US20030167994A1 - Method of manufacturing a watercraft - Google Patents
Method of manufacturing a watercraft Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030167994A1 US20030167994A1 US10/220,281 US22028103A US2003167994A1 US 20030167994 A1 US20030167994 A1 US 20030167994A1 US 22028103 A US22028103 A US 22028103A US 2003167994 A1 US2003167994 A1 US 2003167994A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- core
- watercraft
- sheets
- veneer
- adhesive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B5/00—Hulls characterised by their construction of non-metallic material
- B63B5/24—Hulls characterised by their construction of non-metallic material made predominantly of plastics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/57—Boards characterised by the material, e.g. laminated materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/59—Boards characterised by their manufacturing process, e.g. moulded or 3D printed
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1028—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith
Definitions
- This invention relates to watercraft and methods of manufacturing same.
- the core materials are shaped and then coated with a composite of resins and fibreglass to form an outer skin.
- Fibreglass is highly toxic in its application and a potential cause of lung, skin and liver disorders.
- the watercraft are 100% non-recyclable.
- One natural material which is available in abundance is bamboo, a natural timber which is readily grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world.
- bamboo is in abundant supply, is a relatively renewable inexpensive resource, can be readily worked, is naturally strong it is surprising that the material is not used more extensively than it is.
- a method of manufacturing a watercraft which comprises a foam inner core and an outer layer of natural bamboo veneer, the method comprising the steps of;
- the core material may be from any variety of foam including an extruded polystyrene foam.
- the core material is unreinforced.
- the sheets of bamboo veneer are applied separately to the top and bottom major surfaces of the core.
- the adhesive is cured whilst at an elevated temperature.
- the elevated temperature can be approximately 60 degrees Celsius.
- the step of drawing the sheets onto the core under a partial pressure environment can be achieved within a flexible membrane.
- watercraft manufactured according to the aforesaid method, the watercraft comprising a foam inner core protected by an outer layer of bamboo veneer.
- the core material may be from any variety of foam including expanded polystyrene foam.
- the core material is unreinforced.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of a watercraft according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective and plan view of the step of forming an elongate bamboo veneer from rolls
- FIG. 3 shows the elongate veneer of FIG. 2 overlying core of is a watercraft after shaping of the veneer
- FIG. 4 shows a watercraft core and veneer where the veneer has had adhesive applied and is taped at the edges to conform to the shape of the core, and
- FIGS. 5 & 6 are side and sectional views of the process of creating a partial vacuum to draw the veneer onto a watercraft core prior to curing.
- a watercraft hull generally indicated by arrow 1 can be formed from a rigid foam core 2 protected by an outer veneer 3 .
- the outer veneer 3 is formed from sheets of bamboo veneer.
- the bamboo which is in sheet form is taken from the internal “timber” region of bamboo plants.
- the bamboo sheet is provided in various sizes, approximately a millimetre thick.
- the bamboo sheet material can be applied to the core in a natural or preconditioned state.
- the preconditioning of the sheet material can include the application of adhesives and/or resins and a partial pressure environment used to apply the sheet material to the core.
- the process of manufacture can include the steps of shaping the core materials by hand or machine or by pre-moulding.
- Resin impregnated bamboo sheet materials are then applied as a veneer to the core preferably within a partial pressure environment (a vacuum chamber).
- the partial pressure environment can be subject to elevated temperatures.
- the sheet materials are laid on a foam core and placed on a bed within the vacuum chamber, and when a vacuum is applied the sheets are drawn onto and adhere to the core.
- the major surfaces of the hull may be covered in a two-stage process by the application of veneer to one side, allowing the adhesive to cure and then applying the veneer to the other side and allowing the adhesive to cure.
- the completed hull can then be removed from the chamber and finished in a variety of ways.
- Finishing may entail sanding, the application of epoxy varnishes, paints, lacquers and the like, and the fitting of accessories such as rope ties, fins, skegs, rudders and the like.
- the first stage of the manufacturing process is to form an elongate bamboo veneer 4 from smaller sheets taken from rolls of bamboo veneer 5 as is illustrated by FIG. 2.
- the veneer 5 is then shaped to conform to the shape of the core 2 as is illustrated by FIG. 3.
- Adhesive is then applied to the underside of the veneer 5 and extending edges 4 a are taped onto the underlying edges of the core 2 whilst the core is supported by a rest 6 as is illustrated by FIG. 4.
- the veneered core 2 is then placed on a supporting table 7 atop a rigid template 8 .
- a flexible top plate 9 is placed on the top surface of the veneered core 2 and the element formed is bagged within a flexible membrane and then the bag is evacuated.
- the element is then placed within a heating chamber (not shown) for curing.
- the temperatures within the heating chamber are approximately 60 degrees Celsius.
- the laminated core can be applied to the opposite side and similarly processed prior to sanding and finishing.
- the present invention has many advantages over conventional practices including;
- Non-toxic foam (styrene), which vastly reduces waste and which is recyclable can be used.
- Epoxy resins which have fewer volatile organic compounds and less than 6% solvents can be used.
- a bamboo veneer which has twice the strength of fibreglass, for the same weight and is flexible, light, totally natural and non-toxic at all levels of manufacture.
- Product produced utilising the methodology of the present invention has less toxicity, as it uses recyclable cores, organic substrates (bamboo) and epoxy resins.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a watercraft which comprises a foam inner core (2) and an outer layer of natural bamboo veneer (3), the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying an adhesive to a plurality of sheets of bamboo veneer; (b) placing the sheet on the inner core (2); (c) drawing the sheets onto the core (2) under a partial on the inner core (2); (c) drawing the sheets onto the core (2) under a partial pressure environment; and (d) allowing the adhesive to cure.
Description
- This invention relates to watercraft and methods of manufacturing same.
- Traditionally watercraft such as surfboards, surf skis, sail boards, body boards and the like have been manufactured from a foam (usually polyurethane) core which includes an internal stringer (usually a strip of plywood).
- The core materials are shaped and then coated with a composite of resins and fibreglass to form an outer skin.
- Whilst such watercraft can be produced in varying shapes and designs and in attractive finishes there are a number of acknowledged disadvantages associated with the traditional methods of construction including:
- 1. Polyurethane-foam cores are inherently weak, not impact resistant, and the processing of the foams is generally wasteful.
- 2. Stringers used to reinforce the core materials have little resilience and are heavy compared with the overall weight of a craft.
- 3. Resins which are commonly used are solvent based, highly toxic and environmentally damaging.
- 4. Commonly applied fibreglass skins are brittle, relatively heavy and are readily damaged by impacts and collisions.
- 5. Fibreglass is highly toxic in its application and a potential cause of lung, skin and liver disorders.
- 6. The watercraft are 100% non-recyclable.
- There are increasing pressures on industries to use eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing techniques, to eliminate the use of toxic materials, and to maximise the use of natural recyclable materials.
- One natural material which is available in abundance is bamboo, a natural timber which is readily grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world.
- Whilst bamboos are used for building purposes and for making furniture poles, etc. its field of use has been relatively limited.
- Bearing in mind that bamboo is in abundant supply, is a relatively renewable inexpensive resource, can be readily worked, is naturally strong it is surprising that the material is not used more extensively than it is.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of constructing watercraft such as surfboards, utilising bamboo as a protective veneer.
- Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description.
- According to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a watercraft which comprises a foam inner core and an outer layer of natural bamboo veneer, the method comprising the steps of;
- (a) applying an adhesive to a plurality of sheets of bamboo veneer,
- (b) placing the sheets on the inner core
- (c) drawing the sheets onto the core under a partial pressure environment,
- (d) allowing the adhesive to cure.
- The core material may be from any variety of foam including an extruded polystyrene foam.
- The core material is unreinforced.
- The sheets of bamboo veneer are applied separately to the top and bottom major surfaces of the core.
- The adhesive is cured whilst at an elevated temperature.
- The elevated temperature can be approximately 60 degrees Celsius.
- The step of drawing the sheets onto the core under a partial pressure environment can be achieved within a flexible membrane.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided watercraft manufactured according to the aforesaid method, the watercraft comprising a foam inner core protected by an outer layer of bamboo veneer.
- The core material may be from any variety of foam including expanded polystyrene foam.
- The core material is unreinforced.
- Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of a watercraft according to the present invention, and
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective and plan view of the step of forming an elongate bamboo veneer from rolls, and
- FIG. 3 shows the elongate veneer of FIG. 2 overlying core of is a watercraft after shaping of the veneer, and
- FIG. 4 shows a watercraft core and veneer where the veneer has had adhesive applied and is taped at the edges to conform to the shape of the core, and
- FIGS. 5 & 6 are side and sectional views of the process of creating a partial vacuum to draw the veneer onto a watercraft core prior to curing.
- With respect to FIG. 1 of the drawings a watercraft hull generally indicated by
arrow 1 can be formed from arigid foam core 2 protected by anouter veneer 3. - The
outer veneer 3 is formed from sheets of bamboo veneer. - The bamboo which is in sheet form is taken from the internal “timber” region of bamboo plants.
- Depending on the parent material the bamboo sheet is provided in various sizes, approximately a millimetre thick.
- The bamboo sheet material can be applied to the core in a natural or preconditioned state.
- The preconditioning of the sheet material can include the application of adhesives and/or resins and a partial pressure environment used to apply the sheet material to the core.
- The process of manufacture can include the steps of shaping the core materials by hand or machine or by pre-moulding.
- Resin impregnated bamboo sheet materials are then applied as a veneer to the core preferably within a partial pressure environment (a vacuum chamber).
- The partial pressure environment can be subject to elevated temperatures.
- The sheet materials are laid on a foam core and placed on a bed within the vacuum chamber, and when a vacuum is applied the sheets are drawn onto and adhere to the core.
- The major surfaces of the hull may be covered in a two-stage process by the application of veneer to one side, allowing the adhesive to cure and then applying the veneer to the other side and allowing the adhesive to cure.
- The completed hull can then be removed from the chamber and finished in a variety of ways.
- Finishing may entail sanding, the application of epoxy varnishes, paints, lacquers and the like, and the fitting of accessories such as rope ties, fins, skegs, rudders and the like.
- With respect to FIG. 2 to6 of the drawings the first stage of the manufacturing process is to form an
elongate bamboo veneer 4 from smaller sheets taken from rolls ofbamboo veneer 5 as is illustrated by FIG. 2. - The
veneer 5 is then shaped to conform to the shape of thecore 2 as is illustrated by FIG. 3. - Adhesive is then applied to the underside of the
veneer 5 and extending edges 4 a are taped onto the underlying edges of thecore 2 whilst the core is supported by arest 6 as is illustrated by FIG. 4. - The veneered
core 2 is then placed on a supporting table 7 atop arigid template 8. - A
flexible top plate 9 is placed on the top surface of theveneered core 2 and the element formed is bagged within a flexible membrane and then the bag is evacuated. - The element is then placed within a heating chamber (not shown) for curing.
- The temperatures within the heating chamber are approximately 60 degrees Celsius.
- After curing the laminated core can be applied to the opposite side and similarly processed prior to sanding and finishing.
- The present invention has many advantages over conventional practices including;
- 1. Non-toxic foam (styrene), which vastly reduces waste and which is recyclable can be used.
- 2. Epoxy resins, which have fewer volatile organic compounds and less than 6% solvents can be used.
- 3. No stringer is used, which leads to a 15% overall weight reduction and increases performance for the same weight.
- 4. A bamboo veneer, which has twice the strength of fibreglass, for the same weight and is flexible, light, totally natural and non-toxic at all levels of manufacture.
- 5. Product produced utilising the methodology of the present invention has less toxicity, as it uses recyclable cores, organic substrates (bamboo) and epoxy resins.
- 6. Product is aesthetically appealing due to its natural appearance.
- 7. Easy blended repairs can be readily made.
- Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A method of manufacturing a watercraft which comprises a foam inner core and an outer layer of natural bamboo veneer, the method comprising the steps of;
(a) applying an adhesive to a plurality of sheets of bamboo veneer,
(b) placing the sheets on the inner core
(c) drawing the sheets onto the core under a partial pressure environment,
(d) allowing the adhesive to cure.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the core material is an extruded polystyrene foam.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the core material is unreinforced.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheets of bamboo veneer are applied separately to the top and bottom major surfaces of the core.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of allowing the adhesive to cure at an elevated temperature.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the elevated temperature is approximately 60 degrees celsius.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of drawing the sheets onto the core under a partial pressure environment is achieved within a flexible membrane.
8. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. A watercraft manufactured according to the method of claim 1 comprising a foam inner core protected by an outer layer of bamboo veneer.
10. A watercraft as claimed in claim 9 wherein the core material is an expanded polystyrene foam.
11. A watercraft as claimed in claim 10 wherein the core material is unreinforced.
12. A watercraft is substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU20819/00A AU727913B3 (en) | 2000-03-10 | 2000-03-10 | Improvements in watercraft and the manufacture thereof |
AU2081900 | 2000-03-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030167994A1 true US20030167994A1 (en) | 2003-09-11 |
Family
ID=3710128
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/220,281 Abandoned US20030167994A1 (en) | 2000-03-10 | 2001-03-09 | Method of manufacturing a watercraft |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030167994A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003525815A (en) |
AU (2) | AU727913B3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001066411A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102008022591B4 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2012-12-13 | Bruno Gruber | Composite part and composite structure |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6648363B2 (en) * | 2001-12-05 | 2003-11-18 | Shale Gordon | Composite sports board such as a skateboard deck |
FR2916983B1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2010-08-13 | Salomon Sa | SLIDING OR ROLLING BOARD |
FR2922117A1 (en) * | 2007-10-15 | 2009-04-17 | Manuel Sanchez | Sliding board i.e. surfboard, surface processing method, involves applying coating into two layers on surface of sliding board, where coating has additive for softening varnish to avoid cracking of varnish during utilization of board |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4070019A (en) * | 1975-12-08 | 1978-01-24 | Groves-Kelco Sales, Inc. | Laminated game rackets and method of constructing same |
US4255221A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1981-03-10 | Young Gary W | Surfboard and method and apparatus for making surfboards and like molded structures |
US4810551A (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1989-03-07 | Chu Alan C | Bamboo board |
US5271996A (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1993-12-21 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | Reinforced trim board |
US5976644A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1999-11-02 | Amati Bambu Ltd. | Process for treating bamboo and articles made by the process |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5219868A (en) * | 1990-12-10 | 1993-06-15 | Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc. | Imidazolidine derivatives, preparation thereof, insecticides containing same as an effective ingredient and intermediates therefor |
CN1101002A (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1995-04-05 | 吴旦人 | Bamboo rowing-boat and production technology for its body |
JP2651889B2 (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1997-09-10 | エース住宅株式会社 | Bamboo boat |
CN2229878Y (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1996-06-26 | 沈懋仁 | Bamboo veneer board used for ship |
-
2000
- 2000-03-10 AU AU20819/00A patent/AU727913B3/en not_active Ceased
-
2001
- 2001-03-09 AU AU2001240336A patent/AU2001240336B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-03-09 JP JP2001565239A patent/JP2003525815A/en active Pending
- 2001-03-09 US US10/220,281 patent/US20030167994A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-03-09 WO PCT/AU2001/000253 patent/WO2001066411A1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4070019A (en) * | 1975-12-08 | 1978-01-24 | Groves-Kelco Sales, Inc. | Laminated game rackets and method of constructing same |
US4255221A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1981-03-10 | Young Gary W | Surfboard and method and apparatus for making surfboards and like molded structures |
US4810551A (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1989-03-07 | Chu Alan C | Bamboo board |
US5271996A (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1993-12-21 | Ikeda Bussan Co., Ltd. | Reinforced trim board |
US5976644A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1999-11-02 | Amati Bambu Ltd. | Process for treating bamboo and articles made by the process |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102008022591B4 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2012-12-13 | Bruno Gruber | Composite part and composite structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2001240336B2 (en) | 2004-01-22 |
AU727913B3 (en) | 2001-01-04 |
AU4033601A (en) | 2001-09-17 |
WO2001066411A1 (en) | 2001-09-13 |
JP2003525815A (en) | 2003-09-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |