Marine pier system

Abstract

A marine pier system employing a payload transport device for transporting persons and material from land to marine craft moored at a distal end of the pier. The payload transport is a movable deck having either an electric motor powered by batteries for use in moving the deck and persons/material placed on the deck, or employs the use of a separate vehicle, such as a golf cart, for propulsion of the deck. The payload transport device may be self-contained eliminating the necessity for decking along the length of the pier. The absence of decking provides a structure upon which wind and wave action and deterioration from sunlight and weathering has little destructive effect, and further allows sunlight to reach the aquatic life below the surface of the water. The movable transport device further permits sunlight to reach all areas of sea grass that are shaded by movement of the transport device to a non-sensitive area when not in use.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/195,059, filed Aug. 1, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to docking of marine craft and, more particularly, to a marine pier system having a carriage supported by a fixed track having a proximal end secured to dry land and mounted on pilings for extension over water. The carriage can be used to transport people, supplies, and any other items along the length of pier to access marine craft moored along a distal end of the marine pier. The carriage provides for a movable deck enabling the convenience of a conventional pier without the disadvantages.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Piers are used to provide access to sail boats, power boats, jet skis and the like marine craft. Piers, also referred to as “docks”, are available in a variety of configurations. The main objective of a pier is to provide a structure where marine craft can make fast when not in use. Marine craft are typically secured to a pier by use of lines fastened to cleats secured to the marine craft and to the pier. The pier provides a structure that extends from the edge of land to a distance over water. The distance may be short, so as to clear a bulkhead, or relatively long for mooring of large vessels in deeper water. A conventional pier consists of vertical pilings that are coupled together by the use of tie boards or stringers. Decking is placed over the stringers to create a safe walking area. The decking can consume a large surface area over the surface of the water, which exposes the decking to the destructive forces of weather, wind and waves. For instance, the decking can act as a sail in high winds. Further should the water be rough due to high winds or large boat wakes, waves that strike the deck may result in a similar destructive reaction. Many piers include break away decking to relieve the stress on the pilings during high waves. However, the break away decking can then become a dangerous floating object, as well as an expense and inconvenient to replace.

A large deck also creates an adverse environmental impact in many environmentally sensitive areas. For example, decking typically consists of individual planks that are spaced apart to prevent a person from tripping on an uneven surface. Thus, a properly designed dock has minimal spacing which has the detrimental effect of preventing sunlight from reaching the water. Without sunlight, vegetation such as sea-grass cannot grow. This has an adverse impact on the aquatic animal life and is currently heavily regulated in many states, the loss of sea-grass having a detrimental effect on all aspects of marine life.

Another problem with conventional piers is security since it allows easy access for unauthorized persons to approach marine craft moored thereto. Large decking makes it easy for a thief to access the marine craft and provides a platform for removing large items such as televisions, fishing gears, and so forth.

Prior art attempts to address these problems include, for example, the use of a mono-rail guided pier cart to move elderly along the length of a pier. The pier cart can be battery powered to provide a portable motorized “people movers” which run on wheels along the decking of a pier. The pier cart operates as addition to a conventional pier and does not address wind, waves, security or the continuing harm caused by decking that shades the water.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,597 issued to Maxwell et al., discloses a boat launch apparatus for moving various sized trailers up and down an incline. The boat launch apparatus uses a winch for pulling a trailer along a rail for launching of marine craft.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,951 issued to Blagden discloses a moveable shelter for boats. A marine craft is suspended within a boat house and when desired, the boat house is run down a railway and the boat is lowered into the water.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,016 issued to Honour discloses a marine rail system which includes a rail assembly of parallel ramped rails, a winch supporting a steel cable at one end, carriages with a torque tube connecting the carriages. The torque tube consists of three members, two of the members being telescoping with respect to the third member. A cable is secured to the forward carriage to pull the carriage along the rail assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 41,426 to Edwards discloses a similar marine railway system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,597 issued to Kay discloses a pier having spaced facing side channels slidably receiving platform modules, the edges of the modules being within the channels, and the channels being tied together by elongated eye-bolt elements which extend through the positioned platform modules.

U.S. Pat. No. 89,210 to Cogsil discloses a railway track running along the bed or bottom of a river, from shore to shore, upon which runs a carriage. On top of the carriage (above the water-line and at the level of the railway or road) are laid one or more tracks of the same gauge as that on the shore or in the case of a common road, a platform only. Cars or vehicles to be ferried across the water upon the carriage are moved from shore to shore by the application of any desired power means.

U.S. Pat. No. 116,059 to Humphreys discloses a railway which consists of wooden piles on which are mounted caps d. Attached to the caps are rails, the rails are double headed. Upper carrying wheels support the rolling-stock and griping wheels provide additional grip when required.

Such prior art systems fail to teach or disclose a marine pier system which is not susceptible to destructive wind and wave action, or provide a pier which will improve the environment by allowing the growth of sea-grasses below a support structure.

Security of the marine craft moored to the pier or pier is a further issue the prior art fails to address.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is directed toward a pier assembly constructed from a plurality of pilings that extend the length of a desired pier. The piling supports a rail system having a proximal end attached to the land and a distal end extending out over the water. At least one payload transport device is movable along the length of the rail system for transporting persons and material to or from a vessel that is docked along a distal end of the assembly.

The payload transport device includes a propulsion system, e.g. at least one electric, diesel or gasoline powered motor, and a mounting means for placing the payload transport device in translational engagement with the payload traversal means. A drive train is constructed and arranged to transmit a propulsive force from the motor to the mounting means to enable reciprocal translational movement along the longitudinal axis of said payload traversal means.

Thus it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a pier assembly having minimal decking to avoid the wind and wave action, exemplified by a hurricane, detrimental to conventional decking.

Another objective of the instant invention is to provide a pier with a small deck to eliminate the environmental impact on the area in which it is located.

Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a pier with increased security to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing boats and other water craft moored along the pier.

Still another objective is to lessen the impact on the environment by providing a deck that can be moved to prevent constant shading of the water. By way of example, Florida currently has strict evaluation for new piers pending evaluation of the impact upon the marine environment, namely caused by shading of the sea grass. Not only does the instant invention provide a carriage having a small foot print in shading, the carriage can be placed on a timer and moved so that no area is shaded for any length of time.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a tremendous cost savings in pier construction, maintenance and replacement, by eliminating the need for decking placed along the length of the pier, and lessening the need for support pilings since the removal of decking eliminates safety engineering required for excess loading during storms.

Still another objective of the invention is to address the problem with permits by eliminating the shading typically of conventional decking mounted on piers.

Yet still another objective of the invention is to provide a removable deck to prevent damage to the pier during storm conditions and eliminate debris typical of damaged piers after battering from a storm.

Another objective is to lower insurance premiums and claims by providing a pier that can be secured or locked down close to shore to remove access to marine craft from land, and assure that those who enter the decking without authorization are in a shallow area.

Yet still another objective of the invention is to provide a carriage that can include a roof, railing, gates and other safety items which would be cost prohibitive if extended along the length of a conventional pier.

Yet another objective of the invention is to enhance the waterways by eliminating of piers that fall into disrepair by use of carriage structures that are smaller and thus easier to maintain.

Another objective of the instant invention is to provide a carriage that is propelled by the use of a conventional golf cart, either partially mounted on a carriage, fully mounted on a carriage or by the use of rail riders secured to the golf cart.

Still another objective is to disclose the use of a pier system allowing access to remote areas such as power lines and poles located in wetlands or otherwise difficult to access installations with minimal environmental impact.

Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a single mono rail pier system having a self contained carriage.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pier and vehicle utilizing the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating one embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of another embodiment wherein a carriage is propelled by a golf cart;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial side view of another embodiment wherein a carriage is propelled by a golf cart mounted thereon;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another embodiment wherein a golf cart includes rail riders for traversing of the pier;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial side view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial end view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial side view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in FIG. 7 in a raised position and lowered position;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of another embodiment depicting a single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier;

FIG. 12 is a pictorial side view of the single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier; and

FIG. 13 is a top view of the single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring generally to the Figures, the present invention is illustrated by use of a pier 1 having a payload transport device 14 to transport people and equipment along the pier. The transport device can assimilate conventional decking on a pier and further include side rails 17, seats 21 and a roof 23. However, the main difference is that the transport device is movable along a payload rail system 12 in which the preferred embodiment is a self-propelled carriage wherein a drive system 25, such as a battery powered electric motor 30.

The support system for the carrier is provided by a plurality of pilings 10 anchored into the sea bed 2 as conventional installed in a lake, waterway or the like body of water 3. Attached to the top portion of the pilings 10 is a support bracket 11 onto which a rail system 12 is secured. In the preferred embodiment, a single piling can be used. However, where a wide decking is desires, parallel pilings can be employed. The rail system can utilize one or more rails 13. In a preferred, albeit non-limiting embodiment the rails 13, 13′ are structural I-beams providing roller coaster type securement wherein the wheels of the carriage can be captured within the I-beam. Circular cross sectional rails, not shown, may also be used. The rails 13, 13′ support the vehicle 14 and provide a platform to allow the vehicle 14 to transverse the pier from the land to mooring pilings that a marine craft is secured to, not shown. Since the rails 13, 13′ can be formed from a relatively small width, the amount of wind or wave pressure that can be exerted on the structure is minimal.

Another advantage of this small support area is that sunlight is permitted to reach the underwater areas located below the support. This has the benefit of allowing vegetation 16 to grow in these areas. If a large storm is predicted, the vehicle can be lifted off the support system and secured to land eliminating all decking surface area from the ravages of wave action. Further, in environmentally sensitive areas, the vehicle can be moved to non sensitive areas, such as in deep water. The vehicle may also be moved at different times during the day or week so that if the entire length of the pier system is mounted over sea-grass, no area will be in shade for any length of time.

The vehicle 14 is preferably a self-propelled carriage and can be constructed in various forms. The specific form depends on the needs of the user. For example a roof 23 may be employed. Specific areas may be provided to securely hold coolers, diving, fishing and boating gear. Also seats 21 may be provided for the people utilizing the carriage. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an electric motor 30 is mounted on the carriage chassis and connected to the drive wheels 19 through a mechanical drive train 31. Batteries 32 are used to power the electric motor 30. The batteries are also used to provide power for lights, stereo, control panel illumination lights and an auxiliary power outlet, all not shown but conventional in the art. The batteries can be charged through a conventional onboard charging system wherein the placement of the carriage against the bulkhead would allow the charger to be plugged in a manner similar to the placement of electricity to a marine craft. Alternatively, the electric motor 30 can be solar powered.

A control panel 33 provides controls for the electric motor which control the speed and direction of the vehicle 14. In the preferred embodiment a joystick is used to control the direction of travel and speed of the carriage. Other types of controls, known in the art, may be employed in place of the joystick controller. A removable key switch 34 is used to disable all power to the motor. The vehicle will not operate without the key inserted and turned to the “on” position. This additionally provides security for the vehicle and an emergency cut-off for the motor. Although an electric motor is utilized in the preferred embodiment, a gasoline, hydraulic or diesel powered motor can also be employed.

The drive train 31 is connected to the motor and to the drive wheels via an axle 18. A chain drive or gear 35 is used in the preferred embodiment to connect the motor to the axle with polyurethane or the like not metal wheels for quiet movement that is not effected by the corrosive atmosphere of salt water. Pneumatic tires and solid rubber wheels may also be utilized. The drive train can be motor braked. However, any other suitable braking system may be employed. Further, although a mechanical drive train is employed in the preferred embodiment a hydraulic drive train may also be utilized. The carriage chassis includes two longitudinal frame members 15 as best seen in FIG. 4. Located above these are the transverse frame members 16. Suspension means 17 connect the longitudinal and transverse frame members. In the preferred embodiment pneumatic shock absorbers are used for the suspension means. Attached to the transverse frame members is the carriage 14. The motor and drive train are mounted on a transverse frame member in the preferred embodiment. Each longitudinal frame member includes axles 18 on which are mounted the wheels 19. The wheels, in turn, roll on top of the rails 13. As shown in FIG. 1 there are three sets of wheels. The center set is driven by the drive train and the other sets are for support of the vehicle. As few as two sets of wheels may be employed, with one set being driven. The longer and heavier the vehicle, the more sets of wheels that are required. To provide stability, castors 20 are mounted to the longitudinal frame 15. They are mounted with their axis 21 substantially perpendicular to the axis 18 of the drive wheels 19. They engage the side-face of the rails for lateral stability and alignment as shown in FIGS. 2-4.

The motor and drive train are mounted on the carriage on or above a transverse frame in the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1. They could also be mounted on the longitudinal frames of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 3.

In the event of a failure of the motor, a manual propulsion system is provided to drive the carriage. In one embodiment the motor is disengaged from the drive train and set to “free wheel” and a pole is utilized to engage the ground below the surface of the water to move the vehicle along the pier. A hand crank, not shown, may also be used to drive the drive train after the motor is disengaged therefrom, which in turn will propel the vehicle along the pier.

Now referring to FIG. 5, set forth is another embodiment having a carriage 50 consisting of a platform 52 having an upper surface; and a plurality of wheels 54 located along a lower surface 56 for engagement to the rails 58, 60. The carriage 50 is propelled along the rails by use of a self contained propulsion vehicle, such as a gas or electric golf cart, ATV, or the like 62 having a pair of front wheels 64 that are locked in position on the carriage surface 52 and a pair of drive wheels 66 which engage the top surface of the rails 58, 60. By engaging the drive wheels 66 to the rails, the vehicle's propulsion system, including accelerator and braking system, controls the movement of the carriage along the length of the rails.

The width of the carriage platform 52 may extend outward over the rails to allow the occupants from the vehicle to step onto or off of the carriage. For simplicity of illustration, the depiction of rails is not shown but as previously displayed in the first embodiment, may be used on the platform so as to provide a level of protection for those standing on the platform or to cause entrance and exiting only at a predetermined positioned. The carriage platform may be stopped from extending beyond the length of the rails by the use of stop gates, not shown.

The use of a vehicle, such as a golf cart, allows the carriage to transport items from the shore to a distal end of the rails without the need for a continuous dock/platform. The use of a golf cart eliminates the need for having the carriage include a self contained propulsion system thereby eliminating the need for maintaining a carriage mounted propulsion system. The golf cart can be stored indoors, such as in a golf garage, when not in use as well as be used for other purposes, such as golfing. The actual loading of the golf cart onto the carriage surface 52 is facilitated by sloping the grade at the entrance to the carriage or by use of a ramp, not shown, either of which allows the wheels 64 to ride over the front edge (70) of the carriage and be positionable into detents 72 located which prohibit disengagement of the carriage from the golf cart while in use on the carriage. It should be noted that a further strap may be used to tie the golf cart to the carriage although in normal operation the use of detents is sufficient to prevent the wheels from disengaging from the carriage surface.

Referring to FIG. 6, set forth is another embodiment depicting carriage 80 having forward support wheels 82, center support wheels 84 and rear drive wheels 86. In this embodiment the golf cart 88 is driven onto the surface 90 of the carriage 80 and secured thereto by the use of detents and/or tie down straps. The propulsion wheels 94 of the cart are placed over the carriage rear drive wheels 86 wherein idler wheels, not shown, allow propulsion of the carriage 80 along the length of the rails 96. Essentially the rear wheels 94 provide propulsion by engaging the idler wheels so as to allow motion in accordance with the conventional operation of the propulsion vehicle. The idler wheel can be sized to limit the speed of the carriage by step sizing, which further increases the torque available allowing the movement of an oversized carriage with minimal effort. By the use of idler wheels, forward movement is cased upon the use of the accelerator and braking is caused by applying the vehicle break. Reversing of the vehicle causes the idler arm to rotate wherein the rear drive wheels 86 cause reversal of the carriage. As with the previous embodiment, the concept allows the use of a conventional golf cart allowing the golf cart to be used for its normal and intended use as well as to be stored in a remote area, such as garage, allowing proper recharging as well as longevity of a propulsion system by placement in an area remote form salt water intrusion. The only components left on the water are the pilings and rails and the propulsion-less carriage 80. It should be noted that removal of the carriage assembly, without the propulsion system, is relatively simple and allows for ease of movement should a large storm threaten.

Referring now to FIG. 7 shown is another embodiment of a self contained cart and carriage assembly. In this embodiment and illustration, a golf cart 100 has a rail rider attachment mechanism consisting of front and rear wheel riders 102, 104. The rail rider includes a support brace 104 having horizontal support wheels 106 and vertical stabilizing wheels 108. The horizontal wheels 106 ride on the surface of the rail 110 while the vertical stabilizing wheel 108 maintains the cart in alignment with the rail. The golf cart includes propulsion wheels 112 allowing the cart to accelerate, brake and operate in a manner similar to vehicles driven along train tracks. The cart may include a platform, not shown, allowing the riders ease of entrance and exit to the cart; the cart may also be used to push/pull a carriage placed in front of the cart. As with the previous embodiments the golf cart allows for a self container propulsion system that can be stored remote from the pier system and used for other uses so as to eliminate the need for a separate propuls ion system if such a vehicle is available to the owner. As shown in FIG. 8 the golf cart rail rider supports the weight of the cart, for illustration purposes the wheels are shown lifted from the rail, wherein the majority of the weight is transferred to the rail rider attachments 102, 104. The rail riders are attached to the frame of the golf cart and can be raised electrically, mechanically, or hydraulically. The vertical stabilizing wheel 108 not only maintains the directional placement of the cart but can further be used to prevent the cart from lifting should the cart be used during emergency conditions such as high water, waves or wind. As shown in FIG. 10 the cart 100 can be transported along land 120 with the rail rider attachments 102, 104 shown in a raised position while not in use while a second cart is shown for engagement on the rail 110 with the rail attachment 102, 104 in an engaged position.

Now referring to FIG. 11 set forth is a single mono-rail embodiment for use in instances where conventional spaced apart piling is not possible or even minimal shading can present a concern due to sea grasses. In this embodiment, carriage 130 is placed over a single monorail 132. The carriage 130 includes an upper surface 134 with a railing 136 placed around the perimeter. On the lower surface 138 of the carriage 130 are located side casters 140 that provide torsion stability as the carriage moves along the length of the monorail 132. Pilings 142 are driven into the water and positioned such that the monorail 132 is in a horizontal plain above the surface of the water. As with the previous embodiments, a railing around the platform can be provided. It should be noted that the pilings for a single rail system will likely be stronger and deeper although the use of the single rail system may includes a 132 of a size that allows for the torsion stability required by the side casters 140 which may include an I-beam shape wherein the casters fit within the I-beam or a rectangular shape either of which providing sufficient surface to allow for offset loads placed on the carriage. Preferably the propulsion system is a DC powered electrical system that is capable of being driven by no more than a 1½ horsepower motor and may be solar charged. Referring now to FIG. 12 shown is the carriage 130 placed over the monorail 132 having the side casters 140 placed along the side of the support wheel 150 and drive wheel 152. Support wheel simply maintaining the weight of the carriage over the rail with the drive wheel 152 coupled to the propulsion system by the battery drive as previously described. FIG. 13 depicts a top view all in view of the casters 140 drive wheels 152 and support wheels 150.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A marine pier system comprising:

a payload transport device having a removable propulsion system;

a payload traversal means operatively associated with said payload transport device, said payload traversal means connected to land along a first end thereof and having a second end located over a body of water;

means for supporting said payload traversal means over the body of water;

wherein said payload transport device is constructed and arranged for reciprocal translational movement along said payload traversal means.

2. The pier in accordance with claim 1 wherein said propulsion system is a vehicle having a propulsion unit, said vehicle engaging a carriage constructed and adapted to mount at least a portion of said vehicle thereon.

3. The pier in accordance with claim 2 wherein said drive wheels of said vehicle directly contact said payload traversal system.

4. The pier in accordance with claim 2 wherein said drive wheels of said vehicle directly indirectly contact said payload traversal system.

5. The pier in accordance with claim 1 wherein said payload transport device is movable to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

6. The pier in accordance with claim 1 wherein said payload transport device can be detached from said support means to prevent exposure during periods of high winds or waves.

7. The pier in accordance with claim 1 wherein said payload traversal means is further defined as a plurality of pilings supporting two continuous rails in a parallel position.

8. A marine pier system comprising:

a payload transport device having an integrated propulsion system;

a payload traversal means operatively associated with said payload transport device, said payload traversal means connected to land along a first end thereof and having a second end located over a body of water;

rail riders attached to said payload transport device for securing to said payload traversal means;

wherein said payload transport device is constructed and arranged for reciprocal translational movement along said payload traversal means.

9. A marine pier system comprising:

a payload transport device;

a payload traversal support having a plurality of spaced apart pilings supporting at least one continuous rail, said continuous rail having a first end connected to land and a second end located over a body of water;

means for supporting said payload traversal means over the body of water;

wherein said payload transport device is constructed and arranged for reciprocal translational movement along said payload traversal means.

10. The pier in accordance with claim 9 wherein said payload transport device includes a propulsion system.

11. The pier in accordance with claim 10 wherein said propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, a mounting means constructed and arranged to place said payload transport device in translational engagement with said payload traversal means; and a drive train constructed and arranged to transmit a propulsive force from said at least one electric motor to said mounting means to enable reciprocal translational movement along the longitudinal axis of said payload traversal means.

12. The pier in accordance with claim 11 wherein said electric motor is operated by batteries.

13. The pier in accordance with claim 11 wherein said electric motor is solar powered.

14. The pier in accordance with claim 11 wherein said payload transport device includes a means to control said propulsion system mounted integral to said payload transport device.

15. The pier in accordance with claim 9 wherein said payload transport device is movable to avoid environmentally sensitive areas.

16. The pier in accordance with claim 9 wherein said payload transport device can be detached from said support means to prevent exposure during periods of high winds or waves.