Coupling device

Abstract

Described is a coupling device for a joining together adjacent dock segments of a dock installation including an elongate pin portion and at least one clamp portion, each positionable on respective dock segments. The pin portion has at least one elongate first clamp surface aligned along its length with a central longitudinal first axis, the pin portion being configured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving region adjacent the clamp portion. The pin-receiving region is at least partially bordered by at least one second clamp surface which is aligned with a second axis. The clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged with the second clamp surface. The second axis is configured to be substantially parallel with the first axis, and with a lateral axis of at least one of the dock segments, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the first axis to accommodate relative movement between the adjacent dock segments.

1 . A coupling device for a joining together adjacent dock segments of a dock installation, comprising an elongate pin portion and at least one clamp portion, each positionable on respective dock segments; the pin portion having at least one elongate first clamp surface aligned along its length with a central longitudinal first axis, the pin portion being configured to be received in a corresponding pin-receiving region adjacent the clamp portion; the pin-receiving region at least partially bordered by at least one second clamp surface which is aligned with a second axis; and wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the second axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the first clamp surface engaged with the second clamp surface, the second axis configured to be substantially parallel with the first axis, and with a lateral axis of at least one of the dock segments, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the first axis to accommodate relative movement between the adjacent dock segments. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp portion further comprises first and second clamp portions, each providing one of a pair of the second clamp surfaces, wherein the second clamp surfaces are at least partially substantially symmetrical relative to the pin-receiving region. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pin support portion configured for mounting the pin portion on a corresponding mounting region on a first dock segment. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , further comprising a clamp support portion configured for mounting the first and second clamp portions on a corresponding mounting region on a second dock segment. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator operable to displace the first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portion between the pin-receiving and pin-engaging configurations. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the actuator is configured to be accessible from an upper deck surface of the dock segment. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the actuator is configured to be accessible from a location other than an upper deck surface of the dock segment. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the actuator includes a threaded member threadably engaged with one of the first and second clamp portions. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the second clamp portion is configured as a cam to displace the pin portion between the pin-engaging and pin-receiving configurations, on rotation thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin portion and/or the clamp portions further comprise one or more layers of one or more low-friction materials to form the first and/or second clamp surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an indicator, operable to indicate when the clamping portion is in the pin-engaging configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the indicator includes an indicator member, associated with the actuator, and capable of changing its orientation in a visibly distinctive manner between the pin-receiving configuration and pin-engaging configurations. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the indicator member is a block which, in the pin-engaged configuration is sufficiently squeezed to become visible by an operator of the actuator. 
     
     
         14 . A dock segment comprising a designated portion of a pin portion or a clamp portion of a coupling device of  claim 1 , wherein the dock segment includes one or more of a floating or non-floating dock span, a ramp, a pier and/or a dock anchor. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin support portion includes a base and a pair of webs extending outwardly therefrom, the webs configured to support the pin portion therebetween. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the webs include parallel passages to receive a corresponding end region of the pin portion. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the second clamp portion includes a channel portion with a flange extending outwardly therefrom, wherein one or more of the channel portion and flange define the second clamp surface. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the channel portion includes an inner passage which is dimensioned to receive a first threaded fastener therein in manner to prevent rotation of the threaded fastener, the channel and/or flange being further configured to receive a second complementary threaded fastener extending between the first and second clamp portions. 
     
     
         19 . A coupling device for use in positioning a dock segment in a dock installation, comprising a clamp portion positionable on the dock segment or an associated anchoring structure, the clamp portion having a pin-receiving region to receive a pin portion of another coupling device, the pin-receiving region being aligned with a clamp axis, wherein the clamp portion is configured to be actuated between an open pin-receiving configuration, at least partially opening the pin-receiving region along the clamp axis, and a pin-engaging configuration with the pin portion held in the pin-receiving region, wherein the clamp axis is configured to be substantially parallel with a pin axis of the pin portion, and with a lateral axis of the dock segment or the associated anchoring structure, for securing the pin portion therewith, so that the pin portion is rotatable relative to the clamp portion about the pin axis to accommodate relative movement between the dock segment and the adjacent dock segment or associated anchoring structure. 
     
     
         20 . A method of installing a dock at a designated location, comprising:
 a. providing at least one coupling device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin portion and the clamp portion are each positioned on corresponding dock segments or a dock segment and an associated anchoring structure; with the clamp portion in the pin-receiving configuration;   b. operatively aligning the pin portion and clamp portion for engagement; and   c. actuating the clamp portion to the pin-engaging configuration.