Frameless modular floating dock with inflatable pontoons

Abstract

A modular buoyant support apparatus is comprised of buoyant support modules of inflatable pontoons. The pontoons comprise inflatable cylindrical tubular chambers, typically fabricated of polymer coated fabric sheet material. Pontoons are fashioned so that they may be connected directly, in a modular fashion, to the underside of an appropriately configured dock platform. In some embodiments, a pontoon presents a relatively planar surface to the underside of the dock platform. The pontoons connect with attachment mechanisms depending from the dock platform via attachment points integral to or connected to the pontoons. Advantageously, the pontoons may be shipped deflated to the location for the dock and, in situ, both inflated for deployment and deflated for maintenance or relocation.

1 - 6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . A modular floating dock, comprising;
 a plurality of chambered inflatable pontoon modules;   a substantially planar dock platform; and   a means of attaching the modules to the platform.   
   
   
       8 . A modular floating dock, comprising
 a plurality of chambered inflatable pontoon modules, each module having an edge disposed within which are a plurality of reinforced grommets; and   a substantially planar dock platform depending from which are a plurality of retainers adapted to releasably engage the pontoons by their grommets.   
   
   
       9 . A modular floating dock, comprising
 a plurality of chambered inflatable pontoon modules, each module having an integral seamed mounting ridge along at least a portion of its perimeter; and   a substantially planar dock platform depending from which are a plurality of clamps releasably retaining the pontoons by their seamed mounting ridges.