Decks Patents (Class 114/85)
  • Patent number: 11077888
    Abstract: A utility tray system including a coaming member located on each of two opposing sides of a tray body, each coaming member having at least one longitudinally extending channel, the channel having a longitudinally extending channel opening in communication with a longitudinally extending channel body, the channel body being wider in cross-section than the channel opening; wherein the channel body is adapted to receive a fastener which has a portion that is larger in cross sectional area than the channel opening, thereby preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the channel opening; further wherein the fastener can be selectively secured to the coaming member at a selected longitudinal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Berreny Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Min Zhu, Geoffrey Hung, Troy Marinier
  • Patent number: 10526124
    Abstract: Detecting mishandling of a packaging container. The apparatus includes: a first layer, a second layer to detect pressure placed on the packaging container, a third layer to provide spacing between the second layer and the packaging container, and an adhesive layer. The first later is a made of a rigid material. The first layer attaches to the second layer, and the second layer attaches to the third layer to form a composite structure of the first, second and third layers that attaches to the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Adipietro, Darcee Brunson, Thomas Cheney
  • Patent number: 9846094
    Abstract: A hail strike recording device is operable to provide quantifiable information about a hail storm event experienced by a roof. The recording device is operable to be installed on a roof and includes a panel component and a mounting assembly. The panel component presents a hail impact zone to sense one or more hail strikes, with the recording device operable to provide recorded data associated with the sensed one or more hail strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Hail Signature Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carl Edwin Martin, Matthew Shane Sutter, Walter Wayne Sutter
  • Patent number: 9385019
    Abstract: A material handling system includes an overhead rack defining a plurality of storage positions. The overhead rack defines at least one interior window devoid of storage locations. First and second side rails are disposed above the overhead rack. A first cross rail is movably coupled to the first and second side rails. A first transport vehicle movably is coupled to the first cross rail and operable to descend below the overhead rack through the at least one interior window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, Eric Christensen, Leslie Marshall, Ryan John Gallagher, Stephanie Waite, Gabriel Gaxiola
  • Patent number: 9021972
    Abstract: An under deck mid cabin entry system for a mono hull boat including an entry console and exposed top and front surfaces. Front and top openings extend to the top edge of the front surface and collectively define a generally L shaped entryway. The entry console is disposed to the side of a center console and provides access to steps extending beneath the main deck. A top step is within the entry console proximate to the front surface and the steps curve towards a central beam of the boat and descend into the mid cabin such that a bottom step proximate to a floor of the mid cabin directs a user into a central area of the mid cabin and terminates to avoid obstructing movement in the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Cigarette Racing Team, LLC
    Inventors: Skip Braver, Hector Rodriguez, Sidney Lanier
  • Publication number: 20150064996
    Abstract: A buoyant structure having a hull, a planar keel defining a lower hull diameter, a lower cylindrical portion connected to the planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the lower cylindrical portion with inwardly sloping wall at a first angle, an upper frustoconical portion directly connected to the lower frustoconical portion, and the upper frustoconical portion with outwardly sloping wall, the inwardly sloping wall abutting the outwardly sloping wall forming a hull neck with a hull neck diameter. The buoyant structure having a main deck, a moon pool, and propellers attached to the planar keel, which are operated by a motor or a generator. The buoyant structure connects over a chambered buoyant storage ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Nicolaas J. Vandenworm
  • Publication number: 20140102345
    Abstract: Provided is an arctic drill ship in which a weather tight structure protecting a drill floor and a drilling work area from outside air is coupled to a side strake around the drilling work area. It is possible to economically and easily manufacture the weather tight structure which minimizes the influence of outside air on the drilling operation in the polar regions, and it is possible to efficiently support the hull longitudinal strength and the weather tight structure with the use of the side strake structure solely. Therefore, a structure which may cause a disturbance in the drilling work area is minimized, and it is unnecessary to install a separate structural reinforcement part for a drilling workspace in the polar regions. In addition, the drilling workspace in the polar regions can be effectively ensured, and a spatial limitation in an upper portion of a moonpool can be solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED, DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norman D. Howard, Gi Yun Lee, Hun Gi Lee
  • Publication number: 20130298814
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method for treating wood and wood-based materials for enhancing dimensional stability and surface properties and also for preventing cracking and extending durability. More specifically the invention for the treatment of wood and wood-based materials is directed to a method wherein the wood or wood-based material is subjected to a thermal treatment and the wood or wood-based material is at least partly impregnated with a melamine-containing resin. Subsequently the wood or wood-based material thus impregnated is cured with hot steam at not more than 125° C. preferably up to a maximum of 120° C. In a further aspect the present application includes the thermally treated wood or wood-based material, impregnated with melamine resin and cured, that is obtainable from the method of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Holger Militz, Karl-Christian Mahnert, Frank Luessen
  • Publication number: 20130233228
    Abstract: A marine flooring assembly having a marine vessel having a fixed surface and a floor covering assembly with an underlayment having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, and defining a plurality of voids extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, the lower surface of the underlayment directly coupled to the fixed surface of the marine vessel, the floor covering assembly also having a working layer disposed on top of the underlayment, the working layer including a plurality of meshed flexible curled strands, each curled strand having at least one portion directly physically coupled to at least one of another curled strand and an upper surface of the underlayment, the plurality of curled strands defining a lower working surface, an upper working surface, and a plurality of openings thereat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joel Patrick Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8516971
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing modular configurable marine utility vessels which allow for selective arrangement, quick release, and rapid rearrangement of deck components such as the console, seating, military and utility equipment, and accessory items. The vessel includes a plurality of deck modules which form one or more deck platforms. The deck module includes an upper deck section and a lower frame section, the upper deck sections have channels for receiving and interlocking with the lower frame sections. The deck modules also include numerous hardware fittings which form a geometric grid pattern that allows for numerous distinct deck layouts for equipment depending on desired missions or end uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Natoce
  • Publication number: 20130213288
    Abstract: A boat having a deck and a hull includes a suspension for suspending the deck with respect to the hull. Sensors are employed to determine motion of the deck, with a controller adjusting the suspension such that it maintains the pose of the deck with respect to an inertial reference and with respect to pitch, roll, and heave of the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: VELODYNE ACOUSTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130032080
    Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to recreational self-propelled watercraft. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a self-propelled watercraft including a hull, a deck comprising a first seat receiver configured to support a seat at a higher position and a second seat receiver configured to support the seat at a lower position, and a seat securing mechanism configured to be operable by a user to selectively secure the seat to the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: JACKSON KAYAK, INC.
    Inventors: Tony Lee, Drew Gregory, Scott Henderson
  • Publication number: 20120266797
    Abstract: A multipurpose deepwater vessel equipped with a floating structure having a bow, a stern, a weather deck, a first board, and a second board; a J-lay tower hinged to the floating structure along the second board, and movable about a first axis into a number of work positions to join pipe assemblies into an underwater pipeline, and to lay an underwater pipeline; a heavy-duty crane connected at the bow to the floating structure to rotate about a second axis, and having a boom defining an operating range within which the J-lay tower is located in any one of its work positions; and a preassembly line, below the weather deck, for joining pipes into pipe assemblies for supply to the J-lay tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SAIPEM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Kimon Ardavanis, Luca Canepa, Edoardo Rolla
  • Publication number: 20120247380
    Abstract: A system comprising a floating vessel comprising a deck having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a plurality of support structures in an array spaced along the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis; a plurality of lateral support members spanning a lateral distance between adjacent support structures; a plurality of longitudinal support members spanning a longitudinal distance between adjacent support structures; a skid beam resting on the plurality of lateral support members and the plurality of longitudinal support members; and a skid shoe resting on the skid beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: James Scott Chitwood, David Alex Knoll, Edward Stephen Piter, William Michael Pritchett, Roy Keith Smith, Wilbert Ray Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20120227653
    Abstract: A rotationally molded article, preferably a boat or equivalent floatable marine structure, has a compressible truss structure either assembled to the mold and molded into the internal structure of the article, or added to a previously molded article and permanently attached in place. The compressibility of the truss accommodates key challenges to molding articles of large dimension without encountering buckling or twisting or other structural defects. For example, when molded integrally with the article, the compressible truss compresses as the thermoplastic material shrinks slightly during cooling. When added to a previously molded article, the compressible truss allows the article to withstand extreme amounts of applied force during use, e.g., encountering high waves in boats of seven meters [23 feet] or greater at speeds of at least 20 knots [37 km/h (or 10.3 m/s)].
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley W. Widmer
  • Publication number: 20120226636
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tug-barge offshore cargo transport device and method, comprised of two separate elements which are removably attached: a barge and a tug boat. The barge includes a bow shaped to cut through and deflect waves, a rectangular cargo deck protected by a bulwark, compartments below the cargo deck, means for maneuvering the barge, and means at the stern of the barge for removably attaching the barge to a tug boat. The tug boat includes means at the bow to removably attach to the barge, and means to control the means for maneuvering the barge from the tug boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert H. Perez
  • Publication number: 20120137945
    Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel (10) configured as a trimaran. The multi-hulled vessel (10) comprises a main hull (15) and at least one outer hull (17) to each side of the main hull, the main hull (15) and each side hull (17) adjacent thereto being interconnected by a bridge structure (19). The bridge structure (19) and the hulls (15, 17) connected thereby cooperating to provide a deck surface (21) adapted to carry a load. The main hull 15) is configured to define at least one engine room (45) below the deck surface (21) and trunking (70) for provision of services to the engine room. The trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for carrying a load. Because the trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for load-carrying, it does not extend through that area of the deck surface to impede load movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AUSTAL SHIPS PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Neville Anthony Armstrong, Samuel Abbott
  • Patent number: 8182643
    Abstract: In a process for fabricating large structures, a composite material panel is continuously pultruded in a pultrusion die assembly and cut transversely to the process direction to provide panel sections. The panel sections can be sufficiently long to extend from one end to an opposite end of the structure. The panel sections are assembled with a joint along adjacent edges using steel-to-composite and composite-to-composite joining technology. The joints can be integrated into the panel longitudinal edges, or separate joint assemblies can be fabricated. In this manner, fewer joints are required. A variety of in-plane and out-of-plane joint assemblies are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: KaZaK Composites, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerome P. Fanucci, Michael McAleenan
  • Publication number: 20110290499
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention from a vessel that can perform other duties while not running completions or performing interventions. The system for installing deepwater completions and performing well intervention may comprise a surface pipe handling and deployment package including a horizontally operated rig that may also be operated in a slanted mode. Deepwater completions may be deployed from the vessel via a buoyant horizontal riser (BHR), which may be supported by a submerged buoyant tensioning system (BTS). In this manner, the cost of performing completion or intervention operations may be significantly reduced compared to such operations run from a drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald Van Petegem, Kevin Quick, Egill Abrahamsen, Brian Michael Carline, Karsten Heidecke, Doyle Frederick Boutwell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110132252
    Abstract: Removable deck assemblies for boats, boats having removable deck assemblies, and permanently installed deck assemblies for boats are disclosed. A removable deck assembly includes a deck panel and a structure for removably attaching the deck panel in a bow of the boat. The structure supports the deck panel in a stable, substantially horizontal manner. The removable deck assembly can be adapted to be attached to various types of boats, including rigid inflatable boats, collapsible boats, inflatable boats, and rigid boats. The removable deck assembly can include additional features, for example, a deployable swim ladder, a pedestal seat support fitting, an outboard motor mount, a fishing pole holder, and/or an anchor line management fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Publication number: 20110092114
    Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert F. MATAYA
  • Patent number: 7905191
    Abstract: A liquid cargo carrying maritime vessel including a plurality of liquid cargo carrying tanks and a plurality of gas expansion trunks wherein each gas expansion trunk is above, associated with, and in fluid communication with a respective tank therebelow, via slotted apertures in the deck. Each gas expansion trunk is fixedly positioned on a portion of a deck of the vessel above the associated tank and in fluid/tight relationship with the deck over a periphery of the trunk which encloses the totality of slotted apertures in the deck. Depending on the attributes of the ship, the expansion trunk is preferably located directly above the tank and at the highest point available of the tank and as far forward on the tank as possible. Alternatively, and depending upon obstructive constraints and vessel conditions, the trunk may be placed in other locations such as aftmost on the tank or inbetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ian Hall, Thomas J. Scott
  • Publication number: 20110030602
    Abstract: A floating island structure comprising a plurality of rectangular- and/or freeform-shaped modules and an internal linkage system; wherein the modules are comprised of nonwoven fibers; wherein the internal linkage system comprises a plurality of joiner plates and flexible or rigid tensioning members; wherein the modules are joined together by joiner plates; wherein the tensioning members are attached to the joiner plates and/or to internal plates; and wherein the joiner plates of adjacent modules are joined together to form the floating island structure. Natural and/or synthetic fibers are optionally used to fill in the cavities surrounding the tensioning members. A decking assembly is optionally installed on top of the modules to provide homogeneous or heterogeneous rigidity to the overall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20110023763
    Abstract: Flooring underlayments may be formed by combining an epoxy based resin component, a curing agent component, and an aggregate component. The resulting underlayment may be a lightweight material with a low viscosity that allows the underlayment to be self-leveling. Further, the underlayment may be designed for application in both wet and dry spaces. In certain embodiments, the underlayment may have a weight less than approximately 7.8 kg/m2 (1.6 lb/ft2) when applied at a nominal thickness of 0.635 cm (0.25) inches. Moreover, the underlayment may be designed to conform to the SOLAS requirements administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Specifically, the underlayment may be designed to conform to IMO Resolution MSC.61(67).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Cinttya L. Morgan, Paul H. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110017113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor construction for use in a ship, comprising: strut members for supporting the floor construction relative to a construction of the ship, such as frame ribs or a hull; support members which can be mounted on the strut members and comprise hook-in openings for hooking in connecting members; at least one connecting member for connecting support members, wherein the connecting members comprise hooking members for hooking into hook-in openings of the support members. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a floor construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: BRUINEKOOL OCTROOI B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Jacob Bruinekool
  • Patent number: 7617791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulated wood surface covering which is particularly useful in decking and flooring applications, said simulated wood surface covering being comprised of strips adapted to be interconnected aside of each other thereby forming an assembled simulated wood surface covering of desired dimensions to cover a substrate, wherein the strips are adapted to be interconnected through shiplaps having tongues and rabbets, wherein the rabbets have an included angle which is within the range of 70° to 89°, wherein the strips are comprised of a plastic composition which is comprised of polyvinyl chloride, a non-migrating plasticizer, and a coloring agent, wherein the strips have sufficient flexibility to conform to curved surfaces and to surface irregularities, wherein the upper surface of the strips are roughened to imitate the grain structure of wooden material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Plasteak, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Gribble
  • Publication number: 20090260556
    Abstract: A magnetically attached carpeting or other covering for a floor of a boat includes a set of magnetic elements connected to the floor and another set of magnetic elements connected to the carpeting. Wherein, the location of the magnetic elements of the floor and carpeting generally match each other. When the carpeting is installed on the floor, the magnetic elements of the floor and carpeting attract each other thereby promoting attachment of the carpeting to the floor. The carpeting can be removed from the floor by overcoming the magnetic attraction between the matching magnetic elements. Effectiveness of the attachment is not diminished by repeated installation and removal of the carpet from the boat floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Clifford Sahr
  • Patent number: 7591228
    Abstract: A boat having a deck with a deck locker is disclosed herein. The deck locker includes a compartment mounted beneath the deck, and an opening in the deck for accessing the interior of the compartment. The locker also includes a lid for covering the opening in the deck. The locker further includes a latching arrangement for releasably securing the lid in a closed position covering the opening. The latching arrangement includes a striker mounted to the lid and a latching member and actuator mounted offset from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Wood Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer, Gary W. Howard
  • Publication number: 20090227157
    Abstract: A boat includes a recess arranged in a middle, as viewed in a horizontal direction, of a stern, and outboard motors installed on an installation portion provided in the recess such that the boat driven by the outboard motors. A transom platform is located at left, right, and front sides of the recess so that a crew is allowed to walk on the transom platform. A rear portion of each of the left portion and the right portion of the transom platform projects rearward beyond the outboard motors. The starboard-side step of the transom platform has a step, while the port-side step has a step. A storage portion is arranged below the fore step, and a storage portion is arranged in a rear portion of the port-side step. The boat allows for an effectively usable large space to be provided in the boat body and allows for easy movement around the outboard motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi MOCHIZUKI
  • Patent number: 7581505
    Abstract: The present invention involves a process for caulking a ship deck includes the steps of bonding planks of tropical wood on the subdeck of said ship, sealing said planks through the application of a moisture curable sealing composition, and allowing said composition to cure during an effective period of time, characterized in that said moisture curable sealing composition comprises one or more silyl-modified polyacrylate(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Marcel I'Abee, Petrus Johannes Cornelius Vosters, Petrus Wilhelmus Johannes Van Beers
  • Patent number: 7578251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulated wood surface covering which is particularly useful in decking and flooring applications, said simulated wood surface covering being comprised of strips adapted to be interconnected aside of each other thereby forming an assembled simulated wood surface covering of desired dimensions to cover a substrate, wherein the strips are comprised of a simulated wood composition which is comprised of polyvinyl chloride, a non-migrating plasticizer, and a coloring agent, wherein the strips have sufficient flexibility to conform to curved surfaces and to surface irregularities, wherein the upper surface of the strips are roughened to imitate the grain structure of wooden material, wherein the strips are void of longitudinal slots wherein a pressure sensitive adhesive covers the underside of the strips, and wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by a backing so that the pressure sensitive adhesive is sandwiched between the strips and the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Plasteak, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Gribble
  • Patent number: 7574835
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for joining a composite structural member to a metallic structural member is provided. The apparatus includes a composite structural member, a metallic transitional member, and a metallic structural member. The metallic transitional member may have a substantially H-shaped cross sectional geometry and may include at least two tapered flanges and at least one web portion. An adhesive joint may be used to attach the composite structural member to the tapered flange and the web portion. At least two welds attach the metallic transitional member to the metallic structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Raymond E. Bohlmann
  • Patent number: 7506598
    Abstract: A fitted deck and a method for installing the fitted deck above an as-built deck of a boat, ship or yacht (sometime referred to hereafter collectively as a vessel). Threaded stud elements are stud welded or glued to the surface of the as-built deck of the vessel to form a regular grid of threaded studs spaced close together (preferably about 1 foot apart). Onto each stud a “leveling plate” is threaded to a specific height preferably indicated by laser level indicator and a set of height specifications determined by a computer processor to achieve for the deck a desired camber, sheer, and slope. Support rails are spot welded to the leveling plates to provide a floor support for the deck. The support rails are preferably aligned in directions generally perpendicular to the vessel axis (i.e., aligned port to starboard).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Ray Kimble
  • Patent number: 7328667
    Abstract: A deck assembly includes a plurality of deck panels in a side-by-side and end-by-end relationship. The deck panels include a support having a pair of opposed sides, opposed ends, and an arcuate portion having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface between and connected to a pair of spaced extensions. An elongated structural cover is positioned over the arcuate portion and attached to the support. The cover provides structural stability to the deck panel. Optionally, layers of insulation or a layer of concrete overlays the structural cover and exposed portions of the support between the covers. Optionally, the deck assembly can be made of acoustical deck panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Epic Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ryan, David F. Landis
  • Patent number: 7255053
    Abstract: A boat having a deck with a deck locker is disclosed herein. The deck locker includes a compartment mounted beneath the deck, and an opening in the deck for accessing the interior of the compartment. The locker also includes a lid for covering the opening in the deck. The locker further includes a latching arrangement for releasably securing the lid in a closed position covering the opening. The latching arrangement includes a striker mounted to the lid and a latching member and actuator mounted offset from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Wood Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer, Gary W. Howard
  • Patent number: 7188576
    Abstract: A modular snap-tight interlocking deck and process for constructing a pontoon boat with said deck is described. The modular deck includes lightweight planks that snap together using a tongue-in-groove design. Once joined, the planks are inseparable and form a rigid, flat, watertight surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Xpress Boats
    Inventors: Jeff Bogard, David Ashcraft, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7146920
    Abstract: A deck assembly includes a plurality of deck panels in a side-by-side and end-by-end relationship. The deck panels include a support having a pair of opposed sides, opposed ends, and an arcuate portion having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface between and connected to a pair of spaced extensions. An elongated structural cover is positioned over the arcuate portion and attached to the support. The cover provides structural stability to the deck panel. Optionally, layers of insulation or a layer of concrete overlays the structural cover and exposed portions of the support between the covers. Optionally, the deck assembly can be made of acoustical deck panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Epic Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ryan, David F. Landis
  • Patent number: 7121218
    Abstract: A convertible bow arrangement for a boat, permitting the bow of the boat to be converted from a flush deck configuration to an open bow configuration. A deck extension is positioned over a footwell in the flush deck configuration and folded beneath and stowed under a forward hatch in the open bow configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Stratos Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Stinson, Greg Strahm
  • Patent number: 7107927
    Abstract: A boat deck including a bow convertible between a flush deck and an open bow. The boat deck includes a removable deck portion positioned above a footwell forming a portion of the forward deck flush with the remainder of the deck. To convert to an open bow, the removable deck portion is removed from over the footwell and stowed along a forward bulkhead within the footwell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Wood Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Hopper, Ken Poley
  • Patent number: 6895881
    Abstract: A shape conforming surface covering useful for covering any type of surfaces, and comprising planks (1, 2) or sheet of a plastic or flexible material adapted to be interconnected aside of each other thereby forming an assembled surface covering of optional length and width, and which planks (1, 2) or sheet are of a material that can be brought to curved formations, and which at the upper surface of the covering is roughened, for instance sanded or filed so as to imitate any unique grain effect of wooden material. Preferably the planks (1, 2) or sheet are formed with connection means (4, 5) at the longitudinal edges thereof. The surface covering may be an assembled unit comprising planks (1, 2) and caulking elements (3) between each pair of planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Derek Gordon Whitaker
  • Patent number: 6877451
    Abstract: A deck drain replacement/repair assembly for marine vessels, and a method for repairing or replacing a drain strainer, are provided. A flanged retaining ring and a flanged drain strainer are provided, with the retaining ring being sized such that the flange thereof seats on a step present within a drain basket secured into the deck. The retaining ring is positioned by the flange, and is then secured to the drain basket. The drain strainer is then positioned atop the retaining ring and secured thereto with screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Q.E.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Rivas
  • Patent number: 6779476
    Abstract: A configuration of grooves provided in a nonskid coating on an aircraft carrier flight deck promotes the lateral and backward drainage of slippery liquids. A straight longitudinal middle groove extending fore and aft intersects multiple “W”-shaped grooves each extending athwartship. Each W-shaped groove includes a pair of “V”-shaped groove sections located on opposite sides of the middle groove. Each V-shaped groove section aims vertex-forward and includes a pair of straight groove segments defining an interior angle in the approximate range between 60° and 120°. Abrasive entities may be included in the coating for nonskid purposes. The coating's inclusion of metal-polymer nanolaminate entities along with other pigment entities may serve to reduce or minimize solar heat absorption, particularly in terms of increasing solar reflectance and decreasing thermal emittance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dale A. Sowell, Peter J. Sarman, Eugene C. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6708637
    Abstract: A hold down device for securing an ultra high molecular weight composite material which is used on the deck plate or hull of a ship as a non-skid surface. The hold down device includes a base attached to the deck plate and a hold down plate secured to the base by a threaded screw. The hold down device allows for thermal expansion of the UHMW composite material which prevents the UHMW composite material from separating from the deck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Elwood Richard Webster
  • Patent number: 6606957
    Abstract: A watercraft has a laterally extendable deck or room extension that is extended by sliding along guides or bearings. The deck or room extension can be extended using a motor, gear pinion and rack arrangement, a hand crank arrangement, a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, or a linear motor arrangement. A keel ballast can be utilized to counterbalance the eccentric load caused by the overhanging deck or room extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: David G. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6443088
    Abstract: The present invention involves a gate assembly for a pontoon boat. The pontoon boat includes a platform deck atop a flotation device with a protective railing having fence sections and gate assemblies at least partially surrounding the deck. The gate assembly is disposed in a gap or opening in the protective fence between two of the fence sections and includes a gate, a gate stop, and a sliding hinge. The gate is attached by the hinge to one of the two fence sections at the opening of the protective railing, and the stop is attached to the other of the two fence sections and includes a stop member extending from the deck to near the top of the fence that will prevent the gate from swinging outwardly. The stop member includes a padding strip thereon between the stop member and the gate, which prevents rattling between the stop member and the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Harris Kayot, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Putman, Baron R. Biedenweg
  • Patent number: 6427395
    Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Western Profiles Limited
    Inventors: Glenn R. Elsasser, Frederic E. C. Wall
  • Patent number: 6345581
    Abstract: A modular pontoon boat including a modular deck and modular pontoons is described. The modular deck includes interlocking portions. Each modular pontoon includes interlocking sections having locks and keys. The modular pontoon boat enables the length of the boat to be selected at the time of assembly, rather than fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Clarence E. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6302042
    Abstract: A pontoon craft such as a vessel, a floating platform or a floating dock, having at least two pontoons, a deck extending between two of the pontoons, an elongate deck support bracket attached to a pontoon and having a first longitudinal slot which extends substantially the entire length of the bracket, and a fastener extending through the first slot and having a variable position therealong, wherein the deck is connected to the bracket by means of the fastener. The present invention also provides a pontoon craft having at least two pontoons, a deck extending between two of the pontoons, an elongate deck support bracket having a second longitudinal slot and attached to a surface of a pontoon at a joint, and an elongate trim member disposed in the second slot, the trim member depending from the second slot and covering the joint, whereby the joint is hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Harris Kayot, Inc.
    Inventors: Baron R. Biedenweg, Jerome Ruda
  • Patent number: 6298801
    Abstract: An extendable deck assembly for a boat to provide additional use area of the boat while on the lake. In the retracted position the extendable deck permits a smaller trailer to be used for transporting the boat and provide better maneuverability on the lake. The extendable deck provides use area in the retracted position as well as the extended position, thereby eliminating stowing problems. The extendable deck assembly may be provided with rollers or an actuating device to facilitate the sliding movement of the extendable deck. The extendable deck assembly is designed to accommodate the side curvature of the boat and may be a built-in feature of the boat or may be marketed independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Lindy Lawrence May
  • Patent number: H2078
    Abstract: A sealant in its liquid phase is placed between attachment portions of paint coated metallic parts for subsequent in-place solidification into a gasket for both sealing and permanent bonding purposes. The attachment portions are then interconnected by screws extending through the gasket to increase its bonding strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John P. Wehrle, Albert G. Holder