Gangway handrail and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A handrail for a gangway and a method for manufacturing the same where the handrail comprises a single, continuous piece of plastic.

1 . A method for manufacturing a handrail for a gangway comprising:
 providing a mold comprising a cavity, wherein the cavity corresponds to a shape of the handrail;   filling the mold with a polymer;   heating the mold;   rotating the mold;   cooling the mold; and   removing the handrail from the mold.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising attaching the handrail to the gangway. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the handrail is a continuous piece of plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer is polyethylene. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the polymer is one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylons. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mold is heated to approximately 510 to 550° F. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mold is cooled by fans. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mold is cooled by water spray. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mold is heated for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of rotating the mold comprises biaxially rotating the mold.