Coupling device
OwnerAdrian J. ASSINCKinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Described are various embodiments for coupling devices for dock installations.
Claims21
1-47. (canceled)
A coupling device for a joining together adjacent dock segments of a dock installation, comprising:
- a. an elongate pin portion and at least one clamp portion, each positionable on respective dock segments;
- b. the pin portion having at least one elongate first clamp surface aligned along its length with a central longitudinal first axis, the pin portion being configured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving region adjacent the clamp portion;
- c. the pin-receiving region at least partially bordered by at least one second clamp surface which is aligned with a second axis;
- and
- d. wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged with the second clamp surface, the second axis configured to be substantially parallel with the first axis, and with a lateral axis of at least one of the dock segments, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the first axis to accommodate relative movement between the adjacent dock segments.
A coupling device for use in positioning a dock segment in a dock installation, comprising a clamp portion positionable on the dock segment or an associated anchoring structure, the clamp portion having a pin-receiving region to receive a pin portion of another coupling device, the pin-receiving region being aligned with a clamp axis, wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the clamp axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the pin portion held in the pin-receiving region, wherein the clamp axis is configured to be substantially parallel with a pin axis of the pin portion, and with a lateral axis of the dock segment or the associated anchoring structure, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the pin axis to accommodate relative movement between the dock segment and the adjacent dock segment or associated anchoring structure.
A method of installing a dock at a designated location, comprising:
- a. providing at least one coupling device of claim 1, wherein the pin portion and the clamp portion are each positioned on corresponding dock segments or a dock segment and an associated anchoring structure;
- with the clamp portion in the pin-receiving configuration;
- b. operatively aligning the pin portion and clamp portion for engagement;
- and
- c. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engaging configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.