Floating Boat Dock Patents (Class 114/263)
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Patent number: 11945554Abstract: An artificial floating island includes a lower mounting and an upper mounting. The upper mounting includes a bottom wall and a surrounding wall that cooperatively define an internal space. The surrounding wall has service openings and root through holes. The upper mounting has internal blocks, each having a block body that is connected between the bottom wall and the surrounding wall, and that defines a service space disposed outside of the upper mounting and being in communication with a respective one of the service openings. The lower mounting is coupled to the upper mounting and has an outer surface that is formed with a plurality of guiding troughs.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Inventor: Kuang-Cheng Chen
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Patent number: 11904990Abstract: One example provides a floating drive-on pontoon port including a plurality of floating sections pivotally coupled together in series with one another to form an articulating port track base and an articulating starboard track base extending longitudinally in parallel with one another, the port and starboard track bases each having a lower surface to be disposed in water and an opposing upper surface to face away from the water. A port transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the port track base, and a starboard transport track extends longitudinally across the upper surface of the starboard track base and in parallel with the port transport track, the port and starboard transport tracks each comprising a series of spaced apart rollers configured to respectively receive, transport, and support a port pontoon and a starboard pontoon of a pontoon during loading, unloading, and storage of the pontoon boat on the pontoon port.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Innovative Outdoor Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Richard G. Johanneck
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Patent number: 11833776Abstract: A fitting attachable to a cross-laminated panel provides a chase, plumbing space, airflow duct, or wiring route on an edge of the cross-laminated panel. The fitting may run between edges of multiple cross-laminated panels that contain integral hollow members, forming a customizable network of contiguous coplanar routing paths, accessible without installing pipes and wires behind, or in front of the cross-laminated panels. The fitting may also provide a vertical chase for single or multiple cross-laminated panels. The fitting takes advantage of one or more hollow members in the cross-laminated panels to provide contiguous routing paths for wires, pipes, and venting within the cross-laminated panels themselves, extending across any layout of multiple cross-laminated panels. The fitting may additionally serve as mechanical support for attachment of adjacent panels. Further, the fitting may provide structural connection for the CLT panels as required to meet structural code requirements for the building.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Four Sided Solutions LLCInventors: Tyler Valentine Kuhn, Michael Ryan Bradley, Michael J Kuhn
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Patent number: 11746813Abstract: A roller ball assembly that provides a safe, efficient, unobtrusive and easy to install load conveyance system to facilitate the travel of a watercraft on or off of a floating vessel platform with no or minimal potential of causing damage to the watercraft's hull or to the float modules. The roller ball assembly is comprised of a sphere rotatable with respect to a floating vessel platform. A number of roller ball assemblies can be mounted into a floating vessel platform in the junction areas of float modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Inventor: Bruce Nelson
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Patent number: 11465717Abstract: A floating lift system capable of fully integrating into an existing floating or fixed dock or into a floating or fixed dock currently in construction that allows users to employ a plurality of utilitarian uses, thereby providing for enhanced user experience. The floating lift system includes an elevator deck comprising of a parent floating dock adapter and a lift deck extender; a lift deck; and an air control system. The floating lift system allows for the raising and lowering of load into and out of water.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Inventor: Robert Lindsay Way
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Patent number: 11390363Abstract: A boat lift has pumps that evacuate water from flotation containers lower the boat lift. Multiple flotation containers are retained by a frame that is formed as a grid. The pumps are contained within a housing that is retained in position by the frame. Water enters the housing through valves and is distributed to the flotation containers to lower the boat lift. Water is evacuated from the flotation containers by pumps, with valves closed to prevent water from entering the flotation containers.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventors: Sean A. Barnes, Michael W. Kirby
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Patent number: 11235845Abstract: A watercraft float having a deck surface and bottom surface, a watercraft receiving area, a first post having a base, side, and top surface, wherein the first post is positioned on a first side of the watercraft receiving area, a second post having a base, side, and top surface, wherein the second post is positioned on a second side of the watercraft receiving area, and a railing, wherein the railing releaseably engages the two posts, wherein the base of the first post and the base of the second past are engaged to the deck surface, wherein each post is configured so that a user can propel a watercraft onto the float utilizing the post, and wherein the watercraft receiving area is configured to receive a watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventor: Jeffery Jackson
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Patent number: 10947735Abstract: A pergola shade system designed for use with a pier over water. The pergola shade system includes as its primary components a roof assembly, a framework to support the roof assembly above the pier, and an anchor assembly that removably and securely mounts the roof assembly and framework to the pier. The anchor assembly is constructed of components that permit the roof structure and framework of the pergola shade system to be both easily erected on a pier for use and easily disassembled from the pier for storage.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Inventor: Thomas Edwin Auer
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Patent number: 10940925Abstract: A computer controlled robotic system that autonomously adjusts the location of a floating marine dock whenever water levels change in a body of water (e.g., a lake or reservoir) to maintain sufficient draft clearance for safe boat operation and ensure safe access to the dock. The system is comprised of an electric motor-driven tractor device attached to the shore-end of a walkway and a pair of electric-motor driven cable winch assemblies with a distributed control system to move the floating dock toward or away from the shore to maintain a relative desired water depth for safe boat operation and positioning in relation to the moving edge of the water shoreline.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Ottomation, LLCInventors: Phillip George Torre, Thomas H. Torre
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Patent number: 10875612Abstract: A dock assembly includes a first and a second dock sidewall joined via a first vertical receiver tube positioned between adjacent ends of the first dock sidewall and the second dock sidewall. A third dock sidewall is joined with the second dock sidewall via a second vertical receiver tube positioned between adjacent ends of the second dock sidewall and the third dock sidewall. A fourth and a fifth dock sidewalls are joined via a third vertical receiver tube positioned between adjacent ends of the fourth dock sidewall and the fifth dock sidewall. The second and the fifth dock sidewalls are positioned side by side such that respective sides of the first and third receiver tubes are abutting each other. The first and third receiver tubes are securely joined by inserting respective upper and lower connector keys dimensioned to fit into respective sockets of the first and third receiver tubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: CRESCENT EQUIPMENT COMPANYInventor: Robert Way
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Patent number: 10760232Abstract: An adjustable leg for use with a dock includes a tubular, lower member having a non-circular cross-section when taken normal to a longitudinal axis where the lower member has a first end and a second end. The lower member further includes a plate secured to the first end, the plate having a threaded through bore, and a disc secure to the plate. The disc has an elliptical aperture that is biased from the plate. The adjustable leg includes a tubular, upper member having a non-circular cross-section when taken normal to the longitudinal axis. The upper member is sized to be positioned over the lower member. The upper member further includes a threaded rod rotatably positioned within an interior cavity of the upper member, the threaded rod rotatably secured to the upper member. The threaded rod is configured to threadably engage the threaded bore and wherein the disc is configured engage the threaded rod and to place upward pressure on the threaded rod to prevent or reduce unwanted rotation of the rod.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: HEWITT MACHINE & MFG., INC.Inventor: Steve Uhde
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Patent number: 10745092Abstract: There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: THE RICHARD C. LYDLE REVOCABLE TRUSTInventor: Richard C. Lydle
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Patent number: 10704218Abstract: Described are various embodiments for coupling devices for dock installations.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: DREAM VIEW ENCLOSURES INC.Inventor: Adrian J. Assinck
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Patent number: 10598155Abstract: A wind turbine platform configured to float in a body of water and support a wind turbine thereon includes a buoyant hull platform. A wind turbine tower is centrally mounted on the hull platform and a wind turbine is mounted to the wind turbine tower. An anchor is connected to the hull platform and to the seabed, and a weight-adjustable mass is suspended from the hull platform.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Habib J. Dagher, Anthony M. Viselli, Andrew J. Goupee
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Patent number: 10465352Abstract: The invention relates to a pier (10), a pier attachment system (1), a method for building the pier (10). The pier attachment system (1) is used for attaching a surface module (2) of the pier to a lower part (6) of the pier. The pier attachment system (1) comprises an attachment bracket (3), an attachment plug (4), and a surface module (2). The attachment plug (4) is adapted to extend between an aperture (21a) in a first surface module (2a) and an aperture (21b) in a second surface module (2b). The attachment bracket (3) is adapted to fasten the attachment plug (4) to a beam (5) of the lower part (6) of the pier and thereby fasten the surface modules (2) to the lower part of the pier (6).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Inventor: Leif Jilkén
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Patent number: 10370073Abstract: A floating boat lift having flotation tanks positioned under sides of a frame of the boat lift and a transverse flotation tank that communicates with the flotation tanks. Water flow is regulated so that tanks fill from near the center of the boat lift. Water is accepted into or pumped from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to fall or rise relative to the surface of the water.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Inventors: Sean A. Barnes, Michael W. Kirby
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Patent number: 10315738Abstract: A small watercraft launch comprises a watercraft receiving area defined by a bottom and side walls which in combination define a cradle. Opposed launch side walls extend upwardly from the cradle side walls. At least one of the side walls defines a port to enable access to the cradle (and to a watercraft positioned in the cradle). A plurality of aligned notches extending downwardly from the top surface of the side walls on opposite sides of the port which are sized to receive an oar/paddle shaft to allow a boater to pull the small watercraft forward along the small watercraft launch. Lastly, the small watercraft launch has a connecting portion at a bottom of the outer surface of at least one of the launch side walls configured to connect the small watercraft launch to a dock member.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: E-Z-DOCK, INC.Inventors: Dustin Imel, Adam Wald, Larry D. Molohon
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Patent number: 10300996Abstract: A self-adjusting, drive-on, floating dock for personal watercraft including a central float having a plurality of central float rollers to support the keel or bottom of the hull of a personal watercraft; and a plurality of side floats with attached side float arms having attached side float rollers that support the sides of the hull of a personal watercraft; and in which at least one of the side floats is attached to the central float in such a manner to allow it to float independently of the center float, but is restrained from drifting away from said central float; and the independent buoyant forces created by both the central float and the plurality of side floats together support the hull of a personal watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: CELLOFOAM NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Mark H. Arnold
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Patent number: 10293280Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a pumping system for use in a tailings pond is provided. The pumping system comprises a pump support and at least one mooring element coupled to the pump support. The at least one mooring element has an extended position for fixing the pump support to a bed of the tailings pond, and a retracted position for permitting movement of the pump support towards a shore of the tailings pond. The at least one mooring element is configured for transitioning from the extended position to the retracted position when a distance from the shore to the pump support exceeds a threshold as a result of a change to tailings pond geometry, and for returning to the extended position following movement of the pump support to reduce the distance below the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Weir Canada Inc.Inventors: Peter Vert, Richard Haight
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Patent number: 10190276Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Wahoo Docks LLCInventors: Harold Hawkins, III, Tim Osby, Michael Lyle
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Patent number: 10119273Abstract: The system for removably securing slats juxtaposed to form a deck, for example for a terrace, includes fasteners disposed in rows on level floor or joist or beam structure supports oriented perpendicular to the axis of the slats. The fasteners have a device for securing the supports to the slats. A plurality of impermeable channels is disposed parallel for a level floor, or at a rate of one impermeable channel for each joist or beam support. The top surface of the support, a device for removable securing and a device for positioning provided on the profiled section are covered. The fasteners are made of a flexible elastic material, and the device for positioning allows clearance in a direction of an axis of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Architecture Du BoisInventors: Wilfried Andres, Eric Jung
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Patent number: 10041216Abstract: A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: ARUP VENTURES LIMITEDInventors: Ian Wise, Roland Trim
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Patent number: 9957987Abstract: Trench drains are hollow or grid-like bodies which can be installed in the ground and are intended to receive precipitated surface water and slowly dissipate it into the ground or to store the water. These hollow or grid-like bodies are constructed from individual drainage bodies which must be firmly connected together. Drainage body connecting elements are proposed for connecting drainage bodies, which comprise two pegs which are connected via a web and can each be inserted in a receiving orifice of a drainage body so the two drainage bodies can be connected together via the web.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Marco Wandkowski, Jan Mieze, Thorsten Wichmann
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Patent number: 9856618Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: GDC EnterprisesInventors: Harold Hawkins, III, Tim Osby, Michael Lyle
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Patent number: 9660568Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a body having an opening extending along a center axis from a bottom to a top, the opening configured to receive the vertical column such that the body surrounds the vertical column. The solar array column cap further includes an upper support surface configured to receive a horizontal beam, the upper support surface being located in a plane that is visibly non-perpendicular with the center axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Inventor: Michael Zuritis
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Patent number: 9551452Abstract: Systems and method are provided to protect devices from damage due to floodwaters. For example, a system includes a floating platform assembly, an apparatus securely disposed on the floating platform assembly, first and second platform retaining members connected to the floating platform assembly, and first and second vertical support members disposed on opposite sides of the floating platform assembly. Upper ends of the first and second vertical support members are connected to an outer sidewall of a dwelling, and bottom ends of the first and second vertical support members are fixedly secured at ground level. The first and second platform retaining members insertably receive the first and second vertical support members, respectively. The first and second platform retaining members are configured to slide along the respective first and second vertical support members when the floating platform assembly vertically rises and lowers in response to a changing level of floodwater.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: James V. Thorne
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Patent number: 9518564Abstract: A wind turbine platform is configured for floating in a body of water and includes a hull defining a hull cavity therein. The hull is formed from reinforced concrete. A tower is configured to mount a wind turbine and is also connected to the hull. An anchor member is connected to the hull and to the seabed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEEInventors: Habib J. Dagher, Anthony M. Viselli, Andrew J. Goupee
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Patent number: 9505469Abstract: A controlling system is used for controlling a state of a floating arrangement comprising plurality of containers, such as shipping or standard freight containers, especially consistent with ISO standard. At least some of the containers comprise a float arrangement having e.g. intra-container water-displacing volumes, such as an inflatable bag, which can be used for displacing water from the container when the inflatable bag is filled or for letting more water entering into the container when the inflatable bag is emptied, and thereby manipulating the buoyancy or draft of the container and thus also the same of the pontoon platform comprising said container(s). The state of the container and thus the floating arrangement can be controlled by operating the float arrangement by the controlling system, such as manipulating the inflatable bags or other state changing means of the float arrangement, such as propellers or supporting means.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Nextbase Offshore OyInventor: Jarkko Valtanen
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Patent number: 9206570Abstract: A floating marine dock and connection system there for provides plural elongate rectilinear flotation pontoons having a consistent peripheral configuration with a major dimension and a minor dimension and customizable lengths. Connection apparatus interconnected to the flotation pontoons permits the flotation pontoons to be interconnected end-to-end, in parallel, perpendicular to, and spaced apart from one another. Connection straps extend about the outer periphery of the flotation pontoons and interconnect with flanges, plates and accessories desirable for marine docks. The connection straps support a nailer beam to which decking is fastened. Braces extend between spacedly adjacent flotation pontoons to maintain the spatial relationship therebetween and to support service conduits.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Knight Boat Docks, LLCInventors: Douglas J. Knight, Kenneth L. Knight, David A. Knight, David Drahman
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Patent number: 9184693Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic system and, more particularly, to a supporting device for a solar panel employed in a photovoltaic system. A supporting device for a solar panel includes a buoyant member including an upper body in which a plurality of protrusions are formed upwardly and first and second props are formed on the protrusions to prop a solar panel, respectively, and a lower body in which a wing part is formed to be protruded from the side thereof and a lower surface is formed to be protruded downwardly, and a connector formed to have a box shape and connecting the buoyant members in a vertical direction or horizontal direction, wherein the buoyant members are coupled to the connector as the wing parts are coupled to the connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Deok Yong Yun, Yong Nam Cho
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Patent number: 9180941Abstract: A method using a floatable offshore depot to provide sheltered area using a tunnel for safe and easy launching or docking of watercraft and embarkation or debarkation of personnel. The method can be used to transfer equipment between the watercraft and the floatable offshore depot using an internal dock side of the tunnel. The floatable offshore depot can have a buoyant hull, a keel, a main deck, and at least two connected sections between the keel and the main deck. The connected sections can extend downwardly from the main deck toward the keel and can have an upper cylindrical side section, a transition section, and a lower cylindrical section. The method uses the tunnel at an operational depth, with a tunnel opening to an exterior of the buoyant hull to receive the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: JURONG SHIPYARD PTE LTD.Inventor: Nicolaas Johannes Vandenworm
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Patent number: 8955449Abstract: A dock assembly is made of floats and deck supports on top of the floats. The floats have upwardly opening channels in which utility conduits may be laid from above before the channels are closed by the deck supports. Whalers attached to the sides of the floats and deck supports connect adjacent floats to each other. Decking may be attached to the deck supports. Rods extending from side to side hold the whalers in place and fasten the deck supports to the floats.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Global Dock and Marina Systems, LLCInventor: Paul Patrick Falcone
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Patent number: 8904950Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a glide assembly for a watercraft float having a base with a bottom surface substantially mated to a watercraft receiving area of the float and a cavity, a glide member, an axle, and a securing mechanism allowing for the glide assembly to be positioned at different locations on the float, where the glide assembly reduces the amount of force required to receive and launch the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Jeffery Jackson
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Publication number: 20140326171Abstract: A floating touristic marina which is separated from the coastline, that is, having no facilities or structures on land, maintaining its stability by means of being supported by multiple piles which are cemented to the bottom of the body of water where the marina is located. The floating marina includes a straight dock and a round dock which allows the housing of multiple seagoing vessels, where the round dock further includes a circular platform for recreational activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Federico Alberto Sánchez-Peñarroja Gutierrez, Andrea Pampaloni
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Publication number: 20140328627Abstract: A dock system having a dock assembly having a frame made of tubing, a conduit supporting channel, a plurality of planks, and a plurality of floats. Attached to the dock assembly is a hoist assembly that includes a pair of support frames, a drive mechanism with a drive shaft and a pair of cradle straps attached to the drive shaft and a pair of retaining elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Jesse King
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Patent number: 8876435Abstract: The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Wave Armor, L.L.C.Inventors: Richard G. Johanneck, Paul A. Pilosi
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Publication number: 20140290553Abstract: A floating installation for temporarily accommodating objects that are being transported from a first position to a second position located on a marine installation, characterized by the floating installation including at least one marine docking station adapted for the call of a seagoing transport vessel, the at least one docking station being integrated in the installation, at least one helipad and living quarters, and a method of transporting personnel and equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: SEVAN MARINE ASAInventors: Kåre Syvertsen, Dave Tallonen, Jan Vidar Aarsnes
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Publication number: 20140245940Abstract: A movable floating moorage including a set of n parallel floating booms, each comprising a main pontoon and secondary pontoons extending in a transverse direction. Some of the secondary pontoons are in register with one another in two adjacent booms and are adapted to bear on one another in the transverse direction. The moorage includes two series of n+1 lines actuated by winches and including, for each boom, two lines extending from this boom in two opposite ways in the transverse direction and connected respectively, either to an adjacent floating boom, or to a fixed anchorage. The booms are connected together and to any fixed support solely by these two series of lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Frédéric Marantier
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Publication number: 20140224164Abstract: A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Boyce Mann, Mark Douglas Johnson, Tony Shelby Garrett, JR.
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Patent number: 8770130Abstract: A dock-side cradle for providing a safe point of entry into and out of a personal watercraft such as a canoe or kayak launching and landing same. The cradle is trough-shaped and is open at each end, with a slight slope from one end to the other. Preferably the trough is defined by a plurality of support arms in spaced separation from one another which are connected to a pair of guiding elements. The cradle is adapted to be hingedly connected to a dock so that it can be positioned in the water for use, or rotated up onto the dock when not in use. The cradle is equipped with handrails connecting to the support arms and the support arms themselves may be extendable in order to accommodate varying water levels in relation to the dock. The cradle may be sold as a kit.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Inventor: Richard A Holmes
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Publication number: 20140182504Abstract: A dock assembly is made of floats and deck supports on top of the floats. The floats have upwardly opening channels in which utility conduits may be laid from above before the channels are closed by the deck supports. Whalers attached to the sides of the floats and deck supports connect adjacent floats to each other. Decking may be attached to the deck supports. Rods extending from side to side hold the whalers in place and fasten the deck supports to the floats.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: PAUL PATRICK FALCONE
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Publication number: 20140182505Abstract: A dock system is formed from a plurality of interconnected dock modules, with adjacent dock modules connected together by means of at least one coupler. The coupler has a connector having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion which is flexible, compressible, and tensionable. Each dock module is formed from a buoyant float comprised of a plurality of buoyant float members, a decking support, decking mounted to the decking support to form a tread surface for the dock module, and a decking support connector extending between the decking support and the float to secure the decking support to the float. The decking support is formed from a frame made from frame members, at least one first cross member extending across one dimension of said float, and at least one second cross member extending across a second dimension of said float.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventors: Dustin Imel, Curtis Downs, Dan Guthrie
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Publication number: 20140174332Abstract: A floating marine dock and connection system there for provides plural elongate rectilinear flotation pontoons having a consistent peripheral configuration with a major dimension and a minor dimension and customizable lengths. Connection apparatus interconnected to the flotation pontoons permits the flotation pontoons to be interconnected end-to-end, in parallel, perpendicular to, and spaced apart from one another. Connection straps extend about the outer periphery of the flotation pontoons and interconnect with flanges, plates and accessories desirable for marine docks. The connection straps support a nailer beam to which decking is fastened. Braces extend between spacedly adjacent flotation pontoons to maintain the spatial relationship therebetween and to support service conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Knight EZ DockInventors: Douglas J. Knight, Kenneth L. Knight, David A. Knight, David Drahman
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Patent number: 8739726Abstract: A dock system including a collapsible frame, and method for assembling the dock system including collapsible frame are provided. A collapsible dock system includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame includes a first beam, a second beam, a cross-member, and a hinged bracket system. The cross-member system secures the first beam to the second beam. The hinged bracket system is selectively coupled to the first beam and the second beam in either a compact transport state in which the first beam is movable relative to the second beam or a fixed installation state in which the first beam is fixed relative to the second beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Boyce Mann, Mark Douglas Johnson, Tony Shelby Garrett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140083347Abstract: A method and system for providing ground mobility for a dock is provided. The system includes at least one wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly includes a base element configured to be secured to a bottom portion of a dock, and at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the base element. Each wheel assembly is configured such that when the base element is secured to the bottom portion of the dock, the dock is at least partially supported by and rolls along ground on the wheels. The at least one wheel assembly is buoyant in water.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: TECHSTAR PLASTICS INC.Inventor: William Garth TAYLOR
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Patent number: 8662000Abstract: An offshore depot having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper inwardly-tapered wall and a lower outwardly-tapered wall that produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. Ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore depot includes a tunnel formed within or through the hull at the waterline that provides a sheltered area inside the hull for safe and easy launching/docking of boats and embarkation/debarkation of personnel. When the watertight tunnel doors are all shut, the tunnel may be drained to create a dry dock environment within the hull. The offshore depot includes berthing and dinning accommodations, medical facilities, workshops, machine shops, a heliport, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: SSP Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Nicolaas J. Vandenworm
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Publication number: 20140014019Abstract: A shelter and washing system is provided with a cover, supporting trusses, and a cleaning system. The cover is locatable over an area of water and includes cover trusses connectively arranged in a skeletal structure, a border structure, and a roof. The supporting truss may elevate the cover above the area of water and include vertical and horizontal members that include tubes of varying diameters. The cover trusses may be partially bowed and or made with aluminum. The cleaning system may include jets to eject a liquid to clean the watercraft. The liquid may be driven by a pump. A method is provided for sheltering and washing a watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: John Haggin
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Publication number: 20140007803Abstract: A modular dock unit and system for making large modular dock systems is disclosed. The dock unit includes a molded floatation shell, a molded decking piece and a molded water-tight retainer ring. The floatation shell has column supports molded therein suitable for holding support members. In use, support member are placed in flanges molded into the support columns and the floatation shell rim. The water-tight retainer ring is placed on the side support members and the decking piece is opposed to the water-tight retainer. Mounting aids such as tongue and groove members are molded in opposing pieces of floatation shell, retainer and deck and secured where necessary. The dock unit also includes a boat bumper system that mates with the dock units to surround the modular dock system. When assembled, the dock unit comprises a water-tight flotation cavity protecting the internal components and providing buoyancy to the dock unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: WAVEMASTER DOCKING SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Larry D. Moody
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Publication number: 20130269583Abstract: The docking apparatus of the present invention is designed and configured to maintain a floating dock with a boat attached thereto within deep enough areas of a lake, river, or the like so that the boat or dock does not collide with land as it would if the water was shallow. The water level of lakes, rivers, and the like vary depending on the time of the year. A boat that is docked for an extended period of time may collide with the floor of the lake, river, or the like as the water level decreases. The docking apparatus of the present invention has a depth sensing system that senses the water depth directly underneath the floating dock and the boat. When the water depth decreases below a predetermined level, the docking apparatus of the present invention energizes an electric motor to move the floating dock and boat along a chain and away from shore onto deeper areas where the water depth is greater than the predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Mark Miller
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Publication number: 20130239865Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a glide assembly for a watercraft float having a base with a bottom surface substantially mated to a watercraft receiving area of the float and a cavity, a glide member, an axle, and a securing mechanism allowing for the glide assembly to be positioned at different locations on the float, where the glide assembly reduces the amount of force required to receive and launch the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventor: Jeffery Jackson