Abstract: A floating dock preferably comprised of at least two elongated panels and derives its transverse load supporting strength from flotation tubs at the lower side of the dock. The deck portion of the dock is assembled from aluminum extrusions, preferably without welds. The dock assembly involves a minimum of parts and minimal assembly time. In typical sizes, e.g., about 6 feet in width and 20 to 40 feet in length, the dock units can be prefabricated at a plant and shipped by truck to the point of use.

Abstract: A pier comprising a floating pierhead structure which has transverse thrurs to assist maneuvering operations and four pedestal cranes to move cargo from and to ocean going ships docked at the structure. At the stern of the structure is a stern ramp receiving platform which is used during cargo off loading operations to allow access to the structure from ships equipped with stern ramps. The mooring system for the floating pierhead structure consist of a single point mooring anchor system located at the bow of the structure and four anchor legs located at the stern of the structure. This mooring system ensures minimal movement of the floating pierhead structure at its bow where the floating pierhead structure interfaces with a fixed position approachway, but allows the structure to be rotated over an arc of ninety degrees. The approachway for the rapidly deployed pier is a fixed position roadway connecting the floating pierhead structure to the shore line.

Abstract: A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change and include a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft.

Abstract: An aquatic platform such as a swimming raft is equipped with an anti-roosting system comprised of a series of opaque panels which can be moved to a raised position blocking outward viewing of fowl alighting on the surface of the platform and deterring roosting thereon. The panels are released to be moved to a stowed position below the platform surface when the platform is in use.

Abstract: A stabilized float drum is shown having interlocking side and end walls and an upper compartment filled with a flotation medium such as closed cell foam and a lower member with a selected number and size of holes in the surfaces thereof to admit water which then acts as a stabilizing force when the float is subjected to upsetting wave action or eccentric loads. The degree of stabilization or damping is controlled by the relative size of the lower member and the size, placement and number of holes.

Abstract: The method, operated in the manner of a production line involving fabrication of a plurality of modules, includes, as to each module, the steps of preparing a bed having the desired module shape and size; preparing a galvanized welded wire fabric or mesh; fitting said wire fabric along the floor and sidewall interior surfaces of the bed to begin building an infrastructure; installing and tying epoxy coated reinforcing bars, inserts, reinforcing plates, post-tensioning tubes and other reinforcing steel within said infrastructure; installing pre-stressing strand along floor and sidewall interior surfaces; applying tensile loading to the pre-stressing strands with a hydraulic jack and deadhead apparatus; pouring a layer of concrete on the floor of the bed; seating foam billets within billet receiving sections adjacent to the wire fabric and between the post-tensioning tubes; fitting wire fabric along said interior deck to build the remainder of the infrastructure; installing and tying epoxy coated reinforcing ba

Abstract: A plank assembly system having two elements: one being a plank member having a horizontal walking surface, two downwardly projecting vertical legs, each vertical leg having a barbed fastener, and a downwardly projecting center support. The second element of the device is a U-shaped retaining clip having a horizontal mounting surface which is affixed to a joist system, and two upwardly extending vertical legs, each upwardly extending vertical leg having an inwardly projecting barb sized to interlock with the barb on the downwardly projecting vertical leg of the plank member. The retaining clip is also made of extruded PVC and is cut to a width sufficient for proper installation and strength of the overall platform. A plurality of retaining clips are affixed to a joist system of either metal, plastic or wood using securing means such as screws, or nuts and bolts.

Abstract: A floating dock system includes individual modules that may be interconnected together by interposing whalers to adjoining faces of adjacent modules. Each module includes a one-piece molded plastic portion having a top surface deck and pre-formed chaseways sized to receive structural rods as well as optional orthogonal open areas designed to allow installation of utilities. A plastic tub containing a flotation pontoon is mounted to the underside of each molded plastic portion.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete floating dock comprised of a plurality of main walkway floats and finger floats comprised of a lightweight but relatively strong concrete shell, a stout inner metal flame and a buoyant foam core. A grid of continuous steel reinforcing is embedded throughout the concrete shell. Utilities are enclosed in conduits within the shell or can be placed in an accessible alternative utility trench. Floats are connected using a hook and eye or swivel type of connection. Docks are positioned using metal cages extending out from opposite sides of floats supporting winch stands with cables attached to anchors along the harbor floor. A stout inner metal frame fitted against the inner side walls of the concrete shell is directly connected to metal elements used for connecting floats, mooring boats and positioning docks, such that all substantial external forces imparted to the dock are endured by the inner metal frame leaving the concrete shell crack and maintenance free.

Abstract: A float includes a hollow main body having four upper corners each having a first recess defined in therein, a cavity defined below the first recess, and a lug extending outwardly therefrom at a position below the cavity. The hollow main body further includes a second recess defined in an upper side thereof. An anti-slip cover is removably mounted to the second recess.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: A floating dry dock for boats. The dry dock has two side pontoons and a front pontoon. Each pontoon has one or more plastic tubs filled with styrofoam batts and attached to the frame for flotation. The top of the pontoons are provided with 2 inch by 6 inch by 27 inch cedar wood decking. The two side pontoons are attached to each other using at least two metal cradles, that also support a boat lift. The outside posts of the front and rear cradles have wheels mounted thereon to allow the dock to be moved from one location to another, over dry land. By varying the length of the pontoons, (and number of cradles), and the number of plastic floatation tubs, the dock can be built and/or adjusted to be used with personal water craft lifts, (2,500 lb capacity), to large boat lifts, (6,800 lb capacity). The adjustable nature of the dry dock makes it usable with a large number of boat lifts.

Abstract: A personal watercraft mooring system is set forth which includes a vessel, such as a pontoon boat, houseboat or deck boat and a mooring at the vessel's stern adapted to berth at least one personal watercraft. According to one embodiment, the mooring can also be displaced to reduce drag imposed by it on the system. In another embodiment, the mooring can be raised from the water to stow the watercraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a boat from water and storing in a position above water includes a stationary frame with a pivoting frame attached thereto. An end of the pivoting frame extends into the water, allowing engagement with a boat. The stationary frame is secured to the side of a floating dock or marina so that it extends laterally therefrom. Flotation devices keep the stationary frame level with the dock or marina when not storing a boat, while minimizing the amount of tilt by the dock or marina when a boat is in the stored position. Angled rollers positioned on the pivoting and stationary frame guide the boat to a central position. An alternative preferred embodiment has the stationary frame secured to pilings by a plurality of rings that slidingly fit thereover.

Abstract: A deck plank (1) of the present invention comprises a plank member (5) adapted to be secured directly to and to span between two or more support members (3), such as the joists of a dock structure or of a residential deck. The plank member is an elongate member having a bottom adapted to bear directly on the support members. The plank member is provided with at least one stiffening member (15). A cover (7) is removably secured to plank member so as to be supported at least in part by the stiffening members and so as to constitute an upper surface of the deck plank upon which a person may walk.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple system for in-water dry docking pleasure boats using existing boat slips. The system includes a dry-dock basin having a pair of ballast tanks mounted below the bottom surface of the basin. The basin is submerged using guide pipes below the boat slip where the boat is typically stored.

Abstract: A composite structure suitable for a floating or portable dwelling composed of a plurality of units connected together by loose connections to links usable for being walked on.

Abstract: A semi-flexible hinge for interconnecting a floating dock wherein the dock is comprised of a pair of floating, rectangular sections positioned end-to-end in spaced-apart relation. The adjacent ends of the floating dock sections each have a vertical, planar face, facing and parallel to the face of the adjacent dock section. The semi-flexible hinge includes a channel member mounted to each of said adjacent dock faces. Each channel member has a pair of opposing flanges extending horizontally and perpendicularly in relation to the dock face. Each channel member has a plurality of U-shaped knuckles mounted thereon. The knuckles are comprised of a length of semi-flexible material. A hinge pin passes through the aperture of the aligned knuckles attached to both channel members such that the dock sections can pivot, twist, and move vertically relative to one another. In another illustrative embodiment, the semi-flexible hinge includes top and bottom hinge straps interconnecting the floating dock sections.

Abstract: A floating, drive-on dry dock assembly for a small craft is assembled from two kinds of hollow floatation units, tall units and short units. The units are interconnected so that their top surfaces are substantially coplanar. The units are arranged to form two arms which support the hull of the craft on each side of the longitudinal center line of the craft. The entire length of each arm is made up of tall units except the distal end portions of each arm which may be made up of short units. The short units are able to flex downward as a craft begins to ride up on the dock because of the location of the connection between adjacent units. The tall units, however, cannot flex relative to each other nearly to the same extent as the short units, and so they form a stable generally planar surface. The distal ends of the arms are connected to each other by an upside down short unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a dock to permit a person to take a dock in or out of the water including a pair of cylindrical flotation members, the cylindrical flotation members having sufficient buoyancy to support a water end of a dock with a person thereon, each of the cylindrical flotation members having extensions for positioning the flotation members laterally on opposite sides of a dock, the flotation members pivotable from a non-dock supporting position to a dock-supporting position, each of the cylindrical floatation members having sufficient diameter to enable the cylindrical flotation members to roll over land like a wheel.

Abstract: A flexible barge containing fresh water is unloaded on a dry dock which is gradually raised from a submerged condition as the fresh water is pumped out of the barge. The deck of the dry dock is formed with a basin adjacent one end thereof and the dry dock is tilted near the end of the unloading operation so that water will drain in the barge toward the basin and collect in the barge in the basin to be pumped out.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed herein for docking a boat. The present invention may be used to dock motor powered or sail boats weighing upwards of several tons that when moving have a large, potentially damaging inertia due to their weight. A guide frame configuration provides a large target to which the boat can be steered, and once therein the guide frame directs the boat centrally inwardly with respect to the guide frame. The guide frame moves axially with the momentum of the boat supported by an elongate support member. One or more compression members are compressed by a stop member upon reaching the desired docking target. The compression members are compressible between push pipes that move with the guide frame on an elongate support member and a stop member that is fixed with respect to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A portable marine shelter that includes a frame assembly having two lower spaced apart longitudinally extending members, or float bars, and a flexible cover that fits over the frame assembly to provide an enclosure to store a boat and the like. A floatation system includes numerous sphere-shaped floats that are rotatably attached to the lower frame members, the floats are also free to move longitudinally along predetermined sections of the lower frame members. The floats are substantially equally distributed between the two lower members and along each individual member. The loosely attached floats enables the shelter to accommodate wave and wind generated motion without unduly stressing the frame assembly of the boat sheltered therein. The entire shelter is loosely attached to a dock and loosely anchored to the bottom of the lake, etc. to provide a structure that securely protects a boat yet is capable of being moved easily to different locations.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a surface having top and a bottom, a hollow paperboard tube secured to the bottom of the surface, foam applied to the bottom of the surface to encase the tube, and a coating which encapsulates the surface and the foam.

Abstract: A dock float having a sealed elongated buoyant hollow housing with at least one longitudinal channel for securing a joist to which decking is supported. A floatable marine dock is constructed by interconnecting two similar floats by securing header boards in laterally extending recesses in the ends of each float. The width of the floatable dock is determined by the length of the header boards and decking. The length of the floatable docks may be varied by juxtapositioning in an end to end manner any required number of floats.

Abstract: A multipurpose aquatic float has a molded shell of plastic resin. The float has a generally rectangular base part with a set of integral mounting flanges on its top surface. The mounting flanges are arranged to provide a longitudinal center channel for accepting a framing member of standard dimension lumber. Transverse flanges support the longitudinal flanges and provide a cross channel at the center and end notches to accommodate cross bracing in the frame on which the float is mounted. The longitudinal flanges have molded-in fastener receivers for receiving fasteners that secure the float in place on the framework of the support structure.

Abstract: A floating dock that includes one or more box-like elements, each defined by a pair of spaced-apart, elongate, rigid beams between which extend top and bottom plates and end walls. The chamber so formed is partially filled with blocks of closed-cell EPS foam, the lower portion of the chamber being adapted to receive water from the body on which the float is positioned to act as ballast. Tie rods extend between the beams to retain them in engagement with the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A device for maintaining docks or other floating bodies at a given distance from and orientation to the shore by means of a ratchet assembly hinged on the side of the dock closest to shore, and a line attached to two guides, such as pulleys, on the underside of the dock. When the level of the water varies, the device maintains the dock at the same distance from the new waterline as it was from the old, in the following manner: the line is anchored at one end on shore and at the other to a bottom anchor beyond the farthest point the dock will extend to at lowest water level. Tension in the line pushes the dock towards the shore until the ratchet contacts the bottom, where equilibrium is established. If the water falls, the ratchet pushes the dock away from shore and a new equilibrium is established, farther out; this repeats as long as the water falls. If the level rises, the ratchet is raised off the bottom and the dock moves towards shore to a new equilibrium point. This continues as long as the water rises.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a floating dock which is economical, durable and easy to install and maintain. The dock is comprised of uniform floating docking sections coupled together with rubber male-type anchors which fit into female-type receiving sockets on the docking sections. The two anchors of the couplers are secured together by a tie rod. The docking sections eliminate the need for boat bumpers, wood planking or other additional parts and expenses but allow for the attachment of desired accessories such as spud pipes, gang planks and tie-up cleats. The versatile docking sections can be arranged in an unlimited number of dock designs.

Abstract: A floating construction includes a first box-shaped floating unit having a contact plane, a second box-shaped floating unit having a contact plane, a first connecting block having a bore therein and being connected to the contact plane of the first floating unit, a second connecting block having a first bore therein and being connected to the contact plane of the second floating unit, a connecting rod, and an intermediate element. The connecting rod extends through the first bores of the first and second connecting blocks such that a clearance exist between the a respective inner surface of said first bores of said first and second connecting blocks and the connecting rod, thereby allowing relative movement between the first bores of the first and second connecting blocks and the connecting rod.

Abstract: A shore-to-dock access system of the present invention includes an intermediate ramp 10, a buoyant platform 12, and a piling structure 13. The intermediate ramp is pivotally coupled to the shore or other fixed height structure and slidably connected to the buoyant platform. The buoyant platform then connects to a dock ramp 14, which extends to a dock 16. The buoyant platform and dock rise and fall with the water level, but the buoyant platform comes to rest on piling support structures when the water level drops sufficiently. In this manner the intermediate ramp and the dock ramp are always kept within a maximum predetermined slope suitable for wheelchair access.

Abstract: A boat deck surface covering comprising at least two layers which are applied one over the other. The layers contain a slow hardening elastic resin, such as epoxy resin, a hardener or curing agent for the resin, and a solid particulate, finely divided filler material of low density. The underlayer contains a coloring agent or pigment for the simulation of white or black gap material, which is exposed through narrow strips or gaps in the top layer, preferably a wood plank-simulating surface layer, to produce a surface covering simulating a wooden plank pattern.

Abstract: A floating dock system which comprises a plurality of locatable floats and interlockable deck sections overlying and supported by the floats. For interlock, the deck sections are arranged with interlapping ends for over or underlying next longitudinally adjacent sections with attachment receiving passages along such edges for positive connection therebetween. The deck sections are connectable to the floats to provide a dock of various, desired configurations. The float sections and the deck sections are hollow with the deck sections selectively fillable with expanded foam material. Selectively spaced and located connective passages are provided in the float and deck sections for combining the same into desired configurations and to meet various flotation requirements. Spanning and supporting members to extend between floats are available for particular installations.

Abstract: A bumper accessory for use with a lake dock pole when the pole is installed with the lake dock. Such poles when installed typically have an upper portion which protrudes above the top surface of the lake dock. The pole further typically has a boat-mooring surface against which a boat could be moored. The bumper accessory of the present invention comprises a bumper member for covering a predetermined length of the boat-mooring side of the pole. A housing portion defines an inner cavity for concealing the upper portion of the pole, the housing portion being attached to the bumper member. The housing portion has a lower surface which mates with the top surface of the lake dock. Structure for securing the bumper member or the housing to the pole is also included.

Abstract: A boat docking system having a V-shaped horizontal floating structure held together by two underwater bents. The structure is constructed of two flexible fiberglass rods which allows the structure to open up and conform to a shape of a boat inserted into the V-shape. The two bents acts as spring clips to open up the V-shape against resilient force, and to thereafter close around the contour of the boat. The V-shape structure is floated intermittently by tubular foam buoys fixed along lengths of the V-shape structure. A strut anchored to the dock at one end and attached to the V-shape structure at another end with a sliding joint gives stability to the floating structure as well as provides the proper distance during docking of the boat to the walkway.

Abstract: A dock dolly comprising a frame having a handle, a lifting plate and an axle mounted on the frame between the handle and the lifting plate; at least one molded, hollow, thermoplastic wheel having a diameter to width ratio of approximately less than 2 mounted on the axle; a winch having a line mounted on the frame between the axle and the handle; a top line roller mounted on the handle; and a bottom line roller mounted on the axle.

Abstract: An improved water level compensation device is disclosed for adjusting the vertical position of a floating object relative to a fixed land mass. A first channel having a slot is attached to the fixed land mass in a substantially vertical position. A carriage is movably retained within the first channel for enabling bidirectional vertical movement therein. A mounting plate external to the first channel is affixed to the carriage through the slot in the first channel. A second channel is secured relative to the land mass for movably retaining a counterweight. A flexible cable interconnects the counterweight and the carriage. A coupler is affixed to the mounting plate for releasably coupling the floating object relative to the fixed land mass irrespective of variations in the vertical position of the floating object due to variations in water level.

Abstract: A block of expanded polystyerene (EPS) foam is encapsulated with one or more plastic strips within a resilient shell of high molecular weight plastic such as polyethylene. The method and process utilizes heat and pressure (e.g., one hundred fifty tons) to seal and bond the foam in a protective cover with the seam fused together with all the strength and integrity of the original material. The units may be used as part of a dock flotation system.

Abstract: A float includes a substantially prismatic hollow body, which is made of plastic and which is provided at its side walls, preferably adjacent to its side edges, with connectors for use in assembling a plurality of such floats. In order to reduce the manufacturing costs and to ensure a steady floating behavior, the hollow body is open at its bottom and is formed in its walls with at least one vent hole, which is spaced above the bottom level of the hollow body.

Abstract: A boom for the installing of a small boat dock while the installer need not enter the water is presented along with the method for use. Diagonal supports necessary to the final installation in the best mode of the method invention are included.

Abstract: The docking system (10) includes a plurality of docking members (16, 17, 18) connected together end to end. Each docking member (16, 17, 18) is anchored to the bottom surface (47) of the body of water by means of a combination of fixed anchor members (42, 44), connecting cables (46, 52) and a suspended anchor member (50) which is suspended in the water between the respective docking members (16, 17, 18) and the bottom surface (47). At the water end of the plurality of docking members (16, 17, 18) is positioned crosswise a breakwater member (19) which is substantially longer than the width of the docking members (16, 17, 18). The breakwater member (19) has an anchor system comprising a fixed anchor member (64), an anchor cable (68) and a suspended anchor member (70).

Abstract: A floating dock has a trestle body including arcuate frame members for cradling a boat, float members which slide relative to the frame members and devices for moving the float members to and fro between positions alongside the trestle body so that the float members extend laterally beyond the width of the trestle body and below the trestle so that the trestle body extends laterally beyond the float members.

Abstract: A floating dock having a plurality of spaced parallel finger floats disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another. Spaced headwalk float sections each having a first end and a second end and disposed in alignment with one another and perpendicular to said finger floats and between said finger floats. The first end of each headwalk float being hinged to a finger float to swing about a horizontal axis. Each said second end of each said headwalk float being attached to a finger float by means of a vertically extending pin means.

Abstract: A concrete dock section has a polyfoam billet coating having sides and bottom coated with a fiberglass-cement mixture, and a top surface having a plurality of transverse channels. A concrete dock surface is poured over the channels which have a steel through rod centered in each. The top surface of the billet extends slightly over the billet sides and the concrete deck edges extend downward to engage the extended top surface. The deck section is made by coating the billet in an inverted position, placing the billet in a pouring collar the top surface of the billet, installing the through rods, and pouring concrete to the top of the pouring collar.

Abstract: A dock structure, adapted to mount to a frame, having clips which are attached to the frame and plank members which are assembled to the clips. Both the clips and the planks are integrally formed of plastic to provide high weatherability, durability and pleasing aesthetics. In assembly, clips are securely attached to the frame and a plank member is adapted to securely attach to the clips thus concealing any fasteners which secure the dock structure to the underlying structural frame.

Abstract: A buoyant module which is useful in the construction of modular docks, marinas and the like is fabricated by providing a buoyant member and appling a protective sheet over a portion of the member, and pumping a fiber-reinforced concrete layer over one face of the buoyant member. Structural rods extending through the layer are interconnected with peripheral whalers, which in turn permit the buoyant member - concrete layer combination to be joined together with similar modules in a unitary, low cost and facile construction.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for attachment to the leg of a boat lift, wherein the device has a housing with a lower surface of substantial area and an air entrapment volume therein; the air entrapment volume is coupled via a connectable air step to an air hose which connects to an air valve. A source of pressurized air is coupled to the air valve.

Abstract: A safety system for use with boats to be stored in enclosed buildings to minimize potential problems of fires and explosions. This system has a transmitting unit for attachment to the boat itself which is energized when the electrical distribution system of the boat is energized. This transmnitting unit generates a signal indicating this energized state. A receiving unit associated with the building receives any output signal of the transmitting unit and sounds an alarm when this output signal is detected by the receiving unit. In the preferred form, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit utilize infra-red light as the generated and received signal. Also in the preferred embodiment, the detector unit has a plurality of detector elements arranged along the side and top edges of a doorway leading into the storage facility. As a result of this system it can be assured that no boat with an energized electrical distribution system is stored within the facility.

Abstract: A gangway system for providing access, particularly for handicapped persons, between structures having surfaces which are relatively movable with respect to each other over a range of motion. The gangway includes a plurality of alternating ramp and platform members hingedly coupled to one another, the ends of the gangway being in contact with the surfaces of the structures. The platform members are supported by support members fixed in position relative to one of the structures and, over the range of motion, as the surfaces move vertically relative to one another the ramps and platforms come to rest in sequence adjacent the surface of the other structure. The lengths of the ramps are selected to be less than a preselected value and their slopes are selected so as not to exceed a preselected value during use so that handicapped access is facilitated.