Modular watercraft support structure
OwnerDavid Rueckertinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A watercraft support structure formed from a plurality of rigid platforms that are coupled together by the use of linking pins or insertion plugs. Each platform having independent buoyancy formed integral therein for support of most any size watercraft. The structure includes multiple ramp, cradle, and flat platforms, allowing an individual to customize a support structure for a particular sized watercraft. The platforms allow the structure to raise or fall with each tidal change. One embodiment of the dock assembly 110 includes a hinge-type connection that promotes ease of loading and unloading of a watercraft. The dock assembly 110 may also be configured to provide a surface to which watercraft may be moored.
Claims22
A watercraft support device, said device comprising:
- at least one cradling platform, said cradling platform being a substantially-rectangular rigid structure having an upper surface spaced apart from a lower surface by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a back wall;
- at least one ramp platform, said ramp platform being a substantially-rectangular rigid structure having an upper surface spaced apart from a lower surface by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a back wall;
- linking means for interlocking said platforms together, said linking means including
- at least one ramp platform securing cavity spanning between said ramp platform upper surface and said ramp platform lower surface, said ramp platform securing cavity characterized by a uniform cross section;
- at least one cradling platform securing cavity spanning between said cradling platform upper surface and said cradling platform lower surface, said cradling platform securing cavity characterized by a uniform cross section;
- and
- at least one insertion plug having a contoured first end spaced apart from a contoured second end by a middle portion, each of said contoured ends sized to selectively engage one of said securing cavities;
- and
- attachment means for securing said support device to a dock, whereby said insertion plug is sized so that each of said ends will simultaneously engage a corresponding one of said securing cavities.
A watercraft support device, said device comprising:
- a plurality of flat platforms, each of said flat platforms being a substantially-rectangular rigid structure having an upper surface spaced apart from a lower surface by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a back wall;
- linking means for interlocking said platforms together, said linking means including
- a plurality of securing cavities spanning between said platform upper surface and said platform lower surface, said platform securing cavity characterized by a uniform cross section;
- at least one insertion plug having a contoured first end spaced apart from a contoured second end by a middle portion, each of said contoured ends sized to selectively engage one of said securing cavities;
- and
- attachment means for securing said support device to a dock, whereby said insertion plug is sized so that each of said ends will simultaneously engage a corresponding one of said securing cavities.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.