Abstract:
A marine pier system employing a payload transport device for transporting persons and material from land to marine craft moored at a distal end of the pier. The payload transport is a movable deck having either an electric motor powered by batteries for use in moving the deck and persons/material placed on the deck, or employs the use of a separate vehicle, such as a golf cart, for propulsion of the deck. The payload transport device may be self-contained eliminating the necessity for decking along the length of the pier. The absence of decking provides a structure upon which wind and wave action and deterioration from sunlight and weathering has little destructive effect, and further allows sunlight to reach the aquatic life below the surface of the water. The movable transport device further permits sunlight to reach all areas of sea grass that are shaded by movement of the transport device to a non-sensitive area when not in use.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/195,059, filed Aug. 1, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to docking of marine craft and, more particularly, to a marine pier system having a carriage supported by a fixed track having a proximal end secured to dry land and mounted on pilings for extension over water. The carriage can be used to transport people, supplies, and any other items along the length of pier to access marine craft moored along a distal end of the marine pier. The carriage provides for a movable deck enabling the convenience of a conventional pier without the disadvantages. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    Piers are used to provide access to sail boats, power boats, jet skis and the like marine craft. Piers, also referred to as “docks”, are available in a variety of configurations. The main objective of a pier is to provide a structure where marine craft can make fast when not in use. Marine craft are typically secured to a pier by use of lines fastened to cleats secured to the marine craft and to the pier. The pier provides a structure that extends from the edge of land to a distance over water. The distance may be short, so as to clear a bulkhead, or relatively long for mooring of large vessels in deeper water. A conventional pier consists of vertical pilings that are coupled together by the use of tie boards or stringers. Decking is placed over the stringers to create a safe walking area. The decking can consume a large surface area over the surface of the water, which exposes the decking to the destructive forces of weather, wind and waves. For instance, the decking can act as a sail in high winds. Further should the water be rough due to high winds or large boat wakes, waves that strike the deck may result in a similar destructive reaction. Many piers include break away decking to relieve the stress on the pilings during high waves. However, the break away decking can then become a dangerous floating object, as well as an expense and inconvenient to replace. 
         [0004]    A large deck also creates an adverse environmental impact in many environmentally sensitive areas. For example, decking typically consists of individual planks that are spaced apart to prevent a person from tripping on an uneven surface. Thus, a properly designed dock has minimal spacing which has the detrimental effect of preventing sunlight from reaching the water. Without sunlight, vegetation such as sea-grass cannot grow. This has an adverse impact on the aquatic animal life and is currently heavily regulated in many states, the loss of sea-grass having a detrimental effect on all aspects of marine life. 
         [0005]    Another problem with conventional piers is security since it allows easy access for unauthorized persons to approach marine craft moored thereto. Large decking makes it easy for a thief to access the marine craft and provides a platform for removing large items such as televisions, fishing gears, and so forth. 
         [0006]    Prior art attempts to address these problems include, for example, the use of a mono-rail guided pier cart to move elderly along the length of a pier. The pier cart can be battery powered to provide a portable motorized “people movers” which run on wheels along the decking of a pier. The pier cart operates as addition to a conventional pier and does not address wind, waves, security or the continuing harm caused by decking that shades the water. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,597 issued to Maxwell et al., discloses a boat launch apparatus for moving various sized trailers up and down an incline. The boat launch apparatus uses a winch for pulling a trailer along a rail for launching of marine craft. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,951 issued to Blagden discloses a moveable shelter for boats. A marine craft is suspended within a boat house and when desired, the boat house is run down a railway and the boat is lowered into the water. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,016 issued to Honour discloses a marine rail system which includes a rail assembly of parallel ramped rails, a winch supporting a steel cable at one end, carriages with a torque tube connecting the carriages. The torque tube consists of three members, two of the members being telescoping with respect to the third member. A cable is secured to the forward carriage to pull the carriage along the rail assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 41,426 to Edwards discloses a similar marine railway system. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,597 issued to Kay discloses a pier having spaced facing side channels slidably receiving platform modules, the edges of the modules being within the channels, and the channels being tied together by elongated eye-bolt elements which extend through the positioned platform modules. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 89,210 to Cogsil discloses a railway track running along the bed or bottom of a river, from shore to shore, upon which runs a carriage. On top of the carriage (above the water-line and at the level of the railway or road) are laid one or more tracks of the same gauge as that on the shore or in the case of a common road, a platform only. Cars or vehicles to be ferried across the water upon the carriage are moved from shore to shore by the application of any desired power means. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 116,059 to Humphreys discloses a railway which consists of wooden piles on which are mounted caps d. Attached to the caps are rails, the rails are double headed. Upper carrying wheels support the rolling-stock and griping wheels provide additional grip when required. 
         [0013]    Such prior art systems fail to teach or disclose a marine pier system which is not susceptible to destructive wind and wave action, or provide a pier which will improve the environment by allowing the growth of sea-grasses below a support structure. 
         [0014]    Security of the marine craft moored to the pier or pier is a further issue the prior art fails to address. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The instant invention is directed toward a pier assembly constructed from a plurality of pilings that extend the length of a desired pier. The piling supports a rail system having a proximal end attached to the land and a distal end extending out over the water. At least one payload transport device is movable along the length of the rail system for transporting persons and material to or from a vessel that is docked along a distal end of the assembly. 
         [0016]    The payload transport device includes a propulsion system, e.g. at least one electric, diesel or gasoline powered motor, and a mounting means for placing the payload transport device in translational engagement with the payload traversal means. A drive train is constructed and arranged to transmit a propulsive force from the motor to the mounting means to enable reciprocal translational movement along the longitudinal axis of said payload traversal means. 
         [0017]    Thus it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a pier assembly having minimal decking to avoid the wind and wave action, exemplified by a hurricane, detrimental to conventional decking. 
         [0018]    Another objective of the instant invention is to provide a pier with a small deck to eliminate the environmental impact on the area in which it is located. 
         [0019]    Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a pier with increased security to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing boats and other water craft moored along the pier. 
         [0020]    Still another objective is to lessen the impact on the environment by providing a deck that can be moved to prevent constant shading of the water. By way of example, Florida currently has strict evaluation for new piers pending evaluation of the impact upon the marine environment, namely caused by shading of the sea grass. Not only does the instant invention provide a carriage having a small foot print in shading, the carriage can be placed on a timer and moved so that no area is shaded for any length of time. 
         [0021]    Another objective of the invention is to provide a tremendous cost savings in pier construction, maintenance and replacement, by eliminating the need for decking placed along the length of the pier, and lessening the need for support pilings since the removal of decking eliminates safety engineering required for excess loading during storms. 
         [0022]    Still another objective of the invention is to address the problem with permits by eliminating the shading typically of conventional decking mounted on piers. 
         [0023]    Yet still another objective of the invention is to provide a removable deck to prevent damage to the pier during storm conditions and eliminate debris typical of damaged piers after battering from a storm. 
         [0024]    Another objective is to lower insurance premiums and claims by providing a pier that can be secured or locked down close to shore to remove access to marine craft from land, and assure that those who enter the decking without authorization are in a shallow area. 
         [0025]    Yet still another objective of the invention is to provide a carriage that can include a roof, railing, gates and other safety items which would be cost prohibitive if extended along the length of a conventional pier. 
         [0026]    Yet another objective of the invention is to enhance the waterways by eliminating of piers that fall into disrepair by use of carriage structures that are smaller and thus easier to maintain. 
         [0027]    Another objective of the instant invention is to provide a carriage that is propelled by the use of a conventional golf cart, either partially mounted on a carriage, fully mounted on a carriage or by the use of rail riders secured to the golf cart. 
         [0028]    Still another objective is to disclose the use of a pier system allowing access to remote areas such as power lines and poles located in wetlands or otherwise difficult to access installations with minimal environmental impact. 
         [0029]    Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a single mono rail pier system having a self contained carriage. 
         [0030]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a pier and vehicle utilizing the instant invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view along lines  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , illustrating one embodiment of the instant invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 2 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of the instant invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross sectional view along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of another embodiment wherein a carriage is propelled by a golf cart; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial side view of another embodiment wherein a carriage is propelled by a golf cart mounted thereon; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial view of another embodiment wherein a golf cart includes rail riders for traversing of the pier; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a pictorial side view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a pictorial end view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a pictorial side view of the golf cart having rail riders shown in  FIG. 7  in a raised position and lowered position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a pictorial view of another embodiment depicting a single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a pictorial side view of the single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the single mono-rail with carriage for traversing of the pier. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0044]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0045]    Referring generally to the Figures, the present invention is illustrated by use of a pier  1  having a payload transport device  14  to transport people and equipment along the pier. The transport device can assimilate conventional decking on a pier and further include side rails  17 , seats  21  and a roof  23 . However, the main difference is that the transport device is movable along a payload rail system  12  in which the preferred embodiment is a self-propelled carriage wherein a drive system  25 , such as a battery powered electric motor  30 . 
         [0046]    The support system for the carrier is provided by a plurality of pilings  10  anchored into the sea bed  2  as conventional installed in a lake, waterway or the like body of water  3 . Attached to the top portion of the pilings  10  is a support bracket  11  onto which a rail system  12  is secured. In the preferred embodiment, a single piling can be used. However, where a wide decking is desires, parallel pilings can be employed. The rail system can utilize one or more rails  13 . In a preferred, albeit non-limiting embodiment the rails  13 ,  13 ′ are structural I-beams providing roller coaster type securement wherein the wheels of the carriage can be captured within the I-beam. Circular cross sectional rails, not shown, may also be used. The rails  13 ,  13 ′ support the vehicle  14  and provide a platform to allow the vehicle  14  to transverse the pier from the land to mooring pilings that a marine craft is secured to, not shown. Since the rails  13 ,  13 ′ can be formed from a relatively small width, the amount of wind or wave pressure that can be exerted on the structure is minimal. 
         [0047]    Another advantage of this small support area is that sunlight is permitted to reach the underwater areas located below the support. This has the benefit of allowing vegetation  16  to grow in these areas. If a large storm is predicted, the vehicle can be lifted off the support system and secured to land eliminating all decking surface area from the ravages of wave action. Further, in environmentally sensitive areas, the vehicle can be moved to non sensitive areas, such as in deep water. The vehicle may also be moved at different times during the day or week so that if the entire length of the pier system is mounted over sea-grass, no area will be in shade for any length of time. 
         [0048]    The vehicle  14  is preferably a self-propelled carriage and can be constructed in various forms. The specific form depends on the needs of the user. For example a roof  23  may be employed. Specific areas may be provided to securely hold coolers, diving, fishing and boating gear. Also seats  21  may be provided for the people utilizing the carriage. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an electric motor  30  is mounted on the carriage chassis and connected to the drive wheels  19  through a mechanical drive train  31 . Batteries  32  are used to power the electric motor  30 . The batteries are also used to provide power for lights, stereo, control panel illumination lights and an auxiliary power outlet, all not shown but conventional in the art. The batteries can be charged through a conventional onboard charging system wherein the placement of the carriage against the bulkhead would allow the charger to be plugged in a manner similar to the placement of electricity to a marine craft. Alternatively, the electric motor  30  can be solar powered. 
         [0049]    A control panel  33  provides controls for the electric motor which control the speed and direction of the vehicle  14 . In the preferred embodiment a joystick is used to control the direction of travel and speed of the carriage. Other types of controls, known in the art, may be employed in place of the joystick controller. A removable key switch  34  is used to disable all power to the motor. The vehicle will not operate without the key inserted and turned to the “on” position. This additionally provides security for the vehicle and an emergency cut-off for the motor. Although an electric motor is utilized in the preferred embodiment, a gasoline, hydraulic or diesel powered motor can also be employed. 
         [0050]    The drive train  31  is connected to the motor and to the drive wheels via an axle  18 . A chain drive or gear  35  is used in the preferred embodiment to connect the motor to the axle with polyurethane or the like not metal wheels for quiet movement that is not effected by the corrosive atmosphere of salt water. Pneumatic tires and solid rubber wheels may also be utilized. The drive train can be motor braked. However, any other suitable braking system may be employed. Further, although a mechanical drive train is employed in the preferred embodiment a hydraulic drive train may also be utilized. The carriage chassis includes two longitudinal frame members  15  as best seen in  FIG. 4 . Located above these are the transverse frame members  16 . Suspension means  17  connect the longitudinal and transverse frame members. In the preferred embodiment pneumatic shock absorbers are used for the suspension means. Attached to the transverse frame members is the carriage  14 . The motor and drive train are mounted on a transverse frame member in the preferred embodiment. Each longitudinal frame member includes axles  18  on which are mounted the wheels  19 . The wheels, in turn, roll on top of the rails  13 . As shown in  FIG. 1  there are three sets of wheels. The center set is driven by the drive train and the other sets are for support of the vehicle. As few as two sets of wheels may be employed, with one set being driven. The longer and heavier the vehicle, the more sets of wheels that are required. To provide stability, castors  20  are mounted to the longitudinal frame  15 . They are mounted with their axis  21  substantially perpendicular to the axis  18  of the drive wheels  19 . They engage the side-face of the rails for lateral stability and alignment as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
         [0051]    The motor and drive train are mounted on the carriage on or above a transverse frame in the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 . They could also be mounted on the longitudinal frames of the vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0052]    In the event of a failure of the motor, a manual propulsion system is provided to drive the carriage. In one embodiment the motor is disengaged from the drive train and set to “free wheel” and a pole is utilized to engage the ground below the surface of the water to move the vehicle along the pier. A hand crank, not shown, may also be used to drive the drive train after the motor is disengaged therefrom, which in turn will propel the vehicle along the pier. 
         [0053]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , set forth is another embodiment having a carriage  50  consisting of a platform  52  having an upper surface; and a plurality of wheels  54  located along a lower surface  56  for engagement to the rails  58 ,  60 . The carriage  50  is propelled along the rails by use of a self contained propulsion vehicle, such as a gas or electric golf cart, ATV, or the like  62  having a pair of front wheels  64  that are locked in position on the carriage surface  52  and a pair of drive wheels  66  which engage the top surface of the rails  58 ,  60 . By engaging the drive wheels  66  to the rails, the vehicle&#39;s propulsion system, including accelerator and braking system, controls the movement of the carriage along the length of the rails. 
         [0054]    The width of the carriage platform  52  may extend outward over the rails to allow the occupants from the vehicle to step onto or off of the carriage. For simplicity of illustration, the depiction of rails is not shown but as previously displayed in the first embodiment, may be used on the platform so as to provide a level of protection for those standing on the platform or to cause entrance and exiting only at a predetermined positioned. The carriage platform may be stopped from extending beyond the length of the rails by the use of stop gates, not shown. 
         [0055]    The use of a vehicle, such as a golf cart, allows the carriage to transport items from the shore to a distal end of the rails without the need for a continuous dock/platform. The use of a golf cart eliminates the need for having the carriage include a self contained propulsion system thereby eliminating the need for maintaining a carriage mounted propulsion system. The golf cart can be stored indoors, such as in a golf garage, when not in use as well as be used for other purposes, such as golfing. The actual loading of the golf cart onto the carriage surface  52  is facilitated by sloping the grade at the entrance to the carriage or by use of a ramp, not shown, either of which allows the wheels  64  to ride over the front edge ( 70 ) of the carriage and be positionable into detents  72  located which prohibit disengagement of the carriage from the golf cart while in use on the carriage. It should be noted that a further strap may be used to tie the golf cart to the carriage although in normal operation the use of detents is sufficient to prevent the wheels from disengaging from the carriage surface. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , set forth is another embodiment depicting carriage  80  having forward support wheels  82 , center support wheels  84  and rear drive wheels  86 . In this embodiment the golf cart  88  is driven onto the surface  90  of the carriage  80  and secured thereto by the use of detents and/or tie down straps. The propulsion wheels  94  of the cart are placed over the carriage rear drive wheels  86  wherein idler wheels, not shown, allow propulsion of the carriage  80  along the length of the rails  96 . Essentially the rear wheels  94  provide propulsion by engaging the idler wheels so as to allow motion in accordance with the conventional operation of the propulsion vehicle. The idler wheel can be sized to limit the speed of the carriage by step sizing, which further increases the torque available allowing the movement of an oversized carriage with minimal effort. By the use of idler wheels, forward movement is cased upon the use of the accelerator and braking is caused by applying the vehicle break. Reversing of the vehicle causes the idler arm to rotate wherein the rear drive wheels  86  cause reversal of the carriage. As with the previous embodiment, the concept allows the use of a conventional golf cart allowing the golf cart to be used for its normal and intended use as well as to be stored in a remote area, such as garage, allowing proper recharging as well as longevity of a propulsion system by placement in an area remote form salt water intrusion. The only components left on the water are the pilings and rails and the propulsion-less carriage  80 . It should be noted that removal of the carriage assembly, without the propulsion system, is relatively simple and allows for ease of movement should a large storm threaten. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIG. 7  shown is another embodiment of a self contained cart and carriage assembly. In this embodiment and illustration, a golf cart  100  has a rail rider attachment mechanism consisting of front and rear wheel riders  102 ,  104 . The rail rider includes a support brace  104  having horizontal support wheels  106  and vertical stabilizing wheels  108 . The horizontal wheels  106  ride on the surface of the rail  110  while the vertical stabilizing wheel  108  maintains the cart in alignment with the rail. The golf cart includes propulsion wheels  112  allowing the cart to accelerate, brake and operate in a manner similar to vehicles driven along train tracks. The cart may include a platform, not shown, allowing the riders ease of entrance and exit to the cart; the cart may also be used to push/pull a carriage placed in front of the cart. As with the previous embodiments the golf cart allows for a self container propulsion system that can be stored remote from the pier system and used for other uses so as to eliminate the need for a separate propuls ion system if such a vehicle is available to the owner. As shown in  FIG. 8  the golf cart rail rider supports the weight of the cart, for illustration purposes the wheels are shown lifted from the rail, wherein the majority of the weight is transferred to the rail rider attachments  102 ,  104 . The rail riders are attached to the frame of the golf cart and can be raised electrically, mechanically, or hydraulically. The vertical stabilizing wheel  108  not only maintains the directional placement of the cart but can further be used to prevent the cart from lifting should the cart be used during emergency conditions such as high water, waves or wind. As shown in  FIG. 10  the cart  100  can be transported along land  120  with the rail rider attachments  102 ,  104  shown in a raised position while not in use while a second cart is shown for engagement on the rail  110  with the rail attachment  102 ,  104  in an engaged position. 
         [0058]    Now referring to  FIG. 11  set forth is a single mono-rail embodiment for use in instances where conventional spaced apart piling is not possible or even minimal shading can present a concern due to sea grasses. In this embodiment, carriage  130  is placed over a single monorail  132 . The carriage  130  includes an upper surface  134  with a railing  136  placed around the perimeter. On the lower surface  138  of the carriage  130  are located side casters  140  that provide torsion stability as the carriage moves along the length of the monorail  132 . Pilings  142  are driven into the water and positioned such that the monorail  132  is in a horizontal plain above the surface of the water. As with the previous embodiments, a railing around the platform can be provided. It should be noted that the pilings for a single rail system will likely be stronger and deeper although the use of the single rail system may includes a  132  of a size that allows for the torsion stability required by the side casters  140  which may include an I-beam shape wherein the casters fit within the I-beam or a rectangular shape either of which providing sufficient surface to allow for offset loads placed on the carriage. Preferably the propulsion system is a DC powered electrical system that is capable of being driven by no more than a 1½ horsepower motor and may be solar charged. Referring now to  FIG. 12  shown is the carriage  130  placed over the monorail  132  having the side casters  140  placed along the side of the support wheel  150  and drive wheel  152 . Support wheel simply maintaining the weight of the carriage over the rail with the drive wheel  152  coupled to the propulsion system by the battery drive as previously described.  FIG. 13  depicts a top view all in view of the casters  140  drive wheels  152  and support wheels  150 . 
         [0059]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0060]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification. 
         [0061]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.