Metal dock system and components and methods associated therewith

Abstract

Metal dock systems of the type wherein the side edges of metal decking pieces are coupled to one another and held between opposing stringers to create a substantially flush walking surface are improved through the use of first and second coupling elements, each associated with a respective one of the decking side edges. The first coupling element including a lengthwise member with a partially cylindrical outer surface, and the second coupling element including a lengthwise cradle with a partially cylindrical inner surface. Using this configuration, the lengthwise member may be hinged into the lengthwise cradle to couple. The associated pieces of decking to one another while allowing a certain degree of pivoting therebetween. In a system wherein the stringers and decking pieces are suspended using vertical poles on the outer sides of each stringer, the vertical poles being coupled to one another through a transverse member disposed beneath the decking pieces, the improved assembly system further includes a patentably distinct coupler, connector base, stackable bumper sleeves, and other articles and methods.

1 . In a metal dock system of the type wherein the side edges of metal decking pieces are coupled to one another and held between opposing stringers to create a substantially flush walking surface, an improved assembly system, comprising: 
 first and second coupling elements, each associated with a respective one of the decking side edges; 
 the first coupling element including a lengthwise member with a partially cylindrical outer surface;  
 the second coupling element including a lengthwise cradle with a partially cylindrical inner surface,  
 whereby the lengthwise member may be hinged into the lengthwise cradle to couple. the associated pieces of decking to one another while allowing a certain degree of pivoting therebetween.  
   
   
   
       2 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the partially cylindrical inner and outer surfaces are in substantially intimate contact when the associated pieces of decking are coupled to one another.  
   
   
       3 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the lengthwise member is a solid rod connected to the edge of a piece of decking.  
   
   
       4 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the first coupling element further includes a lower lip spaced apart from a portion of the cylindrical outer surface, thereby creating a partial J-shaped cavity.  
   
   
       5 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the lengthwise cradle forms part of a partial J-shaped lip.  
   
   
       6 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the first coupling element further includes a lower lip spaced apart from a portion of the cylindrical outer surface, thereby creating a partial J-shaped cavity;    the lengthwise cradle forms part of a partial; and    the J-shaped lip is at least loosely retained in the J-shaped cavity when the associated pieces of decking are coupled to one another.    
   
   
       7 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein first and second coupling elements are disposed on opposing edges of the same piece of decking pieces.  
   
   
       8 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein first and second coupling elements are disposed on opposing edges of different decking pieces coupled to one another using one or more dovetail joints.  
   
   
       9 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , further including a member adapted for fastening to a stringer providing one of the first or second coupling elements to add transverse decking pieces.  
   
   
       10 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , further including a member adapted for fastening to a stringer providing a resilient outer bumper.  
   
   
       11 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the stringers and decking pieces are suspended using vertical poles on the outer sides of each stringer, the vertical poles being coupled to one another through a transverse member disposed beneath the decking pieces, the improved assembly system further including: 
 a coupler having a first bore that clamps onto one of the vertical poles and a second bore that clamps onto one of the transverse members; and    wherein the first bore is at least slightly larger than the second bore, allowing a vertical pole to be rotated, installed or removed with the second bore clamping a transverse member.    
   
   
       12 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the stringers and decking pieces are suspended using vertical poles on the outer sides of each stringer, the improved assembly system further including: 
 a connector base having a distal end with a auger and a hollow proximal end with a cut-away portion, allowing the auger end to be positioned into the ground below water and a vertical pole to be breech-loaded into the hollow proximal end.    
   
   
       13 . The improved assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the stringers and decking pieces are suspended using vertical poles on the outer sides of each stringer, the improved assembly system further including: 
 a plurality of stackable bumper sleeves that may be placed on a vertical poles above or below the decking pieces to prove cushioning.    
   
   
       14 . The improved assembly system of  claim 13 , wherein the bumper sleeves have a taper at one or both ends allowing the sleeves to be partially nested when stacked.  
   
   
       15 . The improved assembly system of  claim 13 , including bumper sleeves of different colors.