Rub Rail With Integral Flexible and Rigid Portions for Shock Absorbing and Anti-Flaring

Abstract

The present invention is a rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel, the assembly having a coextruded rigid portion and flexible portions with grooves for receiving an insert.

1 . A rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel, the assembly comprising:
 a. an extruded base having a rigid portion and a flexible portion;   b. a pair of longitudinal grooves on said base; and   c. an insert fastened to said base in said longitudinal grooves.   
     
     
         2 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinal grooves extend the length of the assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein said rigid portion is contiguous with said flexible portion. 
     
     
         4 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein said rigid portion is arranged and configured to be contiguous with said flexible portion by way of coextrusion. 
     
     
         5 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein said rigid portion is a rigid vinyl. 
     
     
         6 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein said flexible portion is flexible vinyl. 
     
     
         7 . The rub rail assembly of  claim 1  wherein either or both of said rigid portion and said flexible portion are plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The rub rail of  claim 1  wherein end portions of said insert contact the flexible portion, the rigid portion, or combinations thereof 
     
     
         9 . The rub rail of  claim 1  wherein said insert positioned in said pair of longitudinal grooves contacts said flexible portion in at least one point. 
     
     
         10 . The rub rail of  claim 1  wherein said pair of longitudinal grooves are constructed and arranged to prevent flaring of said insert when said insert is placed in said longitudinal grooves.