# US 9,751,255 B2 · Hand-held channel marker

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- Number: US 9,751,255 B2
- Document ID: US9751255B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/947,324
- Filed: 2015-11-20
- Published: 2016-12-29
- Granted: 2017-09-05
- Earliest claimed: 2015-06-26
- Assignees: Gilman Corporation
- Applicants: Gilman Corporation
- Inventors: Elizabeth A. Gilman; Richard L. Gilman
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9751255B2

## CPC

- B29C 65/002: {Joining methods not otherwise provided for}
- B63B 22/20: Ballast means
- B29C 73/04: using preformed elements
- B29C 73/34: for local heating
- B29K 2105/046: {with closed cells}
- B29L 2031/706: {Buoys}
- B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00)
- B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06)
- B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES

## Abstract

A buoy comprising: an annular upper portion disposed on a lower portion; a drain hole disposed in the upper portion proximate to the lower portion; a handhold disposed in the upper portion distal to the lower portion; an attachment member disposed in the lower portion and protruding from a bottom of the lower portion, wherein the bottom is opposite the upper portion; and wherein at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion comprises a closed cell foam.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A buoy comprising:
an annular central component having an upper end and a lower end;
a drain hole disposed in a wall of the central component,
a hand hold disposed in a wall of the central component;
a collar disposed around the annular central component;
a ballast disposed on the lower end of the annular central component;
an attachment member protruding from the ballast and in a direction opposite the lower end;
wherein the hand hold is proximate to the upper end; and
wherein the annular central component comprises the same closed cell foam over the entirety of the annular central component.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The buoy of claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises an eyebolt.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The buoy of claim 2, further comprising a retaining member and a connection member.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The buoy of claim 3, wherein the retaining member is disposed between the collar and the upper end.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The buoy of claim 4, wherein the drain hole is disposed between the collar and the upper end.

### Claim 6 (depends on 3)

The buoy of claim 3, wherein the retaining member is disposed between the collar and the lower end.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The buoy of claim 6, wherein the drain hole is disposed between the collar and the lower end.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The buoy of claim 1, wherein the ballast comprises at least two ballast plates.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The buoy of claim 1, further comprising a light, a radar reflector or both.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The buoy of claim 1, wherein the buoy comprises two or more attachment members.

### Claim 11

A method of marking a location and a body of water, the method comprising disposing a buoy in the body of water, the buoy comprising:
an annular central component having an upper end and a lower end;
a drain hole disposed in a wall of the central component,
a hand hold disposed in a wall of the central component;
a collar disposed around the annular central component;
a ballast disposed on the lower end of the annular central component;
an attachment member protruding from the ballast and in a direction opposite the lower end;
wherein the hand hold is proximate to the upper end; and
wherein the annular central component comprises the same closed cell foam above and below the collar.

### Claim 12

A method of repairing a buoy, the method comprising:
heating an area of closed cell foam to be repaired;
disposing a repair material comprising closed cell foam in the area;
heating the repair material; and
contacting the heated repair material with an iron to repair the buoy.