Fender and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a fender having a polyurethane outer skin and being environmentally friendly, and a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: A fender 1 according to the present invention has a structure in which a cushioning layer 14 is inserted inside an outer skin that is formed by turning inside out a firefighting hose 10 whose inner surface is coated with polyurethane. According to the fender 1 and the method for manufacturing the same, since the fender 1 can be manufactured by reusing the used firefighting hose 10, it becomes possible to provide a fender having a polyurethane outer skin and being environmentally friendly, and a method for manufacturing the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fender and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A fender for small vessels is known, which is made by covering a cylindrical foam cushion with a polyurethane outer skin. An example of this type of fender is disclosed in Patent Document 1. As noted in the document, using polyurethane as the outer skin of a fender makes it possible to obtain higher strength and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance than when a cloth outer skin is used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Public Disclosure No. 56-103339 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as described in Patent Document 1, the polyurethane outer skins used in the above-mentioned conventional fenders are specialized products manufactured by injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, cast molding, etc. Because they cannot be recycled, conventional fenders with polyurethane outer skins have presented issues in terms of their impact on the environment.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fender having a polyurethane outer skin, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The fender according to the present invention has a structure in which a shock-absorbing material is inserted inside an outer shell formed by turning a fire hose inside out, the inner surface of which is polyurethane-coated.

[0007] The method for manufacturing a fender according to the present invention includes the steps of turning over a fire hose whose inner surface is polyurethane-coated, and inserting a buffer material into the inside of the turned-over fire hose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a fender can be manufactured by reusing a used fire hose, making it possible to provide an environmentally friendly fender having an outer skin made of polyurethane and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] (a) is a schematic perspective partial cross-sectional view of a fender 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fender 1 along line AA shown in (a). [Figure 2] 1(a) to 1(c) are diagrams each showing a state in which a fender 1 is installed on the side of a small vessel 20. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a fender 1 is installed at the bow of a small vessel 20. FIG. [Figure 4] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing the state of the fender 1 when used as a life-saving device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a method for manufacturing a fender 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] 1(a) is a schematic perspective partial cross-sectional view of a fender 1 according to this embodiment, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fender 1 taken along line AA shown in (a). As shown in these figures, the fender 1 is a cylindrical member overall, and is composed of, from the outside in, a polyurethane layer 11, a nylon layer 12, a polyethylene sheet 13, a buffer layer 14, a rubber layer 15, and a penetration part B. The size of the fender 1 can be selected depending on the application, but it is preferable that it be 50 cm in length and 6 to 7 cm in diameter, for example.

[0012] The polyurethane layer 11 and nylon layer 12 are layers obtained by turning over a fire hose 10 whose inner surface is polyurethane-coated. The nylon layer 12 is the material that constitutes the outer surface of the fire hose 10 and is composed, for example, of a nylon fiber fabric. Polyester, polypropylene, rubber, etc. can also be used instead of nylon. Meanwhile, the polyurethane layer 11 is a material composed of polyurethane coated on the surface of the nylon layer 12. By forming the surface of the fender 1 with the polyurethane layer 11, high water resistance, waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance are achieved, and the maintenance work for the fender 1 can be reduced. A specific example of the fire hose 10 is the "Jet Hose (registered trademark) A-One F," a product for outdoor fire hydrants manufactured by Ashimori Kogyo Co., Ltd. (registered trademark). Fire hoses generally have a set service life, and after the service life has expired, they are discarded even if they are still usable. Fire hoses discarded for such reasons can be reused as the fire hose 10 for the fender 1.

[0013] The buffer layer 14 is a cylindrical foamed polyethylene having a through-hole 14a that penetrates from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction along the cylindrical axis. By configuring the interior of the fender 1 with this buffer layer 14, the fender 1 can be given the property of floating on water. A specific example of the buffer layer 14 is "Pool Stick" by Seria Corporation (registered trademark). The buffer layer 14 can be configured by inserting this Pool Stick into the fire hose 10 that has been turned inside out.

[0014] The total length of the buffer layer 14 is preferably shorter than the total length of the fender 1. This is because if the buffer layer 14 is exposed at the ends of the fender 1, the durability of the fender 1 will be reduced in those areas. By making the total length of the buffer layer 14 shorter than the total length of the fender 1, spaces are created at both ends of the fender 1 into which the buffer layer 14 has been inserted. Filling these spaces with caulking agent 16 makes it possible to increase the durability of both ends of the fender 1. A specific example of the caulking agent 16 is PRO-ACT silicone sealant from Cemedine (registered trademark) Co., Ltd. The thickness of the caulking agent 16 is preferably approximately 4 cm, and therefore the total length of the buffer layer 14 is preferably approximately 8 cm shorter than the total length of the fender 1.

[0015] Before filling the caulking agent 16, it is preferable to apply adhesive 17 to the surface of the buffer layer 14 exposed in the space. Adhesive 17 may also be applied to the surface of the nylon layer 12 exposed in the space. This makes it possible to prevent the caulking agent 16 from coming off. Specifically, it is preferable to use "Bond (registered trademark) Seal Primer #7N" by Konishi Co., Ltd. as the adhesive 17.

[0016] The polyethylene sheet 13 is a component that prevents the buffer layer 14 from being scraped off by friction with the nylon layer 12 when the buffer layer 14 is inserted into the inside-out fire hose 10. A cylindrical plastic bag is preferably used as the polyethylene sheet 13. A specific example of such a plastic bag is "NEW Umbrella Poly" from HEIKO (registered trademark), an original brand of Shimojima Co., Ltd. By using a bag-shaped (one-side closed) polyethylene sheet 13 like this "NEW Umbrella Poly," it is possible to prevent the polyethylene sheet 13 from rolling up due to stress from the nylon layer 12 when the buffer layer 14 is inserted into the inside-out fire hose 10. In this case, it is preferable to tear and remove the portion of the polyethylene sheet 13 that corresponds to the bottom of the bag after insertion is complete.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1(b), the buffer layer 14 has a through-hole 14a that penetrates from one end to the other along the cylindrical axis in the longitudinal direction. The rubber layer 15 is formed by a rubber hose inserted into the through-hole 14a. A specific example of such a rubber hose is the cold-resistant, pressure-resistant, and algae-proof hose from Konan (registered trademark) Shoji Co., Ltd. The total length of the rubber layer 15 is equal to the total length of the fender 1, and therefore both ends of the rubber layer 15 are exposed on the surface of the caulking agent 16. The through-hole B is formed by the hollow portion of the rubber layer 15 thus exposed. As will be described in more detail later, the fender 1 is used with a rope threaded through the through-hole B. The rubber layer 15 serves to prevent the buffer layer 14 from being scraped by the rope.

[0018] The configuration of the fender 1 according to this embodiment has been described in detail above. Next, a method of using the fender 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0019] First, Figures 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams each showing a state in which a fender 1 has been installed on the side of a small vessel 20. Also, Figure 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a fender 1 has been installed at the bow of a small vessel 20. As shown in these figures, the fender 1 can be suitably used as a fender for protecting the side and bow of a small vessel.

[0020] To explain each method of use in more detail, first, Figure 2(a) shows an example in which multiple fenders 1 are connected in parallel by one or more ropes R and installed on the side of a small vessel 20 with the longitudinal direction of each fender 1 parallel to the water surface. Both ends of the rope R that is passed through the uppermost fender 1 are fastened to cleats 21 on the small vessel 20. In this way, the fenders 1 can protect a wide area in the vertical direction.

[0021] Figure 2(b) shows an example in which multiple fenders 1 are connected in series by a single rope R and installed on the side of a small vessel 20 with the longitudinal direction of each fender 1 parallel to the water surface. As in the case of Figure 2(a), both ends of the rope R are cleated to cleats 21 on the small vessel 20. This makes it possible for the fenders 1 to protect a wide horizontal area.

[0022] 2(c) shows an example in which a plurality of fenders 1 are connected in series by a single rope R, one end of the rope R is fixed near the other end by, for example, a mooring knot, and the other end of the rope R is cleat-fastened to a cleat 21 on a small vessel 20. According to this example, it is possible to install the fenders 1 with just one cleat 21.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example in which the fender 1 is installed to cover the bow of a small vessel 20 by fastening both ends of a rope R passed through the fender 1 to two cleats 21 installed on both sides of the bow. The fender 1 has a certain degree of elasticity, and as shown in the figure, it can be installed in a curved state along the bow. In this example, the fender 1 can protect the bow of the small vessel 20.

[0024] 2(a) and 2(b) show an example in which three fenders 1 are connected and installed on the side of a small vessel 20, Fig. 2(c) shows an example in which two fenders 1 are connected and installed on the side of a small vessel 20, and Fig. 3 shows an example in which one fender 1 is installed at the bow of a small vessel 20, but in each installation example, the number of fenders 1 used is not limited to the number shown in the example and can be selected appropriately depending on the size, shape, and other circumstances of the vessel. Furthermore, it is of course possible to combine each installation example for use on one small vessel 20.

[0025] Next, Figures 4(a) and 4(b) each show an example of using the fender 1 as a lifesaving device. As mentioned above, the fender 1 is light enough to float on water, while also being highly durable. Furthermore, since the fender 1 is secured to the hull only by a cleat or mooring knot on the rope R, the fender 1 can be easily removed from the hull. Therefore, for example, in the event of a man falling overboard, the fender 1 can be quickly removed from the hull and used as a lifesaving flotation device. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show the fender 1 in use in this way.

[0026] Figure 4(a) shows an example in which the cleats of three fenders 1 (three fenders 1 connected in series by rope R) installed on the side of the small vessel 20 in the state shown in Figure 2(b) have been released, and one end of the rope R has been secured near the other end by, for example, a mooring knot. In this example, the three fenders 1 connected in series function like a lifebuoy, so a life preserver made up of the three fenders 1 can be thrown to the victim to grab, and if possible, the victim's body can be placed within the area surrounded by the three fenders 1 so that the life preserver is wrapped around the victim's body, and the rescuer can then pull in the other end of the rope R, preventing the victim from being swept away. Furthermore, if a pulley device consisting of a fixed pulley and a movable pulley is attached to the small vessel 20, after the victim has been pulled onto the small vessel 20, the rope R of the life preserver wrapped around the victim's body can be connected to the rope of the pulley device, and the movable pulley can be pulled up using the principle of leverage, allowing the victim to be manually pulled onto the vessel. In other words, the fender 1 can be used for the same purpose as the "Life Sling 2," which is known as a rescue system for people who have fallen overboard.

[0027] FIG. 4(b) shows an example in which the cleats of the rope R have been released from the state shown in FIG. 2(c). In this example, a life preserver consisting of two fenders 1 is thrown to the victim, who then grabs the life preserver. The rescuer then reels in the other end of the rope R, preventing the victim from being swept away. This also allows even non-maritime personnel to quickly rescue the victim. In other words, in the installation example shown in FIG. 2(c), the fenders 1 are knotted at the time of installation on the small vessel 20, so the life preserver consisting of the two fenders 1 can be obtained without tying any additional knots. Therefore, even someone who does not know how to knot a knot can easily obtain the life preserver, making it possible for even non-maritime personnel to quickly rescue the victim, as described above.

[0028] Finally, a method for manufacturing the fender 1 will be described in detail.

[0029] 5 is a flow diagram showing a manufacturing method of the fender 1. As shown in the figure, this flow starts with cutting the fire hose 10, polyethylene sheet 13, buffer layer 14, and rubber layer 15 to predetermined lengths (Step S1). At this time, it is preferable that the fire hose 10 and rubber layer 15 are cut to the same length (e.g., 50 cm), and the polyethylene sheet 13 and buffer layer 14 are cut to a length shorter than the fire hose 10 and rubber layer 15 (e.g., 42 cm).

[0030] Next, the cut fire hose 10 is turned inside out (step S2), and the buffer layer 14 is covered with the polyethylene sheet 13 (step S3). Then, the buffer layer 14 covered with the polyethylene sheet 13 is inserted into the turned-out fire hose 10 so that there is space on both ends (step S4). When a bag-shaped polyethylene sheet 13 is used, after step S4 is completed, the part corresponding to the bottom of the bag is torn, and the ends of the buffer layer 14 are exposed in the space.

[0031] Next, after inserting the rubber layer 15 into the penetration portion 14a of the buffer layer 14 (step S5), adhesive 17 is applied to both ends of the buffer layer 14 (step S6). Insertion of the rubber layer 15 may be performed before step S3 or step S4. Then, caulking agent 16 is filled into the spaces at both ends created in step S4 and allowed to harden (step S7). With the processing up to this point, the fender 1 shown in Figure 1 is completed.

[0032] As described above, according to the fender 1 and the manufacturing method thereof of this embodiment, the fender 1 can be manufactured by reusing used fire hoses 10, making it possible to provide an environmentally friendly fender and a manufacturing method thereof that has an outer skin made of polyurethane.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the fender 1 and its manufacturing method of this embodiment, the fender 1 can be manufactured using easily available, inexpensive commercial products such as "Pool Stick" from Seria Co., Ltd. (registered trademark) and "NEW Umbrella Poly" from HEIKO (registered trademark) in addition to used fire hoses 10, making it possible to easily prepare the fender 1 in marinas where small boats are operated.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the fender 1 and its manufacturing method of this embodiment, the fender 1 can be configured to be light enough to float on water while also being highly durable, and when fixing the fender 1 to the hull, it can be fixed using a rope R so that it can be easily removed, making it possible to provide a fender and its manufacturing method that is highly useful and convenient as a life-saving device.

[0035] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 Fender 10. Fire hose 11 Polyurethane layer 12 nylon layers 13 Polyethylene sheet 14 Buffer layer 14a Penetration 15 rubber layer 15 rubber hose 16 Caulking agent 17 Adhesive 20 Small vessels 21 Cleats B Penetration R rope

Claims

1. A fender constructed by inserting a cushioning material inside an outer shell formed by turning a fire hose inside out, the inner surface of which is polyurethane coated.

2. the cushioning material is a cylindrical foamed polyethylene having a through-hole provided so as to penetrate from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction along the cylindrical axis, A rubber hose is inserted into the penetration portion. The fender according to claim 1.

3. turning the fire hose, the interior surface of which is polyurethane coated, inside out; inserting a buffer material into the inside of the inverted fire hose; A method for manufacturing a fender, comprising:

4. the cushioning material is a cylindrical foamed polyethylene having a through-hole provided so as to penetrate from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction along the cylindrical axis, Further comprising the step of inserting a rubber hose into the penetration portion. A method for manufacturing the fender according to claim 3.

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