TECHNICAL FIELD
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.
BACKGROUND
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.
SUMMARY
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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.
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 of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C shows the adjustable attachment device of FIG. 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 of FIG. 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 of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C shows the fixed attachment device of FIG. 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 of FIG. 4A with the bumper removed to show internal features;
FIG. 4C shows the bumper attachment device of FIG. 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 of FIG. 4C, with a watercraft abutting the bumper of the bumper attachment device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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 and FIG. 1B, 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. 1C, including a hollow core (e.g., so that the ropes 40 may pass therethrough) and a washer 52 for securing the fastener 50 to the floating dock 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 and FIG. 2B, an example adjustable attachment device 100 is shown. As depicted, 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. In examples, 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. By way of a first non-limiting example, the body 110 may have a length of about 24″. In such first non-limiting example, 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). By way of a second non-limiting example, the body 110 may have a length of about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, 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). By way of further non-limiting example, 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. In examples, 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. In variations, 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. In some examples, 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.
With continued reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in variations, 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. In examples in which each of tracks 124 and 126 are provided, the tracks 124, 126 may be spaced apart from one another along the first direction 2. In variations, 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. As shown, 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.
In examples, the 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. By way of non-limiting example, 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. 2C.
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. As may be understood with reference to FIGS. 2A-C, 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.
With specific reference to FIG. 2B, the adjustable attachment mechanism 100 may include a translation bracket 150. As shown, the translation bracket 150 may be attached to the attachment bracket 130. In this way, the body 110 may be at least partially sandwiched between the translation bracket 150 and the attachment bracket 130. In variations, 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. As a result, in such variations, 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.
With reference back to FIG. 2A, in certain constructions, 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. As a result, in such constructions, 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.
With reference now to FIG. 2C, 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. In this way, at least a portion of 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. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the adjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly 500 using fasteners such as those shown in FIG. 1C, 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. In some examples, 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. In certain variations, 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. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fasteners that will pass through the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 have an external diameter of about 2″, the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may each have an internal diameter of about 2″. In variations, 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. For example, in variations, 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. In variations, 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.
With continued reference to FIG. 2C, 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. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the adjustable attachment device 100 to a fixed piling 400 such as that shown in FIG. 1A, 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. In some examples, 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. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fixed piling that will pass through the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 has an external diameter of about 3.75″, the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable 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 a system 10 such as that shown in FIG. 2C 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. In this way, that 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. In some variations, 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. 2D). Further yet, 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. By way of non-limiting example, the adjustable 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, 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. In examples, 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. By way of a first non-limiting example, the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 24″. In such first non-limiting example, 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). By way of a second non-limiting example, the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, 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). By way of further non-limiting example, 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.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, 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. By way of non-limiting example, in variations, 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. In such variations, 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. In such variations, 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).
Turning now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, an example fixed attachment device 200 is shown. As depicted, 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. 3C.
With reference now to FIG. 3C, 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. 1C, 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. In some examples, 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. In certain variations, 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. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fastener that will pass through the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 has an external diameter of about 2″, the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have an internal diameter of about 2″. In variations, 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.
With continued reference to FIG. 3C, 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. 1A, 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. In some examples, 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. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of the fixed piling that will pass through the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 has an external diameter of about 3.75″, the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment 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 a system 20 such as that shown in FIG. 3C 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. In this way, that 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. In some variations, 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. Moreover, 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. By way of non-limiting example, the fixed attachment device 200 may be made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof. By way of further non-limiting example, the fixed attachment 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 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 240) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 3C. In examples, 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.
Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an example bumper attachment device 300 is shown. As depicted, 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. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the bumper attachment device 300 includes a single bumper 310, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of non-limiting example, in variations, the bumper attachment device 300 may include more than one bumpers. In such variations, 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. In such variations, the bumper attachment device 300 may include a single bumper spanning substantially along the length of the bumper attachment device 300. In other such variations, 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. As shown, 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. 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 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. In examples, 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. By way of non-limiting example, 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. 4C.
With continued reference to FIG. 4A, 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. 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 the bumper 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 and second end portions 320, 340 of the bumper attachment device 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, 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. In this way, 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. This may be particularly advantageous in examples in which 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. Put yet another way, in such variations as previously described, 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. 4A.
The first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may define an outer edge 322. In some examples, 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. In some examples, such as is shown in FIG. 4A, 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. In some examples, 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. 4A, 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. In this way, 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.
With specific reference to FIG. 4B, the bumper attachment device 300 is shown in an exploded view with the bumper removed to show additional features. 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. In examples, the rod 350 may interconnect the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300. As may be appreciated, the rod 350 may pass through the bumper 310. In this way, the bumper 310 may at least partially rotate about the rod 350.
With continued reference to FIG. 4B, 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. In examples, the rod 360 may interconnect the first end portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300. As may be appreciated, the rod 360 may pass through the bumper 310. In this way, the bumper 310 may at least partially rotate about the rod 360. In examples in which each of rods 350 and 360 are provide, 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).
With reference now to FIG. 4C, 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. In this way, 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. By way of non-limiting example, in applications in which it is desired to connect the bumper attachment device 300 to a floating dock assembly 500 using fasteners such as those shown in FIG. 1C, 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. In some examples, 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. In certain variations, 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. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which 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″. In variations, 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. For example, in variations, 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.
As may now be appreciated, 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. If the second opening 350 defined in the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 was not previously (or is no longer) aligned with a second attachment point of 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. In this way, that the bumper attachment device 300 may be rigidly (e.g., and releasably) attached to the floating dock assembly 500. Use of 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. 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, 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. Put another way, 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. 1D, which has flipped upside-down in the water and has marine growth thereon, with bumper 310 of bumper attachment device 300 in FIG. 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 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. 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, 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.
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.
Patent Application
20230124888
