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

Abstract: A portable mooring dock for a boat for allowing a user to secure and safely anchor one's boat along a shoreline. The portable mooring dock for a boat includes boat connectors being fastenable to a boat; and also includes a boat mooring assembly being attached to the boat connectors, and including elongate support members and elongate cross member, and also including ground securement members for securing the elongate support members to a ground; and further includes a floatation assembly being connected to the boat mooring assembly to facilitate floatation of the boat mooring assembly.

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

Abstract: A weather resistant dock walkway comprises a dock walkway substructure in combination with a plurality of elongated planks each with a first and second opposite ends. The planks are rotatable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, and are arranged side-by-side. The first and second opposite ends of each plank are attached to the opposite ends of the substructure. The planks are responsive to contact with a body of water such that the planks rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position to enable surging water to circulate freely between the vertical planks to prevent surge damage to the weather resistant dock walkway. A ratchet system can be used to reversibly lock the planks in a vertical position.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modular dock system with louvered planks which can be rotated away from their horizontal configuration. The planks have bristles along their upper edge to discourage bird roosting.

Abstract: A dock or pier assembly is constructed of a series of substantially identical dock modules. The dock modules are preferably rectangular in shape, and a post and bracket support arrangement is provided at each corner of each dock module for supporting the dock modules above a body of water. Each dock module includes a frame assembly, constructed of a series of metal frame members welded together to define a rigid frame. A series of deck members are mounted to the frame, and may be in the form of extruded plastic deck members. Each side frame member includes an upper flange to which a connector strip is secured, and the connector strip defines engagement structure for mounting the deck members to the side frame members. Each frame member of the frame assembly further includes a vertical web and a lower flange. A bumper or cover member is secured to the vertical web of each frame member, for providing a finished appearance and for protecting the web and lower flange when in use.

Abstract: A floor assembly having a plurality of elongated extrusions and a cooperating snap connector that is secured to a rigid underlying support. Each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members, each of the outer leg members being connected to an adjacent inner leg member by horizontal support member. Each inner leg member includes a retaining tab extending therefrom. The snap connector includes an elongated base portion and a pair of flanges attached to opposed major sides of the base portion. The retaining tabs cooperate with the bottom section of the flanges to mechanically secure the extrusions to the snap connector. The snap connector is secured to the rigid underlying support.

Abstract: A floating dock module has a hollow body, preferably hexagonal prismatic, with hexagonal top and bottom walls with side walls and bolt access wells in the top wall with bolt holes extending laterally between each bolt access well and an adjacent side wall for interconnecting dock modules together into various shapes. The resulting dock assembly is flexible and able to conform with wave action. Mating protrusions and recesses in side walls together with bolts secure the high-density roto-moulded polyethylene plastic modules together. Preferably the side walls have a chamfered top and bottom edge to enhance the flexibility of the connection. The top wall includes drainage grooves, the side walls of which form vertical reinforcing ribs. An upwardly extending peripheral wall enables placement of mats, foam, carpet, wood, gravel or sand in the top surface. The bottom wall includes downwardly open float cavities and the top wall includes accessory support holes for railing posts or parasols.

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

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

Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement is provided for anchoring a dock leg to a bottom of a body of water. A base plate has a lumber or timber receiver on its top surface and has three or more anchor legs that are attached to the base plate and that extend downwardly. At least one of the anchor legs preferably has a fluke pivotally attached to it so that when the anchor leg is pushed downwardly into a bottom of a body of water the fluke pivots into contact with the anchor leg. A subsequent attempt to pull the anchor leg upward causes the fluke to pivot into an extended position in which it provides additional resistance to the upward motion of the anchoring leg. Most small docks have legs made of conventional lumber or timbers large enough to provide a buoyant force adequate to support thsi metal anchoring apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing successive segments of a segmented dock. A suspension structure is connected to a previously installed segment of dock. The suspension structure includes a frame rotator for rotating a dock frame from an inverted position atop the previously installed dock segment to an extended position substantially parallel to the previously installed dock segment. The suspension structure suspends the frame in place while decking is added to the frame. Once the decking is installed, the person installing the dock may move onto the suspended segment in order to sink support poles from the suspended dock segment.

Abstract: An improved modular dock structure with adjustable fixtures. Structural members are shown having one or more retention channels for cooperating with captive mounting structures various fixtures. Fixtures are adjustably mounted to the structural members using one or more mounting structures, each having a captive nut and collar retained in an associated retention channel. Fixtures described include a coupling hinge structure to couple modular sections together; floatation devices; clete structures; railings; watercraft bumpers; support legs; support legs with augers affixed; and support legs with wheels rotatably attached.

Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow permeable port embankment, mainly constructed by multiple waste tires which are arranged in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The port embankment includes multiple vertically arranged tires and multiple horizontally arranged tires that are combined with each other by fastening of cables. The horizontally arranged tires are poured with concrete. The port embankment can use a wave energy reduction device of central holes of the multiple vertically arranged tires, so that when a big wave or surge rushes into the port embankment through the central holes of the vertically arranged tires, the energy thereof is counteracted naturally and completely, so that the region in the port embankment is calm, thereby preventing ships in the port embankment from hitting each other.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The concrete shell further includes a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete structural side flanges extending along the length of each side wall and a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete end flanges extending along the length of each end wall. Each flange is of sufficient thickness to permit direct attachment of mooring accessories and dock hinges for interconnecting adjacent float sections without additional structural components such as conventional timber wales.

Abstract: A dock support bracket has a central clamp of general C shape having an internal channel and opposing first and second side arms. The bracket has a clamping screw and a first beam mounting base on the first side arm and has an abutment and a second beam mounting base on the second side arm. The second beam mounting base is angular to the second side arm and to the first beam mounting base. Dock section beams can be mounted on the respective mounting bases of the bracket to form a dock. A dock support post can be received within the channel of the clamp, and pressed by the clamping screw of the first side arm against slippage on the post. Docks formed using the bracket have minimal or no side projecting hardware.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: The removable pier support system of the present invention comprises a plurality of folding pier support posts. Each post has a platform section having a horizontal base plate for supporting the post on a bed of a body of water. The base plate has a lower surface which in use rests on the bed. An anchoring probe extends from the lower surface of the base plate, and a support arm section extends upwardly from the horizontal base plate. A folding arm section is coupled to the support arm section. The folding arm section is movable between a first position extending upwardly from the support arm section and a second lying adjacent the support arm section. A pivot mechanism couples the support arm section and the folding arm section to one another. The pivot mechanism comprises two sets of cooperating pins and slots with the pins disposed on one section and the slots positioned in the other. The pins are vertically aligned, and include a pivot pin and a locking pin.

Abstract: A combination step and ramp apparatus for floating docks for providing safety for boaters ascending and descending the floating dock.

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

Abstract: A seasonal dock having a self-stowing lifting device having a mounting structure, a tower structure, and a platform structure, where the tower structure and platform structure are hinged to the mounting structure, and the tower structure stows inside the platform structure when not in use. The tower structure is about 80% of the length of the platform structure. In operation, cables are attached from the platform structure to the tower structure such that they are at about 45 degrees to each other, and another cable is attached from the tower structure to a winch.

Abstract: The system for attaching a reinforcing band to a wall (2) of a reinforced supporting structure comprises a winding support (10) for the reinforcing band and two staples (11a, 11b) for fixing the winding support (10) to the wall (2), which are formed from a loop of non-corrodible material. The placement device comprises a template for shaping the loop and forming the two staples (11a, 11b), two pairs of collars, mounted on the template and intended for laterally holding the two staples (11a, 11b) respectively along the template, and two spacers, each extending between the collars of one pair to ensure a parallel arrangement between the two branches of each staple (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A floor assembly includes at least two elongated extrusions disposed adjacent to each other where each extrusion includes a pair of outer leg members and a pair of inner leg members that are connected by a connector which engages the inner leg member and the outer leg member of one of the extrusions and the outer leg member and the inner leg member of the other extrusion. The connector includes a base and first and second end flanges where the first end flange engages the inner leg member of one of the extrusions and the second end flange engages the inner leg member of the other extrusion. A method of making a floor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable modular boat dock system of improved assembly and disassembly, which comprises a plurality of dock sections, a leg supporting unit for pivotal, detachable connection to a shoreward end of each dock section, a releasable latching unit for connection of adjacent dock sections to prevent both vertical and lateral relative movement, a lever-releasable unit for extending a telescoping foot for each leg for lake bed height adjustment, and improved accessory mounting structure. This system provides for simple installation of the dock without use of wheels, floats or standard tools.

Abstract: A dynamic ramp interface system to allow a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ship to unload and load onto a pier, floating storage facility, or other ship during high sea states. The dynamic ramp interface system includes a motion compensation damping system attached to a first platform, a first ramp also attached to the first platform leading up to the motion compensation damping system, and second ramp that is hingedly connected to a second platform and also leading to the motion compensation damping system. The motion compensation damping system includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a series of interconnected hollow bladders, and a pivot support structure. Through this arrangement, the top plate is allowed to pivot relative to the bottom plate, with the bladder system providing a damping effect. The first ramp is slideably in communication with the top plate by means of a set of articulated fingers. The second ramp is also slideably in communication with the top plate.

Abstract: A floating dock section that is secure, economical and durable and can be coupled together with a similar type section by a connecting member that fits into a socket of the dock section. Each connecting member has flanges that fit into receiving sockets of two adjacent dock sections to form a dock of a preferred configuration so that the dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of configurations. Modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added. The bottom surface of the dock section includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped closely spaced apart troughs that are in a parallel alignment with one another.

Abstract: A platform for servicing of vertically positioned missiles in a ballistic ssile submarine. The platform includes a vertically inclined rail and a horizontal frame. In the frame there is a first element having a first and a second end superimposed over the inclined rail. This first element is movably mounted directly on the rail at the first end and movably mounted in vertically spaced relation above said inclined rail at said second end. At least one second element is spaced laterally from the first element to enclose a missile tube access opening. A vertical support means is also positioned in opposed relation to the inclined rail. The vertical support means is adjustable to the curved hull surface of the submarine to maintain the frame horizontal. The platform is constructed from a lightweight material such as aluminum, and it can be carried and assembled by two men for the efficient servicing of VLS equipped submarines and other similar vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus of and a method for the construction of an environmentally-friendly floating dock structure using heavy-gauge plastic tubing as pontoon floats with an overlying series of deck crosspieces is presented. The plastic pontoon floats are made from a high-density polyethylene material and arranged with the overlying deck crosspieces in such a manner as to provide the floating dock with a greater degree of stability, and are themselves constructed containing a highly buoyant material. The junctures between the adjoining pieces of the pontoon floats are sealed water-tight by a plastic joining process.

Abstract: A maritime dock structure including a plurality of hollow modules each having a buoyancy force associated therewith. A plurality of anchors are coupled to the modules and embedded in an underwater bed. Each anchor opposes the buoyancy force of its associated module as well as lateral forces and load forces directed into the underwater bed.

Abstract: A float module that can be combined with other float modules to form a floating dock apparatus with the float module being constructed with a flat concrete deck bonded with a construction grade adhesive to a closed-cell foam pontoon, the exposed surfaces of the pontoon being covered with a protective coating, particularly one having anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: A constant force dock compensator that provides an mooring system for floating docks. The dock compensator is comprised of constant force power springs, a reel around which sufficient lengths of cable are wound, and a case containing the springs, cables and reel. The dock compensator is attached underneath a floating dock. The cables are withdrawn from the dock compensator and attached to weights placed on the floor of the body of water. The springs maintain a constant pull-force on the cables to hold the dock in place, and the cables automatically dispense or retract to compensate for changes in water level. Thereby, the dock has some leeway in terms of movement in response thereto, but is eventually stabilized by the dock compensator.

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 portable dock system consisting of aluminum tubular longitudinal and transverse elements, arranged to provide high torsional rigidity. The design incorporates an integral handle for installation and a guide and clamp system for leg installation. These elements permit the easy installation of the dock without use of floats, wheels or hinges.

Abstract: A pier unit includes a float having substantially a box shape with an opening at the top and including a flange extending outward along a top peripheral edge thereof; a rectangular frame attached to the float; a deck provided on the frame; and a connecting member secured to at least one of four corners of the frame for connecting the pier unit to another pier unit.

Abstract: A dock plank assembly formed from at least two elongated polymer plastic plank having a first support end, a second support end, a top surface for walking on, and an integral longitudinal web therein for providing rigidity and support to the planks with the webs having an opening therein for receiving a free-span rib with the free-span rib spaced from the support ends of the planks and extending transversely through the opening in the webs of the plank to provide rigidity and additional individual support for each of said planks and for providing coactive support for the planks as a unit to thereby maintain adjacent planks in surface walking condition with respect to one another to prevent a user from tripping over protruding edges on the planks.

Abstract: A stairway for providing access over a dune to a beach, while being retractable to avoid damage from adverse weather conditions, the stairway being adapted to be mounted on a plurality of piling on a dune, the stairway comprising a pivotally mounted housing section having an upper surface suitable for use as a walkway and a cavity beneath the walkway; a stair section moveable between a retracted position within the housing section cavity and an extended position, wherein the stair section extends from the housing section to the beach at an angle of about 45.degree. below horizontal; and drive means adapted to move the stair section between retracted and extended positions.

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

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

Abstract: A protective bumper assembly (20) for a dock post (14) includes an elastomeric pad (24) that is wrapped about the post (14). Tie straps (34) have one end (36) adhered to the pad (24) and a distal end (38) that is long enough to wrap about the post (14) and overlie the adhered end (36). The straps (34) mount two complementary fasteners (37) and (39) to secure the distal end to the adhered end and retain the pad (24) about the post. A hook (50) is secured onto one of the straps. The hook is sized to storably receive an unused tie line (22) for a boat.

Abstract: An injection-molded plank for forming a dock comprising an elongated member having a generally box-like shape with a top surface for walking on, a front side, and a backside having a plurality of openings therein with the front side having a plurality of spacers mounted on the front side to space one plank from an adjacent plank with a plurality of, pins extending from the front side with the pins having a diameter smaller than mating openings in the backside of the adjacent plank to hold the planks in a shiftable relationship to one another and a separate reinforcing rib secured to the plank with the reinforcing rib having a fastener plate for securing the reinforcing rib to a support member so that the reinforcing rib provides stiffening to the plank and the pin holds adjacent planks in a shiftable relationship to one another while fastener extending through a fastener plate on the reinforcing rib secures the planks to the support member.

Abstract: A combination of a side rail of a platform assembly and a bracket member therefor. The side rail has an elongated sidewardly opening recess. The recess also opens outwardly at one end thereof. The recess includes a bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding sidewalls. An end of the recess remote from the aforesaid one end includes an enlargement. The bracket member has at one end thereof an enlarged segment and at an other end thereof an attachment structure for facilitating an attachment of the bracket member to another object. The enlargement and the attachment structure are connected by a central section. Edge facing surfaces of the central section of the bracket conform to and oppose the sidewalls of the recess between the enlargement and one end of the side rail. An embossment is upstanding from the bottom wall of the recess and has a first hole therethrough. A pocket is provided in the bracket member and receives therein the aforesaid embossment. The pocket has a second hole in the bottom wall thereof.

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 portable dock consisting of a raised V-Shaped structure, with an essentially rectangularly shaped horizontal base with attached spaced apart angled platforms situated above the base, said dock adapted to reside substantially underwater. The raised V-shaped structure has an open medial channel which enables the platforms to act as cradle members to engage opposite sides of a watercraft, as the watercraft to be docked is maneuvered into the open medial channel bow first. As the watercraft advances from the rear to the front of the dock, along the long axis of the base, the bow rests upon and is elevated by the incline of the platforms. The weight of the watercraft, as it rests upon the platforms, serves to anchor the dock to the bottom of the lake bed, thereby rendering both the watercraft and the dock stationary.The invention may be easily placed into the body of water and removed therefrom by hand, as it is of such a size and weight so as to allow easy manual transport.

Abstract: A portable dock is shown having a deck with a portion providing a support platform for a boat lift. A boat lift is pivotally connected to the platform so that the boat lift can be pivoted from a position adjacent the dock to an inverted position on and supported by the platform. A hoist guide is mounted above the deck and connected to the boat lift so that the boat lift can be lifted up, pivoted over center and released to rest in an inverted position on the support platform.

Abstract: A first plate pivotally mounted to a second plate is secured to a shoreline, wherein the second plate includes a central bore rotatably receiving a bridge plate axle therethrough, wherein the bridge plate axle is mounted orthogonally oriented relative to a plurality of parallel pontoons, wherein the pontoons include forward pointed ends and rear rudders to permit pivotment of the pontoons within the second plate accommodating various directions of current flow. The organization includes boat hook members mounted to a forward flange of the second plate for temporary securement of a boat thereto.

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

Abstract: A Marine Structure for use in a body of water, having a deck positioned above the water's surface, and a vessel landing stage position at the water surface. A stairway having its upper and hinged to the deck, is normally supported with its lower end in contact with the landing stage. An elevating mechanism depending from the deck is operable to lift the stairway's lower end to a position above the water's surface, adjacent to the deck. The stairway is retained in its raised position by a docking facility, and is secured thereby from damage which could otherwise occur due to strong wind and wave action. An alignment coupling carried on the respective stairway and docking facility allows the two members to be firmly, yet resiliently joined to better resist wind or wave forces.