Importance

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Abstract

A pair of marine floats are interconnected end-to-end by a pair of tubular conduits embedded in the floats along opposite sides thereof. The conduits extend from one float to the other and their ends are connected to respective junction boxes embedded in the floats. The conduits pass through respective resilient cushions positioned between the floats to allow the floats to pivot with respect to each other. The tension in the conduits increases as the floats pivot, and this increase in tension is compensated for by resiliently securing the conduits to the junction boxes so that the conduits can move axially with respect to the junction boxes. The junction boxes may be secured to reinforcing bars embedded in the floats, particularly where a conduit extends from only one side of the junction box. Conventional utility conductors are routed through the conduits which may be connected to utility outlets mounted on the junction boxes. The conduit may be surrounded by a reinforcing sleeve as it extends between floats to protect the conduit from excessive shear forces. The conduits may also be used to pivotally interconnect floats by mounting a transversely positioned tube between the ends of the conduits projecting from an end wall of a float and positioning the tube within a larger tube which is mounted on the sidewall of a second float.

First Claim