A NAVAL COVER Field of the Invention

More particularly, the present invention is related to technical and functional improvements especially created and introduced in a sort of NAVAL COVER which is defined by a balanced spatial structure, having a wing-shaped profile, comprising several curved ribs or struts that are disposed in an almost vertical condition from the floor or foundation and describe a substantially long radius so that the cross-section dimension of each strut is gradually reduced, in such a way that the top of each one of them may bring about lightness and resistance, also cooperating in such a way that the whole assembly, when seen laterally, exhibits a wing-shaped profile, on which watertight laminates extend, thus making out a cover that spans longitudinally over a fully free gap, suitable to be used in different docks where the ships moor laterally - port or starboard - and also its length may be adjusted without changing the basic design at all, thanks to the modular construction. State of the Art

As is known, the naval field has always faced drawbacks during the bulk loading and unloading in vessels of different sizes, irrespective of the technological advances in the existing ports, since the docks are uncovered areas in all of them, and, consequently, they are subject to severe conditions due to weather variations, notably in the rainy period, since in this condition certain loads cannot be exposed to the rain, and consequently distinct negative events may take place, such as the following: a) the workers must stop working, b) there is a considerable increase of costs due to the long stay of vessels at the dock; c) there is an increase of costs of the freighters that are retained without being able to unload; d) the invoicing of different companies involved in port work is stalled; e) the port schedule is compromised, mainly regarding the logistic schedule, and a number of other disadvantages that are caused by those already cited.

To solve these and other inconveniences, some publications teach a number of resources, but they have not attained the desired effects, since all of them require changes in the mooring system, that is, they require bow mooring (just like in a garage for vehicles), when most of the docks foresees lateral mooring - port or starboard. Objects of the Invention

A new concept of a modular cover, wherein the proposed solution evaluates the incidence rate of rains in each region and provides projected cover beyond the limit of

the vessels holds, also taking several models of available vessels and tide changes into consideration.

The solution in question adopts a protection angle between 20 and 50 degrees in the projected cover limits beyond the limits of the vessels holds, thus assuring that they are not hit even by wind-impelled rains.

Another object of the invention is a technical solution in the form of a balanced projection on the dock, just like a wing, configuring a fully free gap longitudinally, thus allowing the regular port or starboard mooring of vessels. Said balance is designed to have its main load as a result of the sum of the weight itself plus the wind forces in the backward direction.

Therefore, one of the most relevant aspects of the present invention is the fact that the shape of the cover is consistent with its curvature radius, in such a way that the assembly can act as a wing, using the wind effect as an additional component in the support of the cover/structure. Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, a detailed description thereof is shown below making reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 represents a top front angle perspective view;

FIGURE 2 shows another top back angle perspective view; FIGURE 3 illustrates an elevational view showing the wing-shaped profile;

FIGURE 4 is a partial expanded view showing the structure and the details of the attachment thereof to the dock;

FIGURE 5 shows a view similar to Figure 4, but in a bottom angle;

FIGURE 6 depicts an expanded perspective view showing only one strut; FIGURE 7 is also the view of a strut, but in a bottom angle;

FIGURES 8 and 9 are perspective views showing some of the spatial modules that make out the struts;

FIGURE 10 illustrates a perspective view of the crossbeam that connects the struts; and FIGURE 11 shows a perspective view of the watertight closure among the struts. Detailed Description of the Invention

In accordance with these illustrations and details, more particularly Figures

1 through 6, the object of the present invention, a naval cover, is characterized by being comprised of a balanced spatial structure (1), having a wing-shaped profile, comprising several equally curved struts (2) that are disposed side by side and preferably equidistant from one another, whose lower ends are attached to suitable foundations (3) by means of concrete or stakes that may or not be integral with a regular dock (4), said struts being lined up thereon in parallel and on the side opposite the mooring edge in said dock, as well as projecting in an almost vertical condition from the floor or foundation and describing a curvature that conforms to several different substantially long radii that cooperate with one another so that the cross-section dimension of each strut is gradually reduced, in such a way that the top of each one of them may bring about lightness and resistance, also cooperating in such a way that the whole assembly, when seen laterally, exhibits a wing- shaped profile, on which watertight laminates (5) that interconnect said struts extend, and they are structured by crossbeam-like lattice elements (6), thus making out a cover that spans longitudinally over a fully free gap, suitable to be used in different docks where the ships moor laterally - port or starboard - and also its length may be adjusted with a varied number of struts (2) without changing the basic design at all, thanks to the modular construction.

With respect to Figure 7, each strut (2) is defined by a somewhat triangular cross-section, wherein the acute vertex faces the backside of the assembly, and said vertex is simply defined as a single tubular side (7), while the two vertices are defined as internal tubular sides (8) on the opposite side, the former and the latter being consistent both in angle and curvature, and also getting closer to each other gradually, thus keeping the same basic cross-section except for the fact that the cross-section dimension of each strut (2) is largely reduced. Each strut (2) makes out a succession of overlapping modules (9), each one of them in the shape of a pyramidal lattice structure (10) whose quadrangular base and acute top combine with the three tubular sides (7-8) in cooperating angles and sizes in order to form different internal and external radii of the balanced spatial structure (1).

Figure (11) illustrates the crossbeam that, in a preferred construction, exhibits a triangular cross-section with its three vertices defined by tubular sides (12) interconnected in the shape of a lattice (13), each crossbeam also having a larger middle cross-section and, from said spot on, the three tubular sides (12) get closer to one another gradually, thus forming symmetrically splayed tips with terminals (14) to interconnect the

struts (2).

Figure 11 shows details of watertight closures (5) that, in a preferred construction, may be single or double, made from different watertight laminates that combine different materials such as canvas, plastics, fibers and other attachments to be placed among the struts (2), each closure having preferably the shape of a downward gutter for draining the water toward the back of the structure.