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: A plurality of longitudinally extending deck elements are each supported by transversely directed horizontal support rods at each end of each deck element. The rods are slidably removable through transversely aligned holes through vertical angle brackets paired to be adjacent the ends of the deck elements. The angle brackets are coupled at fixed elevations, relative to the water surface, to appropriately located pilings or bulkheads, and include a plurality of vertically spaced apart holes accepting the support rods at differing elevations. Brackets couple the end of the deck element to the corresponding support rod in a manner allowing some relative longitudinal displacement to allow for installation of the deck element as a ramp or to enable one end of the deck element to remain installed while the other end is adjusted to a different elevation.

Abstract: A readily erectable and demountable lightweight sectional dock structure has cylindrical anchor posts arranged in a series of spaced pairs, stringers supporting deck plates, and cross braces. Clamp structures unite the stringers and cross braces independently to the posts and comprise a first U-shaped outer part with a semi-cylindrical post socket joined to leg portions having flat, interior, transversely extending, interlock surface portions removably joined to an inner clamp part with an opposing socket forming a merged continuation of the first part socket, the inner clamp part having longitudinally spaced, transversely extending socket legs with flat transversely extending exterior interlock surface portions abutting the interior surface portions on the outer clamp part, and transversely inwardly extending projections on the inner clamp parts receiving the cross braces telescopically.

Abstract: A height or level adjusting device for use with a platform assembly, which platform assembly has a platform section and an upstanding cross brace member oriented between the platform section and a support surface. The cross brace member has a pair of laterally spaced, upstanding extensions thereon. A cross piece support member is provided as is a first mounting structure for facilitating a mounting of the cross piece support member on the cross brace member. A second mounting structure is also provided for facilitating a mounting of the platform section on the cross piece support member. A housing structure is provided at each end of the cross piece support member. Each housing has at least one open side forming an opening into an interior cavity of the housing structure and a bottom wall of the cavity.

Abstract: A platform assembly having a pair of separate, laterally spaced and parallel side rails. At least one elongated load supporting structure is provided and is connected to and extends between the side rails. The load supporting structure has a load supporting surface on a top surface thereof and, at opposite longitudinal ends of the load supporting structure, at least a pair of L-shaped flanges. A first of the flanges is adjacent the top surface while a second of the flanges is adjacent a bottom of the load supporting structure. The load supporting structure is coupled to the side rails by first orienting the longitudinal axes of the load supporting structure and the side rails perpendicular to each other and then sliding the load supporting structure onto the side rails. The L-shaped flanges grip around the upper and lower edges of the side rails.

Abstract: A transportation and construction method utilizing construction components of the type comprising vertically spaced pairs of male and female lock assemblies, with vertically reciprocating female locks for locking horizontally extending pin members of the male lock assemblies into receiving sockets of the female assemblies, comprising the steps of transporting a plurality of construction components having such lock assemblies to a construction site in the manner of standard freight containers, emplacing a first such component at the site supported by an underlying earth formation, positioning a second such component adjacent the first component, placing at least some of the female locks in raised or release positions, mating pin members with the respective sockets of the raised female locks, and then lowering the female locks to lock the second component to the first component and support it thereon in cantilever fashion, then extending supports downwardly adjacent the second component into load bearing engage

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space betwen the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A multi-element floating dock has shock-absorbing flexible tieing elements which are installed as a unit without any manual adjustment being required to create a pretensionin the shock-absorbing components. Elastomeric pads positioned in aligned cavities formed in the edges of the dock sections receive the ends of the flexible tieing elements. Stops located on the ends of the tieing elements engage the pads so that adjacent dock sections cannot be separated from one another without compressing the pads and thereby creating a compressibly yieldable restraint against the separation of the dock sections and preventing their being separated from one another past a predetermined limit. An elastomeric spacer located between adjacent dock sections provides a compressibly yieldable restraint against moving the dock sections toward one another and prevents them from coming closer to one another then a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A floating pier structure comprising a floating platform, an anchored base, and an articulated, parallelogram linkage structure pivotably connecting the platform to the base so that the platform will remain substantially level on the surface as water conditions change. The linkage is also pivoted to the base so that the platform can be swung into shore without disassembly.

Abstract: A portable platform is formed of a plurality of elongated floor support members interconnected longitudinally and spaced apart laterally, the support members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced cross members, the confronting cross members being secured in alignment by interengaging coupling members and the laterally spaced floor support members being secured against lateral displacement by a plurality of elongated locking members interengaging adjacent pairs of support members. A plurality of elongated floor members are supported on the foregoing assembly and are secured together releasably along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anchoring pad (12) and hinge arrangement (45) for use with a dock structure (10) in a body of water (11). The concrete anchoring pad (12) includes a steel angle (44) and a reinforcing structure (40). A hinge (45) having a vertical and horizontal leaf (47, 46) interconnects the anchoring pad (12) to the dock structure (10) by a plurality of bolts (53, 54). Also disclosed is a chain support (56) for stabilization of the vertical support structure (29) of the dock (10).

Abstract: A boat dock construction in which most of the support assembly is left throughout the year in the lake. The support assembly includes a plurality of pairs of pivotable legs which can be pivoted into a vertical position where they can accept H-shaped stanchions. A platform or platform is placed over cross members on the stanchions to complete the assembly. In the late fall, the platform and stanchions are removed for storage while the remainder of the support assembly remains below the water line in the lake.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pier including a deck supported by an array of piles by means of flexible lines extending between the deck and elevated points on the piles. The lengths of the flexible lines extending between such points and the pier are adjustable by reels used to retract or pay out flexible line to raise or lower the deck relative to the piles. The operation of the reels may be carried out selectively or automatically in response to the changing level of the surface of the water relative to the piles. A water-motion powered motor may motivate the reel operation. The deck may be anchored against downward motion relative to the piles by locking apparatus normally engaged in a closed configuration, or by locking apparatus which is normally open and closes in response to the flexible lines going slack.

Abstract: A barrier system for concealing unsightly piles (11) and similar supports used to support a waterfront structure such as a dock (10) and for converting the vertical plane outboard of the piles (11), above the waterline (12), and below the waterfront structure (10), to utilitarian space for the display of graphic media. In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier system comprises a dynamic system wherein the barrier moves upwardly and downwardly with incoming and outgoing tides and includes a fine stainless steel mesh screen (14) secured at it's upper end to a roller (15) mounted on support brackets (16, 18) secured to the dock (10) and at it's lower end to a rod (20) having eyelets (21) projecting from it's opposite ends. Cables (22) secured at their upper ends to the brackets (16, 18) extend through the eyelets (21) and are anchored in place by weights (W-1, W-2).

Abstract: A pontoon utilizing a container having a bottom portion and side portions which extend upwardly from the bottom. The top of the container is covered by a cap which may be moldable material, such as concrete. The cap is held to the container forming a pontoon.

Abstract: A bouyant foundation comprising a substantially unitary concrete hull defined by bottom, side and end walls; at least one partial bulkhead wall disposed generally normal to and spanning the bottom wall and having a height less than that of the upstanding walls to yield a plurality of recessed flotation cavities bounded by flotation cavity side walls; generally rectilinear flotation block members, having reentrant sidewall portions, disposed within the flotation cavities; restraining wedge members integral with the flotation cavity sidewalls received within the reentrant portions of the flotation block members for fixedly retaining the same within the cavities, and a method for fabricating such a structure comprising the steps of establishing a construction form including bottom, side and end wall form members; depositing a concrete mixture on the form members to yield a substantially unitary hull including concrete bottom side and end walls; positioning a plurality of positive flotation members as internal bu

Abstract: A wheeled boat trailer of the type used to tow a boat to a body of water is provided with a walkway leading to a dock ramp hingedly coupled to the rear end of the trailer for rearward extension into the body of water after the boat has been launched. Downwardly extendable support legs are mounted to the end of the dock ramp furthest from the trailer to support the dock ramp above the water surface. A pulley mounted atop a mast removably secured to the trailer near the rear portion thereof allows a conventional front-mounted trailer winch to elevate the dock ramp while the trailer is backed into or pulled from the water. When not in use, the dock ramp may be pivoted about its hinged coupling to a stowed position extending forwardly across the trailer. The dock ramp may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and the underside of the dock ramp may incorporate rollers for engaging and supporting the keel of the boat when the dock ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A concrete marine float having a deck plate which is substantially wider than the width of the underlying casing in order to form overhanging flanges on opposite sides of the float. The flange is supported by longitudinally spaced gussets which extend from the sidewalls of the float to the underside of the deck. Utility conduits extending along the float beneath the flanges pass through the gussets and are thereby supported. The utility conduits pass upwardly through the deck to communicate with conventional utility outlets mounted on the deck.

Abstract: A sub-structure for boat docks consisting of an elongated, ladder-like frame having a pair of side bars connected by a series of cross bars extending between and connected at their ends to the side bars, the side bars and cross bars being of such cross-sectional configuration, and the connections therebetween being of such a nature, that the frame may yield in a vertical direction with relatively great resilient flexibility, whereby to accomodate wave action in the water therebeneath, while at the same time being relatively highly resistant to deformation in its own plane for maintaining its horizontal form and shape. Generally, the side and cross bars are of such configuration as to strongly resist bending stresses, but to permit torsional yielding with relative ease, and the cross bars are connected to the side bars to permit a degree of universal pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: An enclosure for reinforcing and preventing loss of contents of a sheet piling or mooring cell particularly just below the water line. Such apparatus comprises metal sheets of semi-circular construction which are bolted together so as to completely and tightly encircle the sheet piling. The semi-circular parts may be made of welded portions.

Abstract: A portable dock and dock sections used therewith, characterized by each of the dock sections have a plurality of frame members forming a rectangular deck frame for supporting a deck assembly, a pair of adjustable legs extending from adjacent one end of the rectangular deck frame and a first coupling unit disposed on a frame member at the other end of the deck frame. Preferably, an additional or second coupling unit, which is adapted to cooperate with a first coupling unit, is arranged either on an end or side frame member or both at the one end to enable connecting sections together to form either a straight line pier or a pier with a "T" or "L" shape. The portable dock also includes an anchor section having an anchor member with a similar coupling unit which coact with the first coupling unit of a first dock section for securing the first dock section to the beach or shoreline.

Abstract: In a pier having a series of spaced-apart horizontal pile caps surmounting and connecting the supporting piles together transversely of said pier, there is an integrated one-piece deck supported atop the pile caps so that it can slide thereon. A series of prestressing tendons connect the deck to the pile caps so that when a wharf is struck by a ship, the lengthening and shortening of the tendons and the sliding friction between the deck and the pile caps absorbs the impact load.

Abstract: A floatable bridge element for briding obstacles, especially bodies of water. Automatically latching coupling elements are provided along one longitudinal side and along both end faces in such a way that the bridge element can be widened with a further, identically or correspondingly embodied bridge element into a bridge, or with further bridge elements can be extended into a "single-track" or "dual-track" floating bridge. The bridge element includes a flat hollow compartment panel filled with foam and simultaneously serving as a roadway, and below which extends a buoyancy body likewise filled with foam and rigidly connected therewith. The buoyancy body, for reducing the impact pressure in flowing waters, is inclined or angled-off along the lower edge of that longitudinal side of the bridge element not provided with coupling elements.

Abstract: The boat dock consists of a series of laterally spaced, tubular stanchions of adjustable height having tee fittings at their upper ends threaded into the ends of adjacent tubular stringers. Plastic resin planks are slideably engaged over the tubular stringers.

Abstract: A system for distributing utility service such as electrical power, telephone service and water to a plurality of spaced apart finger floats extending angularly from a floating mainwalk. The floats are formed by rectangular concrete shells filled with a buoyant material and having a plurality of tie rods extending transversely through the floats with their ends projecting from the sides. The floats are typically fastened to each other by elongated wales extending along the sides of the floats which bridge the joints between adjacent floats. In one embodiment the wales include inner and outer wale members separated from each other by a plurality of rectangularly shaped spacers. The spacers as well as the gap between the wale members are preferably covered by an elongated cover. Utility conduits extend along the gap between the inner and outer wale members and are supported by the spacers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the construction of a structure sufficiently reinforced particularly against a lateral force by driving the desired number of pile members into the water and integrally connecting these pile members with the brace members the connection of the pile members with the brace members is accomplished by providing a gap between the brace and pile members, and filling the gap with a filler joining material having a powerful bonding force, such as an expansive mortar. The connecting work is devised to be performed safely and accurately on the surface of the water.

Abstract: A novel marine dock section adapted to be supported by flotation units or posts is described. A pair of horizontally spaced apart, upright, prefabricated truss-like frameworks, each comprising a pair of longitudinal tubular members preferably of rectangular cross-section secured a spaced distance apart by a plurality of vertical tubular struts extending through and double swaged into the longitudinal tubular members, are joined together by a plurality of cross members to form a planar rectangular frame which supports a wood plank decking.

Abstract: A lightweight dock structure, the deck of which is supported on deck-straddling columns, and which comprises an upper compression layer and a vertically spaced lower tension layer, each layer formed of a plurality of transverse elements, said elements in each layer and said layers being interconnected by horizontally elongated flanged stringer plates extending between said layers normal to said elements, with the flanges of the stringer plates embedded in said elements in both layers.

Abstract: A floating pier of the type in which a main pier is supported on transverse cantilever arms with floats, the arms projecting out on both sides of the main pier, characterized in that the bearing members of the main pier and of each cantilever arm are openwork truss beams having a rectangular, trapezoidal or triangular cross-section.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for installing a dock in which an elongated jig having legs at one end is located out over the water and slidable guide means on the apparatus are located at a point where it is desired to locate pilings. Pilings are lifted into position within the piling guide means and jetted downwardly into the surface below the water by means of an internal passageway. After they have had an opportunity to set, the jig is removed and the precast concrete platform is lifted out over the water and supported at one end by the installed piling means.

Abstract: A gravity platform for supporting installations above a body of water, comprising a base for resting on the bed of the body of water, a structure secured to the base and rising vertically therefrom, a bridge provided with float means, and means enabling the bridge to be displaced along the structure, the base consisting essentially of a slab provided with stiffeners, such as a circular wall and diaphragms, essential for its mechanical strength, the structure forming a hollow column, impervious or not, rising from the middle of the platform, and the float means consisting of an impervious shell formed around the hollow column at the lower part at least of the bridge and forming, possibly with said hollow column, if it is impervious, a float the buoyancy of which is sufficient to support the assembly of the platform and its installations.

Abstract: A permanent pier piling for use in docks and the like in a body of water whereby an antifreeze solution within the piling circulates to distribute latent ground heat from the lower portion of the piling to the upper portion of the piling to maintain a fluid interface between the piling and the ice during the winter season.