Pier adjusting mechanism and method for facilitating the adjusting and leveling of a pier platform

Description

CONTINUING DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and hereby claims the benefit of, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/230,742 filed on Aug. 29, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pier or dock adjusting mechanism, and specifically to a manually-operable lift device attachable to a pier support post for lifting and/or lowering of a pier platform.

2. Description of the Related Art

Piers are commonly used to provide a structure that allows people to be able to walk a distance from a shore out over a body of water, such as a lake or river. Such a pier typically includes a pier platform/pier planking upon which people can walk and a structure for supporting such a pier platform over the water. Over time, effects such as shifting of the pier support structure itself, shifting of the pier relative to the ground or subsurface in which it is mounted, and/or a change in water level may dictate a need to adjust the position of the pier platform.

Currently, such an adjustment can often require several people getting into the water to lift the pier platform and unload the pier structure, while one or more people adjust the positioning of the pier structure to achieve the needed pier placement adjustments. The reason that several people can be required to do the lifting of the pier platform is that the pier platform, depending on the size and length can weigh up to several hundred pounds. To possibly make matters even more difficult, lifting of the pier platform from the far end, where lifting might be able to be done most effectively, may not be feasible due to the depth of the water at that pier position.

What is needed in the art is a pier adjusting mechanism that will facilitate one or two people being able to adjust and level a pier platform without the need for heavy lifting and without the need to get into the water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a pier adjustment mechanism that could be removably mounted to a pier post of a pier structure and be able to be used, via a manually-operated lift or jack, in much the same manner as a forklift, to facilitate the lifting and/or lowering of a pier/dock platform.

The present invention, in one form thereof, relates to a pier comprising at least one post including a first post, a pier platform, a temporary support member, and a platform height adjustment apparatus. The pier platform is mounted relative to each post, the pier platform having a platform underside. The temporary support member is selectively vertically positioned upon the first post at a temporary, fixed position. The platform height adjustment apparatus is slidably mounted along the first post and rests upon the temporary support member. The platform height adjustment apparatus includes a platform support member and a height positioning mechanism. The platform support member supports the pier platform, and the height positioning mechanism is configured for facilitating a selective vertical positioning of the platform support mechanism and, therefore, the pier platform relative to the first post.

The present invention, in yet another form thereof, relates to a method of adjusting a height of a pier platform relative to a pier structure, the pier structure including at least a first post. The method includes the step of providing a platform height adjustment apparatus, the platform height adjustment apparatus including a platform support member and a height positioning mechanism. The platform height adjustment apparatus is slidably mounted on the first post. The post position of the platform height adjustment apparatus is fixed relative to the first post, the post position being situated above and proximate the pier platform. The platform support member is moved into a platform supporting position relative to the platform. The height positioning mechanism is actuated to thereby one of lower and lift the pier platform.

An advantage of the present invention is that one or two people can easily adjust and level a pier platform using the inventive apparatus.

Another advantage of the present invention is that no one needs to get into the water in order to hold up the platform while the positioning of various pier support members is adjusted.

Yet another advantage of the present invention, in one form thereof, is that the platform support mechanism can be both hingedly mounted to the post-receiving tube and provided with an angular-position setting mechanism. As such, the platform support mechanism is able to be permanently attached to the post-receiving tube while still allowing the platform support mechanism to be kept out of the way of the pier platform until it is in an appropriate position to be moved into a location that will permit it to be used to lift that platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pier structure employing a first embodiment of a platform height adjustment apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the platform height adjustment apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of the platform height adjustment apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a pier structure employing a second embodiment of the platform height adjustment apparatus for the present invention, the platform support mechanism being locked in a first angular position relative to the post-receiving tube;

FIG. 5 is a forward, side, perspective view of the pier structure shown in FIG. 4, with the platform support mechanism being locked in the first angular position relative to the post-receiving tube;

FIG. 6 is a back, side, perspective view of the pier structure shown in FIG. 1, with the main bracket section of the platform mechanism being locked in a second position, essentially parallel to the post-receiving tube;

FIG. 7 is a back, perspective view of the pier structure shown in FIG. 6, with the height positioning mechanism shown in its fully extended (i.e., lift) position;

FIG. 8 is a side, schematic view of a second embodiment of a temporary support mechanism of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom, schematic view of the temporary support mechanism shown in FIG. 8.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrates at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a pier 10 for facilitating walking out a distance from shore over a body of water (not shown). Pier 10 of the invention includes multiple posts of which only a first post 12 is shown, a cross-member 14, a cross-member receiver 16 associated with each end of cross-member 14 (one of which is shown in association with first post 12 and cross-member 14), a pier platform 18 (i.e., pier planking), a temporary support mechanism 20, and a platform height adjustment apparatus 22 (the first embodiment of which is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3).

Posts such as first post 12 are typically vertically mounted within the ground or subsurface and extend above the water level, while each cross-member 14 is horizontally mounted between a pair of posts. Each post and cross-member may be round or polygonal in cross-section, as well as, being hollow or solid. However, it is advantageous to use piping for the posts and cross-members as piping and related pipe fittings are readily available commercially in forms that are both strong and corrosion resistant. Strength and corrosion resistance are important factors considering that the pier needs to support its own weight and that of potentially several people and is continually subject to water and other elements. As such, both factors are of great importance in developing a pier that will be long lasting.

Cross-member receiver 16 is positioned at a selected vertical post position relative to first post 12. Cross-member receivers such as cross-member receiver 16 in conjunction with cross-member 14 facilitate the support of pier platform 18 relative to the pier posts such as first post 12. Cross-member receiver 16 is selectively and adjustably positioned vertically along first post 12. Pier platform 18 has a platform underside or perimeter 24 which is able to rest upon cross-member 14.

Temporary support mechanism or member 20 is similar to cross-member receiver 16 in both structure and function except that it need not necessarily have a means for receiving a cross-member 14 therewithin. Temporary support mechanism 20 and cross-member receiver 16 are structurally similar in that they are both able to be mounted around a post at a selective position thereupon. They are functionally similar in that they both facilitate the transfer of the weight of pier platform 18, is including pier underside 24, to a respective pier post. The purpose of temporary support mechanism 20 will be more readily apparent with the discussion of the structure and operation of platform height adjustment apparatus 22 (i.e., the pier adjusting mechanism).

Platform height adjustment apparatus 22 of the first embodiment includes a platform support mechanism 26, a post-receiving tube (or cylinder) 28, a base plate 30, and a height positioning (lifting/lowering) mechanism 32.

Platform support mechanism or member 26 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 includes a main bracket section 34, a first (lifting) extension 36, and a second support (lifting) extension 38. Main bracket section 34 further includes an upper bracket member 52.

Main bracket section 34 has a main bracket extension direction 40 that, in use, that will be substantially aligned with the post upon which platform height adjustment apparatus 22 is mounted (i.e., first post 12). First support extension 36 and second support extension 38 are mounted opposite one another on main bracket section 34. First and second support extensions 36, 38 are mounted and positioned so as to effectively be able to function as a forklift member that may straddle both a post and a corresponding cross-member and to be able to operatively contact platform underside 24 of pier platform 18 and thereby effectively support the weight of pier platform 18 thereupon.

While first and second support extensions 26, 38 are shown to be positioned at opposite corners of main bracket section 34, other support extension configurations are possible that will be within the scope of the invention. For example, only one or even three or more support extensions may be employed on a given main bracket section 34. In choosing the size, shape, number, and positioning of the support extensions to be used, the support extensions to be used must be able to sufficiently support the pier platform to be lifted therewith and the support extensions do not interfere with a post and/or cross-member during use of platform height adjustment apparatus 22. In fact, it may prove useful to use wider support extensions that can compensate for potential weak spots in the pier platform/planking/underside.

Post-receiving tube 28 has a tube interior 42 that is sized and shaped so as to facilitate the slidable mounting of platform height adjustment apparatus 22 along one of the pier posts, e.g., first post 12. Although the invention utilizes a tube for slidable guiding upon post 12, other structures such as rings or plates with holes may be equivalently utilized. Through the use of a tube 28 the invention is operative in numerous environments, possibly with differing and various post lengths.

Post-receiving tube 28 has a tube mount 44 associated therewith that permits attachment of post-receiving tube 28 to main bracket section 34 of platform support mechanism 26 while yet facilitating the sliding of post-receiving tube 28 into position along a post without platform support mechanism 28 being in the way of such positioning. Tube mount 44 may be, for example, a releaseably attachable plate (e.g., bolted), a hinge mount, or alternate connection assembly. Such a tube mount 44 permits the positioning of first and second support extensions 36, 38 below pier platform 18 for supporting the weight thereof. (If platform support mechanism 28 were immovably mounted instead, when sliding platform height adjustment apparatus 22 down a post, first and second support extensions 36, 38 would come to rest on top of pier platform 18 and would not be positionable therebelow as needed for the present invention to operate.) At the lower end of post-receiving tube 28 and mounted on opposite sides thereof are rod-receiving cylinders 46, the function of which will be discussed later.

Base plate 30 carries height positioning mechanism 32 thereupon. Base plate 30 has a base though hole 48 therein for receiving a pier post therethrough. Also, a pair of base rods 50 are mounted on base plate 30 on opposite sides of base through-hole 48. Base rods 50 are configured for operatively mating with rod-receiving cylinders 46 associated with first-receiving tube 28. The interaction of base rods 50 with rod-receiving cylinders 46 allow the relative lateral positioning between base plate 30 and first-receiving tube 28 to be maintained during the use of platform height adjustment apparatus 22, thereby preventing rotation of tube 28 relative to base plate 30 and assuring a single degree of freedom (i.e., vertical) therebetween.

Height positioning mechanism 32 facilitates the actual lifting and lowering of pier platform 18. The upper end of height positioning mechanism 32 is attached to tube mount 44, tube mount 44 thereby providing a connection between post-receiving tube 28 and height positioning mechanism 32. The lower end thereof is attached to base plate 30. Height positioning mechanism 32 is actuateable for controlling displacement between base plate 30 and upper bracket member 52 of main bracket section 34. As base plate 30, upon which height positioning mechanism 32 is mounted, rests upon and is stop limited for movement relative to a given post by temporary support mechanism 20, actuation of height positioning mechanism 32 is effectively able to determine the height of first and second supports 36, 38 relative to temporary support mechanism 20 and thereby that of pier platform 18 also. Height positioning mechanism 32 advantageously is a lift or jack mechanism. Such a jack may be of the hydraulic, pneumatic, screw, scissor, or equivalent variety.

In operation, base plate 30, via base through-hole 48, and post-receiving tube 28 are slid down a post (e.g., first post 12) until base plate 30 comes into contact with a temporary support mechanism 20 mounted on first post 12, temporary support mechanism 20 being positioned at a location above cross-member receiver 16 on first post 12.

During the initial sliding step, platform support mechanism 26 is held out of the way until clearance to platform underside 24 can be gained for first and second support extensions 36 and 38. Such positioning should occur at the least by the time base plate 30 engages with temporary support mechanism 20. If this is not the case, temporary support mechanism 20 should be lowered to a point which will allow first and second support extensions 36, 38 to be received underneath pier platform 18.

Once first and second support extensions 36, 38 are in position below pier platform 18, height positioning mechanism 32 is actuated so as to bring first and second support extensions 36, 38 into an operatively supporting position for pier platform 18. When such engagement has occurred, platform height adjustment apparatus 22 is supporting the weight of pier platform 18 (FIG. 3) and can thereby be used to lift pier platform 18 to a new desired location, with the position of cross-member receiver 16 and associated cross-member 14 being adjusted upwardly. Conversely, once such engagement has occurred, the position of cross-member 14 and associated cross-receiver 16 could be adjusted downwardly, with pier platform 18 then being lowered using platform height adjustment apparatus 22. After the desired adjustment is made platform support mechanism 26 can be moved out of the way, allowing the remainder of the platform height adjustment apparatus 22 to be removed from the post.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. Platform height adjustment apparatus 60 is the same as platform height adjustment apparatus 22 in the first embodiment except that platform height adjustment apparatus 60 includes a handle 62, a hinge attachment mechanism 64, and an angular positioning mechanism 66. As the other elements are essentially the same between the two embodiments, it is only these distinguishing features that will be discussed in detail herein.

Handle 62 is mounted to post-receiving tube 28. As such, handle 62 facilitates the carrying of platform height adjustment apparatus to and from a given pier. While handle 62 is shown to be welded to post-receiving tube 28, it is understood that handle 62 could be attached by other means (e.g., threaded fastener) or could be integrally formed with post-receiving tube 28.

Angular position setting mechanism 66 includes a lockpin mechanism 68 and a lockpin receiver 70. Lockpin mechanism 68 is attached to main bracket section 54 of platform mechanism 26 via a pin attachment 72. A lockpin receiver 70, on the other hand, is fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to lift plate 74 associated with height positioning mechanism 32. Lockpin receiver 70 includes a first lock position 76 and a second lock position 78. Via use of hinge attachment 64, main bracket section 34 can be selectively moved such that lockpin mechanism 68 is adjacent to one of first lock position 76 and second lock position 78.

The use of first lock position 76 and second lock position 78 is dictated by the relative position desired for first and second extension 36, 38 with respect to pier platform 18 (as shown in FIG. 1). As platform height adjustment apparatus 60 is being moved onto and down post 12 and lift extension 36, 38 are still above pier underside 24 of pier platform 18, lockpin mechanism 68 is advantageously selectively actuated into first lock position 76. In such a position, extension 36, 38 are locked in an angular location that will facilitate their clearance beyond pier platform 18 until the point which they can reach pier underside 24.

Once in a position where extension 36, 38 can reach pier underside 24, lockpin mechanism 68 can then be disengaged to allow movement of main bracket section into a position in which lockpin mechanism 68 can then be selectively inserted into second lock position 78. By using lockpin mechanism 68 in each of first and second lock positions 76, 78, respectively, platform support mechanism 26 can be assuredly locked into a desired position. Such selective position locking makes it easier to work with platform height adjustment apparatus 60 and helps to maintain the desired position of platform support mechanism 26 (especially when set in the pier lifting mode of second lock position 78).

Together FIGS. 4-7 show the various stages of use of platform height apparatus 60 with respect to a pier 10. Specifically, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the lowering of platform height adjustment apparatus 60 along a pier post 12. Next, FIG. 6 shows platform support mechanism 26 being moved into a position in which support extensions 36, 38 are able to extend below pier platform 18 and are ready to lift against pier underside 24. Finally, FIG. 7 shows height positioning mechanism 32 in its extended or lift mode in which the level of support extensions 36, 38 and pier platform 18 (not shown in this view) are correspondingly raised.

Temporary support mechanism 80 (FIGS. 8 and 9) can be used in lieu of temporary support mechanism 20 as a means of supporting a particular platform height adjustment apparatus (e.g., 22 or 60). Temporary support mechanism or member 80 includes a clamp member 82, a support member plate 84, and a plate supporting extension 86.

Clamp member 82 includes a first clamp portion 88 and a second clamp portion 90 along with a pair of threaded fastener combinations 92. Together the elements of clamp member 82 are able to facilitate the clamping of clamp member 82 relative to post 12. Such fixturing thereby allows temporary support mechanism 80 to hold a specified position relative to post 12, even when subjected to the load of the pier platform 18 via the use of a given platform height adjustment apparatus 22, 60.

Advantageously, one of first clamp portion 88 and second clamp portion 90 is mechanically joined or welded/soldered to support member plate 84 to increase the stability offered by temporary support mechanism 80. Yet further advantageously, second clamp portion 90 is attached to support member plate 84, and plate supporting extension 86 is also joined or permanently molded with each of second clamp portion 90 and support member plate 84. Such joining or molding of these three parts 84, 86, and 90 together further increases the stability of temporary support mechanism 80 (e.g., its resistance to twisting and/or bending) and ultimately its ability to withstand the load created by pier platform 18. It is to be understood that, while it is advantageous to join and/or mold one of clamp portions 80, 90 with at least one of support member plate 84 and plate supporting extension 86, the other such clamp portion 88, 90 must be releasably connectable to the other clamp portion half in order for temporary support mechanism 80 to be releasably connected upon post 12.

Support member plate 84 is provided to offer greater and more stable support for a given platform height adjustment apparatus 22, 60 (not shown in FIG. 8 or 9) and most particularly for base plate 30 (shown in phantom in FIG. 8) resting directly thereupon. Support member plate 84 includes a first plate side 94 and a second plate side 96. Clamp member 82 and plate supporting extension 86 are mounted relative to first plate side 94, while second plate side 96 receives first plate 30 of platform height adjustment apparatus 22, 60 thereupon. The provision of plate supporting extension 86 help plate 84 resist bending under the weight placed thereupon by platform height adjustment apparatus 22, 60.

Furthermore, support member plate 84 is provided with a post-receiving through-hole 98 and a plurality of platform height adjustment apparatus attachment through-holes 100. Through-holes 100 facilitate the attachment of plates 30, 84 via, e.g., threaded fasteners or potentially via a means as simple as individual pull straps threaded through the respective holes. The ability to attach plates 80, 84 together further increases the overall mount stability and reduces the potential degrees of freedom of movement relative to one another during loading. The use of other temporary connection members therebetween which do not require through-holes 100, such as C-clamps, is also contemplated and is considered within the scope of the present invention.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.