U.S. patent application number 13/770834 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for apparatus, methods, and systems for protecting a dock piling.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Rowley. Invention is credited to John Rowley.
Application Number | 20130309021 13/770834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49000713 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130309021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowley; John |
November 21, 2013 |
APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR PROTECTING A DOCK PILING
Abstract
A piling protector includes an abrasion resistant surface
disposed along an outer surface of the piling protector, a
plurality of channels defined in an inner surface of the piling
protector, the plurality of channels facilitating flexibility of
the piling protector, and first and second appendages extending
from first and second lateral sides of the piling protector. The
first and second appendages are configured for attachment to a
piling. Portions of the interior surface of the piling protector
defined between channels of the piling protector are curved to
correspond to a curved outer surface of a generally cylindrical
piling. The piling protector is configured for engagement with both
a curved outer surface of a generally cylindrical pylon and a flat
surface.
Inventors: |
Rowley; John; (Gastonia,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rowley; John |
Gastonia |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49000713 |
Appl. No.: |
13/770834 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61600671 |
Feb 19, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
405/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 30/36 20180101;
B63C 1/02 20130101; Y02A 30/30 20180101; E02B 3/064 20130101; E02B
3/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/216 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/26 20060101
E02B003/26 |
Claims
1. A piling protector comprising: (a) an abrasion resistant surface
disposed along an outer surface of the piling protector; (b) a
plurality of channels defined in an inner surface of the piling
protector, the plurality of channels facilitating flexibility of
the piling protector; (c) first and second appendages extending
from first and second lateral sides of the piling protector, the
first and second appendages being configured for attachment to a
piling; (d) wherein portions of the interior surface of the piling
protector defined between channels of the piling protector are
curved to correspond to a curved outer surface of a generally
cylindrical piling; (e) wherein the piling protector is configured
for engagement with both a generally curved outer surface of a
generally cylindrical pylon and a generally flattened surface of a
deformed generally cylindrical pylon.
2. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the piling protector is
eight feet long.
3. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the abrasion resistant
surface is one of a plurality of abrasion resistant surfaces of the
piling protector.
4. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the abrasion resistant
surface is replaceable.
5. The piling protector of claim 4, wherein a component comprising
the abrasion resistant surface is retained in slidable engagement
with a retention portion of the piling protector.
6. The piling protector of claim 4, wherein a component comprising
the abrasion resistant surface is retained via snap-fit engagement
with a retention portion of the piling protector.
7. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the piling protector is
secured to a dock piling.
8. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the piling protector is
integrally formed.
9. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein at least some portion
of the piling protector is molded.
10. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the piling protector
is wholly molded.
11. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein the piling protector
is at least partially molded, and the plurality of channels
facilitate cooling of the piling protector during manufacture.
12. A piling protector comprising: (a) an abrasion resistant
surface disposed along an outer surface of the piling protector;
(b) a channel extending through the piling protector in a direction
generally transverse to its length; (c) a strap passing through the
channel configured to secure the piling protector to a piling; and
(d) an engagement member projecting from an inner surface of the
piling protector configured to stabilize the piling protector in
engagement with a piling.
13. A system comprising: (a) a dock; (b) a dock bracket secured to
the dock; (c) a generally cylindrical piling received within the
dock bracket, the piling and dock bracket being configured to
collectively constrain movement of the dock; (d) one or more piling
protectors secured to the piling, each piling protector comprising
(i) an abrasion resistant surface disposed along an outer surface
of the piling protector, (ii) a plurality of channels defined in an
inner surface of the piling protector, the plurality of channels
facilitating flexibility of the piling protector, (iii) first and
second appendages extending from first and lateral second sides of
the piling protector, the first and second appendages being secured
to the piling via one or more attachment members, (iv) wherein
portions of the interior surface of the piling protector defined
between channels of the piling protector are curved to correspond
to a curved outer surface of the generally cylindrical piling, (v)
wherein the piling protector is configured for engagement with both
a curved outer surface of the generally cylindrical pylon and a
flattened surface of a deformed generally cylindrical pylon.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the piling
protectors is eight feet long.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the piling
protectors includes a plurality of abrasion resistant surfaces.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the abrasion resistant surface
of at least one of the piling protectors is replaceable.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein a component of one of the
piling protectors, the component comprising the abrasion resistant
surface, is retained in slidable engagement with a retention
portion of the piling protector.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein a component of one of the
piling protectors, the component comprising the abrasion resistant
surface, is retained via snap-fit engagement with a retention
portion of the piling protector.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the piling
protectors is integrally formed.
20. The piling protector of claim 1, wherein at least some portion
of one of the piling protectors is molded.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/600,671, filed
Feb. 19, 2012, which provisional patent application is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Floating docks are commonly held generally in place by
vertical pilings that are received within the earth at the bottom
of a body of water. Typically, pilings used to constrain docks are
made from wood, but other materials are also used. Various hardware
devices can be utilized to attach a floating dock to such
pilings.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional approach involving use of
a bracket comprising a simple metal attaching ring 3 which is
bolted to a dock 1. The ring 3 is designed to entrap a piling 1 and
retain the dock 1 in proper position (typically in conjunction with
other pilings).
[0005] This method of dock stabilization can abrade or wear a
piling fairly fast, due the frictional contact between the piling
and the dock or bracket. FIG. 1 illustrates such wear of portions 4
of the piling 2.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates another conventional approach involving
the use of up to four rollers 5 that contact a piling. Such a
roller 5 is sometimes even utilized in combination with a metal
attaching ring, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Notably, though, while
the use of a roller may reduce abrasive or frictional wear, it is
believed that such a roller will still cause the wood grain to be
stretched and lifted off of the surface of a piling, such as at
portions 6 of the piling 2 of FIG. 3. The eventual end result is
erosion of the wood and therefore of the piling 2.
[0007] Further, it is believed that abrasion from a dock or bracket
can, over time, erode portions of a piling, as illustrated in FIG.
3, which illustrates the original shape of the piling 2 via a
dotted line.
[0008] Various apparatus are known which attempt to reduce the
detrimental effects of watercraft impact, rather than abrasion,
upon pilings. Many include a rigid or semi-rigid outer shroud or
encasing sleeve to protect a piling. Notably, wood pilings vary in
diameter, so different types and sizes may be needed. Further, such
a shroud or encasing sleeve may be expensive to produce due to the
sheer size of such an apparatus. For example, a width of more than
twenty five inches is required to completely enshroud an eight inch
diameter piling. Such shrouds and sleeves can be expensive to
inventory in a retail setting and costly to ship to a customer.
Installation of a large apparatus can be challenging as well.
Further, shrouds and sleeves can cause unexpected damage to a
piling by preventing the piling from drying, which can lead to
rotting of wooden pilings and corrosion of metal pilings.
Conventionally, in the event that one area of a shroud or sleeve is
abraded to the point of completely wearing through the shroud or
sleeve, it is common to completely replace the entire shroud.
[0009] A need exists for a piling protector that protects a piling
from abrasion. A need exists for a piling protector that is low
cost to produce and transport. A further need exists for a piling
protector that is simple to install. A further need exists for a
piling protector that has a small enough profile to fit within a
small space between a piling and an attaching bracket. A need
exists for a piling protector that protects a piling from
impacts.
[0010] These, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects
of the present invention, although not all aspects necessarily
address all of these needs, and at least some aspects may not
address any of the specifically outlined needs, and may, instead,
address other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of dock pilings, the present invention is
not limited to use only in this context, as will become apparent
from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects,
features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a piling
protector which includes an abrasion resistant surface disposed
along an outer surface of the piling protector; a plurality of
channels defined in an inner surface of the piling protector, the
plurality of channels facilitating flexibility of the piling
protector; and first and second appendages extending from first and
second lateral sides of the piling protector, the first and second
appendages being configured for attachment to a piling. Portions of
the interior surface of the piling protector defined between
channels of the piling protector are curved to correspond to a
curved outer surface of a generally cylindrical piling, and the
piling protector is configured for engagement with both a curved
outer surface of a generally cylindrical pylon and a flat
surface.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a piling
protector which includes an abrasion resistant surface disposed
along an outer surface of the piling protector; a channel extending
through the piling protector in a direction generally transverse to
its length; a strap passing through the channel configured to
secure the piling protector to a piling; and an engagement member
projecting from an inner surface of the piling protector configured
to stabilize the piling protector in engagement with a piling.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system
that includes a dock; a dock bracket secured to the dock; a
generally cylindrical piling received within the dock bracket, the
piling and dock bracket being configured to collectively constrain
movement of the dock; and one or more piling protectors secured to
the piling. Each piling protector includes an abrasion resistant
surface disposed along an outer surface of the piling protector, a
plurality of channels defined in an inner surface of the piling
protector, the plurality of channels facilitating flexibility of
the piling protector, and first and second appendages extending
from first and lateral second sides of the piling protector, the
first and second appendages being secured to the piling via one or
more attachment members. Portions of the interior surface of the
piling protector defined between channels of the piling protector
are curved to correspond to a curved outer surface of the generally
cylindrical piling, and the piling protector is configured for
engagement with both a curved outer surface of the generally
cylindrical pylon and a flat surface.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a piling protector on a curved face of a dock
piling.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a piling protector on a flat face of a dock
piling.
[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a plurality of piling protectors on a piling.
[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a dock
piling abrasion protector configured to withstand abrasive action
and impact of a dock, dock attaching bracket, or roller.
[0019] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes an abrasion resistant surface.
[0020] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes multiple abrasion resistant surfaces.
[0021] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a coupled mounting surface.
[0022] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes multiple coupled mounting surfaces.
[0023] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a flexible coupled mounting surface.
[0024] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes multiple flexible coupled mounting surfaces.
[0025] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes openings, slots or holes for securement
utilizing with fasteners.
[0026] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a coupled mounting surface which includes a slot
or channel so the device can be deformed to fit an irregular
surface.
[0027] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a replaceable abrasion resistant surface.
[0028] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a slot, channel or tunnel, so a clamping
fastener could be used for securement of the dock piling abrasion
protector to a dock piling.
[0029] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes an appendage for engagement with a dock
piling.
[0030] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes multiple appendages for engagement with a dock
piling.
[0031] In a feature of this aspect, the dock piling abrasion
protector includes a contoured surface configured to abut a dock
piling for a better fit to the dock piling.
[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a piling
protector.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a piling protector.
[0034] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of protecting a dock piling.
[0035] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of replacing a dock piling protector.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an
apparatus for protecting a dock piling.
[0037] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system
for protecting a dock piling.
[0038] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and
subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example,
any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in
accordance with the present invention without requiring any other
aspect or feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein,
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional approach for constraining
a dock utilizing a piling and bracket;
[0041] FIGS. 2-3 illustrates the conventional use of one or more
rollers in constraining a dock utilizing a piling;
[0042] FIGS. 4-6 illustrates a portion of a piling guard in
accordance with one or more preferred implementations;
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary piling guard which includes
a hole and a slot;
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary piling guard which includes
an outer channel;
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary piling guard which includes
a replaceable member comprising an abrasion resistant surface;
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary piling guard which includes
a tunnel therethough for passage of a strap utilized for securement
of the exemplary piling guard to a piling;
[0047] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary configurations in which
a plurality of piling guards are secured to a piling to facilitate
prevention of damage to the piling based on contact with a dock or
bracket; and
[0048] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate portions of piling guards in
accordance with one or more alternative implementations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application. As
should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a
plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may
further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as
being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other
embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative
purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present
invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate
only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the
invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of
the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as
adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent
arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments
described herein and fall within the scope of the present
invention.
[0050] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0051] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0052] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0053] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6, no claim
element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory
provision unless the explicit phrase "means for" or "step for" is
actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory
provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim
element.
[0054] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0055] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0056] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
[0057] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of
a piling guard 20 in accordance with one or more preferred
implementations. As illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 4, the piling
guard preferably extends further than is illustrated, although in
at least some preferred implementations a piling guard may be the
length illustrated, or may be cut to the length illustrated. In at
least some preferred implementations, a piling guard is eight feet
long.
[0058] The piling guard 20 comprises an abrasion resistant surface
7 which, when the piling guard 20 is properly installed on a piling
for use with a dock bracket of a dock, will generally correspond to
the point of contact with the dock bracket and protect the piling
from damage. In some preferred implementations, the piling guard
has a length generally corresponding to a portion of a piling
likely to be subject to contact with a dock or dock bracket.
Preferably, a piling guard does not necessarily extend the entire
length of a piling, although in at least some preferred
implementations it may.
[0059] In at least some preferred implementations, multiple
abrasion resistant surfaces 11 are utilized, as illustrated in FIG.
8. Further, in at least some implementations, a replaceable member
12 comprising an abrasion resistant surface is utilized, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 9,
the replaceable member 12 is configured to be retained in slidable
engagement with a retention portion of a piling guard, although in
at least some preferred implementations a replaceable member is
configured for snap-fit engagement, or for some other type of
engagement.
[0060] In use, a piling guard is preferably secured to a piling.
Such securement can be characterized as mounting of the piling
guard to a piling. Preferably, portions of a piling guard are
configured to facilitate such mounting. The portions can be
characterized as mounting portions. Such mounting portions can be
integrally formed with a portion of a piling guard that has an
abrasion resistant surface, or can be coupled thereto.
[0061] With respect to the piling guard of FIG. 4, portions
8a,8b,8c of the piling guard are configured to allow for mounting
to a piling such that an inner surface of the piling guard
generally abuts a piling, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As can be seen
in FIG. 5, the piling guard 20 is sized, shaped, and dimensioned to
accommodate a generally curved piling. For example, in some
preferred implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 5, an inner
surface of a piling guard is configured for abutment with a curved
surface of a generally cylindrical piling of a certain diameter,
although a single piling guard may be configured for use with
cylindrical pilings of various diameters. In some preferred
implementations, however, such as the preferred implementation
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the piling guard is also configured
for mounting to a flattened or distorted surface of a piling, which
may have been flattened or distorted due to, for example, bracket
abrasion. FIG. 6 illustrates the mounting of the piling guard 20 to
a flattened surface 4 of a piling.
[0062] In some preferred implementations, a mounting portion of a
piling guard comprises two or more appendages that are coupled to
an abrasion resistant surface. Portions 8a,8b represent exemplary
such appendages. Preferably, the use of two or more appendages is
utilized to help assure a more secure installation that spreads
stress over a larger area and is more resilient to the motion of
waves and wakes.
[0063] Preferably, a piling guard comprises one or more flexible
sections which facilitates conformance to a surface (such as a
flat, curved, or irregular surface). Such flexible sections may
comprise one or more sections of a mounting portion, a member
having an abrasion resistant surface, and/or a section of another
element of a piling guard. Additionally, or alternatively, in at
least some implementations, a piling guard includes one or more
channels which facilitate flexibility of the piling guard. As with
the flexible sections, such flexibility-enhancing channels may be
defined in or by one or more sections of a mounting portion, a
member having an abrasion resistant surface, and/or a section of
another element of a piling guard. The piling guard 20 illustrated
in FIGS. 4-6 includes exemplary such flexibility-enhancing channels
16 which facilitate flexibility of the piling guard 20. As noted
above, the implementation illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is
configured for mounting to both a curved surface and a flat
surface. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate alternative implementations of
piling guards which include channels 16 defined in an inner
surface, and channels 17 defined in an outer surface.
[0064] In at least some preferred implementations, a piling guard
is wholly or partially molded, and such flexibility-enhancing
channels further serve to facilitate cooling of a manufactured
piling guard, e.g. in a manner that serves to reduce shrinkage.
[0065] In some preferred implementations, a piling guard is in a
naturally flat state at rest for engagement with a flat surface,
but can be flexed to engage a curved surface, while in at least
some other implementations the converse is true. In at least some
implementations a piling guard is sufficiently flexible so as to
not seem to consistently take any state at rest.
[0066] In at least some implementations, a piling guard is secured
to a piling via screws or other fasteners, as illustrated in FIG.
5. In preferred implementations, a piling guard may include holes
to facilitate use of such fasteners, although such holes are not
illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 illustrates the use of screws to
secure the illustrated piling guard to a piling, but it will be
appreciated that additional screws could be (and preferably are)
utilized to further secure a piling guard. In at least some
implementations, a piling guard additionally, or alternatively,
includes slots. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary piling guard which
includes both a hole 9 and a slot 10.
[0067] In at least some implementations, the upper opening for a
hole or slot is disposed in an outer channel, such as the outer
channel 13 illustrated in FIG. 8. In some preferred
implementations, a channel and/or opening of a piling guard is
recessed or counter-sunk so the head of a fastener, such as a
screw, that is received within the channel and/or opening cannot
damage a piling, dock, bracket, or other object. In at least some
implementations, such channels and/or holes are integrated into an
abrasion resistant surface of a piling guard, so as to allow
fasteners, such as screws, to be installed through or in proximity
to the abrasion resistant surface.
[0068] Installing fasteners, such as screws, below a waterline can
pose additional difficulties. In at least some implementations, a
piling guard includes a channel or tunnel oriented transverse of
the abrasion resistant surface. FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary
such tunnel 15 through a piling guard. In some preferred
implementations, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 10, a strap or
belt is utilized to secure a piling guard. FIG. 10 illustrates an
exemplary implementation in which a clamp fastener 14 is utilized
with a strap to secure a piling guard.
[0069] In at least some implementations, to increase stability of a
secured piling guard, an engagement member 19 extends from an inner
surface of a piling guard, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The
engagement member 19 is configured to engage an outer surface of a
piling, such as by projecting into the piling. In some preferred
implementations, the engagement member comprises a projecting edge
or blade running the length of the piling, while in at least some
other preferred implementations one or more spike-like engagement
members extend along the length of the piling. In a preferred
implementation, a piling guard includes a spike-like engagement
member proximate each end of the piling guard, and optionally may
include additional spike-like engagement members spaced along the
length of the piling guard. The use of spike-like engagement
members rather than blade-like engagement members is believed to
facilitate prevention of up and down movement of a piling guard
relative to an engaged piling.
[0070] In a preferred method of use, one or more piling guards are
attached to a piling proximate areas of the piling that are likely
to suffer abrasion as a result of contact with a dock or bracket.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary configurations in which a
plurality of piling guards 20 are secured to a piling 2 to
facilitate prevention of damage to the piling 2 based on contact
with a dock 1 or bracket 3.
[0071] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *