Madwater hinge

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus that flexibly couples a ramp to a boat dock and to methods for constructing this apparatus. These methods may also include steps directed to selecting material strengths or sizes when designing an assembly that attaches the ramp to the boat dock. By allowing relative up-down motion between a boat dock and a ramp using materials with particular characteristics, apparatus built in a manner consistent with the present disclosure are much stronger than conventional apparatus that connect a ramp to a boat dock. Apparatus consistent with the present disclosure prevent property damage, personal injury, and death that are commonly associated with conventional boat ramps and docks. Apparatus of the present disclosure increase the safety of boat docks and increase the robustness of connection points where a ramp meets a boat dock.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.