Expandable pontoon system

摘要

An extendable pontoon system is provided. The extendable pontoon system may include a center pontoon, two side pontoons, an adjustable frame and a plurality of actuator arms. The adjustable frame may include a plurality of fixed frame elements and a plurality of slidable elements. The plurality of fixed frame elements may be supported in a traverse relationship to and along the length of the center pontoon. Each elongated slidable element may have a received end and a hinged end. Each fixed frame element may be tubular having two opposing ends, wherein each opposing end may be adapted to slidably receive one received end. The plurality of hinged ends may be pivotably connected to either one of the two side pontoons. Each actuator arm has a fixed end and an extendable end, wherein the plurality of fixed ends are connected to one fixed frame element, and wherein the plurality of extendable ends are connected to the two side pontoons so that the two side pontoons are extendable relative to the center pontoon by shifting the two side pontoons between a contracted position to an expanded position.

主权项

1. A plurality-hull boat comprising:
a center hull comprising:
a center buoyancy section; anda plurality of fixed frame elements, wherein each fixed frame element is an elongated tube connected in a transverse relationship to and along the length of the center buoyancy section; and two side hulls, wherein one side hull is disposed on the port side of the center hull and the other side hull is disposed on the starboard side of the center hull, with each side hull comprising:
a side buoyancy section; anda plurality of slidable elements, wherein each slidable element has a received end and a hinged end, wherein each received end is slidably received by a complementary fixed frame element, wherein each hinged end is pivotably connected along the length of the side buoyancy section; and a plurality of actuator arms, wherein each actuator arm has a fixed end and an extendable end, wherein the plurality of fixed ends are connected to portions of the plurality of fixed frame elements, and wherein the plurality of extendable ends are connected to the two side buoyancy sections so that the two side hulls are extendable relative to the center hull by extending the two side hulls between a laterally contracted position to a laterally expanded position.