Bumper cushion for docks

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 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 assembly system further includes a coupler, connector base, stackable bumper sleeves, and other articles and methods.

1 .- 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A bumper cushion assembly for a dock made up of dock sections held together on either side by stringers having vertical outer surfaces terminating in upper and lower horizontal lips defining a height, the bumper cushion comprising: 
 a rigid bracket member including: 
 an outer surface configured for placement against the outer surface of the stringer,  
 an upper lip configured for placement over the upper horizontal lip of the stringer, and  
 opposing upwardly oriented and downwardly oriented elongated channels;  
   a compressible, resilient bumper member having a smooth outer surface and upper and lower elongated flanges that slide into the opposing channels in the bracket member, thereby holding the bumper member in position; and    a plurality of fasteners attaching the bracket member to the stringer.    
   
   
       17 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the smooth, outer surface of the bumper member is convex.  
   
   
       18 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the bracket member further includes a lower lip configured for placement over the lower horizontal lip of the stringer, such that the bracket member includes a C-shaped cross section.  
   
   
       19 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the bumper member includes an elongated vertical rib disposed between the upper and lower elongated flanges.  
   
   
       20 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the bracket member is composed of extruded aluminum.  
   
   
       21 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the fasteners attaching the bracket member to the stringer are pins which extend through the upper lips of the bracket member and the stringer.  
   
   
       22 . A bumper cushion assembly for a dock made up of dock sections held together on either side by stringers having vertical outer surfaces terminating in upper and lower horizontal lips defining a height, the bumper cushion comprising: 
 a rigid bracket member including: 
 an outer surface configured for placement against the outer surface of the stringer,  
 an upper lip configured for placement over the upper horizontal lip of the stringer,  
 a lower lip configured for placement over the lower horizontal lip of the stringer, and  
 opposing upwardly oriented and downwardly oriented elongated channels;  
   a compressible, resilient bumper member having a smooth, generally convex outer surface and upper and lower elongated flanges that slide into the opposing channels in the bracket member, thereby holding the bumper member in position; and    a plurality of that extend through the upper and lower lips of the bracket member and stringer, thereby holding the bracket member in position.    
   
   
       23 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the bumper member includes an elongated vertical rib disposed between the upper and lower elongated flanges.  
   
   
       24 . The bumper cushion assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the bracket member is composed of extruded aluminum.