US20060260531A1 - Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat - Google Patents
Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat Download PDFInfo
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- US20060260531A1 US20060260531A1 US11/346,835 US34683506A US2006260531A1 US 20060260531 A1 US20060260531 A1 US 20060260531A1 US 34683506 A US34683506 A US 34683506A US 2006260531 A1 US2006260531 A1 US 2006260531A1
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- panel
- rail
- watercraft
- tab
- rails
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B17/00—Vessels parts, details, or accessories, not otherwise provided for
- B63B17/04—Stanchions; Guard-rails ; Bulwarks or the like
Definitions
- the invention relates to boundaries used on a watercraft. Specially, the invention relates to boundaries used on pontoon boats.
- Watercraft such as pontoon boats generally include a plurality of rails supported by the deck of watercraft.
- the rails sometimes are positioned around the outer periphery of the deck to prevent passengers from falling overboard and to provide support of passengers.
- the rails cooperate with the deck or some other area of the watercraft to enclose a panel.
- the rail and panel may form a boundary around the outer periphery of the watercraft.
- the panels are constructed of a metal such as aluminum.
- One embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft including a frame, a rail supported by the frame, and a non-metallic panel supported by the rail.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft including a frame, a rail member supported by the frame, a panel member coupled to the rail, and means for coupling the panel member to the rail member.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising a rail including a recessed portion and an extension, and a panel including first and second ends, the first end including an interlocking portion.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a watercraft, comprising the steps of providing a flotation platform, extruding a plurality of rails, defining a rail structure by attaching the plurality of rails to the flotation platform, providing a polymer-based panel, and interlocking the polymer-based panel to the rails to define a boundary wall.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising a rail including a recessed portion and an extension, a panel configured to be attached to the rail, and cooperative interlocking members associated with the panel and the rail, the members configured to attach the panel to the rail.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of making a rail for a watercraft, and for use with a panel having tabs along an edge thereof, the method including the steps of providing a metallic material, and extruding the metallic material to produce a tube having a substantially square cross section including an extension and a recess, the recess adjacent to the extension.
- a pontoon boat including a flotation platform defining a perimeter, a motor supported by the flotation platform, a plurality of rails supported by the flotation platform, the rails positioned around the perimeter, the rails including a substantially square tube having a recess and an extension positioned adjacent the recess, the extension including a first tab, and a plurality of polymer-based panels having first and second ends and sides extending therebetween, each of the panels including a second tab on each side, the second tab configured to interlock with the first tab of the extension to secure the panels to the rail.
- FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a pontoon boat
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one prior art embodiment of a rail used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 1 , the rail is shown in its preassembled configuration;
- FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of one embodiment of a rail and panel system through lines 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 , and as shown, is configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their preassembled configuration;
- FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown in FIG. 3 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration;
- FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 1 , with the rails shown in their preassembled configuration;
- FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown in FIG. 5 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration;
- FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system using the rail shown in FIG. 2 , the system is configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown in FIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their assembled configuration;
- FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatical view showing a method of manufacturing the panel and rail system described
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system configured to be used on a watercraft such as a pontoon boat, as shown in FIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their preassembled configuration; and
- FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown in FIG. 9 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration.
- a watercraft, generally indicated as 10 is shown in FIG. 1 , and in this embodiment, watercraft 10 is a pontoon boat.
- Watercraft 10 includes a frame, generally indicated as 12 , an engine, generally indicated as 14 , pontoons 16 , and deck 18 .
- Watercraft 10 also includes a plurality of rails 20 and panels 22 supported by frame 12 and deck 18 . Rails 20 are positioned above and below panels 22 to form a boundary around an outer periphery of deck 18 to safely surround passengers on watercraft 10 .
- FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of a prior art embodiment of one rail, generally indicated as 19 , is shown in FIG. 2 .
- Rails 19 are used similarly to rails 20 as shown in FIG. 1 to secure panels 22 to the watercraft to form an outer boundary of the watercraft.
- Each rail 19 is constructed of an extruded metallic tube and includes a rail member 17 having a substantially square profile.
- Rail 19 also includes an extension 15 coupled to one side of rail member 19 . This configuration of rail 19 is commonly called a “Q tube.”
- Extension 15 includes a pair of teeth 21 .
- a receiving area, generally indicated as 23 is formed between extension 15 and rail member 17 .
- rail 19 is shown in the unassembled orientation.
- a panel such as panel 22 in FIG. 1
- extension 15 is bent or crimped toward rail member 17 to secure the panel in receiving area 23 in position. Teeth 21 engage the panel when extension 15 is crimped.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of upper and lower rails 20 in accordance with the present invention with one panel 22 positioned between is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Upper and lower rails 20 are identical with respect to form and function and differ only in orientation.
- Panel 22 is shown in partial for simplicity, and it should be understood that opposite ends are also substantially identical and only differ in orientation.
- each rail 20 includes a rail member 24 , an extension 26 , and a recess or recessed area 30 .
- rail 20 is an extruded aluminum tube.
- rail 20 may be constructed of another metallic material, a non-metallic material, or any other suitable material.
- Rail member 24 has a substantially square profile and a hollow central region.
- Rail member 24 includes a side, generally indicated as 25 , from which an extension 26 extends.
- Side 25 and extension 26 form a receiving area, generally indicated as 29 , for receiving an end of panel 22 , as will be described herein.
- Extension 26 extends from side 25 of rail member 24 and includes an interlocking or engaging portion 28 , which is shown as a tab, positioned at one end of extension 26 .
- a recessed area or recess 30 is formed in side 25 of rail member 24 . As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, recessed area 30 extends about half of the length of side 25 .
- Panel 22 includes a panel member 32 , which is continuous between an upper end 31 and a lower end 33 .
- Upper and lower ends 31 and 33 each include an interlocking or engaging portion 34 , which is shown as a tab that extends substantially perpendicularly from panel member 32 .
- panel 22 is constructed of polycarbonate.
- Polycarbonate is dent- and scratch-resistant and has excellent thermal expansion, toughness, and forming capabilities. Additionally, polycarbonate has heat deflection properties and can be produced in a wide variety of colors, which may reduce the need for further processing such as painting. Supplemental components, such as ultraviolet blockers and stabilizers, may be added to polycarbonate to optimize the polycarbonate for the desired application.
- panel member 22 may be constructed from a polymer-based material, a non-metallic material, or any other suitable material.
- FIG. 3 shows a preassembled position, where panel 22 is shown poised for interconnection to rails 20 .
- upper end 31 and lower end 33 of panel member 32 are positioned in corresponding recessed areas 30 , with respective interlocking portions 34 extending in an overlapping manner with interlocking portions 28 of extensions 26 .
- rails 20 are shown with extensions 26 bent or crimped to secure panel 22 in position between upper and lower rails 20 .
- interlocking portions 28 interlock with respective interlocking portions 34 to secure panel member 32 in recessed areas 30 .
- rails 20 and panels 22 extend along the length of watercraft 10 . Assembly of the boundary formed by rails 20 and panels 22 generally includes the steps of positioning a panel 22 between upper and lower rail 20 , as shown in FIG. 3 , and providing a roller or other crimping device (see FIG. 8 ) configured to bend extensions 26 from the position shown in FIG. 3 into a position to secure panel 22 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- upper and lower rails are provided and positioned to cooperate with a panel, generally indicated as 52 .
- Upper and lower rails 40 each include a rail member 42 , an extension 44 , a recess or recessed area 48 , and a receiving area, generally indicated as 50 .
- recess 48 defines a notch.
- Panel 52 includes a panel member 54 and interlocking portions 56 , which are shown as tabs. Panel 52 is substantially similar to panel 22 with the exception that the orientation of the interlocking portions is reversed relative to the rails 40 , that is, interlocking portions 56 are facing towards rails 40 rather than away from rails 40 .
- Rails 40 are similar to rails 20 with the exceptions that extensions 44 do not include interlocking portions and recesses 48 are configured to accept interlocking portions 56 of panel 52 .
- extensions 44 are bent or crimped, as described above, toward rail members 42 to contact panel member 54 and secure interlocking portions 56 in recesses 48 .
- Interlocking portions 56 interlock with rail members 42 in recesses 48 .
- Extensions 44 , interlocking portions 56 , and recesses 48 prevent panel 52 from becoming dislodged if a force is applied to flex panel member 54 .
- FIG. 7 Another alternative embodiment of the rail and panel system is shown in FIG. 7 .
- This rail and panel system utilizes rails 19 of FIG. 2 and a non-metallic panel, generally indicated as 70 .
- Rails 19 and panel 70 are shown in an assembled partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 7 .
- rail 19 includes an extension 15 having teeth 21 .
- Non-metallic panel 70 is substantially flat and includes ends 72 , which are configured to be positioned in receiving areas 23 (not shown) of rails 19 during assembly. Extensions 15 are then crimped, which is described below, to secure panel 70 in position. Teeth 21 on extensions 15 contact ends 72 of panel 70 to secure panel 70 between rails 19 . In this position, non-metallic panel 70 directly contacts rail members 17 and extensions 15 .
- FIG. 8 a method of installing the rail and panel system will be described. The method is shown with the rail and panel system of FIGS. 3 and 4 , but the method is equally applicable to the embodiments of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 .
- the rails may be extruded from a material such as aluminum.
- the cross section of rails 20 or 40 is conducive to an extrusion process, as all of the configuration is continuous along its entire length. That is, for instance, in the embodiment shown, rail 20 is designed such that all of the features, including rail member 24 , extension 26 , interlocking portion 28 , and recess 30 , are continuous along the entire length of the rail, which may make an extrusion process a suitable means for producing rails 20 or 40 .
- panels 22 , 52 may be formed by a molding or extrusion process.
- the configuration of panels 22 , 52 is also compatible for either process.
- the panels are formed to include the interlocking portions 34 at the upper and lower ends 31 , 33 of panel 22 . It should be appreciated that the panels are formed such that the interlocking portions are spaced apart at the proper distance between extensions 26 .
- a crimping roller such as 60 ( FIG. 8 ), which is rotatable about axis A-A, can be used to crimp extensions 26 into place.
- roller 60 can begin at one end of rail 20 and move longitudinally along the length of rail 20 to roll the extensions from the preassembled position of 26 - 1 , shown in outline form, to the assembled position of 26 - 2 , where interlocking portions 28 overlap and interlock with interlocking portions 34 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 another alternate embodiment of a rail and panel system is shown.
- the rail and panel system utilizes upper and lower rails, generally indicated as 80 , respectively.
- Rails 80 may be an extruded aluminum tube or may be constructed using another process or another metallic material, non-metallic material or any other suitable material.
- Rail member 84 has a substantially square profile and a hollow central region. Each rail member 84 also includes a side, generally indicated as 85 , from which an extension 86 extends. Side 85 and extension 86 form a receiving area, generally indicated as 89 ( FIG. 9 ), for receiving an end of a panel, generally indicated as 100 , as will be described herein.
- Extension 86 extends from side 85 of rail member 84 and includes an interlocking or engaging portion 88 , which is shown as a tab or a lip, positioned at one end of extension 86 .
- an interlocking or engaging portion 88 which is shown as a tab or a lip, positioned at one end of extension 86 .
- a recessed area or recess 90 is formed in side 85 of rail member 84 .
- recessed area 90 extends about one-half of the length of side 85 .
- Panel 100 includes a panel member 102 , which is continuous between an upper end 101 and a lower end 103 .
- Upper and lower ends 101 and 103 each include an interlocking or engaging portion 104 , which is shown as a tab or a lip that faces away from rail members 84 .
- interlocking portions 104 form an acute angle with a face of panel member 102 .
- Panel member 102 may be constructed of a polycarbonate or may be constructed from another polymer-based material, a non-metallic material, a metallic material, or other suitable material.
- FIG. 9 shows a preassembled position, where panel 100 is shown poised for interconnection to rails 80 .
- upper end 101 and lower end 103 of panel member 102 are positioned in corresponding recessed areas 90 , with respective interlocking portions 104 extending in an overlapping manner, with interlocking portions 88 of extensions 86 .
- rails 80 are shown with extensions 86 bent or crimped, such as with a crimping roller 60 shown in FIG. 8 , to secure panel 100 and positioned between upper and lower rails 80 .
- extensions 86 are crimped, interlocking portions 88 interlock with respective interlocking portions 104 to secure panel member 102 .
Abstract
The invention relates to boundaries used on a watercraft. Specially, the invention relates to boundaries used on pontoon boats. The boundaries generally include a rail and panel system positioned around an outer periphery of the pontoon boat. The invention also relates to a method of forming and installing the boundaries on a watercraft.
Description
- This Continuation-In-Part application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/132,483 filed May 19, 2005, the complete disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
- The invention relates to boundaries used on a watercraft. Specially, the invention relates to boundaries used on pontoon boats.
- Watercraft such as pontoon boats generally include a plurality of rails supported by the deck of watercraft. The rails sometimes are positioned around the outer periphery of the deck to prevent passengers from falling overboard and to provide support of passengers. Typically, the rails cooperate with the deck or some other area of the watercraft to enclose a panel. The rail and panel may form a boundary around the outer periphery of the watercraft. In general, the panels are constructed of a metal such as aluminum.
- One embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft including a frame, a rail supported by the frame, and a non-metallic panel supported by the rail.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a watercraft including a frame, a rail member supported by the frame, a panel member coupled to the rail, and means for coupling the panel member to the rail member.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising a rail including a recessed portion and an extension, and a panel including first and second ends, the first end including an interlocking portion.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a watercraft, comprising the steps of providing a flotation platform, extruding a plurality of rails, defining a rail structure by attaching the plurality of rails to the flotation platform, providing a polymer-based panel, and interlocking the polymer-based panel to the rails to define a boundary wall.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising a rail including a recessed portion and an extension, a panel configured to be attached to the rail, and cooperative interlocking members associated with the panel and the rail, the members configured to attach the panel to the rail.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of making a rail for a watercraft, and for use with a panel having tabs along an edge thereof, the method including the steps of providing a metallic material, and extruding the metallic material to produce a tube having a substantially square cross section including an extension and a recess, the recess adjacent to the extension.
- Another embodiment of the invention includes a pontoon boat including a flotation platform defining a perimeter, a motor supported by the flotation platform, a plurality of rails supported by the flotation platform, the rails positioned around the perimeter, the rails including a substantially square tube having a recess and an extension positioned adjacent the recess, the extension including a first tab, and a plurality of polymer-based panels having first and second ends and sides extending therebetween, each of the panels including a second tab on each side, the second tab configured to interlock with the first tab of the extension to secure the panels to the rail.
- The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of a pontoon boat; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one prior art embodiment of a rail used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown inFIG. 1 , the rail is shown in its preassembled configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of one embodiment of a rail and panel system through lines 3-3 ofFIG. 1 , and as shown, is configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown inFIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their preassembled configuration; -
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown inFIG. 3 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration; -
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown inFIG. 1 , with the rails shown in their preassembled configuration; -
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown inFIG. 5 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration; -
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system using the rail shown inFIG. 2 , the system is configured to be used on a watercraft such as the pontoon boat shown inFIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their assembled configuration; -
FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatical view showing a method of manufacturing the panel and rail system described; -
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of another embodiment of a rail and panel system configured to be used on a watercraft such as a pontoon boat, as shown inFIG. 1 , the rails are shown in their preassembled configuration; and -
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional assembly view of the rail and panel system shown inFIG. 9 , with the rails shown in their assembled configuration. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention in several forms and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- The embodiments discussed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.
- A watercraft, generally indicated as 10, is shown in
FIG. 1 , and in this embodiment,watercraft 10 is a pontoon boat. Watercraft 10 includes a frame, generally indicated as 12, an engine, generally indicated as 14,pontoons 16, anddeck 18. Watercraft 10 also includes a plurality ofrails 20 andpanels 22 supported byframe 12 anddeck 18.Rails 20 are positioned above and belowpanels 22 to form a boundary around an outer periphery ofdeck 18 to safely surround passengers onwatercraft 10. - A cross-sectional view of a prior art embodiment of one rail, generally indicated as 19, is shown in
FIG. 2 .Rails 19 are used similarly torails 20 as shown inFIG. 1 to securepanels 22 to the watercraft to form an outer boundary of the watercraft. Eachrail 19 is constructed of an extruded metallic tube and includes arail member 17 having a substantially square profile.Rail 19 also includes anextension 15 coupled to one side ofrail member 19. This configuration ofrail 19 is commonly called a “Q tube.”Extension 15 includes a pair ofteeth 21. A receiving area, generally indicated as 23, is formed betweenextension 15 andrail member 17. InFIG. 2 ,rail 19 is shown in the unassembled orientation. In use, a panel, such aspanel 22 inFIG. 1 , is positioned in receivingarea 23, andextension 15 is bent or crimped towardrail member 17 to secure the panel in receivingarea 23 in position. Teeth 21 engage the panel whenextension 15 is crimped. - A partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of upper and
lower rails 20 in accordance with the present invention with onepanel 22 positioned between is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Upper andlower rails 20 are identical with respect to form and function and differ only in orientation.Panel 22 is shown in partial for simplicity, and it should be understood that opposite ends are also substantially identical and only differ in orientation. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , eachrail 20 includes arail member 24, anextension 26, and a recess orrecessed area 30. In this embodiment,rail 20 is an extruded aluminum tube. In other embodiments (not shown),rail 20 may be constructed of another metallic material, a non-metallic material, or any other suitable material.Rail member 24 has a substantially square profile and a hollow central region.Rail member 24 includes a side, generally indicated as 25, from which anextension 26 extends.Side 25 andextension 26 form a receiving area, generally indicated as 29, for receiving an end ofpanel 22, as will be described herein.Extension 26 extends fromside 25 ofrail member 24 and includes an interlocking orengaging portion 28, which is shown as a tab, positioned at one end ofextension 26. A recessed area orrecess 30 is formed inside 25 ofrail member 24. As shown inFIG. 3 , in this embodiment,recessed area 30 extends about half of the length ofside 25. -
Panel 22 includes apanel member 32, which is continuous between anupper end 31 and alower end 33. Upper andlower ends engaging portion 34, which is shown as a tab that extends substantially perpendicularly frompanel member 32. In this embodiment,panel 22 is constructed of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is dent- and scratch-resistant and has excellent thermal expansion, toughness, and forming capabilities. Additionally, polycarbonate has heat deflection properties and can be produced in a wide variety of colors, which may reduce the need for further processing such as painting. Supplemental components, such as ultraviolet blockers and stabilizers, may be added to polycarbonate to optimize the polycarbonate for the desired application. It should be understood thatpanel member 22 may be constructed from a polymer-based material, a non-metallic material, or any other suitable material. - It should be appreciated that
FIG. 3 shows a preassembled position, wherepanel 22 is shown poised for interconnection to rails 20. In this position,upper end 31 andlower end 33 ofpanel member 32 are positioned in corresponding recessedareas 30, with respective interlockingportions 34 extending in an overlapping manner with interlockingportions 28 ofextensions 26. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , rails 20 are shown withextensions 26 bent or crimped to securepanel 22 in position between upper andlower rails 20. Whenextensions 26 are crimped, interlockingportions 28 interlock with respective interlockingportions 34 to securepanel member 32 in recessedareas 30. As shown inFIG. 1 , rails 20 andpanels 22 extend along the length ofwatercraft 10. Assembly of the boundary formed byrails 20 andpanels 22 generally includes the steps of positioning apanel 22 between upper andlower rail 20, as shown inFIG. 3 , and providing a roller or other crimping device (seeFIG. 8 ) configured to bendextensions 26 from the position shown inFIG. 3 into a position to securepanel 22, as shown inFIG. 4 . - With reference now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , another embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, upper and lower rails, generally indicated as 40, are provided and positioned to cooperate with a panel, generally indicated as 52. Upper andlower rails 40 each include arail member 42, anextension 44, a recess or recessedarea 48, and a receiving area, generally indicated as 50. In this embodiment,recess 48 defines a notch.Panel 52 includes apanel member 54 and interlockingportions 56, which are shown as tabs.Panel 52 is substantially similar topanel 22 with the exception that the orientation of the interlocking portions is reversed relative to therails 40, that is, interlockingportions 56 are facing towardsrails 40 rather than away from rails 40.Rails 40 are similar torails 20 with the exceptions thatextensions 44 do not include interlocking portions and recesses 48 are configured to accept interlockingportions 56 ofpanel 52. - As shown in assembled view
FIG. 6 ,extensions 44 are bent or crimped, as described above, towardrail members 42 to contactpanel member 54 and secure interlockingportions 56 inrecesses 48. Interlockingportions 56 interlock withrail members 42 inrecesses 48.Extensions 44, interlockingportions 56, and recesses 48 preventpanel 52 from becoming dislodged if a force is applied to flexpanel member 54. - Another alternative embodiment of the rail and panel system is shown in
FIG. 7 . This rail and panel system utilizesrails 19 ofFIG. 2 and a non-metallic panel, generally indicated as 70.Rails 19 andpanel 70 are shown in an assembled partial cross-sectional view inFIG. 7 . As discussed above,rail 19 includes anextension 15 havingteeth 21.Non-metallic panel 70 is substantially flat and includes ends 72, which are configured to be positioned in receiving areas 23 (not shown) ofrails 19 during assembly.Extensions 15 are then crimped, which is described below, to securepanel 70 in position.Teeth 21 onextensions 15 contact ends 72 ofpanel 70 to securepanel 70 between rails 19. In this position,non-metallic panel 70 directly contacts railmembers 17 andextensions 15. - With reference now to
FIG. 8 , a method of installing the rail and panel system will be described. The method is shown with the rail and panel system ofFIGS. 3 and 4 , but the method is equally applicable to the embodiments ofFIGS. 5, 6 and 7. - With respect to the manufacturing of the rails themselves, the rails may be extruded from a material such as aluminum. The cross section of
rails rail 20 is designed such that all of the features, includingrail member 24,extension 26, interlockingportion 28, andrecess 30, are continuous along the entire length of the rail, which may make an extrusion process a suitable means for producingrails - Once the rails are provided, the panel is provided. In one embodiment,
panels panels portions 34 at the upper and lower ends 31, 33 ofpanel 22. It should be appreciated that the panels are formed such that the interlocking portions are spaced apart at the proper distance betweenextensions 26. - Once two rails are positioned as shown in
FIG. 3 , thepanel 22 can be slidably received longitudinally into the receivingareas 29, until thepanel 22 is fully installed. At that point, a crimping roller, such as 60 (FIG. 8 ), which is rotatable about axis A-A, can be used to crimpextensions 26 into place. For example,roller 60 can begin at one end ofrail 20 and move longitudinally along the length ofrail 20 to roll the extensions from the preassembled position of 26-1, shown in outline form, to the assembled position of 26-2, where interlockingportions 28 overlap and interlock with interlockingportions 34. - Now referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , another alternate embodiment of a rail and panel system is shown. The rail and panel system utilizes upper and lower rails, generally indicated as 80, respectively.Rails 80 may be an extruded aluminum tube or may be constructed using another process or another metallic material, non-metallic material or any other suitable material.Rail member 84 has a substantially square profile and a hollow central region. Eachrail member 84 also includes a side, generally indicated as 85, from which anextension 86 extends.Side 85 andextension 86 form a receiving area, generally indicated as 89 (FIG. 9 ), for receiving an end of a panel, generally indicated as 100, as will be described herein.Extension 86 extends fromside 85 ofrail member 84 and includes an interlocking or engagingportion 88, which is shown as a tab or a lip, positioned at one end ofextension 86. In this embodiment, a recessed area orrecess 90 is formed inside 85 ofrail member 84. In this embodiment, recessedarea 90 extends about one-half of the length ofside 85. -
Panel 100 includes apanel member 102, which is continuous between anupper end 101 and alower end 103. Upper and lower ends 101 and 103 each include an interlocking or engagingportion 104, which is shown as a tab or a lip that faces away fromrail members 84. In the embodiment shown, interlockingportions 104 form an acute angle with a face ofpanel member 102.Panel member 102 may be constructed of a polycarbonate or may be constructed from another polymer-based material, a non-metallic material, a metallic material, or other suitable material. -
FIG. 9 shows a preassembled position, wherepanel 100 is shown poised for interconnection to rails 80. In this position,upper end 101 andlower end 103 ofpanel member 102 are positioned in corresponding recessedareas 90, with respective interlockingportions 104 extending in an overlapping manner, with interlockingportions 88 ofextensions 86. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , rails 80 are shown withextensions 86 bent or crimped, such as with a crimpingroller 60 shown inFIG. 8 , to securepanel 100 and positioned between upper andlower rails 80. Whenextensions 86 are crimped, interlockingportions 88 interlock with respective interlockingportions 104 to securepanel member 102. - While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. For example, most of the embodiments depicted can be manufactured without a recessed area on the rail adjacent the extension. In addition, the shape, size and orientation of the interlocking portion or tabs on the extension and panel can be modified to other suitable forms. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (52)
1. A watercraft including:
a frame;
a rail supported by the frame; and
a non-metallic panel supported by the rail.
2. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel is constructed of a polymer-based material.
3. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel is constructed of polycarbonate.
4. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the watercraft is a pontoon boat.
5. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the rail and the non-metallic panel cooperate to define a boundary of the watercraft.
6. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the rail is formed from a substantially square-shaped tube.
7. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel has interlocking portions adjacent to a top and bottom edge, that are profiled to interlock with the rail.
8. The watercraft of claim 7 , wherein the tube includes four sides and an extension coupled to one of the sides.
9. The watercraft of claim 8 , wherein the tube includes a recess adjacent to the extension.
10. The watercraft of claim 9 , wherein the extension includes a first tab cooperable with said interlocking portions.
11. The watercraft of claim 10 , wherein the interlocking portion on the non-metallic panel includes a second tab configured to cooperate with the recess and the first tab to couple the panel to the tube.
12. The watercraft of claim 9 , wherein the recess is defined as a notch and the interlocking portion of the non-metallic panel includes a second tab configured to be positioned in the notch.
13. The watercraft of claim 7 , wherein the non-metallic panel is configured to directly contact both the extension and one side of the tube including the extension.
14. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel includes a panel member that defines a first plane and a tab extending from the panel member substantially perpendicularly relative to the first plane.
15. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel includes a panel member that defines a first plane and a tab extending from the panel member angles backward to form an acute angle to the first plane.
16. The watercraft of claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic panel is configured to couple directly to the rail.
17. A watercraft including:
a frame;
a rail member supported by the frame;
a panel member coupled to the rail; and
means for coupling the panel member to the rail member.
18. The watercraft of claim 17 , wherein the panel member is constructed of a polymer-based material.
19. The watercraft of claim 17 , wherein the means for coupling the panel member to the rail member includes a tab positioned on the panel member.
20. The watercraft of claim 17 , wherein the means for coupling the panel member to the rail member includes a recessed portion in the rail member.
21. The watercraft of claim 17 , wherein the means for coupling the panel member to the rail member includes an extension coupled to the rail member.
22. A boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising:
a rail including a recessed portion and an extension; and
a panel including first and second ends, the first end including an interlocking portion.
23. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the interlocking portion of the panel is configured to be positioned in the recessed portion of the rail to couple the panel to the rail.
24. The boundary of claim 23 , wherein the extension is configured to bend to contact the interlocking portion of the panel to couple the panel to the rail.
25. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the extension includes a tab configured to correspond to the interlocking portion of the panel to couple the panel to the rail.
26. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the panel is constructed of a polycarbonate material.
27. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the rail includes four sides and one of the sides includes both the recessed portion and the extension.
28. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the first and second ends of the panel define a first plane, and the interlocking portion is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.
29. The boundary of claim 22 , wherein the first and second ends of the panel define a first plane, and the interlocking portion angles backward to form an acute angle to the first plane.
30. A method of manufacturing a watercraft, comprising the steps of:
providing a flotation platform;
extruding a plurality of rails;
defining a rail structure by attaching the plurality of rails to the flotation platform;
providing a polymer-based panel; and
interlocking the polymer-based panel to the rails to define a boundary wall.
31. The method of claim 30 , wherein the flotation platform is defined as a pontoon boat platform.
32. The method of claim 30 , wherein the flotation platform defines a periphery and the rail structure is supported by the flotation platform around the periphery.
33. The method of claim 30 , wherein the rails are extruded to define a generally Q-shape.
34. The method of claim 33 , wherein the Q-shaped rails are extruded to define a generally square cross section with an extending portion.
35. The method of claim 33 , wherein the polymer-based panel and the rails are interlocked to each other by providing an interlocking tab on the panel adjacent to an edge of the polymer-based panel.
36. The method of claim 35 , wherein the interlocking tab on the polymer-based panel is positioned in a receiving area between the square cross section and the extending portion, and the extending portion is crimped to form the interlocking engagement.
37. The method of claim 35 , wherein two Q-shaped rails are provided in parallel with the receiving areas positioned in a facing relationship, and the polymer-based panel is positioned between the parallel rails in the receiving areas.
38. The method of claim 36 , wherein the extending portion of the Q-shaped rails has a complementary overlapping tab and the overlapping tabs on the panel and the Q-shaped rails interlock the panel and rails together.
39. The method of claim 36 , wherein the Q-shaped rails are extruded to define a notch in the square portion and opposed to the extending portion, whereby the interlocking tab of the polymer-based panel is received in the notch, and the extending portion is subsequently crimped to entrap the panel.
40. A boundary for a watercraft, the boundary comprising:
a rail including a recessed portion and an extension;
a panel configured to be attached to the rail; and
cooperative interlocking members associated with the panel and the rail, the members configured to attach the panel to the rail.
41. The boundary of claim 40 , wherein the cooperative interlocking members include a first tab positioned on the extension and a second corresponding tab positioned on the panel.
42. The boundary of claim 41 , wherein the first tab is configured to interlock with the second tab to couple the panel to the rail.
43. The boundary of claim 40 , wherein the panel is constructed of a polycarbonate material.
44. A method of making a rail for a watercraft, and for use with a panel having tabs along an edge thereof, the method including the steps of:
providing a metallic material; and
extruding the metallic material to produce a tube having a substantially square cross section including an extension and a recess, the recess adjacent to the extension.
45. The method of claim 44 , wherein the extension is provided with a tab for interlocking with the panel tab.
46. The method of claim 44 , wherein the recess is provided as a notch for receiving the panel tab.
47. A pontoon boat including:
a flotation platform defining a perimeter;
a motor supported by the flotation platform;
a plurality of rails supported by the flotation platform, the rails positioned around the perimeter, the rails including a substantially square tube having a recess and an extension positioned adjacent the recess, the extension including a first tab; and
a plurality of polymer-based panels having first and second ends and sides extending therebetween, each of the panels including a second tab on each side, the second tab configured to interlock with the first tab of the extension to secure the panels to the rail.
48. A method of manufacturing a watercraft, comprising the steps of:
providing a flotation platform;
extruding a plurality of rails;
defining a rail structure by attaching the plurality of rails to the flotation platform;
providing a non-metallic panel; and
coupling the non-metallic-based panel directly to the rails to define a boundary wall.
49. The method of claim 48 , wherein the rails are extruded to define a generally Q-shape.
50. The method of claim 49 , wherein the Q-shaped rails are extruded to define a generally square cross section with an extending portion.
51. The method of claim 50 , wherein the non-metallic panel is positioned in a receiving area between the square cross section and the extending portion, and the extending portion is crimped to contact the non-metallic panel.
52. The method of claim 51 , wherein the non-metallic panel includes a tab that angles backward to form an acute angle between the tab and the non-metallic panel.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/346,835 US20060260531A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-02-03 | Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat |
US11/540,258 US20070022938A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-09-29 | Rail and panel system for pontoon boat |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/132,483 US20060260530A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-05-19 | Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat |
US11/346,835 US20060260531A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-02-03 | Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/132,483 Continuation-In-Part US20060260530A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-05-19 | Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/540,258 Continuation-In-Part US20070022938A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-09-29 | Rail and panel system for pontoon boat |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060260531A1 true US20060260531A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
Family
ID=37692900
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/346,835 Abandoned US20060260531A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-02-03 | Rail and panel system for a pontoon boat |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060260531A1 (en) |
Citations (13)
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US385656A (en) * | 1888-07-03 | Ship for submarine observations | ||
US3800726A (en) * | 1972-10-05 | 1974-04-02 | R Murphy | Pontoon house boat |
US4040134A (en) * | 1976-09-27 | 1977-08-09 | Alvin Downing | Pontoon boat |
US4562786A (en) * | 1984-03-27 | 1986-01-07 | Pruonto Gene M | Collapsible pontoon boat |
US5315952A (en) * | 1991-05-07 | 1994-05-31 | Jackson Jr Curtiss E | Method of making and apparatus of a view window |
US5706753A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 1998-01-13 | Premier Marine, Inc. | Boat cover fastening system |
US5784980A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1998-07-28 | Benefiel; John R. | Aquatic platform with anti-roosting system |
US5911187A (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 1999-06-15 | Sohm; Malcolm | Pontoon |
US5970904A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 1999-10-26 | Premier Marine, Inc. | Boat cover fastening system |
US6006490A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1999-12-28 | Thibeault; Sylvio | Glass top for boats |
US6443088B1 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2002-09-03 | Harris Kayot, Inc. | Gate stop for a pontoon boat |
US6588361B2 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2003-07-08 | Harris Kayot, Inc. | Cover fastening system |
US6951181B1 (en) * | 2004-01-06 | 2005-10-04 | Lemke Stuart H | Pontoon boat fender |
-
2006
- 2006-02-03 US US11/346,835 patent/US20060260531A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US385656A (en) * | 1888-07-03 | Ship for submarine observations | ||
US3800726A (en) * | 1972-10-05 | 1974-04-02 | R Murphy | Pontoon house boat |
US4040134A (en) * | 1976-09-27 | 1977-08-09 | Alvin Downing | Pontoon boat |
US4562786A (en) * | 1984-03-27 | 1986-01-07 | Pruonto Gene M | Collapsible pontoon boat |
US5315952A (en) * | 1991-05-07 | 1994-05-31 | Jackson Jr Curtiss E | Method of making and apparatus of a view window |
US5784980A (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 1998-07-28 | Benefiel; John R. | Aquatic platform with anti-roosting system |
US5706753A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 1998-01-13 | Premier Marine, Inc. | Boat cover fastening system |
US5970904A (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 1999-10-26 | Premier Marine, Inc. | Boat cover fastening system |
US5911187A (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 1999-06-15 | Sohm; Malcolm | Pontoon |
US6006490A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 1999-12-28 | Thibeault; Sylvio | Glass top for boats |
US6443088B1 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2002-09-03 | Harris Kayot, Inc. | Gate stop for a pontoon boat |
US6588361B2 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2003-07-08 | Harris Kayot, Inc. | Cover fastening system |
US6951181B1 (en) * | 2004-01-06 | 2005-10-04 | Lemke Stuart H | Pontoon boat fender |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BENNINGTON MARINE LLC, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FISHBURN, BRADLEY R.;REEL/FRAME:017548/0234 Effective date: 20060123 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |