초록 ▼

An integral hull and module system (10) includes a universal hull (12) configured to conveniently accept various modules (100) to convert the system (10) to different operational functions. Hull (12) includes an inner hull structure (24) for downwardly, slidably receiving the outer shell (102) of mo

An integral hull and module system (10) includes a universal hull (12) configured to conveniently accept various modules (100) to convert the system (10) to different operational functions. Hull (12) includes an inner hull structure (24) for downwardly, slidably receiving the outer shell (102) of module (100) which is common to each module (100). To facilitate insertion of module outer shell (102) within inner hull structure (24), the side and end walls (126, 128 and 130) of the module outer shell are sloped inwardly to match the slope of side walls and end walls (26, 28, 30) which compose the sides of inner hull structure (24). Vertical keys (138) are formed on the exterior portions of the side walls of module outer shell (102) to slidably engage within corresponding keyways (42) formed in the side and end walls of inner hull (24) to properly align and prevent lateral movement of module (100) relative to hull (12).

대표청구항 ▼

An integral vessel hull and module system for interchangeably mounting on a universal vessel hull different function specific modules for converting the vessel for use for selected operational functions, the universal vessel hull having a propulsion engine, navigation and module support means, said

An integral vessel hull and module system for interchangeably mounting on a universal vessel hull different function specific modules for converting the vessel for use for selected operational functions, the universal vessel hull having a propulsion engine, navigation and module support means, said system comprising: (a) a universal hull having an inner hull structure composed of interior, upright walls extending downwardly from the deck of the hull to intersect a floor structure near the bottom of the hull to form an upwardly open well which occupies a major portion of the width of the vessel and a major portion of the length of the vessel; (b) a replaceable, function specific module having an interior portion configured for a specific operational function of the vessel and a universal, unitary outer shell which is downwardly, slidably, snugly receivable within said hull well, said outer shell having: upright walls disposed in adjacent, side-by-side relationship with corresponding upright walls of said inner hull structure when said module is inserted within said hull well, and a base portion which rests on the floor structure of said hull when said module is inserted within said hull well; (c) guide means associated with said inner hull structure upright walls and with said module outer shell upright walls, for automatically aligning said module relative to said hull when said module is initially being inserted within said hull for guiding said module relative to said hull along substantially the entire relative movement of said module and hull during insertion and removal of said module into and from said hull and for restraining relative horizontal movement between said module and said hull, said guide means being integrated into the construction of the upright walls of the inner hull structure and the outer shell at spaced apart locations along the length of said upright walls; and, (d) restraining means for restraining relative vertical movement between said module and said hull.