DOCK SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention discloses and claims a dock system that includes a platform and/or roof. The platform includes a frame member having a top surface and defining an opening and a cross-member inserted into the opening. The cross-member has a dimension approximately equal to the opening. The roof includes a truss member that defines an enclosed volume, a first attachment tab connected to the truss member, a second attachment tab connected to the first attachment tab, and a support connected to the second attachment tab. Particular embodiments may further include a stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface of the stringer is proximate to the cross-member, and the second surface of the stringer is approximately coplanar with the top surface of the frame member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dock systems are used on bodies of water to secure watercraft and/or facilitate activities including sunbathing, diving, and fishing. Dock systems generally include a platform, a roof, and a support that connects the platform and roof.

The platform generally provides a structural framework for buoyant material and decking. The buoyant material provides floatation for the platform and thus the dock system. The buoyant material may be Styrofoam material, polyethylene containers, drums, or any material known in the art for providing floatation. The decking provides a convenient surface for walking on the platform as well as surface area to accommodate other items on the platform such as storage lockers, chairs, and other equipment associated with water activities. The decking may be wood, aluminum, or any other synthetic material known in the art.

The roof provides shelter from the elements for the dock, equipment, and/or watercraft. In addition, the roof generally provides additional structural support for the platform and remainder of the dock system by dampening wave action across the dock system, thus reducing the wear and tear associated with constant exposure to the environment.

Traditional dock systems are constructed predominantly of wood. Although less expensive to manufacture, docks constructed of wood require substantial maintenance to protect the wood from deterioration caused by constant exposure to the elements. For example, wood surfaces require periodic painting and surface conditioning to maintain the desired appearance and protect the surface from warping and deterioration. Although paint and other chemical preservatives can improve the appearance and extend the life of the wood, the application of paint and chemical preservatives is costly, requires substantial labor, and often produces undesirable environmental effects.

Docks systems may also be constructed of metal. Metal dock systems often include C-shaped frames and trusses designed to maximize strength while reducing weight. The visible C-shaped structural members often present a less desirable aesthetic appearance than structural members made of wood. In addition, the C-shaped structural members create nesting places for birds, insects, and other pests which further decrease the aesthetic appearance of the dock system. Moreover, waste from birds, insects, and other pests often falls on the dock system, watercraft, and equipment stored on the dock system, causing damage and further unsightly appearances.

Although metal dock systems are generally considered stronger and more durable than wood dock systems, metal dock systems typically require more expensive materials and higher manufacturing costs than for wood dock systems. For example, metal dock systems typically require higher skilled labor to cut and assemble the components than for wood dock systems. In addition, metal dock systems typically require expensive and environmentally hazardous paint to prevent rust in a marine environment and maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Therefore the need exists for an improved dock system that lasts longer than a traditional wood dock system, can be constructed and maintained relatively inexpensively, and presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

The present invention provides a dock system having a platform. The platform includes a frame member having a top surface and defining an opening and a cross-member inserted into the opening. The cross-member has a dimension approximately equal to the opening. Particular embodiments may further include a stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface of the stringer is proximate to the cross-member, and the second surface of the stringer is approximately coplanar with the top surface of the frame member. The frame member may include first and second segments, wherein the first and second segments define the opening. The first segment may be substantially parallel to the second segment, or the first segment may substantially perpendicular to the second segment.

In additional embodiments, the frame member may be aluminum, and the dock system may further include a roof. The roof may include a truss member that defines an enclosed volume, a first attachment tab connected to the truss member, a second attachment tab connected to the first attachment tab, and a support connected to the second attachment tab. The truss member may also be aluminum.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a dock system having a roof. The roof includes a truss member that defines an enclosed volume, a first attachment tab connected to the truss member, a second attachment tab connected to the first attachment tab, and a support connected to the second attachment tab.

In particular embodiments, the truss member may be aluminum, and the dock system may further include a platform. The platform may include a frame member having a top surface and defining an opening and a cross-member inserted into the opening. The cross-member has a dimension approximately equal to the opening. Particular embodiments may further include a stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface of the stringer is proximate to the cross-member, and the second surface of the stringer is approximately coplanar with the top surface of the frame member. The frame member may include first and second segments, wherein the first and second segments define the opening. The first segment may be substantially parallel to the second segment, or the first segment may substantially perpendicular to the second segment.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a dock system having a platform and a roof. The platform includes a frame member having a top surface and defining an opening and a cross-member inserted into the opening. The cross-member has a dimension approximately equal to the opening. The roof includes a truss member that defines an enclosed volume, a first attachment tab connected to the truss member, a second attachment tab connected to the first attachment tab, and a support connected to the second attachment tab. Particular embodiments may further include a stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface of the stringer is proximate to the cross-member, and the second surface of the stringer is approximately coplanar with the top surface of the frame member. The frame member may include first and second segments, wherein the first and second segments define the opening. The first segment may be substantially parallel to the second segment, or the first segment may substantially perpendicular to the second segment.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the present invention upon review of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dock system;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away plan view of an embodiment of a platform;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of a frame member;

FIG. 3A is a cross section of the frame member depicted in FIG. 3 assembled with a cross-member and stringer;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of an alternate embodiment of a frame member;

FIG. 4A is a cross section of the frame member depicted in FIG. 4 with assembled with a cross-member and stringer;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of an embodiment of a truss;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of trusses depicted in FIG. 5 assembled in a roof;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the truss depicted in FIG. 5 attached to a support structure; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of trusses depicted in FIG. 5 attached to a radial support member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The present invention provides an improved dock system 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the dock system 10 may include a platform 12, a roof 14, and associated support structures 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the platform 12 provides a structural framework for buoyant material 18 and decking 20. The buoyant material 18 provides floatation for the platform 12 and thus the dock system 10. The buoyant material 18 may be Styrofoam material, polyethylene containers, drums, or any material known in the art for providing floatation. The decking 20 provides a convenient surface for walking on the platform 12 as well as sufficient surface area to accommodate other items on the platform 12 such as storage lockers, chairs, and other equipment associated with water activities. The decking 20 may be made of wood, aluminum, or any other metal or synthetic material known in the art.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the framework for the platform 12 generally includes frame members 22, cross-members 24, and/or stringers 26. The size and number of frame members 22, cross-members 24, and stringers 26 depends on the size, shape, and intended use for the platform 12. The platform 12 may further include additional components, such as corner braces 28 as shown in FIG. 2, to provide additional reinforcement at various locations. The frame members 22, cross-members 24, and stringers 26 may be made of wood, aluminum, or any other metal or synthetic material known in the art. In addition, the frame members 22, cross-members 24, and stringers 26 and may include a corrugated or rippled surface pattern to improve the overall aesthetic appearance.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cross-members 24 and stringers 26 may be perpendicular to one another and extend continuously between opposite sides of the platform 12. In this manner, the cross-members 24 and stringers 26 provide additional structural support for the platform 12 area, as well as a suitable surface for attaching the decking 20 on the platform 12. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular arrangement or length of the cross-members 24 or stringers 26.

The frame members 22 generally extend along the perimeter of the framework for the platform 12, although the frame members 22 are not necessarily continuous along or coterminous with the entire perimeter of the platform 12. The frame members 22 may be any shape or size. For example, the frame members 22 may be rectangular, oval, square, or any other shape. Regardless of the particular shape used, each frame member 22 defines an opening 30. The opening 30 is specifically sized to be approximately equal to at least one dimension of the cross-members 24. Ideally, the size of the opening 30 exactly matches at least one dimension of the cross-members 24; however, an acceptable tolerance within the scope of the present invention is ¼ inches, and preferably less than ⅛ inches. In this manner, the cross-members 24 may be inserted into the opening 30 defined by the frame member 22 for assembly. The frame members 22 may also be sized so that the distance 32 between the top of the frame member 34 and the top of the opening 36 is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the stringers 26. Ideally, the distance 32 between the top of the frame member 34 and the top of the opening 36 exactly matches at least one dimension of the stringers 26; however, an acceptable tolerance within the scope of the present invention is ¼ inches, and preferably less than ⅛ inches. In this manner, the stringers 26 may be located on top of or proximate to the cross-members 24, and the top of the frame members 34 is approximately coplanar with the top of the stringers 38.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section of one embodiment of a frame member 22 within the scope of the present invention. As shown in this embodiment, the frame member 22 includes bottom 40, left 42, top 44, and right 46 segments that are substantially flat. The bottom 40 and right 46 segments of the frame member 22 define an opening 30. As previously stated, the size of the opening 30 is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the cross-members 24 being used. As a result, the cross-members 24 may be more quickly and easily assembled with the frame members 22. This feature substantially reduces or eliminates the need to cut or modify the cross-members 24 and/or frame members 22 during assembly.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes the additional, optional feature that the distance 32 between the top of the frame member 34 and the top of the opening 36 is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the stringers 26. As a result, the stringers 26 may be located proximate to or on top of the cross-members 24, and the top of the frame member 34 will be approximately coplanar with the top of the stringers 38. This feature provides a uniform height for attaching the decking 20 to the frame members 22 and stringers 26.

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-section of the frame member 22 depicted in FIG. 3 assembled with a cross-member 24 and stringer 26. As shown, the cross-member 24 is generally perpendicular to the frame member 22, and the stringer 26 is generally perpendicular to the cross-member 24, although other arrangements are within the scope of the present invention. The cross-member 24 fits into the opening 30 of the frame member 22, and the stringer 26 is on top of or proximate to the cross-member 24. In this particular embodiment, the top of the frame member 34 is co-planar with the top of the stringer 38, providing a flat surface for the decking 20. The frame member 22, cross-member 24, stringer 26, and/or decking 20 may be connected to one another, as shown, by any means such as by bolt, nail, screw, weld, clamp, fastener, glue, hook, latch, or other suitable means for connecting components known in the art.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-section of an alternate embodiment of a frame member 22 within the scope of the present invention. The frame member 22 again includes bottom 40, left 42, top 44, and right 46 segments that are substantially flat. However, in this embodiment, the frame member 22 includes a middle 48 segment. The bottom 40 and middle 48 segments of the frame member 22 define an opening 30. As previously stated, the size of the opening 30 is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the cross-members 24 being used. As a result, the cross-members 24 may be more quickly and easily assembled with the frame members 22. This feature substantially reduces or eliminates the need to cut or modify the cross-members 24 and/or frame members 22 during assembly.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes the additional, optional feature that the distance 32 between the top of the frame member 34 and the top of the opening 36 is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the stringers 26. As a result, the stringers 26 may be located proximate to or on top of the cross-members 24, and the top of the frame member 34 will be approximately coplanar with the top of the stringers 38. This feature provides a uniform height for attaching the decking 20 to the frame members 22 and stringers 26.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-section of the frame member 22 depicted in FIG. 4 assembled with a cross-member 24 and stringer 26. As shown, the cross-member 24 is generally perpendicular to the frame member 22, and the stringer 26 is generally perpendicular to the cross-member 24, although other arrangements are within the scope of the present invention. The cross-member 24 fits into the opening 30 of the frame member 22, and the stringer 26 is on top of or proximate to the cross-member 24. In this particular embodiment, the top of the frame member 34 is co-planar with the top of the stringer 38, providing a flat surface for the decking 20. The frame member 22, cross-member 24, stringer 26, and/or decking 20 may be connected to one another, as shown, by any means such as by bolt, nail, screw, weld, clamp, fastener, glue, hook, latch, or other suitable means for connecting components known in the art.

It should be understood that FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, and 4A simply illustrate possible embodiments of the frame members 22. Additional embodiments of the frame members 22 within the scope of the present invention include frame members 22 with curved surfaces and various configurations to define an opening 30 that is approximately equal to at least one dimension of the cross-members 24 being used. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the frame members 22, cross-members 24, and stringers 26 may be assembled at various angles to each other depending on the size, shape, and overall design of the dock system 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, support structures 16 connect the roof 14 to the platform 12. The support structures 16 may be posts, beams, pillars, columns, or any other suitable structure known in the art for supporting a roof. The support structures 16 may be made of wood, aluminum, or any other metal or synthetic material known in the art. In addition, the support structures 16 may include a corrugated or rippled surface pattern to improve the overall aesthetic appearance. The size and number of support structures 16 depends on the size, shape, and intended use for the roof 14 and/or platform 12.

The roof 14 provides shelter from the elements for the dock, equipment, and/or watercraft. In addition, the roof 14 generally provides additional structural support for the platform 12 and remainder of the dock system 10 by dampening wave action across the dock system 10, thus reducing the wear and tear associated with constant exposure to the environment.

The roof 14 may include a cover 50, trusses 52, and attachment tabs 54 to connect the roof 14 to the support structures 16. The size and number of trusses 52 depends on the size, shape, and intended use for the roof 14 and/or platform 12. For example, the trusses 52 may extend along the perimeter of the roof 14, although the trusses 52 are not necessarily continuous along or coterminous with the entire perimeter of the roof 14. In addition, the trusses 52 may extend inward from the perimeter of the roof 14 to provide additional support for the cover 50. The trusses 52 may be any shape or size. For example, the trusses 52 may be rectangular, oval, square, or any other shape. Regardless of the particular shape used, each truss 52 defines an enclosed volume 56. In addition, the trusses 52 may include a corrugated or rippled surface pattern to improve the overall aesthetic appearance. As a result, the trusses 52 present a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than conventional C-shaped structures. In addition, by avoiding the conventional C-shape, the trusses 52 prevent birds, insects, and other pests from forming nests or otherwise residing in the trusses 52 which further enhances the aesthetic appearance of the dock system 10.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross section of an embodiment of a truss 52 within the scope of the present invention. As shown in this embodiment, the truss 52 may be a hollow rectangle that defines an enclosed volume 56, although other geometric shapes are within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a partial perspective view of trusses 52 depicted in FIG. 5 assembled in the roof 14. As shown in this particular embodiment, the trusses 52 extend radially from the center of the roof 14 and connect to the support structure 16 at one end. The trusses 52 may connect to each other and/or a radial support structure 58 on the other end. In this manner, the trusses 52 provide a structural framework for the cover 50.

Various materials and methods are known in the art for assembling the trusses 52, support structures 16, 58 and cover 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one or more attachment tabs 54 may be bolted the various roof components Alternatively, the various roof components may be directly connected to each other using bolts, nails, screws, welds, clamps, fasteners, glues, hooks, latches, or other suitable means for connecting components known in the art.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict particular embodiments for connecting a truss 52 to support structures 16, 58 that reduce assembly time, cost, wastage, and expertise. As shown in FIG. 7, a first attachment tab 60 is welded over the open end of the truss 52, and a second attachment tab 62 is welded to the support structure 16. The attachment tabs 60, 62 are then bolted together. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, a first attachment tab 60 is welded over the open end of the truss 52, and a second attachment tab 62 is welded to the radial support structure 58, with the attachment tabs 60, 62 again bolted together.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A dock system comprising:

a. a platform, said platform including i. a frame member, said frame member having a top surface and defining an opening; and ii. a cross-member inserted into said opening, said cross-member having a dimension approximately equal to said opening.

2. The dock system of claim 1, further comprising a stringer, said stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said stringer is proximate to said cross-member, and said second surface of said stringer is approximately coplanar with said top surface of said frame member.

3. The dock system of claim 1, wherein said frame member includes first and second segments, wherein said first and second segments define said opening.

4. The dock system of claim 3, wherein said first segment is substantially parallel to said second segment.

5. The dock system of claim 3, wherein said first segment is substantially perpendicular to said second segment.

6. The dock system of claim 1, wherein said frame member is aluminum.

7. The dock system of claim 6, further comprising a roof, said roof including

a. a truss member, wherein said truss member defines an enclosed volume;

b. a first attachment tab connected to said truss member;

c. a second attachment tab connected to said first attachment tab; and

d. a support connected to said second attachment tab.

8. The dock system of claim 7, wherein said truss member is aluminum.

9. A dock system comprising:

a. a roof, said roof including i. a truss member, wherein said truss member defines an enclosed volume; ii. a first attachment tab connected to said truss member; iii. a second attachment tab connected to said first attachment tab; and iv. a support connected to said second attachment tab.

10. The dock system of claim 9, wherein said truss member is aluminum.

11. The dock system of claim 10, further comprising a platform, said platform including

a. a frame member, said frame member having a top surface and defining an opening; and

b. a cross-member inserted into said opening, said cross-member having a dimension approximately equal to said opening.

12. The dock system of claim 11, further comprising a stringer, said stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said stringer is proximate to said cross-member, and said second surface of said stringer is approximately coplanar with said top surface of said frame member.

13. The dock system of claim 11, wherein said frame member includes first and second segments, wherein said first and second segments define said opening.

14. The dock system of claim 13, wherein said first segment is substantially parallel to said second segment.

15. The dock system of claim 13, wherein said first segment is substantially perpendicular to said second segment.

16. A dock system comprising:

a. a platform, said platform including i. a frame member, said frame member having a top surface and defining an opening; and ii. a cross-member inserted into said opening, said cross-member having a dimension approximately equal to said opening; and

b. a roof, said roof including i. a truss member, wherein said truss member defines an enclosed volume; ii. a first attachment tab connected to said truss member; iii. a second attachment tab connected to said first attachment tab; and iv. a support connected to said second attachment tab.

17. The dock system of claim 16, further comprising a stringer, said stringer having first and second surfaces, wherein said first surface of said stringer is proximate to said cross-member, and said second surface of said stringer is approximately coplanar with said top surface of said frame member.

18. The dock system of claim 16, wherein said frame member includes first and second segments, wherein said first and second segments define said opening.

19. The dock system of claim 18, wherein said first segment is substantially parallel to said second segment.

20. The dock system of claim 18, wherein said first segment is substantially perpendicular to said second segment.