Abstract: A floating platform has a floating member. The floating member is attached to another object, which may be fixed to the earth or it may be a floating object such as a floating dock or a vessel. At least two guide posts each have a horizontal blade extending from them. Each blade slidably engages a bracket that is mounted to the object, with the slidable blade permitting horizontal adjustment of the distance of the floating member from the object. The floating member has at least two horizontal receptacles extending through the floating member. Guide posts slidably engage the receptacles, permitting the floating member to move vertically relative to the guide posts, which fix the floating member's horizontal position relative to the object.

Abstract: A modular pier including: a plurality of connectable pier sections wherein each pier section includes a frame having a top, a bottom, at least one transverse frame member, a first transverse end frame member, a second transverse end frame member, a first longitudinal side frame member and a second longitudinal side frame member, at least one longitudinal anti-torsion member, at least one male connector, attached to the first end of the frame of each pier section; and at least one female connector, attached to the second end of the frame of each pier section, the at least one male connector including a first rod member and a second rod member; the second rod member being proximate the first rod member and lower the first rod member in relation to the top of the pier section; the at least one female connector including a first receiver for receiving the first rod member; and a second receiver for receiving the second rod member; the second rod member receiver being proximate the first rod member receiver and lo

Abstract: The coupling includes first gripping members which are connected, facing on one and the same level on corresponding mounting bodies, to respective structures, and second gripping members mounted so as to slide vertically on the first gripping members in order to secure pneumatic covers in two diametrically opposed regions thereof with the collaboration of threaded rods. The gripping members and provide retention walls that extend towards the mounting bodies by means of horizontal retention flanges. The second gripping members have walls with holes for the passage of screws during fitting thereof to the mounting bodies.

Abstract: A hinge connector for connecting adjoining floating dock sections formed from a pair of hinge halves. Each hinge half has a top flat surface, a downwardly directed leg having a lower leg portion. A plurality of hinge knuckle loops is formed on each leaf and hinge pin sleeve sections are fastened therein. When the two hinge leaves are brought together with their respective hinge knuckle loops/hinge pin sleeve sections interleaved and aligned, a hinge pin is inserted axially through the hinge pin sleeve sections, the two hinge halves are each free to rotate around the hinge pin. An orthogonal relationship exists between the top flat surface and the lower leg portion of the downwardly directed leg portion. This allows the floating dock hinge to be connected to both a horizontal surface such as the top deck of a floating and a vertical surface such as the edge of a floating dock module to maximize the strength of the hinged joint between modules.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved bracket and method for constructing a dock or deck over water on a rocky shore line or on a hard rock face. The present invention includes a base bracket structure having opposite first and second ends, the base bracket being mountable to the rock by a plurality of anchor bolts. A boom having opposite first and second ends is pivotally connected to the base bracket structure adjacent the first end of the angle brackets such that the boom can be set at an angle relative to the base bracket structure, the boom being configured to mount the deck or dock thereon. The improved structure further includes a support rod having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the support rod being pivotally connected to the base bracket structure. The support rod is coupled to the boom by a connector joint located on the boom at a point on the boom between the booms opposite first and second ends.

Abstract: A concrete floating dock can be formed using a form that has an inner and an outer form. Concrete sections can be cast such that they include a deck portion and two longitudinally extending side walls that extend downwardly from the deck portion. The concrete sections can be removed from the form and coupled together to form a concrete floating dock. One or more buoyancy elements can be positioned in the cavities of the fully cured concrete sections before or after the concrete sections are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.

Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing and installing docks is provided that use a scaffold cantilever adjustable frame construction and alignment tool (SCAFCAT) to build and install docks in a manner that prevents, or at least lessens, damage to the environment immediately adjacent to an area in which a structure is to be installed. More specifically, the SCAFCAT is ideally suited for the construction of docks over constantly varying water levels or in environmentally sensitive areas where construction traffic could be detrimental to the local ecosystem. Use of the SCAFCAT system also reduces construction time and costs.

Abstract: An extension for a dock including a platform having a one or more sleeves in which accessory members can be inserted and secured/locked. The platform is pivotally attached to a foundation member, which may be engaged to a pier or a dock, so that the platform from rotate from a operating position, parallel to the dock or pier's surface, to a stored position, perpendicular to the dock or pier's surface.

Abstract: A wave-attenuating system. The wave-attenuating system includes a flexible, resilient barrier member that is disposed in a body of water and oriented to interrupt and dissipate the wave action of oncoming waves. The barrier member desirably is constructed from a substantially neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant material so that the overall depth, length, and/or thickness can be increased as needed for a particular application while adding little deadweight to the system in water. The barrier member can be supported by a flotation device in a floating breakwater, or alternatively, the barrier member can be secured to a stationary structure in a fixed breakwater.

Abstract: A modular pier includes a plurality of modular pier sections. The plurality of modular pier sections includes at least a first pier section and a second pier section wherein the pier sections include a frame having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The pier sections include a catch bar running transversely across the second end of the frame of the pier sections. The modular pier also includes latch assemblies located on the second end of the frame of the pier sections. The latch assembly of the second pier section is operable to engage the catch bar of the first pier section to connect the first pier section to the second pier section.

Abstract: A portable mooring dock for a boat for allowing a user to secure and safely anchor one's boat along a shoreline. The portable mooring dock for a boat includes boat connectors being fastenable to a boat; and also includes a boat mooring assembly being attached to the boat connectors, and including elongate support members and elongate cross member, and also including ground securement members for securing the elongate support members to a ground; and further includes a floatation assembly being connected to the boat mooring assembly to facilitate floatation of the boat mooring assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing successive segments of a segmented dock. A suspension structure is connected to a previously installed segment of dock. The suspension structure includes a frame rotator for rotating a dock frame from an inverted position atop the previously installed dock segment to an extended position substantially parallel to the previously installed dock segment. The suspension structure suspends the frame in place while decking is added to the frame. Once the decking is installed, the person installing the dock may move onto the suspended segment in order to sink support poles from the suspended dock segment.

Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The concrete shell further includes a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete structural side flanges extending along the length of each side wall and a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete end flanges extending along the length of each end wall. Each flange is of sufficient thickness to permit direct attachment of mooring accessories and dock hinges for interconnecting adjacent float sections without additional structural components such as conventional timber wales.

Abstract: A dock support bracket has a central clamp of general C shape having an internal channel and opposing first and second side arms. The bracket has a clamping screw and a first beam mounting base on the first side arm and has an abutment and a second beam mounting base on the second side arm. The second beam mounting base is angular to the second side arm and to the first beam mounting base. Dock section beams can be mounted on the respective mounting bases of the bracket to form a dock. A dock support post can be received within the channel of the clamp, and pressed by the clamping screw of the first side arm against slippage on the post. Docks formed using the bracket have minimal or no side projecting hardware.

Abstract: The removable pier support system of the present invention comprises a plurality of folding pier support posts. Each post has a platform section having a horizontal base plate for supporting the post on a bed of a body of water. The base plate has a lower surface which in use rests on the bed. An anchoring probe extends from the lower surface of the base plate, and a support arm section extends upwardly from the horizontal base plate. A folding arm section is coupled to the support arm section. The folding arm section is movable between a first position extending upwardly from the support arm section and a second lying adjacent the support arm section. A pivot mechanism couples the support arm section and the folding arm section to one another. The pivot mechanism comprises two sets of cooperating pins and slots with the pins disposed on one section and the slots positioned in the other. The pins are vertically aligned, and include a pivot pin and a locking pin.

Abstract: A combination step and ramp apparatus for floating docks for providing safety for boaters ascending and descending the floating dock.

Abstract: A seasonal dock having a self-stowing lifting device having a mounting structure, a tower structure, and a platform structure, where the tower structure and platform structure are hinged to the mounting structure, and the tower structure stows inside the platform structure when not in use. The tower structure is about 80% of the length of the platform structure. In operation, cables are attached from the platform structure to the tower structure such that they are at about 45 degrees to each other, and another cable is attached from the tower structure to a winch.

Abstract: A portable modular boat dock system of improved assembly and disassembly, which comprises a plurality of dock sections, a leg supporting unit for pivotal, detachable connection to a shoreward end of each dock section, a releasable latching unit for connection of adjacent dock sections to prevent both vertical and lateral relative movement, a lever-releasable unit for extending a telescoping foot for each leg for lake bed height adjustment, and improved accessory mounting structure. This system provides for simple installation of the dock without use of wheels, floats or standard tools.

Abstract: A dynamic ramp interface system to allow a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship to unload and load onto a pier, floating storage facility, or other ship during high sea states. The dynamic ramp interface system includes a motion compensation damping system attached to a first platform, a first ramp also attached to the first platform leading up to the motion compensation damping system, and second ramp that is hingedly connected to a second platform and also leading to the motion compensation damping system. The motion compensation damping system includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a series of interconnected hollow bladders, and a pivot support structure. Through this arrangement, the top plate is allowed to pivot relative to the bottom plate, with the bladder system providing a damping effect. The first ramp is slideably in communication with the top plate by means of a set of articulated fingers. The second ramp is also slideably in communication with the top plate.

Abstract: A float unit includes a number of corrugated side surfaces and a number of holed ears each formed between each two adjacent side corrugated surfaces. One of the corrugated side surfaces of one float unit engages with that of another float unit to provide friction therebetween to thereby reliably prevent from disengagement between the float units.

Abstract: A portable dock system consisting of aluminum tubular longitudinal and transverse elements, arranged to provide high torsional rigidity. The design incorporates an integral handle for installation and a guide and clamp system for leg installation. These elements permit the easy installation of the dock without use of floats, wheels or hinges.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination wheeled boat duck and lift which is portable for easy, convenient, and safe movement to and use in almost any location about a body of water. The boat dock and lift comprises a pair of wing decks hingedly attached to a forward main deck. The wing decks can be folded upon the hinged joints for easy transportation of the boat dock and lift and are vertically adjustable with jackscrew means to provide a level surface relative to the main deck for a user to safely walk thereupon. The wing decks and main deck cooperatively define a boat receiving space therebetween with a lift frame base adjustably mounted in the boat receiving space. A winch mechanism is used to raise and lower the lift frame base relative to the wing decks and the main deck. This boat dock and lift provides the user with convenient and safe access to his/her boat from any side thereof.

Abstract: A first plate pivotally mounted to a second plate is secured to a shoreline, wherein the second plate includes a central bore rotatably receiving a bridge plate axle therethrough, wherein the bridge plate axle is mounted orthogonally oriented relative to a plurality of parallel pontoons, wherein the pontoons include forward pointed ends and rear rudders to permit pivotment of the pontoons within the second plate accommodating various directions of current flow. The organization includes boat hook members mounted to a forward flange of the second plate for temporary securement of a boat thereto.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a multiple degree of freedom coupler interconnecting a floatation section and an anchoring section of a dock system. The system also comprises a drawbridge section, a gangway section and a shoreline mooring section. The multiple degree of freedom coupler prevents hanging-up of the floatation sections which is an expensive, frequently occurring problem experienced by virtually every free floating anchor/sleeve dock system currently in existence.

Abstract: A novel multiple pier section and installation assembly includes a plurality of modular pier sections, a dolly for transporting, installing and removing the individual pier sections, and a dolly locator. The pier sections have a hinged pier section interconnection system which utilizes a dual pin/slot arrangement that resists both lateral and longitudinal as well as verticla movement of the installed pier. Adjustable pier legs which can be raised or lowered from atop the pier to accommodate variations in water depth are mounted to one end of each modular pier section. The dolly includes a chassis and a pivotally mounted pier section support unit, a dolly hold down system and a pier section hold down system. The dolly and dolly locator cooperate to assure proper alignment and positioning of the dolly during installation and removal of the pier sections.

Abstract: A hinge assembly means for connecting a float to a base includes a male member means connected to one of the base and the float having a cylindrical outwardly extending boss and a female member means connected to the other of the base and the float having a cylindrical, inwardly-extending recess. A resilient, rubber-like bearing sleeve means encircles and engages the outer circumference of the boss and is of a thickness to fit between the boss and the recess to rotatably attach the recess about the outer circumference of the sleeve.

Abstract: A floating pier structure comprising a floating platform, an anchored base, and an articulated, parallelogram linkage structure pivotably connecting the platform to the base so that the platform will remain substantially level on the surface as water conditions change. The linkage is also pivoted to the base so that the platform can be swung into shore without disassembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anchoring pad (12) and hinge arrangement (45) for use with a dock structure (10) in a body of water (11). The concrete anchoring pad (12) includes a steel angle (44) and a reinforcing structure (40). A hinge (45) having a vertical and horizontal leaf (47, 46) interconnects the anchoring pad (12) to the dock structure (10) by a plurality of bolts (53, 54). Also disclosed is a chain support (56) for stabilization of the vertical support structure (29) of the dock (10).

Abstract: A boat dock assembly for retrievable extension into a body of water comprises a base section secured to the shore, a plurality of dock sections pivotally secured in an end-to-end relation by connecting hinges, legs attached to the forward end of each dock section for supporting the dock section above the surface of the body of water, and a rail system for rolling the dock sections out of the body of water by pivoting each dock section in one direction about the respective dock hinge into a spiral configuration adjacent the base, commencing with the last dock section, and for unrolling the dock sections from the spiral configuration into the body of water by sequentially pivoting each dock section in the opposite direction about the dock hinges, commencing with the first dock section. The legs which are longer than the dock sections to which they are attached have at least one knee joint to permit the legs to fold when the dock sections are rolled into the spiral configuration.

Abstract: A floating dock having individual dock sections pivotally interconnected by continuous metal hinge connectors to permit relative vertical pivoting movement between adjacent dock sections. The hinge connectors each comprise a pair of elongated metal hinge leafs pivotally interconnected by a pivot pin extending through aligned hinge loops on the hinge leafs. The hinge connectors are secured to adjoining spaced, parallel, portions of the respective dock sections with their pivot pins extending horizontally and lengthwise of the spacing therebetween and with the hinge leafs and their hinge loops bridging and closing the gap between the spaced dock sections at the level of their deck surfaces to form continuations thereof. The hinge leafs are preferably formed with depending side anchor leg portions for securing them to the dock sections, and their hinge loops are preferably located on their underside.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dock that is relatively easily assembled and disassembled. The dock comprises a number of dock sections, each of which is provided with a leg portion that engages the bottom of a lake or body of water. The opposite end of each dock section from the leg portion thereof is engaged with a preceding dock section by a locking system that facilitates erection of the dock system and maintenance thereof in the assembled condition.

Abstract: A ramp apparatus which provides access from a pier to a moored floating dock. The ramp is attached at its upper end by means of a double gimbel joint so as to permit the lateral and vertical motion of the dock and ramp. The lower end of the ramp is provided with wheels for permitting limited motion of the ramp over the dock surface. Also disclosed is a means for providing additional stability for the ramp particularly for wider ramps.

Abstract: A wheeled boat trailer of the type used to tow a boat to a body of water is provided with a walkway leading to a dock ramp hingedly coupled to the rear end of the trailer for rearward extension into the body of water after the boat has been launched. Downwardly extendable support legs are mounted to the end of the dock ramp furthest from the trailer to support the dock ramp above the water surface. A pulley mounted atop a mast removably secured to the trailer near the rear portion thereof allows a conventional front-mounted trailer winch to elevate the dock ramp while the trailer is backed into or pulled from the water. When not in use, the dock ramp may be pivoted about its hinged coupling to a stowed position extending forwardly across the trailer. The dock ramp may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and the underside of the dock ramp may incorporate rollers for engaging and supporting the keel of the boat when the dock ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A folding pontoon arrangement comprises one, or preferably two pairs of pontoons. The pontoons in each pontoon pair are mutually, pivotably connected about a hinge line at the upper side of the pontoons. One of the pontoons of each pair has a chamber situated below the hinge line, which can be opened to the outside of the pontoon via a closable connection. The second pontoon in the pontoon pair has a wheel housing with a ground wheel mounted therein under the hinge line. When the pontoon pair assumes an extended floating position and the connection is then opened, the chamber is filled with water causing the pontoon pair to fold about the hinge line. The weight of the wheel contributes to the folding tendency. If two pontoon pairs are pivotably interconnected with the aid of a third hinge joint, a pontoon unit is obtained which is a self-contained vehicle on the wheels when the pontoons are locked together in an upstanding, juxtaposed position.

Abstract: A ship to shore bridge is movable between a stowed position in which it is received in a recess formed in a quay face and effectively forms a continuation of the quay face along the length of the recess, so that the quay can be used in normal manner, and an operative position in which the ship end of the bridge is moved out of the recess by slewing of the bridge about its shore end, so that the bridge can provide access from the quay to a bow or stern door of a ship berthed alongside the remainder of the quay.

Abstract: A personnel bridge for connecting a stationary offshore working platform 1 to a floating housing platform 2. A first span 3 is vertically pivoted at 5 to the platform 1 on one end, and vertically pivoted at 6 to the outer end of a second span 4 whose inner end is mounted to the platform 2 by a ball joint 8. The outer ends of the spans 3, 4 are also connected through a horizontal pivot axis 7, whereby movements between the platforms 1, 2 in three mutually orthogonal directions may be accommodated. The spans may be supported from a tower 10 by a fixed cable 9 pivotable at one end about an axis 11 aligned with the vertical axis 5, and by a winch controlled cable 12.

Abstract: An articulating gangway having an elongated member forming a passageway and pivotally mounted on a supporting base for vertical swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis and slewing movement about a vertical axis. A position control assembly is connected to the gangway for controlling the swinging movement of the member, with this control assembly having a slack take-up arrangement included therein for keeping a cable connected between a free end of the member and a suitable winch taut at all times in order to permit position changes of the gangway member, such as due to the change in tides, without actuation of the winch once the gangway member is lowered into an operative position.

Abstract: A boat dock assembled from portable sections hingedly connected to each other and provided with foldable and adjustably extensible leg assemblies. Each section is formed from tread retaining decking members made of extruded metal sections interconnected in close parallel spaced relation by interlocking elements. Pivotally separable half-shell foot elements are connected to the leg assemblies for stabilized support of the dock sections.

Abstract: A dock assembly wherein single or interconnected composite beam mainspans are connected to a ramp extending from shore to the first neighboring mainspan and one end of each of said mainspans is supported by a tripod structure and the other end by vertical members. The composite beam mainspans comprise deck structures in combination with pre-tensioned cables, said cables being connected to the ends of the deck structures and extending obliquely along the underside of said deck structures in spaced relationship to the mid-point of said structures. Means attaching the principal members of said assembly are provided whereby the dock assembly may be readily installed or disassembled, or optionally, after removal of the mainspans and ramp, the support structures may be rotated at their footings for underwater storage. Height of the mainspan is adjustable for mainspan leveling and adjusting mainspan height from the water surface.