US3050947A - Self-operating floating dock for varying level waters - Google Patents

Self-operating floating dock for varying level waters Download PDF

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US3050947A
US3050947A US55076A US5507660A US3050947A US 3050947 A US3050947 A US 3050947A US 55076 A US55076 A US 55076A US 5507660 A US5507660 A US 5507660A US 3050947 A US3050947 A US 3050947A
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walkway
stairway
platform
water
outer end
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John E Burton
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    • 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

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  • the primary object of the invention is the provision of a simple, practical, efiicient, and relatively low cost floating dock of the kind indicated involving a stationary shore-supported stairway, a walkway articulated to the stairway, and a dock platform which is articulated to the walkway, and which is freely anchored to the bottom of the body of water in which the dock is installed, so that wide variations in the water level can be accommodated.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a clock of the character indicated above whose components are composed of parts which can be easily and economically stored and shipped unassembled to the site of installation, and easily and quickly assembled, without special tools or skill, at the site, in a do-it-yourself operation.
  • a further object of the invention is the provision of a floating dock of the character indicated above, whose components can be made of a wide variety of readily available materials, such as steel, aluminum, and marine plywood, or combinations thereof, and can be made in a range of different sizes and shapes.
  • FIGURE 1 is a contracted top plan view of a floating dock of the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a contracted side elevation of the dock, showing the same afloat in a body of water and its stairway supported on a bank;
  • FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view partly broken away showing the connecting means between the stairway and the walkway;
  • FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section, on the scale of FIGURE 3, taken on-the line 44 of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 5 is an enlarged vertical transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2;
  • FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 6--6 of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 7 is a similarly enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line 3-8 of FIGURE 7.
  • the illustrated floating dock comprises a shore and bank-supported relatively stationary stairway ill, a walkway 12 movably connected to the stairway, a dock platform 14 movably connected to the walkway, and seshore anchoring means in for the platform.
  • the stairway Id declines from the top 13 of a shore or bank S to the bottom B of a body of water W, such as a lake and river which is characterized by relatively wide variations in its water level.
  • the stairway can comprise, as shown in FIGURES 2 to 4, spaced side rails braced and connected by steps 22 secured thereto. The lower ends of the side rails 2d are fixed, in suitable manner, as
  • a weighted pyramidical anchor 26 which is buried in the bottom B, at an appropriate distance out from the shore S.
  • the upper ends of the side rails are fixed, in suitable manner, as indicated at 2 8, to suitable stationary support means, such as posts 30, driven in and anchored in the short top 18 by buried weighted anchors 32.
  • Means is provided connecting the walkway 12 at its inner end to the stairway lift to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, the means embodying a pivoted arm 48 which projects from the inner end of the walkway and which has a free end connected to the stairway 10 for movement therealong.
  • a track 34 extends longitudinally and preferably centrally of the stairway 22 and is fixedly supported upon some of the steps 22 by means of V-shaped brackets 36, as shown in FIGURE 4.
  • the rack 34 is a hollow rectangular form having a bottom wall 38, to which the brackets 36 are fastened, sidewalls 46 and a top wall 42 which is formed with a central longitudinal slot 46.
  • the arm 48 extends down through the slot 46 into the track 34 and carries rollers 50, at its opposite sides, in an axle 52 extending through the inner end of the arm.
  • the rollers 5d work freely but closely relative to the bottom wall 33, the sidewalls 4t), and the top wall 42, and provide longitudinally movable and hinged connection between the stairway Ill and the walkway 12.
  • the arm 48 On its outer end, the arm 48 has a universal joint 54 which is connected to the walkway 12.
  • the walkway 12 comprises an open, elongated rectangular horizontal frame 56, having channel side members 53, an outer end cross member 68, and an iner end cross member 62.
  • the inner cross member 62 as shown in FIGURE 4, is canted downwardly and outwardly, preferably at substantially the same angle as the stairway 10.
  • a reinforcing plate 66 is suitably secured, as indicated at 68, to the exposed side of the cross member 62, and has fixed thereon, at its upper end, a declining brack 70 through which extends a pin 72, which is part of the universal joint 54.
  • a U-shaped bracket 74 is secured to and extends across the cross member 62, at the lower end thereof, and has declining ears 76 between and on which are journalled the ends of the axle 78 of a compressible bumper roller 83.
  • the bumper roller 80 is provided for harmless and shockless engagement with the stairway track '34, as the walkway is swung upwardly and downwardly relative to the stairway it), by changes in the level of the water W, and by waves.
  • the walkway 12 is preferably slightly narrower than the stairway 10, and a floor panel 82, not substantially wider or longer than the frame 56, is removably secured thereon, as by means of bolts 84, extended through the floor panel 82, and the upper flanges 86 of the frame side members 58.
  • a transversely elongated float or pontoon 90 Suitably secured to the underside of the walkway frame 56 and to a central cross member 88 of the frame, is a transversely elongated float or pontoon 90, which is substantially longer than the width of the. walkway.
  • the pontoon Ml is preferably elongated rectangular in plan and of rectangular cross section, and is positioned relative to the center of gravity of the walkway, so that the walkway is normally floated in a level position so as to impose no unnecessary strain, either on the stairway 10 or the dock platform I4 to which the walkway is connected.
  • the universal joint 5% enables the walkway to tilt relative to the stairway Iii, on axes extending both longitudinally and transversely of the stairway, as produced by movements of the water W and changes in the level thereof.
  • the clock platform 14 is substantially wider than the walkway l2, and comprises an elongated rectangular open frame 92, preferably of bolted construction for easy knock-down and transportation, having longitudinal channel side members 94, outer and inner channel end members 96 and 98, respectively, and equally spaced intermediate channel cross members 100.
  • a platform floor panel 192 is removably secured upon the frame 92, as by means of bolts 104, extended through the panel 162, and upper flanges 106 of frame members, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7. As shown in FIGURE 2, the dock platform frame 92 is shallower than the frame 56 of the walkway 12.
  • Brackets 107 are fixed to and extend inwardly from the inner end member 98 of the frame 92, at the middle thereof, and a horizontal transverse rock shaft 108 extends between the brackets and is journalled, at its ends, therethrough, as indicated at 110, in FIGURE 8, and has retaining means, such as pins 112 on its ends outside of the brackets.
  • Discs 114 are suitably secured, as indicated at 116, to the outer sides of the side members 58 of the walkway frame 56 and project longitudinally outwardly beyond its outer end member 60, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, and have arcuate bearing edges 118 to bear slidably against the inner end member 98 of the dock platform frame, with the shaft 108 extending through the walkway frame side members 58 and through the discs 114.
  • This arrangement allows the dock platform 14 and the walkway 12 to tilt relative to each other, while in mutually supporting contact, while preventing sidewise or yawing movements of the platform and the walkway, relative to each other.
  • the dock platform 14 further comprises a plurality of transversely elongated, longitudinally spaced similar floats or pontoons, such as an outer end pontoon 120, an intermediate pontoon 122, and an inner end pontoon 124.
  • the pontoons extend the full width of the platform frame, and are preferably elongated rectangular in plan and rectangular in cross section, and can be the same in construction and size as the pontoon of the walkway 12.
  • a chain guide 136 Fixed centrally to and extending outwardly'from the outer end member 96 of the platform frame 92, is a chain guide 136 comprising a pair of brackets 138 between which extends a tubular shaft 140 on which is journalled a chain guide roller 142.
  • An anchor chain 144 has an intermediate portion thereof trained over the guide roller 142, and an inner end portion 146 which extends straight down from the guide and is connected, at its lower end, to a free weight 148 which is suspended above the water bottom B.
  • the chain 144 has an outer end portion 150 which extends at an outward and downward angle from the outer end of'the platform 14, and is connected, at its lower end, to a bottom engaging anchor 152.
  • This arrangement provides automatically for endwise shifting of the dock platform 14 and'the walkway 12 away from the stairway, as the level of the water W subsides, and endwise shifting of the platform and the walkway toward the stairway, as the level of the water rises, with the platform and the walkway in substantially horizontal positions, with their floors 82 and 102 substantially in the same horizontal plane, except as water movements produce anglings of the platform and the walkway relative to each other.
  • the anchored anchor chain 144 serves to hold the dock platform 14 in line with the walkway 12 and the stairway 10.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means including a pivoted arm projecting from the inner end of said walkway and having the free end connected to said stairway for movement therealong conmeeting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the Walkway, and cable and anchor means on the outer end of the platform.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stair-way having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said plat form having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its' inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extending lengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extendinglengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track, said stairway having spaced side rails, steps extending between and fixed to the side rails, said track being mounted on the steps.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a hollow track having a top wall formed with a longitudinal slot, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and extending into the track through said slot, and roller means on the other end of the arm confined within the track.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a hollow track having a top wall formed with a longitudinal slot, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and extending into the track through said slot, and roller means on the other end of the arm confined within the track, and a universal joint pivoting said one end of the arm to the rear end of the walkway.
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extending lengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track, and a compressible bumper roller on the inner end of the walkway, said bumper roller being spaced below said arm for harmless engagement, at times, with the stair
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the Water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the Walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said anchor means comprising a chain guide fixed on the outer end of the dock platform, a chain having an intermediate portion trained over said guide, said chain having an outer end portion extending downwardly in the water, a bottom-engaging anchor to which said outer end portion is secured, said chain having an inner end portion extending downwardly in the water, and a free weight secured to said inner end portion and
  • a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end,
  • first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said anchor means comprising a chain guide fixed on the outer end of the dock platform, a chain having an intermediate portion trained over said guide, said chain having an outer end portion extending downwardly in the water, a bottom-engaging anchor to which said outer end portion is secured, said chain having an inner end portion extending downwardly in the water, and a free weight secured to said inner end portion and spaced upwardly from the water bottom, said chain guide comprising a horizontal roller over which the intermediate portion of the chain is trained.

Description

Aug. 28, 1962 J. E. BURTON 3,050,947
SELF-OPERATING FLOATING DOCK FOR VARYING LEVEL WATERS Filed Sept. 9, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet l c/OHN E. sue Ta/v,
ATrOQ/VEYS.
1962 J. E. BURTON 3,050,947
SELF-OPERATING FLOATING DOCK FOR VARYING LEVEL WATERS Filed Sept. 9, 1960 FIG. 3.
3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.
United States Patent Office 3,059,947 Patented Aug. 28, 1982 3,055,947 SELF-UIERATHNG FLUATING DOCK FUR VARZING LEVEL WATERS John E. Burton, 22f) Webster Sh, RU. Box 571, South Boston, Va. Filed Sept. 9, 196b, Ser. No. 55,976 8 Claims. (Cl. 61-48) This invention relates to a novel shore anchored selfoperating floating dock for use in varying level waters.
The primary object of the invention is the provision of a simple, practical, efiicient, and relatively low cost floating dock of the kind indicated involving a stationary shore-supported stairway, a walkway articulated to the stairway, and a dock platform which is articulated to the walkway, and which is freely anchored to the bottom of the body of water in which the dock is installed, so that wide variations in the water level can be accommodated.
Another object of the invention is to provide a clock of the character indicated above whose components are composed of parts which can be easily and economically stored and shipped unassembled to the site of installation, and easily and quickly assembled, without special tools or skill, at the site, in a do-it-yourself operation.
A further object of the invention is the provision of a floating dock of the character indicated above, whose components can be made of a wide variety of readily available materials, such as steel, aluminum, and marine plywood, or combinations thereof, and can be made in a range of different sizes and shapes.
Other important objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein, for purposes of illustration only, a specific form of the invention is set forth in detail.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a contracted top plan view of a floating dock of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a contracted side elevation of the dock, showing the same afloat in a body of water and its stairway supported on a bank;
FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view partly broken away showing the connecting means between the stairway and the walkway;
FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section, on the scale of FIGURE 3, taken on-the line 44 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 5 is an enlarged vertical transverse section taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 6--6 of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 7 is a similarly enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 1; and,
FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken on the line 3-8 of FIGURE 7.
Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, the illustrated floating dock comprises a shore and bank-supported relatively stationary stairway ill, a walkway 12 movably connected to the stairway, a dock platform 14 movably connected to the walkway, and seshore anchoring means in for the platform.
The stairway Id declines from the top 13 of a shore or bank S to the bottom B of a body of water W, such as a lake and river which is characterized by relatively wide variations in its water level. The stairway can comprise, as shown in FIGURES 2 to 4, spaced side rails braced and connected by steps 22 secured thereto. The lower ends of the side rails 2d are fixed, in suitable manner, as
indicated at 24, to the top of a weighted pyramidical anchor 26, which is buried in the bottom B, at an appropriate distance out from the shore S. The upper ends of the side rails are fixed, in suitable manner, as indicated at 2 8, to suitable stationary support means, such as posts 30, driven in and anchored in the short top 18 by buried weighted anchors 32.
Means is provided connecting the walkway 12 at its inner end to the stairway lift to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, the means embodying a pivoted arm 48 which projects from the inner end of the walkway and which has a free end connected to the stairway 10 for movement therealong. Specifically, a track 34 extends longitudinally and preferably centrally of the stairway 22 and is fixedly supported upon some of the steps 22 by means of V-shaped brackets 36, as shown in FIGURE 4. The rack 34 is a hollow rectangular form having a bottom wall 38, to which the brackets 36 are fastened, sidewalls 46 and a top wall 42 which is formed with a central longitudinal slot 46.
The arm 48 extends down through the slot 46 into the track 34 and carries rollers 50, at its opposite sides, in an axle 52 extending through the inner end of the arm. The rollers 5d work freely but closely relative to the bottom wall 33, the sidewalls 4t), and the top wall 42, and provide longitudinally movable and hinged connection between the stairway Ill and the walkway 12. On its outer end, the arm 48 has a universal joint 54 which is connected to the walkway 12.
The walkway 12 comprises an open, elongated rectangular horizontal frame 56, having channel side members 53, an outer end cross member 68, and an iner end cross member 62. The inner cross member 62, as shown in FIGURE 4, is canted downwardly and outwardly, preferably at substantially the same angle as the stairway 10. A reinforcing plate 66 is suitably secured, as indicated at 68, to the exposed side of the cross member 62, and has fixed thereon, at its upper end, a declining brack 70 through which extends a pin 72, which is part of the universal joint 54. A U-shaped bracket 74 is secured to and extends across the cross member 62, at the lower end thereof, and has declining ears 76 between and on which are journalled the ends of the axle 78 of a compressible bumper roller 83. The bumper roller 80 is provided for harmless and shockless engagement with the stairway track '34, as the walkway is swung upwardly and downwardly relative to the stairway it), by changes in the level of the water W, and by waves.
As shown in FIGURE 1, the walkway 12 is preferably slightly narrower than the stairway 10, and a floor panel 82, not substantially wider or longer than the frame 56, is removably secured thereon, as by means of bolts 84, extended through the floor panel 82, and the upper flanges 86 of the frame side members 58.
Suitably secured to the underside of the walkway frame 56 and to a central cross member 88 of the frame, is a transversely elongated float or pontoon 90, which is substantially longer than the width of the. walkway. The pontoon Ml is preferably elongated rectangular in plan and of rectangular cross section, and is positioned relative to the center of gravity of the walkway, so that the walkway is normally floated in a level position so as to impose no unnecessary strain, either on the stairway 10 or the dock platform I4 to which the walkway is connected. The universal joint 5% enables the walkway to tilt relative to the stairway Iii, on axes extending both longitudinally and transversely of the stairway, as produced by movements of the water W and changes in the level thereof.
The clock platform 14 is substantially wider than the walkway l2, and comprises an elongated rectangular open frame 92, preferably of bolted construction for easy knock-down and transportation, having longitudinal channel side members 94, outer and inner channel end members 96 and 98, respectively, and equally spaced intermediate channel cross members 100. A platform floor panel 192 is removably secured upon the frame 92, as by means of bolts 104, extended through the panel 162, and upper flanges 106 of frame members, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7. As shown in FIGURE 2, the dock platform frame 92 is shallower than the frame 56 of the walkway 12.
Spaced L-shaped brackets 107 are fixed to and extend inwardly from the inner end member 98 of the frame 92, at the middle thereof, and a horizontal transverse rock shaft 108 extends between the brackets and is journalled, at its ends, therethrough, as indicated at 110, in FIGURE 8, and has retaining means, such as pins 112 on its ends outside of the brackets. Discs 114 are suitably secured, as indicated at 116, to the outer sides of the side members 58 of the walkway frame 56 and project longitudinally outwardly beyond its outer end member 60, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, and have arcuate bearing edges 118 to bear slidably against the inner end member 98 of the dock platform frame, with the shaft 108 extending through the walkway frame side members 58 and through the discs 114. This arrangement allows the dock platform 14 and the walkway 12 to tilt relative to each other, while in mutually supporting contact, while preventing sidewise or yawing movements of the platform and the walkway, relative to each other.
The dock platform 14 further comprises a plurality of transversely elongated, longitudinally spaced similar floats or pontoons, such as an outer end pontoon 120, an intermediate pontoon 122, and an inner end pontoon 124. The pontoons extend the full width of the platform frame, and are preferably elongated rectangular in plan and rectangular in cross section, and can be the same in construction and size as the pontoon of the walkway 12.
Asshown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the pontoons 120, 122, and 124 are similarly rigidly connected to and spaced below the dock platform frame 92, by means of angle iron uprights 126 which are suitably fixed, at their lower ends, to the top walls 128 of the pontoons, at the corner thereof, as indicated at 130. At opposite sides of the pontoons the uprights 126 have fixed horizontal bars 130 extending therebetween, and bolts 132 extend through the ends of the bars 130, and the lower flanges 134 of the frame side members 9 or of the frame end members 96, 98, so as to connect the pontoons removably to the frame 92.
Fixed centrally to and extending outwardly'from the outer end member 96 of the platform frame 92, is a chain guide 136 comprising a pair of brackets 138 between which extends a tubular shaft 140 on which is journalled a chain guide roller 142. An anchor chain 144 has an intermediate portion thereof trained over the guide roller 142, and an inner end portion 146 which extends straight down from the guide and is connected, at its lower end, to a free weight 148 which is suspended above the water bottom B. The chain 144 has an outer end portion 150 which extends at an outward and downward angle from the outer end of'the platform 14, and is connected, at its lower end, to a bottom engaging anchor 152. This arrangement provides automatically for endwise shifting of the dock platform 14 and'the walkway 12 away from the stairway, as the level of the water W subsides, and endwise shifting of the platform and the walkway toward the stairway, as the level of the water rises, with the platform and the walkway in substantially horizontal positions, with their floors 82 and 102 substantially in the same horizontal plane, except as water movements produce anglings of the platform and the walkway relative to each other. Further, the anchored anchor chain 144 serves to hold the dock platform 14 in line with the walkway 12 and the stairway 10.
While hollow metal pontoons are shown in the drawings, it is intended that this showing is illustrated only, and that any other suitable forms of and arrangements of pontoons are contemplated, such as solid styrofoam floats.
Although there have been shown and described herein preferred forms of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily confined thereto, and that any change or changes in the structure of and in the relative arrangements of components thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
What is claimed is:
1. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means including a pivoted arm projecting from the inner end of said walkway and having the free end connected to said stairway for movement therealong conmeeting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the Walkway, and cable and anchor means on the outer end of the platform.
2. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having atop spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stair-way having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said plat form having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its' inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extending lengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track.
3. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extendinglengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track, said stairway having spaced side rails, steps extending between and fixed to the side rails, said track being mounted on the steps.
4. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced-above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a hollow track having a top wall formed with a longitudinal slot, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and extending into the track through said slot, and roller means on the other end of the arm confined within the track.
5. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a hollow track having a top wall formed with a longitudinal slot, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and extending into the track through said slot, and roller means on the other end of the arm confined within the track, and a universal joint pivoting said one end of the arm to the rear end of the walkway.
6. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said first means comprising a track fixed to and extending lengthwise of the stairway, an arm pivoted at one end to the walkway and having roller means on its other end, said roller means being securably and rollably engaged with the track, and a compressible bumper roller on the inner end of the walkway, said bumper roller being spaced below said arm for harmless engagement, at times, with the stairway.
7. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and a lower end fixed to the Water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end, first means connecting the Walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said anchor means comprising a chain guide fixed on the outer end of the dock platform, a chain having an intermediate portion trained over said guide, said chain having an outer end portion extending downwardly in the water, a bottom-engaging anchor to which said outer end portion is secured, said chain having an inner end portion extending downwardly in the water, and a free weight secured to said inner end portion and spaced upwardly from the water bottom.
8. In combination, a body of water having a bottom and a shore having a top spaced above the level of the water, a self-operating floating dock comprising a declining stairway having an upper end fixed on the shore top and lower end fixed to the water bottom, a horizontal floating walkway having an outer end and an inner end,
first means connecting the walkway at its inner end to the stairway to move vertically along the stairway as the level of the water changes, a floating dock platform positioned at the outer end of the walkway, said platform having an outer end and an inner end, second means horizontally hinging the platform at its inner end to the outer end of the walkway, and anchor means connected to the platform, said anchor means comprising a chain guide fixed on the outer end of the dock platform, a chain having an intermediate portion trained over said guide, said chain having an outer end portion extending downwardly in the water, a bottom-engaging anchor to which said outer end portion is secured, said chain having an inner end portion extending downwardly in the water, and a free weight secured to said inner end portion and spaced upwardly from the water bottom, said chain guide comprising a horizontal roller over which the intermediate portion of the chain is trained.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,996,955 Elliott Apr. 9, 1935 2,625,314 Moyer Ian. 13, 1953 2,759,331 Fiebinger Aug. 21, 1956
US55076A 1960-09-09 1960-09-09 Self-operating floating dock for varying level waters Expired - Lifetime US3050947A (en)

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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3088287A (en) * 1960-08-22 1963-05-07 Vivion C Berry Automatically adjustable mooring structure for vessels
US3279141A (en) * 1963-05-28 1966-10-18 N L Carswell Mfg Co Inc Fa Sub-structure for boat docks
US4107932A (en) * 1977-08-24 1978-08-22 Cantrell Seals R Portable dock
US4955311A (en) * 1988-11-18 1990-09-11 Barber William B Foldaway floating dock
US5282435A (en) * 1992-02-25 1994-02-01 Chapman Harold S Mechanical system for control of a free floating dock
KR19980701503A (en) * 1995-01-19 1998-05-15 카린스키 헤르만 Building Floating System
US6295944B1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2001-10-02 J Timothy Lovett Automatic tethering system for a floating dock
US20050034644A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-17 Max Hamm Apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance
US20120181847A1 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-07-19 Ramey Lester L Floating dock mover
US8387192B1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2013-03-05 Docksliders, LLC Enhanced adjustable gangway

Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1996955A (en) * 1933-12-30 1935-04-09 Harmon P Elliott Floating wharf
US2625314A (en) * 1948-04-03 1953-01-13 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Ladder for floating roof tanks
US2759331A (en) * 1954-10-14 1956-08-21 Moran Procter Mueser & Rutledg Berthing pier

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1996955A (en) * 1933-12-30 1935-04-09 Harmon P Elliott Floating wharf
US2625314A (en) * 1948-04-03 1953-01-13 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Ladder for floating roof tanks
US2759331A (en) * 1954-10-14 1956-08-21 Moran Procter Mueser & Rutledg Berthing pier

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3088287A (en) * 1960-08-22 1963-05-07 Vivion C Berry Automatically adjustable mooring structure for vessels
US3279141A (en) * 1963-05-28 1966-10-18 N L Carswell Mfg Co Inc Fa Sub-structure for boat docks
US4107932A (en) * 1977-08-24 1978-08-22 Cantrell Seals R Portable dock
US4955311A (en) * 1988-11-18 1990-09-11 Barber William B Foldaway floating dock
US5282435A (en) * 1992-02-25 1994-02-01 Chapman Harold S Mechanical system for control of a free floating dock
KR19980701503A (en) * 1995-01-19 1998-05-15 카린스키 헤르만 Building Floating System
US6295944B1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2001-10-02 J Timothy Lovett Automatic tethering system for a floating dock
US20050034644A1 (en) * 2003-08-14 2005-02-17 Max Hamm Apparatus and method for adjusting the elevation and position of a floating body with respect to water level variance
US8387192B1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2013-03-05 Docksliders, LLC Enhanced adjustable gangway
US20120181847A1 (en) * 2011-01-18 2012-07-19 Ramey Lester L Floating dock mover
US8596211B2 (en) * 2011-01-18 2013-12-03 Lester L. Ramey Floating dock mover
US20150114276A1 (en) * 2011-01-18 2015-04-30 Lester L. Ramey Floating Dock Mover
US9233735B2 (en) * 2011-01-18 2016-01-12 Lester L. Ramey Floating dock mover

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