that of the other end of the groove 2 located near the main concave portion 5, such that the groove 2 is upwardly inclined from the main concave portion 5 to the depression 3. At least one curved groove 4 having a certain width, curvature and depth, and not penetrated into the inside may be formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit, wherein the curved groove 4 is communicated with both left and right side of the depression 3, and both ends of the curved groove 4 are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit.

    [0028] According to Fig 1D, the hollow equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit has
    the lower surface which is identical to the upper surface as described above, so that it will not repeatedly described. An anti-slip surface may be arranged on the equilateral triangular prism-shaped floating unit in the form of an anti-slip groove pattern (not shown in this figure), an anti-slip coating layer, or an anti-slip sheet attached to the floating unit by an adhesive or screws. At least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside may be arranged on the upper and lower surface of the floating unit, wherein the hole may have internal threads for facilitating fastening of a plug (not show), wherein the holes may be spaced apart with a certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material with a density equal to or higher than that of water such as water, sand, cement concrete, etc. into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up. In addition, the hole 8 may have female threads or an internal threads, such that an external-threaded plug (not shown) served as a cap can be screwed into the hole.

    [0029] Figures 2 A- 2C show the second embodiment of a floating unit according to this invention, which is modified from the first embodiment, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers.

    [0030] According to Figures 2A and 2B, another structure for facilitating lock-connecting of an external device is shown. The floating body of the floating unit is in the form of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism. The floating body having a structure for facilitating assembly between the floating units comprises an upper engaging surface 200 and a lower engaging surface 202 for facilitating assembly with the external connecting device on the upper side and the lower side of the floating unit respectively.

    [0031] Figure 2B shows the engaging surface at the right-angle corner of the floating unit comprising a peripheral groove 10 and ridges located adjacent to the peripheral groove, wherein at least one inclined groove 2 having inclined surface radially extended are formed from the ridges for producing friction. A main concave portion 9 being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width may be formed at a right-angle corner for inserting of the lock, or it can be a beveled portion at the right-angle corner fully extended between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface. At least one or a plurality of grooves 2 each of which has a certain width, length and depth, and not penetrated into the inside are formed on the respective regions of the upper surface and the lower surfaces located adjacent to the main concave portion 9. The grooves 2 located adjacent to the main concave portion 9 and periodically radially spaced apart, wherein this feature is the same on upper and lower surfaces. The respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit are provided with the curved groove 10 having a certain width, curvature and depth, not penetrated into the inside, and connected to the existing inclined grooves 2, and the respective inclined grooves 2 have the depth of one end communicated with the peripheral groove 10 shallower than that of the other end communicated with the main concave portion 9, such that the inclined groove 2 is inclined from the main concave portion 9 to the peripheral groove 10, and both ends of the peripheral groove 4 are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the right-angle corner.

    [0032] Figure 2C shows the lower surface of the floating body, which is identical and appears to be a mirror image of the upper surface, therefore it is not repeatedly described.

    [0033] Figure 2A shows all three sides of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit, wherein at least one lateral surface of the floating body may be provided with a main concave portion 1 being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface from the upper surface to the lower surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces located adjacent to the main concave portion 1 are provided with the peripheral groove 10 and a plurality of the inclined radial grooves 2 radially spaced apart. The inclined grooves 2 are communicated with the main concave portion 1 and periodically spaced apart. As assembling the floating unit to other floating units, on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces, the peripheral grooves 10 will substantially form an outer circle, and the ridges will substantially form an inner circle, as viewed from above.

    [0034] According to Figure 2, the 45-degree corner of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 11 being in the form of a concave portion or a beveled portion fully extended along the corner between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 11 are provided with an inclined groove 2 having a certain width, length and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, and communicated with the main concave portion 11 on both upper and lower surfaces. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are provided with the peripheral groove 10 having a certain width, curvature and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, and communicated with the inclined groove 2, and the inclined groove 2 having the depth of one end communicate with the peripheral groove 10 shallower than that of the other end communicated with the main concave portion 11, such that the inclined groove 2 is upwardly inclined from the main concave portion 11 to the peripheral groove 10, and both ends of the peripheral groove 10 are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the corner.

    [0035] According to Figure 2A, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging recess 6 and at least one engaging projection 7 having a size corresponding to the recess 6, such that the projection can be snugly engaged to the recess. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern, or an anti-slip layer (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are also provided with at least one hole 8 which is the same as the previous embodiments, and it is not repeatedly described.

    [0036] Figures 3A-3C show the third embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0037] According to Figures 3, another structure of the floating unit for facilitating lock-connecting of an external device is shown. The floating body of the floating unit is in the form of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism having the structure for facilitating assembly between the floating units and assembly with the external connecting device on both horizontal and vertical directions. All three lateral surfaces of the floating unit may be provided with at least one main concave portion 1 or recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and the length fully extended along the height of the lateral surface from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 1 are provided with the upper and lower engaging surface respectively comprising notches 12 each of which is in the form of an outwardly downwardly inclined indentation, wherein the width of the notch 12 located toward the inside is more than that located toward the outside in the form of a widening indentation. The notch 12 has a specific width and depth, such that the widening inclined notch 12 can be engaged with the device required to securely be engaged thereto.

    [0038] According to Figure 3A, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging recess 6 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the side from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging projection 7 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this recess. Likewise, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging projection 7 having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging recess 6 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this projection. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern, or an anti-slip layer (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are also provided with at least one hole 8, wherein the holes may be spaced apart with a certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material with
    a density equal to or higher than that of water into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed,
    so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0039] Figure 3B is an enlarged view for illustrating the specifically designed notch 12 on the engaging surface.

    [0040] Figure 3C shows the top plan view of the surface of the floating unit, wherein the lower surface is the same as the upper surface, and it appears to be a mirror image of the upper surface.

    [0041] Figure 4 shows the forth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0042] According to Figure 4, another structure of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit for facilitating lock-connecting of an external device is shown. The floating unit has the structure for facilitating assembly between the floating units and assembly with the external connecting device on both horizontal and vertical directions. At least one of either side of all three lateral surfaces of the floating unit may be provided with at least one main concave portion 1 or recess being in the form of a concave portion extended between the upper engaging surface 200 and the lower engaging surface 202 (not shown). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 1 are provided with at least one or a plurality of inclined grooves or
    indentation 14, wherein they are periodically spaced apart. The widening inclined indentation 14 has a certain width and depth, and is widened and inclined toward the respective edge corners 15, such that the distance between the edge corners 15 is more than the width of the indentation 14 located adjacent to the main concave portion 1, and the space between the edge corners 15 is steeper than that of the indentation located adjacent to the main concave portion 1. A curved groove 4a having a certain width, depth, curvature and length, and not penetrated into the inside may be formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit, wherein the curved groove is formed in order to communicate the corresponding widening inclined indentations 14 at the existing edge corners 15 together, and both ends of the curved groove 4a are terminated at the respective left and right sides of the main concave portion on the corresponding same side.

    [0043] According to Figure 4B, the right-angle corner of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one main concave portion 9 or recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width, or it can be a beveled portion at the right-angle corner fully extended between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 9 are provided with at least one or a plurality of widening inclined indentation 14, wherein they are periodically spaced apart. The widening inclined indentation 14 has a certain width and depth, and is widened and inclined toward the respective edge corners 15, such that the distance between the edge corners 15 is more than the width of the widening inclined indentation 14 located adjacent to the main concave portion 9, and the space between the edge corners 15 is steeper than that of the indentation 14 located adjacent to the main concave portion 9. A curved groove 4a having
    a certain width, depth, curvature and length, and not penetrated into the inside may be formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit, wherein the curved groove is formed in order to communicate the corresponding widening inclined indentations 14 at the existing edge corners 15 together, and both ends of the curved groove 4a are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the right-angle corner.

    [0044] According to Figure 4C, the 45-degree corner of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 11 or a recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width, or it can be a beveled portion at the corner fully extended between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 11 are provided with at least one widening inclined indentation 14. The widening inclined indentation 14 has a certain width and depth, and is widened and inclined toward the respective edge corners 15, such that the distance between the edge corners 15 is more than the width of the widening inclined indentation 14 located adjacent to the main concave portion 11, and the space between the edge corners 15 is steeper than that of the indentation 14 located adjacent to the main concave portion 11. A curved groove 4a having a certain width, depth, curvature and length, and not penetrated into the inside may be formed on the respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces of the floating unit, wherein the curved groove is formed in order to communicate the corresponding widening inclined indentations 14 at the existing edge corners 15 together, and both ends of the curved groove 4a are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the corner.

    [0045] According to Figure 4A, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging recess 6 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the side from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging projection of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this recess. Likewise, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging projection 7 having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging recess 6 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this projection. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern, or an anti-slip layer (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are also provided with at least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, wherein the holes may be spaced apart a the certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material with a density equal to or higher than that of water into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0046] Figure 5 shows an example of a process for assembly the floating units according to Figure 4 in order to construct a single-floor floating structure.

    [0047] According to Figure 5, the engaging projections 7 and the engaging recesses 6 of one floating unit are engaged to the engaging recesses 6 and the engaging projections 7 of another floating unit respectively, while lock-connecting elements 36 of the lock are snugly engaged to the corresponding upper and lower engaging surface (200 and 202) (not shown), so that the floating units can be locked together. An external device installing channel 300 formed after this assembly is in the form of a substantially circular shape located in the middle of the floating structure.

    [0048] Figure 6 shows the fifth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0049] According to Figures 6, another structure of the hollow hexagonal prism-shaped floating unit for facilitating lock-connecting of an external device is shown. The floating unit has the structure for facilitating assembly between the floating units and assembly with the external connecting device on both horizontal and vertical directions. At least one of all six lateral surfaces of the hollow hexagonal prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 1 or a recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and extended between the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 1 are provided with the engaging surfaces comprising notches 16 having a certain width and depth. The notch 16 is depressed to a portion 17 and inwardly and upwardly widened to the respective corners 18 in order to form the structure capable of being engaged to the device required to be engaged thereto.

    [0050] According to Figure 6A, at least one of either side of the hollow hexagonal prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging recess 6 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the side from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging projection of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this recess. Likewise, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging projection 7 having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging recess 6 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this projection.

    [0051] Figure 6B is the top plan view of the hexagonal floating unit according to this embodiment. Figure 6C is an enlarged view of the engaging surface of the floating unit.

    [0052] According to Figure 6B, the respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow hexagonal prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are provided with at least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, wherein the holes may be spaced apart with the certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0053] Figure 7 shows an example of a process for assembly the floating units according to Figure 6 in order to construct a single-floor floating structure.

    [0054] Figures 8A-8C show the sixth embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0055] According to Figure 8, another structure of the hollow rectangular prism-shaped floating unit for facilitating lock-connecting of an external device is shown. The floating unit has the structure for facilitating assembly between the floating units and assembly with the external connecting device on both horizontal and vertical directions. The respective right-angle corner of the rectangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 9 or a recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and curvature at the right-angle corner, or it can be a beveled portion at this corner fully extended between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit located adjacent to the main concave portion 9 are provided with curved ridges 19 each of which has a certain width and length corresponding to the curved edge of the main concave portion 9, and the level of the top portion of the curved ridge 19 is not reached to that of the upper surface, and the level of the bottom portion of the curved ridge is also not reached to that of the lower surface.

    [0056] According to Figures 8B and 8C, the region of the engaging surface 200 located adjacent to the curved ridge 19 has a peripheral groove 20. The peripheral groove 20 has the certain width and depth, and both ends of the peripheral groove 20 are terminated at the respective adjacent sides of the right-angle corner.

    [0057] According to Figure 8C, at least one side of all four lateral surfaces of the hollow rectangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with a main concave portion 1 or a recess being in the form of a concave portion having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the height of the lateral surface, such that the upper portion is located next to the upper surface, and the lower portion is also located next to the lower surface. The respective regions of the upper and lower portion of the main concave portion 1 have curved ridges 19 located next to the main concave portion 1. The curved ridge 19 has a certain width and length corresponding to the curved edge of the main concave portion 1, wherein the level of the top portion of the curved ridge 19 is not reached to that of the upper surface, and the level of the bottom portion of the curved ridge is also not reached to that of the lower surface. The respective regions located next to the corresponding curved ridges 19 have the peripheral groove 20 each of which has a certain width and depth, and both ends of the peripheral groove 20 are terminated at the respective left and right sides on the corresponding same side of the floating unit.

    [0058] According to Figure 8, at least one of either side of the hollow rectangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging recess 6 having a certain width and the length fully extended along the side from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging projection of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this recess. Likewise, at least one of either side of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit is provided with at least one engaging projection 7 having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the lateral surface between the upper engaging surface and the lower engaging surface, so that the engaging recess 6 of another floating unit required to be attached thereto can be engaged to this projection.

    [0059] The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow rectangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern, or an anti-slip layer (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are also provided with at least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, wherein the holes may be spaced apart with a certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0060] Figure 9 shows another structure of the floating unit according to the fourth embodiment as shown in Figure 4 for facilitating assembly with another floating unit or assembly with an external device, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0061] Figure 9 shows the structure of the floating unit for facilitating assembly with another floating unit or assembly with the external device. The floating unit according to the fourth embodiment as shown in Figure 4 is the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit having the structure for facilitating assembly between floating units and assembly with the external connecting device on both horizontal and vertical directions as previously described.

    [0062] A general-purpose channel used for installing the external device such as a post, a pipe or the likes is described hereafter.

    [0063] According to Figure 9, the region of the hypotenuse of the triangular floating unit may be provided with a concave portion 21 having a certain width and curvature, and the length fully extended along the height of the hypotenuse of the triangular floating unit from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface. Both left and right sides of the concave portion 21 are respectively provided with a curved beveled shoulder 22 having a certain curvature and width, and the length fully extended along the height of the hypotenuse of the triangular floating unit from the upper engaging surface to the lower engaging surface. At least one recess 23 may be formed inside the concave portion 21, wherein the recess 23 has a certain curvature and width, and the length fully extended along the length of the concave portion 21. The respective regions of the upper and lower surfaces located adjacent to the concave portion 21 are provided with widening inclined indentations 24 each of which is upwardly widened to a stop edge 25 of the upper and lower surfaces respectively. The stop edge 25 has a certain curvature, width, and length, and it is terminated at the respective left and right edge corners 26. The length of the stop edge 25 between the edge corners 26 is more than that of the indentation 24 located adjacent to the concave portion 21. The widening inclined indentation 24 is also partially intersected with the upper and lower portions of the recess 23. The widening inclined indentation 24 is served as a lock for locking and engaging an auxiliary floating unit required to be engaged and locked thereto. Furthermore, the lower surface is identical to the upper surface and appears to be a mirror image of the upper surface.

    [0064] Figure 10 shows detail of the auxiliary floating unit used in combination with the structure for facilitating assembly between floating units or assembly with the external connecting device such as a water pipe, an electric conduit, etc.

    [0065] According the Figure 10, the auxiliary floating unit 27 is in the form of two half-cylindrical pieces. The half-cylindrical piece 27 is hollow, and has a certain diameter, width and length, wherein the upper portion is located next to the upper surface, and the lower portion is also located next to the lower surface. The respective upper and lower surfaces are provided with a wing 28 having a certain width, curvature, and length, and extended to the left and right edge corners 29 on both upper and lower portions. The wing 28 is projected from the outside of the half-cylindrical piece 27, but the edge corners 29 of the wing 28 is extended such that it is not reached to the edge corner 30 at the half-cut line of the cylindrical floating unit on both upper and lower portions. Both left and right edge corners 29 of the wing extended through the wing 28 are respectively inclined toward and reached the outside of the auxiliary floating unit 27 at the corresponding edge line 31, and both edge corners 29 are respectively inclined toward the left and right edge corners 32 at the outside of the auxiliary floating unit 27 on the upper and lower portions. The respective edge corners 32 are not reached to the half-cut line of the cylindrical floating unit. The edge corner 29 is extended to the edge corner 33 on the upper and lower surfaces of the auxiliary floating unit 27 in both left and right sides of the upper and lower portions, such that a gap is formed between the edge corner 30 and the edge corner 33 having a certain distance. The outside of the auxiliary floating unit 27 is provided with a convex projection 34 having a certain width and curvature, and the length extended fully along the lateral side of the auxiliary floating unit 27, such that the upper and lower portions of the convex projection is extended partially into the wing 28. The auxiliary floating unit 27 is engaged to the concave portion 21 of the right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating unit according to Figure 9 as disclosed in the detailed description, such that, at the same time, the wing 28 of the auxiliary floating unit 27 is fitted with the widening inclined indentation 24 of the floating unit according to Figure 9, and the left and right edge corners 26 of the widening inclined indentation 24 on both upper and lower portions according to Figure 9 are respectively locked onto the gap formed between the edge corner 30 and the edge corner 33 of the auxiliary floating unit 27, and the convex projections 34 or the convex wedge of the auxiliary floating unit 27 are respectively fitted with the concave portion 23 according to Figure 9.

    [0066] The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are provided with at least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, wherein the holes may be spaced apart a the certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0067] The flat inner surface of the half-cylindrical pieces 27a can be corrugated or has reinforcing fins for reinforcement. The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the hollow rectangular prism-shaped floating unit may be provided with an anti-slip groove pattern (not shown in this figure). The respective regions of the upper and lower surface of the floating unit are provided with at least one hole 8 having a certain diameter and depth, and not penetrated into the inside, wherein the holes may be spaced apart a the certain distance. The hole 8 serves as a hole for filling a material into the floating unit, and then the hole is closed, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required. Furthermore, the hole can serve as a hole for filling air in order to expel liquid (water) out of the floating unit, so that the submerged floating unit can be lifted up.

    [0068] Figure 11 shows one form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as
    the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0069] According to Figure 11, the main locking shaft 35 is shown as viewed from above and below. The main locking shaft 35 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical element having a certain diameter and length, and has a base 36 formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside, and the base 36 can also be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. The outside of the main locking shaft 35 is provided with portions 38 each of which has a certain width, length and height, wherein the two (or at least one) portions 38 are connected to the outside of the main locking shaft 35 and periodically spaced apart with a certain distance along the outside of the main locking shaft 35. The respective ends of the portions 38 are connected to the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35 and the respective other ends of the portion 38 are connected to the respective portions 39. The portion 39 is a hollow cylindrical portion having a certain diameter, width and length, and the portion 39 can also be in the form of the portion with an elliptical cross-section or other cross-section shape, and the upper portion of the portion 39 can be closed. The height of the portion 38 located next to the portion 39 is less than that of the portion 38 locate next to the outside of the main locking shaft 35, such that the portion 38 connected to the main locking shaft 35 at the lower part of the upper edge is inclined toward the portion 39.

    [0070] A curved portion 40 may be arranged between two portions 39, and the curved portion 40 has a certain width and thickness, and the length corresponding to the distance between two portions 39, wherein each curved portion connects two portions 39 together all existing portions 39, such that the portions 39 are connected together by the curved portions and formed into a circle loop. The main locking shaft 35 is the lock-connecting element for the engaging structure of the floating unit according to Figure 1.

    [0071] Figure 12 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the second embodiment as shown in Figure 2, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0072] According to Figure 12, a main locking shaft 41 as viewed from below is in the form of a hollow cylindrical element having a certain diameter and length, and has a base 36 formed at a certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside, and the base 36 may be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. The outside of the main locking shaft 35 is provided with portions 38 each of which has a certain width, length and height, wherein the two (or at least one) portions 38 are connected to the outside of the main locking shaft 35 and periodically spaced apart with a certain distance along the outside of the main locking shaft 35. The respective ends of the portions 38 are connected to the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35, and the respective other ends of all portions 38 are connected to an annular compartment portion 41, wherein the annular compartment portion 41 is in the form of a hollow annular portion having a certain width, and cut in half in order to obtain the annular compartment portion 41 having a base 41b at the certain depth, wherein the annular compartment portion is flush with the portions 38. The height of the portion 38 located next to the annular compartment portion 41 is less than that of the portion 38 locate next to the main locking shaft 35, such that the portion 38 connected to the main locking shaft 35 at the lower part of the upper edge is inclined toward the annular compartment portion 41. The inside of the annular compartment portion 41 is provided with at least one or a plurality of portions 41a, wherein the portion 41a has the certain width and length corresponding to the inside of the annular compartment portion 41, and the respective portions 41a are connected to the inner surface of the compartment of the annular compartment portion 41. The respective portions 38 are inserted into the corresponding grooves 2 and fitted with the corresponding peripheral grooves 10 of the upper and lower engaging surface 200 and 202 (Figure 2) according to the second embodiment, so that the lock-connecting element is fastened to the engaging surfaces of the floating units.

    [0073] Figures 13 and 14 show another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the third embodiment as shown in Figure 3, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0074] According to Figures 13A and 13B, a wing-type locking shaft 42 is shown as viewed from the first side and the second side respectively. According to Figures 14A and 14B, the other form of the wing-type locking shaft 42 is shown as viewed for the first side and the second side respectively.

    [0075] The wing-type locking shaft 42 has a main locking shaft 35, wherein the main locking shaft is in the form of a hollow cylindrical element having a certain diameter and length, and a base 36 is formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35 (as shown in Figure 14A). The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside as shown in Figure 13A, and the base 36 can also be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. A wing 42 is projected and widened from the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35 to the left and right corners 44, wherein the left and right edges of the wing 42 are respectively formed into the V shape, such that the edge are widened from the edge corner 43 located at the middle of the wing 42 and on the bottom portion of the "V" shape along the leg portion of the "V" shape to the respective corners 44, so that the wing width between corners 44 (not V-shaped portion) is more than that between edge corners 43 (V-shaped portion); and wherein the inclined edge is formed from the corner 44 to the corner 45 located next to the outside of the main locking shaft 35, the wing thickness is formed from the corner 45 to the corner 43, such that the triangular walls located at the level lower than that of the wing 42 for all four corners are formed by the corner 43, 44, and 45 being vertices of the triangular wall, so that the wing-type locking shaft 42 is obtained.

    [0076] According to Figure 13B, pieces 42a are arranged underneath the wing 42 and served as reinforcing pieces according to Figure 13B. A plurality of the reinforcing pieces 42a respectively have a certain width and length according to Figure 14(B), and are being connected to the wing 42 from underneath.

    [0077] Furthermore, all of the reinforcing pieces 42a according to Figure 13(B) are already installed to the wing 42 from underneath, wherein the wing-type locking shaft 42 is served as the lock-connecting element associated to the engaging structure of the floating unit according Figure 3.

    [0078] Figure 15 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock as viewed from above and below served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the fourth embodiment as shown in Figure 4, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0079] Figures 15A and 15B show a widening inclined locking shaft 50 as viewed from above and below respectively. The locking shaft 50 has main locking shaft 35 being in the form of a hollow cylindrical element having a certain diameter and length, and a base 36 formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside, and the base 36 can also be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. The outside of the main locking shaft 35 is provided with portions 49 each of which has a certain width, length and height, such that they can respectively be fitly engaged to the widening inclined indentation 14 according to Figure 4. The respective ends of the portions 49 are connected to the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35, and the respective other ends of all portions 49 are connected to an annular portion 50 at the level of the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35, like the portion 49. The annular portion 50 is in the form of an annular portion having a certain width and thickness. The width of the portion 49 located next to the annular portion 50 is more than that of the portion 49 located next to the main locking shaft 35, and the height of the portion 49 located next to the annular portion 50 is less than that of the portion 49 located next to the main locking shaft 35, such that the portions 49 connected to the main locking shaft 35 at the lower part of the upper edge is widened and inclined toward the annular portion 50. Therefore, the widening inclined locking shaft 50 is the lock-connecting element associated to the engaging structure of the floating unit according Figure 4.

    [0080] Figure 16 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the fifth embodiment as shown in Figure 6, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0081] According to Figures 16, a wing-type locking shaft 46 is shown. The wing-type locking shaft 46 has a main locking shaft 35, wherein the main locking shaft is in the form of a hollow cylindrical element having a certain diameter and length, and a base 36 is formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside, and the base 36 can also be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. At the upper edge level of the main locking shaft 35, wings 46 are projected and widened from both sides of the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35 at the same level as the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35, such that the wing is widened to the respective corners 47 on both sides, so that the wing width between corners 47 is more than that of the wing located next to the outside of the main locking shaft 35, and the lower portion of the wing is in the form of a curved surface similar to a quarter-sphere, such that the hollow quarter sphere is connected to the main locking shaft 35 served as the main structure and a point 48 is the lowest point of the curved surface, so that both wings have respectively the curved surface pointed downward.

    [0082] According to Figure 16, the wing 46 may preferably be provided with a reinforcing piece 48a for reinforcement. At least one reinforcing piece 48a having a certain width, height and length is arranged inside the quarter-sphere for reinforcement of the wing 46.

    [0083] The wing-type locking shaft 46 is the locking component associated to the engaging structure of the floating unit according Figure 6 as shown in the way of an example of the floating structure in Figure 7.

    [0084] Figure 17 shows another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the sixth embodiment as shown in Figure 6, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0085] According to Figures 17, a lock-connecting element 46a has the similar feature to the lock-connecting element 46 as shown in Figure 16. However, the main locking shaft 35a which is the main structure is different therefrom, and the main locking shaft has a hexagonal shape. The other portions are the same, so that they are not repeatedly described.

    [0086] Figure 18 shows the seventh embodiment of the floating unit according to this invention used with the main lock-connecting element as shown in Figure 17.

    [0087] According to Figure 18, the top plan view of a surface 101 of the floating body is shown which is similar to that of Figure 6B. However, the main concave portion 1a has the shape which is one section a hexagonal shape, such that when this floating unit is assembled to another floating unit, the hexagonal shape is obtained, so that the lock-connecting element 46a can be snugly engaged therein.

    [0088] Figures 19A and 19B show another form of the main lock-connecting element of the lock as viewed from above and below served as the element engaged to the engaging surface of the floating unit according to the sixth embodiment as shown in Figure 8, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0089] A lock-connecting element 36 comprises a through hole 37 in the middle adapted for inserting of the locking rod 55 through said through hole 37, wherein the lock-connecting element 36 comprises an engaging surface which can be snugly engaged to the upper engaging surface 200 or the lower engaging surface 202 of said floating unit.

    [0090] Furthermore, the lock-connecting element has a main locking shaft 35 being in the form of a hollow cylindrical shaft with a certain diameter. A base 36 is formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has the hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside, and the base 36 can also be flush with the upper edge of the main locking shaft 35 at the curved edge of the main locking shaft 35.

    [0091] For this embodiment, the engaging surface of this lock-connecting element comprises a curved rim 51 connected to the main locking shaft 35, and an annular indentation 52 located adjacent to the curved rim 51, wherein the annular indentation 52 has a rim 54 having the height approximately equal to that of the rim 51, and the rim 51 is obliquely extended and connected to the main locking shaft 35 which is corresponding to the inside surface of the groove 20 and the wall of the ridge 19 of the engaging surface of the floating body according to the sixth embodiment as shown in Figure 8, so that they can be snugly engaged.

    [0092] According to Figure 19, the detail of the locking shaft 52 is shown, wherein the locking shaft 52 has a main locking shaft 35, wherein the main locking shaft is in the form of a hollow cylindrical shaft having a certain diameter, and a base 36 formed at the certain depth inside the main locking shaft 35. The base 36 has a hole 37 having a certain diameter, and penetrated into the inside. The upper edge region of the main locking shaft 35 is provided with the curved rim 51, wherein the curved rim 51 has a certain width and length, and is extended throughout the curved upper edge of the main locking shaft 35. The annular indentation 52 is located adjacent to the curved rim 51, wherein the annular indentation 52 is arranged next to the curved rim 51, and the annular indentation 52 has the certain depth obtained by the base 53, such that the depth of the annular indentation 52 is determined by the base 53. A surface 54 is formed at the outer upper edge of the annular indentation 52, wherein the surface 54 is the curved upper edge of the annular indentation 52 and is flush with the curved rim 51. The inside of the annular indentation 52 is provided with at least one or a plurality of pieces 51a, wherein the piece 51a has a certain width and length corresponding to the inside of the annular indentation 52, and the pieces 51a are connected to the inner surface of the annular indentation 52.

    [0093] Figure 20 shows detail of the lock comprising a locking rod, an inner lock-inserting element, a locking element, and a lock-inserting element.

    [0094] According to Figure 20A, the lock-connecting element (according to Figure 13), the locking rod 55, the inner lock-inserting element 59, the locking element, and the lock-inserting element are shown.

    [0095] According to Figure 20, the locking rod 55 is in the form of a hollow cylindrical rod having at least two holes 58 penetrated through the wall of said locking rod 55, and the holes 58 are located on said locking rod 55 at the level according to the desired height of the floor of the structure.

    [0096] The lock-connecting element is comprises a central through hole adapted for snugly inserting of said locking rod 55 therethrough, wherein said locking-connecting element comprises the engaging surfaces capable of fitted engaging to the upper engaging surface 200 or the lower engaging surface 202 of said floating unit (not shown).

    [0097] According to Figure 20B, a pair of the lock-engaging element 63 is shown, wherein
    each lock-engaging element 63 is in the form of an arc-shaped portion capable of snugly enclosing the outside of the locking rod 55, and the inside of each lock-engaging element 63 is provided with at least one latch 65 for snugly inserting into the corresponding hole 58 of the locking rod 55, while said pair of lock-engaging elements 63 is enclosed the outside of the locking rod 55.

    [0098] The lock-inserting element 59 is put on and covered on the end of the locking rod 55 enclosed by the pair of said lock-engaging elements 63, wherein, in use, an edge of each lock-engaging element 63 is abutted on the corresponding lock-connecting element 36, such that the engaging surface of said lock-connecting element 36 is locked onto said corresponding upper or lower engaging surfaces 200 or 202 of at least two floating units together, whereby the floating units can be locked and attached together, and the floating structure can be constructed therefrom as shown in a way of an example in Figures 5 and 7. The detail of the assembly procedure will be described later.

    [0099] According to Figure 20, the elements 55, 59, 63, and 67, which are external lock-inserting device, are show. The locking rod 55 is in the form of a cylindrical rod having a certain diameter, wherein the rod has a through hole 56 extended longitudinally along the rod, and a rod wall 57 has a certain thickness. The locking rod 55 is provided with holes 58 having a certain width and length, and periodically spaced apart along the length of the locking rod 55. Figure 20 also shows the inner lock-inserting element 59 being in the form of a hollow cylindrical shaft having a certain diameter, wherein the inner lock-inserting element comprises a shoulder 60 projected from one end, at least one protrusion 61 having a certain width and projected distance and the length fully extended longitudinally along the lock-inserting element 59, and at least one button 62 projected inwardly.

    [0100] Said lock-engaging element 63 also comprises at least one through hole 66 on the its side. Said lock may further comprises a lock-inserting element 67 shaped in order to be snugly put on and covered the hole 56 of the locking rod 55. The lock-inserting element has a protrusion 69 for inserting into said through hole 66 of said lock-engaging element 63, so that they can be fastened together.

    [0101] The protrusion 69 of the lock-inserting element 67 may be further provided with a concave groove 70 used for positioning, and said lock-inserting element 59 may be further provided with a button 62 for position determination, wherein, in use, said button 62 of
    said lock-inserting element 59 is fitted into the concave groove 70 of said protrusion 69 of
    said lock-inserting element 67.

    [0102] According to Figure 20, the locking element 63 is in the form of an arc-shaped portion, wherein the inner surface of the arc-shaped portion 63 has a certain curvature in order to be snugly engaged to the outside of the locking rod 55. The locking element 63 has a certain thickness and height, wherein a flange 64 having a certain width served as a shoulder and extended throughout the arc-shaped portion 63 is provided at one end; and at least one latch 65 having a certain width, length and thickness in order to be fitted into the hole 58 of the locking rod 55 is projected from the inner surface of the arc-shaped portion 63. The wall of the locking element 63 is also provided with a through hole 66. The locking elements 63 are used in pairs for locking onto the holes 58 in pairs of the locking rod 55.

    [0103] According to Figure 20, the lock-inserting element 67 is shown, wherein the lock-inserting element is in the form of a cylindrical shaft having the certain diameter equal to that of the locking rod 55, and a certain length. The lock-inserting element has a through hole 68 wherein the hole may be provided with female threads. One end of the lock-inserting element 67 is smaller than the other end, which has a certain length and diameter, such that it can be inserted into the hole 56 of the locking rod 55, so that the lock-inserting element 67 can be snugly seated on the wall 57 of the locking rod 55. The outside of the lock-inserting element 67 is provided with at least one protrusion 69 having a projected length not more than the wall thickness of the locking element 63, and the proper size in order to be fitted into the through hole 66 of the locking element 63, and the concave groove 70 having the proper width and depth in order to be locked onto the button 62 of the lock-inserting element 59.

    [0104] Figures 21A- 21E show steps of assembling the lock as shown in Figure 20, wherein
    the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0105] According to Figure 21, an example of the assembly method of the locking rod 55 according to Figure 20 in order to lock onto the wing-type locking shaft 42 according to Figure 13 is shown.

    [0106] According to Figure 21A, the wing-type locking shaft 42 is shown, wherein the locking rod 55 is inserted into the hole 37 of the wing-type locking shaft 42.

    [0107] According to Figure 21B, the locking rod 55 is already inserted into the hole 37 of the wing-type locking shaft 42. According to Figure 21C, the lock-inserting element 67 is put on the hole 56 of the locking rod 55. According to Figure 21D, the latches 65 of the locking element 63 are respectively inserted into both holes 58 of the locking rod 55.

    [0108] According to Figure 21E, the protrusions 61 of the inner lock-inserting element are
    respectively inserted into the gaps between the arc-shaped portions 63, while the buttons 62 are respectively locked onto holes 66 of both left and right arc-shaped portions 63, and respectively put on the grooves 70 and then fitted into the grooves 70 in order to be locked onto the locking rod 55. At the same time, the through holes 66 are respectively locked onto both protrusions 69, and the protrusions 61 of the lock-inserting element 59 are respectively snugly inserted into the gaps formed between the arc-shaped portions 63, and the buttons 62 is respectively snugly inserted into the holes 66 of the locking element 63, so that the lock-inserting element 59 is locked onto both locking elements 63, and the buttons 62 is respectively forcibly locked onto the holes 66 and grooves 70.

    [0109] At any rate, the locking rod 55 should be made of a rigid material such as stainless steel, or a strong plastic such as polyester, high density PPE, etc., or the likes, such that the rod can support the whole load and structure.

    [0110] Figure 22 shows an example of the floating structure constructed from the floating units and the locks according to this invention, wherein the same parts are referred to by the same reference numbers, and they will not be repeatedly described.

    [0111] Figure 22 shows a horizontal lock-connecting method of the hollow right isosceles triangular prism-shaped floating units and the hollow half-cylindrical auxiliary floating units 27 having the external structure for facilitating lock-connecting of external connecting devices.

    [0112] According to the enlarged views in Figure 22, said lock-inserting element 67 also further comprises a hole 68 on its upper portion, wherein the hole 68 is provided with internal threads for fastening in order to install external devices such as for installing and connecting of other structures or other auxiliary devices such as metal posts or electrical conduits by using screws for fastening the other auxiliary devices into said holes, etc., and the holes 68 may be provided with female threads.

    [0113] Figure 23 shows the second example of a three-floor floating structure constructed by attaching the various floating units as previously described.

    [0114] Furthermore, the structure of the lowest floor floating units may be filled with a material with a density equal to or higher than that of water, so that the lowest floor is submerged in water, therefore, the floating structure is more stable.

    [0115] As described above, the floating unit according to this invention is the floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by the locks for constructing the floating structure, wherein the floating unit comprises a floating body being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above. The floating body comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper surface and said lower surface. Said upper surface and said lower surface of the floating body respectively comprise at least one upper engaging surface and at least one lower engaging surface respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surface arc respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock. Therefore, said floating body can be attached to a floating body of another floating unit. The floating unit and the floating structure according to this invention is simple and not complex, so that the manufacturing cost is low, and each floating unit can be locked together by the locks without using screws, so that the floating units can be easily assembled and firmly attached together.

    [0116] While this invention has been described in the detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to persons having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope and objectives of this invention. The scope of this invention complies with this invention as stated in the appended claims. However, the scope of this invention is not only particularly covered in the claims, but it is also covered those of its utilization and the likes of the embodiments of this invention as stated in the claims.


    Claims

    1. A floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for constructing a floating structure, said floating unit comprising:

    a floating body (100) being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above, wherein the floating body comprises an upper surface (101), a lower surface (103), and a plurality of lateral surfaces connected to said upper and lower surfaces (105),

    said floating unit being characterized in that:

    said upper surface and said lower surfaces of the floating body comprise at least one upper engaging surface (200) and at least one lower engaging surface (202) respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces (200, 202) are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, thereby, attaching said floating body to a floating body of another floating unit, and

    said upper and lower engaging surfaces (200, 202) of said floating body respectively comprise notches (12), each of which has a contact surface inclined outwardly and downwardly of said floating body, wherein the width of said notches located toward the inside of said floating body, wherein the width of said notches located toward the inside of said floating body is more than that located towards the outside in the form of widening indentation,

    wherein, in use, the corresponding contact surfaces of the notches of said upper engaging surface and the corresponding contact surfaces of the notches of said lower engaging surface (202) are snugly in contact with the locking surfaces of said locks, thereby, attaching said floating unit to another floating unit without using fastening means,

    wherein the floating unit further comprising

    an external device installing channel (300), wherein the channel is in the form of a semicircular channel extended from the upper surface to the lower surface, such that the channel will facilitate connection of the external connecting device in both horizontal and vertical directions.


     
    2. The floating unit according to claim 1, wherein said upper engaging surface (200) is substantially identical to said lower engaging surface (202).
     
    3. The floating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said notches (12) of said upper and lower engaging surface (200, 202) are in the form of an inwardly widening indentation.
     
    4. The floating unit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the floating body further comprising a plurality of main concave portions (1) extended between said upper engaging surface (200) and said lower engaging surface (202), such that said locks can be inserted into said main concave portions.
     
    5. The floating unit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said notch (12) has a trapezoidal shape or a semicircular shape as viewed in a plan view.
     
    6. The floating unit according to claim 5, wherein, as viewed from above, said notch (12) has a semicircular shape, and said main concave portion (1) has a semicircular shape, such that a circumference of said notch (12) is intersected to a circumference of said main concave portion (1).
     
    7. The floating unit according to any one of previous claims, wherein said floating body (100) being of the polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of an equilateral triangle, a right isosceles triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a hexagon.
     
    8. The floating unit according to any one of previous claims, wherein at least one lateral surface (105) of the floating body further comprises at least one engaging recess (6) and/or at least one engaging projection (7), such that said recess and projection are respectively extended between said upper surface (101) and said lower surface (103), and said engaging recess (6) is shaped in order to be snugly engaged to the engaging projection (7) of another floating unit, so that the floating units can be attached together.
     
    9. The floating unit according to claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical unit (27), wherein the cylindrical unit is shaped, so that it can be fitted into said external device installing channel (300) in order to close said channel, when it is not in use.
     
    10. The floating unit according to any one of previous claims, wherein the floating body further comprises at least one hole (8), which is not penetrated through the wall of the floating body, on the upper surface (101) and/or the lower surface (103) of the floating body, such that the hole can serve as a hole for filling a material into said floating body, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required, or the hole can serve as a hole for filling air into said floating unit, so that the floating unit is lifted up.
     
    11. The floating unit according to any one of previous claims, wherein the floating body further comprises an anti-slip layer arranged on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of said floating body.
     
    12. A floating unit capable of attaching to another floating unit by locks for constructing a floating structure, said floating unit comprising:

    a floating body (100) being in the form of a hollow polygonal shape as viewed from above, wherein the floating body comprises an upper surface (101), a lower surface (103), and a plurality of lateral surfaces (105) connected to said upper and lower surfaces (101 , 103),

    said floating unit characterized in that:

    said upper surface (101) and said lower surfaces (103) of the floating body (100) comprise at least one upper engaging surface (200) and at least one lower engaging surface (202) respectively on each associated side of said polygonal floating body, wherein the upper and lower engaging surfaces (200, 202) are respectively adapted in order to be fitted with a locking surface of said lock, thereby, attaching said floating body to a floating body of another floating unit, and

    said upper and lower engaging surfaces (200, 202) of said floating body respectively comprise a peripheral groove (10) and a radial groove(s) (2) communicated with said peripheral groove (10), in which contact surfaces of said upper engaging surface (200) and said lower engaging surface (202) are inclined,

    wherein, in use, the corresponding peripheral grooves (10), radial recesses (2) and contact surfaces of said upper engaging surface (200) and of said lower engaging surface (202) are contacted with the locking surfaces of said locks, thereby, attaching said floating unit to another floating unit.


     
    13. The floating unit according to claim 12, wherein said upper engaging surface (200) is substantially identical to said lower engaging surface (202).
     
    14. The floating unit according to claim 13, wherein said groove and contact surface have a semicircle shape as viewed from above, such that the radius of the peripheral groove (10) is larger than that of said concave portion.
     
    15. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein said contact surface comprises a plurality of grooves (2), each being configured such that the grooves are equally radially spaced apart from each other.
     
    16. The floating unit according to claim 15, wherein said grooves (2) are respectively configured such that they are outwardly inclined.
     
    17. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-16, wherein the floating body further comprising a plurality of main concave portions (1) extended between said upper engaging surface (200) and said lower engaging surface (202), such that said locks can be inserted into said main concave portions.
     
    18. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-17, wherein said floating body (100) being in the form of the polygonal shape is either shape selected from the group consisting of an equilateral triangle, a right isosceles triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a hexagon.
     
    19. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-18, wherein at least one lateral surface (105) of the floating body further comprises at least one engaging recess (6) and/or at least one engaging projection (7), such that said recess and projection are respectively extended between said upper surface (101) and said lower surface (103), and said engaging recess (6) is shaped in order to be snugly engaged to the engaging projection (7) of another floating unit, so that the floating units can be attached together.
     
    20. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-19, further comprising an external device installing channel (300), wherein the channel is in the form of a semicircular channel extended from the upper surface to the lower surface, so that the channel can facilitate connection of the external device in both horizontal and vertical directions.
     
    21. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-20, further comprising a cylindrical unit (27), wherein the cylindrical unit is shaped, such that it can be fitted into said external device installing channel (300) in order to close said channel, when it is not in use.
     
    22. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-21, wherein the floating body (100) further comprises at least one hole (8), which is not penetrated through the wall of the floating body, on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of the floating body, such that the hole can serve as a hole for filling a material into said floating body, so that the floating unit is submerged in water as required, or the hole can serve as a hole for filling air into said floating unit, so that the floating unit is lifted up.
     
    23. The floating unit according to any one of claims 12-22, wherein the floating body further comprises an anti-slip layer arranged on the upper surface and/or the lower surface of said floating body.
     
    24. A floating structure comprising a plurality of floating units according to claims 1 or 12, a plurality of locks, wherein each said floating unit is attached to another floating unit by said locks, characterized in that said lock comprising:

    a locking rod (55) being in the form of a hollow cylindrical rod with at least two holes (58) pierced through the wall of said locking rod (55) and located adjacent to one end of said locking rod (55);

    a lock-connecting element (36) having a central through hole (37) adapted for snugly inserting of said locking rod (55) through said through hole (37), wherein said lock-connecting element (36) comprises an engaging surface capable of snugly engaging with said upper engaging surface (200) or said lower engaging surface (202) of said floating unit;

    a pair of lock-engaging elements (63), wherein each lock-engaging element (63) is in the form of an arc-shaped portion capable of snugly enclosing the outside of the locking rod (55), and the inside of each lock-engaging element (63) is provided with at least one latch (65) for snugly inserting into the corresponding hole (58) of the locking rod (55), while said pair of lock-engaging elements (63) is enclosed the outside of the locking rod (55); and

    a lock-inserting element (59) for putting on and covering on the end of the locking rod (55), while the outside of the locking rod (55) is snugly enclosed by the pair of said lock-engaging elements (63),

    wherein, in use, an edge of each lock-engaging element (63) is abutted on the corresponding lock-connecting element (36), such that the engaging surface of said lock-connecting element (36) is locked onto said corresponding upper or lower engaging surfaces (200 or 202) of at least two floating units together, whereby the floating units can be locked and attached together, and the floating structure can be constructed therefrom.


     
    25. The floating structure according to claim 24, wherein said lock-engaging element (63) further comprises a flange (64) outwardly projected from the edge along the circumference of said lock-engaging elements (63) for abutting with said lock-connecting element (36).
     
    26. The floating structure according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said lock-engaging elements (63) further comprises at least one through hole (66) on its side, and
    said lock further comprises a lock-inserting element (67) shaped in order to be snugly put on and cover the hole (56) of the locking rod (55), and the lock-inserting element has protrusions (69) for inserting into said corresponding through holes (66) of said lock-engaging elements (63) in order to fasten them together.
     
    27. The floating structure according to claim 26, wherein said protrusion (69) of the lock-inserting element (67) further comprises a concave groove (70) used for positioning, and said lock-inserting element (59) is further provided with a button (62) for position determination, wherein, in use, said button (62) of said lock-inserting element (59) is fitted into the concave groove (70) of said protrusion (69) of said lock-inserting element (67).
     
    28. The floating structure according to claim 24, wherein said structure comprises a plurality of floating units (100) assembled into the first floor, and a plurality of floating units assembled into the second floor vertically spaced apart from said first floor.
     
    29. The floating structure according to claim 28, wherein said first floor is filled with a material with a density higher than that of water into the inside of said floating unit.
     
    30. The floating structure according to any one of claims 26-29, wherein said lock-inserting element (67) further comprises a hole (68) on its upper portion, such that the hole (68) is provided with internal threads for installing the external device by a screw.
     
    31. The floating unit according to claim 1 to 23, wherein said hole (8) is provided with internal threads for closing the hole by a threaded plug.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Schwimmende Einheit, die mittels Verriegelungen an einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt werden kann, um eine schwimmende Struktur auszubilden, wobei die schwimmende Einheit umfasst:

    einen Schwimmkörper (100), der von oben gesehen die Form einer hohlen polygonalen Form aufweist, wobei der Schwimmkörper eine Oberseite (101), eine Unterseite (103) und eine Mehrzahl von mit der Oberseite und der Unterseite verbundene Seitenflächen (105) aufweist,

    wobei die schwimmende Einheit dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass:

    die Oberseite und die Unterseite des Schwimmkörpers mindestens eine obere Eingriffsfläche (200) und mindestens eine untere Eingriffsfläche (202) auf jeder zugehörigen Seite des polygonalen Schwimmkörpers aufweisen, wobei die oberen und die unteren Eingriffsflächen (200, 202) jeweils dafür ausgebildet sind, mit einer Arretierungsfläche der Verriegelung zusammengefügt zu werden, wodurch der Schwimmkörper an einem Schwimmkörper einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt wird, und

    die oberen und die unteren Eingriffsflächen (200, 202) des Schwimmkörpers jeweils Aussparungen (12) aufweisen, die jeweils eine in Bezug auf den Schwimmkörper nach außen und nach unten geneigte Kontaktfläche aufweisen, wobei die Aussparungen in Form einer sich verbreiternden Vertiefung zur Innenseite des Schwimmkörpers hin eine größere Breite aufweisen als zur Außenseite des Schwimmkörpers hin,

    wobei im Einsatz die entsprechenden Kontaktflächen der Aussparungen der oberen Eingriffsfläche und die entsprechenden Kontaktflächen der Aussparungen der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) passgenau an den Arretierungsflächen der Verriegelungen anliegen, wodurch die schwimmende Einheit ohne Verwendung von Befestigungsmitteln an einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt ist,

    wobei die schwimmende Einheit ferner umfasst

    einen Einführkanal (300) für eine externe Vorrichtung, wobei sich der Kanal in Form eines halbkreisförmigen Kanals von der Oberseite zu der Unterseite erstreckt, so dass der Kanal die Verbindung der externen Verbindungsvorrichtung sowohl in horizontaler als auch in vertikaler Richtung ermöglicht.


     
    2. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die obere Eingriffsfläche (200) im Wesentlichen identisch zu der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) ist.
     
    3. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Aussparungen (12) der oberen und der unteren Eingriffsfläche (200, 202) die Form einer sich nach innen verbreiternden Vertiefung aufweisen.
     
    4. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei der Schwimmkörper ferner eine Mehrzahl von konkaven Hauptbereichen (1) umfasst, die sich zwischen der oberen Eingriffsfläche (200) und der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) erstrecken, so dass die Verriegelungen in die konkaven Hauptbereiche eingefügt werden können.
     
    5. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Aussparung (12) in Draufsicht betrachtet eine trapezförmige Form oder eine halbkreisförmige Form aufweist.
     
    6. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Aussparung (12) von oben gesehen eine halbkreisförmige Form aufweist und der konkave Hauptbereich (1) eine halbkreisförmige Form aufweist, so dass ein Umfang der Aussparung (12) einen Umfang des konkaven Hauptbereichs (1) schneidet.
     
    7. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwimmkörper (100) eine polygonale Form aufweist, die ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus einem gleichseitigen Dreieck, einem rechtwinkligen gleichschenkligen Dreieck, einem Quadrat, einem Rechteck oder einem Sechseck.
     
    8. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei mindestens eine Seitenfläche (105) des Schwimmkörpers ferner mindestens eine Eingriffsausnehmung (6) und/oder mindestens einen Eingriffsvorsprung (7) derart aufweist, dass sich die Ausnehmung und der Vorsprung jeweils zwischen der Oberseite (101) und der Unterseite (103) erstrecken, und wobei die Eingriffsausnehmung (6) derart geformt ist, dass sie passgenau an dem Eingriffsvorsprung (7) einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit in Anlage kommt, so dass die schwimmenden Einheiten aneinander befestigt werden können.
     
    9. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend eine zylindrische Einheit (27), wobei die zylindrische Einheit derart geformt ist, dass sie in den Einführkanal (300) für eine externe Vorrichtung eingefügt werden kann, um den Kanal zu verschließen, wenn er nicht verwendet wird.
     
    10. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwimmkörper ferner mindestens ein nicht die Wand des Schwimmkörpers durchdringendes Loch (8) aufweist, und zwar auf der Oberseite (101) und/oder der Unterseite (103) des Schwimmkörpers, so dass das Loch als Loch zum Einfüllen eines Materials in den Schwimmkörper dienen kann, um so die schwimmende Einheit bei Bedarf im Wasser abzusenken, oder das Loch als Loch zum Einfüllen von Luft in die schwimmende Einheit dienen kann, um so die schwimmende Einheit anzuheben.
     
    11. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schwimmkörper ferner eine auf der Oberseite und/oder der Unterseite des Schwimmkörpers angeordnete Rutschhemmungsschicht aufweist.
     
    12. Schwimmende Einheit, die mittels Verriegelungen an einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt werden kann, um eine schwimmende Struktur auszubilden, wobei die schwimmende Einheit umfasst:

    einen Schwimmkörper (100), der von oben gesehen die Form einer hohlen polygonalen Form aufweist, wobei der Schwimmkörper eine Oberseite (101), eine Unterseite (103) und eine Mehrzahl von mit der Oberseite und der Unterseite (101, 103) verbundene Seitenflächen (105) aufweist,

    wobei die schwimmende Einheit dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass:

    die Oberseite (101) und die Unterseite (103) des Schwimmkörpers (100) mindestens eine obere Eingriffsfläche (200) und mindestens eine untere Eingriffsfläche (202) auf jeder zugehörigen Seite des polygonalen Schwimmkörpers aufweisen, wobei die oberen und die unteren Eingriffsflächen (200, 202) jeweils dafür ausgebildet sind, mit einer Arretierungsfläche der Verriegelung zusammengefügt zu werden, wodurch der Schwimmkörper an einem Schwimmkörper einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt wird, und

    die oberen und die unteren Eingriffsflächen (200, 202) des Schwimmkörpers jeweils eine Umfangsnut (10) und mit der Umfangsnut (10) in Verbindung stehende radiale Nuten (2) aufweisen, in welchen Kontaktflächen der oberen Eingriffsfläche (200) und der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) geneigt sind,

    wobei im Einsatz die entsprechenden Umfangsnuten (10), radialen Nuten (2) und Kontaktflächen der oberen Eingriffsfläche (200) und der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) in Kontakt mit den Arretierungsflächen der Verriegelungen gebracht werden, wodurch die schwimmende Einheit an einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt wird.


     
    13. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 12, wobei die obere Eingriffsfläche (200) im Wesentlichen identisch zu der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) ist.
     
    14. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Nut und die Kontaktfläche von oben gesehen eine halbkreisförmige Form aufweisen, und zwar derart, dass der Radius der Umfangsnut (10) größer ist als der des konkaven Bereichs.
     
    15. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 14, wobei die Kontaktfläche eine Mehrzahl von Nuten (2) umfasst, die jeweils derart ausgebildet sind, dass die Nuten in gleichem radialen Abstand voneinander angeordnet sind.
     
    16. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 15, wobei die Nuten (2) jeweils derart ausgebildet sind, dass sie nach außen geneigt sind.
     
    17. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 16, wobei der Schwimmkörper ferner eine Mehrzahl von konkaven Hauptbereichen (1) aufweist, die sich zwischen der oberen Eingriffsfläche (200) und der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) erstrecken, so dass die Verriegelungen in die konkaven Hauptbereiche eingefügt werden können.
     
    18. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 17, wobei der Schwimmkörper (100) eine polygonale Form aufweist, die ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus einem gleichseitigen Dreieck, einem rechtwinkligen gleichschenkligen Dreieck, einem Quadrat, einem Rechteck oder einem Sechseck.
     
    19. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 18, wobei mindestens eine Seitenfläche (105) des Schwimmkörpers ferner mindestens eine Eingriffsausnehmung (6) und/oder mindestens einen Eingriffsvorsprung (7) aufweist, und zwar derart, dass sich die Ausnehmung und der Vorsprung jeweils zwischen der Oberseite (101) und der Unterseite (103) erstrecken, und die Eingriffsausnehmung (6) derart geformt ist, dass sie passgenau an dem Eingriffsvorsprung (7) einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit in Anlage kommt, so dass die schwimmenden Einheiten aneinander befestigt werden können.
     
    20. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 19, ferner umfassend einen Einführkanal (300) für eine externe Vorrichtung, wobei sich der Kanal in Form eines halbkreisförmigen Kanals von der Oberseite zu der Unterseite erstreckt, so dass der Kanal die Verbindung der externen Vorrichtung sowohl in horizontaler als auch in vertikaler Richtung ermöglicht.
     
    21. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 20, ferner umfassend eine zylindrische Einheit (27), wobei die zylindrische Einheit derart geformt ist, dass sie in den Einführkanal (300) für eine externe Vorrichtung eingefügt werden kann, um den Kanal zu verschließen, wenn er nicht verwendet wird.
     
    22. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 21, wobei der Schwimmkörper (100) ferner mindestens ein nicht die Wand des Schwimmkörpers durchdringendes Loch (8) aufweist, und zwar auf der Oberseite (101) und/oder der Unterseite (103) des Schwimmkörpers, so dass das Loch als Loch zum Einfüllen eines Materials in den Schwimmkörper dienen kann, um so die schwimmende Einheit bei Bedarf im Wasser abzusenken, oder das Loch als Loch zum Einfüllen von Luft in die schwimmende Einheit dienen kann, um so die schwimmende Einheit anzuheben.
     
    23. Schwimmende Einheit nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 22, wobei der Schwimmkörper ferner eine auf der Oberseite und/oder der Unterseite des Schwimmkörpers angeordnete Rutschhemmungsschicht aufweist.
     
    24. Schwimmende Struktur, umfassend:

    eine Mehrzahl von schwimmenden Einheiten nach Anspruch 1 oder 12,

    eine Mehrzahl von Verriegelungen, wobei jede der schwimmenden Einheiten (100) mittels der Verriegelungen an einer weiteren schwimmenden Einheit befestigt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verriegelung umfasst:

    eine Verriegelungsstange (55) in Form einer hohlen zylindrischen Stange mit mindestens zwei Löchern (58), welche die Wand der Verriegelungsstange (55) durchdringen und die an einem Ende der Verriegelungsstange (55) angeordnet sind;

    ein Verriegelungsverbindungselement (36) mit einem mittigen Durchgangsloch (37), das zum passgenauen Einfügen der Verriegelungsstange (55) in das Durchgangsloch (37) ausgebildet ist, wobei das Verriegelungsverbindungselement (36) eine Eingriffsfläche aufweist, die in passgenauen Eingriff mit der oberen Eingriffsfläche (200) oder der unteren Eingriffsfläche (202) der schwimmenden Einheit gebraucht werden kann;

    ein Paar Verriegelungseingriffselemente (63), wobei jedes Verriegelungseingriffselement (63) als bogenförmiges Teil ausgebildet ist, das die Außenseite der Verriegelungsstange (55) eng umschließen kann, und wobei an der Innenseite jedes Verriegelungseingriffselements (63) mindestens eine Nase (65) zum passgenauen Einfügen in das entsprechende Loch (58) der Verriegelungsstange (55) vorgesehen ist, während die beiden Verriegelungseingriffselemente (63) die Verriegelungsstange (55) außenseitig umschließen; und

    ein Verriegelungseinsetzelement (59) zum Aufbringen auf das Ende der Verriegelungsstange (55) und Abdecken desselben, während die Außenseite der Verriegelungsstange (55) eng von den beiden Verriegelungseingriffselementen (63) umschlossen wird,

    wobei im Einsatz ein Rand jedes Verriegelungseingriffselements (63) an dem entsprechenden Verriegelungsverbindungselement (36) derart in Anlage gebracht wird, dass die Eingriffsfläche des Verriegelungsverbindungselements (36) an der entsprechenden oberen oder unteren Eingriffsfläche (200 oder 202) von mindestens zwei schwimmenden Einheiten zusammen arretiert wird, wodurch die schwimmenden Einheiten verriegelt und aneinander befestigt werden können und daraus die schwimmende Struktur aufgebaut werden kann.


     
    25. Schwimmende Struktur nach Anspruch 24, wobei das Verriegelungseingriffselement (63) ferner einen Flansch (64) aufweist, der vom Umfangsrand der Verriegelungseingriffselemente (63) nach außen vorsteht, um an dem Verriegelungsverbindungselement (36) in Anlage zu kommen.
     
    26. Schwimmende Struktur nach Anspruch 24 oder 25, wobei die Verriegelungseingriffselemente (63) ferner an ihrer Seite mindestens ein Durchgangsloch (66) aufweisen, und
    wobei die Verriegelung ferner ein Verriegelungseinsetzelement (67) umfasst, das dafür ausgebildet ist, passgenau auf das Loch (56) der Verriegelungsstange (55) aufgesetzt zu werden und dieses abzudecken, und wobei das Verriegelungseinsetzelement Vorsprünge (69) zum Einfügen in die entsprechenden Durchgangslöcher (66) der Verriegelungseingriffselemente (63) aufweist, um diese miteinander zu verbinden.
     
    27. Schwimmende Struktur nach Anspruch 26, wobei der Vorsprung (69) des Verriegelungseinsetzelements (67) ferner eine konkave Nut (70) aufweist, die zur Positionierung genutzt wird, und wobei das Verriegelungseinsetzelement (59) ferner einen Knopf (62) zur Positionierung aufweist, wobei der Knopf (62) des Verriegelungseinsetzelements (59) im Einsatz in die konkave Nut (70) des Vorsprungs (69) des Verriegelungseinsetzelements (67) eingepasst ist.
     
    28. Schwimmende Struktur nach Anspruch 24, wobei die Struktur eine Mehrzahl von in einer ersten Etage montierten schwimmenden Einheiten (100) umfasst, sowie eine Mehrzahl von in einer zweiten Etage montierten schwimmenden Einheiten, die von der ersten Etage vertikal beabstandet sind.
     
    29. Schwimmende Struktur nach Anspruch 28, wobei in der ersten Etage das Innere der schwimmenden Einheit mit einem Material gefüllt ist, das eine höhere Dichte als Wasser aufweist.
     
    30. Schwimmende Struktur nach einem der Ansprüche 26 bis 29, wobei das Verriegelungseinsetzelement (67) ferner in seinem oberen Abschnitt ein Loch (68) aufweist, wobei das Loch (68) mit Innengewinde versehen ist, zum Einbau der externen Vorrichtung mittels einer Schraube.
     
    31. Schwimmende Einheit nach Anspruch 1 bis 23, wobei das Loch (8) mit einem Innengewinde versehen ist, zum Verschließen des Lochs mittels eines Gewindestopfens.
     


    Revendications

    1. Unité flottante susceptible d'être fixée à une autre unité flottante par des verrous pour permettre de construire une structure flottante, cette unité flottante comprenant :

    un corps flottant (100) réalisé sous la forme d'un polygone creux en vue de dessus, le corps flottant ayant une surface supérieure (101), une surface inférieure (103) et un ensemble de surfaces latérales (105) reliées à la surface supérieure et à la surface inférieure,

    caractérisé en ce que

    la surface supérieure et la surface inférieure du corps flottant comportent au moins une surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et au moins une surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) respectivement sur chaque côté associé du corps flottant polygonal, la surface de mise en prise supérieure et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (200, 202) étant respectivement susceptibles d'être adaptées à une surface de verrouillage du verrou, en fixant ainsi le corps flottant à un corps flottant d'une autre unité flottante, et

    la surface de mise en prise supérieure et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (200, 202) du corps flottant comportent respectivement des encoches (12) dont chacune a une surface de contact inclinée vers l'extérieur et vers le bas du corps flottant, la largeur de ces encoches vers l'intérieur du corps flottant étant supérieure à leur largeur vers l'extérieur de celui-ci sous la forme d'une entaille s'élargissant,

    lors de l'utilisation, les surfaces de contact correspondantes des encoches de la surface de mise en prise supérieure et les surfaces de contact correspondantes des entailles de la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) étant étroitement en contact avec les surfaces de verrouillage des verrous en permettant ainsi de fixer l'unité flottante à une autre unité flottante sans utiliser de moyen de fixation,

    l'unité flottante comprenant en outre :
    un canal d'installation d'un dispositif externe (300), ce canal étant réalisé sous la forme d'un canal semi-circulaire s'étendant de la surface supérieure à la surface inférieure de sorte que le canal facilite la connexion du dispositif de connexion externe à la fois en direction horizontale et en direction verticale.


     
    2. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 1,
    dans laquelle la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) est essentiellement identique à la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202).
     
    3. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 1 ou 2,
    dans laquelle les encoches (12) de la surface de mise en prise supérieure et de la surface de mise en prise inférieure (200, 202) sont réalisées sous la forme d'entailles s'élargissant vers l'intérieur.
     
    4. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant comprend en outre un ensemble de parties concaves principales (1) s'étendant entre la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) de sorte que les verrous puissent être insérés dans ces parties concaves principales.
     
    5. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4,
    dans laquelle l'entaille (12) a une forme trapézoïdale ou semi-circulaire en vue en plan.
     
    6. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 5,
    dans laquelle en vue de dessus, l'entaille (12) a une forme semi-circulaire et la partie concave principale (1) a une forme semi-circulaire de sorte que la circonférence de l'entaille (12) soit reliée à la circonférence de la partie concave principale (1).
     
    7. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant (100) a une forme polygonale choisie parmi les formes d'un triangle équilatéral, d'un triangle rectangle isocèle, d'un carré, d'un rectangle ou d'un hexagone.
     
    8. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle au moins une surface latérale (105) du corps flottant comprend en outre au moins un renfoncement de mise en prise (6) et/ou au moins une saillie de mise en prise (7) de sorte que ce renfoncement et cette saillie s'étendent respectivement entre la surface supérieure (101) et la surface inférieure (103), et le renfoncement de mise en prise (6) est conformé de façon pour venir étroitement en prise avec la saillie de mise en prise (7) d'une autre unité flottante pour que ces unités flottantes puissent être fixées l'une à l'autre.
     
    9. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 1,
    comprenant en outre une unité cylindrique (27), l'unité cylindrique étant conformée de façon à pouvoir être ajustée dans le canal d'installation du dispositif externe (300) de façon à fermer le canal lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé.
     
    10. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant comprend en outre au moins un perçage (8) qui n'est pas traversé par la paroi du corps flottant, sur la surface supérieure (101) et/ou la surface inférieure (103) de ce corps flottant de sorte que ce perçage puisse faire office de perçage de remplissage d'un matériau dans le corps flottant pour que l'unité flottante puisse être submergée dans l'eau si nécessaire, ou que le perçage puisse faire office de perçage de remplissage par de l'air de l'unité flottante, pour que l'unité flottante puisse être levée.
     
    11. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant comprend en outre une couche antidérapante située sur la surface supérieure et/ou sur la surface inférieure du corps flottant.
     
    12. Unité flottante susceptible d'être fixée à une autre unité flottante par des verrous pour permettre de construire une structure flottante, cette unité flottante comprenant :

    un corps flottant (100) réalisé sous la forme d'un polygone creux en vue de dessus, le corps flottant ayant une surface supérieure (101), une surface inférieure (103) et un ensemble de surfaces latérales (105) reliées à la surface supérieure et à la surface inférieure (101, 103), caractérisée en ce que

    la surface supérieure (101) et la surface inférieure (103) du corps flottant (100) comportent au moins une surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et au moins une surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) respectivement sur chaque côté associé du corps flottant polygonal, la surface de mise en prise supérieure et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (200, 202) étant respectivement susceptibles d'être adaptées à une surface de verrouillage du verrou, en fixant ainsi le corps flottant à un corps flottant d'une autre unité flottante, et

    la surface de mise en prise supérieure et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (200, 202) du corps flottant comprenant respectivement une rainure périphérique (10) et au moins une rainure radiale (2) communiquant avec la rainure périphérique (10) dans lesquelles des surfaces de contact de la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et de la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) sont inclinées,

    lors de l'utilisation, les rainures périphériques (10), les rainures radiales (2) et les surfaces de contact en correspondance de la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et de la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) étant en contact avec les surfaces de verrouillage des verrous en permettant ainsi de fixer l'unité flottante à une autre unité flottante.


     
    13. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 12,
    dans laquelle la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) est essentiellement identique à la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202).
     
    14. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 13,
    dans laquelle les rainures et les surfaces de contact ont une forme semi-circulaire en vue de dessus de sorte que le rayon de la rainure périphérique (10) soit supérieur à celui de la partie concave.
     
    15. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 14,
    dans laquelle la surface de contact comporte un ensemble de rainures (2) dont chacune est conformée de sorte que les rainures soient à la même distance radiale les unes des autres.
     
    16. Unité flottante conforme à la revendication 15,
    dans laquelle les rainures (2) sont respectivement conformées de façon à être inclinées vers l'extérieur.
     
    17. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 16,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant comporte en outre un ensemble de parties concaves principales (1) s'étendant entre la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) et la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) pour que les verrous puissent être insérés dans ces parties concaves principales.
     
    18. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 17,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant (100) ayant une forme polygonale a une forme choisie dans le groupe formé par un triangle équilatéral, un triangle rectangle isocèle, un carré, un rectangle ou un hexagone.
     
    19. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 18,
    dans laquelle au moins une surface latérale (105) du corps flottant comprend en outre au moins un renfoncement de mise en prise (6) et/ou au moins une saillie de mise en prise (7) de sorte que ce renfoncement et cette saillie s'étendent respectivement entre la surface supérieure (101) et la surface inférieure (103) et le renfoncement de mise en prise (6) est conformé de façon à venir étroitement en prise avec la saillie de mise en prise (7) d'une autre unité flottante pour que ces unités flottantes puissent être fixées l'une à l'autre.
     
    20. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 19,
    comprenant en outre un canal d'installation d'un dispositif externe (300) ce canal étant réalisé sous la forme d'un canal semi-circulaire s'étendant de la surface supérieure à la surface inférieure pour que le canal puisse faciliter la connexion du dispositif externe en direction horizontale et en direction verticale.
     
    21. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 20,
    comprenant en outre une unité cylindrique (27), cette unité cylindrique étant conformée de façon à pouvoir être ajustée dans le canal d'installation du dispositif externe (300) pour fermer ce canal lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé.
     
    22. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 21,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant (100) comporte en outre au moins un perçage (8) qui n'est pas traversé par la paroi du corps flottant, sur la surface supérieure et/ou la surface inférieure de ce corps flottant de sorte que ce perçage constitue un perçage de remplissage d'un matériau dans le corps flottant pour que l'unité flottante puisse être submergée dans l'eau si nécessaire, ou que le perçage constitue un perçage de remplissage par de l'air de l'unité flottante de sorte que cette unité flottante puisse être levée.
     
    23. Unité flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 22,
    dans laquelle le corps flottant comporte en outre une couche antidérapante réalisée sur la surface supérieure et/ou la surface inférieure du corps flottant.
     
    24. Structure flottante comprenant :

    un ensemble d'unités flottantes conforme à la revendication 1 ou 12,

    un ensemble de verrous, chaque unité flottante étant fixée à un autre corps flottant par ces verrous,

    caractérisé en ce que

    le verrou comprend :

    une barre de verrouillage (55) réalisée sous la forme d'une barre cylindrique creuse ayant au moins deux perçages (58) réalisés au travers de la paroi de la barre de verrouillage (55) et adjacents à une extrémité de cette barre de verrouillage (55),

    un élément de connexion de verrou (36) ayant un perçage traversant central (37) conformé pour permettre d'insérer étroitement la barre de verrouillage (55) au travers de ce perçage traversant (37), l'élément de connexion de verrou (36) comprenant une surface de mise en prise susceptible de venir étroitement en prise avec la surface de mise en prise supérieure (200) ou avec la surface de mise en prise inférieure (202) de l'unité flottante,

    une paire d'éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63), chaque élément de mise en prise de verrou (63) étant réalisé sous la forme d'une partie en forme d'arc susceptible d'enserrer étroitement l'extérieur de la barre de verrouillage (55) et la partie interne de chaque élément de mise en prise de verrou (63) étant équipée d'au moins un loquet (65) destiné à être étroitement inséré dans le perçage (58) correspondant de la barre de verrouillage (55) alors que la paire d'éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63) enserre à l'extérieur de la barre de verrouillage (55), et

    un élément d'insertion de verrou (59) destiné à être placé sur et à recouvrir l'extrémité de la barre de verrouillage (55) alors que l'extérieur de la barre de verrouillage (55) est étroitement enserré par la paire d'éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63),

    lors de l'utilisation, un bord de chacun des éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63) étant mis en butée contre l'élément de connexion de verrou (36) correspondant de sorte que la surface de mise en prise de cet élément de connexion de verrou (36) soit verrouillée sur les surfaces de mise en prise supérieure ou inférieure correspondantes (200 ou 202) d'au moins deux unités flottantes, les unités flottantes pouvant ainsi être verrouillées et fixées l'une à l'autre, et la structure flottante pouvant ainsi être construite.


     
    25. Structure flottante conforme à la revendication 24,
    dans laquelle l'élément de mise en prise de verrou (63) comporte en outre un rebord (64) dépassant vers l'extérieur de son bord le long de la circonférence de cet élément de mise en prise de verrou (63) pour venir en butée contre l'élément de connexion de verrou (36).
     
    26. Structure flottante conforme à la revendication 24 ou 25,
    dans laquelle les éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63) comportent en outre au moins un perçage traversant (66) sur leur côté, et
    le verrou comporte en outre un élément d'insertion de verrou (67) conformé de façon à être étroitement placé sur et recouvrir le perçage (56) de la barre de verrouillage (55) et l'élément d'insertion de verrou comporte des saillies (69) destinées à être insérées dans les perçages traversant (66) correspondant des éléments de mise en prise de verrou (63) pour les fixer l'un à l'autre.
     
    27. Structure flottante conforme à la revendication 26,
    dans laquelle la saillie (69) de l'élément d'insertion de verrou (67) comporte en outre une rainure concave (70) utilisée pour le positionnement et l'élément d'insertion de verrou (59) est en outre équipé d'un bouton (62) permettant la détermination de la position, lors de l'utilisation, le bouton (62) de l'élément d'insertion de verrou (59) étant ajusté dans la rainure concave (70) de la saillie (69) de l'élément d'insertion de verrou (67).
     
    28. Structure flottante conforme à la revendication 24,
    comportant un ensemble d'unités flottantes (100) assemblées en un premier plancher et un ensemble d'unités flottantes assemblées en un second plancher situé à distance verticale du premier plancher.
     
    29. Structure flottante conforme à la revendication 28,
    dans laquelle le premier plancher est rempli d'un matériau ayant une densité supérieure à celle de l'eau à la partie interne de l'unité flottante.
     
    30. Structure flottante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 26 à 29,
    dans laquelle l'élément d'insertion de verrou (67) comporte en outre un perçage (68) sur sa partie supérieure, ce perçage (68) étant équipé d'un filetage interne permettant d'installer le dispositif externe au moyen d'une vis.
     
    31. Unité flottante conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 23,
    dans laquelle le perçage (8) est équipé d'un filetage interne pour permettre de le fermer avec un bouchon fileté.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description