WO2025141560A1

WO2025141560A1 - Floating photovoltaic arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2025141560A1
Application number: PCT/IL2024/051202
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eran KOPEL; Ronen KROCHIK
Original assignee: Solar Sensei Investment And Services Ltd
Current assignee: Solar Sensei Investment And Services Ltd
Priority date: 2023-12-25
Filing date: 2024-12-19
Publication date: 2025-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-25

Abstract

A floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting at least one PV module having at least one support region, the arrangement including a first elongate float; and a second elongate float having an end that is interconnected to a side of the first elongate float, wherein at least one of the floats comprises at least one mounting location for supporting the PV module via the at least one support region thereof.

Description

FLOATING PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRANGEMENT

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The subject matter of the present specification relates to a floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting at least one PV module comprising floats and a connector for interconnecting the floats.

BACKGROUND

Floating photovoltaics (FPV) refers to solar panels mounted on a structure that floats on a body of water, such as a lake, reservoirs, and even open sea. The cost of electricity, produced by FPV needs to compete with other solar systems such as ground and rooftop installations. The cost is related to the material, installation and reliability of each system.

Many existing floating platforms used in FPV applications utilise blow-moulded elements which function as floating walkways. In this way, personnel can readily walk along the floating platform and attend to any inspections, repairs and maintenance of the FPV structure as necessary. However, such floating structures utilise relatively complex components which are expensive to produce, transport, assemble and/or install, thereby reducing the overall appeal and feasibility of FPV. In addition, these blow-moulded elements are designed to limited solar panels’ size, weight, shape and configurations. With the current trends of rapid changes in solar panels measurements and layout designs, blow-moulded elements need to be produced in new and specific sizes and shapes, therefore making them less functional and less adaptable to new trends and rapid changes in the solar PV markets.

Floating structures can also be formed from extruded pipes sealed at both ends. While such pipes are significantly cheaper and faster to produce, transport and install, they can be less functional because they are not practical to walk on and may not be sufficiently robust or durable to withstand strong wind and wave forces.

Floats with flat tops which function as walkways are often preferable over round pipes, however an existing challenge is how to efficiently arrange and interconnect such floats to form a suitable floating structure, platform or raft. In particular, such floats are often arranged into an array, which can include floats connected end-to-end. Existing designs and methods for interconnecting floats relative to one another are quite complex, involve numerous auxiliary components, and can be quite cost and time-intensive to produce, transport and assemble onsite. Given the design complexity, installation on-site can be particularly time, labour and thus cost-intensive. Moreover, such interconnecting components, are made of metal profile who serve no other purpose than connecting elements together and are subject to corrosion over time. In current art there is no existing technology to solve these issues and to connect floats in perpendicular and at any size, configuration and shape.

In order to make FPV available and spread-out worldwide there is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a floating structure which is configured to comprise a buoyant, walkable, truss-like array, utilized as a platform for a solar system comprising solar panels. The floating structure is formed of tubular floats of any suitable shape or dimension. The floats are sealed by connectors at the float ends and may be connected to other floats, perpendicularly or angularly, via the connectors.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float having an opening, to a side of a second elongate float, the connector comprising: a first portion for sealing the opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float in a perpendicular or angled direction and being adapted for connection therewith.

It is envisaged that embodiments of the presently disclosed connector can be connected anywhere along either side of the second float. In this way, the first float can be secured relative to the second float virtually anywhere therealong. Different modular floating structures with any number of different configurations and arrangements can thus be formed simply via a plurality of floats and a plurality of connectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this way, floats and connectors embodying the present disclosure are like proverbial building blocks that can be assembled together in any number of different ways to form floating structures that can be customised to specific needs and use applications including any size, weight and shape of solar panels. For example, differently configured floating platforms can be formed to suit different solar panel configurations, functionalities and installation requirements, and rafts and floating access paths of various widths, lengths and so forth can be formed.

In certain embodiments, the connection between the connector and the side of the second float can provide at least one degree of freedom to permit relative movement between the first and second floats. This can provide for a certain amount of relative movement between interconnected floats; for example, interconnected floats may move relative to one another in response to wind and/or wave forces.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one connection element is configured to be coupled to an adapter secured to the side of the second float.

In certain examples, the at least one connection element comprises at least one opening for receipt of a coupler to connect the connector to the adapter. For example, the at least one opening may comprise at least one through hole. The through hole or each through hole of the connector may be configured to align with a respective through hole of the adapter such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

It is envisaged that the adapter can be located and secured to the second float virtually anywhere along the length of either side thereof, thereby enabling the end of the first float to be interconnectable to the side of the second float at numerous different positions as desired. Structuring the connectors to be connectable at any desired location along the side of the float allows for standardized production process of the shaped pipe or tube, without the need for any special production process for connecting adjustment, which would have otherwise been required if the connectors would have been configured to be connected at a predetermined location along the float

It is envisaged that the at least one connection element may comprise at least one connector lug projecting from the second portion; and the at least one through hole may extend through the at least one connector lug.

In certain examples, the at least one through hole defines a connection axis that is generally parallel to the elongate second float. In at least one example, the at least one connection element comprises connector lugs projecting from the second portion, each having a respective through hole, the through holes being aligned with one another along the connection axis.

The connector lugs may be spaced apart from one another and configured to receive therebetween an adapter lug projecting from a first portion of the adapter toward the end of the first float, the or each through hole of the adapter being formed through the adapter lug and configured for alignment with the respective through holes of the connector lugs along the connection axis such that a coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter. The coupler may comprise a pin for coupling the connector to the adapter such that the connector and adapter can pivot relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the pin.

In certain embodiments, the at least one connection element comprises a connector surround, and the at least one through hole of the connector comprises lateral through holes aligned with one another along a connection axis extending through the connector surround. It is envisaged that the connection axis may be generally perpendicular or other angle to the elongate second float.

A first portion of the adapter may comprise an adapter surround projecting therefrom toward the end of the first float, the connector surround and the adapter surround being configured to mate with one another. When mated, the connector surround may be configured to receive the adapter surround, wherein the or each through hole formed through the adapter is formed through the adapter surround and is configured for alignment with the lateral through holes of the connector surround along the connection axis such that a coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter. The coupler may comprise a pin for coupling the connector to the adapter so as to fix the connector surround to the adapter.

In certain examples, the at least one connector lug is shaped to be received within a longitudinal channel extending along the side of the second float. In at least one embodiment, the at least one through hole defines a connection axis that is generally perpendicular to both the elongate first and second floats. The at least one through hole may comprise a pair of spaced apart through holes extending vertically through the at least one connector lug. The or each through hole may be configured to receive therethrough a coupler for connecting the connector to the side of the second float.

It is envisaged that the connector may be adapted to mate with the adapter within the channel of the second float. In certain examples, the or each coupler is configured to extend through the channel of the second float, the adapter, and the at least one lug of the connector so as to connect the connector to the side of the second float.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one connection element comprises an upper connector lug and a lower connector lug, each having a pair of spaced apart through holes, the upper connector lug through holes being aligned with a respective one of the lower connector lug through holes such that respective couplers can be received through the channel of the second float, the adapter, and the aligned through holes of the upper and lower connector lugs so as to connect the connector to the side of the second float.

In certain embodiments of the connector: the second portion is adapted to seal the opening of the first float such that the at least one connector lug projects into the interior of the first elongate float; and the first portion comprises at least one second connector lug projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float, the at least one second connectors being adapted for connection with the side of the second float.

It is envisaged that: when the first portion seals the opening of the first float, the at least one second connector lugs project into the interior of the first float and the connector lugs project towards the side of the second float for connection therewith; and when the second portion seals the opening of the first float, the at least one connector lugs project into the interior of the first float and the at least one second connector lugs project towards the side of the second float for connection therewith. This reversibility and thus versatility of the connector can enhance the manufacture and modularity of floating structures formed using such connectors since the same connector can be used for different functions as needed.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector assembly for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float to a side of a second elongate float, the assembly comprising: a connector according to a first aspect of the present disclosure; and an adapter that is securable to the side of the second float, wherein the at least one connection element of the connector is configured to be coupled to the adapter.

The connector may be configured to connect to the side of the second float such that the connection between the connector and the second float is free of auxiliary connection means.

In certain embodiments, the at least one connection element is adapted to secure around at least an underside of the second float. For example, the at least one connection element may comprise an arm configured to at least partially extend around a circumference of the second float. The arm may extend from the side of the second float adjacent the end of the first float and beneath an underside of the second float to an opposite side thereof.

It is envisaged that the connector may comprise at least two arms configured to at least partially extend around the circumference of the second float. For example, the arms may be spaced apart from one another in a direction along a length of the second float.

It is envisaged that the connector may define a first connector configured to mate with a like connector whereby each spaced apart arm of the first connector is arranged adjacent a respective spaced apart arm of the second connector in a staggered relationship such that, when mated, the staggered arms of the first and second connectors at least partially define a passage sized to receive an exterior circumference of the second elongate float.

It is envisaged that the connector may contact the float via a central coupler which is formed as horseshoe or U-like shape form or any other shape, adapted to the shape of the float. The single or pair of connectors and coupler together define a cylindrical channel for receiving the tubular portion of the float. The connectors comprise at least an arcuate portion which corresponds to the tubular portion of the float so as to allow the connector to snuggly be in contact with the float.

In some embodiments, any one of the connectors and the central coupler is formed with a cavity fitted to receive a projection or connector lug protruding from any one of the connectors and the central coupler.

In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors, the central coupler and the float are formed with openings dimensioned to receive a single or more pin thereby securing the connectors and central coupler to the float. This configuration ensures secured connection between the connectors, the central coupler and the float by at least one or more of: the connectors and/or central coupler being formed with the arcuate portion fitted to snuggly connect the float tubular portion; the cavities formed in the central coupler allow the connector to protrude therethrough and contact the float at the connector arcuate surface; and the fixing of the connectors and central coupler to the float via the pin or pins. Furthermore, this configuration aids in securing the float to the connectors by use of the pins to press the float into the central coupler and lock the float therein via the pins, thereby avoiding inadvertent upward projection of the float away from the connectors and central coupler.

In some embodiments, the connector can simply be mated to the float with the central coupler. This installation or assembly method avoids having to slide each connector along the float to the appropriate location.

In certain embodiments, the arcuate portion extends along an entire end portion of the projection, thereby bringing the connector to securely contact the lateral side of the float.

In certain embodiments, the arcuate portion is oriented angularly relative to the front face of a connector at a fixed angle which correspondently enables arranging a first float, at a fixed angle with respect to a second float. The first float is connected at its open end to the rear face of connector. The arcuate portion connects the first float to the second float at the fixed angle.

In certain embodiments the connector is formed with an arcuate portion formed at an end portion of the projection. The arcuate portion is configured with a plurality of facades, each orientated at a different angle, thereby bringing the connector to securely contact the lateral side of the float at one of the facades. In this embodiment, the arcuate portion is configurable to be oriented angularly relative to the front face of connector at a variable angle, which correspondently enables arranging a first float at various angles with respect to a second float. The first float is connected at its open end to the rear face of connector. The arcuate portion connects the first float to the second float at the any one of the various angles.

In certain embodiments: the arms of the first connector extend from the side of the second float adjacent the end of the first float and beneath the underside of the second float to the opposite side thereof; and the arms of the second connector extend from the opposite side of the second float and beneath the underside thereof to the side of the second float which is adjacent to the end of the first float.

For example, the arm may be configured to mate with a first side of a central coupler defining a passage for at least partially encircling a circumference of the second float, wherein a second side of the central coupler is configured to mate with a like connector such that, together, the connectors and the central coupler therebetween extend substantially around the circumference of the second float.

It is envisaged that the connector may be configured to connect the end of the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float such that the floats are substantially perpendicular to one another.

In at least one embodiment, the connector is configured to be spin welded to the first float.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an end connector for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float having an opening to an end of a second elongate float having an opening, the end connector comprising: a first portion for sealing the opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the end of the second float and being adapted for interconnection therewith.

The at least one connection element may comprise at least one hooking element adapted to be movably associated with an end of the second float when connected therewith. In certain examples, the at least one hooking element comprises at least one hooking arm configured to receive a coupler for coupling the end connector relative to the end of the second float. The end connector may comprise spaced apart hooking arms oppositely oriented relative to one another so that the hooking arms face opposite directions.

The coupler may comprise a ring and the or each hooking arm may be oriented so that one arm hooks over the coupler, and the other arm hooks under the coupler to facilitate coupling of the end connector relative to the end of the second float.

The end connector may be configured to mate with a like end connector arranged to plug the opening of the second float, whereby a coupler interconnects the respective at least one connection element of each end connector so as to interconnect the end of the first float to the end of the second float.

In at least one embodiment, the or each hooking arm of the connector and the or each hooking arm of the end connector are arranged adjacent one another in a staggered relationship such that adjacent hooking arms are oppositely oriented to and aligned with one another to define a coupling passage, whereby the coupler is receivable through the coupling passage to movably couple the connectors relative to one another.

It is envisaged that the connection formed between the end of the first float and the end of the second float via the end connector provides at least one degree of freedom to permit relative movement between the first and second floats.

The end connector may be configured to be spin welded to the first float.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a modular floating structure formed from two or more elongate floats connected relative to one another via: one or more connectors according to a first aspect of the present disclosure; and/or one or more end connectors according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, an upper end of each float of the floating structure is substantially flat. It is envisaged that the floating structure may comprise a raft.

It is envisaged that the floats of the floating structure may be generally disposed on a plane floating on a body of water such that each float and connector is at least partially submerged within the water.

It is envisaged that the floating structure may be configured to support solar panels above a body of water. The floating structure may comprise: one or more longitudinal floats oriented in a first direction; and one or more transverse floats oriented in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein: an end of at least one transverse float is connected to the side of a longitudinal float via a connector according to a first aspect of the present disclosure; and/or an end of one float is connected to an end of another float via a connector according to a third aspect of the present disclosure.

The floating structure may comprise at least two longitudinal floats spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction and interconnected to one another via at least two transverse floats.

In at least one embodiment, the floating structure comprises at least two longitudinal floats secured adjacent one another via connectors according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the first portion of a first connector secured to a first longitudinal float is secured to the first portion of an oppositely oriented second connector which is secured to a second and adj acent longitudinal float such that the respective adjacent upper ends of the floats together define an access path.

Also disclosed herein is a floating access path comprising two or more floating structures according to floating structure embodiments of the present disclosure, the floating structures being arranged collinearly and interconnected to another via an arrangement of two or more transverse floats secured adjacent one another.

Modular floating structures can be formed from two or more floats and connectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the presently disclosed connectors not only seal elongate floats, the connectors also enable, for example: the end of one float to connect to a side of another float; and/or the end of one float to connect to the end of another float. Connectors embodying the present disclosure may also enable the side of one float to connect to the side of another float. In this way, floats and connectors embodying the present disclosure are like proverbial building blocks that can be assembled together in any number of different ways to form floating structures that can be customised to specific needs and use applications.

A significant cost associated with the floating platforms of FPV relates to the cost of labour required to assemble and install the floating platform on-site. It is envisaged that in some embodiments of the present connector can simply be secured to the end of a float, particularly prior to transport and/or installation on-site, thereby reducing on installation time and costs. For example, floats and connectors can first be manufactured in accordance with the specifications of a desired floating structure, and the connectors can be secured to the relevant floats (e.g., via spin welding) prior to delivery to the site for installation. Upon delivery for installation on-site, personnel simply need to interconnect the provided floats to one another to form the modular floating structure. Additionally, since the number of auxiliary connecting components is either reduced or eliminated, embodiments of the presently disclosed connector thus provide for a relatively easier installation and assembly of floating structures that is more time and cost-efficient.

It is envisaged that connectors embodiment the present disclosure may be formed from substantially the same material as the floats and are configured to also be buoyant in water. In this way, the connectors may increase the buoyancy of the resulting floating structure formed therefrom, or at the very least, they do not weight the associated floats down in the way that prior art connecting elements such as metallic rods and the like would. Additionally, by forming connectors from the same material such as the floats, which is often a non-metallic material such as plastic, the connectors do not present the kind of corrosion risk that metallic connection components would be vulnerable to in wet environments. Furthermore, the connectors along with the floats functionally provide the mechanical strength and durability of the assembly.

In certain embodiments, first floats are arranged perpendicularly to each other and generally extends along the longitudinal axis and transverse axis and intersects a lateral axis which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse axis. Additionally or alternatively, second floats are arranged angularly to the first floats, thereby adding structural strength to the floating structures by acting as diagonal reinforcement elements and further acting as structural building blocks in the floating structures. The diagonal reinforcement elements increase the strength of the floating structures as well as enhance the stiffness of the floating structures, while avoiding angular displacement of perpendicularly arranged first floats, which can occur due to wave and wind forces. Many types of arrangements of floating structures are envisaged.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method for connecting a first elongate float to a second elongate float having a side, comprising connecting the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float by one or more connectors described herein.

In certain embodiments, there is provided a method for forming a modular floating structure, comprising providing a first elongate float having an opening and a second elongate float having a side, connecting the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float by one or more connectors described herein; and sealing the opening of the first float by any one or more end connectors described herein.

In accordance with an aspect of the present subject matter, a float is provided, comprising a flat upper surface that serves as a stepping surface and includes perforations for anchoring additional components. The float also contains cavities along its length to facilitate the routing of electrical wiring.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, a raft-shaped pipe connection is described. This configuration utilizes a pipe that functions both as a float and as a continuous stepping surface, e.g. an access path. The pipe connects all or at least a portion of its parts perpendicularly on the same plane and serves as a structural component that forms an entire raft, which may be rigid or flexible.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present subject matter, a cap comprising a connector is provided to seal the pipe. The cap incorporates a geometric design that allows for easy installation of a perpendicular pipe by locking it in place, thereby preventing upward displacement.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, a U-like shaped coupler is employed to secure the cap of the perpendicular pipe to a tangent/ transverse/ side pipe. The connection may be achieved using fastening elements, such as pins.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present subject matter, a fastening element is provided to connect the cap of the perpendicular pipe with the U-like shaped coupler and the transverse/side pipe. The fastening element comprises a rotatable locking mechanism that engages with an oval hole in the flat plate at the top of the float. This design secures the bottom part of the U-like shaped coupler to prevent disassembly and allows for the locking of additional flat components with round holes onto the plate. The pin also facilitates the anchoring of solar panel attachments to the plate.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, a system for anchoring a solar panel is provided. The system connects the panel to the float at three points to reduce mechanical stress on the panel. The lower part of the panel is anchored at two distant points, while the upper part is anchored at two adjacent points using a mount. This mount fits over the panel’s frame and connects at a single point to a raiser that links the panel to the float.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present subject matter, an anchoring element such as a raiser is described. This raiser comprises an inverted pipe positioned perpendicular to the float. The pipe serves as a vertical support to which the solar panel is securely attached.

In certain connector embodiments, the at least one connection element is configured to be coupled to an adapter secured to the second float. For example, the at least one connection element may comprise at least one opening for receipt of a coupler to connect the connector to the adapter. In one example, the at least one opening may comprise at least one through hole. In such embodiments, the or each through hole of the connector may be configured to align with a respective through hole of the adapter such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

It is envisaged that the at least one connection element comprises at least one connector lug; and the at least one through hole extends through the at least one connector lug. In one example, the connector comprises spaced apart connector lugs, each having at least one through hole, the at least one through hole of one connector lug being aligned with a respective at least one through hole of the or each other connector lug so that aligned connector lug through holes are configured to receive a respective coupler for coupling the connector to the adapter. In certain examples, the connector lugs are configured to be received by respective slots of the adapter. It is also envisaged that when coupled to the adapter, a distal end of the or each connector lug is configured to abut the second float. In such embodiments, the distal end of the or each connector lug may be arcuate so as to conform to a tubular portion of the second float.

In certain embodiments, the connector may comprise: an upper connector lug having vertically extending upper lug through holes; and a lower connector lug having vertically extending lower lug through holes, each being aligned with a respective upper lug through hole so as to form a pair of aligned connector through holes, wherein each pair of aligned connector through holes is alignable with a respective at least one through hole of the adapter such that respective couplers can be inserted therethrough to couple the connector to the adapter.

Also disclosed herein is an adapter adapted for connection with at least one connector disclosed here, the adapter being securable to the second float so as to interconnect the connector thereto. The adapter may comprise a collar configured to secure around at least an underside of the second float. In certain embodiments, the adapter comprises at least one lateral frame to which the at least one connection element of the connector is connectible. For example, the at least one lateral frame may have at least one through hole configured to align with a respective at least one through hole of the connector such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter. In certain embodiments, the at least one lateral frame may comprise: an upper portion having vertically extending upper portion through holes; and a lower portion having vertically extending lower portion through holes, each being aligned with a respective upper portion through hole so as to form a pair of aligned adapter through holes. In such embodiments, the pairs of aligned adapter through holes may be alignable with respective aligned connector through holes such that respective couplers are insertable therethrough to couple the connector and adapter together.

It is envisaged that the at least one lateral frame may comprise a pair of slots, each configured to receive one of the connector lugs of the connector for connection thereof to the adapter. In certain embodiments, the upper portion of the adapter is receivable beneath an upper ledge of the second float, the upper ledge having vertically extending ledge through holes which are alignable with respective upper portion through holes of the adapter such that respective couplers can be inserted through aligned ledge and upper portion through holes to couple the adapter to the second float. In such embodiments, the aligned connector through holes are alignable with: respective aligned adapter through holes; and respective ledge through holes, such that respective couplers can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector, adapter and second float together.

In certain embodiments, the upper portion of the connector and the upper ledge of the second float may comprise cooperating locating elements to facilitate location of the adapter relative to the second float. For example, the upper portion may comprise at least one locating pin and the upper ledge of the second float may comprise at least one locating opening for reception of a respective locating pin to facilitate location of the adapter relative to the second float prior to interconnection therebetween.

It is envisaged that the adapter may comprise opposed lateral frames configured to extend around respective sides of the second float.

Also disclosed herein is a floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting at least one PV module having at least one support region, the arrangement comprising: a first elongate float; and a second elongate float having an end that is interconnected to a side of the first elongate float, wherein at least one of the floats comprises at least one mounting location for supporting the PV module via the at least one support region thereof. The first float may comprise first and second spaced apart mounting locations for supporting the PV module at respective first and second support regions thereof. Additionally, the second float may comprise a third mounting location for supporting the PV module at a third support region thereof.

In certain embodiments, a first side of the PV module comprises the first and second support regions; and a second side of the PV module comprises the third support region. In such embodiments, the three support regions may define respective vertices of an imaginary triangular shape. For example, the triangular shape may be substantially in the form of an equilateral triangle. The triangular shape may also be substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle, wherein the first and second support regions define a base of the isosceles triangle.

The presently disclosed arrangement may further comprise a respective mount for interconnecting the at least one support region of the PV module to the at least one mounting location. For example, certain arrangement embodiments may comprise first and second mounts for interconnecting the first and second support regions of the PV module to the first and second mounting locations, respectively. The arrangement may also comprise a third mount for interconnecting the third support region of the PV module to the third mounting location. It is envisaged that each mount has a substantially identical cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, the first and second mounts have a first length, and the third mount has a second length, the second length being greater than the first length. It is envisaged that each mount may comprise: a forward portion configured to be secured to a corresponding support region of the PV module; and a rearward portion configured to be mounted to a corresponding mounting location. In certain embodiments, the forward portion of each mount may comprise a mouth for receiving a respective support region of the PV module, each mouth having: an upper jaw arranged to at least partially overlie a frame of the PV module; and a lower jaw arranged to at least partially underlie the PV module. In at least one example, the respective rearward portions of the first and second mounts are mountable to the first and second mounting locations, respectively.

The mounts may be configured to maintain the PV module in a tilted position whereby the second side of the PV module is raised higher than the first side. In such embodiments, the arrangement may further comprise a raiser secured to the at least one mounting location, the raiser being operable to raise the PV module at the at least one support region thereof. For example, the raiser may comprise the third mounting location for supporting the PV module at the third support region thereof. In at least one embodiment, the raiser is in the form of a third float. For example, the third float may be inverted such that the third mounting location thereof is coupled to the second float.

In certain embodiments of the presently disclosed arrangement: the PV module is substantially rectangular; the first float is generally aligned with a first side of the PV module; and the second float is generally perpendicular to the first float. In at least one embodiment, the third float is parallel to the first float. The arrangement may also comprise an opposing PV module and an opposing first float, each of which are arranged to mirror the PV module and the first float, respectively, wherein the respective sides of the PV modules which are adjacent one another are each interconnected to the second float.

Embodiments of the present arrangement may further comprise a connector for interconnecting the end of the first float to the side of the second float, the connector comprising: a first portion for sealing an opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float and being adapted for connection therewith. Also disclosed herein is a floating photovoltaic support system comprising a plurality of arrangements according to at least one arrangement embodiment disclosed herein, arranged in a gridlike formation.

Also disclosed herein is a kit for forming a floating photovoltaic support system as disclosed herein, comprising: a plurality of floats for supporting the PV modules; and a plurality of mounts for interconnecting the PV modules to the floats. The kit may further comprise a plurality of connectors for interconnection of the floats.

It is envisaged that a tube, tubular shape or pipe disclosed herein comprises any elongate structure formed in any suitable shape or dimension, cylindrical or non-cylindrical, and comprises a lumen or at least an opening at the tube, tubular shape or pipe end.

While the present specification discusses floating structures such as floating platforms for FPVs, it will be appreciated that the teachings herein may also be adapted to form any number of different floating structures, such as boathouses, piers, access paths etc.

For the purposes of the description of all the examples described in the presently disclosed subject matter, it is to be understood herein that the terms “integrally formed” or “integrally connected” or “integrally assembled” or equivalents thereof with respect to two elements or parts are intended to specify that the elements are formed separately and are connected together. Further, the terms “unitarily formed” or “unitarily connected” or “unitary body” or equivalents thereof with respect to two elements or parts are intended.

EMBODIMENTS

A more specific description is provided in the Detailed Description whilst the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

1. A connector for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float having an opening to a side of a second elongate float, the connector comprising: a first portion for sealing the opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float and being adapted for connection therewith. 2. The connector of embodiment 1, wherein the connection between the connector and the side of the second float provides at least one degree of freedom to permit relative movement between the first and second floats.

3. The connector of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the at least one connection element is configured to be coupled to an adapter secured to the side of the second float.

4. The connector of embodiment 3, wherein the at least one connection element comprises at least one opening for receipt of a coupler to connect the connector to the adapter.

5. The connector of embodiment 4, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one through hole.

6. The connector of embodiment 5, wherein the or each through hole of the connector is configured to align with a respective through hole of the adapter such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

7. The connector of embodiment 6, wherein: the at least one connection element comprises at least one connector lug projecting from the second portion; and the at least one through hole extends through the at least one connector lug.

8. The connector of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one through hole defines a connection axis that is generally parallel to the elongate second float.

9. The connector of embodiment 8, wherein the at least one connection element comprises connector lugs projecting from the second portion, each having a respective through hole, the through holes being aligned with one another along the connection axis. 10. The connector of embodiment 9, wherein the connector lugs are spaced apart from one another and configured to receive therebetween an adapter lug projecting from a first portion of the adapter toward the end of the first float, the or each through hole of the adapter being formed through the adapter lug and configured for alignment with the respective through holes of the connector lugs along the connection axis such that a coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

11. The connector of any one of embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the coupler comprises a pin for coupling the connector to the adapter such that the connector and adapter can pivot relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the pin.

12. The connector of embodiment 6, wherein the at least one connection element comprises a connector surround, and the at least one through hole of the connector comprises lateral through holes aligned with one another along a connection axis extending through the connector surround.

13. The connector of embodiment 12, wherein the connection axis is generally parallel to the elongate second float.

14. The connector of embodiment 13, wherein a first portion of the adapter comprises an adapter surround projecting therefrom toward the end of the first float, the connector surround and the adapter surround being configured to mate with one another.

15. The connector of embodiment 14, wherein when mated, the connector surround is configured to receive the adapter surround, wherein the or each through hole formed through the adapter is formed through the adapter surround and is configured for alignment with the lateral through holes of the connector surround along the connection axis such that a coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter. 16. The connector of any one of embodiments 12 to 15, wherein the coupler comprises a pin for coupling the connector to the adapter so as to fix the connector surround to the adapter.

17. The connector of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one connector lug is shaped to be received within a longitudinal channel extending along the side of the second float.

18. The connector of embodiment 17, wherein the at least one through hole defines a connection axis that is generally perpendicular to both the elongate first and second floats.

19. The connector of embodiment 18, wherein the at least one through hole comprises a pair of spaced apart through holes extending vertically through the at least one connector lug.

20. The connector of embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the or each through hole thereof is configured to receive therethrough a coupler for connecting the connector to the side of the second float.

21. The connector of any one of embodiments 18 to 20, being adapted to mate with the adapter within the channel of the second float.

22. The connector of embodiment 21, wherein the or each coupler is configured to extend through the channel of the second float, the adapter, and the at least one lug of the connector so as to connect the connector to the side of the second float.

23. The connector of any one of embodiments 17 to 22, wherein the at least one connection element comprises an upper connector lug and a lower connector lug, each having a pair of spaced apart through holes, the upper connector lug through holes being aligned with a respective one of the lower connector lug through holes such that respective couplers can be received through the channel of the second float, the adapter, and the aligned through holes of the upper and lower connector lugs so as to connect the connector to the side of the second float. 24. The connector of any one of embodiments 17 to 23, wherein: the second portion is adapted to seal the opening of the first float such that the at least one connector lug projects into the interior of the first elongate float; and the first portion comprises at least one second connector lug projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float, the at least one second connectors being adapted for connection with the side of the second float.

25. The connector of embodiment 24, wherein: when the first portion seals the opening of the first float, the at least one second connector lugs project into the interior of the first float and the connector lugs project towards the side of the second float for connection therewith; and when the second portion seals the opening of the first float, the at least one connector lugs project into the interior of the first float and the at least one second connector lugs project towards the side of the second float for connection therewith.

26. A connector assembly for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float to a side of a second elongate float, the assembly comprising: a connector according to any one of the preceding embodiments; and an adapter that is securable to the side of the second float, wherein the at least one connection element of the connector is configured to be coupled to the adapter.

27. The connector of embodiment 1, being configured to connect to the side of the second float such that the connection between the connector and the second float is free of auxiliary connection means.

28. The connector of embodiment 1 or 27, wherein the at least one connection element is adapted to secure around at least an underside of the second float. 29. The connector of embodiment 28, wherein the at least one connection element comprises an arm configured to at least partially extend around a circumference of the second float.

30. The connector of embodiment 29, wherein the arm extends from the side of the second float adjacent the end of the first float and beneath an underside of the second float to an opposite side thereof.

31. The connector of embodiment 29 or 30, comprising at least two arms configured to at least partially extend around the circumference of the second float.

32. The connector of embodiment 31, wherein the arms are spaced apart from one another in a direction along a length of the second float.

33. The connector of embodiment 32, defining a first connector configured to mate with a like connector whereby each spaced apart arm of the first connector is arranged adjacent a respective spaced apart arm of the second connector in a staggered relationship such that, when mated, the staggered arms of the first and second connectors at least partially define a passage sized to receive an exterior circumference of the second elongate float.

34. The connector of embodiment 33, wherein: the arms of the first connector extend from the side of the second float adjacent the end of the first float and beneath the underside of the second float to the opposite side thereof; and the arms of the second connector extend from the opposite side of the second float and beneath the underside thereof to the side of the second float which is adjacent to the end of the first float.

35. The connector of embodiment 29, wherein the arm is configured to mate with a first side of a central coupler defining a passage for at least partially encircling a circumference of the second float, wherein a second side of the central coupler is configured to mate with a like connector such that, together, the connectors and the central coupler therebetween extend substantially around the circumference of the second float.

36. The connector of any one of the preceding embodiments, being configured to connect the end of the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float such that the floats are substantially perpendicular to one another.

37. The connector of any one of the preceding embodiments, being configured to connect the end of the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float such that the floats are substantially angularly arranged with respect to one another.

38. The connector of embodiment 37, wherein the connection element comprises a projection formed with an arcuate portion at a projection end facing the second elongate float.

39. The connector of embodiment 38, wherein the arcuate portion is formed with a plurality of facades, each facade orientated at a different angle.

40. The connector of any one of the preceding embodiments, configured to be spin welded to the first float.

41. An end connector for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float having an opening to an end of a second elongate float having an opening, the end connector comprising: a first portion for sealing the opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the end of the second float and being adapted for interconnection therewith.

42. The end connector of embodiment 41, wherein the at least one connection element comprises at least one hooking element adapted to be movably associated with an end of the second float when connected therewith. 43. The end connector of embodiment 42, wherein the at least one hooking element comprises at least one hooking arm configured to receive a coupler for coupling the end connector relative to the end of the second float.

44. The end connector of embodiment 43, comprising spaced apart hooking arms oppositely oriented relative to one another so that the hooking arms face opposite directions.

45. The end connector of embodiment 42, wherein the coupler comprises a ring and the or each hooking arm is oriented so that one arm hooks over the coupler, and the other arm hooks under the coupler to facilitate coupling of the end connector relative to the end of the second float.

46. The end connector of any one of embodiments 41 to 45, configured to mate with a like end connector arranged to plug the opening of the second float, whereby a coupler interconnects the respective at least one connection element of each end connector so as to interconnect the end of the first float to the end of the second float.

47. The end connector of embodiment 46 as appended to 45, wherein the or each hooking arm of the connector and the or each hooking arm of the end connector are arranged adjacent one another in a staggered relationship such that adjacent hooking arms are oppositely oriented to and aligned with one another to define a coupling passage, whereby the coupler is receivable through the coupling passage to movably couple the connectors relative to one another.

48. The end connector of any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the connection formed between the end of the first float and the end of the second float via the end connector provides at least one degree of freedom to permit relative movement between the first and second floats.

49. The end connector of any one of embodiments 41 to 48, configured to be spin welded to the first float. 50. A modular floating structure formed from two or more elongate floats connected relative to one another via: one or more connectors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40; and/or one or more end connectors according to any one of embodiments 41 to 49.

51. The floating structure of embodiment 50, wherein an upper end of each float is substantially flat.

52. The floating structure of embodiment 50 or 51, comprising a raft.

53. The floating structure of any one of embodiments 50 to 52, wherein the floats are generally disposed on a plane floating on a body of water such that each float and connector is at least partially submerged within the water.

54. The floating structure of any one of embodiments 50 to 53, configured for supporting solar panels above a body of water.

55. The floating structure of any one of embodiments 50 to 54, comprising: one or more longitudinal floats oriented in a first direction; and one or more transverse floats oriented in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein: an end of at least one transverse float is connected to the side of a longitudinal float via a connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40; and/or an end of one float is connected to an end of another float via a connector according to any one of embodiments 41 to 49.

56. The floating structure of embodiment 55, comprising at least two longitudinal floats spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction and interconnected to one another via at least two transverse floats. 57. The floating structure of embodiment 56, further comprising a float angularly positioned and interconnected with a float arranged in the longitudinal direction and a float arranged in the transverse direction.

58. The floating structure of embodiment 55, comprising at least two longitudinal floats secured adjacent one another via connectors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the first portion of a first connector secured to a first longitudinal float is secured to the first portion of an oppositely oriented second connector which is secured to a second and adjacent longitudinal float such that the respective adjacent upper ends of the floats together define an access path.

59. A floating access path comprising two or more floating structures according to embodiment 58, the floating structures being arranged collinearly and interconnected to another via an arrangement of two or more transverse floats secured adjacent one another.

60. A method for connecting a first elongate float to a second elongate float having a side, comprising: connecting the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float by one or more connectors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40.

61. A method for forming a modular floating structure, comprising: providing a first elongate float having an opening and a second elongate float having a side; connecting the first elongate float to the side of the second elongate float by one or more connectors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40; and sealing the opening of the first float by any one or more end connectors according to any one of embodiments 1 to 49. 62. The connector of embodiment 1, wherein the at least one connection element is configured to be coupled to an adapter secured to the second float.

63. The connector of embodiment 62, wherein the at least one connection element comprises at least one opening for receipt of a coupler to connect the connector to the adapter.

64. The connector of embodiment 63, wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one through hole.

65. The connector of embodiment 64, wherein the or each through hole of the connector is configured to align with a respective through hole of the adapter such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

66. The connector of embodiment 65, wherein: the at least one connection element comprises at least one connector lug; and the at least one through hole extends through the at least one connector lug.

67. The connector of embodiment 66, comprising spaced apart connector lugs, each having at least one through hole, the at least one through hole of one connector lug being aligned with a respective at least one through hole of the or each other connector lug so that aligned connector lug through holes are configured to receive a respective coupler for coupling the connector to the adapter.

68. The connector of embodiment 67, wherein the connector lugs are configured to be received by respective slots of the adapter.

69. The connector of any one of embodiments 66 to 68, wherein when coupled to the adapter, a distal end of the or each connector lug is configured to abut the second float. 70. The connector of embodiment 69, wherein the distal end of the or each connector lug is arcuate so as to conform to a tubular portion of the second float.

71. The connector of any one of embodiments 66 to 70, comprising: an upper connector lug having vertically extending upper lug through holes; and a lower connector lug having vertically extending lower lug through holes, each being aligned with a respective upper lug through hole so as to form a pair of aligned connector through holes, wherein each pair of aligned connector through holes is alignable with a respective at least one through hole of the adapter such that respective couplers can be inserted therethrough to couple the connector to the adapter.

72. An adapter adapted for connection with the connector of any one of embodiments 62 to 71 , the adapter being securable to the second float so as to interconnect the connector thereto.

73. The adapter of embodiment 72, comprising a collar configured to secure around at least an underside of the second float.

74. The adapter of embodiment 72 or 73, comprising at least one lateral frame to which the at least one connection element of the connector is connectible.

75. The adapter of embodiment 74 as appended to any one of embodiments 64 to 71, the at least one lateral frame having at least one through hole configured to align with a respective at least one through hole of the connector such that a respective coupler can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector to the adapter.

76. The adapter of embodiment 75, wherein the at least one lateral frame comprises: an upper portion having vertically extending upper portion through holes; and a lower portion having vertically extending lower portion through holes, each being aligned with a respective upper portion through hole so as to form a pair of aligned adapter through holes.

77. The adapter of embodiment 76 as appended to embodiment 71, wherein the pairs of aligned adapter through holes are alignable with respective aligned connector through holes such that respective couplers are insertable therethrough to couple the connector and adapter together.

78. The adapter of embodiment 77, wherein the at least one lateral frame comprises a pair of slots, each configured to receive one of the connector lugs of the connector for connection thereof to the adapter.

79. The adapter of any one of embodiments 76 to 78, wherein the upper portion is receivable beneath an upper ledge of the second float, the upper ledge having vertically extending ledge through holes which are alignable with respective upper portion through holes of the adapter such that respective couplers can be inserted through aligned ledge and upper portion through holes to couple the adapter to the second float.

80. The adapter of embodiment 79 as appended to embodiment 77, wherein the aligned connector through holes are alignable with: respective aligned adapter through holes; and respective ledge through holes, such that respective couplers can be inserted through the aligned through holes to couple the connector, adapter and second float together.

81. The adapter of embodiment 79 or 80, wherein the upper portion thereof and the upper ledge of the second float comprise cooperating locating elements to facilitate location of the adapter relative to the second float. 82. The adapter of embodiment 81, wherein the upper portion comprises at least one locating pin and the upper ledge of the second float comprises at least one locating opening for reception of a respective locating pin to facilitate location of the adapter relative to the second float prior to interconnection therebetween.

83. The adapter of any one of embodiments 74 to 82, comprising opposed lateral frames configured to extend around respective sides of the second float.

84. A floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting at least one PV module having at least one support region, the arrangement comprising: a first elongate float; and a second elongate float having an end that is interconnected to a side of the first elongate float, wherein at least one of the floats comprises at least one mounting location for supporting the PV module via the at least one support region thereof.

85. The arrangement of embodiment 84, wherein the first float comprises first and second spaced apart mounting locations for supporting the PV module at respective first and second support regions thereof.

86. The arrangement of embodiment 85, wherein the second float comprises a third mounting location for supporting the PV module at a third support region thereof.

87. The arrangement of embodiment 86, wherein: a first side of the PV module comprises the first and second support regions; and a second side of the PV module comprises the third support region.

88. The arrangement of embodiment 87, wherein the three support regions define respective vertices of an imaginary triangular shape. 89. The arrangement of embodiment 88, wherein the triangular shape is substantially in the form of an equilateral triangle.

90. The arrangement of embodiment 88, wherein the triangular shape is substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle, wherein the first and second support regions define a base of the isosceles triangle.

91. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 84 to 90, further comprising a respective mount for interconnecting the at least one support region of the PV module to the at least one mounting location.

92. The arrangement of embodiment 91 as appended to any one of embodiments 87 to 90, comprising first and second mounts for interconnecting the first and second support regions of the PV module to the first and second mounting locations, respectively.

93. The arrangement of embodiment 92, further comprising a third mount for interconnecting the third support region of the PV module to the third mounting location.

94. The arrangement of embodiment 93, wherein each mount has a substantially identical cross-sectional shape.

95. The arrangement of embodiment 93 or 94, wherein the first and second mounts have a first length, and the third mount has a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

96. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 93 to 95, wherein each mount comprises: a forward portion configured to be secured to a corresponding support region of the PV module; and a rearward portion configured to be mounted to a corresponding mounting location. 97. The arrangement of embodiment 96, wherein the forward portion of each mount comprises a mouth for receiving a respective support region of the PV module, each mouth having: an upper jaw arranged to at least partially overlie a frame of the PV module; and a lower jaw arranged to at least partially underlie the PV module.

98. The arrangement of embodiment 96 or 97, wherein the respective rearward portions of the first and second mounts are mountable to the first and second mounting locations, respectively.

99. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 93 to 98, wherein the mounts are configured to maintain the PV module in a tilted position whereby the second side of the PV module is raised higher than the first side.

100. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 84 to 99, further comprising a raiser secured to the at least one mounting location, the raiser being operable to raise the PV module at the at least one support region thereof.

101. The arrangement of embodiment 100 as appended to any one of embodiments 86 to 99, wherein the raiser comprises the third mounting location for supporting the PV module at the third support region thereof.

102. The arrangement of embodiment 100 or 101, wherein the raiser is in the form of a third float.

103. The arrangement of embodiment 102, wherein the third float is inverted such that the third mounting location thereof is coupled to the second float.

104. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 84 to 103, wherein: the PV module is substantially rectangular; the first float is generally aligned with a first side of the PV module; and the second float is generally perpendicular to the first float.

105. The arrangement of embodiment 104 as appended to embodiment 102 or 103, wherein the third float is parallel to the first float.

106. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 84 to 105, further comprising an opposing PV module and an opposing first float, each of which are arranged to mirror the PV module and the first float, respectively, wherein the respective sides of the PV modules which are adjacent one another are each interconnected to the second float.

107. The arrangement of any one of embodiments 84 to 106, further comprising a connector for interconnecting the end of the first float to the side of the second float, the connector comprising: a first portion for sealing an opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float and being adapted for connection therewith.

108. A floating photovoltaic support system comprising a plurality of arrangements according to any one of embodiments 84 to 107 arranged in a gridlike formation.

109. A kit for forming a floating photovoltaic support system of embodiment 108, comprising: a plurality of floats for supporting the PV modules; and a plurality of mounts for interconnecting the PV modules to the floats.

110. The kit of embodiment 109, further comprising a plurality of connectors for interconnection of the floats.

111. A fastening element comprising: a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis; and a locking unit comprising: an arresting portion extending from the shaft along an arresting portion lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and along an arresting portion latitudinal axis transverse to the arresting portion lateral axis and the longitudinal axis, and having a minor dimension along the arresting portion lateral axis and a major dimension larger than the minor dimension along the latitudinal axis; and at least one deflectable portion, extending from the shaft along a deflectable portion lateral axis which is parallel to the arresting portion lateral axis, and being deflectable about a deflection axis parallel to the arresting portion latitudinal axis.

112. The fastening element of embodiment 111, wherein the at least one deflectable portion has a major dimension along the deflectable portion lateral axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along a deflectable portion latitudinal axis which is coaxial with the deflection axis.

113. The fastening element of embodiment 112, wherein the deflectable portion major dimension is misaligned with the arresting portion major dimension and the deflectable portion minor dimension is misaligned with the arresting portion minor dimension.

114. The fastening element of embodiment 112 or 113, wherein the deflectable portion major dimension is aligned with the arresting portion minor dimension and the deflectable portion minor dimension is aligned with the arresting portion major dimension.

115. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 112-114, wherein the deflectable portion has a reference plane including the deflectable portion lateral axis and the deflectable portion latitudinal axis and comprising the deflectable portion minor dimension and the deflectable portion major dimension. 116. The fastening element of embodiment 115, wherein the deflectable portion major dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the deflectable portion extending along the deflectable portion lateral axis and the deflectable portion minor dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the deflectable portion extending along the deflectable portion latitudinal axis.

117. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 112-116, wherein the deflectable portion is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the deflectable portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape and the deflectable portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape.

118. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111-117, wherein the arresting portion has a reference plane including the lateral axis and the latitudinal axis and comprising the arresting portion minor dimension and the arresting portion major dimension.

119. The fastening element of embodiment 118, wherein the arresting portion major dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the arresting portion extending along the arresting portion latitudinal axis and the arresting portion minor dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the arresting portion extending along the arresting portion lateral axis.

120. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111-119, wherein the arresting portion is shaped as an oval -like shape comprising the arresting portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape and the arresting portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape.

121. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111-120, wherein the arresting portion is positioned at an axial distance along the longitudinal axis from the deflectable portion. 122. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111-121, wherein the arresting portion is formed with a peripheral wall extending along the longitudinal axis between an upper surface and a lower surface of the arresting portion.

123. The fastening element of embodiment 122, wherein the entire upper surface of the arresting portion is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

124. The fastening element of embodiment 122, wherein a part of the upper surface of the arresting portion comprises a slope inclining along the longitudinal axis towards the lower surface.

125. The fastening element of embodiment 124 when dependent on embodiment 118, wherein when viewing from a surface plane parallel to the arresting portion reference plane, the slope extends about an arc on the surface plane comprising at least 90 degrees.

126. The fastening element of embodiment 125, wherein the slope extends about at least two diametrically opposite arcs on the surface plane.

127. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 124 to 126, wherein the slope is at its highest point along the longitudinal axis when more proximal to the arresting portion latitudinal axis than to the arresting portion lateral axis.

128. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111-127, wherein the at least one deflectable portion is formed with a peripheral wall extending along the longitudinal axis between an upper surface and a lower surface of the deflectable portion.

129. The fastening element of embodiment 128, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises at least one tab formed with said peripheral wall of the deflectable portion. 130. The fastening element of embodiment 129, wherein the at least one tab is formed with a bottom surface extending from a bottom end of the peripheral wall toward the shaft.

131. The fastening element of embodiment 130, wherein the at least one tab is formed with a bottom surface extending from a bottom end of the peripheral wall upwardly toward the shaft and the upper surface.

132. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 130 and 131, wherein the tab bottom surface is operative to be positioned relative to a deflection reference plane, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis: parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis in a deflected state; and angularly to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion is in an undeflected state.

133. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111 to 132, wherein the at least one deflectable portion constitutes a pair of deflectable portions.

134. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111 to 133, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises a resiliency enhancer operative to promote the deflection of the deflectable portions.

135. The fastening element of embodiment 134 wherein the resiliency enhancer comprises a recess formed in the at least one deflectable portion extending parallel to the deflection axis.

136. The fastening element of embodiment 135 when dependent on any one of embodiments 129 to 132, wherein the recess is positioned in between the tab and the shaft. 137. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111 to 136, wherein the locking unit further comprises at least one additional arresting portion extending from the shaft parallel to the arresting portion lateral axis.

138. The fastening element of embodiment 137 when dependent on any one of embodiments 129 to 132, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises the additional arresting portion, which has a lower surface and the tab protrudes from the additional arresting portion lower surface towards the arresting portion.

139. The fastening element of embodiment 137 or 138, wherein at least in the undeflected state, a first distance measured from the longitudinal axis to an end of the additional arresting portion along the lateral axis is longer than a second distance measured from the longitudinal axis to the tab wall along the lateral axis.

140. The fastening element of embodiment 137, wherein the at least one additional arresting portion is positioned in proximity to a lower end of the shaft.

141. The fastening element of embodiment 140, wherein the at least one additional arresting portion comprises a recess formed in the shaft.

142. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111 to 141, wherein the locking unit further comprises a handle axially distanced from the arresting portion and the deflectable portion.

143. The fastening element of embodiment 142, wherein the handle has a major dimension along the lateral axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along the deflection axis.

144. The fastening element of embodiment 143, wherein the handle major dimension is aligned with the arresting portion minor dimension. 145. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 142 to 144, wherein the handle is formed on an upper surface thereof with at least one protrusion operative to allow manual or mechanical gripping thereof.

146. The fastening element of embodiment 145, wherein the at least one protrusion constitutes two protrusions formed with a gap therebetween having a dimension compatible with a dimension of a gripping tool.

147. The fastening element of any one of embodiments 111 to 146, having an outer shell formed with cavities.

148. The fastening element of embodiment 147, wherein the cavities have an elongated dimension extending transversely to an injection molding direction in which injection molding material is injected for manufacturing the fastening element.

149. The fastening element of embodiment 147 or 148, wherein the shaft comprises at least one portion comprising at least one peripheral rib formed about the longitudinal axis.

150. A fastening arrangement compri sing : an object formed with an upper surface, a lower surface and a bore extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis thereof; a fastening element insertable within the bore in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and lockable to the object in a locked state, comprising: an axial-resistant mechanism operable to resist axial movement, along the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element at least from the bore along a second direction opposite the first direction, at the locked state; and a rotation-resistant mechanism operable to resist rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element in the bore at the locked state. 151. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 150, wherein the axial -resistant mechanism has a major dimension, which is misaligned with a major dimension of the rotation-resistant mechanism.

152. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 150 or 151, wherein the rotation-resistant mechanism is axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the axial-resistant mechanism.

153. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 151 or 152 when dependent on embodiment 151, wherein the bore has a major dimension along an object lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along an object latitudinal axis, transverse to the longitudinal axis as well as the object lateral axis.

154. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 151 or any one of embodiments 152 and 153 when dependent on embodiment 151, wherein the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension extends along an axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and an axial-resistant mechanism minor dimension extends along an axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis and is smaller than the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension.

155. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 154 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the fastening element is positionable in at least one of the following states: in an unlocked state, in which the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension; and in a locked state, in which the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension.

156. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 151 or any one of embodiments 152 to 155 when dependent on embodiment 151, wherein the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension extends along a rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis and a rotation-resistant mechanism minor dimension extends along a rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and is smaller than the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension. 157. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 156 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the fastening element is positionable in at least one of the following states: in an unlocked state, in which the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension; and in a locked state, in which the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension.

158. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 156, when dependent on embodiment 154, wherein the fastening element comprises: a shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least when inserted in the bore; and a locking unit comprising: the rotation-resistant mechanism including at least one deflectable portion extending from the shaft parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis and being deflectable about a deflection axis parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis; and the axial-resistant mechanism comprising an arresting portion extending from the shaft, and the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension constituting an arresting portion major dimension extending along the axial-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis thereof, larger than an arresting portion minor dimension extending along the axial- resistant mechanism lateral axis thereof.

159. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 158, wherein the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension constitutes a deflectable portion major dimension, and a rotationresistant mechanism minor dimension constitutes a deflectable portion minor dimension and the deflectable portion is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the deflectable portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape and the deflectable portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape. 160. The fastening arrangement of embodiments 158 or 159, wherein the arresting portion is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the arresting portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape and the arresting portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape.

161. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158 to 160 when dependent in embodiment 4, wherein the bore is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the bore minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape and the bore major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape.

162. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 159-161 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the bore has a bore wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the deflectable portion is positionable to: deflect upwardly above the upper surface of the object when the deflectable portion major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and pressably engage the bore wall when the deflectable portion major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension at a locked state.

163. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 153 and embodiments 154 to 162 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the fastening element is further lockable to the object in a locked state by rotation of the fastening element within the bore about the longitudinal axis from an unlocked state to the locked state.

164. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 163, wherein the rotation is to a 90-degree angle.

165. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 163 or 164, wherein the arresting portion comprises an upper surface including a first part and a second part, the first part is more proximal to the deflectable portion than the second part to a distance in which the second part does not contact the object lower surface at least during said rotation.

166. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158-165 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the arresting portion is dimensioned to be: inserted through the bore from the first direction when the major dimension of the arresting portion is aligned with the major dimension of the bore in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and engaged with the lower surface of the object when the major dimension of the arresting portion is positioned to be misaligned with the major dimension of the bore at said locked state.

167. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158-166 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein the length of at least one of the arresting portion major dimension and minor dimension is not larger than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension.

168. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 159-167 wherein the at least one deflectable portion is formed with a peripheral wall extending along the longitudinal axis between an upper surface and a lower surface of the deflectable portion.

169. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 168, wherein each of the deflectable portions comprise a tab formed with said peripheral wall of the deflectable portion.

170. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 169 when dependent on embodiment 153, wherein a length measured along the deflectable portion lateral axis between the peripheral walls is not smaller than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension. 171. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 169 or 170, when dependent on embodiment 165, wherein the tabs are aligned along the longitudinal axis with the second part of the arresting portion.

172. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 171, wherein during rotation of the fastening element from the unlocked state to the locked state, the tab is free of pressure formed by contact between the arresting portion second part and the lower surface of the object.

173. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 165-172, wherein the axial distance along the longitudinal axis between an upper end of the peripheral wall of the deflectable portion and the first part of the upper surface of the arresting portion is not less than a width of the object extending between the object upper surface and lower surface, when the object is positionable with its width dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

174. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 169-173, wherein the at least one tab is formed with a bottom surface extending from a bottom end of the peripheral wall upwardly toward the shaft and the upper surface.

175. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 175, wherein the tab bottom surface is operative to be positioned relative to a deflection reference plane, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis: parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis in a deflected state; and angularly to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion is in an undeflected state.

176. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 169-175, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises the additional arresting portion, which has a lower surface and the tab protrudes from the additional arresting portion lower surface towards the arresting portion. 177. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 176 when dependent on embodiment 175, wherein the additional arresting portion and the tab are deflectable about the deflection axis to a degree along the longitudinal axis which is at least the length of the tab peripheral wall.

178. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158-178, wherein a length measured parallel to the arresting portion lateral axis between the maximal ends of the additional arresting portion is not smaller than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension.

179. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 178, wherein the length measured parallel to the arresting lateral axis between the maximal ends of the additional arresting portion is larger than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension.

180. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 179, wherein the fastening element has an upper end, which is more proximal to the deflectable portion than its bottom end, and the deflectable portion is positioned along the fastening element away from the upper end at an axial distance, which has a length for accommodating an additional object.

181. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158-180, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises a resiliency enhancer operative to promote the deflection of the deflectable portions.

182. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 181 wherein the resiliency enhancer comprises a recess formed in the at least one deflectable portion extending parallel to the deflection axis.

183. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 182 when dependent on embodiment 169, wherein the recess is positioned in between the tab and the shaft. 184. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158-183, wherein the locking unit further comprises a handle axially distanced from the arresting portion and the deflectable portion.

185. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 184, wherein the handle has a major dimension along the lateral axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along the deflection axis.

186. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 185, wherein the handle major dimension is aligned with the arresting portion minor dimension.

187. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 184 to 186, wherein the handle is formed on an upper surface thereof with at least one protrusion operative to allow manual or mechanical gripping thereof.

188. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 187, wherein the at least one protrusion constitutes two protrusions formed with a gap therebetween having a dimension compatible with a dimension of a gripping tool.

189. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 150 to 188, wherein the fastening element is operative to be screwlessly locked within the object.

190. The fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 158 and embodiments 159 to 189 when dependent on embodiment 158, wherein the fastening element has an outer shell formed with cavities formed with an elongated dimension extending transversely to an injection molding direction in which injection molding material is injected for manufacturing the fastening element.

191. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 190, wherein the shaft comprises at least one portion comprising at least one peripheral rib formed about the longitudinal axis. 192. The fastening arrangement of embodiment 191, wherein the at least one peripheral rib about the longitudinal axis is disposed at a location in which an additional object is operable to apply a shear force of the fastening element.

193. A float interconnecting arrangement for connecting a first float to a second float via a connector, the first float being formed with an upper surface, a lower surface and a first bore extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, the connector formed with a second bore operative to be interconnected with the first float, the float interconnecting arrangement comprising: the first float; a fastening element insertable at least within the first bore and the second bore in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and lockable within the first float and the second float in a locked state, comprising: an axial-resistant mechanism operable to resist axial movement along the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element at least from the first bore along a second direction opposite the first direction, at the locked state; and a rotation-resistant mechanism operable to resist rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element in the first bore at the locked state.

194. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 193, wherein the axial -resistant mechanism has a major dimension, which is misaligned with a major dimension of the rotationresistant mechanism.

195. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 193 or 194, wherein the rotationresistant mechanism is axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the axial-resistant mechanism.

196. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 194 or 195 when dependent on embodiment 194, wherein the first bore has a major dimension along an object lateral axis transverse to the longitudinal axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along an object latitudinal axis, transverse to the longitudinal axis as well as the object lateral axis.

197. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 194 or any one of embodiments 195 and 196 when dependent on embodiment 194, wherein the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension extends along an axial-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and an axial- resistant mechanism minor dimension extends along an axial-resistant mechanism lateral axis and is smaller than the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension.

198. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 197 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the fastening element is positionable in at least one of the following states: in an unlocked state, in which the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the first bore major dimension; and in a locked state, in which the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the first bore major dimension.

199. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 194 or any one of embodiments 195 to 198 when dependent on embodiment 194, wherein the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension extends along a rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis and a rotationresistant mechanism minor dimension extends along a rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and is smaller than the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension.

200. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 199 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the fastening element is positionable in at least one of the following states: in an unlocked state, in which the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the first bore major dimension; and in a locked state, in which the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the first bore major dimension.

201. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 199, when dependent on embodiment 197, wherein the fastening element comprises: a shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least when inserted in the first bore; and a locking unit comprising: the rotation-resistant mechanism including at least one deflectable portion extending from the shaft parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis and being deflectable about a deflection axis parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis; and the axial-resistant mechanism comprising an arresting portion extending from the shaft, and the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension constituting an arresting portion major dimension extending along the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis thereof, larger than an arresting portion minor dimension extending along the axial-resistant mechanism lateral axis thereof.

202. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 201, wherein the rotationresistant mechanism major dimension constitutes a deflectable portion major dimension, and a rotation-resistant mechanism minor dimension constitutes a deflectable portion minor dimension and the deflectable portion is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the deflectable portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape and the deflectable portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape.

203. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiments 201 or 202, wherein the arresting portion is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the arresting portion minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape and the arresting portion major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape. 204. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201 to 203 when dependent in embodiment 4, wherein the first bore is shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the first bore minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape and the first bore major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape.

205. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 202-204 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the first bore has a first bore wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the deflectable portion is positionable to: deflect upwardly above the upper surface of the object when the deflectable portion major dimension is misaligned with the first bore major dimension in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and pressably engage the first bore wall when the deflectable portion major dimension is aligned with the first bore major dimension at a locked state.

206. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 196 and embodiments 197 to 205 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the fastening element is further lockable to the object in a locked state by rotation of the fastening element within the first bore about the longitudinal axis from an unlocked state to the locked state.

207. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 206, wherein the rotation is to a 90-degree angle.

208. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 206 or 207, wherein the arresting portion comprises an upper surface including a first part and a second part, the first part is more proximal to the deflectable portion than the second part to a distance in which the second part does not contact the object lower surface at least during said rotation.

209. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201-208 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the arresting portion is dimensioned to be: inserted through the first bore from the first direction when the major dimension of the arresting portion is aligned with the major dimension of the first bore in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and engaged with the lower surface of the object when the major dimension of the arresting portion is positioned to be misaligned with the major dimension of the first bore at said locked state.

210. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201-209 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein the length of at least one of the arresting portion major dimension and minor dimension is not larger than the length of at least one of the first bore major dimension and minor dimension.

211. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 202-210 wherein the at least one deflectable portion is formed with a peripheral wall extending along the longitudinal axis between an upper surface and a lower surface of the deflectable portion.

212. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 211, wherein each of the deflectable portions comprise a tab formed with said peripheral wall of the deflectable portion.

213. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 212 when dependent on embodiment 196, wherein a length measured along the deflectable portion lateral axis between the peripheral walls is not smaller than the length of at least one of the first bore major dimension and minor dimension.

214. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 212 or 213, when dependent on embodiment 208, wherein the tabs are aligned along the longitudinal axis with the second part of the arresting portion. 215. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 214, wherein during rotation of the fastening element from the unlocked state to the locked state, the tab is free of pressure formed by contact between the arresting portion second part and the lower surface of the object.

216. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 208-215, wherein the axial distance along the longitudinal axis between an upper end of the peripheral wall of the deflectable portion and the first part of the upper surface of the arresting portion is not less than a width of the object extending between the object upper surface and lower surface, when the object is positionable with its width dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

217. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 212-216, wherein the at least one tab is formed with a bottom surface extending from a bottom end of the peripheral wall upwardly toward the shaft and the upper surface.

218. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 217, wherein the tab bottom surface is operative to be positioned relative to a deflection reference plane, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis: parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis in a deflected state; and angularly to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion is in an undeflected state.

219. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 212-218, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises the additional arresting portion, which has a lower surface and the tab protrudes from the additional arresting portion lower surface towards the arresting portion.

220. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 219 when dependent on embodiment 218, wherein the additional arresting portion and the tab are deflectable about the deflection axis to a degree along the longitudinal axis which is at least the length of the tab peripheral wall.

221. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201-221, wherein a length measured parallel to the arresting portion lateral axis between the maximal ends of the additional arresting portion is not smaller than the length of at least one of the first bore major dimension and minor dimension.

222. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 221, wherein the length measured parallel to the arresting lateral axis between the maximal ends of the additional arresting portion is larger than the length of at least one of the first bore major dimension and minor dimension.

223. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 222, wherein the fastening element has an upper end, which is more proximal to the deflectable portion than its bottom end, and the deflectable portion is positioned along the fastening element away from the upper end at an axial distance, which has a length for accommodating an additional object.

224. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201-223, wherein the at least one deflectable portion comprises a resiliency enhancer operative to promote the deflection of the deflectable portions.

225. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 224 wherein the resiliency enhancer comprises a recess formed in the at least one deflectable portion extending parallel to the deflection axis.

226. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 225 when dependent on embodiment 212, wherein the recess is positioned in between the tab and the shaft. 227. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201-226, wherein the locking unit further comprises a handle axially distanced from the arresting portion and the deflectable portion.

228. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 227, wherein the handle has a major dimension along the lateral axis and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along the deflection axis.

229. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 228, wherein the handle major dimension is aligned with the arresting portion minor dimension.

230. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 227 to 229, wherein the handle is formed on an upper surface thereof with at least one protrusion operative to allow manual or mechanical gripping thereof.

231. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 230, wherein the at least one protrusion constitutes two protrusions formed with a gap therebetween having a dimension compatible with a dimension of a gripping tool.

232. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 193 to 231, wherein the fastening element is operative to be screwlessly locked within the object.

233. The float interconnecting arrangement of any one of embodiments 201 and embodiments 202 to 232 when dependent on embodiment 201, wherein the fastening element has an outer shell formed with cavities formed with an elongated dimension extending transversely to an injection molding direction in which injection molding material is injected for manufacturing the fastening element.

234. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 233, wherein the shaft comprises at least one portion comprising at least one peripheral rib formed about the longitudinal axis. 235. The float interconnecting arrangement of embodiment 234, wherein the at least one peripheral rib about the longitudinal axis is disposed at a location in which an additional object is operable to apply a shear force of the fastening element.

236. A floating structure comprising: the fastening arrangement of any one of embodiments 150 to 192; the second float; and the connector; a connecting mechanism operable for connecting the connector to the second float.

237. The floating structure according to embodiment 236, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a connector connecting portion formed on the connector which connects with a corresponding second float connecting portion formed on the second float.

238. The floating structure according to embodiment 237, wherein the connection is established between the connector connecting portion and the corresponding second float connecting portion along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of nonlimiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 A is a top perspective view of a float prior to being sealed by connectors according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. IB is an end view of the float of Fig. 1 A;

Fig- 2 is a top perspective view of an example floating structure formed from elongate floats interconnected via connectors according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig- 3 is a close-up of the floating structure of Fig. 2 showing an end of a first float interconnected to a side of a second float via a connector according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig- 4 is a close-up of the interconnection between the first float and the second float of Fig. 3;

Figs. 5A and 5B are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of the connector of Fig. 3;

Figs. 6A and 6B are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of an adapter shown in Fig. 3 and configured to be coupled to the connector of Fig. 5 A and secured to a side of the second float;

Fig. 7A is a side perspective view showing the coupling of the connector of Fig. 5 A with the adapter of Fig. 6 A;

Fig. 7B is an opposite side perspective view of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the connector of Fig. 5 A coupled to an adapter;

Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of another connector embodiment coupled to an adapter similar to that of Fig. 6 A;

Fig. 10A is a rear perspective view of another connector embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 10B is a partially exploded view showing the connector of Fig. 10A sealed to an end of an elongate float and an adapter in respect of which the connector is adapted to couple with;

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of yet another connector embodiment interconnected to a side of an elongate float;

Fig. 12 is a side perspective view of the connector of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13A is a partially exploded view of the connector of Fig. 11 and adapter shown in Fig. H;

Fig. 13B is a rear perspective view of the connector and adapter of Fig. 13 A, coupled to one another via secured via elongate couplers;

Fig. 14A is a side perspective view of another connector embodiment coupled with an associated adapter; Fig. 14B is a side view of yet another connector embodiment coupled with an associated adapter;

Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of yet another connector embodiment secured to an elongate float;

Figs. 16A and 16B are, respectively, side and front perspective views of the connector ofFig. 15;

Fig. 17A is a front perspective view of yet another connector embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure;

Fig. 17B is an end view showing the connector of Fig. 17A connected to an elongate float;

Fig. 18A shows two connectors of Fig. 17A being brought together for mating;

Fig. 18B shows the two connectors ofFig. 18A mated to one another;

Fig. 19 is a top perspective view of the two connectors of Fig. 18B secured to an elongate float;

Fig. 20A is a disassembled view of a yet another connector embodiment showing two opposed connectors and a central coupler;

Fig. 20B is an end view of Fig. 20A, the connectors and coupler arranged around an elongate float;

Fig. 21A is a disassembled view of a yet another connector embodiment showing two opposed connectors and another central coupler;

Fig. 21B is an assembled view ofFig. 21 A without showing the connectors;

Fig. 21C is an assembled view ofFig. 21A showing a connector;

Fig. 21D is a partially disassembled view ofFig. 21C;

Fig. 22A is an assembled view of a yet another connector embodiment;

Fig. 22B is an assembled view of the connector and coupler of Fig. 22A;

Fig. 23A is an assembled view of yet another connector and coupler;

Fig. 23B is another view of the connector and coupler ofFig. 23 A;

Fig. 23C is another view of the connector and coupler ofFig. 23 A;

Fig. 24 is a front perspective view of an elongate float sealed with an end connector according to the presently disclosed subject matter; Figs. 25A and 25B are, respectively, front and rear perspective views of the end connector of Fig. 24;

Fig. 26 is a schematic top view of an example floating structure for carrying solar panels according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 27 is a schematic top view of another example floating structure for carrying solar panels according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 28A is a schematic top view of an example floating structure configured as an access path according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 28B is a side view of the floating structure of Fig. 28 A;

Fig. 29 is a schematic top view of an example floating access path structure utilising access paths of Fig. 28 A;

Fig. 30 is a schematic top view of an example floating structure for carrying solar panels configured to tilt together according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 31A is a schematic top view of an example floating structure utilising floats in an inverted orientation according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 31B is a schematic top view of the floating structure of Fig 31A fitted with solar panels;

Fig. 32 is a schematic top view of an example floating structure for carrying solar panels according to further embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 33 is a schematic top view of an example floating structure for carrying solar panels according to yet further embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 34 is a schematic top view of an example floating structure for carrying solar panels according to further embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 35A is a partially exploded rear perspective view of another connector embodiment for coupling to an adapter that is securable to a float;

Fig. 35B is a rear perspective view of the connector, adapter, and float of Fig. 35A in an assembled state;

Fig. 36A is a front perspective view of the connector and adapter of Fig. 35A before being coupled together; Fig. 36B is a front perspective view of the connector and adapter of Fig. 36A coupled to one another;

Fig. 37A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting one or more PV modules;

Fig. 37B is a top perspective view of the arrangement of Fig. 37A supporting two PV modules;

Fig. 38A is a close-up front perspective view of Fig. 37B where an elongate float supports the PV module at two support regions thereof;

Fig. 38B is a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 37B;

Fig. 39 is a top view of the arrangement of Fig. 37B;

Fig. 40 is a side perspective view of a mount for interconnecting a side of the PV panel to the elongate float;

Fig. 41 A is a close-up top side perspective view of a mount of Fig. 38A interconnecting the PV panel to the elongate float;

Fig. 41B is a bottom perspective view of the close-up of Fig. 41 A;

Fig. 42A is a close-up front view of the arrangement of Fig. 38B showing a raiser thereof supporting two PV panels via respective mounts;

Fig. 42B is a top perspective view of the close-up of Fig. 42A, the PV panels being omitted;

Fig. 43 is a front perspective view of the close-up of Fig. 42B, the two mounts being omitted;

Fig. 44 is a schematic front perspective view of a fastening arrangement utilizing a fastening element according to further embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 45 is a schematic front perspective view of a fastening element, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Figs. 46A, 46B and 46C are, respectively, schematic front, front perspective and side views of the fastening element of Fig. 45;

Fig. 46D is a partially sectional view taken along lines A-A in Fig. 46C;

Fig. 46E and Fig. 46F are, respectively, schematic bottom perspective and side perspective views of the fastening element of Fig. 45; Fig. 47A, 47B and 47C show a first assembly stage of fastening the fastening element in a fastening arrangement;

Fig. 48A and 48B show a second assembly stage of fastening the fastening element in a fastening arrangement;

Fig. 49A and 49B show a third assembly stage of fastening the fastening element in a fastening arrangement;

Fig. 50A, 50B and 50C show a fourth assembly stage of fastening the fastening element in a fastening arrangement;

Fig. 51 is a schematic front perspective view of a fastening element, according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 52 is a schematic front perspective view of a fastening element, according to yet a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 53 is a schematic front perspective view of a fastening arrangement, according to a further embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Figs. 54A to 54G are schematic perspective views of a float interconnecting arrangement, according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; and

Fig. 55 is schematic top perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present specification discloses in accordance with one aspect a connector for interconnecting elongate floats relative to one another. In particular, disclosed herein are connector embodiments for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float to a side of a second elongate float. Also disclosed herein is a connector embodiment for interconnecting the end of a first float to the end of a second float. As will be discussed, at least one disclosed connector embodiment may enable parallel and adjacent elongate floats to be interconnected to one another. Embodiments of the presently disclosed connectors thus enable the interconnection of elongate floats relative to one another in various configurations and orientations, thereby enabling the ready formation of different floating structures. While the present specification may make particular reference to floating structures and platforms for FPV applications, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the presently disclosed connector may be utilised in the formation of various other types of floating structures, including floating platforms, rafts, access walkways etc.

Figs. 1A and IB show an example float 2 prior to being sealed with connectors according to the present disclosure. The float 2 may be extruded and is generally in the form of a rigid, elongate and hollow tubular structure configured to float in water. The float 2 may be formed of plastic and is depicted with opposed open ends 4 which have yet to be fluidically sealed by respective connectors. A hollow space 6 within the float 2 extends along its length and has a generally semioval cross-sectional shape defined by a flat upper portion 8 and a curved lower portion 10, though the float may be formed in any suitable shape. The flat upper portion 8 defines an upper surface upon which one can walk. In use, at least the upper portion 8 is configured to float above the surface of the water so that one can walk along the upper portion 8 of the float. The curved lower portion 10 extends downwardly from the flat upper portion 8 and is configured to be at least partially submerged in water. A width of the upper portion 8 of the float 2 extends slightly beyond a diameter or width of the curved lower portion 10 so as to define laterally opposed and longitudinally extending overhanging ledges 12 which increase the total width of the upper surface available for walking on.

The float 2 also comprises longitudinally extending hollow channels 14 protruding laterally from opposed sides of the curved lower portion. Each channel 14 generally has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and helps to maintain and stabilise the float 2 in an upright orientation when floating in water. Above the hollow channel 14 and beneath the overhanging ledge 12 on each side of the float 2 is a laterally projecting and longitudinally extending flange 16. As will be discussed, one or more of these structural features on each lateral side of the float 2 (i.e., the arm 12, flange 16 and/or hollow channel 14) may be utilised to facilitate the interconnection between floats 2.

Fig. 2 depicts an example floating structure 18 which illustrates how elongate floats 2 can be interconnected to one another via connectors according to the present disclosure. Each float 2 is of the type shown and described with reference to Figs. 1A and IB, wherein the opposed open ends 4 of each float 2 have been sealed with respective connectors 20 (e.g., via spin welding). Of course, other float types and correspondingly configured connectors may be utilised. The floating structure 18 of Fig. 2 comprises a longitudinally extending elongate float 2L, and a plurality of transversely extending floats 2T spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. As will be discussed, in some embodiments, an end 4 of each transverse float 2T is interconnected to a side of the longitudinal float 2L via a respective connector 20.

It will be appreciated that in Fig. 2, the transverse and longitudinal floats 2T, 2L differ from one another only in length; as can be seen, the depicted longitudinal float 2L is longer than the depicted transverse floats 2T. However, the floating structure 18 of Fig. 2 is merely an example structure to help illustrate how floats 2 can be interconnected via the presently disclosed connectors 20; floating structures can of course be differently configured, with different, similar and/or identical floats arranged in any number of different configurations.

It is further noted that float 2 can be formed in any suitable shape, for example, with or without flat upper portion 8. Furthermore, in some embodiments, any one of the ledges 12, channels 14 and flanges 16 can be formed in any suitable shape or be omitted.

Referring also to Fig. 3, a first end 4a of each transverse float 2T is ‘free’ in that they are not shown secured to anything. Of course, these ends 4a may instead be secured, tethered, or otherwise anchored to another structure, such as a fixed structure (e.g., via rope or cabling) to maintain a position of the floating structure 18 relative to the body of water upon which the structure 18 floats. An opposite second end 4b of each transverse float 4T is interconnected to a lateral side of the longitudinal float 2L. In this way, it can be said that connectors 20 according to the present disclosure enable the interconnection of elongate floats 2 oriented perpendicular to one another. A close-up of this interconnection is shown in Fig. 4, wherein the connector 20 is shown plugged in the second end 4b of the transverse float 2T and interconnected to the longitudinal float 2L via an adapter 22.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the connector 20 is considered to comprise the adaptor 22, which is configured to facilitate the connection of the connector 20 to the side or end of another float 2. In some embodiments, the adaptor 22 may be omitted.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed connector are configured to interconnect an end of a first float (e.g., one end of a transverse float) to a side of a second float (e.g., a side of a longitudinal float). The connector comprises a first portion for sealing the opening defining an open end of the first float. The connector also comprises a second portion having at least one connection element which facilitates interconnection between the first float and the second float. The at least one connection element projects from the second portion and towards the side of the second float and enables connection therewith. In this way, the connector functions like an end cap for sealing an open end of the first float, while also providing connection means via which the connector can be secured relative to a second float oriented generally perpendicularly to the first float.

Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, the depicted connector 20 may be referred to and thought of as an end cap for closing or sealing an open end 4 of a float 2. In the depicted embodiment, the connector 20 comprises a generally planar and semioval shaped-face cap or lid 24 having a front face 26 and a rear face 28 with a perimetric rim 30 for sealingly closing the open end 4 of the float 2. The connector 20 also comprises a first portion 32 having a semioval-shaped skirt 34 projecting rearward from the rear face 28 of the lid 24, the skirt 34 being adapted to snugly plug into the corresponding semioval hollow open end 4 of the float 2 of Fig. IB. The perimetric rim 30 of the lid 24 extends slightly beyond the outer perimeter or the skirt 34 and is configured to be received against the upper portion 8 and the curved lower portion 10 at the open end 4 of the float 2 for fluidic sealing thereof (e.g., via spin welding). In this way, it can be said that the rearwardly extending skirt 34 and rear face 28 of the planar lid 24 define the first portion 32 of the connector 20 for sealing the open end 4 of the float 2.

The connector 20 also comprises a second portion 36 having at least one connection element via which the connector 20 can be interconnected to the side of another float 2. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one connection element comprises two connector lugs 38 projecting forwardly from the front face 26 of the planar lid 24 of the connector 20. In other words, the lugs 38 project away from the first float sealed by the connector 20 and towards the second float to which the first float is to be connected. The two lugs 38 may or may not be identical and spaced apart from one another, each having a through hole 40 which is aligned with the through hole 40 of the other lug 38 along a connection axis so that a coupler 42 (such as a pin or bolt) can be inserted through the aligned through holes 40. As will be discussed, the connector lugs 38 enable coupling of the connector 20 to a corresponding adapter 22 secured to the side of the second float (e.g., longitudinal float 2L of Fig. 2). Figs. 6A and 6B show an adapter 22 via which the connector 20 can be coupled so as to interconnect the end 4 of a first float to the side of a second float. Firstly, the adapter 22 comprises a pair of spaced apart adapter lugs 44 which are similar to the connector lugs 38 of the connector 20. Each adapter lug 44 also comprises a through hole 46, the respective through holes 46 being aligned with one another. Referring also to Figs. 7A and 7B, the connector lugs 38 and adapter lugs 44 are brought together so that the respective through holes 40, 46 are aligned along the connection axis, whereby a coupler such as a pin 42 can be inserted through the four aligned through holes 40, 46 to couple the connector 20 to the adapter 22.

In the depicted configuration, the connector and adapter lugs 38, 44 are mated or arranged together in a staggered relationship, wherein one adapter lug 44 is received in a space between the pair of connector lugs 38, and the other adapter lug 44 is received against one side of one of the two connector lugs 38. With this connection, one degree of freedom of movement is provided about the connection axis; in other words, the connector 20 and adapter 22 can pivot relative to one another about the coupling pin 42, thereby allowing corresponding relative movement between the first float 2T and the second float 2L. This can facilitate relative movement of the interconnected floats 2T, 2L in response to the motion of the waves upon which they float.

The adapter 22 also comprises a rearwardly extending connector portion 48 extending rearwardly and in an opposite direction to the adapter lugs 44. The connector portion 48 is adapted to enable securement of the adapter 22 to a lateral side of a float 2. Referring to Figs. 6A, 6B and 8, the connector portion 48 is configured with features which enable the adapter 22 to be secured to a lateral side of the float 2 depicted in Figs. 1 A and IB. The connector portion 48 comprises an upper flange 50 configured to engage over an overhanging ledge 12 of the float 2, the upper flange 50 having a pair of spaced apart openings 52 configured to receive respective pins 54 which can be inserted through corresponding openings formed in the overhanging ledge 12 of the float 2 (not shown). The connector portion 48 of the adapter 22 also comprises a rectangular projection 56 configured to plug into a space between the overhanging ledge 12 and the underlying hollow channel 14. Vertically extending walls 57 of the rectangular projection 56 are configured with respective and aligned slits 58 configured to receive the laterally projecting flange 16 of the float 2, as shown in Fig. 8. A lower end of the connector portion 48 comprises a rearwardly extending shelf-like projection 60 configured to engage against an underside of the hollow channel 14 of the float 2. The shelf 60 is also provided with a pair of spaced apart openings 62 configured to receive respective pins 54 which can be inserted through corresponding openings formed in the hollow channel 14 of the float 2 (not shown).

In use, the upper flange 50 and lower shelf 60 act to ‘clamp’ around, respectively, the overhanging ledge 12 and the hollow channel 14 of the float 2 and can be fixed thereto via coupling pins 54 insertable through the adapter 22 and the lateral side features 12, 14, 16 of the float 2. Meanwhile, the rectangular projection 56 of the adapter 22 plugs into the lateral side of the float 2 between the overhanging ledge 12 and the lower hollow channel 14. It will be appreciated that the adapter 22 can be located and then secured to the second float virtually anywhere along the length of either side thereof, thereby enabling the end of the first float to be interconnectable to the side of the second float at numerous different positions therealong.

Fig. 9 shows a variation of the aforedescribed adapter wherein upper and lower walls 64, 66 of the rectangular portion are also provided with a pair of spaced apart openings such that a pair of coupling pins or bolts 54 can be inserted vertically downwardly through the upper flange 50 of the adapter 22, the overhanging ledge 12 of the float 2, the rectangular portion 56 of the adapter 22, the hollow channel 14 of the float 2, and finally the lower shelf 60, so as to fix the adapter 22 to the lateral side of the second float 2. As will be discussed, the connector shown in Fig. 9 has a slightly different first portion for sealing the end of the first float.

Figs. 10A and 10B show another connector embodiment 120 which comprises a first portion for sealing an open end of a first float, and a second portion having a connection element projecting towards and adapted for connection with a side of the second float. The first portion 132 comprises a rearward extending semioval-shaped skirt 134, a forward end of which is closed by a wall or lid 124. However, instead of plugging into the open end 4 of the first float, the skirt 134 is sized such that the rim 130 thereof engages directly against and is fixed to the exposed edges of the flat upper portion 8 and curved lower portion 10 of the open end 4 of the float 2 of Fig. IB. In other words, rather than plug into the open end 4 of the float 2, the skirt 134 is sealed directly (e.g., via spin welding) to the exposed edges of the float 2 at the open end 4 thereof, the lid 124 closing the open end 4 of the float 2. It will be noted that the connector 120’ of Fig. 9 comprises a similar skirt 134’ closed by a wall or lid 124’, wherein the skirt 134’ is configured to seal directly against the float 2 rather than plug into the open end 4 thereof.

Referring back to Figs. 10A and 10B, the connector 120 also comprises a connector element in the form of a connector surround 168, depicted as a generally open and squareshaped walling projecting forwardly from the semioval-shaped lid 124 of the connector 120. The connector surround 168 comprises opposed lateral walls 170, each of which comprises a through hole 172 aligned with the through hole 172 of the opposite lateral wall 170. The through holes 172 are aligned along and define a connection axis via which the connector 120 can be coupled to a corresponding adapter 122.

Fig. 10B shows a corresponding adapter 122 configured to mate with the connector 120 via the connector surround 168 thereof. A rear of the adapter 122 comprises a connector portion 148 similar to that described with reference to the adapter of Fig. 9, having an upper flange 150, rectangular portion 156, and lower shelf 160, these features having aligned through holes 152, 157, 162 via which a pair of pins 154 can secure the adapter 122 to one side of the float 2. However, instead of having forwardly projecting lugs, the adapter 122 comprises an adapter surround 174, which corresponds in form to the connector surround 168. In the depicted embodiment, the adapter surround 174 is also in the form of a generally open and square-shaped walling which, in use, projects away from the side of the float in respect of which the adapter 122 is secured. The adapter surround 174 is sized to plug into and be snugly received by the connector surround 168 of the connector 120. The adapter surround 174 also has opposed lateral walls 176, each of which comprises a through hole 178 wherein, when the adapter surround 174 is inserted into the connector surround 168, the through holes 172 of the connector surround 168 and the through holes 178 of the adapter surround 174 are each aligned with one another along the connection axis along which a coupler such as a pin or bolt 142 can be inserted to couple the connector 120 to the adapter 122. In this embodiment, the connection between the connector surround 168 and the adapter surround 174 inhibits relative motion between the connector 120 and the adapter 122 about the connection axis. It will be appreciated that the adapter 122 can be located and secured to the second float virtually anywhere along the length of either side thereof, thereby enabling the end of the first float to be interconnectable to the side of the second float at numerous different positions as desired.

Figs. 11 to 14B show variations of another connector embodiment configured to seal an open end of a first float and interconnect to a side of a second float, wherein the second float is configured differently from the float of Figs. 1A and IB.

Referring to Fig. 11, the depicted second float 202 has a similar flat upper portion 208 with overhanging ledges 212 as per the float 2 of Fig. IB, and comprises an underlying circular portion 210 defining a hollow circular tubular structure configured to be at least partially submerged in water during use. The float also comprises lower arms 213 projecting outwardly from opposed lateral sides of the circular portion 210, the arms 213 extending along a length of the float 202. The overhanging ledge 212 and lower arm 213 on each side of the float 202 thus define therebetween a longitudinal channel 215 via which the at least one connection element of connector embodiments can be connected to the side of the second float 202.

Referring also to Fig. 12, the connector 220 comprises a first portion 232 having a central circular lid or cap 224 for engaging against and sealing an open end of a first float having a circular opening, such as a float 220 of the type described with reference to Fig. 11. A rear face 228 of the lid 224 comprises a rearwardly projecting circular lip or skirt 234 sized to plug into the circular open end of the first float. The depicted connector 220 also comprises two lugs 238 projecting rearwardly from the rear face 228 of the lid 224; it will be appreciated that the lugs 238 are configured like the lugs 38 of the connector of Fig. 5 A. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 11, the lugs 238 would be stowed within the hollow open end of the first float sealed by the connector 220.

The depicted connector 220 also comprises a second portion 236 having at least one forwardly projecting connection element to facilitate interconnection with a side of a second float. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one connection element comprises a pair of forwardly projecting connector lugs 239, an upper lug 239a and a lower lug 239b, wherein the upper lug 239a is configured to be received within the longitudinal channel 215 of the second float 202 defined between the upper and lower arms 212, 213 thereof, as shown in Fig. 11. Each lug 239 comprises a pair of spaced apart through holes 240 extending vertically therethrough. The upper lug 239a through holes 240a are aligned with respective lower lug through holes 240b along respective connection axes. As shown in Fig. 11, coupling pins 254 can be inserted through correspondingly positioned openings in the overhanging ledge 212 of the float 202 and through the aligned through holes 240a of the upper lug 239a to secure the connector 220 to the side of the second float 202.

Referring also to Fig. 13 A, an adapter 222 in the form of a block-like component is also provided to facilitate a firm interconnection between the upper lug 239a and the float 202. In the depicted arrangement, the adapter 222 is shaped and sized such that a lower surface thereof sits on an upper surface of the upper lug 239a, and an upper surface 245 of the adapter 222 is adapted to sit against and beneath the overhanging ledge 212 of the float 202. The adapter 222 is also provided with spaced apart openings 253, each of which is configured to align with a respective one of the through holes 240a formed through the upper lug 239a and thus along the respective connection axes. In this way, and with reference to Fig. 11, the coupling pins 254 are inserted through the overhanging ledge 212 of the float 202, through the adapter 222, the upper lug 239a, and then through the lower arm 213 of the float 202, thereby coupling the connector 220, adapter 222 and second float 202 together.

Figs. 13 A and 13B show slightly different connection mechanisms using the same connector 220 and adapter 222. In particular, Fig. 13 A shows relatively shorter coupling pins 254 being inserted through respective through holes 240a of only the upper lug 239a of the connector 220. Meanwhile, Fig. 13B shows relatively longer pins 254’ which pass through both the upper and lower lugs 239a, 239b of the connector 220; this may be preferred if a stronger or more durable interconnection between the first and second floats is desirable.

Fig. 14A shows a connector embodiment 220’ which comprises the upper lug 239a but not a lower lug. Meanwhile, Fig. 14B simply shows another connector embodiment 220” with both upper and lower lugs 239a”, 239b”, wherein the lugs 239” and thus adapter 222” have slightly different shapes but are still adapted to function as described above.

A further feature of the connector embodiments shown in Figs. 11 to 14B is that the connectors are reversible. Put another way, while the connector has been discussed as having a first portion which seals an opening of a first float, and a second portion having at least one connection element for interconnection with a side of a second float, the functionality of the first and second portions can be swapped, wherein the second portion can be used to seal an opening of a first float, and the first portion may comprise at least one connection element via which the connector can be interconnected to a side of a second float. Referring to Fig. 12, a forward face 226 of the circular lid or cap 224 comprises a forwardly projecting circular skirt 234F which is substantially identical to the aforedescribed circular skirt 234 projecting rearwardly from a rear face of the circular cap. In this way, the forward skirt 234F can also be plugged into an open end of a float wherein a front face 226 of the lid 224 can be sealed thereagainst. In such use cases, the forward connector lug(s) 239 would extend into the hollow tubular space of the sealed float, whereas the rearward connector lugs 238 would be free for interconnection with another float and/or anchoring to a fixed or other structure. This reversibility and thus increased versatility and functionality of the connector 220, 220’, 220” can make manufacturing and assembly easier and can enhance the modularity of floating structures formed using such connectors since the same connector can be used for different functions as needed.

Figs. 15 to 19 show connector embodiments adapted to work with yet another differently configured elongate float. Referring to Fig. 15, the depicted float 302 comprises a flat upper portion 308 defining an upper surface upon which one can walk, and a lower tubular portion 310 having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. A width of the flat upper portion 308 extends beyond that of the underlying tubular portion 310, and the upper portion 308 can be said to comprise overhanging ledges 312 which increase the width thereof upon which one can walk. The float 302 also comprises a pair of laterally disposed walls 317 which angle downwardly and inwardly from an underside of the flat upper portion 308 so as to connect to respective upper parts of the tubular portion 310, the angled walls 317 extending along the length of the float 302.

Figs. 16A and 16B depict a connector 320 adapted to be secured to the float of Fig. 15. The connector 320 comprises a circular lid 324 and a rearward projecting lip or skirt 334, akin to that of the connector of Fig. 11. In this way, the first portion 332 of the connector 302 also comprises a rearwardly extending circular skirt 334 configured to plug into a circular open end of a first float, such as a float of the type shown in Figs. 11 and 15, wherein a rim 330 of the 324 can engage against and seal the open end of the first float. The opposite second portion 336 of the connector 320 is provided with a connection element adapted to secure around at least an underside of the second float 302. In particular, the depicted connection element comprises arm shaped to at least partially extend around a circumference of the tubular portion of the float. The arm is specifically shaped and configured to snugly engage around the tubular portion 310 of the second float 302. Generally speaking, the arm defines a circular channel configured to snugly receive the tubular portion 310 of the float 302. In particular, the arm is configured to wrap around an underside of the tubular portion 310 from one angled wall 317 of the float 302 to the opposite angled wall 317 thereof.

In the depicted embodiment, the arm 340 defines a cylindrical channel 341 for snugly receiving around the tubular portion 310 of the second float 302. The arm 340 comprises three spaced apart features 342 which project forwardly and upwardly from the front face of the circular lid - a central feature 342c and two lateral features 342L on either side of the central feature 342c. Each feature 342 comprises a curved engagement surface 344 configured to engage against an upper region of the tubular portion 310 from about a middle thereof, each of the features 342 having respective angled ends 346 configured to engage the angled wall 317 of the lateral side of the second float 302 closest to the end of the first float. In other words, the three features 342 wrap upward against an exterior surface of the tubular portion 310 so as to engage the proximal angled wall 317. The central feature 342c also comprises an upper end 348 configured to engage an underside of the overhanging ledge 312 of the upper portion 308 of one lateral side of the second float 302.

The arm 340 of the connector 320 also comprises a hook-like structure 350 extending forwardly from the circular lid 324, the hook-like structure 350 having an engagement surface 352 which is curved to conform to the exterior curved surface of the tubular portion 310. The curved engagement surface 352 of the hook-like structure 350 is adapted to wrap and engage around approximately a lower half of the diameter of the tubular portion 310. In other words, the hook-like structure 350 extends from one side of the second float 302, along an underside of the tubular portion 310, and terminates at the opposite side of the second float 302.

Extending upwardly and rearwardly from the opposite end of the hook-like structure 350 are three spaced apart features 342’ which are substantially identical to those projecting from the circular lid 324, though oppositely oriented such that the three features 342’ engage an opposite upper side of the tubular portion 310, the three features 342’ also having respective angled ends 346’ configured to engage the diagonal wall 317 of the opposite lateral side of the second float 302 which is furthest from the end of the first float. The central feature 342’c also comprises an upper end 348’ configured to engage an underside of the overhanging ledge 312 of the upper portion 308 of the opposite lateral side of the second float 202. In this way, the arm 340 of the connector 320, with its upwardly extending features 342, 342’ and its hook-like structures 350, snugly engage around substantially around a circumference of the tubular portion 310, from the angled wall 317 and overhanging ledge 312 of one lateral side of the second float 202 to the opposite angled wall 317 and overhanging ledge 312 via an underside of the float 302. To fit the present connector 320 to a float 302, the arm 340 of the connector 320 is slid over one end of the tubular portion 310 of the float 302 and then moved therealong to a desired position. Referring to Fig. 16B, it will be noted that the connecting arm 340 of the second portion 336 is fluted and comprises gaps or openings 354; these design aspects are to reduce the material (and thus weight and cost) of the connector 320.

Figs. 17A to 19B show another connector embodiment configured to engage around at least an underside of the tubular portion 310 of the second float 320. However, in contrast to the Fig. 16A connector 320 which utilises a single arm 340 to define a cylindrical channel 341 for receiving the tubular portion 310 of the float 320, the Fig. 17A connector 420 is configured to mate with a like connector 420 to define a cylindrical channel 441 which wraps around the tubular portion 310 of the float 302.

Referring to Figs. 17A and 17B, the connector 420 similarly comprises a first portion 432 having a rearward extending plugging skirt 434 and a circular lid 424 for sealing a circular open end of a first float. The at least one connection element of a second portion 436 comprises a pair of forwardly projecting spaced apart hook-like arms 450, each having a curved upper engagement surface 452 adapted to engage against and secure around at least an underside of the tubular portion 310 of the second float 302. The arms 450 may be fluted to reduce the material and thus weight thereof. Each hook-like arm 450 also comprises proximal through holes 454p that are aligned with one another along a first connection axis, and distal through holes 454D toward respective ends of the arms 450 which are aligned with one another along a second connection axis, the two connection axes being parallel to one another and the longitudinal axis of the second float 302. As will be discussed, the depicted connector 420 is configured to mate with another like connector 420 along the connection axes so that the mated connectors 420 substantially enclose around at least the tubular portion 310 of the second float 302.

The connector 420 also comprises an upwardly extending engagement structure 442 having a curved engagement surface 444 adapted to engage against and along at least an upper part of the tubular portion 310. A top of the engagement structure 442 is fluted and comprises an upper end 448 which defines a substantially horizontal plane and is configured to engage an underside of the overhanging ledge 312 of the flat upper portion 308 of the second float 302 at a lateral side thereof. Opposed sides of the upper end 448 of the engagement structure 442 are configured with outwardly projecting flanges 456 formed with vertically extending through holes 458 via which the flanges 456 can be secured, e.g., via coupling pins or bolts, to the underside of the overhanging ledge 312 of the float 302. A top of the engagement structure 442 also comprises an angled end 446 which defines a substantially angled plane and is configured to engage against one of the angled walls 317 of the second float 302. In the depicted embodiment, the curved engagement surface 444 of the engagement structure 442 is continuous with the upper engagement surfaces 452 of the respective hooks 450, together defining a continuous curved surface which engages against and wraps around and underneath the tubular portion 310 of the second float 202 from approximately a base of the proximal angled wall 317 to an opposite lateral side of the tubular portion 310, as shown in Fig. 17B.

Fig. 18A shows a pair of identical connectors 420a, 420b arranged to face one another so that the spaced apart hook-like arms 450a of one connector 420a are arranged in a staggered relationship relative to the hook-like arms 450b of the opposite connector 420b. In other words, each arm 450a, 450b of one connector 420a, 420b is slotted into a corresponding space adjacent to the arms 450b, 450a of the opposite connector 420b, 420a. In particular, one arm 450a, 450b of each connector 420a, 420b is received in a space between the opposed arms 450b, 450a of the opposite connector 420b, 420a. The two connectors 420a, 420b are thus brought together, as shown in Fig. 18B, so as to define therebetween a cylindrical channel 441 configured to receive the tubular portion 310 of the second float 302. The hook-like arms 450a, 450b of one connector 420a, 420b are arranged to occupy the spaces adjacent the hook-like arms 450b, 450a of the opposite connector 420b, 420a, resulting in a staggered arrangement of four adjacent arms 450a, 450b whose respective upper engagement surfaces 452a, 452b define a lower portion of the cylindrical channel 441. Meanwhile, the engagement structures 442a, 442b of each connector 420a, 420b define opposed upper portions of the cylindrical channel 441.

Referring to Fig. 18B, when the two connectors 420a, 420b are brought together, the distal through holes 454ao, 454bo of the arms 450a, 450b of one connector 420a, 420b are configured to align with the proximal through holes 454bp, 454ap of the arms 450b, 450a of the opposite connector 420b, 420a, and vice versa. Respective couplers (e.g. bolts, pins, etc) can thus be inserted through the aligned through holes 454ap, 454bo and 454bp, 454ao of the two connectors 420a, 420b to couple or mate the two connectors 420a, 420b together.

Fig. 19 shows the opposed connectors 420a, 420b mated to one another and connected to a float 302. While the two connectors 420a, 420b can be first mated to one another and then slid along the float 302 for securement thereto at a desired location, an optional installation method involves first securing one of the two connectors 420a, 420b to the float 302 a desired location therealong (via the upper end flanges 456). Once secured, the other connector 420b, 420a can simply be mated to the secured connector 420a, 420b. This installation or assembly method avoids having to slide the or each connector 420a, 420b along the float 302 to the appropriate location.

Figs. 20A and 20B illustrate a further connector embodiment which utilises teachings from aforementioned connector embodiments which wrap against the tubular portion of the float. In particular, this embodiment also involves arranging a pair of identical connectors on respective sides of the float, however rather than mating the connectors directly together, the connectors are interconnected to one another via a central coupler. The opposed connectors and coupler together define a cylindrical channel for receiving the tubular portion of the float.

Referring to Fig. 20A, each connector 520a, 520b comprises three spaced apart features 542 akin to those described in relation to the Fig. 16A connector embodiment 320. Each connector 520a, 520b also comprises a downwardly extending engagement structure 550a, 550b having a curved upper surface 552a, 552b for engaging against at least a part of the tubular portion 310. The engagement structure 550 is substantially hollow and defines an internal space via which a side of a central coupler can be inserted. In the depicted embodiment, the hollow engagement structure 550a of the first connector 520a is configured to receive a first side 560a of a U-shaped central coupler 562. The engagement structure 550b of the opposite connector 520b is similarly configured to receive a second side 560b of the central coupler 562. In this way, the central coupler 562 interconnects the opposed connectors 520a, 520b so as to, when so mated, define a cylindrical channel, akin to the aforementioned cylindrical channels 341, 441, for receiving the tubular portion 310 of the float 302.

Figs. 21A to 23C illustrate a further connector embodiment which utilises teachings from aforementioned connector embodiments that wrap against the tubular portion of the float. In particular, this embodiment also involves arranging a single or pair of identical connectors on respective sides of the float, however rather than engaging the connectors only to the float, the connectors contact the float via a central coupler which is formed as a horseshoe or U-like shape form or any other shape, adapted to the shape of the float. The single or pair of connectors and coupler together define a cylindrical channel for receiving the tubular portion of the float. The connectors comprise at least an arcuate portion which corresponds to the tubular portion of the float so as to allow the connector to snuggly be in contact with the float.

In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors, the central coupler and the float are formed with openings dimensioned to receive a single or more pin thereby securing the connectors and central coupler to the float. This configuration ensures secured connection between the connectors, the central coupler and the float by at least one or more of: the connectors and/or central coupler being formed with the arcuate portion fitted to snuggly connect to the float tubular portion; the cavities formed in the central coupler allow the connector to protrude therethrough and contact the float at the connector arcuate surface; and the fixing of the connectors and central coupler to the float via the pin or pins. Furthermore, this configuration aids in securing the float to the connectors by use of the pins to press the float into the central coupler and lock the float therein via the pins, thereby avoiding inadvertent upward projection of the float away from the connectors and central coupler. In some embodiments, the connector can simply be mated to the float with the central coupler. This installation or assembly method avoids having to slide each connector along the float to the appropriate location.

Referring to Figs. 21A to 23C, each connector 570a, 570b comprises a projection or connector lug 572 protruding from any one of the connectors 570a, 570b. The projection 572 is formed with an arcuate portion 574 dimensioned to mate with the corresponding surface of the lower tubular portion 310 of the float. A horseshoe or U-like shaped central cooupler 576 is formed with cavities 578 dimensioned to receive the projections 572 therethrough, as shown in Fig. 21C. Openings 580 are formed in the connectors 570a, 570b , the central coupler 576 and the upper portion 308 of the float and are dimensioned to receive the pins 582 therethrough.

The projections 572 may be formed in any suitable manner for securing the connectors to the float 302. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 21C and 21D the projections, here referenced as 584, are shown to project from the front face 26 of connector 570 (which can be any one of connector 570a and 570b) generally perpendicularly with respect to the lateral side of the float 302.

In some embodiments, the connector 570 along with projection 572 is positioned angularly with respect to the lateral side of the float 302, such as seen in Figs. 22A to 23C. The arcuate portion 574 is configured to mate with the lateral side of the float 302 and is therefore oriented angularly relative to the the front face 26 of connector 570.

This configuration allows arranging a first float angularly with respect to a second float, such as shown for example in Figs. 32 to 34, as will be described. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 22A and 22B, connector 588 is formed with an arcuate portion 590 which extends along the entire end portion 592 of the projection 594, thereby bringing the connector 588 to securely contact the lateral side of the float 302.

In this embodiment, the arcuate portion 590 is oriented angularly relative to the front face 26 of connector 588 at a fixed angle which correspondently enables arranging a first float at a fixed angle with respect to a second float. The first float is connected at its open end to the rear face 28 of connector 588. The arcuate portion 590 connects the first float to the second float at the fixed angle. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 23 A to 23C, connector 595 is formed with an arcuate portion 596 formed at an end portion 597 of the projection 598. The arcuate portion 596 is configured with a plurality of facades 599, each orientated at a different angle, thereby bringing the connector 595 to securely contact the lateral side of the float 302 at one of the facades 599. In this embodiment, the arcuate portion 596 is configurable to be oriented angularly relative to the front face 26 of connector 595 at a variable angle, which correspondently enables arranging a first float at various angles with respect to a second float. The first float is connected at its open end to the rear face 28 of connector 595. The arcuate portion 596 connects the first float to the second float at the any one of the various angles.

The present specification also discloses an end connector for interconnecting an end of a first elongate float to an end of a second elongate float. The end connector thus facilitates the interconnection of substantially collinear floats. The end connector similarly comprises a first portion for sealing an opening of the first connector, and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting towards and being adapted for connection with the end of the second float.

Figs. 24 to 25B illustrate an example end connector 620 secured to another type of elongate float 602 so as to seal an open end thereof. The end connector 620 comprises a circular first portion 632 like those of previously described connector embodiments, having a circular plugging skirt 634 and an associated circular rim or lid 624 for sealing the open circular end of the first float 620. The connector 620 also comprises a second portion 636 having connection elements in the form of a pair of spaced apart hooking arms or hooks 664 adapted to receive a coupling element, such as a ring (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the hooks 664 are identical but oppositely oriented, wherein one hook 664a is curved upward and the other hook 664b is curved downwardly. In use, the end connector 620 at one end of a first float 602 can be interconnected to another identical end connector 620 at an opposing end of a second float 602 via a coupler, the coupler being hooked by both hooks 664a, 664b of each connector 602. In particular, the hooks 664 of one connector 620 can be arranged adjacent to and thus in a staggered relationship with the hooks 664 of the opposed connector 620 to define a coupling passage, whereby the coupler is receivable through the coupling passage to movably couple the two opposed connectors 620 and thus floats 602 relative to one another. For example, the coupler could be a closed ring which is received or hooked by each of the two hooks 664a, 664b of both interconnected connectors 620. This type of interconnection between the connectors 620 and thus the respective floats 602 can allow each float 620 to move relative to the other 620 with up to six degrees of freedom, thereby allowing the floats 602 to twist, bob, turn, translate etc. relative to one another 602 to a certain extent in response to wind and wave forces.

It will be appreciated that the end connector 620 may also enable adjacent floats to be connected to one another in a side-by-side configuration. For example, with reference to Fig. 24, two elongate floats 602 fitted with corresponding end connectors 620 can be arranged next to one another, side-by-side, wherein a coupler, such as a ring, can be received by both hooks 664 of each of the adjacent connectors 620. In use, the floats 602 would remain next to one another, but are permitted a degree of movement relative to one another. For example, the adjacent floats may be able to bob and shift relative to one another in response to the motion of waves.

It is appreciated that elongate float 602 may comprise any type of elongated float, such as the floats described herein in reference to Figs. 1-34, and the end connector 620 is configured to be secured to the elongate float 602 so as to seal an open end thereof.

Modular floating structures can be formed from two or more floats and connectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As described and depicted, the presently disclosed connectors not only seal elongate floats, the connectors also enable, for example: the end of one float to connect to a side of another float; and/or the end of one float to connect to the end of another float. As will be described, connectors embodying the present disclosure may also enable the side of one float to connect to the side of another float. In this way, floats and connectors embodying the present disclosure are like proverbial building blocks that can be assembled together in any number of different ways to form floating structures that can be customised to specific needs and use applications.

In some embodiments, the modular floating structures are configured to comprise any one or more of a buoyant, walkable and truss-like array, utilized as a platform for a solar system comprising solar panels. The floating structure is formed of tubular floats of any suitable shape or dimension. The floats are sealed by connectors at the float ends and may be connected to other floats, perpendicularly or angularly, via the connectors.

Figs. 26 to 30 show example floating structures and configurations that can be formed utilising connectors according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 26 shows a generally rectangular floating structure 180, having a pair of opposed longitudinal floats 182 extending in a longitudinal direction which are spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction, the longitudinal floats 182 being interconnected to one another via a plurality of transverse floats 184 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. Each end of each transverse float 184 is connected to an adjacent side of a respective longitudinal float 182 utilising respective connectors according to the present disclosure. The floating structure 180 is depicted supporting an array of solar panels 99.

Fig. 27 shows another example floating structure 280 formed from a plurality of elongate and transverse floats 282, 284. The structure 280 comprises three parallel longitudinal floats 282 spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction. A first series of shorter transverse floats 284s interconnect a ‘top’ longitudinal float 282T with a central longitudinal float 282c, and a second series of shorter transverse floats 284s interconnect a ‘bottom’ longitudinal float 282B with the central longitudinal float 282c. The floating structure 280 also comprises a pair of longer transverse floats 284L, each defining a respective lateral side of the floating structure 280. Put another way, the longer transverse floats 284L and the top and bottom longitudinal floats 282T, 282B together define the rectangular shape and border of the floating structure 280. A first end of the central longitudinal float 282c is connected to a side of one of the longer transverse floats 284L, and a second end of the central longitudinal float 282c is connected to a side of the other longer transverse float 284L. It can be seen each of the borderdefining floats 282T, 282B comprises a free end that is not secured to an adjacent float. It is envisaged that one or more of these free ends may be sealed with connectors having an outwardly projecting connection element via which the connectors may be tethered or otherwise anchored to a fixed structure so as to fix a position of the floating structure 280 relative to the body of water upon which it floats. For example, a connector 220 of the type shown in Fig. 11 could be used in its ‘reversed’ configuration wherein the lugs 238 thereof project outwardly so as to be securable (e.g., via ropes, cabling etc) to a fixed structure for anchoring of the floating structure 280. In another example, the end connector 620 shown in Fig. 24 may be secured (e.g., via ropes, cabling etc) to a fixed structure for anchoring of the floating structure 280.

Figs. 28A and 28B show another example floating structure 480 which can be formed using the presently disclosed connectors. In particular, the floating structure 480 comprises a floating access path 480 upon which one can walk, the access path 480 being formed from a plurality of longitudinal floats 482 that are parallel and adjacent to one another, wherein each float 482 is interconnected to one or more adjacent longitudinal floats 482. In other words, at least one side of each float 482 is connected to the side of an adjacent float 482 via connectors according to the present disclosure. Fig. 28B illustrates an example of how the floats 482 can be secured side by side. In particular, Fig. 28B shows the floats 482 interconnected to one another via connectors 420 of the type depicted in Figs. 17 to 19, though other connectors described herein may be used. In particular, the first portion 432 of each connector 420, which is ordinarily used to seal the end of a float, is instead secured to an opposing first portion 432 of a like connector 420 (e.g., via welding or other coupling means) which itself is secured to an adjacent float 482. Of course, other connector embodiments disclosed herein can similarly be secured to one another via engagement between their respective first ends to enable the connection of elongate floats side by side to form a floating access path 480.

Fig. 29 builds upon the floating access path 480 of Fig. 28A, and shows two such floating access paths 480 arranged collinearly with one another, the floats 482 of each access path 480 being separated from the floats 482 of the other access path 480 by a central float arrangement 486 of transversely oriented and shorter transverse floats 484 which are adjacent and connected to one another in a side-by-side configuration. It is envisaged that the central arrangement of transverse floats 484 can be sealed by connectors which provide a degree of movement, such as end connectors 620 of the type of Figs. 24 to 25B.

Fig. 30 shows a floating structure with an arrangement of longitudinal and transverse floats 782, 784 that is similar to that of Fig. 26; elongate metal ribs 788 are shown which movably link the solar panels 99 so that they can tilt together to track the sun.

In some embodiments, such as shown in the floats of Figs. 26-30, the floating structures generally extend along a common plane which extends along the longitudinal axis and transverse axis and intersects a lateral axis which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse axis. The common plane is a plane floating on a body of water such that each float and connector is at least partially submerged within the water.

While the aforementioned floating structures generally depict floats lying on a common plane wherein they each float on the surface of the water, floats with flat upper portions can also be stacked upon one another, wherein a lower float is configured in an upright orientation and partially submerged in water, whereas an upper float can be oriented upside-down whereby the flat upper portion thereof is received against the flat upper portion of the lower float. An example floating structure 680 utilising this type of float arrangement is shown in Fig. 31 A, the floating structure 680 having a series of spaced apart transverse floats 784, first ends of which are connected to the side of a first longitudinal float 782 oriented in the upright orientation and floating in the water. The floating structure 680 also comprises two longitudinal floats 782i which are oriented upside down so that the flat portions thereof face and lie across the flat portions of the underlying transverse floats 784. This type of floating structure 680 can function as a tracker platform, shown populated with solar panels in Fig. 3 IB.

In some embodiments, such as shown in the floating structures 800 of Figs. 32-34, first floats 803 are arranged perpendicularly to each other and generally extends along the longitudinal axis and transverse axis and intersects a lateral axis which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse axis. Additionally or alternatively, second floats 806 are arranged angularly to the first floats 803, thereby adding structural strength to the floating structures 800 by acting as diagonal reinforcement elements. The diagonal reinforcement elements increase the strength of the floating structures 800 as well as enhance the stiffness of the floating structures 800, while avoiding angular displacement of perpendicularly arranged first floats 803 which can occur due to wave and wind forces. Many types of arrangements of floating structures 800 are envisaged and some examples are shown in Figs. 32-34.

Fig. 32 illustrates two diagonally arranged second floats 806 at the sides of floating structure 800. Figs. 33 and 34 illustrate further arrangements and patterns of the diagonally arranged second floats 806 with the first floats 803.

The diagonally arranged second floats 806 may be connected to the first floats 803 in any suitable manner, such as by the connectors described with refence to Figs. 22 A to 23C. Figs. 35A to 36B show another embodiment of a connector 820 configured to seal an open end of a first float (not shown) and interconnect it to the side of a second float 802. In particular, the connector 820 is configured to be coupled to an adapter 822, which adapter 822 is itself secured to the second float 802. Fig. 35 A is an exploded view showing the connector 820 and adapter 822 before both are coupled to one another and the second float 802 via one or more couplers. In the depicted embodiment, one coupler is shown and is in the form of a vertically extending shaft or pin 842. The assembled arrangement is shown in Fig. 35B. The connector 820, adapter 822 and a corresponding second float 802 will henceforth be described with reference to Figs. 35A to 36B.

In some embodiments, shaft or pin, or coupling pins may comprise a fastening element, such as the fastening element 1020.

The connector 820 comprises a generally circular first portion 832 having a rear face 828 configured to sealingly close an open end of the first elongate float, and an opposite front face 826 from which a pair of connector lugs 839 project toward the side of the second float 802. In some embodiments, the lugs may constitute a single lug, a pair of lugs or more, shaped as projections, each of the lugs may comprise the same form or may be different. In the depicted embodiment, the connector comprises 820 an upper connector lug 839a and a lower connector lug 839b thereunder. The upper and lower lugs 839 are generally identical though inverted relative to one another; in this way, the connector 802 can be said to have an axis of symmetry which runs parallel to each lug 839 and extends horizontally therebetween.

In some embodiments, for the purposes of reducing weight and material usage, and also improving the buoyancy of the connector 820, each lug 839 is generally hollow and comprises internal reinforcing ribs. Each connector lug 839 also comprises vertically extending through holes 840 via which the connector 820 can be coupled to the adapter 822. In the depicted embodiment, the through holes 840 are at least partially defined by the internal reinforcing ribs of the lugs 839. With reference to Fig. 36A, the upper lug 839a comprises a set of three upper lug through holes 840a, and the lower lug 839b comprises a set of three lower lug through holes 840b, each aligned with a respective and overlying upper lug through hole 840a. In use, respective coupling pins 842 can be inserted through the aligned through holes 840a, 840b so as to couple the connector 820 to the adapter 822 and the second float 802, as will be discussed. Still referring to Figs. 35A to 36B, an adapter 822 is shown which is configured to be secured to the second float 802 and couple to the connector 820, thereby interconnecting the connector 820, and thus an end of the first float, to the side of the second float 802. A cross- sectional shape of the adapter 822 is generally in the form of a U-shaped collar configured to at least partially receive therein a correspondingly shaped tubular lower portion 810 of the second float 802. In the depicted embodiment, the U-shaped adapter 822 comprises a lower portion 850 which secures around an underside of the tubular portion 810 of the second float 802. Extending upwardly from opposite sides of the lower portion 850 of the adapter 822 are opposed and generally hollow rectangular lateral frames 860, each configured to extend around respective sides of the tubular portion 810 of the second float 802.

Referring to Fig. 36A, each lateral frame 860 comprises a pair of vertically extending and spaced apart frame members 880 interconnected via a horizontally extending upper portion 882a and a horizontally extending lower portion 882b spaced thereunder, each portion 882 having a set of three vertically extending through holes 884a, 884b. In particular the lower portion through holes 884b are vertically aligned with a respective one of the upper portion through holes 884a. As will be discussed, these aligned through holes 884 of the adapter 822 are configured to be aligned with respective aligned through holes 840 of the connector 820 such that respective couplers 842 can be received through the aligned through holes 840, 884 so as to couple the connector 820 to the adapter 822. The adapter 822 is also configured to be relatively lightweight to improve its buoyancy, and thus it is may be generally hollow. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the upper and lower horizontally extending portions 882 of the lateral frames 860 are generally hollow and comprise internal reinforcing ribs which also at least partially define the upper and lower portion through holes 884.

Fig. 36A shows the connector 820 in position, ready to be coupled to the adapter 822. As can be seen, each lateral frame 860 of the adapter 822 also comprises a horizontally extending member 886 which can act to reinforce the rectangular frame 860. The horizontal member 886 spans a width of the rectangular frame 860 between the vertical frame elements 880 thereof, and is positioned between and spaced from the upper and lower portions 882 of the adapter 822. In this way, each lateral frame 860 defines a pair of horizontal openings or slots 888, each configured to at least partially receive a respective connector lug 839 of the connector. Referring also to Fig. 36B, to couple the connector 820 to the adapter 822, the connector lugs 839 are inserted into the respective slots 888 of the lateral frame 860 so as to be received snugly thereby. This ‘plugging’ of the lugs 839 into the respective slots 888 of the adapter 822 may facilitate coupling of the connector 820 thereto, since the connector 820 and adapter 822 fit together relatively intuitively. As can be seen, the connector lugs 839 are received in the respective slots 888 such that the through holes 840a of the upper lug 839a are beneath and vertically aligned with respective through holes 884a of the upper portion 882a of the lateral frame 860. Similarly, the through holes 840b of the lower lug 839b are above and vertically aligned with respective through holes 884b of the lower portion 882b of the lateral frame 860. In this way, an elongate coupler, such as a pin 842, can be inserted through an upper portion through hole 884a of the frame 860, the underlying upper lug through hole 840a and aligned lower lug through hole 840b, and finally through the underlying lower portion through hole 884b of the adapter 822, thereby coupling the connector 820 to the adapter 822. In the depicted embodiment, only a single coupling pin 842 is shown, though of course one or more coupling pins may be inserted through the aligned through holes 840, 884 to couple the connector 820 to the adapter 822.

It will be noted that a distal surface or end 890 of each connector lug comprises a curved or arcuate surface 890. This curved surface 890 conforms to the curvature of the external tubular lower portion 810 of the elongate float 802. When assembled, the curved distal surfaces 890 are configured to extend through the horizontal slots 888 of the adapter 822 and abut against the exterior of the tubular portion 810 of the float 802.

Referring also to Figs. 35 A and 35B, the depicted adapter 822 is configured to be coupled to a float 802 having a generally flat upper portion 808 with overhanging lateral ledges 812. Each ledge 812 comprises spaced apart through holes 892 which are configured to align with respective through holes 840, 884 of the connector 820 and the adapter 822. In this way, a coupling pin 842 can couple the second float 802, the adapter 822 and the connector 820 together.

To facilitate assembly, the adapter 822 and the overhanging ledges 812 of the second float 802 comprise cooperating locating elements to facilitate location of the adapter 822 relative to the second float 802. In the depicted embodiment, the cooperating locating elements are in the form of guide pins 894 of the adapter 822 which are receivable within locating openings 896 formed in the overhanging ledge 812 of the float 802. Referring to Fig. 36A, opposed lateral sides of the upper portion 882a of the lateral frames 860 of the adapter 822 comprise upwardly projecting guide pins 894 which are receivable within correspondingly positioned locating openings 896 formed through the overhanging ledges 812 of the second float 802. During assembly, the adapter 822 can thus be positioned such that each guide pin 894 is received within a corresponding locating opening 896 of the second float 802. In this way, the upper portion 882a of the adapter 822 is received against and beneath the overhanging ledge 812 such that the through holes 892 of the second float 802 are vertically aligned with respective through holes 884 of the adapter 822. Next, the connector 820 can be brought toward the adapter 822 so that the lugs 839 thereof are inserted into the respective slots 888 of the adapter 822, whereby the curved distal ends 890 of the lugs 839 abut the exterior of the tubular portion 810 of the second float 802. Finally, and with reference to Fig. 35 A, one or more couplers 842 can be inserted downwardly through respective and aligned through holes of the overhanging ledge 812, the adapter 822 and the connector 820, thereby connecting the adapter 822 and connector 820 together and to the second float 802.

As discussed, the presently disclosed connectors facilitate the interconnection of elongate floats, and in particular, the interconnection of an end of a float with the side of another such that the interconnected floats are oriented transversely or even generally perpendicular to one another. The connectors thus allow for the formation of a grid-like floating arrangement which can buoyantly support an array of PV modules. An example floating PV arrangement 900 is shown in Fig. 37A. Fig. 37B shows the same arrangement 900 supporting a pair of generally rectangular PV modules 999. This arrangement 900, along with components thereof, is described below and with reference to Figs. 37A to 43 to illustrate working principles underlying embodiments of the present disclosed invention.

Fig. 37A illustrates a floating PV arrangement 900 for supporting at least one PV module 999. The arrangement 900 comprises a first elongate float 902L and a second elongate float 902T having one end that is interconnected to a side of the first elongate float 902L (e.g., via a connector disclosed herein) such that the first and second floats 902 are generally perpendicular to one another. Also depicted is an opposing first elongate float 902LO which is interconnected to the other end of the second elongate float 902T and is thus oriented parallel to the first elongate float 902L. The opposing first elongate float 902LO is depicted for illustrative purposes and may facilitate the supporting of a pair of PV panels 999, 999o. For simplicity, the following description will primarily focus on a floating arrangement 900 comprising the first longitudinal float 902L and the perpendicularly oriented second elongate float 902T which are interconnected to support a single PV panel 999; however, it will be understood that the description will equally apply to the opposing first elongate panel 902LO and opposing PV panel 999o and the associated teachings can be readily applied and adapted to create a floating PV support system comprising any number of floats and PV panels supported thereby.

The or each float of the arrangement is provided with at least one mounting location for supporting at least one PV module. As will be discussed, the PV module correspondingly comprises at least one support region via which it can be supported by the at least one mounting location of the floating arrangement. Indeed, the arrangement may be provided with two or more mounting locations via which the PV module can be supported at a corresponding number of support regions. For example, the PV module may have one or more support regions around one or more of its edges (e.g., a frame thereof), beneath the PV module and possibly away from the edges as well. Indeed, it is considered that the PV module may provide numerous and different support regions via which the floating arrangement can support the PV module, preferably such that the solar cells of the PV module are not obscured. Similarly, the floats can be arranged as needed to support the PV module at the desired locations, whether those floats are along one or more edges of the PV module, at its comers, substantially beneath a footprint of the PV module itself, and so forth. A particular arrangement is described with reference to Figs. 37A to 43, though it will be apparent that this is simply but one of any number of different arrangements which can be modified as desired.

Referring to Fig. 37A, each of the first and second floats 902L, 902T comprises a generally flat upper portion 908 and a generally tubular and hollow lower portion 910. Lateral sides of the flat upper portion comprise outwardly extending or overhanging ledges 912; for example, see Fig. 38B. In the depicted embodiment, the overhanging ledges 912 provide one or more mounting locations via which a PV module 999 can be supported. For example, a plurality of spaced apart mounting locations may be provided along a length of an overhanging ledge 912, and the desired mounting locations can be selected based on the needs of the PV arrangement, including factors such as the desired size and orientation of the PV module to be supported.

Correspondingly, the PV module 999 comprises at least one support region via which it can be supported via the at least one mounting location of the floating arrangement 900. For example, the perimetric frame 914 of the PV module 999 may comprise any number of spaced apart support regions via which the PV module 999 can be supported at respective mounting locations. In this way, the floating arrangement 900 is highly modular and can be assembled and arranged in any number of different configurations as desired.

Fig. 37B shows an example arrangement 900 wherein a rectangular PV panel 999 is supported at three distinct support regions 916a-916c thereof via three respective mounting locations 917a-917c of the floating arrangement 900. In particular, the PV panel comprises a first side 919 having two spaced apart support regions 916a, 916b, and a second side 921 have a third support region 916c. It is considered that by supporting the PV panel 999 at three such support regions 916, rather than say, four or more (e.g., two support regions on each side of the PV panel) the panel 999 may experience reduced loading in response to dynamic forces from wind, movement upon water, waves and the like.

In the depicted embodiment, the three support regions 916 define respective vertices of an imaginary triangular shape, as indicated by the dashed lines shown in Fig. 37B. As can be seen, the single support region 916c at the second side 921 of the PV panel 999 is generally aligned with a center thereof such that the PV module 999 is generally symmetrically supported by the floating arrangement 900. In certain embodiments, the imaginary triangular shape may be in the form of an equilateral triangle. Alternatively, the triangular shape may be in the form of an isosceles triangle, wherein the first and second support regions 916a, 916b on one side 919 of the PV module 999 define a base of that isosceles triangle. It may be preferable that at least two of the support regions are generally equidistant from a center of the PV module 999. It may also be preferable to select support regions which are all equidistant from the center of the PV module 999. Also disclosed herein is a mount 923 via which the floats 902 may be interconnected to the PV module 999 such that the support regions 916 thereof are interconnected to corresponding mounting locations 917 of the floats 902. While any number of ways of interconnecting the PV modules 999 to the floats 902 are considered within the scope of the present specification, a particular mount 923 is shown in the figures for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 40 shows an example mount 923 which is utilised to interconnect the PV module 999 to the floats 902. The mount 923 has a generally constant cross-sectional shape comprising a forward portion 925 configured to be secured to a corresponding support region 916 of a PV module 999, and a rearward portion 927 configure to be mounted to a corresponding mounting location 917 of a float 902. In the depicted embodiment, the forward portion is in the form of a mouth 925 projecting outwardly from a planar plate 933 and is configured to receive a support region 916 of the PV module 999, such as a segment of the perimetric frame 914 thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the mouth 925 comprises an upper jaw 929 arranged to at least partially overlie the frame 914 of the PV module 999 (see Fig. 41 A), and a lower jaw 931 arranged to at least partially underlie the PV module (see Fig. 4 IB). In this way, it can be said that the mouth 925 and jaws 929, 931 thereof clamp or bite around a segment of the perimetric frame 914 of the PV module 999 to help maintain a position thereof. In some embodiments, the upper jaw 929 projects outwardly from the planar plate 933 to a lesser extent than the lower jaw 931 so that the upper jaw 929 does not extend over or otherwise obscure a solar-receiving cell of the PV module 999. The lower jaw 931 may have an opening 935 or the like via which the lower jaw 931 may be fixed (e.g., via a fastener) to the PV module.

Referring back to Fig. 40, it will be noted that both jaws 929, 931 extend forwardly and perpendicular from a generally planar plate 933 which is slightly angled from the vertical. In this way, the mount 923 may be arranged to hold the PV module 999 at an angle from the horizontal if desirable for improved solar efficiency. The rearward portion 927 of the mount 923 comprises a rearwardly extending mounting plate 937 configured to be mounted to a corresponding mounting location 917 of a float 902. For example, the depicted rearward mounting plate 937 comprises a through hole 939 which can be aligned with a corresponding through hole formed in the overhanging ledge 912 of a float 902 and secured thereto via a coupler 942 (such as an elongate pin or shaft) which functions to couple the mount 923 to the float 902. This coupling of the mount 923 to the overhanging ledge 912 of a float 902 is shown in Figs. 41 A and 41B. As can be seen, a lowermost end of the planar plate 933 projects slightly lower than the rearward mounting plate 937 and defines a flange configured to abut and help locate the mount against an outer surface 943 of the overhanging ledge 912.

The mount 923 of Fig. 40 has a first, shorter length which, in the depicted embodiment, is appropriate for the first and second support regions 916a, 916b arranged along the first side 919 of the PV module 999, as shown in Fig. 38A. In this way, the depicted arrangement comprises substantially identical first and second mounts 923a, 923b mounted, respectively, to first and second spaced apart mounting locations 917a, 917b along the first elongate float 902L and being configured to support the PV module 999 via corresponding and respective first and second support regions 916a, 916b which are spaced apart along the first side 919 of the PV module 999.

The depicted arrangement 900 also comprises a third mount 923c, which has a cross- sectional shape that is substantially identical to that of the first and second mounts 923a, 923b (i.e., the mount 923 shown in Fig. 40), though is greater in length and is configured to support the opposite second side 921 of the PV module 999. This third mount 923c is shown in Fig. 42B and similarly comprises a forward portion in the form of a mouth 925 configured to receive therein a segment of the perimetric frame 914 of the PV module 999, which segment defines a third support region 916c of the PV module 999. In the depicted embodiment, the lower jaw 931 of the third mount 923c comprises a pair of spaced apart openings 935 via which the third mount 923c may be fastened to the second side 921 of the PV module 999 via the perimetric frame 914 thereof.

In an embodiment in which the PV module 999 was to be supported so that it was generally horizontal, the planar plates 933 of the mounts 923 need not be angled. However, with reference to Fig. 38B, the depicted arrangement shows the PV module 999 mounted on an angle, wherein the second side 921 is raised higher than the first side 919. To this end, the presently depicted arrangement also comprises a raiser which is operable to elevate or raise one side of the PV module 999 higher than the other so that it is tilted for improved solar efficiency. While any number of ways of elevating one side of the panel are considered within the scope of the present specification, the present specification discloses an arrangement which utilises the modularity and flexibility of its components. In particular, the raiser is in the form of an inverted segment of an elongate float 902i. The inverted float 902i is oriented so that it is generally parallel to the first float 902L, but flipped upside down and secured to the flat upper portion 908T of the transverse second float 902T, as shown in Fig. 37A. Referring also to Figs. 42A and 43, couplers, such as fastening pins or shafts 942, can be inserted through aligned through holes formed in the lateral overhanging ledges 912i of the inverted float 902i and the underlying flat portion 908T of the perpendicular second float 902T, thereby fastening the inverted raiser float 902i to the underlying elongate second float 902T. The tubular portion 91 Oi of the inverted float 902i is also provided with opposed openings 945 via which the rearward plate 937 of corresponding third mounts 923c can be fixed to the raiser float 902i (e.g., via a fastener 947), as shown in Figs. 42A and 42B. In this way, and with reference to Figs. 37B and 38B, a pair of adj acent P V modules 999, 999o whose respective second sides are interconnected to the raiser float 902i may be tilted so that the PV modules 999, 999o generally mirror one another and form a sloping roof-like arrangement. With numerous such PV modules arranged like so, the array of PV modules may be considered to form a repeating array of modules that altematingly tilt up and down to form peaks and valleys in the floating arrangement which can take advantage of wind movements to help cool the PV panels during use.

The PV modules may be fixed entirely to the PV support system at one or more support regions rendering the PV modules stationary or the PV modules may be partly fixed at one or more support regions and allow one or more degrees of freedom for movement the PV modules so as to track the sun or for any other application.

Advantageously, a relatively custom floating PV support system can be formed from relatively few components comprising elongate floats, mounts, and couplers. Significantly, there is no need for non-bouyant elongate components, nor rods, for forming the presently disclosed floating PV arrangement. Consequently, relative largescale yet tailored PV solutions can be provided quite readily via a kit comprising relatively few components which primarily include floats and mounts.

The present specification discloses in accordance with yet another aspect, a fastening arrangement utilizing a fastening element for fastening an object to another object or a plurality of objects, as will be described for example with reference to Figs. 44-55. In accordance with some aspects, the fastening arrangement utilizing the fastening element can be used for fastening a connector to at least one float for interconnecting elongate floats relative to one another, as will be described for example with reference to Figs. 54A-55.

For the purposes of the description of the examples described in the presently disclosed application, it is to be understood herein that “fastening” is intended to mean connecting a first object to a second object by means of a fastening element so as to prevent at least one of the following relative movements: axial and non-axial, e.g. rotation, of the first object and the second object with respect to a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis can be defined along of any one of: the first object, the second object and the fastening element. In some embodiments the first object and/or the second object are formed with an an upper surface, a lower surface and a bore extending therebetween along the longitudinal axis thereof. The linear movement can include an axial movement which is the movement along or in parallel to the longitudinal axis. The linear movement can include movement transverse to the longitudinal axis. The nonlinear movement can include any movement that deviates from a straight or purely linear path along or relative to a longitudinal axis. This includes, but is not limited to, movements which follow a curved, oscillating, or angular path relative to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments the non-linear movement includes a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments the non-linear movement includes an oscillatory, helical and/or any angular movement around the longitudinal axis.

The object can be shaped in any suitable manner, and can for example, comprise at least one or more curved surfaces and/or one or more flat surfaces, such as with the upper surface, the lower surface and the bore extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the object can be shaped in a form of a panel including an upper surface, a lower surface and a bore extending therebetween.

Reference is now made to Figs. 44 and 45 illustrating a fastening arrangement 1000 (when assembled) and its components according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fastening arrangement 1000 comprises: an object 1002 formed with an upper surface 1004, a lower surface 1006 and a bore 1008 formed with a wall 1009 and extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis 1010 thereof. The fastening arrangement 1000 further comprises a fastening element 1020 insertable within the bore 1008 in a first direction, shown by arrow 1022, along the longitudinal axis 1010 and lockable to the object 1002 in a locked state. The fastening element 1020 comprises at least one or both of: an axial-resistant mechanism 1026 operable to resist axial movement, along the longitudinal axis 1010, of the fastening element 1020 at least from the bore 1008 along a second direction, shown by arrow 1028, opposite the first direction 1022, at the locked state; and a rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 operable to resist rotational movement about the longitudinal axis 1010, of the fastening element 1020 in the bore 1008 at the locked state.

The object 1002 can include the first object which is connected to the second object. Examples of the second object are described in reference to Figs. 54A-55.

The axial-resistant mechanism and the rotation-resistant mechanism can each comprise a major dimension and a minor dimension. In some embodiments, the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the major dimension of the rotation-resistant mechanism. In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism minor dimension is misaligned with the minor dimension of the rotation-resistant mechanism. In some embodiments, the axial -resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the minor dimension of the rotation-resistant mechanism. In some embodiments, the axial -resistant mechanism minor dimension is aligned with the major dimension of the rotation -resistant mechanism.

The major dimension of the axial -resistant mechanism and/or of the rotation-resistant mechanism can be defined as a distance between two points on a plane, which distance is larger than the minor dimension which is the distance between two points on the same or different plane. In some embodiments, the major dimension can include the maximal distance between two edges of a surface on a plane and the minor dimension can include the minimal distance between two edges of a surface on a plane.

The minor dimension of any one of the axial-resistant mechanism and of the rotationresistant mechanism can be angular or even orthogonal to the major dimension of the respective axial-resistant mechanism and the rotation-resistant mechanism.

The axial-resistant mechanism and/or the rotation-resistant mechanism can be shaped in an ovel-like shape, such as an ellipse or an avoid, and accordingly, the major dimension can constitute the major axis of the oval -like shape and the minor dimension can constitute the minor axis of the oval-like shape.

As seen in Fig. 45, the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 and the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 comprise a major dimension and a minor dimension. In some embodiments the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension 1040 is misaligned with the major dimension 1042 of the rotation-resistant mechanism. In some embodiments, the axial -resistant mechanism minor dimension 1046 is misaligned with the minor dimension 1048 of the rotation-resistant mechanism.

The major dimension 1040 of the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 is the distance between two points Pl and P2 on a reference plane RP1. In the distance between Pl and P2 the major dimension is larger than the axial -resistant mechanism minor dimension 1046 which is the distance between two points P3 and P4 on the same reference plane RP1. Similarly, the major dimension 1042 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 is the distance between two points P5 and P6 on a reference plane RP2. In the distance between P5 and P6 the major dimension is larger than the rotation-resistant mechanism minor dimension 1048, which is the distance between two points P7 and P8 on the same second reference plane RP2. The major dimension 1040 of the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 includes the maximal distance between two edges, namely between points Pl and P2, of a surface on reference plane RP1 and the minor dimension 1046 of the axial-resistant mechanism 1026 includes the minimal distance between two edges, , namely between points P3 and P4, of a surface on reference plane RP1. Similarly, the major dimension 1042 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 includes the maximal distance between two edges, namely between points P5 and P6, of a surface on reference plane RP2 and the minor dimension 1048 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 includes the minimal distance between two edges, namely between points P7 and P8, of a surface on reference plane RP2.

The minor dimension 1046 of the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 is orthogonal to the major dimension 1040 of the axial -resistant mechanism 1026. Similarly, the minor dimension 1048 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 is orthogonal to the major dimension 1042 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030. The axial-resistant mechanism is shaped in an ovel-like shape and accordingly, the major dimension 1040 of the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape and the minor dimension 1046 of the axial- resistant mechanism 1026 constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape. The rotationresistant mechanism 1030 is shaped in an ovel-like shape and accordingly, the major dimension 1042 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape and the minor dimension 1048 of the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape.

The rotation-resistant mechanism can be arranged to be axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the axial-resistant mechanism. The rotation-resistant mechanism can be positioned axially above the axial-resistant mechanism at greater proximity to an upper end of the fastening element than the axial-resistant mechanism. Alternatively, or when there are also additional axial-resistant mechanisms and/or additional rotation-resistant mechanisms, the rotation-resistant mechanism can be positioned axially below or above the axial-resistant mechanism. In some embodiments, the rotation-resistant mechanism can be arranged to be spaced apart from the axial-resistant mechanism along an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the rotation-resistant mechanism and the axial- resistant mechanism can be integrally formed into the same structure.

As seen in Figs. 44 and 45, the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 can be arranged to be axially above the axial-resistant mechanism along the longitudinal axis 1010 and at a greater proximity to an upper end 1049 of the fastening element 1020.

The fastening element 1020 extends longitudinally along an axis which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 1010, when the fastening element 1020 is inserted within the bore of the object. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the fastening element 1020 will be referred to herein as longitudinal axis 1010 whether the fastening element 1020 is or is not inserted in the bore 1008.

The axial -resistant mechanism major dimension extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 1010, such as an axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and/or an axial- resistant mechanism lateral axis. The axial-resistant mechanism minor dimension can extend along the axial-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and/or the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis. The rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 1010, such as a rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and/or a rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis. The rotation-resistant mechanism minor dimension can extend along the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and/or the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis.

The axial-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis can be transverse to the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis. The rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis can be transverse to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis. The axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis can be parallel, coaxial or unparallel with the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis and the axial-resistant mechanism lateral axis can be parallel, coaxial or unparallel with the rotationresistant mechanism lateral axis.

As seen in Figs. 44 and 45, an axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010 and to an axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052. The axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050 and the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052 lie on the first reference plane RP1. A rotation -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010 and to a rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062. The rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060 and rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062 lie on the second reference plane RP2. The reference plane RP1 is parallel to reference plane RP2 and accordingly the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050 is parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060 and the the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052 is parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062.

The axial -resistant mechanism minor dimension 1046 extends along the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050 and is smaller than the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension 1040. The rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension 1042 extends along the rotationresistant mechanism lateral axis 1060 and the rotation-resistant mechanism minor dimension 1048 extends along the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062 and is smaller than the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension 1046.

The bore of the object has a major dimension and a minor dimension extending along axes transverse to the longitudinal axis 1010, such as an object latitudinal axis and an object lateral axis. The bore latitudinal axis can be transverse to the bore lateral axis. The bore can be shaped as an oval-like shape comprising the bore minor dimension which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape and the bore major dimension which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape.

As seen in Fig. 44, the bore 1008 is shaped as an oval -like shape comprising a bore major dimension 1070, which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape, and the bore minor dimension 1072 which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape. An object lateral axis 1074 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010 and to an object latitudinal axis 1076. The object lateral axis 1074 and the object latitudinal axis 1076 lie on a third reference plane RP3.

As described herein, the orientation of the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050, the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052, the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060 and the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062 changes relative to the object lateral axis 1070 and the object latitudinal axis 1072 as the fastening element 1020 moves relative to the object 1002 in between an unlocked state and an locked state and vice versa.

The axial-resistant mechanism can include an element or structure that prevents movement of the fastening element out of the bore at least in a direction opposite the direction in which the fastening element is inserted in the bore. In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism may utilize a retaining ring or snap ring, seated within a groove in either the fastening element or the bore wall, that expands into place upon insertion, so as to resist axial forces. In some embodiments the axial-resistant mechanism can comprise a spring-loaded ball detent positioned within the fastening element body to engage with a corresponding recess or groove in the bore, where spring tension provides resistance to axial displacement. In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism can comprise a tapered interference fit, in which a tapered section of the fastening element fits tightly within a matching taper in the bore, thereby creating frictional resistance against axial movement. In some embodiments the axial- resistant mechanism can comprise a threaded engagement, with external threads on the fastening element interfacing with internal threads within the bore. In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism can comprise an expandable sleeve situated near the insertion end of the fastening element; upon insertion, this sleeve can be expanded to press against the bore walls, thereby securing the fastening element in place. In some embodiments, the axial -resistant mechanism can comprise locking tabs or barbs that extend from the fastening element and engage with the bore wall or an internal groove, effectively resisting axial displacement. In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism can comprise a cross pin or locking pin inserted through the fastening element, providing additional axial resistance and further securing the fastening element within the bore.

The rotation-resistant mechanism can include an element of structure operable to resist, namely prevent, rotational movement of the fastening element about the longitudinal axis within the bore. In some embodiments the rotation-resistant mechanism can comprise an expandable snap, such as a clip or spring-loaded snap, that expands upon insertion, so as to engage securely with the bore, effectively locking the fastening element in place and resisting rotation. In some embodiments the rotation-resistant mechanism can comprise twist-locking lugs at the end of the fastening element, after insertion, these lugs rotate into corresponding recesses within the bore, creating a locking configuration that inhibits rotation. In some embodiments the rotation-resistant mechanism can comprise a wedge mechanism in which a wedge or cam is positioned within the bore and then twisted or tightened, expanding against the bore wall to lock in place and prevent rotational movement. In some embodiments, the rotation-resistant mechanism can comprise screws integrated along the fastening element, aligning with grooves in the bore; once in position, these set screws can be tightened to engage with the grooves, forming a secure, rotation-resistant lock. In some embodiments the rotationresistant mechanism can comprise an expandable sleeve with locking ridges on its surface, after insertion, the sleeve expands, pressing its ridged surface against the bore walls to resist any rotational movement. In some embodiments, the rotation-resistant mechanism can comprise a rotating collar with notched engagement is used, wherein the collar is rotated post-insertion to engage with slots or notches in the bore, securing the fastening element in a locked, rotationresistant position.

In some embodiments, the fastening element can comprise a shaft and a locking unit. The shaft extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 1010, at least when inserted in the bore. The locking unit can comprise the rotation-resistant mechanism including at least one deflectable portion extending from the shaft, parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis. The deflectable portion is deflectable about a deflection axis, which is parallel to or coaxial with the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis. The locking unit further comprises the axial- resistant mechanism including an arresting portion extending from the shaft and is disposed along the first refence plane. The axial -resistant mechanism major dimension constitutes an arresting portion major dimension extending along the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis. The arresting portion major dimension is larger than an arresting portion minor dimension, which extends along the axial-resistant mechanism lateral axis. The rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension constitutes a deflectable portion major dimension, which extends along the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis. A deflectable portion minor dimension is smaller than the deflectable portion major dimension and extends along the deflection axis.

In Figs. 46A-53, a fastening element 1020 is shown by way of example it being appreciated that the fastening element 1020 can be realized by many forms of structures. The fastening element 1020 of Figs. 46A-53, comprises a shaft 1080 and a locking unit 1082. The shaft 1080 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 1010, at least when inserted in the bore 1008. The locking unit 1082 comprises the rotation-resistant mechanism 1030 including a deflectable portion 1086 extending from the shaft 1080 parallel to the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060. The deflectable portion 1086 is deflectable about a deflection axis 1088 which is parallel to or coaxial with the rotation-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062. The locking unit 1082 further comprises the axial -resistant mechanism 1026 including an arresting portion 1090 extending from the shaft 1080 and is disposed along first refence plane RP1.

The axial-resistant mechanism major dimension 1040 constitutes an arresting portion major dimension 1092, best seen in Fig. 46B. The arresting portion major dimension 1092 extends along the axial -resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052. A least when viewing from a top view in an orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, the arresting portion major dimension 1092 is larger than an arresting portion minor dimension 1094, which extends along the axial- resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050. The rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension 1042 constitutes a deflectable portion major dimension 1096, which extends along the rotationresistant mechanism lateral axis 1060. A least when viewing from the top view in the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, a deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is smaller than the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 and extends along the deflection axis 1088.

The deflectable portion and the arresting portion are dimensioned to be at least partially or entirely insertable through the bore of the object.

In the description herein the deflectable portion 1086 has a reference plane including a deflectable portion lateral axis, which is coaxial with the rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axis 1060, and thus will be referred to using the same reference number 1060, and the deflection axis 1088 lies along a deflectable portion latitudinal axis which is coaxial with the rotationresistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1062 and thus will be referred to using the same reference number 1062. The deflectable portion reference plane is coplanar with the second reference plane RP2 and comprises the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 and the deflectable portion major dimension 1096.

The arresting portion 1090 has a reference plane including an arresting portion lateral axis, which is coaxial with the axial -resistant mechanism lateral axis 1050 , and thus will be referred to using the same reference number 1050, and an arresting portion latitudinal axis which is coaxial with the axial-resistant mechanism latitudinal axis 1052, and thus will be referred to using the same reference number 1052. The arresting portion reference plane is coplanar with the first reference plane RP1 and comprises the arresting portion minor dimension 1094 and the arresting portion major dimension 1092.

In some embodiments, the deflectable portion major dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the deflectable portion extending along the deflectable portion lateral axis, for example points P5 and P6 on the second reference plane RP2 in Fig. 46A. The deflectable portion minor dimension is the shortest distance between two points of the deflectable portion extending along the deflectable portion latitudinal axis. For example, points P7 and P8, shown in Fig. 46B, lie on the second reference plane RP2. Similarly, the arresting portion major dimension is the farthest distance between two points of the arresting portion extending along the arresting portion latitudinal axis, for example, points Pl and P2 on the first reference plane RP1 and the arresting portion minor dimension is the shortest distance between two points of the arresting portion extending along the arresting portion lateral axis, for example, points P3 and P4 on the first reference plane RP1. The deflectable portion major and minor dimension can be alignably or misalignably orientated relative to the arresting portion major and minor dimension.

In the present example of Figs. 46A and 46B, the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is misaligned with the arresting portion major dimension 1092 and the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is misaligned with the arresting portion minor dimension 1094. Furthermore, the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is aligned with the arresting portion minor dimension 1094 and the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is aligned with the arresting portion major dimension 1092.

The shape of the deflectable portion, at least when viewing from the top view in the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, is any shape which comprises the deflectable portion major dimension and the deflectable portion minor dimension. The shape of the arresting portion, at least when viewing from the top view in the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, is any shape which comprises the arresting portion major dimension and the arresting portion minor dimension.

Non-limiting examples of the deflectable portion shape and/or the arresting portion shape and/or the bore object shape can include: a rectangle, where the longer side constitutes the major dimension and the shorter side constitutes the minor dimension; an ellipse, having a long axis as the major dimension and a short axis as the minor dimension; and an oblong, resembling an elongated rectangle with a longer dimension, constituting the major dimension, which is longer relative to the shorter dimension constituting the minor dimension; a capsule, which comprises a rectangular central body with semicircular ends, the length of the rectangle forming the major dimension and the diameter of the semicircles forming the minor dimension; a teardrop or tapered oval, where one end of the shape is broader and constituting the major dimension, and tapers to a narrower end constituting the minor dimension; a parallelogram, wherein the height and width correspond to the minor and major dimensions, respectively, and a lemniscate or figure-eight shape, which, while symmetrical, may exhibit a longer axis along one dimension constituting the major dimension and a shorter axis constituting the minor dimension.

In the present example of Figs. 46A and 46B, the deflectable portion 1086, at least when viewing from the top view in the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, is shaped as an oval- like shape comprising the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 which constitutes the minor axis of the oval-like shape, and the deflectable portion major dimension 1096, which constitutes the major axis of the oval-like shape. The arresting portion 1090, at least when viewing from the top view in the orientation of the longitudinal axis 1010, is shaped as an ovallike shape, comprising the arresting portion minor dimension 1094 which constitutes the minor axis of the oval -like shape and the arresting portion major dimension 1092, which constitutes the major axis of the oval -like shape.

The deflectable portion can be arranged to be axially spaced along the longitudinal axis from the arresting portion. The deflectable portion can be positioned axially above the arresting portion at a greater proximity to an upper end of the fastening element than the arresting portion, or the deflectable portion can be positioned axially below the arresting portion. In some embodiments, the deflectable portion can be arranged to be spaced apart from the arresting portion along an axis which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the deflectable portion and the arresting portion can be integrally formed into the same structure. In some embodiments, the arresting portion is dimensioned so as to be insertable through the bore. For example, the length of the arresting portion major dimension and the minor dimension is not larger than the length of the respective bore major dimension and minor dimension.

In some embodiments, the deflectable portion peripheral walls are dimensioned to be inserted within the bore. Accordingly, a length measured along the deflectable portion lateral axis between the peripheral walls is substantially equal to or at least not larger than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension.

As seen in Figs. 46A and 46B, the deflectable portion 1086 is arranged to be axially spaced along the longitudinal axis 1010 and above the arresting portion 1090, being at a greater proximity to upper end 1049 of the fastening element 1020.

As seen in Fig. 46C, the arresting portion 1090 is formed with a peripheral wall 1100 extending along the longitudinal axis 1010 between an upper surface 1102 and a lower surface 1104. The arresting portion 1090 is dimensioned so as to be insertable through the bore 1008. A length of the arresting portion major dimension 1092 and of the arresting portion minor dimension 1094 is the same or slightly less than the length of the respective bore major dimension 1070 and the bore minor dimension 1072. In some embodiments, the entire upper surface and/or lower surface of the arresting portion or at least its majority is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010, namely it is substantially flat and is parallel to the first reference plane RP1.

In some embodiments, the entire upper surface 1102 or lower surface of the arresting portion 1090 or at least its majority is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010, namely it is substantially flat and is parallel to the first reference plane RP1.

In some embodiments, the upper surface or the lower surface of the arresting portion comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being more proximal to the deflectable portion than the second part. The second part can be formed with a non-flat portion that is not parallel to the first reference plane RP1, such as comprising a step or a slope inclining along the longitudinal axis 1010 towards the lower surface. Accordingly, the slope or step is at its highest point along the longitudinal axis 1010 when more proximal to the arresting portion latitudinal axis 1052 than to the arresting portion lateral axis 1050.

The extent of the second portion along a plane which is parallel or coplanar with the second reference plane RP2, can comprise an arc smaller than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the arc can extend to 30-180 degrees, such as to 90 degrees.

As seen in Figs. 46C and 46D, the upper surface 1102 comprises a first part 1110 and a second part 1112, the first part 1110 being more proximal to the deflectable portion 1086 than the second part. The second part 1112 is formed as a slope inclining along the longitudinal axis 1010 towards the lower surface 1104 and the slope extends about two diametrically opposite arcs 1114. The second parts 1112 are at least partially aligned along the longitudinal axis 1010 with the tabs 1124.

The operation of the non-flat surface is described further herein, such as with reference to Figs. 49A and 49B.

The deflectable portion is operative to deflect about the deflection axis in response to application of a force thereon. The deflectable portion can comprise one deflectable portion, a pair of deflectable portions or more, in which at least one is formed with a peripheral wall that extends along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall can be a wall of a protrusion formed with a bottom surface, which extends from the shaft to the peripheral wall. In some embodiments, the deflectable portion can comprise at least one tab, which is formed with the peripheral wall and a bottom surface extending from a bottom end of the peripheral wall toward the shaft, yet terminates prior to the shaft.

The bottom surface of the protrusion or the tab can extend from a bottom end of the peripheral wall upwardly toward the shaft and the upper surface.

The deflectable portion is operative to deflect upwardly and/or downwardly about the deflection axis relative to a deflection reference plane to a degree, which allows the deflection portion to transition from a deflected state to an undeflected state. The deflection reference plane is transverse to the longitudinal axis and, in some embodiments, is parallel to the first and second reference planes RP1 and RP2. In some embodiments, the deflectable portion is deflectable to a degree such that the bottom surface thereof is positionable to be parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis in a deflected state and is angularly positionable relative to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion is in an undeflected state.

As seen in Fig. 46E and 46F, the deflectable portion 1086 is formed with a peripheral wall 1120 that extends along the longitudinal axis 1010. The deflectable portion 1086 comprises a pair of tabs 1124, each formed with the peripheral wall 1120 and a bottom surface 1126 extending from a bottom end 1128 of the peripheral wall 1120 toward the shaft 1080 and terminates prior to the shaft 1080.

A length measured along the deflectable portion lateral axis between the two peripheral walls 1120 is substantially equal or slightly larger to the length of the bore major dimension 1070.

The deflectable portion is operative to deflect upwardly and/or downwardly about the deflection axis relative to a deflection reference plane to a degree which allows the deflection portion to transition from a deflected state to an undeflected state. The deflection reference plane is transverse to the longitudinal axis 1010 and can be parallel or coplanar with the second reference plane RP2. The deflectable portion is deflectable to a degree such that the bottom surface is positionable to be parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis in a deflected state and is angularly positionable relative to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion is in an undeflected state.

As seen in Figs. 46A-50C, the deflectable portion 1086 is operative to deflect upwardly and/or downwardly about the deflection axis 1088 relative to a deflection reference plane, to a degree which allows the deflection portion 1086 to transition from an undeflected state to a deflected state and vice versa. The deflection reference plane is transverse to the longitudinal axis 1010 and is shown to be coplanar with second reference plane RP2. The deflectable portion 1086 is deflectable to a degree such that the bottom surface 1126 is positionable to be parallel to the deflection refence plane, when the deflectable portion is deflected about the deflection axis 1088 in a deflected state, as seen in Fig. 48 A and is angularly positionable relative to the deflection reference plane, when the deflectable portion 1086 is in an undeflected state, as seen in Fig. 46A and 47A.

The deflectable portion can be formed with at least one flange or with an upper and lower flange that are spaced apart by a gap. The peripheral wall can be engaged with any one of the flanges. In some embodiments, the tabs protrude from a lower surface of any one of the flanges. The gap between the upper and lower flange along the longitudinal axis can be at least the length of the peripheral wall along the longitudinal axis, so as to allow the peripheral wall to deflect upwardly when transitioning between an undeflected state and a deflected state.

The flanges can be formed to extend along the deflectable portion lateral axis and terminate at the same lateral distance as the peripheral wall. In some embodiments, the distance of the flange along the deflectable portion lateral axis from the longitudinal axis is longer or shorter than the distance of the peripheral wall along the deflectable portion lateral axis from the longitudinal axis. In embodiments, in which said distance of the flange is longer along the deflectable portion lateral axis than the peripheral wall by a length comprising an overhang, the overhang can act as an additional arresting portion operable to resist axial movement, along the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element at least from the bore along the first direction, at the locked state, since the overhang abuts or at least overlaps the object upper surface, thereby preventing the axial movement of the fastening element downwards in the first direction.

In general, the locking unit can further comprise at least one or more additional arresting portions. In some embodiments, the additional arresting portion is formed integrally with the deflectable portion. The additional arresting portion can have a lower surface, and the tab can protrude from the additional arresting portion lower surface. In some embodiments, at least in the undeflected state, a first distance measured from the longitudinal axis to an end of the additional arresting portion along the deflectable portion lateral axis is longer than a second distance measured from the longitudinal axis to the tab wall, namely the peripheral wall, along the lateral axis. The additional arresting portion and the tab are deflectable about the deflection axis to a degree along the longitudinal axis, which is at least the length of the tab peripheral wall.

As seen in Fig. 46E, the deflectable portion 1086 is formed with an upper flange 1130 and lower flange 1132 that are spaced apart by a gap 1134. The tabs 1124 protrude from a lower surface 1136 of the lower flange 1132.

The lower flange 1132 is formed to extend along the deflectable portion lateral axis 1060, at least in the undeflected state, longer than the distance of the peripheral wall 1120 along the deflectable portion lateral axis 1060 from the longitudinal axis 1010 to an extent of a shoulder 1138, best seen in Fig. 46E. The shoulder 1138 acts as an additional arresting portion operable to resist axial movement, along the longitudinal axis 1010, of the fastening element 1020 at least from the bore 1008 along the first direction, at the locked state, since the shoulder 1138 abuts or at least overlaps the object upper surface 1004 thereby preventing the axial movement of the fastening element downwards in the first direction 1022.

The deflectable portion can be formed with resilient properties so as to be deflectable about the deflection axis. The deflectable portion can comprise a resiliency enhancer operative to promote the deflection of the deflectable portions. For example, the resiliency enhancer comprises a material with greater resiliency than the shaft or other portions of the fastening elements. In some embodiments, the resiliency enhancer comprises a recess formed in the deflectable portion extending parallel to the deflection axis. The recess can be positioned on the deflectable portion at any suitable location, such in between the tab and the shaft.

As best seen in Fig. 51, the deflectable portion 1086 is formed with resilient properties so as to be deflectable about the deflection axis. In some embodiments, the resiliency enhancer comprises a recess 1140 formed in the lower flange 1132, extending parallel to the deflection axis 1088, between the tab 1124 and the shaft 1080. In some embodiments, a single or plurality of additional arresting portions are provided in proximity to an upper end of the fastening element and/or to a lower end of the fastening element. The additional arresting portion can comprise the shoulder as described herein with reference to shoulder 1138. A length measured parallel to the deflectable portion lateral axis between the maximal ends of the additional arresting portion is not smaller and is actually larger than the length of at least one of the bore major dimension and minor dimension.

As seen in Fig. 50B, a length 1148 measured parallel to the deflectable portion lateral axis 1060 between the maximal ends of the shoulder 1138 is larger than the length of the bore major dimension 1070.

The additional arresting portion can comprise a securing element such as a pin, screw, threaded element, locking tabs, springs, grooves and the like.

As seen in Fig. 51 an additional arresting portion configured as an additional lower arresting portion 1150 is provided at a lower portion 1152 of the shaft 1080. The additional lower arresting portion 1150 comprises a flat wall 1154 formed adjacent a recess 1155 in the shaft lower portion 1152 forming a truncated circle when viewing from the top view in the orientation of longitudinal axis 1010. The flat wall 1154 is configured to abut a surface of a corresponding obround-like shaped bore 1156 formed in a connector comprising a U-like shaped central coupler 1158 shown in Fig. 55, so as to prevent the movement of the shaft 1080 at least in the first direction when in a locked state. The lower portion 1152 is inserted into bore 1156 with the flat wall 1154 not contacting the walls of bore 1156. When the fastening element 1020 is rotated to the locked state, the flat wall 1154 is positioned to abut the corresponding wall the bore at the flat portion 1159 and thus prevent movement of the fastening element at least in the first direction.

The locking unit of the fastening element can comprise a handle positioned along the fastening element and provided for facilitating movement of the fastening element between an unlocked state to a locked state, it being appreciated that the handle is optional. The handle can be axially distanced along the longitudinal axis from the arresting portion and the deflectable portion. The handle can be formed in any shape allowing rotation of the fastening element thereby. In some embodiments, the handle has a major dimension along a handle lateral axis, parallel to any one of the axial-resistant and rotation-resistant mechanism lateral axes, and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension along the deflection axis. The handle major dimension may be aligned or misaligned with respect to the arresting portion minor dimension.

The handle can be formed with a protrusion operative to allow manual gripping thereof or mechanical gripping by a gripping tool, such as a screw driver or plier, for rotation of the fastening element between the unlocked state and locked state. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion constitutes two protrusions formed with a gap therebetween which is of a dimension compatible with a dimension of the gripping tool.

As seen in Fig. 46A, a handle 1160 is positioned at the upper end 1049 of the fastening element 1020 at an axial distance from the arresting portion 1090 and the deflectable portion 1086. The handle 1160 is shaped in an oval-like shape with a major dimension 1164 that is aligned with respect to the arresting portion minor dimension 1094 and the deflectable portion major dimension 1096.

The handle 1160 is formed with a two protrusions 1166 operative to allow manual or mechanical gripping thereof by a gripping tool, for rotation of the fastening element between the unlocked state and locked state and in some embodiments, vice versa. In some embodiments, the two protrusions 1166 are formed with a gap 1168 therebetween, which is of a dimension compatible with a dimension of the gripping tool.

The fastening element has an outer shell forming the body of the fastening element. The entire outer shell or at least portions thereof can comprise a smooth surface. In some embodiments, the outer shell is formed with a plurality of cavities. The cavities can be formed with an elongated dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, or alternatively the cavities can be formed with a peripheral dimension extending transversely to the longitudinal axis.

The cavities can be formed intermediate ribs, which can be formed with an elongated dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the ribs can be formed with a peripheral dimension extending transversely to the longitudinal axis.

The cavities cause the reduction of the weight of the fastening element, which enhances its suitability for use in systems or structures requiring buoyancy, such as the floating structures described herein. Furthermore, the elongated dimension of the cavities can be formed to transverse an injection molding direction in which injection molding material is injected for manufacturing the fastening element. The injection molding direction can be transverse to the longitudinal axis and even orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, such as along a lateral axis. The elongated cavities enable lateral injection molding along the lateral axis across the entire or most of the length of the longitudinal axis. By directing the injection molding from the lateral direction, material flow is optimized along the fastening element’s length, ensuring even distribution of the material and reducing the risk of air entrapment. This configuration improves the injection molding process by achieving faster fill times, enhancing structural integrity, and ensuring a uniform material distribution throughout the fastening element.

It is noted that the term “injection modleing” can include any manufacturing process where a material is injected into a mold cavity taking the cavity shape before being ejected as a finished part.

In some embodiments, a single or plurality of peripheral ribs can be formed about the longitudinal axis, such as at locations, which an additional object is operable to apply a shear force on the fastening element. The peripheral ribs provide reinforcement to the fastening element for resisting the shear forces applied on the fastening element.

As seen in Fig. 52, the fastening element 1020 has an outer shell 1170 forming the body of the fastening element 1020. The entire outer shell 1170 or at least portions thereof can comprise a smooth surface, such as shown in Figs. 46A-46F. In some embodiments, the outer shell 1170 is formed with a plurality of cavities 1172. The cavities 1172 are formed with an elongated dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 1010.

The cavities 1172 are formed intermediate elongated ribs 1176, comprising an elongated dimension extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 1010. Peripheral ribs 1178 are formed with a peripheral dimension extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 1010 and transversing the elongated ribs 1176.

The elongated dimension of the cavities 1172 can be formed to transverse an injection molding direction 1180 in which injection molding material is injected for manufacturing the fastening element 1020. The injection molding direction 1180 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1010 and extends along a transvers axis 1182. The elongated cavities 1172 enable lateral injection molding along the lateral axis 1182 across the entire or most of the length of the longitudinal axis 1010.

A plurality of peripheral ribs 1178 are formed about the longitudinal axis 1010 at locations, at which an additional object is operable to apply a shear force in the orientation of lateral axis 1182 on the fastening element 1020. The peripheral ribs 1178 provide reinforcement to the fastening element 1020 for resisting the shear forces applied on the fastening element 1020.

In some embodiments, the fastening element is thus positionable in at least one of the following states: in an unlocked state, in which the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension and/or the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension; and in a locked state, in which the axial-resistant mechanism major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension, and/or the rotation-resistant mechanism major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension.

In some embodiments, the deflectable portion is positionable to deflect upwardly above the upper surface of the object when the deflectable portion major dimension is misaligned with the bore major dimension in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and to pressably engage the bore wall when the deflectable portion major dimension is aligned with the bore major dimension at a locked state.

In some embodiments, the arresting portion is dimensioned to be inserted through the bore from the first direction when the major dimension of the arresting portion is aligned with the major dimension of the bore in an unlocked state of the fastening element; and is dimensioned to be engaged with the lower surface of the object when the major dimension of the arresting portion is positioned to be misaligned with the major dimension of the bore at the locked state.

The fastening element is further lockable to the object in a locked state by rotation of the fastening element within the bore about the longitudinal axis from an unlocked state to the locked state. In some embodiments, the rotation from an unlocked state to the locked state is to a 90-degree angle. In some embodiments, the rotation from an unlocked state to the locked state is less then a 90-degree angle. In some embodiments, the rotation from an unlocked state to the locked state is between a 45 to 90-degree angle. In some embodiments, the rotation from an unlocked state to the locked state is more then a 90-degree angle. In some embodiments, the rotation from an unlocked state to the locked state is less then a 45-degree angle.

In a general, not limiting example, the locking of the fastening element to the object can be performed as follows: Initially at a first assembly stage of inserting the fastening element in an unlocked state into the bore along the first direction, the arresting portion major and minor dimensions are aligned with the respective bore major and minor dimensions, thereby allowing the arresting portion to be insertable into the bore. The deflectable portion major and minor dimensions are misaligned with the respective bore major and minor dimensions and thus cannot be inserted through the bore. The deflection portion is positioned on the upper surface of the object in an undeflected state.

At a second assembly stage, the fastening element is further inserted into the bore along the first direction, such that the arresting portion is inserted through the bore. The arresting portion is positioned at least partially under the lower surface of the object and thus pressing thereupon, thereby causing the upper surface of the object to press upon the deflectable portion to a deflected state.

At a third assembly stage, the fastening element is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The arresting portion remains at least partially under the lower surface of the object and the deflectable portion is above the upper surface of the object in its deflected state. As the fastening element is rotated, the arresting portion major and minor dimensions are misaligned with the respective bore major and minor dimensions

At a fourth assembly stage, the rotation ceases when the deflectable portion major and minor dimensions are aligned with the respective bore major and minor dimensions. The deflectable portion is no longer pressed above the upper surface of the object and therefore resumes to its undeflected state. The deflectable portion, now aligned with the bore, is insertable into the bore. The undeflected deflectable portion presses against the walls of the bore, thereby preventing the rotation of the fastening element within the object.

The arresting portion major and minor dimensions are misaligned with the respective bore major and minor dimensions, such that an overlapping surface of the arresting portion, overlaps a corresponding surface of the object. The overlapping surface is positioned under the lower surface of the object either with direct contact therewith or at a distance therefrom, thereby preventing the axial movement of the fastening element at least in the second direction, thus locking the fastening element to the object into a locked state. The locking is also performed by pressing the rotation-resistant mechanism against the wall of the bore thereby preventing the rotation of the fastening element within the object.

In some embodiments, the axial-resistant mechanism and rotation-resistant mechanisms allows the fastening element to be screwlessly locked within the object.

In some embodiments, removal of the fastening element from the object can be performed by rotating, at some times forcefully, the fastening element to release the deflectable portion from the bore walls and by axially lifting the fastening element away from the bore.

In operation, the locking of the fastening element to the object can be performed in a number of stages as shown in the example of Figs. 47A-50C.

Fig. 47 A, shows the fastening element prior to being inserted into the bore 1008 of the object 1002.

Figs. 47B and 47C show the first assembly stage of inserting the fastening element 1020 in an unlocked state into the bore 1008 in the first direction 1022. The arresting portion major dimension 1092 and minor dimension 1094 are aligned with the respective bore major dimension 1070 and minor dimension 1072, shown in dashed lines, thereby allowing the arresting portion 1090 to be insertable into the bore 1008. The deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070 yet is aligned with the bore minor dimension 1072. Similarly, the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 yet is aligned with the bore major dimension 1070 and thus cannot be inserted through the bore 1008. The deflectable portion 1086 is positioned on the object upper surface 1004 in an undeflected state, such that the contact between the object upper surface 1004 and the tabs 1124 is at the tab bottom end 1128. The tab bottom surface 1126 is positioned and an incline or angularly relative to the deflection reference plane, which is coplanar with the second reference plane RP2, shown in Fig. 46A.

Figs. 48 A and 48B show the second assembly stage. The fastening element 1020 is further inserted into the bore 1008 along the first direction 1022, such that the arresting portion 1090 is inserted through the bore 1008. The arresting portion 1090 is positioned at least - I l l - partially under the lower surface 1006 of the object 1002 and thus pressing upon the lower surface 1006, thereby causing the upper surface 1104 of the object to press upon the deflectable portion 1086. This causes the tabs 1124 to deflect upwardly about the deflection axis 1088 to a deflected state. The tab bottom surface 1126 is substantially parallel to the deflection reference plane.

Figs. 49A and 49B show the third assembly stage. The fastening element 1020 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state. The arresting portion 1090 remains at least partially under the lower surface 1006 of the object 1002 and the deflectable portion 1086 is above the upper surface 1004 of the object 1002 in its deflected state. As the fastening element 1020 is rotated, the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070 and is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072. Similarly, the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 and is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070. In the example shown in Figs. 46A-50C, the arresting portion second parts 1112 are formed with a slope and thus there is no direct contact with the second part 1112 and the bottom surface 1006 of the object 1002. Therefore, the second part 1112 does not apply pressure on the bottom surface 1004 of the object 1002. In turn, less pressure is applied by the upper surface 1004 of the object 1002 on the tabs 1124. The tabs are at least partially free of pressure formed by contact between the arresting portion second part 1112 and the lower surface 1006 of the object 1002, causing the tabs to deflect upwardly more gradually that had the second part 1124 been formed as a flat surface. In embodiments in which the second part 1112 is omitted and the entire upper surface of the arresting portion is flat, contact and friction is established between the entire upper surface of the arresting portion and the bottom surface of the object. This friction causes a great degree of pressure to be applied on the tabs during the rotation of the fastening element, causing rapid deflection of the tabs.

Figs. 50A-50C show the fourth assembly stage. The rotation ceases when the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is aligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 and the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is aligned with the bore major dimension 1070. The deflectable portion 1086 is no longer pressed above the upper surface 1004 of the object 1002 and therefore resumes to its undeflected state. The deflectable portion, now aligned with the bore, is insertable into the bore. The peripheral walls 1120 of the tabs 1124 of the undeflected deflectable portion 1086 press against the wall 1009 of the bore 1008, thereby preventing the rotation of the fastening element within the object.

The arresting portion major dimension 1092 and minor dimension 1094 are misaligned with the respective bore major dimension 1070 and minor dimension 1072, such that an overlapping surface 1150 of the arresting portion 1090, overlaps a corresponding surface 1152 of the object 1102. The overlapping surface 1150 is positioned under the lower surface 1006 of the object 1002 either with direct contact therewith or at a distance therefrom, thereby preventing the axial movement of the fastening element 1020 at least in the second direction 1028, thus locking the fastening element 1020 to the object 1002 into a locked state.

As described herein, the fastening element, in some embodiments, can comprise an additional arresting portion, such as shoulder 1138.

In some embodiments, the deflectable portion is positioned along the fastening element away from the upper end at an axial distance, which has a length for accommodating an additional object. Such an additional object may include another plate or an object of any shape and use. In a non-limiting example, the additional object can be a part of a float, such as the flat upper portion of a float, such as shown in Fig. 1 A.

As shown in Fig 46E, the deflectable portion 1086 is positioned along the fastening element 1020 away from the upper end, at an axial distance of the gap 1132 formed between an upper flange 1130 and lower flange 1132. The gap 1132 has a length for accommodating an additional object, shown as a plate 1160 in Fig. 53.

A floating structure can comprise the fastening arrangement 1000 described herein. The fastening arrangement 1000 can be utilized as a float interconnecting arrangement for the floating structure for connecting a first float to a second float, the first float is formed with an upper surface, a lower surface and a first bore extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis. The second float is formed with a second bore operative to be interconnected with the first float. In a non-limiting example, the floating structures are as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 A-34 and Figs. 54A-54G. The first float and/or the second float can include any one of the floats described herein with reference to Figs. 1 A-34 and Figs. 54A-54G. The first bore is formed with a bore minor dimension and bore major dimension, as described herein with reference to Figs. 44-53.

The first float and the second float can be connected directly or via a connector, which can include any one of the connectors described herein with reference to Figs. 1 A-34 and Figs. 54A-55.

As seen in the example of Figs. 54A-54G, a floating structure comprises a float interconnecting arrangement 1200, shown in Fig. 54C. The float interconnecting arrangement 1200 comprises the first float 1202 which can constitute the first object and can include any one of the floats formed with a ledge 1206. The floating structure can comprise a plurality of bores. The ledge 1206 is formed with at least a first bore 1208 shaped in an oval-like shape, as shown in Fig. 54A. The second object can include one or more of a second float 1210 formed with a float second bore 1212 and a connector 1220 formed with a connector second bore 1222. The second bore can be shaped in a circular shape conforming to the shape of the shaft of the fastening element as shown in Fig. 54B. Another exemplary connector second bore is shown in Fig. 55, in which the connector 1158 comprises the connector second bore 1156 that can be shaped with a flat portion 1159.

A connecting mechanism is operable for connecting the connector to the second float 1210 as shown in Fig. 54C. The connecting mechanism can comprise any form for connecting the connector to the second float. The connecting mechanism comprises a connector connecting portion formed on the connector which connects with a corresponding second float connecting portion formed on the second float. In the example shown in Figs. 54B and 54C, the connector connecting portion 1230 generally comprises a cavity 1232 configured to receive the corresponding second float connecting portion formed as a protrusion 1234, which is similar to the protrusion 1238 shown on the first float 1202. The protrusion 1234 is formed with the float second bore 1212.

As described with reference to the fastening arrangement 1000 herein, the connection between the first float and the second float via the connector can be established by the fastening element 1020, described herein. The assembly of the fastening element with the first object, here constituted by the first float, is performed similarly as described with reference to Figs. 47A-50C. Figs. 54D and 54E show the first assembly stage of inserting the fastening element 1020 in an unlocked state into the first bore 1208 in the first direction 1022 and into the float second bore 1212 and the connector second bore 1222. The arresting portion major dimension 1092 and minor dimension 1094, as shown in Figs 47B and 47C, are aligned with the respective first bore major dimension and minor dimension, which constitute the bore major dimension 1070 and minor dimension 1072, thereby allowing the arresting portion 1090 to be insertable into the bore 1208. As described and shown in Figs 47B and 47C, the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070 yet is aligned with the bore minor dimension 1072. Similarly, the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 yet is aligned with the bore major dimension 1070 and thus cannot be inserted through the bore 1208. The deflectable portion 1086 is positioned on the upper surface 1244 of the first float 1202 in an undeflected state, such that the contact between the first float upper surface 1244 and the tabs 1124 is at the tab bottom end 1128. The tab bottom surface 1126 is positioned and an incline or angularly relative to the deflection reference plane, which is coplanar with the second reference plane RP2, shown in Fig. 46A.

The second assembly stage is as shown and described in Figs. 48A and 48B.

Fig. 54F shows the third assembly stage. The fastening element 1020 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state. The arresting portion 1090 remains at least partially under a lower surface 1246 of the first float 1202 and the deflectable portion 1086 is above the upper surface 1244 of the first float 1202 in its deflected state. As the fastening element 1020 is rotated, the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070 and is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072. Similarly, the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is misaligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 and is misaligned with the bore major dimension 1070 as shown and described in Figs. 49A and 49B.

Fig. 54G shows the fourth assembly stage. The rotation ceases when the deflectable portion minor dimension 1098 is aligned with the bore minor dimension 1072 and the deflectable portion major dimension 1096 is aligned with the bore major dimension 1070, as described and shown in Figs. 50A-50C. The deflectable portion 1086 is no longer pressed above the upper surface 1244 and therefore resumes to its undeflected state. The deflectable portion, now aligned with the first bore 1208, is insertable into the first bore 1208. The peripheral walls 1120 of the tabs 1124 of the undeflected deflectable portion 1086 press against the wall 1009 of the first bore 1208 as described and shown in Figs. 50A-50C, thereby preventing the rotation of the fastening element within the object.

The arresting portion major dimension 1092 and minor dimension 1094 are misaligned with the respective bore major dimension 1070 and minor dimension 1072, such that an overlapping surface of the arresting portion 1090, overlaps a corresponding surface of the first float 1202. The overlapping surface is positioned under the lower surface 1246 either with direct contact therewith or at a distance therefrom, thereby preventing the axial movement of the fastening element 1020 at least in the second direction 1028, thus locking the fastening element 1020 to the first float into a locked state. Since the fastening element is inserted into the float second bore 1212 and the connector second bore 1222, the locking of the fastening element 1020 to the first float secures the fastening element 1020 in the float second bore 1212 and the connector second bore 1222, and thereby connecting the first float to the second float.

Utilizing the fastening element comprising the axial-resistant mechanism and the rotational resistant mechanism stabilizes the floating structure. The floating structure is subjected to axial forces in any one or both of the first direction and second direction, and further to rotational forces , due to the wind and wave forces which are applied on the floating structure at many unpredictable angles or directions, thereby providing a robust and sturdy floating structure.

In some embodiments, the fastening element is formed with peripheral ribs for resisting the shear forces applied on the fastening element. For example, the shear forces can be applied at the locations in which the bores of the fastening element contact the fastening element.

In the example shown in Figs. 54A-54G the fastening element 1020 is inserted and locked into bores of the first bore 1208 of the first float and float second bore 1212 of the second float 1210 and the connector second bore 1222 of the connector 1220, thereby shear forces are applied on the fastening element 1020 at the locations in which it is inserted in these bores. As described and shown in Fig. 52, the peripheral ribs 1178 provide reinforcement to the fastening element 1020 for resisting the shear forces applied on the fastening element 1020. While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present specification should not be limited by the embodiments described and depicted herein.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

1. A floating photovoltaic (PV) arrangement for supporting at least one PV module having at least one support region, the arrangement comprising: a first elongate float; and a second elongate float having an end that is interconnected to a side of the first elongate float, wherein at least one of the floats comprises at least one mounting location for supporting the PV module via the at least one support region thereof.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first float comprises first and second spaced apart mounting locations for supporting the PV module at respective first and second support regions thereof.

3. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the second float comprises a third mounting location for supporting the PV module at a third support region thereof.

4. The arrangement of claim 3, wherein: a first side of the PV module comprises the first and second support regions; and a second side of the PV module comprises the third support region.

5. The arrangement of claim 4, wherein the three support regions define respective vertices of an imaginary triangular shape.

6. The arrangement of claim 5, wherein the triangular shape is substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle, wherein the first and second support regions define a base of the isosceles triangle.

7. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a respective mount for interconnecting the at least one support region of the PV module to the at least one mounting location.

8. The arrangement of claim 7 as appended to claim 4, comprising first and second mounts for interconnecting the first and second support regions of the PV module to the first and second mounting locations, respectively.

9. The arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a third mount for interconnecting the third support region of the PV module to the third mounting location.

10. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein each mount has a substantially identical cross- sectional shape.

11. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the first and second mounts have a first length, and the third mount has a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

12. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein each mount comprises: a forward portion configured to be secured to a corresponding support region of the PV module; and a rearward portion configured to be mounted to a corresponding mounting location.

13. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the forward portion of each mount comprises a mouth for receiving a respective support region of the PV module, each mouth having: an upper jaw arranged to at least partially overlie a frame of the PV module; and a lower jaw arranged to at least partially underlie the PV module.

14. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein the respective rearward portions of the first and second mounts are mountable to the first and second mounting locations, respectively.

15. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the mounts are configured to maintain the PV module in a tilted position whereby the second side of the PV module is raised higher than the first side.

16. The arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a raiser secured to the at least one mounting location, the raiser being operable to raise the PV module at the at least one support region thereof.

17. The arrangement of claim 16 as appended to any one of claims 3, wherein the raiser comprises the third mounting location for supporting the PV module at the third support region thereof.

18. The arrangement of claim 16, wherein the raiser is in the form of a third float, which is inverted such that the third mounting location thereof is coupled to the second float.

19. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein: the PV module is substantially rectangular; the first float is generally aligned with a first side of the PV module; and the second float is generally perpendicular to the first float.

20. The arrangement of claim 19 as appended to claim 18, wherein the third float is parallel to the first float.

21. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising an opposing PV module and an opposing first float, each of which are arranged to mirror the PV module and the first float, respectively, wherein the respective sides of the PV modules which are adjacent one another are each interconnected to the second float.

22. The arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a connector for interconnecting the end of the first float to the side of the second float, the connector comprising: a first portion for sealing an opening of the first float; and a second portion having at least one connection element projecting therefrom towards the side of the second float and being adapted for connection therewith.

23. A floating photovoltaic support system comprising a plurality of arrangements according to claim 1 arranged in a gridlike formation.

24. A kit for forming a floating photovoltaic support system of claim 23, comprising: a plurality of floats for supporting the PV modules; and a plurality of mounts for interconnecting the PV modules to the floats and optionally further comprising a plurality of connectors for interconnection of the floats.

25. The arrangement of claim 1 for connecting the first float to the second float via a connector, the first float being formed with an upper surface, a lower surface and a first bore extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, the connector formed with a second bore operative to be interconnected with the first float, the float interconnecting arrangement comprising: the first float; a fastening element insertable at least within the first bore and the second bore in a first direction along the longitudinal axis and lockable within the first float and the second float in a locked state, comprising: an axial-resistant mechanism operable to resist axial movement along the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element at least from the first bore along a second direction opposite the first direction, at the locked state; and a rotation-resistant mechanism operable to resist rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, of the fastening element in the first bore at the locked state.