CA2910425A1 - Apparatus and method for dock float - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for dock float Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2910425A1 CA2910425A1 CA2910425A CA2910425A CA2910425A1 CA 2910425 A1 CA2910425 A1 CA 2910425A1 CA 2910425 A CA2910425 A CA 2910425A CA 2910425 A CA2910425 A CA 2910425A CA 2910425 A1 CA2910425 A1 CA 2910425A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bumper
- float
- dock
- recesses
- fastener
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000428198 Lutrinae Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011779 Menyanthes trifoliata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008821 Menyanthes trifoliata Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000699705 Ondatra Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004794 expanded polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/20—Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards
- E02B3/26—Fenders
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
- E02B3/04—Structures or apparatus for, or methods of, protecting banks, coasts, or harbours
- E02B3/06—Moles; Piers; Quays; Quay walls; Groynes; Breakwaters ; Wave dissipating walls; Quay equipment
- E02B3/062—Constructions floating in operational condition, e.g. breakwaters or wave dissipating walls
- E02B3/064—Floating landing-stages
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A30/00—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation
- Y02A30/30—Adapting or protecting infrastructure or their operation in transportation, e.g. on roads, waterways or railways
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
- Barrages (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus and method for providing a bumper integrally combined with flotation for a dock is provided. A bumper float for a dock having a float portion for displacing water; and a bumper portion integrally formed and extending upward from the float portion along one edge. The bumper portion comprises a curved shape.
Description
, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DOCK FLOAT
Field of the Invention [0001]
The present invention relates generally to providing flotation to a dock. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a bumper integrally combined with flotation for a dock.
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention [0001]
The present invention relates generally to providing flotation to a dock. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing a bumper integrally combined with flotation for a dock.
Background of the Invention
[0002]
Floating docks are known. Many such docks are can be divided into one or more articulated segments held together via some type of linkage. The floating dock portions can be entirely wood structures, or, alternatively, can be assembled using floats made from various materials, including polyethylene. These floating docks, which rest in the water, can sustain damage during freezing of the water in which the floating dock rests or breakage of the ice formed in the spring during thawing. In order to protect floating docks from such spring damage, the floating docks can be secured in a sheltered cove or can be moored up against a marina.
Floating docks are known. Many such docks are can be divided into one or more articulated segments held together via some type of linkage. The floating dock portions can be entirely wood structures, or, alternatively, can be assembled using floats made from various materials, including polyethylene. These floating docks, which rest in the water, can sustain damage during freezing of the water in which the floating dock rests or breakage of the ice formed in the spring during thawing. In order to protect floating docks from such spring damage, the floating docks can be secured in a sheltered cove or can be moored up against a marina.
[0003] In order to protect boats and the dock during mooring, some form of bumper is typically secured to the dock. These bumpers may add weight to the dock causing the dock to sink further into the water increasing the difficulty for passengers to move from the dock to the boat and vice versa.
[0004]
It is therefore an object of the invention to at least provide a novel method and apparatus for providing a bumper integrally combined with flotation for a dock.
Summary of the Invention
It is therefore an object of the invention to at least provide a novel method and apparatus for providing a bumper integrally combined with flotation for a dock.
Summary of the Invention
[0005]
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bumper float for a dock, comprising: a float portion displacing water to produce buoyancy; and a bumper portion integrally formed and extending upward from the float portion along one edge, the bumper portion comprising a curved shape. The bumper float may have one or more 1969-238099 (GF) I
=
recesses in the bumper portion; and the recesses may have one or more holes for receiving a fastener to fasten the bumper portion to the dock. The float portion may be sufficiently buoyant to maintain the dock above the water. One or more flanges may extend upward from at least another edge. One or more holes in the at least one flange may receive a fastener to fasten the float portion to the dock.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bumper float for a dock, comprising: a float portion displacing water to produce buoyancy; and a bumper portion integrally formed and extending upward from the float portion along one edge, the bumper portion comprising a curved shape. The bumper float may have one or more 1969-238099 (GF) I
=
recesses in the bumper portion; and the recesses may have one or more holes for receiving a fastener to fasten the bumper portion to the dock. The float portion may be sufficiently buoyant to maintain the dock above the water. One or more flanges may extend upward from at least another edge. One or more holes in the at least one flange may receive a fastener to fasten the float portion to the dock.
[0006] In yet another aspect of the invention, rather than one or more flanges, a ridge may extend upward from at least one edge. One or more holes in the ridge may receive a fastener to fasten the float portion to the dock.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for protecting a dock, comprising: securing a bumper portion of a bumper float to the dock; and securing a float portion of the bumper float to the dock.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0008] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
[0009] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first floating dock bumper;
[0010] Figure 2 shows a back perspective view of the first floating dock bumper;
[0011] Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of a second floating dock bumper;
[0012] Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the second floating dock bumper;
[0013] Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of a third floating dock bumper;
[0014] Figure 6 shows a back perspective view of the third floating dock bumper;
[0015] Figure 7 shows a side perspective view of a fourth dock bumper;
and
and
[0016] Figure 8 shows a top perspective view of the fourth dock bumper.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
[0017] The invention includes a method and system for providing flotation and bumper protection to a dock. The bumper floats described herein maintain the wood frame of the dock above the water thereby reducing the instances of rot or other degradation.
1969-238099 (GF)
1969-238099 (GF)
[0018] A
bumper float 100, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, demonstrates a dock bumper 102 in combination with a generally rectangular prism shaped float portion 120.
The float portion 120 displaces water providing buoyancy to the bumper float 100 and the dock. The float portion 120 is installed below a generally rectangular frame (not shown) having a set of stringers and a plurality of cross members. Slats are coupled across the top of the rectangular frame. A dock bumper 102 extends upward from the float portion 120 around the exterior of the dock. The dock bumper 102 may be curved in order to provide both structural strength and deflection ability. The dock bumper 102 may be integrally formed with the float portion 114. A gap behind the dock bumper 102 permits a wood stringer (not shown) to be place therein. A plurality of recesses 104, in the front surface of the dock bumper 102, having holes therein permit fastening of the dock bumper 102 to the stringer using some form of fastener (not shown). In order to facilitate construction, the float portion 114 has a sloped portion 110 for more easily seating the stringer in the gap behind the dock bumper 102. A wood cross member generally perpendicular to the stringer placed in the gap may be placed in the recessed area 108 to connect to another stringer placed along the back of the bumper float 100. Recesses 106 permit fastening of the bumper float 100 to the rear stringer using holes 116. Alternatively, no wood cross members may be used. The generally circular recesses 112 correspond to vent plugs on the float portion 120 to permit drainage from the interior of the float portion, if necessary. The recesses 112 also permit drainage from around the area.
bumper float 100, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, demonstrates a dock bumper 102 in combination with a generally rectangular prism shaped float portion 120.
The float portion 120 displaces water providing buoyancy to the bumper float 100 and the dock. The float portion 120 is installed below a generally rectangular frame (not shown) having a set of stringers and a plurality of cross members. Slats are coupled across the top of the rectangular frame. A dock bumper 102 extends upward from the float portion 120 around the exterior of the dock. The dock bumper 102 may be curved in order to provide both structural strength and deflection ability. The dock bumper 102 may be integrally formed with the float portion 114. A gap behind the dock bumper 102 permits a wood stringer (not shown) to be place therein. A plurality of recesses 104, in the front surface of the dock bumper 102, having holes therein permit fastening of the dock bumper 102 to the stringer using some form of fastener (not shown). In order to facilitate construction, the float portion 114 has a sloped portion 110 for more easily seating the stringer in the gap behind the dock bumper 102. A wood cross member generally perpendicular to the stringer placed in the gap may be placed in the recessed area 108 to connect to another stringer placed along the back of the bumper float 100. Recesses 106 permit fastening of the bumper float 100 to the rear stringer using holes 116. Alternatively, no wood cross members may be used. The generally circular recesses 112 correspond to vent plugs on the float portion 120 to permit drainage from the interior of the float portion, if necessary. The recesses 112 also permit drainage from around the area.
[0019]
Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bumper float 300 demonstrates a dock bumper 102 without a plurality of recesses 104. The lack of recesses 104 permits a smooth bumper surface that reduces the likelihood of something catching on the fasteners. The stringers and/or cross members may be fastened to the bumper float 300 using holes 308 located proximate to the comers of the bumper float 300. Recesses 310 in the bottom of the bumper 102 permit access to these holes to facilitate coupling the fasteners to the stringers.
Depending on the size of the dock, up to five stringers may be placed in the two gaps behind the bumpers 102, and three in the spaces between blocking portions 304 located proximate to the center of the bumper float 300. This bumper float 300 has additional generally 1969-238099 (GF) circular recesses 112 for the same purposes as described above. Arches 306 on the bottom of the bumper float 300 provide increased structural strength to the bumper float 300. The bumper floats 300 may be approximately 4 feet long allowing a 4 foot wide dock in lengths in multiples of 8 feet.
Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bumper float 300 demonstrates a dock bumper 102 without a plurality of recesses 104. The lack of recesses 104 permits a smooth bumper surface that reduces the likelihood of something catching on the fasteners. The stringers and/or cross members may be fastened to the bumper float 300 using holes 308 located proximate to the comers of the bumper float 300. Recesses 310 in the bottom of the bumper 102 permit access to these holes to facilitate coupling the fasteners to the stringers.
Depending on the size of the dock, up to five stringers may be placed in the two gaps behind the bumpers 102, and three in the spaces between blocking portions 304 located proximate to the center of the bumper float 300. This bumper float 300 has additional generally 1969-238099 (GF) circular recesses 112 for the same purposes as described above. Arches 306 on the bottom of the bumper float 300 provide increased structural strength to the bumper float 300. The bumper floats 300 may be approximately 4 feet long allowing a 4 foot wide dock in lengths in multiples of 8 feet.
[0020] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the bumper float 500 is similar to the bumper float 100 in that the bumper 102 has recesses 104 and holes for fasteners. The increased height of the bumper float 500 displaces more water increasing the buoyancy. Rather than recesses 106 to enable fastening the bumper float 500 to the rear stringer, a ridge or flange 506 around the top of a flat portion 514 is used to couple the bumper float 500 to the rear stringer and cross members. A plurality of holes 512 in the ridge 506 permit fasteners to be affixed to the rear stringer and side cross members. The ridge 506 is formed in order to provide structural strength to the plastic to reduce breakage.
[0021]
Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the bumper float 700 is very similar in structure to the bumper float 500 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The bumper float 700 has corner flanges 706 rather than a ridge 506. One or more holes in the flanges 706 enable a fastener to be deployed therethrough. The top surface 714 extends directly back from the bumper 102 and is generally flat or planar providing a simpler design. Recesses 802 correspond the corner structures 706 so that pairs of bumper floats 700 may be stacked for shipping or storage by flipping the top bumper float 700 over and rotating it 180-degrees. Recesses 804 permit air and water to flow from the volume created between the top of the bumper float 700 and the wooden dock frame.
Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the bumper float 700 is very similar in structure to the bumper float 500 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The bumper float 700 has corner flanges 706 rather than a ridge 506. One or more holes in the flanges 706 enable a fastener to be deployed therethrough. The top surface 714 extends directly back from the bumper 102 and is generally flat or planar providing a simpler design. Recesses 802 correspond the corner structures 706 so that pairs of bumper floats 700 may be stacked for shipping or storage by flipping the top bumper float 700 over and rotating it 180-degrees. Recesses 804 permit air and water to flow from the volume created between the top of the bumper float 700 and the wooden dock frame.
[0022]
Fastening of the bumper floats to the wood stringers and/or cross members may be performed using screws, bolts, or other fastener known in the art.
Fastening of the bumper floats to the wood stringers and/or cross members may be performed using screws, bolts, or other fastener known in the art.
[0023]
The bumper floats as described above may be constructed of a type of gasoline and wildlife resistant plastic such as polyethylene, which may be resistant to muskrats, otters, and/or beavers. The interior of the bumper float 100 may be foam filled with closed cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) or alternatively may be air filled. Foam-filed bumpers provide strength without making the bumper float heavy.
LEGAL_24522251 1 - 4 -1969-238099 (GF)
The bumper floats as described above may be constructed of a type of gasoline and wildlife resistant plastic such as polyethylene, which may be resistant to muskrats, otters, and/or beavers. The interior of the bumper float 100 may be foam filled with closed cell expanded polystyrene (EPS) or alternatively may be air filled. Foam-filed bumpers provide strength without making the bumper float heavy.
LEGAL_24522251 1 - 4 -1969-238099 (GF)
[0024]
The bumper floats described herein generally run the length of an 8 foot wide dock. For larger docks such as docks 10-12 feet wide, center floats may be used to provide additional flotation.
The bumper floats described herein generally run the length of an 8 foot wide dock. For larger docks such as docks 10-12 feet wide, center floats may be used to provide additional flotation.
[0025]
While the invention has been described with specificity to wooden docks, other types of docks will occur to those of skill in the art.
While the invention has been described with specificity to wooden docks, other types of docks will occur to those of skill in the art.
[0026]
The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
1969-238099 (GF)
The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention that is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
1969-238099 (GF)
Claims (8)
1. A bumper float for a dock, comprising:
a float portion displacing water to produce buoyancy; and a bumper portion integrally formed and extending upward from the float portion along one edge, the bumper portion comprising a curved shape.
a float portion displacing water to produce buoyancy; and a bumper portion integrally formed and extending upward from the float portion along one edge, the bumper portion comprising a curved shape.
2. The bumper float of claim 1, further comprising at least one recess in the bumper portion; at least one of the recesses comprising at least one hole for receiving a fastener to fasten the bumper portion to the dock.
3. The bumper float of claim 1, wherein the float portion is sufficiently buoyant to maintain the dock above the water.
4. The bumper float of claim 1, further comprising at least one flange extending upward from at least another edge.
5. The bumper float of claim 4, further comprising at least one hole in the at least one flange for receiving a fastener to fasten the float portion to the dock.
6. The bumper float of claim 1, further comprising a ridge extending upward from at least one edge.
7. The bumper float of claim 6, further comprising at least one hole in the ridge for receiving a fastener to fasten the float portion to the dock.
8. A method for protecting a dock, comprising:
securing a bumper portion of a bumper float to the dock; and securing a float portion of the bumper float to the dock.
securing a bumper portion of a bumper float to the dock; and securing a float portion of the bumper float to the dock.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2910425A CA2910425C (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2015-10-26 | Apparatus and method for dock float |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2910425A CA2910425C (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2015-10-26 | Apparatus and method for dock float |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2910425A1 true CA2910425A1 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
| CA2910425C CA2910425C (en) | 2023-09-26 |
Family
ID=58615557
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2910425A Active CA2910425C (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2015-10-26 | Apparatus and method for dock float |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2910425C (en) |
-
2015
- 2015-10-26 CA CA2910425A patent/CA2910425C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2910425C (en) | 2023-09-26 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US8876435B2 (en) | Floating dock, connection system, and accessories | |
| US7640881B1 (en) | Dock system | |
| JP5296076B2 (en) | Floating port module structure for ships | |
| US7845300B1 (en) | Modular floating marine dock | |
| KR101252422B1 (en) | Modular pontoon | |
| US9216803B2 (en) | Protective apparatus for marine structures | |
| US20100012011A1 (en) | Dock system | |
| US5845594A (en) | Dock structure | |
| KR101009264B1 (en) | Floating assembly for water surface structure | |
| KR101821127B1 (en) | Floating photovoltaic power generating system | |
| US11745838B2 (en) | Boat lift construct | |
| KR100952922B1 (en) | Floating block unit and floating structure using the same | |
| EP3250453B1 (en) | Floating platform module | |
| KR101651819B1 (en) | Units assemblable type pontoon | |
| KR101273537B1 (en) | A floating marine structure using a pontoon with the reinforcement buoy | |
| KR101122060B1 (en) | A floating marine structure using a pontoon with the center hole | |
| KR20150043668A (en) | Using a floating offshore structures puntun | |
| KR101005500B1 (en) | A prefabricated and floating marine structure having a pontoon storage frame | |
| CA2910425C (en) | Apparatus and method for dock float | |
| US3147727A (en) | Floating dock and method of constructing same | |
| KR20090017001A (en) | Coupler of dock | |
| KR200387375Y1 (en) | Floating apparatus on water | |
| GB2568861A (en) | Improved nautical fender | |
| JP3987830B2 (en) | Floating wave structure | |
| KR20140017796A (en) | Pontoon |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |
|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20200218 |