FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
THE PATENTS RULES, 2006
COMPLETE
Specification
(See Section 10 and Rule 13) MODULAR FLOAT
NILKAMAL LIMITED,
an Indian Company,
of Survey No.354/2 & 354(3), Near Rakholi Bridge,
Silvassa-Khanvel Road, Village Vasona,
Silvassa (D & NH), India.
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to a float, more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a modular float.
BACKGROUND
Floats are light weighted hollow or solid structures that are buoyant in water and other fluids and remain floated thereon. A variety of floats are used in water parks for amusement, while others find use in applications such as fishing, boating etc.
Conventional floats are either solid or inflatable. The solid floats are often made of plastics with a density less than water or other application liquid to cause them to remain afloat. However, the large sized solid floats are difficult to transport as they occupy large space. The hollow floats filled with air are comparatively less dense than water or other liquids, and are appropriate only for certain applications. Further, the hollow floats are prone to getting punctured and as such become useless once punctured.
Accordingly, there is need for a float that can be used in wide variety of applications while overcoming the drawbacks of conventional floats.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a float that facilitates easy transportation in compact disassembled state.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a float that is easy to assemble and disassemble.
Further an object of the present disclosure is to provide a float having long operational life.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a float that is environment friendly.
An added object of the present disclosure is to provide a float that is inexpensive
Further an object of the present disclosure is to provide a float that is convenient to use.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the -accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a modular float buoyantly supported on a fluid surface, the float comprising:

a plurality of elongate elements, each of the elongate elements having at least one first formation at either end; and
a plurality of joining members having at least two second formations adapted to engage the first formation, the joining members selected from the group consisting of a linear joining elements, corner joining elements, angular joining elements, T-shaped joining elements and Y-shaped joining elements having the second formations angularly spaced apart from each other,
the elongate elements and the joining members are configured in an engaged configuration to form the modular float.
Typically, the joining member is configured by removably cooperating an operative top member and an operative bottom member.
Typically, the first formation and the second formation are selected from the group consisting at least one of a projection and a recess formation.
Typically, the second formations are angularly spaced apart by a predetermined angle with respect to each other.
Typically, the second formations are adapted to removably engage the at least one of the first formations.
Typically, the linear joining elements have the second formations angularly spaced apart through 180 degrees, the linear joining elements being adapted to linearly arrange the elongate elements.

Typically, the corner joining elements and the T shaped has the second formations angularly spaced apart through 90 degrees, the corner joining elements being adapted to arrange the elongate elements orthogona] to each other.
Typically, the T-shaped joining elements have the second formations angularly spaced apart through at least one of 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
Typically, the Y-shaped joining elements have the second formations angularly spaced apart through angles other than 90 degrees.
Additionally, the elongate elements are provided with at least one mounting projection, the mounting projection being located on a surface of the elongate elements substantially perpendicular to the fluid surface.
Typically, the elongate elements and the joining members are hollow structures.
Typically, the elongate elements are provided with weight reducing openings.
Typically, a plurality of layers of the elongate elements are arranged between at least two of the joining members, the plurality of layers are supportingly stacked in a spaced apart manner through at least one support element.

Typically, the elongate elements and the joining members are configured to form a floating frame.
Typically, the float is adapted to buoyantly support an article thereon. Typically, the float is adapted to buoyantly support an article thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The modular float of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the modular float illustrated in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates alternate embodiments of the modular float illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates an elongate element of the float illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the elongate element of the float illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the linear joining element of the float illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 6a and 6b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the linear joining element having an operative top element and an operative bottom element of the float illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a corner joining element of the float illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 8a and Figure 8b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the corner joining element having an operative top element and an operative bottom element of the float illustrated in Figure 2;
Figure 9 illustrates a T-shaped joining element for joining the elongate elements in an angularly space apart manner;
Figure 10a and Figure 10b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the T-shaped joining element illustrated in Figure 9, having an operative top element and an operative bottom element;
Figure 11 illustrates a cross-shaped joining element for joining the elongate elements in an angularly space apart manner;
Figure 12a and Figure 12b illustrates an alternate embodiment of the cross-shaped joining element illustrated in Figure 11, having an operative top element and an operative bottom element;
Figure 13 illustrates a support element of the float illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure2;
Figure 14 and Figure 17 illustrate alternate embodiments of the modular float illustrated in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The modular float of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Referring to the accompanied drawings, the modular float, in accordance with the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 and is particularly shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the drawing. The modular float 10 buoyantly supports an article on a fluid surface.
The modular float 10, illustrated in Figure 1, is configured by detachably engaging a plurality of elongate elements 02 and a plurality of joining members to form a floating frame. The joining members are typically linear joining elements 06, a plurality of corner joining elements 04, angular joining elements, T-shaped joining elements, cross-shaped joining elements and Y-shaped joining elements. The shape of the modular float 10 is typically rectangular or square. The elongate elements 02 and the joining

members are detachable so as to be arranged in compact packaging for transportation. The elongate elements 02 and the joining members are provided with at least one of a first formation and a second formation. The first formations and the second formations are at least one of a projection or a recess formation. The first formations and the., second formations are complementary to each other so as to enable the elongate elements 02 and the joining members to be detachably engaged with each other. The joining members are provided with at least one of the first formations and the second formations which are angularly spaced apart through at least one of 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate various embodiments of the elongate element 02. The elongate element 02 defines a first formation at either ends thereof. The first formation is either a projection or a recess formation. Further, the joining members, illustrated in Figure 5 to Figure 12b, define at least two second formations which are either a recess formation or a projection.
Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the elongate element 02 of the float 10. Each of the elongate elements 02 includes recess formations 22 at either ends thereof. Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the elongate element 02 having projections 24a and 24b on either ends thereof. The elongate elements 02 are provided with at least one mounting projection 23, illustrated in Figure 4, located on a surface of the elongate element 02 which is substantially perpendicular to the fluid surface. The mounting projection 23 is located along the length of the surface of the elongate element 02 perpendicular to the fluid surface. The elongate elements 02 are

provided with weight reducing openings 25 to reduce the overall weight of the modular float 10 for positive buoyancy of the modular float 10.
Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the linear joining element 06 wherein a projection 63 is defined on opposing surfaces thereof. The linear joining element 06, illustrated in Figure 5, enables linearly joining the elongate elements 02, illustrated in Figure 3, by cooperation of the projection 63 with the recess formations 22.
An alternate embodiment of the linear joining element 06 formed by joining an operative top element 62, illustrated in Figure 6a and an operative bottom element 64, illustrated in Figure 6b. The operative top element 62 and the operative bottom element 64 define complementary arcuate formations 61a and 61b respectively. The operative top element 62 and an operative bottom element 64 removably cooperate with each other to configure a linear joining element. The arcuate formations 61a and 61b forms two recess formations on the linear joining element so formed. The recess formations are angularly spaced apart through 180 degrees. The recess formations are complementary to the projections 24a and 24b of the elongate element 02, illustrated in Figure 4.The linear joining element formed by the operative top element 62 and the operative bottom element 64, illustrated in Figure 6a and Figure 6b, linearly joins a plurality of elongate elements 02 of the float 10 by discreetly engaging the projections 24a and 24b of the elongate elements 02, illustrated in Figure 4, with one of the two recess formations.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the corner joining element 04 wherein projections 43a and 43b are defined so as to be angularly spaced apart through 90 degrees. The corner joining element 04, illustrated in Figure 5, enables orthogonally arranging the elongate elements 02, illustrated in Figure 3, with respect to each other by cooperation of the projections 43a and 43b with the recess formations 22.
An alternate embodiment of the corner joining element is formed by joining an operative top element 42, illustrated in Figure 8a, and an operative bottom element 44, illustrated in Figure 8a. The operative top element 42 and an operative bottom element 44 define complementary arcuate formations 41a and 41b respectively. The operative top element 42 and an operative bottom element 44 removably cooperate with each other to configure a corner joining members. Further, the operative top element 42 and the operative bottom element 44 include holes 46 and 48 configured thereon for facilitating passage of the locking pin there-through and securing the operative top element 42 and the operative bottom element 44 to form the corner joining members. The arcuate formations 41a and 41b forms two recess formations on the corner joining member 06. The recess formations are angularly spaced apart through 90 degrees to arrange the elongate elements 02, illustrated in Figure 4, orthogonal to each other.
Figure 9 illustrates a T-shaped joining element 08 having two projections 66a on opposing surfaces while a third projection 66b is defined on a surface of the T-shaped joining element 08 which is orthogonal to the opposing surfaces defining the two projections 66a.

An alternate embodiment of the T-shaped joining element 08 is formed by joining an operative top element 72, illustrated in Figure 10a, and an operative bottom element 74, illustrated in Figure 10a, by means of a bolt. The operative top element 72, illustrated in Figure 10a, and the operative bottom element 74, illustrated in Figure 10a, define arcuate recesses 72a and 72b respectively. The operative top element 72, illustrated in Figure 10a, and the operative bottom element 74, illustrated in Figure 10a, on being joined forms a T-shaped joining element defining two recess formations formed on opposing surfaces while a third recess formations is defined on a surface of the T-shaped joining element so formed so as to be orthogonal to the opposing surfaces defining the two recess formations. Similarly, Figure 11 illustrates a cross-shaped joining element 09 defining four projections 77a which are 90 degrees apart from each other. On the other hand, Figure 12a illustrates an operative top element 78 and Figure 12b illustrates an operative bottom element 79 having arcuate recesses 80a and 80b respectively. The operative top element 78 and the operative bottom element 79 are joined to form a cross-shaped joining element defining four recess formations angularly spaced apart from each other through 90 degrees.
The joining members illustrated in Figure 5 to Figure 12b define at least one mounting groove 65 on at least a surface of the joining member. Figure 13 illustrates a reinforcement member 67 having a flat mounting portion 68 to be mounted within the mounting groove 65 defined on the joining members. The reinforcement member 67 includes a plurality of holes 69. Figure 14 and Figure 15 illustrate a rope or a cable 70 fencingly passing through the plurality of holes 69 of each adjacent reinforcement member 67.

Figure 16 and Figure 17 illustrates an alternative arrangements of various types of joining members engaged with the elongate elements to configure a float l0 having a predetermined shape and size depending on the application of the float 10.
The elongate elements 02 and the joining members are of material exhibiting lower density compared to that of the fluid on which the modular float 10 is required to operate. Typically, the material used for manufacturing the elongate elements 02 and the joining members are of a light weight polymeric material.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure include the realization of:
• a float having a modular construction;
• a float which is easy to transport in compact disassembled state;
• a float that is easy to assemble and disassemble;
• a float having long operational life ;
• a float which is environment friendly;
• a float having a wide variety of applications; and
• a float that is inexpensive and convenient to use.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not

the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We Claim:
1. A modular float buoyantly supported on a fluid surface, said float
comprising:
a plurality of elongate elements, each of said elongate elements having at least one first formation at either end; and
a plurality of joining members having at least two second formations adapted to engage said first formation, said joining members selected from the group consisting of a linear joining elements, corner joining elements, angular joining elements, T-shaped joining elements, cross-shaped joining elements and Y-shaped joining elements, said joining members having said second formations angularly spaced apart from each other,
characterized in that:
said elongate elements and said joining members are configured in an engaged configuration to form said modular float.
2. The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said joining member is configured by removably cooperating an operative top member and an operative bottom member.
3. The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first formations and said second formations are selected from the group consisting at least one of a projection and a recess formation.

4. The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second formations are angularly spaced apart by a predetermined angle with respect to each other.
5. The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second formations are adapted to removably engage said at least one of said first formations.
6. The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said linear joining elements has said second formations angularly spaced apart through 180 degrees, said linear joining elements being adapted to linearly arrange said elongate elements.
7. The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said corner joining elements and said cross-shaped joining elements has said second formations angularly spaced apart through 90 degrees, said corner joining elements being adapted to arrange said elongate elements orthogonal to each other.
8. The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said T-shaped joining elements has said second formations angularly spaced apart through at least one of 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
9. The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said Y-shaped joining elements has said second formations angularly spaced apart through angles other than 90 degrees.
10.The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said elongate elements are provided with at least one mounting projection, said mounting projection being located on a surface of said elongate elements substantially perpendicular to the fluid surface.
11.The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said elongate elements and said joining members are hollow structures.

12.The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongate elements are provided with weight reducing openings.
13.The float as claimed in claim 1, wherein said joining members are provided with at least one mounting groove to support a reinforcement member thereon, said reinforcement member having a plurality of holes adapted to support a cable fencing around the float.
14.The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said elongate elements and said joining members are configured to form a floating frame.
15.The float as claimed in claiml, wherein said float is adapted to buoyantly support an article thereon.