Compressible roller for use in stabilizing a floating dock

Abstract

A roller assembly for a floating dock, wherein the roller assembly is adapted to roll along a piling as the dock moves in a generally vertical direction, and dampen movement of the floating dock relative to the piling when the dock moves in a generally horizontal direction. The roller assembly includes a connecting bracket attachable to the dock and a wheel rotatably coupled to the connecting bracket. The wheel is compressible against the piling in response to horizontal movement of the dock relative to the piling, wherein the compression of the wheel dampens such horizontal movement to stabilize the dock, and dampen impact loads.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 083,027, filed Nov. 21, 2014, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to a device for stabilizing a floating dock, and more particularly, to a roller assembly including a compressible wheel adapted to roll along an adjacent piling and dampen horizontal movements of the dock relative to the piling.[0005]2. Description of the Prior Art[0006]It is well-known that docks are man-made structures that typically extend from shore over a body of water. Docks are commonly employed to provide a walkway from the shore to a boat, which may be tethered to a post or piling adjacent the dock. In addition, docks may be used as a location from which one may swim, as well as a spot to relax and en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a compressible roller assembly for a floating dock that reduces sudden changes in the horizontal direction and dampens the impact loads on the piling. The roller assembly includes a compressible wheel filled with foam or other fluids that create a dampening effect when the dock moves in a horizontal direction relative to a piling. This creates a more stable surface for someone on the dock and reduces the impact loads on the piling.

Problems solved by technology

In rough conditions, waves may cause the dock to rise and fall along the pilings.

However, in most instances, there is necessarily a significant clearance between the roller and the piling to accommodate the out of plumb of the pile, which under changing tide levels, could cause a damaging binding.

Under rough conditions, the rollers may crash with the pilings, which typically results in banging, damage, and instability of the dock.

Additionally, concrete piles commonly in use are destroyed under repeat un-absorbed impact loads.

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