Handrails and Fabrication Methods

Abstract

Arrangements including pressing arrangements of dies are provided as well as processes for pressing a contour into tubular material. Handrails and docks having a handrail thereon are provided. Processes for disembarking/embarking between a floating vessel and a dock are provided.

1 . An arrangement of dies comprising:
 a first die and a second die, the dies having adjoining surfaces complimentary to one another, wherein each of the dies further defines opposing openings configured to receive material for pressing; and   wherein a first surface of the opposing opening of the first die defines a different shape than a second surface of the opposing opening of the second die.   
   
   
       2 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the first surface is planar relative to a non-planar second surface. 
   
   
       3 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the adjoining surfaces are relatively planar to one another. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the non-planar second surface is convex in one cross section. 
   
   
       6 . A pressing arrangement of a plurality of dies, the arrangement comprising:
 a plurality of first dies aligned across from a plurality of second dies, the dies having adjoining surfaces complimentary to one another, wherein each of the dies further defines opposing openings configured to receive material for pressing; and   wherein the plurality comprises a first group of first and second dies having first surfaces of the opposing openings of the first dies defining a different shape than second surfaces of the opposing openings of the second dies.   
   
   
       7 . The arrangement of  claim 6  wherein the arrangement further comprises a second group of first and second dies, the first and second dies of the second group having different surfaces of the opposing openings than the surfaces of the opposing openings of the second group. 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . The arrangement of  claim 6  wherein the dies of the second group are arranged on the periphery of the dies of the first group. 
   
   
       10 . A process for pressing a contour into tubular material comprising:
 aligning the tubular material between two sets of dies, one of the sets comprising a substantially planar pressing surface in relation to a relatively non-planar pressing surface of the other set; and   pressing one set toward the other set to form a contour on the exterior of the tubular material.   
   
   
       11 . The process of  claim 10  wherein the contour comprises sets of peaks and valleys in one cross-section. 
   
   
       12 . The process of  claim 10  wherein portions of the tubular material are non-linear in relation to one another. 
   
   
       13 . The process of  claim 12  further comprising pressing one of the portions to form the contour in the one portion and rotating the material through the dies then pressing another portion to form the contour in the other portion. 
   
   
       14 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . A dock having a handrail thereon, the handrail comprising both vertical and horizontal portions, the vertical portion supporting the horizontal portion, wherein at least one of the portions comprises peripheral exterior surfaces, one of the surfaces being relatively planar in comparison to another surface in one cross section. 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . The dock of  claim 21  wherein the handrail is aligned relatively normal to the edge of the dock. 
   
   
       24 . A process for disembarking/embarking between a floating vessel and a dock, the process comprising:
 stabilizing oneself with a handrail extending from the dock; and   transitioning between the dock and the floating vessel.   
   
   
       25 . The process of  claim 24  wherein the dock is floating. 
   
   
       26 . The process of  claim 24  further comprising stabilizing the vessel proximate the dock, the stabilizing of the vessel comprising a vessel occupant grasping the handrail and retrieving the vessel toward the dock. 
   
   
       27 . The process of  claim 26  wherein the handrail comprises both vertical and horizontal portions, the vertical portion supporting the horizontal portion, wherein at least one of the portions comprises peripheral exterior surfaces, one of the surfaces being relatively planar in comparison to another surface in one cross section. 
   
   
       28 . The process of  claim 27  wherein the vessel occupant grasps the other surface of the handrail. 
   
   
       29 . (canceled)