Importance

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Abstract

A fastening system for interconnecting a row of marine floats while allowing relative movement of the floats resulting from wave action. One or more chains, cables or other securing lines extend through the floats from one end of the row to the other. The securing lines pass through recesses formed in adjacent end walls of the floats. A resilient member having a central bore is inserted into the recesses with the securing line passing through the bore. The resilient member absorbs longitudinal forces imparted to the floats. It also restricts transverse vertical and horizontal movement of the floats with respect to each other while allowing pivotal movement of the floats. A metal tube preferably lines the bore to prevent the securing line from abrading the resilient member and to increase the shear strength of the resilient member. The recesses may also be lined with a frame, and the frames of two or more recesses in a given end wall may be interconnected for additional strength. The ends of the securing lines may be fastened to respective floats at the ends of the row, and one of the ends may be connected to a weight hanging from a float to tension the securing line. The floats and resilient members loosely surround the securing line so that individual resilient members and the securing line can be easily replaced at any time.

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First Claim