Marine structure that is resistant to storm damage

Abstract

A marine structure that is resistant to storm damage has been developed. The structure includes a structural frame and slats that are attached to the structural frame to form a surface of the marine structure. The slats are installed with a width to gap ratio between 2.29:1 and 2.40:1. This configuration minimizes the surface area of the marine structure exposed to a storm surge while still providing a comfortable surface for a user.

1 . A marine structure, comprising: 
 a structural frame; and    a plurality of slats that are attached to the structural frame to form a surface of the marine structure, where the plurality of slats has a width to gap ratio between 2.29:1 and 2.40:1.    
   
   
       2 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the width to gap ratio is 2.33:1.  
   
   
       3 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats each have a width of 1¾ inches and a gap between each slat of ¾ inches.  
   
   
       4 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats each have a width of 1½ inches and a gap between each slat of ⅝ inches.  
   
   
       5 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats each have a width of 2 inches and a gap between each slat of ⅞ inches.  
   
   
       6 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats are attached to the structural frame with screws.  
   
   
       7 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats are attached to the structural frame with nails.  
   
   
       8 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats are each 1 inch in height.  
   
   
       9 . The marine structure of  claim 1 , where the plurality of slats each includes rounded corners.  
   
   
       10 . The marine structure of  claim 9 , where the rounded corners have a radius of ¼ inch.  
   
   
       11 . A marine structure, comprising: 
 a structural frame; and    means for providing a surface for the marine structure with a plurality of slats attached to the structural frame, where the slats have a width to gap ratio between 2.29:1 and 2.40:1.    
   
   
       12 . A pier, comprising: 
 a structural frame comprising pilings and cross beams that are attached to the pilings; and    a plurality of slats the are attached to the cross beams to form a surface of the pier, where the slats have a width of about 1¾ inches and where the gap between slats is about ¾ inches.    
   
   
       13 . The pier of  claim 12 , where the plurality of slats are attached to the cross beams with screws.  
   
   
       14 . The pier of  claim 12 , where the plurality of slats are attached to the cross beams with nails.