Removable modular dock system and methods of making and using the same

Abstract

The invention is directed to a dock system that can be removably attached to fixed piers. Specifically, the system can include a series of deck sections and an optional railing that extend from a footing on the shore. The deck sections are releasably secured together by pins. The system can be installed on a series of fixed piers that are built and constructed in place to be permanent. Advantageously, the deck sections of the disclosed system can be added or removed from the fixed piers when desired by the user, such as prior to exposure to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. Thus, the disclosed system includes modular deck sections and railing sections that can be assembled or disassembled as desired by a user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A removable dock system comprising:
 a plurality of deck sections, each deck section defined by a top surface comprising decking material, a bottom frame structure comprising a pair of side edges, a pair of end edges, and one or more hinges attached to each end edge;   wherein a first deck section is pivotable relative to an adjacent deck section; and   wherein each deck section is removable from the system;   and wherein each deck section is supported by a pair of piers and a crib bracing when installed in the system.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more railings configured to be attached to the support. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge is a strap hinge defined by an elongate base that curves upon itself to form an opening that cooperates with a pin and a pair of slots. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the strap hinge is defined by a first position for removal or installation of a deck section, and a second position to support normal dock use. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each deck section is configured in a rectangular or square shape. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each deck section is configured with a length, width, or both of about 1-10 feet. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each deck section has a thickness of about 2-12 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each deck section is constructed from wood, polymeric material, composite material, fiberglass, metal, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A method of installing a dock system on a series of permanent piers, the method comprising:
 positioning a first deck section of the system of  claim 1  on a first pier located closest to a shoreline or the start of the dock over marsh areas;   removably securing the first deck section in place on the pier such that the deck section bottom frame structure contacts a top surface of the pier;   positioning a second deck section on the top surface of the first deck section in an inverted orientation, such that the second deck section top surface is above and parallel to the first deck section top surface;   inserting a pin into the hinges of the first and second deck sections to pivotably join the first and second deck sections;   rotating the second deck section onto an adjacent pier such that a bottom surface of the second deck section is positioned on a top of a crib bracing of the pier;   removably securing the second deck section in place;   repeating the process for additional deck sections to create a dock of desired length.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising attaching one or more railings to a support frame of one or more deck sections. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the hinge is a strap hinge defined by an elongate base that curves upon itself to form an opening that cooperates with a pin, and a pair of slots. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the strap hinge has a first position for removal or installation of a deck section, and a second position to support normal dock usage. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the deck sections are removed from the dock by reversing the steps. 
     
     
         14 . A removable dock kit, the kit comprising:
 a plurality of deck sections, each defined by a top surface comprising decking material, a bottom frame structure comprising a pair of side edges, a pair of end edges;   a plurality of strap hinges, each strap hinge defined by an elongate base that curves upon itself to form an opening that cooperates with a pin, and a pair of slots;   a plurality of pins; and   mechanical elements selected from screws, bolts, fasteners, or combinations thereof.   
     
     
         15 . The kit of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of optional railings, each railing configured to attach to a deck section or a piling.