Boat with integrated floor and stringer system and associated method of manufacturing
OwnerJimmy J. Fulksinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A boat includes a hull and a unique integrated, molded, floor and stringer system for positioning in the hull for providing structural support and stiffening thereto. The floor and stringer system may include first and second stringers and at least two bulkheads extending therebetween. The first and second stringers include a floor surface integrally molded therewith so that once the floor and stringer system is positioned in the interior of the hull, the floor surface remains exposed to serve as part of the boat's floor. Associated methods for manufacturing the boat and integrated floor and stringer system are also disclosed.
Claims36
A boat comprising:
- a molded hull;
- a molded floor and stringer system disposed in the hull;
- said molded floor and stringer system including first and second stringers;
- said molded floor and stringer system further including at least two bulkheads extending between said first and second stringers;
- said first and second stringers each including a floor surface integrally molded therewith;
- wherein the hull includes a transom;
- said molded floor and stringer system having a backwall spanning between said first and second stringers and extending generally upwardly therefrom;
- and
- said backwall secured to the transom.
A boat comprising:
- a molded hull;
- a molded floor and stringer system disposed in the hull;
- said molded floor and stringer system including first and second stringers;
- said molded floor and stringer system further including at least two bulkheads extending between said first and second stringers;
- said first and second stringers each including a floor surface integrally molded therewith;
- and
- said first and second stringers each include a first flange member, each said first flange member including a support member and a contact member, said contact member formed to fit the hull of the boat.
A boat comprising:
- a molded hull;
- a molded floor and stringer system disposed in the hull;
- said molded floor and stringer system including first and second stringers;
- said molded floor and stringer system further including at least two bulkheads extending between said first and second stringers;
- said first and second stringers each including a floor surface integrally molded therewith;
- and
- said first and second stringers each include a sidewall extending generally upwardly therefrom.
A molded floor and stringer system for positioning in the hull of a boat comprising:
- first and second stringers;
- at least two bulkheads extending between said first and second stringers;
- said first and second stringers including a floor surface integrally molded therewith;
- and
- each said stringer includes a first flange member, each said first flange member including a support member and a contact member, said contact member formed to fit the hull of the boat.
A molded floor and stringer system for positioning in the hull of a boat comprising:
- first and second stringers;
- at least two bulkheads extending between said first and second stringers;
- said first and second stringers including a floor surface integrally molded therewith;
- and
- said first and second stringers each include a sidewall extending generally upwardly therefrom.
A method of manufacturing a boat floor and stringer system comprising the steps of:
- providing a mold of desired configuration to create said boat floor and stringer system;
- and
- employing said mold to create said boat floor and stringer system with first and second stringers having an integrally molded floor surface by:
- (a) applying a release agent to said mold;
- and
- (b) applying a layer of gelcoat to said release agent;
- and
- (c) applying a first layer of fiberglass composite material to said gelcoat;
- and
- (d) applying a layer of knitted fabric to said first layer of fiberglass composite material;
- and
- (e) applying a second layer of fiberglass composite material to the layer of knitted fabric.
A method of manufacturing a floor and stringer system for positioning in the hull of a boat comprising the steps of:
- providing a mold of desired configuration to create said floor and stringer system;
- applying a release agent to said mold;
- applying a layer of gelcoat to said release agent;
- applying a first layer of fiberglass composite material to said gelcoat;
- applying a layer of knitted fabric to said first layer of fiberglass composite material;
- applying a second layer of fiberglass composite material to the layer of knitted fabric;
- providing said mold of desired configuration with a depression having at least one wall;
- and
- molding a mounting plate into said at least one wall following applying said layer of knitted fabric and prior to applying said second layer of fiberglass.
A method of manufacturing a boat comprising the steps of:
- providing a molded hull;
- providing a molded floor and stringer system including first and second stringers having an integrally molded floor surface;
- positioning said molded floor and stringer system in the molded hull;
- and
- securing said molded floor and stringer system to the molded hull.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.