Hydraulic and earth engineering – Marine structure or fabrication thereof – Dock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-13
2001-04-17
Pezzuto, Robert E. (Department: 3671)
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Marine structure or fabrication thereof
Dock
C405S220000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217259
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to docks for use by pleasure craft and the like, and more particularly to modular docks.
2. Description of the Related Art
Boat docks are well known in the art, as are portable, modular dock systems adapted for installation off the shoreline of a river or lake bed, normally in the spring in the North and Midwestern areas of the United States, and for removal in the early winter, before ice forms.
Numerous constraints are placed on the design and structure of modular docks due to these factors, plus those of shoreline terrain, water depth, the availability of manual help and tools.
Contemporary dock systems include the use of wheels which roll the lakeward end of a dock section into the water, flotation arrangements, and various types of hinges which permit dock sections to swing or pivot through vertical planes. Not only have all of these prior systems proved difficult to assemble and install, they have also required many man hours and various tools.
Various latches, brackets, screws and like hardware have been used for such installation and removal purposes, however, all have been found wanting as to ease, economy and simplicity of installation, and as to durability. It is to the improvement of these shortcomings of prior modular dock systems that this invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a plurality of dock sections each of which is provided with a fixed, female flange extended transversely across a lakeward end of the section, and a leg unit having at least a pair of legs interconnected with a fixed, male flange extended transversely between the legs and which male flange is adapted to be snapped into engagement with the female flange whereby each lakeward end of each dock section has a pair of river or lake bottom engaging legs. The interconnected legs are stabilized in their position depending substantially at right angles to the dock section by a pair of stabilizer bars interconnected between the underside of the dock section and a lower part of each leg.
The opposite end of each dock section is further provided with a latching flange unit including a spring-biased locking pin, the flange unit capable of being hand manipulated to both releasably engage with a portion of the male flange of an adjacent dock section for preventing relative longitudinal movement between the joined dock sections, and to lock the adjacent dock sections together against relative vertical and lateral movement therebetween.
The invention provides further a leg unit extension feature comprising a foot tube telescopically mounted within a leg tube, and a lever inserted through common sides of the leg tube and foot tube, into the interior of the foot tube, and movable between a foot tube released position where the foot tube is movable longitudinally within the leg tube, and a locked position wherein the lever holds the foot tube in a cammed manner against such relative movement, such that a firm stable dock stance is provided. The lever is releasable against a spring bias to the foot tube released position.
The invention provides still another feature in the form of a plurality of projections mounted upon each leg, on which a universal mounting bracket may be removably secured, each bracket capable of supporting one or more dock accessories such as benches, guide poles, fishing seats and the like.
Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved, portable modular dock system.
Another object is to provide a dock system which provides for a simple but effective leg installation onto each dock unit providing a stable dock stance.
A further object of this invention is to provide a system which has either a plurality of wood or plastic dock sections, each of which can be floated into place adjacent a previously installed section, readily inverted and easily but securely connected to an adjacent dock section and readily locked against relative vertical and lateral movement.
Still another object of this invention is a system which provides for semi-automatic positioning of a foot of each leg unit on the water bed, providing a firm, stable dock stance while in use; and further providing for a dock-mounted releasing manipulation of the foot whereby the foot may be raised or lowered relative to the leg unit, then re-locked in place, weight of the dock enhancing the clamping action of the leg unit.
Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a portable, modular dock system, the assembly, installation, removal and disassembly of which does not require the use of a single conventional tool.
Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2948121 (1960-08-01), Karst
patent: 4008506 (1977-02-01), Smith
patent: 4087977 (1978-05-01), Kuhlman
patent: 4126006 (1978-11-01), Lewis
patent: 4174187 (1979-11-01), Parisien
patent: 4398849 (1983-08-01), Moran et al.
patent: 4645380 (1987-02-01), Hambrick et al.
patent: 4948300 (1990-08-01), Bateson
patent: 4968182 (1990-11-01), Westwell
patent: 5788416 (1998-08-01), Wolgamot
Henderson & Sturm LLP
Pezzuto Robert E.
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