Customizable Platform Frame Assembly

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/635,775, filed Apr. 18, 2024, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to marine dock systems and, more particularly, to a customizable platform frame assembly.

Docking systems are used for loading, unloading, building and repair of transport, and specifically in a maritime environment for boats and ships. Current docking solutions are either built in-place, thereby lacking customization and reconfigurability, or are shipped from a manufacturer, but are bulky and difficult to assemble.

As can be seen, there is a need for a customizable docking frame system, that is light, compact, and easy to assemble and reconfigure.

In one aspect of the present invention, a customizable platform assembly comprises a frame and a deck portion mounted to the frame. The frame includes a side rail formed with a decking shelf extending from a first surface of the siderail longitudinally along the side rail, wherein the docking shelf has at least one longitudinal channel formed therein; cross members slidably attached to the at least one longitudinal channel with attachment hardware; and an elongated support member mounted to the cross members, wherein the elongated support member is parallel to and spaced from the side rail.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a lightweight customizable frame that can be assembled using commodity hardware. The frame may be used, for example, in platforms, flatbed trailers, or truck beds.

A frame assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to suit the particular needs of a site. As a first matter, commodity hardware can be selected to fit hardware slots in the frame components. In embodiments, commodity hardware can include a bolt and nut configuration, where the nut can be shaped to securely fit in select hardware slots. Commodity hardware can be installed in any number or configuration of holes on a plurality of cross member hat channels. Once hardware is installed on the hat channels, the cross members can be adjustably installed between a plurality of dock frame members anywhere along the length thereof by sliding the installed hardware into hardware slots of each dock frame member. The hat channels can have additional slots to affix a plurality of support members to the hat channels. The frame assembly can then be attached to a base, or to additional frame assemblies, utilizing channels of a backing member with commodity hardware adapted to securely fit in the channels.

While not limiting the materials of the present invention, the frame members may be manufactured from extruded aluminum, cut to length, and machined to form mounting holes. The members may be any suitable dimensions. For example, a dock side member may have a cross section of about 4.75×about 4.26 inches, with selected components having a width of about 1.25 to about 1.5 inches. The dock side member may have a docking shell formed with enclosed channels running longitudinally therethrough. A hat channel crossmember may have a width of about 4.4 inches and a height of about 2 inches, with a flange running longitudinally along the outer edges thereof. The hat channel members may be shaped by extruding, bending, or otherwise forming a first and second mounting flange disposed on either side of a substantially U-shaped channel.

Referring to, an exemplary assembled frameis illustrated in, including side railsjoined by hat channelspositioned orthogonally to the side rails. A central channelis formed in each hat channel. Central tubesdisposed substantially parallel to the side railsare affixed to the hat channelsto provide stability to the frame. The central tubesmay have upper bolt access holesformed therein to accommodate attachment hardware, such as bolts, washers, and nuts; see. In embodiments, the assembled framecan be assembled in a custom manner, utilizing commodity hardware, to fit the needs of a particular application.

Turning to, each side railhas formed therein horizontal square nut slotsand vertical square nut slotsto receive square nut hardware; and decking shelf, which enable the hat channelsto be slidably moved during installation and configuration. It is understood that the configuration of the hardware slots,and channelscan be configured to accept any known hardware, without limitation.

illustrates the hat channelshaving channel wingsor mounting flanges. The flangescan include a plurality of bolt holeswhich are configured to receive hardware for installation and configuration of the frame assembly. See.

shows a sectional view of the square central tubes.

illustrate assembly of the central tubesto the hat channelswith hex head bolts, washers, and nuts. Asshows, the central tubesmay have lower bolt holesformed therein at a 90° angle to, and flanking, the upper bolt access holes.

As shown in, the side railsmay be coupled to the hat channelsby way of hex head boltsseated within the horizontal square nut slotsformed in the decking shelf.

Orthogonal to the view of,illustrates a central tubecoupled to to a hat channelwith socket head bolts.

The assembled frameofmay be fitted with deck panelsand end capsto form a platform surface and the platform may be mounted on polesaffixed to the framewith pole brackets, as shown in.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.