Trim for Use with Watercraft

Abstract

A trim or rub rail for use with a watercraft including a trim member having a front surface and a rear surface, with an upper surface connecting the front surface with the rear surface. The trim member includes a lower surface and a collection surface disposed below the lower surface. The collection surface including a discharge area wherein fluid traveling along and over the trim or rub rail collects at the collection surface and is discharged at the discharge area. The collection surface forming a barrier to reduce fluid flow due to surface tension and/or water adhesion forces along the lower surface of the trim member and ultimately to the hull portion of the watercraft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OF DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to molding or trim for use with a watercraft. More specifically, the invention is directed to a trim member having a configuration that operates to control the fluid flow path and direct fluid water away from the hull of the watercraft. The invention may also be used on fixed in place mobile homes or motor homes.

2. Description of Related Art

Modern watercraft often include a decorative molding or trim extending or wrapped about the watercraft's perimeter. The decorative molding or trim typically serves two purposes, first it serves as a decorative and protective cover for the seam where the deck and the hull meet. In addition, it also serves as a guard or bumper located about the outer edge of the watercraft to protect the finished sides of the watercraft from damage. Hence, the decorative trim or molding is often referred to as a rub rail, which as the name implies helps to protect the watercraft from damage when the watercraft is alongside other boats or adjacent a dock or pilings.

Different types of watercraft trim and rub rails are known. In many cases, the rub rail can be manufactured from a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel with stainless steel offering a more decorative appearance and maximum durability. In addition, the rub rail can be manufactured from a plastic or resilient material. Further, it is known to combine a plastic trim member with a metal insert or overlap to create a decorative appearance. One example of a rub rail is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,662 B1 to Limansky et al. Limansky et al. teaches a two-piece rub rail for watercraft including an extruded molded trim fabricated from a rigid plastic material having an insert formed of a flexible plastic material. As illustrated therein, the two components form a substantially U-shaped longitudinally extending body.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,913 to Siebert et al. discloses another type of watercraft rub rail including an elongated channel extrusion having a generally flat base portion and sidewalls wherein the base portion is fastened to the watercraft hull. A resilient bumper strip having a generally V-shaped cross section is disposed within the channel with the apex of the generally V-shaped cross section extending outwardly from the elongated channel extrusion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,192 to Nugteren et al. also illustrates a preformed rub rail including a substantially planar and vertical back region and first and second wings extending outwardly from the vertical back region to form a channel or cavity. The channel or cavity holds an insert placed therein. As known, the insert and the channel trim member can be formed of different materials.

Owners typically take great pride in the appearance of the watercraft, often spending great amounts of time cleaning and waxing the outer surface thereof to maintain a highly aesthetic appearance. One problem is that dirt and dust accumulates on canvas tops, decks or topsides and drains over the rub rail and down the side of the hull leaving unsightly streaks, which dry on the outer surface and are not easily hosed off. In addition, depending upon the mineral content of the water, as the water drains down the side of the watercraft it may leave unsightly water stains. Waxing the hull does not prevent the streaks from occurring.

Cleaning such unsightly streaks is difficult, often requiring detergent or soap that strips the wax coating placed on the watercraft surface whereby the watercraft must be stripped, re-waxed and polished. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the current decorative trim or rub rail used with watercraft is not fully optimized to drain or divert water away from the watercraft's hull to prevent or reduce streaking. Therefore, what is needed is a decorative trim or rub rail for use with watercraft that eliminates streaking on the watercraft hull below the rub rail by creating a path whereby fluid flowing over the decorative trim or rub rail follows a predetermined path away from the watercraft's hull.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a decorative trim or rub rail configured in a manner to direct or change the fluid flow path of a fluid flowing over the decorative trim or rub rail, whereby the fluid flows or drips off the watercraft at the decorative trim or rub rail instead of flowing down the side of watercraft hull.

In one embodiment of the invention, a trim member forming a portion of the decorative trim or rub rail includes a collecting surface. The collecting surface including a discharge area such that fluid flowing over the trim member tends to collect on the collecting surface and following a flow path spaced from the watercraft hull is discharged without touching the hull so as to avoid the creation of streaks on the hull. The collecting surface and discharge area combining to form a fluid path used to control fluid flow over the trim member.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the trim member includes a rear surface and a front surface with an upper surface and a lower surface connecting the rear surface with the front surface. The upper surface and front surface combining to define a fluid flow path directing fluid flowing on the respective surfaces to the collecting surface. The collecting surface forming a fluid flow barrier, the barrier preventing fluid, flowing along a fluid flow path defined by the upper surface and front surface, from reaching the lower surface.

It is an object of the present invention to provide as part of the watercraft a decorative trim or rub rail having a configuration such that it redirects fluid flowing over the decorative trim or rub rail away from that portion of the watercraft located below the decorative trim or rub rail.

It is another object of the invention to provide a means for controlling drainage or flow of water over the decorative trim or rub rail such that the drainage or flow of water does not continue down the side of the watercraft hull thereby creating unsightly streaks on watercraft hull.

These objects and other features, aspects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a decorative trim or rub rail according to the present invention attached to a watercraft;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of one embodiment of a decorative trim or rub rail according to the present invention shown attached to a watercraft;

FIG. 3 is the cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of the embodiment of the decorative trim or rub rail as illustrated in FIG. 2 showing one example of a fluid flow path determined by the configuration of the decorative trim or rub rail;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a decorative trim or rub rail according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic representation of an additional alternative embodiment of a decorative trim or rub rail according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a watercraft 10 such as a boat manufactured or formed from a material such as fiberglass. Typically, such a watercraft 10 is formed of a two-piece design including a hull 12 and a deck 14. A decorative trim member or rub rail, seen generally at 16, extends about the periphery of the watercraft 10 and typically covers the seam between the hull 12 and deck 14. The decorative trim member 16 is often referred to as a rub rail, since it extends about the outermost periphery of the watercraft 10 and thereby protects the nicely finished hull 12 and deck 14 from damage. Accordingly, as used herein the terms decorative trim member and rub rail are synonymous as the present invention is equally suitable for use with either.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the present invention wherein the decorative trim member 16 includes a trim member 18, shown in cross section, attached to the watercraft 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1 the trim member 18 attaches about the periphery of the watercraft 10 with a plurality of fasters 20 that secure the trim member 18 to the watercraft 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the trim member 18 includes a rear surface 22 and a front surface 24 with the rear surface 22 forming a mounting surface that contacts the watercraft 10. As illustrated, the fastener 20 extends through the elongated trim member 18 from the front surface 24 to the rear surface 22.

The trim member 18 further includes an upper surface 26 extending between the rear surface 22 and the front surface 24. The trim member 18 also includes a lower surface 28 extending outwardly from the rear surface 22. A collection surface 30 is disposed between the front surface 24 and lower surface 28 of the trim member 18. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the collection surface 30 has an arcuate cross-section, with the area or portion of the collection surface 30 located between the marks 32, 34 forming a fluid discharge area 36. The marks 32, 34 are added in FIG. 2 to generally illustrate the area of the collection surface 30 forming the fluid discharge area 36. As illustrated in FIG. 2 the decorative trim member 16 may include a trim strip 38 typically a decorative or protective member attached or secured to the front surface 24 of the trim member 18. The trim strip 38 may also be used to secure, in combination with the faster 20, the trim member 18 to the watercraft 10.

Initially it should be understood that the principles of surface tension and fluid adhesion allow fluids to overcome the force of gravity and flow along horizontal surfaces. FIG. 3 illustrates a fluid flow path, shown by the four arrows 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, as fluid, typically water, flows over the rub rail 16. As illustrated, the first arrow 40a shows the direction of fluid flow as it flows along the deck 14 and encounters the rub rail 16. The second arrow 40b shows the direction of fluid flow as it travels over the upper surface 26 and encounters the front surface 24. Given that the upper surface 26 is tapered or slopes downwardly as it approaches the front surface 24 gravity typically overcomes surface tension or water adhesion causing the fluid to flow along the upper surface 26. Since in the present embodiment, the front surface 24 is substantially vertical, the fluid flows in the direction of the third arrow 40c until it encounters the collection surface 30. The fluid collects at the collection surface 30 until it reaches a suitable mass, at which time gravity overcomes surface tension and fluid adhesion and the fluid is discharged from the fluid discharge area 36 in the direction of the fourth arrow 40d. Accordingly, the collection surface 30 functions to form a barrier to fluid flow along the lower surface 28 which, correspondingly eliminates fluid flow along the hull 12 of the watercraft 10 thus eliminating potential for water draining down the hull 12 and correspondingly creating water lines or streaks thereon.

While the collection surface 30 is shown herein as a convex surface, this is but one example of the many shapes the trim member 18 may take. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the trim member 18 includes an arcuate upper surface 26 and a more pointed or sharply tapered collection surface 30 forming the fluid discharge area 36.

In addition, to the disclosed shapes or configurations the collection surface 30 could have a triangular shape with one side of the triangle located adjacent the front surface 24 and forming the collection surface 30. In such an embodiment, the apex or point of the triangle forms the fluid discharge area 36. As would be understood by one of skill in the art, the purpose of the collection surface 30 is to create a surface that collects fluid flowing over the rub rail 16 until the amount of fluid collected reaches a mass that overcomes any forces causing the fluid to remain on the collection surface 30 and it is discharged therefrom. For example, the fluid drips off of the collection surface 30 due to gravity, rather than continuing to flow along the lower surface 28 due to the forces of surface tension and water adhesion until ultimately encountering and flowing down the side of the hull 12 creating unsightly streaks. Further, the collection surface 30 is located such that it is spaced horizontally beneath or below the lower surface 28, by locating the fluid discharge area 36 below the lower surface 28 the surface tension and water adhesion forces are not sufficient to overcome gravity and the fluid cannot flow upward to encounter the lower surface 28. Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus whereby fluid traveling along the trim member 18 of the rub rail 16 collects and drops off the trim member 18 at a distance spaced from the hull 12.

Turning to FIG. 5 there is shown a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the trim or rub rail 40 includes a trim member 42 and a channel 44. The further embodiment trim member 42 is typically made of an elastomer or elastomeric material having a degree of resiliency. The channel 44 may be made of a metal or hard plastic material, typically having some type of decorative configuration, for example, an aluminum extrusion having inwardly extending fingers 46, 48 and a base portion 50. As illustrated, the trim member 42 is captured between the respective fingers 46, 48 and is located adjacent the base portion 50. As with the previous embodiment, the watercraft 10 includes a hull 12 and deck 14, with the deck 14 having a flange 52 and the seat 54. The hull 12 is positioned adjacent the flange 52 and against the seat 54. As with the previous embodiment, a fastener 56 extends through the trim member 42, the channel 44 and engages a retainer 58 to attach the trim member 42 and channel 44 forming the trim or rub rail 40 to the watercraft 10. Thus, as with the previous embodiment, fluid flowing along the outer surface of the deck 14, channel 44 and trim member 42 will collect on the collection surface 60 and will be discharged rather than continuing to flow along the lower surface 62 of the trim member 42 and ultimately down the side of the hull 12.

While the term collection surface has been used herein, it should not be construed as to be limited to a specific surface, area or configuration. For example, it may not be a surface but a plurality of discharge points. Further, it may be an uneven surface or may contain channels or other obstructions for directing fluid flow to a certain position. In addition, the collection surface operates as a focal point at which fluid collects or gathers until the amount thereof reaches a degree where the mass of the fluid is such that it overcomes any surface tension or water adhesion forces and falls or is discharged from the trim member rather than adhering to the trim or rub rail and continuing to flow from the trim or rub rail until it reaches the boat hull. Thus, shapes or configurations that create or cause the fluid to collect or gather at a location and be discharged from the watercraft without continuing to flow down the watercraft hull are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, those shapes or configurations that form a barrier to fluid flow along the lower portion of the trim or rub rail and correspondingly the hull also come within the scope of the present invention. Further, while the preferred embodiment discloses that the trim member can be formed of a an elastomer or elastomeric material, this is for illustrative purposes only as it can be made of any suitable material including metal and polymeric materials including rigid vinyl or PVC. Finally, as set forth above, the trim member of the preferred embodiment can be used on fixed in place mobile homes or motor homes to also eliminate unsightly streaking resulting from water drainage.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a watercraft comprising:

a trim member, said trim member having a rear surface and a front surface;

said trim member including an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface extending between and connecting said front and rear surfaces, said upper surface tapering inward, toward said lower surface, as it extends from said rear surface to said front surface;

a portion of said lower surface configured to form a collecting surface, said collecting surface extending outwardly from said lower surface, said collecting surface including a discharge area; and

said upper surface, front surface and collection surface cooperating to form an uninterrupted fluid path wherein fluid flowing on said upper surface flows on said front surface to said collection surface and exits said trim member at said discharge area such that said collection surface provides a barrier to fluid travel along said lower surface.

2. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein said trim member includes an aperture extending from said front surface to said rear surface.

3. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said collection surface is spaced horizontally below said lower surface.

4. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge area is located between said front surface and said lower surface.

5. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 4 wherein said discharge area is located horizontally below said lower surface.

6. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 including said collecting surface having an arcuate cross section.

7. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 including said collecting surface having convex configuration.

8. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 including said upper surface having an arcuate cross section.

9. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 1 including a trim strip located adjacent said front surface, said trim strip attached to said front surface and forming a portion of said fluid path such that said fluid flows over said trim strip.

10. An apparatus for use with a watercraft as set forth in claim 9 wherein said trim member includes an aperture extending from said front surface to said rear surface and said trim strip includes an aperture therein such that a fastener extending through said aperture in said trim strip and said aperture in said trim member engages and secures said trim member to said watercraft.

11. A watercraft comprising:

a hull;

a trim member disposed on said watercraft above said hull, said trim member including a collection surface, said collection surface operative to collect fluid flowing over said trim member and discharge said fluid away from said hull whereby said fluid flows along a path other than on said hull.

12. A watercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said trim member includes an upper surface and a lower surface wherein a portion of said collection surface is spaced horizontally below said lower surface.

13. A watercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said collection surface includes a discharge area.

14. A watercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said trim member defines a fluid flow path wherein fluid flows on said trim member along said flow path to said collection surface.

15. A watercraft as set forth in claim 12 wherein said trim member includes a front surface and said collection surface is located between said front surface and said lower surface.

16. A watercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said trim member includes a front surface and a rear surface, said trim member having an aperture extending from said front surface to said rear surface;

a trim strip, said trim strip having an aperture therein, said trim strip located adjacent said front surface of said trim member; and

a fastener, said fastener extending through said aperture in said trim strip, said aperture in said trim member and received in said hull whereby said fastener secures said trim strip and said trim member to said hull.

17. A watercraft as set forth in claim 11 wherein said collection surface has a convex configuration.

18. A watercraft comprising:

a hull;

means secured to said watercraft for redirected fluid draining over said means away from said hull whereby said fluid is directed away from said watercraft such that it does not travel along said hull.

19. A watercraft as set forth in claim 18 wherein said means secured to said watercraft for redirecting fluid includes a collection surface having a convex configuration.

20. A watercraft as set forth in claim 18 wherein said means secured to said watercraft for redirecting fluid includes a trim member having an upper surface and a lower surface with at least a portion of said collection surface being spaced horizontally below said lower surface.