US20230124888A1 - Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof - Google Patents
Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof Download PDFInfo
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- US20230124888A1 US20230124888A1 US17/505,210 US202117505210A US2023124888A1 US 20230124888 A1 US20230124888 A1 US 20230124888A1 US 202117505210 A US202117505210 A US 202117505210A US 2023124888 A1 US2023124888 A1 US 2023124888A1
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- attachment device
- bumper
- end portion
- fixed
- attachment
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- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 229920001903 high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004700 high-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 25
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000013256 coordination polymer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 241000238586 Cirripedia Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006748 scratching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002393 scratching effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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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
- E02B3/24—Mooring posts
-
- 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
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment devices, in particular, to attachment devices for use with a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly, such as (in the case of the fixed and adjustable attachment devices) for interconnecting such a floating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumper attachment system) for connecting to a floating dock assembly.
- Conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies are formed of individual cubicle pieces that are connected to one another with pins and/or fasteners to form a complete floating dock assembly.
- the floating dock assembly is then installed in the water by being attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series of ropes and metal “D-rings.”
- a fixed structure e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling
- ropes may be audibly irritating, and D-rings may provide only a rudimentary and inferior attachment option.
- barnacles and other marine growth may quickly degrade such ropes (including within the first week of deployment), which may cause undesirable fraying of the ropes.
- the use of such ropes becomes a liability with the use of cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies due to the possibility that such ropes may fray completely, thereby causing the floating dock assembly to float away.
- an adjustable attachment device in one example, includes a body.
- the body may be an elongate body.
- the body extends from a first end to a second end thereof.
- the body extends from the first end to the second end thereof along a longitudinal axis.
- the body defines a plurality of openings.
- the adjustable attachment device further includes an attachment bracket.
- the attachment bracket is attached to the body.
- the attachment bracket is attached to the body such that the attachment bracket is slidable relative to the body.
- the attachment bracket is slidable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis.
- the attachment bracket defines an opening.
- the body can define a main portion.
- the main portion may be attached to the attachment bracket.
- the body may, in certain constructions, further define a first end portion.
- the first end portion may be positioned proximate the first end of the body.
- the body may, in certain constructions, further define a second end portion.
- the second end portion may be positioned proximate the second end of the body.
- the first end portion may extend outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction.
- the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the second end portion may extend outwardly away from the main portion along the first direction.
- first end portion can at least partially define a first one of the plurality of openings defined in the body.
- the second end portion can at least partially define a second one of the plurality of openings defined in the body.
- the main portion may define a first track.
- the first track may pass completely through the body.
- the main portion may define a second track.
- the second track may pass partially into the body.
- the second track can be spaced apart from the first track along the first direction.
- the attachment bracket may, in certain examples, be configured to interface with each of the first track and the second track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.
- the attachment bracket may define a main portion.
- the main portion of the attachment bracket can be attached to the main portion of the body.
- the attachment bracket may, in variations, define an end portion extending outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracket.
- the end portion of the attachment bracket may extend outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracket along a second direction opposite the first direction.
- the end portion of the attachment bracket may define the opening in the attachment bracket.
- the end portion of the attachment bracket can be in non-overlapping relationship with the body.
- the adjustable attachment device may further comprise a translation bracket.
- the translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket.
- the body may be at least partially sandwiched between the translation bracket and the attachment bracket.
- the body may define a track. The track can pass completely through the body.
- the attachment bracket may be configured to interface with the track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.
- the translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket.
- the translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket by at least one fastener. The fastener may pass through the track defined in the body.
- the adjustable attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- the system includes a fixed piling.
- the system further includes a floating dock assembly.
- the system further includes an adjustable attachment device as described herein.
- each of the plurality of openings defined in the body of the adjustable attachment device may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener. Such fasteners may connect the adjustable attachment device to the floating dock assembly.
- the opening defined in the attachment bracket may be configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing may enable the adjustable attachment device to selectively and adjustably interconnect the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
- a fixed attachment device in another example, includes a main portion.
- the fixed attachment device further includes a generally triangular end portion. The end portion extends outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction. A first opening is defined in the main portion. A second opening is defined in the end portion.
- the fixed attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- the system includes a fixed piling.
- the system further includes a floating dock assembly.
- the system further includes a fixed attachment device as described herein.
- the second opening defined in the end portion of the fixed attachment device may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener.
- the fastener may connect the fixed attachment device to the floating dock assembly.
- the first opening defined in the main portion of the fixed attachment system may be configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing may enable the fixed attachment device to rigidly interconnect the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
- a bumper attachment device in a further example, includes a bumper.
- the bumper extends from a first end to a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis.
- the bumper attachment device further includes a first end portion.
- the first end portion is positioned proximate the first end of the bumper.
- the first end portion defines a first opening.
- the bumper attachment device further includes a second end portion.
- the second end portion is positioned proximate the second end of the bumper.
- the second end portion defines a second opening.
- the bumper is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.
- the bumper is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.
- the bumper may define a contact plane.
- the contact plane may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. In certain constructions, neither the first end portion nor the second end portion may extend into the contact plane defined by the bumper.
- first end portion can define an outer edge.
- the outer edge defined by the first end portion may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
- the second end portion can define an outer edge.
- the outer edge defined by the second end portion may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
- the bumper attachment device may, in certain constructions, further comprise a first rod.
- the first rod may extend between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion.
- the first rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the first rod.
- the bumper attachment device may further comprise a second rod.
- the second rod may extend between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The second rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the second rod.
- Each of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bumper attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- the system includes a floating dock assembly.
- the system further includes a bumper attachment device as described herein.
- each of the first opening and the second opening may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener. Such fasteners may connect the bumper attachment device to the floating dock assembly.
- FIG. 1 A shows a conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a known design using ropes;
- FIG. 1 B shows another conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a known design using ropes;
- FIG. 1 C shows a fastener of a known design for a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design
- FIG. 2 A shows a front perspective view of an adjustable attachment device according to one example
- FIG. 2 B shows a rear perspective view of the adjustable attachment device of FIG. 2 A ;
- FIG. 2 C shows the adjustable attachment device of FIG. 2 A in use in a system including a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design;
- FIG. 2 D shows another view of the system of FIG. 2 C ;
- FIG. 3 A shows a front view of a fixed attachment device according to one example
- FIG. 3 B shows a perspective view of the fixed attachment device of FIG. 3 A ;
- FIG. 3 C shows the fixed attachment device of FIG. 3 A in use in a system including a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design;
- FIG. 4 A shows a perspective view of a bumper attachment device according to one example
- FIG. 4 B shows an exploded view of the bumper attachment device of FIG. 4 A with the bumper removed to show internal features
- FIG. 4 C shows the bumper attachment device of FIG. 4 A in use in a system including a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design
- FIG. 4 D shows another view of the system of FIG. 4 C , with a watercraft abutting the bumper of the bumper attachment device.
- Known floating dock assemblies are conventionally attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series of ropes and metal “D-rings.”
- a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly 500 may be attached to a fixed piling 400 by passing one or more ropes 40 through a fastener 50 of the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the floating dock system 500 may be of a known design, such as a modular design comprising a plurality of individual cubical units connected with one another.
- the fastener 50 may also be of a known design, such as is shown in FIG.
- This attachment system may, in certain applications, provide only a rudimentary and inferior attachment option.
- the use of ropes may be audibly irritating and/or may facilitate undesirable barnacle or other marine growth, which may quickly degrade such ropes (including within the first week of deployment), which may cause undesirable fraying of the ropes.
- the use of such ropes becomes a liability with the use of cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies due to the possibility that such ropes may fray completely, thereby causing the floating dock assembly to float away.
- the present disclosure provides fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment systems that do not rely on the use of any ropes or similar attachment means.
- the attachment devices of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of applications.
- the attachment devices described herein may be used (in the case of the fixed and adjustable attachment devices) for interconnecting a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumper attachment system) for connecting to a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may have a generally elongate body 110 .
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 generally extends from a first end 118 to a second end 119 thereof along a longitudinal axis A.
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may also define a plurality of openings 120 , 122 .
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to a selected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly to which the adjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached.
- the body 110 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the body 110 may have a length of about 24′′.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via two attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25′′ (e.g., lengthwise across a single modular cube of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly).
- the body 110 may have a length of about 48′′.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via three attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25′′ (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly).
- the body 110 may have a length of from about 24′′ to about 96′′, with greater lengths generally being capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via more attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly).
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may also include one or more attachment brackets 130 .
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally include a selected number of attachment brackets 130 corresponding to a number of fixed pilings or other fixed structures to which the adjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached.
- the attachment bracket(s) 130 may be attached to the body 110 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may be attached to the body 110 such that the attachment bracket 130 is slidable relative to the body 110 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may be slidable relative to the body 110 along the longitudinal axis A.
- the attachment bracket 130 may be slidable relative to the body 110 along a full or substantially full length of the body 110 , such as between the first end 118 and the second end 119 thereof.
- the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may also define one or more openings 140 .
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may define a main portion 112 .
- the main portion 112 of the body 110 may be attached to the attachment bracket 130 .
- the main portion 112 of the body 110 may define a track 124 .
- the track 124 may pass completely through the body 110 .
- the main portion 112 of the body 110 may define another track 126 .
- the track 126 may pass partially into the body 110 .
- the tracks 124 , 126 may be spaced apart from one another along the first direction 2 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may be configured to interface with one or more of the tracks 124 , 126 as the attachment bracket 130 is slid relative to the body 110 . In certain examples, the attachment bracket 130 may be configured to interface with each of track 124 and track 126 as the attachment bracket 130 is slid relative to the body 110 .
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may define one or more end portions 114 , 116 .
- a first one 114 of the end portions may be positioned proximate the first end 118 of the body 110 .
- a second one 116 of the end portions may be positioned proximate the second end 119 of the body 110 .
- the first end portion 114 of the body 110 may extend outwardly away from the main portion 112 of the body 110 along a first direction 2 .
- the first direction 2 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.
- the second end portion 116 of the body 110 may similarly extend outwardly away from the main portion 112 of the body 110 along the first direction 2 .
- the first end portion 114 of the body 110 may be spaced apart from the second end portion 116 of the body 110 along the longitudinal axis A.
- first end portion 114 of the body 110 may at least partially define a first one 120 of the openings defined in the body 110 .
- the second end portion 116 of the body 110 may at least partially defines a second one 122 of the openings defined in the body 110 .
- the end portions 114 , 116 of the body 110 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the end portions 114 , 116 of the body 110 may generally be triangular in shape.
- Such a triangular shape for the end portions 114 , 116 of the body 110 may, in certain applications, allow the adjustable attachment device 100 to be more readily connected (e.g., via the openings 120 , 122 at least partially defined in the respective end portions 114 , 116 ) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 2 C .
- the attachment bracket 130 may, in certain constructions, define a main portion 132 .
- the main portion 132 of the attachment bracket 130 may be attached to the main portion 112 of the body 110 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may define an end portion 134 .
- the end portion 134 of attachment bracket 130 may extend outwardly away from the main portion 132 of the attachment bracket 130 along a second direction 4 .
- the second direction 4 may be opposite the first direction 2 .
- the end portion 134 of the attachment bracket 130 may define the opening 140 in the attachment bracket 130 .
- the end portion 134 of the attachment bracket 130 may generally be in non-overlapping relationship with the body 110 . In this way, the end portion 134 of the attachment bracket 130 may generally extend freely so as to receive at least a portion of a fixed piling therethrough, as described herein, without interference from the body 110 .
- the adjustable attachment mechanism 100 may include a translation bracket 150 .
- the translation bracket 150 may be attached to the attachment bracket 130 .
- the body 110 may be at least partially sandwiched between the translation bracket 150 and the attachment bracket 130 .
- the translation bracket 150 may be attached to the attachment bracket 130 by one or more fasteners 154 or pins.
- the one or more fasteners 154 or pins attaching the translation bracket 150 to the attachment bracket 130 may pass through the track 124 defined in the body 110 , such that the attachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150 ) interfaces with track 124 .
- the attachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150 ) may be configured to slide relative to the body 110 by way of the one or more fasteners 154 or pins attaching the translation bracket 150 to the attachment bracket 130 riding along and/or within the track 124 defined in the body 110 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may further interface with track 126 defined in the body 110 by one or more fasteners 156 or pins extending at least partially into track 126 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may be configured to slide relative to the body 110 by way of the one or more fasteners 156 or pins riding along and/or within the track 126 defined in the body 110 .
- the one or more fasteners 154 or pins passing through the track 124 and the one or more fasteners 156 or pins extending at least partially into track 126 may be spaced apart from one another along the first direction 2 . In this way, the attachment bracket 130 may be retarded or prevented from undesirable twisting and/or bending relative to the body 110 under the stresses experienced during use of the adjustable attachment device 100 .
- each of the plurality of openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally be configured to receive a corresponding fastener 121 , 123 .
- fastener 121 may pass through opening 120 and at least a portion of fastener 123 may pass through opening 122 , thereby connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly 500 .
- the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- fasteners such as those shown in FIG.
- the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be circular openings sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough.
- the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be internally threaded so as to interface with a corresponding externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may each have an internal diameter of about 2′′.
- each of the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have the same internal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- opening 120 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have a smaller or larger internal diameter than opening 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- each of the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have a smaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally be configured to receive a fixed piling 400 . In this way, at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 may pass through opening 140 , thereby connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a fixed piling 400 .
- the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 therethrough.
- the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fixed piling, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have an internal diameter of about 3.75′′.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be employed in a system 10 such as that shown in FIG. 2 C including a floating dock system 500 and a fixed piling 400 , each of which may be of a known design.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be placed over the fixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 passes through the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 .
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may then be lowered to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the attachment bracket 130 may then be slid relative to the body 110 , as necessary, to align the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 with corresponding attachment points defined in the floating dock assembly 500 .
- a fastener 121 may then be passed through the opening 120 , thereby connecting the first end portion 114 to the floating dock assembly 500 . If the opening 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 was not previously (or is no longer) aligned with a second attachment point of the floating dock assembly 500 , the attachment bracket 130 may be slid relative to the body 110 , as necessary, to align the opening 122 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floating dock assembly 500 . A fastener 123 may then be passed through the opening 122 , thereby connecting the second end portion 116 to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may selectively and/or adjustably (e.g., and releasably) interconnect the fixed piling 400 and the floating dock assembly 500 .
- Use of the adjustable attachment device 100 may thus provide a more robust attachment means than conventional ropes. Additionally, use of the adjustable attachment device 100 may further overcome the drawbacks associated with such conventional ropes, such as by retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be designed such that when the adjustable attachment device 100 interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly, the adjustable attachment device 100 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 D ).
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may not be susceptible to fraying or audible disturbance. Moreover, the adjustable attachment device 100 may provide a more rigid and defined attachment as compared with ropes, which may allow for undesirable drift of the floating dock assembly relative to the fixed piling. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the adjustable attachment device 100 may allow for quick and efficient attachment between a floating dock assembly having equidistance attachment points and a plurality of fixed pilings that are not necessarily spaced apart at likewise or equal distances.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof.
- HDPE high-density polyethylene
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may define a distance of about 21.25′′ between the openings 120 , 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 .
- the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 is a unitary and monolithic design including the main portion 112 and the first and second end portions 114 , 116 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 24′′.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via two attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25′′ (e.g., lengthwise across a single modular cube of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly).
- the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 48′′.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via three attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25′′ (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly).
- the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of from about 24′′ to about 96′′, with greater lengths generally being capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via more attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 includes a single attachment bracket 130 defining a single opening 140 and first and second end portions 114 , 116 , each defining a respective opening 120 , 122 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may include more than two end portions and/or more than two openings for connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may be configured to attach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) defined attachment points of the floating dock assembly.
- the adjustable attachment device 100 may define more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) openings, each such opening configured to receive a corresponding fastener for connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly. Furthermore, in the same or other variations, the adjustable attachment device 100 may be configured to attach to more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) fixed piling. In such variations, the adjustable attachment device 100 may include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) attachment bracket, each such attachment bracket including an opening configured to receive a respective fixed piling therethrough for connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to the fixed piling (thereby interconnecting the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly).
- the fixed attachment device 200 may have a main portion 210 .
- the fixed attachment device 200 may have an end portion 220 .
- the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may extend outwardly away from the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 along a first direction 2 .
- the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may define an opening 240 .
- the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally be triangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may, in certain applications, allow the fixed attachment device 200 to be more readily connected (e.g., via the opening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion 200 ) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 3 C .
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally be configured to receive a corresponding fastener 241 . In this way, at least a portion of fastener 241 may pass through opening 240 , thereby connecting the fixed attachment device 200 to a floating dock assembly 500 .
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the fixed attachment device 200 to a floating dock assembly 500 using a fastener such as is shown in FIG.
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be a circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough.
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be internally threaded so as to interface with an externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have an internal diameter of about 2′′.
- the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have a smaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally be configured to receive a fixed piling 400 . In this way, at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 may pass through opening 230 , thereby connecting the fixed attachment device 200 to a fixed piling 400 .
- the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the fixed attachment device 200 to a fixed piling 400 such as that shown in FIG.
- the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 therethrough.
- the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fixed piling, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have an internal diameter of about 3.75′′.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may be employed in a system 20 such as that shown in FIG. 3 C including a floating dock system 500 and a fixed piling 400 , each of which may be of a known design.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may be placed over the fixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 passes through the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 .
- the fixed attachment device 200 may then be lowered to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- At least one of the fixed attachment device 200 and the floating dock assembly 500 may be moved relative to the other, as necessary, to align the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floating dock assembly 500 .
- a fastener 241 may then be passed through the opening 240 , thereby connecting the end portion 220 to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the fixed attachment device 200 may rigidly (e.g., and releasably) interconnect the fixed piling 400 and the floating dock assembly 500 .
- Use of the fixed attachment device 200 may thus provide a more robust attachment means than conventional ropes. Additionally, use of the fixed attachment device 200 may further overcome the drawbacks associated with such conventional ropes, such as by retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may be designed such that when the fixed attachment device 200 interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly, the fixed attachment device 200 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth. Further yet, the fixed attachment device 200 may not be susceptible to fraying or audible disturbance.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may provide a more rigid and defined attachment as compared with ropes, which may allow for undesirable drift of the floating dock assembly relative to the fixed piling.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof.
- the fixed attachment device 200 may generally be of a lachrymiform (i.e., generally teardrop) shape.
- such a shape for the fixed attachment device 200 may, in certain applications, allow the fixed attachment device 200 to be more readily connected (e.g., via the opening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion 240 ) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 3 C .
- the fixed attachment device 200 is a unitary and monolithic design including the main portion 210 and the end portion 240 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include one or more bumpers 310 .
- the bumper 310 generally extends from a first end 318 to a second end 318 thereof along a longitudinal axis A.
- the bumper attachment device 300 includes a single bumper 310 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include more than one bumpers.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be configured to attach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) defined attachment points of the floating dock assembly.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include a single bumper spanning substantially along the length of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) bumpers, which may be positioned side-by-side along substantially along the length of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include one or more end portions 320 , 340 .
- a first one 320 of the end portions may be positioned proximate the first end 318 of the bumper 310 .
- a second one 340 of the end portions may be positioned proximate the second end 319 of the bumper 310 .
- the bumper 310 may be disposed between the first end portion 320 and the second end portion 340 .
- the bumper 310 may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A. In this way, the bumper 310 may “roll” up and down with changes in tide or marine wakes, thereby minimizing or preventing undesirable rubbing against a watercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 D ) and retarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotating bumpers or fenders.
- the first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may at least partially define a first opening 330 .
- the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may at least partially define a second opening 350 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to a selected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly to which the bumper attachment device 300 is desired to be attached.
- the end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be at least partially triangular in shape.
- Such a triangular shape for the end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may, in certain applications, allow the bumper attachment device 300 to be more readily connected (e.g., via the openings 330 , 350 at least partially defined in the respective end portions 320 , 340 ) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 4 C .
- the bumper 310 may define a contact plane CP.
- the contact plane CP may, in some examples, be parallel to the longitudinal axis A.
- the contact plane CP may generally define a surface of the bumper 310 against which another object (e.g., a watercraft, a seawall) may contact or abut.
- another object e.g., a watercraft, a seawall
- the watercraft or other object may generally contact or abut the bumper 310 along at least a portion of the contact plane CP.
- the contact plane CP defined by the bumper 310 may be spaced apart from the first and second end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the contact plane CP defined by the bumper 310 may be spaced further along the second direction 4 (which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A) than either of the first and second end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- a watercraft or object positioned adjacent the floating dock assembly 500 may generally contact the bumper 310 (e.g., the contact plane CP defined thereby) without contacting either of the first and second end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the bumper 310 is constructed of a material that is “softer” or less susceptible to marring or scratching in comparison to the material from which the first and second end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 are constructed.
- neither the first end portion 320 nor the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may extend into the contact plane CP defined by the bumper 310 , such as is shown in FIG. 4 A .
- the first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may define an outer edge 322 .
- the outer edge 322 of the first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A.
- the outer edge 322 of the first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis A.
- the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may define an outer edge 342 .
- the outer edge 342 of the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, such as is shown in FIG.
- the outer edge 342 of the first end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. Such angling of the outer edges 322 , 340 of the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may advantageously assist in deflecting a watercraft of another object that may approach the bumper attachment system 300 at an otherwise undesirable angle.
- such angling of the outer edges 322 , 340 of the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may serve to urge or drive a watercraft or another object at an angle so as to prevent head-on or direct contact with the bumper 310 and/or a floating dock assembly to which the bumper attachment device 300 is attached, such as might otherwise occur during windy conditions. it does not contact the floating dock or bumper head-on, such as during windy conditions.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include a rod 350 .
- the rod 350 may extend between the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the rod 350 may interconnect the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the rod 350 may pass through the bumper 310 . In this way, the bumper 310 may at least partially rotate about the rod 350 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may include another rod 360 .
- the rod 360 may extend between the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the rod 360 may interconnect the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- the rod 360 may pass through the bumper 310 .
- the bumper 310 may at least partially rotate about the rod 360 .
- the rods 350 , 360 may be spaced apart from one another (e.g., along a first direction 2 , which may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A).
- each of the first opening 330 and the second opening 350 defined in the first end portion 320 and the second end portion 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may generally be configured to receive a corresponding fastener 331 , 351 .
- at least a portion of fastener 331 may pass through first opening 330 and at least a portion of fastener 351 may pass through second opening 350 , thereby connecting the bumper attachment device 300 to a floating dock assembly 500 .
- the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.
- the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may be circular openings sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough.
- the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may be internally threaded so as to interface with a corresponding externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the portion of the fasteners that will pass through the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 have an external diameter of about 2′′
- the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may each have an internal diameter of about 2′′.
- each of the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may have the same internal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- first opening 330 defined in the first end portions 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may have a smaller or larger internal diameter than second opening 350 defined in the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 , although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be employed in a system 30 such as that shown in FIG. CC including a floating dock system 500 , which may be of a known design.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be lowered to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- At least one of the bumper attachment device 300 and the floating dock assembly 500 may be moved relative to the other, as necessary, to align the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 with corresponding attachment points defined in the floating dock assembly 500 .
- a fastener 331 may then be passed through the first opening 330 , thereby connecting the first end portion 320 to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be moved (e.g., swung about the fastener 331 ), as necessary, to align the second opening 350 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floating dock assembly 500 .
- a fastener 351 may then be passed through the second opening 350 , thereby connecting the second end portion 340 to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be rigidly (e.g., and releasably) attached to the floating dock assembly 500 .
- the bumper attachment device 300 may thus provide a means for preventing undesirable contact between a watercraft or another object and a floating dock assembly to which the bumper attachment device 300 is attached. In this way, use of the bumper attachment device 300 may minimize or prevent undesirable rubbing against a watercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 D ) and retarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotating bumpers or fenders. In some variations, the bumper attachment device 300 may be designed such that when the bumper attachment device 300 is attached to a floating dock assembly, the bumper attachment device 300 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be designed such that when the bumper attachment device 300 is attached to a floating dock assembly, the bumper 310 generally does not rest within and/or contact the water, which prevents undesirable marine growth on the bumper 310 , which has been known to further exacerbate marring of the finish on watercraft abutting the bumper 310 with unsightly black scrapes (compare conventional bumper 60 in FIG. 1 D , which has flipped upside-down in the water and has marine growth thereon, with bumper 310 of bumper attachment device 300 in FIG. 4 D ).
- the bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application.
- at least the first and second end portions 320 , 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof.
- the bumper attachment device 300 may define a distance of about 15′′ between the first and second openings 330 , 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320 , 340 , respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 .
- each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range.
- the terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.
- reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature.
- reference to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has or defines at least one of the feature.
- reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features.
- reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does not foreclose the device from having both X and Y.
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Abstract
An adjustable attachment device includes an elongate body defining a plurality of openings and an attachment bracket attached to and slidable relative to the body and defining an opening. The adjustable attachment device selectively and adjustably interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly. A fixed attachment device includes a main portion defining an opening and a generally triangular end portion defining an opening. The fixed attachment device rigidly interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly. A bumper attachment device includes a first and second end portions defining openings and a rotatable bumper. The bumper attachment device is connected to a floating dock assembly.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment devices, in particular, to attachment devices for use with a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly, such as (in the case of the fixed and adjustable attachment devices) for interconnecting such a floating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumper attachment system) for connecting to a floating dock assembly.
- Conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies are formed of individual cubicle pieces that are connected to one another with pins and/or fasteners to form a complete floating dock assembly. The floating dock assembly is then installed in the water by being attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series of ropes and metal “D-rings.” However, the use of ropes may be audibly irritating, and D-rings may provide only a rudimentary and inferior attachment option. Additionally, barnacles and other marine growth may quickly degrade such ropes (including within the first week of deployment), which may cause undesirable fraying of the ropes. As such, the use of such ropes becomes a liability with the use of cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies due to the possibility that such ropes may fray completely, thereby causing the floating dock assembly to float away.
- In addition to the foregoing, there are currently no satisfactory options for attaching a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly to fixed pilings. As previously described, current attachment methods for cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies involve the use of ropes that wrap around the fixed pilings and pass through attachment points defined in the floating dock assembly. However, such rope attachment suffers the drawbacks previously described. In certain conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies, attachment points are evenly spaced, such that if the fixed pilings to which the floating dock assembly is desired to be attached are not likewise evenly spaced, fixed and/or rigid attachment is precluded.
- Further yet, while conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies may provide for the ability for a watercraft to be driven on to the floating dock assembly, there is not currently a satisfactory option for parking or mooring a watercraft alongside (e.g., against) a side of such a floating dock assembly without deploying a separate bumper protection to prevent potential damage to the watercraft. This is due to the fact that the sides of such conventional floating dock assemblies are known to undesirably rub against the watercraft, often marring the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes or worse.
- Therefore, there is a need for fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment devices that overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, namely by providing convenient means for attachment to an existing cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly. Out of the aforementioned drawbacks was born the fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment devices described herein.
- In one example, an adjustable attachment device is provided. The adjustable attachment device includes a body. The body may be an elongate body. The body extends from a first end to a second end thereof. The body extends from the first end to the second end thereof along a longitudinal axis. The body defines a plurality of openings. The adjustable attachment device further includes an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket is attached to the body. The attachment bracket is attached to the body such that the attachment bracket is slidable relative to the body. The attachment bracket is slidable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis. The attachment bracket defines an opening.
- In some examples, the body can define a main portion. The main portion may be attached to the attachment bracket. The body may, in certain constructions, further define a first end portion. The first end portion may be positioned proximate the first end of the body. The body may, in certain constructions, further define a second end portion. The second end portion may be positioned proximate the second end of the body. The first end portion may extend outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction. The first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second end portion may extend outwardly away from the main portion along the first direction.
- In variations, the first end portion can at least partially define a first one of the plurality of openings defined in the body. The second end portion can at least partially define a second one of the plurality of openings defined in the body.
- In particular examples, the main portion may define a first track. The first track may pass completely through the body. The main portion may define a second track. The second track may pass partially into the body. The second track can be spaced apart from the first track along the first direction. The attachment bracket may, in certain examples, be configured to interface with each of the first track and the second track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.
- In certain constructions, the attachment bracket may define a main portion. The main portion of the attachment bracket can be attached to the main portion of the body. The attachment bracket may, in variations, define an end portion extending outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracket. The end portion of the attachment bracket may extend outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracket along a second direction opposite the first direction. The end portion of the attachment bracket may define the opening in the attachment bracket. In some examples, the end portion of the attachment bracket can be in non-overlapping relationship with the body.
- In variations, the adjustable attachment device may further comprise a translation bracket. The translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket. In particular constructions, the body may be at least partially sandwiched between the translation bracket and the attachment bracket. In some examples, the body may define a track. The track can pass completely through the body. The attachment bracket may be configured to interface with the track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body. The translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket. The translation bracket can be attached to the attachment bracket by at least one fastener. The fastener may pass through the track defined in the body.
- The adjustable attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The system includes a fixed piling. The system further includes a floating dock assembly. The system further includes an adjustable attachment device as described herein. In variations, each of the plurality of openings defined in the body of the adjustable attachment device may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener. Such fasteners may connect the adjustable attachment device to the floating dock assembly. In variations, the opening defined in the attachment bracket may be configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing may enable the adjustable attachment device to selectively and adjustably interconnect the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
- In another example, a fixed attachment device is provided. The fixed attachment device includes a main portion. The fixed attachment device further includes a generally triangular end portion. The end portion extends outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction. A first opening is defined in the main portion. A second opening is defined in the end portion.
- The fixed attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The system includes a fixed piling. The system further includes a floating dock assembly. The system further includes a fixed attachment device as described herein. In variations, the second opening defined in the end portion of the fixed attachment device may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener. The fastener may connect the fixed attachment device to the floating dock assembly. In variations, the first opening defined in the main portion of the fixed attachment system may be configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing may enable the fixed attachment device to rigidly interconnect the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
- In a further example, a bumper attachment device is provided. The bumper attachment device includes a bumper. The bumper extends from a first end to a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis. The bumper attachment device further includes a first end portion. The first end portion is positioned proximate the first end of the bumper. The first end portion defines a first opening. The bumper attachment device further includes a second end portion. The second end portion is positioned proximate the second end of the bumper. The second end portion defines a second opening. The bumper is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The bumper is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.
- In variations, the bumper may define a contact plane. The contact plane may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. In certain constructions, neither the first end portion nor the second end portion may extend into the contact plane defined by the bumper.
- In particular examples, the first end portion can define an outer edge. The outer edge defined by the first end portion may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The second end portion can define an outer edge. The outer edge defined by the second end portion may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
- The bumper attachment device may, in certain constructions, further comprise a first rod. The first rod may extend between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The first rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the first rod. In variations, the bumper attachment device may further comprise a second rod. The second rod may extend between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The second rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the second rod.
- Each of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bumper attachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
- Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The system includes a floating dock assembly. The system further includes a bumper attachment device as described herein. In variations, each of the first opening and the second opening may be configured to receive a corresponding fastener. Such fasteners may connect the bumper attachment device to the floating dock assembly.
- The following description of the illustrative examples may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted.
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FIG. 1A shows a conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a known design using ropes; -
FIG. 1B shows another conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a known design using ropes; -
FIG. 1C shows a fastener of a known design for a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design; -
FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of an adjustable attachment device according to one example; -
FIG. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the adjustable attachment device ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2C shows the adjustable attachment device ofFIG. 2A in use in a system including a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design; -
FIG. 2D shows another view of the system ofFIG. 2C ; -
FIG. 3A shows a front view of a fixed attachment device according to one example; -
FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the fixed attachment device ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 3C shows the fixed attachment device ofFIG. 3A in use in a system including a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design; -
FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a bumper attachment device according to one example; -
FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of the bumper attachment device ofFIG. 4A with the bumper removed to show internal features; -
FIG. 4C shows the bumper attachment device ofFIG. 4A in use in a system including a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design; and -
FIG. 4D shows another view of the system ofFIG. 4C , with a watercraft abutting the bumper of the bumper attachment device. - In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are for explanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and shown in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitly contemplated and form a part of this disclosure.
- Known floating dock assemblies (e.g., cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies) are conventionally attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series of ropes and metal “D-rings.” For example, as shown in
FIG. 1A andFIG. 1B , a cubicle, modular floatingdock assembly 500 may be attached to a fixed piling 400 by passing one ormore ropes 40 through afastener 50 of the floatingdock assembly 500. The floatingdock system 500 may be of a known design, such as a modular design comprising a plurality of individual cubical units connected with one another. Thefastener 50 may also be of a known design, such as is shown inFIG. 1C , including a hollow core (e.g., so that theropes 40 may pass therethrough) and awasher 52 for securing thefastener 50 to the floatingdock assembly 500. This attachment system may, in certain applications, provide only a rudimentary and inferior attachment option. For example, the use of ropes may be audibly irritating and/or may facilitate undesirable barnacle or other marine growth, which may quickly degrade such ropes (including within the first week of deployment), which may cause undesirable fraying of the ropes. As such, the use of such ropes becomes a liability with the use of cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies due to the possibility that such ropes may fray completely, thereby causing the floating dock assembly to float away. - In view of the foregoing drawbacks, the present disclosure provides fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment systems that do not rely on the use of any ropes or similar attachment means. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the attachment devices of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of applications. By way of non-limiting example, it is contemplated that the attachment devices described herein may be used (in the case of the fixed and adjustable attachment devices) for interconnecting a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumper attachment system) for connecting to a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly.
- Referring first to
FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B , an exampleadjustable attachment device 100 is shown. As depicted, theadjustable attachment device 100 may have a generallyelongate body 110. Thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 generally extends from afirst end 118 to asecond end 119 thereof along a longitudinal axis A. Thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may also define a plurality ofopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to a selected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly to which theadjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached. Thebody 110 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of a first non-limiting example, thebody 110 may have a length of about 24″. In such first non-limiting example, theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via two attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across a single modular cube of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of a second non-limiting example, thebody 110 may have a length of about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via three attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of further non-limiting example, thebody 110 may have a length of from about 24″ to about 96″, with greater lengths generally being capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via more attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). - The
adjustable attachment device 100 may also include one ormore attachment brackets 130. In examples, theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally include a selected number ofattachment brackets 130 corresponding to a number of fixed pilings or other fixed structures to which theadjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached. The attachment bracket(s) 130 may be attached to thebody 110. In variations, theattachment bracket 130 may be attached to thebody 110 such that theattachment bracket 130 is slidable relative to thebody 110. Theattachment bracket 130 may be slidable relative to thebody 110 along the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, theattachment bracket 130 may be slidable relative to thebody 110 along a full or substantially full length of thebody 110, such as between thefirst end 118 and thesecond end 119 thereof. Theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may also define one ormore openings 140. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B , in variations, thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may define amain portion 112. Themain portion 112 of thebody 110 may be attached to theattachment bracket 130. Themain portion 112 of thebody 110 may define atrack 124. Thetrack 124 may pass completely through thebody 110. Themain portion 112 of thebody 110 may define anothertrack 126. Thetrack 126 may pass partially into thebody 110. In examples in which each oftracks tracks first direction 2. In variations, theattachment bracket 130 may be configured to interface with one or more of thetracks attachment bracket 130 is slid relative to thebody 110. In certain examples, theattachment bracket 130 may be configured to interface with each oftrack 124 and track 126 as theattachment bracket 130 is slid relative to thebody 110. - The
body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may define one ormore end portions first one 114 of the end portions may be positioned proximate thefirst end 118 of thebody 110. A second one 116 of the end portions may be positioned proximate thesecond end 119 of thebody 110. As shown, thefirst end portion 114 of thebody 110 may extend outwardly away from themain portion 112 of thebody 110 along afirst direction 2. Thefirst direction 2 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Thesecond end portion 116 of thebody 110 may similarly extend outwardly away from themain portion 112 of thebody 110 along thefirst direction 2. Thefirst end portion 114 of thebody 110 may be spaced apart from thesecond end portion 116 of thebody 110 along the longitudinal axis A. - In examples, the
first end portion 114 of thebody 110 may at least partially define a first one 120 of the openings defined in thebody 110. Thesecond end portion 116 of thebody 110 may at least partially defines a second one 122 of the openings defined in thebody 110. Theend portions body 110 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, theend portions body 110 may generally be triangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for theend portions body 110 may, in certain applications, allow theadjustable attachment device 100 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopenings respective end portions 114, 116) to a floatingdock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown inFIG. 2C . - The
attachment bracket 130 may, in certain constructions, define amain portion 132. Themain portion 132 of theattachment bracket 130 may be attached to themain portion 112 of thebody 110. Theattachment bracket 130 may define anend portion 134. Theend portion 134 ofattachment bracket 130 may extend outwardly away from themain portion 132 of theattachment bracket 130 along asecond direction 4. Thesecond direction 4 may be opposite thefirst direction 2. Theend portion 134 of theattachment bracket 130 may define theopening 140 in theattachment bracket 130. As may be understood with reference toFIGS. 2A-C , theend portion 134 of theattachment bracket 130 may generally be in non-overlapping relationship with thebody 110. In this way, theend portion 134 of theattachment bracket 130 may generally extend freely so as to receive at least a portion of a fixed piling therethrough, as described herein, without interference from thebody 110. - With specific reference to
FIG. 2B , theadjustable attachment mechanism 100 may include atranslation bracket 150. As shown, thetranslation bracket 150 may be attached to theattachment bracket 130. In this way, thebody 110 may be at least partially sandwiched between thetranslation bracket 150 and theattachment bracket 130. In variations, thetranslation bracket 150 may be attached to theattachment bracket 130 by one ormore fasteners 154 or pins. The one ormore fasteners 154 or pins attaching thetranslation bracket 150 to theattachment bracket 130 may pass through thetrack 124 defined in thebody 110, such that the attachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150) interfaces withtrack 124. As a result, in such variations, the attachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150) may be configured to slide relative to thebody 110 by way of the one ormore fasteners 154 or pins attaching thetranslation bracket 150 to theattachment bracket 130 riding along and/or within thetrack 124 defined in thebody 110. - With reference back to
FIG. 2A , in certain constructions, theattachment bracket 130 may further interface withtrack 126 defined in thebody 110 by one ormore fasteners 156 or pins extending at least partially intotrack 126. As a result, in such constructions, theattachment bracket 130 may be configured to slide relative to thebody 110 by way of the one ormore fasteners 156 or pins riding along and/or within thetrack 126 defined in thebody 110. The one ormore fasteners 154 or pins passing through thetrack 124 and the one ormore fasteners 156 or pins extending at least partially intotrack 126 may be spaced apart from one another along thefirst direction 2. In this way, theattachment bracket 130 may be retarded or prevented from undesirable twisting and/or bending relative to thebody 110 under the stresses experienced during use of theadjustable attachment device 100. - With reference now to
FIG. 2C , each of the plurality ofopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally be configured to receive acorresponding fastener fastener 121 may pass throughopening 120 and at least a portion offastener 123 may pass throughopening 122, thereby connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floatingdock assembly 500. Theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floatingdock assembly 500 using fasteners such as those shown inFIG. 1C , theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be circular openings sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough. In some examples, theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In certain variations, theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be internally threaded so as to interface with a corresponding externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fasteners that will pass through theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 have an external diameter of about 2″, theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may each have an internal diameter of about 2″. In variations, each of theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may have the same internal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, in variations, opening 120 defined in thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may have a smaller or larger internal diameter than opening 122 defined in thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In variations, each of theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may have a smaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2C , theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally be configured to receive afixed piling 400. In this way, at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 may pass throughopening 140, thereby connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to afixed piling 400. Theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect theadjustable attachment device 100 to a fixed piling 400 such as that shown inFIG. 1A , theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 therethrough. In some examples, theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fixed piling, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fixed piling that will pass through theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 has an external diameter of about 3.75″, theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may have an internal diameter of about 3.75″. - As may now be appreciated, the
adjustable attachment device 100 may be employed in asystem 10 such as that shown inFIG. 2C including a floatingdock system 500 and a fixed piling 400, each of which may be of a known design. Theadjustable attachment device 100 may be placed over the fixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 passes through theopening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100. Theadjustable attachment device 100 may then be lowered to the floatingdock assembly 500. Theattachment bracket 130 may then be slid relative to thebody 110, as necessary, to align theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 with corresponding attachment points defined in the floatingdock assembly 500. Afastener 121 may then be passed through theopening 120, thereby connecting thefirst end portion 114 to the floatingdock assembly 500. If theopening 122 defined in thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 was not previously (or is no longer) aligned with a second attachment point of the floatingdock assembly 500, theattachment bracket 130 may be slid relative to thebody 110, as necessary, to align theopening 122 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floatingdock assembly 500. Afastener 123 may then be passed through theopening 122, thereby connecting thesecond end portion 116 to the floatingdock assembly 500. In this way, that theadjustable attachment device 100 may selectively and/or adjustably (e.g., and releasably) interconnect the fixed piling 400 and the floatingdock assembly 500. Use of theadjustable attachment device 100 may thus provide a more robust attachment means than conventional ropes. Additionally, use of theadjustable attachment device 100 may further overcome the drawbacks associated with such conventional ropes, such as by retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth. In some variations, theadjustable attachment device 100 may be designed such that when theadjustable attachment device 100 interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly, theadjustable attachment device 100 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2D ). Further yet, theadjustable attachment device 100 may not be susceptible to fraying or audible disturbance. Moreover, theadjustable attachment device 100 may provide a more rigid and defined attachment as compared with ropes, which may allow for undesirable drift of the floating dock assembly relative to the fixed piling. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, theadjustable attachment device 100 may allow for quick and efficient attachment between a floating dock assembly having equidistance attachment points and a plurality of fixed pilings that are not necessarily spaced apart at likewise or equal distances. - The
adjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, theadjustable attachment device 100 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which fixed pilings to which the adjustable attachment device is to be attached are spaced apart by about 19.5″ (outside-to-outside hole on portion that attaches to the floating dock assembly) on center, theadjustable attachment device 100 may define a distance of about 21.25″ between theopenings body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100. In examples, thebody 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 is a unitary and monolithic design including themain portion 112 and the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of a first non-limiting example, thebumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 24″. In such first non-limiting example, thebumper attachment device 300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via two attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across a single modular cube of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of a second non-limiting example, thebumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, thebumper attachment device 300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via three attachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of further non-limiting example, thebumper attachment device 300 may have a length of from about 24″ to about 96″, with greater lengths generally being capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via more attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly. - In the example illustrated in
FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B , theadjustable attachment device 100 includes asingle attachment bracket 130 defining asingle opening 140 and first andsecond end portions respective opening adjustable attachment device 100 may include more than two end portions and/or more than two openings for connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly. In such variations, theadjustable attachment device 100 may be configured to attach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) defined attachment points of the floating dock assembly. In such variations, theadjustable attachment device 100 may define more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) openings, each such opening configured to receive a corresponding fastener for connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly. Furthermore, in the same or other variations, theadjustable attachment device 100 may be configured to attach to more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) fixed piling. In such variations, theadjustable attachment device 100 may include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) attachment bracket, each such attachment bracket including an opening configured to receive a respective fixed piling therethrough for connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to the fixed piling (thereby interconnecting the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly). - Turning now to
FIG. 3A andFIG. 3B , an example fixedattachment device 200 is shown. As depicted, the fixedattachment device 200 may have amain portion 210. - The fixed
attachment device 200 may have anend portion 220. Theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may extend outwardly away from themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 along afirst direction 2. Theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may define anopening 240. - The
end portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may generally be triangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may, in certain applications, allow the fixedattachment device 200 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion 200) to a floatingdock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown inFIG. 3C . - With reference now to
FIG. 3C , theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may generally be configured to receive acorresponding fastener 241. In this way, at least a portion offastener 241 may pass throughopening 240, thereby connecting the fixedattachment device 200 to a floatingdock assembly 500. Theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the fixedattachment device 200 to a floatingdock assembly 500 using a fastener such as is shown inFIG. 1C , theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be a circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough. In some examples, theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In certain variations, theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be internally threaded so as to interface with an externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fastener that will pass through theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 has an external diameter of about 2″, theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may have an internal diameter of about 2″. In variations, theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may have a smaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3C , theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 may generally be configured to receive afixed piling 400. In this way, at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 may pass throughopening 230, thereby connecting the fixedattachment device 200 to afixed piling 400. Theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the fixedattachment device 200 to a fixed piling 400 such as that shown inFIG. 1A , theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be circular opening sized to receive at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 therethrough. In some examples, theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fixed piling, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fixed piling that will pass through theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 has an external diameter of about 3.75″, theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200 may have an internal diameter of about 3.75″. - As may now be appreciated, the fixed
attachment device 200 may be employed in asystem 20 such as that shown inFIG. 3C including a floatingdock system 500 and a fixed piling 400, each of which may be of a known design. The fixedattachment device 200 may be placed over the fixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 passes through theopening 230 defined in themain portion 210 of the fixedattachment device 200. The fixedattachment device 200 may then be lowered to the floatingdock assembly 500. At least one of the fixedattachment device 200 and the floatingdock assembly 500 may be moved relative to the other, as necessary, to align theopening 240 defined in theend portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floatingdock assembly 500. Afastener 241 may then be passed through theopening 240, thereby connecting theend portion 220 to the floatingdock assembly 500. In this way, that the fixedattachment device 200 may rigidly (e.g., and releasably) interconnect the fixed piling 400 and the floatingdock assembly 500. Use of the fixedattachment device 200 may thus provide a more robust attachment means than conventional ropes. Additionally, use of the fixedattachment device 200 may further overcome the drawbacks associated with such conventional ropes, such as by retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth. In some variations, the fixedattachment device 200 may be designed such that when the fixedattachment device 200 interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly, the fixedattachment device 200 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth. Further yet, the fixedattachment device 200 may not be susceptible to fraying or audible disturbance. Moreover, the fixedattachment device 200 may provide a more rigid and defined attachment as compared with ropes, which may allow for undesirable drift of the floating dock assembly relative to the fixed piling. - The fixed
attachment device 200 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the fixedattachment device 200 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof. By way of further non-limiting example, the fixedattachment device 200 may generally be of a lachrymiform (i.e., generally teardrop) shape. As previously described, such a shape for the fixed attachment device 200 (e.g., resulting in a triangular shape for theend portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200) may, in certain applications, allow the fixedattachment device 200 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion 240) to a floatingdock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown inFIG. 3C . In examples, the fixedattachment device 200 is a unitary and monolithic design including themain portion 210 and theend portion 240, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. - Turning now to
FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B , an examplebumper attachment device 300 is shown. As depicted, thebumper attachment device 300 may include one ormore bumpers 310. Thebumper 310 generally extends from afirst end 318 to asecond end 318 thereof along a longitudinal axis A. In the example illustrated inFIG. 4A andFIG. 4B , thebumper attachment device 300 includes asingle bumper 310, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of non-limiting example, in variations, thebumper attachment device 300 may include more than one bumpers. In such variations, thebumper attachment device 300 may be configured to attach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) defined attachment points of the floating dock assembly. In such variations, thebumper attachment device 300 may include a single bumper spanning substantially along the length of thebumper attachment device 300. In other such variations, thebumper attachment device 300 may include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) bumpers, which may be positioned side-by-side along substantially along the length of thebumper attachment device 300. - The
bumper attachment device 300 may include one ormore end portions first one 320 of the end portions may be positioned proximate thefirst end 318 of thebumper 310. A second one 340 of the end portions may be positioned proximate thesecond end 319 of thebumper 310. As shown, thebumper 310 may be disposed between thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond end portion 340. Thebumper 310 may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A. In this way, thebumper 310 may “roll” up and down with changes in tide or marine wakes, thereby minimizing or preventing undesirable rubbing against a watercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4D ) and retarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotating bumpers or fenders. - In examples, the
first end portion 320 of thebumper attachment device 300 may at least partially define afirst opening 330. Thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may at least partially define asecond opening 350. In examples, thebumper attachment device 300 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to a selected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly to which thebumper attachment device 300 is desired to be attached. Theend portions bumper attachment device 300 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, theend portions bumper attachment device 300 may generally be at least partially triangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for theend portions bumper attachment device 300 may, in certain applications, allow thebumper attachment device 300 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopenings respective end portions 320, 340) to a floatingdock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown inFIG. 4C . - With continued reference to
FIG. 4A , thebumper 310 may define a contact plane CP. The contact plane CP, may, in some examples, be parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The contact plane CP may generally define a surface of thebumper 310 against which another object (e.g., a watercraft, a seawall) may contact or abut. In certain applications, it may be desirable to position a watercraft or another object along a side of a floating dock assembly (e.g., a side other than the side(s) attached to a fixed piling). In such applications, the watercraft or other object may generally contact or abut thebumper 310 along at least a portion of the contact plane CP. - In variations, the contact plane CP defined by the
bumper 310 may be spaced apart from the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300. For example, as shown inFIG. 4A , the contact plane CP defined by thebumper 310 may be spaced further along the second direction 4 (which may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A) than either of the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300. In this way, a watercraft or object positioned adjacent the floatingdock assembly 500 may generally contact the bumper 310 (e.g., the contact plane CP defined thereby) without contacting either of the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300. This may be particularly advantageous in examples in which thebumper 310 is constructed of a material that is “softer” or less susceptible to marring or scratching in comparison to the material from which the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300 are constructed. Put yet another way, in such variations as previously described, neither thefirst end portion 320 nor thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may extend into the contact plane CP defined by thebumper 310, such as is shown inFIG. 4A . - The
first end portion 320 of thebumper attachment device 300 may define anouter edge 322. In some examples, theouter edge 322 of thefirst end portion 320 of thebumper attachment device 300 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, such as is shown inFIG. 4A , theouter edge 322 of thefirst end portion 320 of thebumper attachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. Thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may define anouter edge 342. In some examples, theouter edge 342 of thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, such as is shown inFIG. 4A , theouter edge 342 of thefirst end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. Such angling of theouter edges second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may advantageously assist in deflecting a watercraft of another object that may approach thebumper attachment system 300 at an otherwise undesirable angle. In this way, such angling of theouter edges second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may serve to urge or drive a watercraft or another object at an angle so as to prevent head-on or direct contact with thebumper 310 and/or a floating dock assembly to which thebumper attachment device 300 is attached, such as might otherwise occur during windy conditions. it does not contact the floating dock or bumper head-on, such as during windy conditions. - With specific reference to
FIG. 4B , thebumper attachment device 300 is shown in an exploded view with the bumper removed to show additional features. Thebumper attachment device 300 may include arod 350. Therod 350 may extend between thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. In examples, therod 350 may interconnect thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. As may be appreciated, therod 350 may pass through thebumper 310. In this way, thebumper 310 may at least partially rotate about therod 350. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4B , thebumper attachment device 300 may include anotherrod 360. Therod 360 may extend between thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. In examples, therod 360 may interconnect thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. As may be appreciated, therod 360 may pass through thebumper 310. In this way, thebumper 310 may at least partially rotate about therod 360. In examples in which each ofrods rods first direction 2, which may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A). - With reference now to
FIG. 4C , each of thefirst opening 330 and thesecond opening 350 defined in thefirst end portion 320 and thesecond end portion 340, respectively, of thebumper attachment device 300 may generally be configured to receive acorresponding fastener fastener 331 may pass throughfirst opening 330 and at least a portion offastener 351 may pass throughsecond opening 350, thereby connecting thebumper attachment device 300 to a floatingdock assembly 500. The first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect thebumper attachment device 300 to a floatingdock assembly 500 using fasteners such as those shown inFIG. 1C , the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may be circular openings sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough. In some examples, the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In certain variations, the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may be internally threaded so as to interface with a corresponding externally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fasteners that will pass through the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 have an external diameter of about 2″, the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may each have an internal diameter of about 2″. In variations, each of the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 may have the same internal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, in variations,first opening 330 defined in thefirst end portions 320 of thebumper attachment device 300 may have a smaller or larger internal diameter thansecond opening 350 defined in thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. - As may now be appreciated, the
bumper attachment device 300 may be employed in asystem 30 such as that shown in FIG. CC including a floatingdock system 500, which may be of a known design. Thebumper attachment device 300 may be lowered to the floatingdock assembly 500. At least one of thebumper attachment device 300 and the floatingdock assembly 500 may be moved relative to the other, as necessary, to align the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300 with corresponding attachment points defined in the floatingdock assembly 500. Afastener 331 may then be passed through thefirst opening 330, thereby connecting thefirst end portion 320 to the floatingdock assembly 500. If thesecond opening 350 defined in thesecond end portion 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 was not previously (or is no longer) aligned with a second attachment point of the floatingdock assembly 500, thebumper attachment device 300 may be moved (e.g., swung about the fastener 331), as necessary, to align thesecond opening 350 with a corresponding attachment point defined in the floatingdock assembly 500. Afastener 351 may then be passed through thesecond opening 350, thereby connecting thesecond end portion 340 to the floatingdock assembly 500. In this way, that thebumper attachment device 300 may be rigidly (e.g., and releasably) attached to the floatingdock assembly 500. Use of thebumper attachment device 300 may thus provide a means for preventing undesirable contact between a watercraft or another object and a floating dock assembly to which thebumper attachment device 300 is attached. In this way, use of thebumper attachment device 300 may minimize or prevent undesirable rubbing against a watercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4D ) and retarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotating bumpers or fenders. In some variations, thebumper attachment device 300 may be designed such that when thebumper attachment device 300 is attached to a floating dock assembly, thebumper attachment device 300 is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth. Put another way, thebumper attachment device 300 may be designed such that when thebumper attachment device 300 is attached to a floating dock assembly, thebumper 310 generally does not rest within and/or contact the water, which prevents undesirable marine growth on thebumper 310, which has been known to further exacerbate marring of the finish on watercraft abutting thebumper 310 with unsightly black scrapes (compareconventional bumper 60 inFIG. 1D , which has flipped upside-down in the water and has marine growth thereon, withbumper 310 ofbumper attachment device 300 inFIG. 4D ). - The
bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, at least the first andsecond end portions bumper attachment device 300 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which attachment points to which the bumper attachment device is to be attached are spaced apart by about 19″ on center, thebumper attachment device 300 may define a distance of about 15″ between the first andsecond openings second end portions bumper attachment device 300. - It should be noted that the drawings and descriptions of the examples are for exemplary purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various examples. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one illustrated example can apply to all examples as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.
- Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. The terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.
- Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include these features, elements and/or steps. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth.
- While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and articles described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.
- It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does not foreclose the device from having both X and Y.
Claims (20)
1. An adjustable attachment device, comprising:
an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis, the body defining a plurality of openings;
an attachment bracket attached to the body such that the attachment bracket is slidable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis, the attachment bracket defining an opening.
2. The adjustable attachment device of claim 1 , wherein:
the body defines a main portion attached to the attachment bracket, a first end portion proximate the first end of the body, and a second end portion proximate the second end of the body; and
the first end portion of the body extends outwardly away from the main portion of the body along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the second end portion of the body extends outwardly away from the main portion of the body along the first direction.
3. The adjustable attachment device of claim 2 , wherein the first end portion of the body at least partially defines a first one of the plurality of openings defined in the body and the second end portion of the body at least partially defines a second one of the plurality of openings defined in the body.
4. The adjustable attachment device of claim 2 , wherein:
the main portion of the body defines a first track passing completely through the body and a second track passing partially into the body, the second track spaced apart from the first track along the first direction; and
the attachment bracket is configured to interface with each of the first track and the second track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.
5. The adjustable attachment device of claim 2 , wherein:
the attachment bracket defines a main portion attached to the main portion of the body and an end portion extending outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracket along a second direction opposite the first direction; and
the end portion of the attachment bracket defines the opening in the attachment bracket.
6. The adjustable attachment device of claim 5 , wherein the end portion of the attachment bracket is in non-overlapping relationship with the body.
7. The adjustable attachment device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a translation bracket attached to the attachment bracket such that the body is at least partially sandwiched between the translation bracket and the attachment bracket.
8. The adjustable attachment device of claim 7 , wherein:
the body defines a track passing completely through the body and the attachment bracket is configured to interface with the track as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body; and
the translation bracket is attached to the attachment bracket by at least one fastener passing through the track defined in the body.
9. The adjustable attachment device of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable attachment device is made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
10. A system, comprising:
a fixed piling;
a floating dock assembly; and
the adjustable attachment device of claim 1 ,
wherein each of the plurality of openings defined in the body is configured to receive a corresponding fastener for connecting the adjustable attachment device to the floating dock assembly and wherein the opening defined in the attachment bracket is configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough, such that the adjustable attachment device selectively and adjustably interconnects the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
11. A fixed attachment device, comprising:
a main portion and a generally triangular end portion extending outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction;
a first opening defined in the main portion; and
a second opening defined in the end portion.
12. The fixed attachment device of claim 11 , wherein the fixed attachment device is made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
13. A system, comprising:
a fixed piling;
a floating dock assembly; and
the fixed attachment device of claim 11 ,
wherein the second opening is configured to receive a corresponding fastener for connecting the fixed attachment device to the floating dock assembly and wherein the first opening is configured to receive the fixed piling therethrough, such that the fixed attachment device rigidly interconnects the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
14. A bumper attachment device, comprising:
a bumper extending from a first end to a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis;
a first end portion proximate the first end of the bumper and defining a first opening; and
a second end portion proximate the second end of the bumper and defining a second opening,
wherein the bumper is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.
15. The bumper attachment device of claim 14 , wherein:
the bumper defines a contact plane parallel to the longitudinal axis; and
neither the first end portion nor the second end portion extend into the contact plane defined by the bumper.
16. The bumper attachment device of claim 14 , wherein:
the first end portion defines an outer edge obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis; and
the second end portion defines an outer edge obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis.
17. The bumper attachment device of claim 16 , further comprising a first rod extending between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second portion, wherein the first rod passes through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the first rod.
18. The bumper attachment device of claim 17 , further comprising a second rod spaced apart from the first rod and extending between and interconnecting the first end portion and the second portion, wherein the second rod passes through the bumper such that the bumper rotates about the second rod.
19. The bumper attachment device of claim 16 , wherein at least the first end portion and the second end portion are each made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
20. A system, comprising:
a floating dock assembly; and
the bumper attachment device of claim 16 ,
wherein each of the first opening and the second opening are configured to receive a corresponding fastener for connecting the bumper attachment device to the floating dock assembly.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/505,210 US20230124888A1 (en) | 2021-10-19 | 2021-10-19 | Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/505,210 US20230124888A1 (en) | 2021-10-19 | 2021-10-19 | Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof |
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US20230124888A1 true US20230124888A1 (en) | 2023-04-20 |
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US17/505,210 Pending US20230124888A1 (en) | 2021-10-19 | 2021-10-19 | Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof |
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US (1) | US20230124888A1 (en) |
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2021
- 2021-10-19 US US17/505,210 patent/US20230124888A1/en active Pending
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