Patent ID: 6685518
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A method of making a buoy, for use with a line that may be coupled to underwater equipment, said method comprising:a. providing a main body portion, terminating in a free end, and having a transition region; b. providing an elongated tapered stem portion, coupled to said main body portion at said transition region, and terminating in a line end that has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter of said line, both said main body portion and said stem portion being smooth along said direction of elongation of said stem portion, said step of providing a tapered stem portion comprising: i. providing an external mold, having a tapered cross section; ii. providing an internal core mold, and maintaining said core spaced apart from said external mold, defining an annular region therebetween; iii. filling said annular region with liquid molding material; and iv. allowing said molding material to harden; and c. joining said main body portion to said tapered stem portion.