Abstract: A boat dock comprising a deck structure which floats in water and which provides access to shore and an elongate outrigger which floats in the water and which stabilizes the dock structure. In addition, the dock includes a lockable hinge which connects the dock structure to the outrigger. This hinge locks the outrigger in an extended position from the dock for stabilizing the dock and pivots the outrigger to a retracted position folded about the dock for collapsed storage.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating structure comprises a large number of flotation units joined together in a regular reticulated pattern in one or more horizontal tiers, each flotation unit comprising: a square plate; a watertight can structure of inverted conical shape fixed at its base to the lower surface of the square plate; a vertical leg column fixed at its upper end to the vertex part of the can structure; a concrete weight disposed around and supported on the leg column; and connecting fittings for connecting the corners of the square plates of four adjacent flotation units at their common meeting point.

Abstract: A concrete float having a buoyant foam core surrounded by a concrete shell. The deck of the shell has integrally formed therewith a plurality of transverse ribs and longitudinal ribs which strengthen the deck. Consequently, the necessary strength for the deck can be achieved by utilizing a substantially reduced quantity of concrete. A tubular conduit extends beneath at least some of the transverse ribs. The conduits are provided in order to receive tie rods having their ends projecting from the sides of the float and through elongated wales which serve to secure the floats to each other. The concrete is preferably reinforced with conventional concrete reinforcing bars. The float is formed by placing a rectangular block of foam in a rectangular form after a layer of concrete has been poured in the form with the foam core being positioned apart from the sides of the form.

Abstract: A floating dock having a steel framework to the underside of which are fastened buoyant flotation bodies and to the upper surface of which is fastened a rigid imperforate sheet such as plywood. The framework is constructed of a suitable number of C-shaped structural members each of which has a uniform cross section and a uniform hole pattern therein. The hole pattern is established so that members of different lengths can be assembled to form a dock structure of virtually any shape and size. All parts of the floating dock are dimensioned so that joints between various members are staggered to provide high strength and rigidity. A method for fabricating the floating dock structure which makes possible at least partial construction before the dock structure is placed in the water and also makes possible construction by persons of moderate skill using conventional hand tools.

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: A breakwater pier apparatus is disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiments. The two embodiments utilize a framework floated in the water by buoyant tanks therein, the apparatus including a rearwardly sloping wave energy absorbing wall adapted to float partly underwater and partly above the surface of the water and facing the direction of the wave action, this wave energy absorbing wall being slotted to intercept part of the wave action to create a force tending to hold the breakwater in vertical position. The framework includes an upright wall which also floats partly out of the water. Appended to the wall is a set of floating stub piers for individual boat anchorages. The apparatus is tethered or guided on an upstanding piling.

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 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: A portable, floating dock which can be towed by a boat using same is provided. The dock has a flat shell with a tapered front section and a gang plank covered with a non-skid material. An eyebolt is provided in the back of the float for securing a boat to it and to stakes driven on the shore. Anchoring tie rings are also provided in the front of the dock for securing same to other stakes driven on the shore.

Abstract: A combination floating breakwater and wave energy collecting system in which a pair of joint floating spread wings are provided between which a vessel can be moored. The spread angle of the wings is adjustable and the wings can be jointly swung about their juncture so as to extend from the juncture generally in the direction of wave and wind travel so that the vee-shaped area between the wings is on the lee side. The wings have rows of improved wave energy collecting cells used to drive air turbines coupled to electric generators without intermediate compressed air storage and this energy conversion assists in dampening the wave action in the moorage zone between the wings.