Abstract: The boat trailer having an inflatable bladder is a boat trailer with an inflatable bladder located under the rear end of the trailer. The bladder is coupled to an air hose that runs to a hose connecter at the front of the trailer. The bladder is retained in place by a combination of longitudinal and lateral support rails, which are part of the trailer frame and by a bladder barrier that covers the bladder and prevents it from rising above the top of the trailer. If the trailer is backed down the boat ramp and the wheels leave the boat ramp at an end-of-ramp drop-off, a source of compressed air may be used to inflate the bladder. This provides buoyancy to elevate the trailer wheels so that the tow vehicle may pull the trailer up the boat ramp.

Abstract: A walkway system comprising a plurality of support assemblies, each having a pair of spaced apart beam support plates on an upper side thereof, and a plurality of pairs of beams. Each pair of beams is supported by pairs of spaced apart beam support plates of at least two support assemblies. A plurality of cross members extend between lower portions of the pairs of beams. The cross members are configured to support one or more cables resting thereupon. A plurality of decking members extend between the pairs of beams. The decking members are secured to upper sides of the beams. The cross members, beams and decking members cooperate to form a partial enclosure for the cables, thereby eliminating the need for a separate cable tray.

Abstract: A pole mounting system comprises a support mounting and a pole base. The support mounting has a receiving aperture that tapers conically inwardly from a receiving aperture, and at least one helical guide channel is formed in a wall of the receiving recess and extends axially away from the receiving aperture. Each guide channel has a terminal reverse bend. The pole base has an insertion end tapering conically inwardly toward a tip thereof and having guide post(s) extending laterally therefrom. The insertion end and the receiving recess are of complementary shape. The insertion end of the pole base is inserted into the receiving recess with each guide post aligned with the entrance of a corresponding guide channel and rotated in one direction and then the other to drive the guide post(s) along the guide channel(s) until the outer surface of the insertion end engages the wall of the receiving recess.

Abstract: A channel (1) is disclosed for use in the field of basic sanitary services, more specifically to a pre-moulded channel for rainwater draining systems, developed to satisfy the surface drainage needs of hydrographic basins and urban areas of growing density. The disclosed channel (1) does not require a stabilized ground, can operate at the surface of roads, allowing traffic to circulate and the road section used to be paved, can use modules of variable lengths, and can even serve, when already in use, as a street surface. The channel (1) comprises four basic pre-moulded modular elements made of reinforced concrete or pre-stressed concrete, i.e.: guide cradle (2), bottom (3), walls (4) and (5) and cover (6), of variable dimensions depending on the projected collecting system.

Abstract: A dock structure, dock assembly and dock constructing method use one or more dock elements that are attachable to vertical pilings. Each dock element is a pan-like structure having a first end and a second end, a opposing side walls and opposing end walls, with one end wall disposed at each end of the element, and a floor. The side walls, the end walls and the floor form a pan-like cavity. Two cylindrical rims are disposed at the first end of the dock element, each rim forming a vertically-disposed cylindrical opening in the floor of the element and each opening being functionally adapted to receive a piling through it. Each dock element is attachable to pilings and a pair of overlapping members formed at the second end of each dock element allows adjacent elements to be attached one to another. Following attachment, each dock element is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A displaceable load carrying structure characterized by a main support arrangement (3), first and second sets (4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, 9, 10, 11) of support legs for supporting the main support arrangement (3) said support legs being vertically movable between raised and lowered positions relative to the main support arrangement, characterized in that each such set (4, 5, 6, 7, & 8, 9, 10, 11) of legs is capable of displacement as a set between said raised positions and said lowered positions and displaced relative to the other set while the legs of the other set (8, 9, 10, 11, or 4, 5, 6, 7) are in their lowered main support arrangement (3) supporting positions.

Abstract: An adjustable lift, such as a boat lift, or an adjustable apparatus mountable to a boat lift, comprising a frame supporting a keyway, a shaft and a screw along which a hub assembly travels. An axle may extend from the hub assembly and support a wheel, such that translation of the hub assembly along screw raises and lowers the wheel with respect to the frame members of the lift. In this way, the lift may be rolled into place, with its wheels then raised, so that frame members and/or feet of the lift rest on a lake bed or other surface. When wanting to move the lift, a user may rotate the screw in an opposite direction, lowering the wheel with respect to the frame member, freeing lift frame members and feet from the lake bed and allowing the user to roll the lift away.

Abstract: A support structure (1) that includes a support panel (11), at least one pile (14) having associated therewith at least one bracket (17) and at least one mounting strap (20). Each bracket (17) includes a lower portion (70), at least one extension (91, 92) extending upward from the lower portion (70), and a retainer (85) extending outward from a first surface (73) of the lower portion (70). The retainer (85) of the bracket (17) is received within an aperture (67) of an apertured sidewall (64, 215, 218) of the pile (14). At least one mounting strap (20, 23) maintains: the first surface (73) of the lower portion (70) of the bracket (17) in abutting relationship with the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile; and the retainer (85) within the aperture (67) thereof. A first surface (94) of the extension (91, 92) of the bracket (17) and the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile (14) together define a vertical slot (112) having an open top (115) and a closed bottom (118).

Abstract: There is provided a dock having a pair of primary frame members and a pair of secondary frame members. The primary and secondary frame members are formed of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The primary frame members extend parallel to a primary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Likewise, the secondary frame members extend parallel to a secondary axis and are arranged in opposed, spaced parallel relation to each other. Each secondary frame member is connected to the pair of primary frame members. The dock also includes a plurality of cross members. Each cross member is connected to and extends between the pair of primary frame members. Each cross member includes an upper platform contact face disposed within a common upper platform contact plane.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed especially configured and adapted for mooring a floating dock to a mooring pile. The apparatus minimizes damage to both dock and mooring piles caused by changes in tide, waves, wake and other water disturbances while, simultaneously, adding stability to the floating dock—especially in regarding to listing—. The apparatus is comprised of a cylindrical sleeve which is coaxially applied to a mooring pile, a dock mounted mooring bracket comprised of a base plate which connects to the sleeve mounted upon the pile via at least two “U” shaped arms which are disposed in a parallel, spaced-apart relation which engage selected and parallel circumferential grooves formed in the outer surface of the sleeve. The base plate, in turn, is affixed to a structurally sound portion of a dock such as a horizontally disposed plate.

Abstract: A portable marine lift capable of multi-directional off-loading of yachts, ships, and other marine vessels at ground level to dry-dock them. It is compact and barge-like, and can be shared by independent shipyards, or used to expand the work area within a single port facility or shipyard. It is also self-contained when fitted with generators and/or propulsion means via add-on pods, and comprises independent platform sections joined together to meet any hull design, length and water depth. Platform sections have the ability to submerge, and may also be employed to capture and temporarily contain environmentally hazardous materials commonly produced by shipyards. In addition, the platform sections are preferably open-framed for weight savings. Computerized lifting, via multiple lift modules secured to platform sections, assures lifting of vessels in substantially level orientation.

Abstract: A pole bracket for a dock assembly has with a c-shaped opening for receiving the pole, on which a dock section may be mounted. For the pole bracket for a dock, one side of the bracket allows for attachment to a dock section, while the other and opposing side of the bracket allows for one of the poles, which supports dock section to be received therein secure the dock section in a desired position. The pole bracket for a dock may be attached to a dock section or a dock bracket on the section.

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 pipe sleeve assembly includes a base plate and a sleeve portion. The base plate includes a base portion defining a longitudinal axis. The base plate further includes a first flange extending from the base portion in a first direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis and lying in a first plane. The base plate also includes a second flange extending from the base portion in the first direction, spaced from the first flange in a second direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and lying in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The sleeve portion includes a body portion and a third flange extending from the body portion in the first direction. A fastener stud extends from the second flange and is received in an aperture in the third flange to secure the sleeve portion to the base plate.

Abstract: A submergible activity platform for attachment to an associated structure on a body of water is disclosed. The activity platform for supporting persons engaged in water activities includes a platform area extending outwardly from and alongside the associated structure. A support structure is carried by the activity platform for mounting the activity platform to the associated structure so that the activity platform is located at a desired depth in the water when mounted to the associated structure. A walkway is included in for providing access between the associated structure and the activity platform when submerged. The activity platform includes a water activity section free of the walkway where water activities may take place. The activity platform also includes a plurality of water flow passages for allowing water to flow through the activity platform when submerged to reduce the force of water currents against the activity platform.

Abstract: A water recreation dock for providing access into and out of the water comprising a main deck platform carried by a dock frame. A stationary platform forms a first part of the main deck platform which is supported above the water on the dock frame. A movable platform forms a second part of the main deck platform which has a raised position and a lowered position. A landing section and a walkway section are included in the movable platform. In the raised position, the landing section and walkway section are located generally in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform above the water. In the lowered position, the landing section is submerged and the walkway section is partially submerged as extending from the stationary platform to the landing section to provide access into and out of the water.

Abstract: A submergible activity platform for attachment to an associated structure on a body of water is disclosed. The activity platform for supporting persons engaged in water activities includes a platform area extending outwardly from and alongside the associated structure. A support structure is carried by the activity platform for mounting the activity platform to the associated structure so that the activity platform is located at a desired depth in the water when mounted to the associated structure. A walkway is included in for providing access between the associated structure and the activity platform when submerged. The activity platform includes a water activity section free of the walkway where water activities may take place. The activity platform also includes a plurality of water flow passages for allowing water to flow through the activity platform when submerged to reduce the force of water currents against the activity platform.

Abstract: A dock system comprises a shore base with a train of disengageable dock module components comprising floatable modules with connector assemblies for releasably connecting the modules. The system includes laterally spaced posts, with lake bed engaging dock supporting base parts. The module components are vertically slidably on the posts to move from a lower floating position to a raised position safely above the water. A module transport device is operable to move the modules sequentially forwardly to form a train as the modules are sequentially connected or to move the modules sequentially rearwardly to remove them to shore as the modules are sequentially unlocked.

Abstract: A portable flotation platform is disclosed for use in supporting a load of equipment, hunting dogs, or personnel above the level of a body of water. The platform includes a deck constructed to be of an overall density less than that of water and sized so as to support the load above the level of the water. An anchor extends down to the bottom of the water and up to the deck to hold the deck on station in the water. The deck is provided with a carrying attachment to facilitate the user carrying the deck to a point of deployment at the water. The deck further has anchor storage for carrying the anchor along with the deck to the point of deployment.

Abstract: A pier or dock adjustment method permits adjustment of a height of a pier platform relative to a pier structure, the pier structure including at least a first post. The method includes the step of providing a platform height adjustment apparatus, the platform height adjustment apparatus including a platform support member and a height positioning mechanism. The platform height adjustment apparatus is slidably mounted on the first post. The post position of the platform height adjustment apparatus is fixed relative to the first post, the post position being situated above and proximate the pier platform. The platform support member is moved into a platform supporting position relative to the platform. The height positioning mechanism is actuated to thereby one of lower and lift the pier platform.

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: A submersible floating dock which can be sunk beneath the water line in the event of the approach of a violent storm for protection of the dock against wave action, storm surge, and high winds. A dock with a deck supported on hollow floatation chambers is attached to pilings by rings. The rings allow the dock to move up and down in response to changes in the water level. As a storm approaches water is allowed to enter the hollow floatation chambers which are ordinarily filled with air. This causes the dock and deck to sink beneath the water line making it resistent to damage from storm surge, wave action, and high winds. After the storm has passed, pressurized air is introduced into the floatation chambers forcing the water in the floatation chambers out of the chamber. The air increases the buoyancy of the floatation chambers, hence, of the dock so that it rises above the water line for use by an owner after the danger of storm surge, high winds, and waves has passed.

Abstract: A dock for supporting persons over a support surface such as a water bed has an elongated deck, a plurality of vertically adjustable post units, and a wheel attached to each post unit for transporting the dock across the support surface. The vertically adjustable post units are secured to the deck at spaced-apart locations and include a first elongated post section connected to the deck, a second elongated post section vertically movable with respect to the first elongated post section, and a base pad connected to the second elongated post section. A wheel assembly supporting a rotatable wheel is rigidly connected to the first elongated post section. The post units are adjustable to a transport position in which the base pad is off the support surface and the wheel is on the support surface. The vertically adjustable post unit is also adjustable to an operating position in which the base pad is on the support surface and the wheel is off the support surface for stabilizing the dock.

Abstract: A housing for at least partially housing a boat lift pulley of a boat lift includes a main wall having a substantially vertically disposed wall portion defining an inwardly opening generally concave chamber adapted to at least partially receive therein a boat lift pulley. The main wall includes vertical and horizontal planes disposed substantially normal to each other with the concave chamber being offset to one side of the vertical plane. First and second wall portions of the main wall located at opposite sides of the horizontal plane are adapted for selective removal whereby a gear driven shaft can project therethrough to adapt a housing for selective utilization in either of two positions of installation oriented 180.degree. relative to each other. A peripheral edge portion of the main wall preferably includes symmetrically located fasteners for securing the housing to a companion housing in each of the two positions of 180.degree. oriented installation.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: A boat lift motor and drive assembly includes a rigid mounting plate supporting a boat lift motor, a drive shaft thereof carrying a drive pulley, a pulley belt entrained about the drive pulley and a driven pulley, the driven pulley being connected to a shaft of a worm gear, the worm gear being in mesh with a drive gear, and the drive gear being connected to an output shaft which is in turn connected to a reel having wound thereon a boat lift cable which is connected to a boat platform for lifting and lowering a boat resting thereon. The lift motor and drive assembly as covered by a housing defined by first and second housing bodies with a first of the housing bodies including a recess for receiving the driven pulley and accommodating the same and also including a frusto-conical wall defining a protective shroud for the winding reel shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for docking a smaller vessel, such as a dinghy, to a substantially horizonal platform or swimstep of a larger vessel, such as a boat. The docking apparatus comprises a pair of mounting brackets attached at spaced locations to the edge of the swimstep. A substantially vertical bumper attached to each mounting bracket extends vertically above and below the swimstep. An adjustment bracket connected between each bumper and mounting bracket permits vertical, horizontal and rotational adjustment of the bumper with respect to the swimstep. For soft dinghies, a line connected to the dinghy and the bumper docks the two together. For hard dinghies, the bumper includes a cushion interposed between the bumper and the hard dinghy.

Abstract: A boat lift control system may be programmed so that with a push of a button, either remotely or adjacent the system, the lift may lift or lower a boat to a pre-programmed elevation. Plural elevations may be programmed into the system including those corresponding to, for example, low tide, high tide, a loading elevation and a storage elevation. The inventive system also includes a manual override allowing manual operation of the lift to any desired elevation. Upper and lower limit stop mechanisms prevent movements of the lift beyond pre-set upper and lower limits.

Abstract: The portable boat dock includes a first dock section, a second dock section and a hinge for pivotally attaching the first and second dock sections together. The first dock section has at least one hole for receiving a stake to secure the boat dock to the ground or other supporting surface. The second dock section has at least one hole for receiving a support member which rest on the supporting surface for supporting the second dock section. The first dock section has a first channel and the second dock section has a second channel. A reinforcing member is sized and adapted to be disposed within one of the channels and engagable with the other of the channels for alternating between pivoting movement and rigid support of the first and second dock sections. A detent device secures the support member to the second dock section and may be repositioned in various holes of the support member for adjustment of the support member for various depths of water.

Abstract: Method and dock support installation and apparatus that permits easy, quick adjustments for variations in depth to insure a uniformly level and stable dock, at a desired height above the water surface of a lake or pond. An outer tube is slideably positioned and secured to an adjustment tube by means of a plurality of lock bolts that are screwed within helicoils that are positioned within lock bolt sleeves. The lock bolt sleeves are fixedly secured to the outer surface of the outer tube. A plurality of support tubes are slideably positioned and secured to the adjustment tube by means of a plurality of extenders and a plurality of bolts. The outer tube has a contact plate to secure the apparatus to the dock. The most bottom support tube slides over and is secured by means of a bolt to a tube stub positioned on a base plate that rests on the bottom surface of the pond or lake. A safety support clamp may be also used to prevent the unit from compressing and collapsing under extreme weight conditions.

Abstract: The present invention features an adjustable corner assembly for a boat-lift. The corner assembly of this invention may be designed to replace corner posts of other boat-lift mechanisms. It can also be designed as part of a boat-lift frame. In either capacity, it is very flexible in its adjustment, so that the lifting frame may be raised from the water without the need for adjusting and/or securing the posts below the water level. In one embodiment, the corner assembly has a footing that is placed to rest on the bottom of a body of water. One leg extends upwardly from the footing. A small plate is welded to otherwise secured inside the leg. The plate has a threaded hole in the center for receiving and rotatively securing a worm drive. The worm drive is rotatably placed through a cap affixed atop a sleeve. The sleeve slides upon the leg, as the worm drive is rotated.

Abstract: A dock kit to permit an owner to assemble or disassemble a dock comprising a dock post bracket for laterally inserting a dock post therein, a reversible cross-latch member for locking a dock post in the dock-post bracket with the reversible cross-latch member operable for engaging a dock-abutment bracket to support an adjacent dock section when the cross-latch member is located in one direction in the dock-post bracket and when reversed is usable as an end support for the dock-post bracket. The brackets provide both corner reinforcement for a dock-deck section as well as permitting a single dock post to support corners of adjacent dock-deck sections. A split foot pad permits adjustment of the depth the dock post extends into the soil. A hanger bracket permits one to support the corner of an adjacent dock-deck section without using an extra dock post.

Abstract: A submersible dock system with mooring pilings which folds down for storage underwater. The dock system includes a deck or mainspan normally above water, a submerged horizontal frame and, if necessary, leveling structure and a plurality of vertical support structures extending between the submerged frame and dock. The submerged frame, vertical structures and mainspan of the deck are all preferably constructed of rectangular tubing members which are pivotally joined in key places to enable the deck to be pivoted from an upright position to a substantially supine position underwater. The dock system also includes a plurality of telescoping members to hold the deck in an upright position. The height of the dock walkway is also easily adjusted to accommodate changes in water levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for raising and lowering a platform having wooden leg support means. A box girder is adapted to move axially about a wooden support leg of a platform, the box girder having means for securement of the girder to material forming the frame of a platform. The box girder has apertured lug on an exterior surface thereof. A header device is provided for detachable assembly with the top of a support leg of the platform during raising or lowering of the platform frame and screw means operationally cooperate with the header device and the girder lug for selectively raising or lowering the frame about the leg. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus in raising and lowering platform systems and has particular utility in dock systems.

Abstract: A plurality of longitudinally extending deck elements are each supported by transversely directed horizontal support rods at each end of each deck element. The rods are slidably removable through transversely aligned holes through vertical angle brackets paired to be adjacent the ends of the deck elements. The angle brackets are coupled at fixed elevations, relative to the water surface, to appropriately located pilings or bulkheads, and include a plurality of vertically spaced apart holes accepting the support rods at differing elevations. Brackets couple the end of the deck element to the corresponding support rod in a manner allowing some relative longitudinal displacement to allow for installation of the deck element as a ramp or to enable one end of the deck element to remain installed while the other end is adjusted to a different elevation.

Abstract: A height or level adjusting device for use with a platform assembly, which platform assembly has a platform section and an upstanding cross brace member oriented between the platform section and a support surface. The cross brace member has a pair of laterally spaced, upstanding extensions thereon. A cross piece support member is provided as is a first mounting structure for facilitating a mounting of the cross piece support member on the cross brace member. A second mounting structure is also provided for facilitating a mounting of the platform section on the cross piece support member. A housing structure is provided at each end of the cross piece support member. Each housing has at least one open side forming an opening into an interior cavity of the housing structure and a bottom wall of the cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful combination deck support leg holder and rub strip comprising a support leg holder comprising a first section adapted to have a support leg secured thereto, a second section adapted to be secured to a deck or dock, and means for securing a rub strip to be disposed about at least a part of the holder remote from the deck or dock, and a rub strip adapted to be secured to the means for securing and to be disposed about at least a part of the holder remote from the deck or dock.

Abstract: A powered method and apparatus for raising and lowering a boat in a boat lift with quick connection to and use of the boat battery to power a DC electric motor on the lift. A method of converting a manual lift to a powered lift is provided. The lift drive has a tractive drive unit with a friction wheel and the motor and a reduction drive, a drive unit subframe, a drive unit mount adjustable on the frame of the lift, adjustment structure to locate the subframe in a desired position in any one of a variety of boat lifts and with respect to a variety of manually operable lift actuator wheels, structure to resiliently bias the friction wheel against the actuator wheel, structure to stably remove the friction wheel from the actuator wheel, a quick connector for connection to a boat battery, and a switch for selective control of motor operation and direction of rotation.

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: Gripper devices are installed in the spudwells of a platform or causeway section and manually operated to grip the pile to suspend the platform or causeway section in a level position on the piles. Each gripper device has a cylindrical bowl with a flat mounting flange at the bottom end. The bowl has large central bore extending from the top end and terminating in a smaller bore at the bottom end defining a shoulder therebetween. A series of circumferentially spaced actuator segments having a vertical outer wall and a radial flange at the top end are mounted within the bowl by bolts for vertical movement relative to the bowl. The actuator segments have a downwardly and radially outwardly tapered interior wedging surface with a T-shaped slot extending along the wedging surface. A series of slip segments have a toothed interior surface for gripping the pile and a tapered exterior wedging surface corresponding to the wedging surface of the actuator segments.

Abstract: A dock support having a piling composed of an upstanding rod the lower end of which is adapted to be embedded in the bottom of a body of water and an external telescoping sleeve having a cap at its upper end which normally confronts and seats on the upper end of the rod. A passage exists between the confronting surfaces of the inner and outer telescoping members and such passage is occupied by air, rather than water. The air prevents water in the passage rising to the level at which it may freeze, but should water in the passage rise to the freezing level compressed air may be admitted to the passage via a valve under sufficient pressure to purge such water.

Abstract: A boat dock construction in which most of the support assembly is left throughout the year in the lake. The support assembly includes a plurality of pairs of pivotable legs which can be pivoted into a vertical position where they can accept H-shaped stanchions. A platform or platform is placed over cross members on the stanchions to complete the assembly. In the late fall, the platform and stanchions are removed for storage while the remainder of the support assembly remains below the water line in the lake.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pier including a deck supported by an array of piles by means of flexible lines extending between the deck and elevated points on the piles. The lengths of the flexible lines extending between such points and the pier are adjustable by reels used to retract or pay out flexible line to raise or lower the deck relative to the piles. The operation of the reels may be carried out selectively or automatically in response to the changing level of the surface of the water relative to the piles. A water-motion powered motor may motivate the reel operation. The deck may be anchored against downward motion relative to the piles by locking apparatus normally engaged in a closed configuration, or by locking apparatus which is normally open and closes in response to the flexible lines going slack.

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: The device is a floating pier with a sliding pile anchoring system arrangnt that avoids rigid connections to the pier and allows the pier to rise and lower with the tides and to remain level during lateral displacement while avoiding substantial tilt or rotation of the pier during seismic and maximum static loading. Preferably, piles that are arranged in pairs and are spaced along the centerline of the floating pier ride in pile guide assemblies attached to the pier deck, and include shear fail means which operate during overload conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in the installation of a platform structure upon the upper elements of a previously-installed substructure. The platform structure is mounted on a barge positionable between the upper elements of the previously-installed substructure. The barge can be flooded and lowered a sufficient distance to allow leg elements of the platform structure to contact and mate with leg support elements of the substructure.Impacts between the structures during the mating operation are absorbed by resilient neoprene pads carried by the leg supports. After the platform structure rests upon the leg supports, and the barge is removed, the platform structure can be lowered and leveled by draining a select volume of sand from the leg supports.

Abstract: A dock structure (10) supported by a support structure (29) being movable relative to the support structure (29) by sleeve-like tubular members (33a, b) mounted on elongated upright support members (32a, b) of the support structure (29). The dock structure (10) being raised and lowered by a winch assembly (50) including a winch (51) removably mounted on one of the elongated upright support members (32a, b) and interconnected to a cable (60) passing under the dock structure (10) and being removably attached to an upper end of the other elongated upright support member (32a, b).

Abstract: A boat hoist comprising a column, a tubular hoist slidable vertically, on said column, a boat cradle on said hoist, shore reinforcement means to anchor an upper part of said column to the shore, and a power unit connecting said column and hoist.

Abstract: A method for the erection of a temporary bridge, etc.

Abstract: A portable dock and dock sections used therewith, characterized by each of the dock sections have a plurality of frame members forming a rectangular deck frame for supporting a deck assembly, a pair of adjustable legs extending from adjacent one end of the rectangular deck frame and a first coupling unit disposed on a frame member at the other end of the deck frame. Preferably, an additional or second coupling unit, which is adapted to cooperate with a first coupling unit, is arranged either on an end or side frame member or both at the one end to enable connecting sections together to form either a straight line pier or a pier with a "T" or "L" shape. The portable dock also includes an anchor section having an anchor member with a similar coupling unit which coact with the first coupling unit of a first dock section for securing the first dock section to the beach or shoreline.