Floating docks

Abstract

In some embodiments, the floating dock of the present disclosure includes a monolithically-molded structure having opposed top and bottom surfaces and one or more side surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces, the monolithically-molded structure including an integral polymeric foam core. In some embodiments, the monolithically-molded structure includes one or more edge channels at the periphery of the monolithically-molded structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A floating dock, comprising:
 a monolithically-molded structure having opposed top and bottom surfaces and one or more side surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces, the monolithically-molded structure including an integral polymeric foam core.   
     
     
         2 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the monolithically-molded structure further includes one or more edge channels at the periphery of the monolithically-molded structure, the one or more edge channels being adjacent to the top surface and the one or more side surfaces, and being spaced from the bottom surface relative to the top surface and the one or more side surfaces. 
     
     
         3 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more edge channels are fully contained within the monolithically-molded structure, the edge channels having opposed end openings in the one or more side surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more edge channels includes a top member and a side member, the top member being co-planar and formed with the top surface, and the side member being parallel to a corresponding side surface of the one or more side surfaces and formed with the top member, and wherein the top member, the side member, and the corresponding side surface collectively define a channel that is accessible from external the monolithically-molded structure. 
     
     
         5 . The dock of  claim 4 , wherein the top member, the side member, and the corresponding side surface collectively define a U-shaped channel that is accessible from external the monolithically-molded structure. 
     
     
         6 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more edge channels extend around the periphery of the polymeric foam core. 
     
     
         7 . The dock of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fixtures directly mounted to one or more end portions of the top surface or at least one side surface of the one or more side surfaces of the monolithically-molded structure. 
     
     
         8 . The dock of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more fixtures are directly mounted to the one or more end portions the top surface or the at least one side surface via one or more fasteners, the one or more fasteners extending into the one or more edge channels. 
     
     
         9 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface includes two or more spaced keel rails. 
     
     
         10 . The dock of  claim 9 , further comprising a skid plate attached to each of the two or more spaced keel rails. 
     
     
         11 . The dock of  claim 1 , further comprising an anti-slip coating applied to the top surface. 
     
     
         12 . The dock of  claim 11 , further comprising a polymeric coating applied to the bottom surface and the one or more side surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the dock is free from a structural collar and a foundational frame.