Modular pier and attachment system for modular pier

{
  "publication_number": "US10465352B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Modular pier and attachment system for modular pier",
  "abstract": "The invention relates to a pier (10), a pier attachment system (1), a method for building the pier (10). The pier attachment system (1) is used for attaching a surface module (2) of the pier to a lower part (6) of the pier. The pier attachment system (1) comprises an attachment bracket (3), an attachment plug (4), and a surface module (2). The attachment plug (4) is adapted to extend between an aperture (21 a) in a first surface module (2 a) and an aperture (21 b) in a second surface module (2 b). The attachment bracket (3) is adapted to fasten the attachment plug (4) to a beam (5) of the lower part (6) of the pier and thereby fasten the surface modules (2) to the lower part of the pier (6).",
  "claims": [
    "1. An attachment system for attaching surface modules of a pier to a lower part of the pier, wherein the attachment system comprises an attachment bracket, an attachment plug, a first surface module and a second surface module, wherein the attachment plug is adapted to extend between an aperture in the first surface module and an aperture in the second surface module, and in that said attachment bracket is adapted to be fastened to the lower part of the pier, and the attachment bracket is to be fastened to the attachment plug so that the attachment plug is fastened to the lower part of the pier and thereby the first and the second surface modules are fastened to the lower part of the pier, and wherein the attachment bracket has at least one edge adapted to break the attachment plug at a pre-determined breakage line on movement of the first or second surface module relative to the attachment bracket.",
    "2. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment plug is made of wood.",
    "3. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment plug is weaker than the attachment bracket and the first and second surface module such that on relative movement of the first or second surface modules to the attachment bracket, the attachment plug will break prior the attachment bracket or the first or second surface modules.",
    "4. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment bracket has a first loop-shaped end in which the attachment plug is adapted to be inserted and a second end adapted to be attached to the lower part of the pier.",
    "5. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second surface modules are elongated self-supporting surface modules produced from a composite material.",
    "6. The attachment system according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and the second self-supporting surface modules comprises at least a first and second material, the first and second material being different materials having equal or substantially equal coefficients of elasticity.",
    "7. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of the pier is at least one beam.",
    "8. The attachment system according to claim 7, wherein the attachment bracket is a bendable metal strip that is adapted to be fastened to the at least one beam of the lower part of the pier.",
    "9. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one beam has a hat channel profile.",
    "10. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein the surface modules has at least one channel and the attachment plug has a length corresponding to more than twice of a width of the at least one channel.",
    "11. A pier comprising a lower part and at least one attachment system according to claim 1.",
    "12. The pier according to claim 11, wherein the pier further comprises at least one vertical surface module arranged at a first side of the first and the second surface modules.",
    "13. A method for building a pier, comprising an attachment system and a lower part, wherein the attachment system comprises an attachment bracket, an attachment plug, a first surface module and a second surface module, wherein the attachment bracket has at least one edge adapted to break the attachment plug at a pre-determined breakage line on movement of the first or second surface module relative to the attachment bracket, wherein the method comprises the steps: arranging the first surface module on the lower part, inserting a first end of the attachment plug in an aperture of said first surface module on a side of the first surface module that is to face the second surface module, inserting said attachment plug into the attachment bracket, which attachment bracket is fastened to the lower part of the pier, arranging a second surface module on the lower part, and inserting a second end of said attachment plug into an aperture of the second surface module facing the aperture of the first surface module.",
    "14. The method for building a pier according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises the step: placing a first end of at least one attachment plug in a side aperture of said first or second surface module, wherein the side apertures are arranged on a side of the first or second surface module facing an end of the pier, and arranging a vertical surface module on the side of the first or second module by engaging a second end of said at least one attachment plug to an aperture in said vertical surface module."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application claims priority to Swedish Patent Application No. SE 1750349-1, filed 23 Mar. 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.\n\nThe present invention relates generally to a pier, an attachment system for attaching a surface module to a pier, and a method for building a pier.\n\nIn prior art, piers are traditionally built from wood or stones. The structures are fragile to storms, high-tide, and ice. The construction of piers has not changed substantially over time, the foundation, or the lower part of the pier, is commonly built by old telephone posts, rocks, stone, or concreate pipes. The surface material is commonly tared or pressure impregnated wood. Although piers have not changed much over time the constructions varies between different locations. The construction method at a specific location often correspond to the force of nature in that specific location. For example, the ocean normally presents a more difficult environment for a pier than a small fresh water lake, hence are the piers more rigid in the ocean. However, most piers independent of location and construction methodology are frequently refurbished or mended after storms, high-tide, or ice that has affected the structure. It is common that the material is destroyed after for example wooden planks are forced from their position on the pier by a storm. It is thereby common practice for most pier owners to occasionally replace damaged wooden planks, battens, or deals with new material.",
  "cpc": [
    "E02B 3/068",
    "E01D 15/12",
    "E01D 15/14",
    "E01D 19/005",
    "E01D 19/02",
    "E04B 5/023",
    "F16B 5/002",
    "F16B 5/0024",
    "F16B 5/123"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "E02B 3/06",
    "E04B 5/02",
    "F16B 5/00",
    "F16B 5/06"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "JILKEN LEIF"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "JILKÉN LEIF"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2018-03-22",
  "publication_date": "2019-11-05",
  "grant_date": "2019-11-05",
  "priority_date": "2017-03-23",
  "application_number": "US-201815928125-A",
  "family_id": "63854889",
  "citations": [
    "US2004237463A1",
    "US2004250505A1",
    "US4940021A",
    "US5412915A",
    "US6128880A"
  ]
}