Introduction:
In 2001 Floatainer Systems embarked on registering and patenting its design for the model FCB (folding container barge). The evolution and development of this unique design is covered in the Floatainer History.
Early research indicated while floating platforms and barges were being produced based around solid modules of the dimensions of shipping containers no such vessels were comprised of a complex of interconnected modules which could be folded out into a genuine high speed hull complete with powered folding and propulsion modules.
Because Floatainer Systems were committed to patenting internationally the first application was made to the Patent Cooperation Treaty Organisation (PCT). This organisation represents over 50 countries including all the major Western Democracies. After just one amendment to our original claims The Floatainer FCB was granted a 100% clearance by the PCT organisation [No PCT/NZ03/00035]. This means that after an investigation of all PCT signatories by the PCT examiners they made the official statement that the invention was:
A: Novel
B: An inventive step
C: Has an industrial application
CLAIMS
The registered (PCT) claims for this design are:
1. A folding watercraft made up of modules which, when in the folded (collapsed) state, assumes a configuration with exterior dimensions equal to, and within the dimensional tolerances of, any standard shipping container as defined in Australia and New Zealand (AS/NZS 3711.1:1993), International (ISO1496), or British (BS 3951) standards.
2. A folding watercraft once folded into any configuration as described in claim 1 that has standard shipping container corner fittings, as described in AS/NZS 3711.3:1993, ISO 1161 and BS 3951 standards, positioned at spatial intervals as described in AS/NZS 3711.1:1993, ISO1496 or BS 3951 standards and within the tolerances as described therein.
3. A folding watercraft as claimed in any one of claims 1 –2 and with the module components as described in page 10 of this document and as shown in Figures 1 – 12 in this document wherein the ratio of lengths of the stern section, the bow section, the port or starboard centre sections, the port or starboard bow section, and the port or starboard stern sections with respect to the length of the base section are substantially 3:1, 3:1, 1.25:1, 2.5:1, 2.5:1 respectively.
4. A folding watercraft as claimed in any one of claims 1-2 and with the module components as described in page 10 of this document and as shown in Figures 1 – 12 in this document, wherein the ratio of heights of the stern section, the bow section, the port or starboard centre sections, the port or starboard bow section, and the port or starboard stern sections with respect to the height of the base section are substantially 1:1, 1:1, 0.5:1, 0.5:1, 0.5:1 respectively.
5. A folding watercraft as claimed in any one of claims 1-2 and with the module components as described in page 10 of this document and as shown in Figures 1 – 12 in this document wherein the ratio of width of the stern section, the bow section, the port or starboard centre sections, the port or starboard bow section, and the port or starboard stern sections with respect to the width of the base section are substantially 1:1, 1:1, 2.4:1, 2.4:1, 2.4:1, respectively.
6. A watercraft substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Abstract:
A folding watercraft formed from a plurality of modules movable with respect to each other enabling the reversible
configuration of the craft in an erected configuration for use as a craft and a folded (collapsed) configuration for storage
and/or transport into exterior dimensions coterminous with a shipping container as defined in international standards.
Full Patents were granted in New Zealand in June 2004 [ No: 517723]. As at August 2004 National phase applications
are being lodged in United States of America,United Kingdom,Canada,Australia. |
Design Patents:
