Low friction inserts for marine pile guides
OwnerSean Barnes, Michael Kirbyinventors
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Abstract
A pile guide has a body formed of thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene. The body has an internal area constructed and arranged to receive and retain a pile in the internal area of the body. Inserts formed of thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene, are attached to the internal area of the body and extend outwardly from the internal area of the body so that contact of the pile is with the inserts. The inserts are replaceable so that as the inserts wear due to frictional engagement with the pile, worn inserts may be replaced without replacement of the other components of the pile guide. The inserts are preferred to be formed of a corrosion resistant, low friction, chemical resistant, high impact and low moisture absorbing thermoplastic material.
Claims15
Low friction inserts for marine pile guides, comprising:
- cylindrical sector inserts formed of thermoplastic polymer, wherein the cylindrical sector inserts are constructed and arranged for positioning within an internal area of a marine pile guide body and extending outwardly from the internal area of the marine pile guide body, the cylindrical sector inserts having an upper flange that extends from a cylindrical sector of the cylindrical sector inserts, wherein the upper flange is attached to an upper exterior of the marine pile guide body,
- the inserts having a radius of 75 degrees to 179 degrees, and wherein the inserts are spaced apart when attached to the internal area of the marine pile guide body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.