Stretch hull and stretch watercraft

Abstract

A stretch hull design comprises of a stern float and a bow float joined longitudinally to each other at some distance apart by a beam making an otherwise short floats a long correspondingly stable hull. Having a little mass toward the middle in the form of a beam, the hull is relatively cheaper to build per lineal unit of length and less subjected to the effect of the waves contributing to a better ride quality and reduces structural stress. It provides a large potential space limited only by the displacement of the floats and the length of the beam. The beam also acts as ballast, keel or centerboard preventing the craft from capsizing and facilitates the mounting of parts in enhancing the performance of the craft.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a watercraft's hull design, particularly to the improvement of the hull stability, performance and cost effectiveness.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The stability, performance and cost of the hull of the watercrafts are basically a function of the length of the hull of the craft.

[0003] As the crafts sail through particularly on rough water the bottom of the hull makes an angle with the horizontal plane that changes back and forth from either positive to negative angles. Like the chord of a circle, the magnitude of this angle is greater on a short hull than on a long hull. In effect the magnitude of this angle determined the quality of the ride on a crafts and as the angle gets stiffer correspondingly the quality of the rides becomes more uncomfortable and even dangerous. It could lead the craft to fly or dive uncontrollably, which usually happens on speedboats. On the contrary the craft having a long hull the said angle is relatively small contributing to a better ride and stability.

[0004] While a craft having a long hull is relatively stable, the effect of the waves is a big concerned structurally. For example, a craft having its middle body on the crest of the wave while the stem and the bow overhanging on the ascending and receding sides is subjected to an excessive structural stress. The pressure exerted by the weight of the stern and the bow overhanging stretches the top and compresses the bottom of the hull. The same is true with the trough of the wave underneath the middle of the hull only in a reverse fashion and as the crafts moves from wave to wave the hull is repeatedly under a reciprocating stress that a poorly build craft somehow ruptured. A structurally sound hull on the other hand of sufficient length are typically wide and bulky and therefore too expensive to build.

[0005] Other factors that relate to the present invention are watercrafts having an inflatable hull. Inflatable crafts are relatively short and having a collapsible lightweight hull makes the craft easy to maintain, transport and store. Inflatable crafts are very popular in the market and they are used in a variety of ways, outfitted with a motor or in most cases just being paddled. Rarely inflatable are powered by sail and the much smaller units are so unstable that it is being categorized as toys in the market place.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention features a watercraft's hull design that is cost effective per lineal unit of length and less subjected to the effect of the waves at sea.

[0007] The hull according to the present invention comprises basically of a stern float and a bow float joined longitudinally to each other preferably at some distance apart by at least one elongated laterally narrow but rigid structure preferably in the form of a beam or beam assembly making an otherwise unstable short floats a long correspondingly stable hull.

[0008] Having a very small mass toward the middle in the form of a beam makes the hull relatively cheaper to build per lineal unit of length than the prior art. This makes a watercraft of sufficient length affordable to the mass market. Also having a small and correspondingly lightweight structure toward the middle makes the crafts less subjected to the effect of the waves contributing to a better ride quality and less structural stress.

[0009] The hull of the present invention relatively having a small floats usually in the form of an enclosed capsule, in contrary provides a very large potential space limited only by the displacement of the floats and the length of the beam. The beam in addition is usually designed acting as ballast, keel or centerboard that helps prevent the craft from capsizing and facilitates the mounting of parts in enhancing the performance of the craft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiment of the present invention:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a hull of a powerboat;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial elevation of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIGS. 4A and B is a cross-sections along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 1, showing an alternative embodiment of the invention, particularly a sailboat;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front elevation of FIG. 5;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-section along line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-section along line 9-9 of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a view like FIG. 1, showing another alternative embodiment of the invention, particularly a sport sailboat;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a plan view of FIG. 10;

[0022] FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-section along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

[0023] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial elevation of FIG. 10;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a view like FIG. 1, showing still another alternative embodiment of the invention, an inflatable hull sport sailboat; and

[0025] FIG. 15 is a plan view of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, particularly to FIGS. 1, 5, 10 and 14, there are illustrated different types of watercrafts but basically having the same hull design, hull 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D each having provided with a stem float 21 and bow float 22 joined longitudinally to each other at some distance apart by a beam or beam assembly 23. The float 21 and 22 varies in shape and form from one type of crafts to the other as intended. The beam 23 varies likewise but preferably, in the form of a tube as shown in FIG. 4A or I-beam as shown on FIG. 4B, each having a stern portion 23s and a bow portion 23b connected by a means to float 21 and 22 respectively, and a middle portion 23m. The middle portion 23m of the beam 23 predetermined the additional length possibly needed in the process of making an otherwise short floats 21 and 22 a much longer hull 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D respectively.

[0027] Specifically as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is a powerboat hull design 20A of the present invention. In addition to the basic features of the present invention, hull 20A is provided with an optional platform 24, preferably in the form of a heavy duty net with tubular framework, secured at a predetermined height from the surface by a means to the sides of the hull 21, 22. The platform 24 is further supported by column 25 attached to the beam 23 in cases the hull is extremely long. Accordingly the platform 24 provide a very long open space indeed yet without compromising the stability of the hull of the present invention while the float 21 and 22 in contrast are intended to be sufficient but relatively small enclosed spaces, bringing the cost down.

[0028] Hull 20A is a hydrofoil version of the present invention, float 21, 22 are provided with respective pair of fins 26 and 27 designed to lift the hull 20A as it moves through the surface 28 powered by a pair of out-board motors 29, and/or motors 30. The fins 26, 27 makes the float 21, 22 off the waves contributing to a smooth ride while its long torpedo shaped beam 23 maintained a relatively straight travel path just below the surface. The fins 26 and 27 are connected by a means from both sides of the said floats extended downwardly to a point and laterally turned secured centrally to the beam 23.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, there is a sailboat hull design 20B similar to hull 20A with a modified float 21, 22. The stem float 21 (and likewise the bow float 22) is provided having the middle area 21n (FIG. 9) dropped more downwardly lifting in effect the wider portion 21w off the surface 31. This feature provides a sufficient vertical space on the axles 32 of the said floats and having a wedge shaped portion 21n of the floats on the surface 31. The hull 20B having plenty of lineal space, is outfitted with two short masts 32 and 33 instead of one twice as high as being done in prior art, making the sail and rigging of the present invention cheaper and easier to operate and maintain. A ladder subassembly 34 is provided with its lower end sets securely pivotal on the beam 23. Again, hull 20B is like hull 20A having a sufficient enclosed space on both float 21, 22 and a very large deck space on the contrary making the sailboat of the present invention a pleasure crafts for sailing.

[0030] A sport sailboat of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13, the hull design 20C having provided with a composite catamaran type stem float 21 made from plurality of modular pontoons 21a, 21b, 21c connected by a tubular spar 35 and 36 running through a predetermined lateral holes 37 and 38 on each pontoon and the bow float 22 consists of an inline formation of pontoon 22a and 22b, joined longitudinally to each other at some distance apart by beam assembly 23, through a predetermined longitudinal hole 39 of the respective pontoon. An L-shaped end cap 40 is provided having its horizontal leg securely plugged to the end of a rectangular tubular beam 23 and its vertical leg held closed to the respective composite float 21, 22. A decorative rope 41 runs through holes 37, 38 or around the tube 35, 36 bundles securely the respective pontoons and cap 40 to the respective rigidly fixed cleats 42, 43 of the beam 23. A pivotal ladder 44 is likewise provided held in place by an end cap 40 with the upper end attached to and operated by an arm like handle 45.

[0031] The beam 23 of hull 20C in the form of rectangular tube is designed for ease of transport and assembly. Accordingly the beam 23 is cut into two length sections, each section having one end detachably connected by a coupling means 46, also made of a matching rectangular tube. The coupling 46 is provided with an elongated upright channel 47 with the legs of the channel faces toward the stern and having one end rigidly fixed to the upper side of coupling 46. A support means 48 made of rod laterally fixed in between said legs of the channel 47 supporting the mast 60. An optional telescoping rail 49 is provided for convenient held by a mounting tube subassembly 50 fixed to the channel 47 as well.

[0032] The underneath face of the coupling 46 is provided with a pair of elongated plate 51 each having one end rigidly fixed to the coupling 46 and the other end extended downward provided with support means 52 in the form of a nut and bolt arrangement runs through a predetermined holes made on the plate 51 supporting a vertically retractable ballast subassembly.

[0033] The ballast subassembly has an elongated upright plate 53 with two ends and toward the middle a hole is provided aligned to a matching pivotal means 52 in the form of a cylinder rigidly fixed to the plate 53. Toward the lower end of the plate 53 a means 54 is provided also in the form of a nut and bolt arrangement with the head of the bolt rigidly fixed to the plate 53. The bolt of means 54 supports the pivotal weight 55 through a predetermined lateral hole provided and secured by the nut of means 54. A lever 56 made of an elongated bar formed into an L-shape is provided having one end rigidly fixed to the upper end of the plate 53. The opposite end of lever 56 is provided with a pivotal means 57. An L-shaped lock-handle subassembly having both legs in the form of spindles 58 and 59 and with a matching means is pivotally connected to means 57. Accordingly the ballast subassembly is retracted upward by shifting the lever 56 passed beyond and locked to the upright 47 by turning the handle 58 upward. With the ballast retracted upward makes it possible as intended for a sailboat to sail through sallow water.

[0034] The hull 20C is provided with a detachable folding mast 60 having the lower end sets hooked to a means 48 while standing and held further by plurality of stays 61. The mast 60 is provided with a tubular yard 62, 63 each having one end detachably connected to the matching horizontal cylinder of an offset cross joint 64. The cross joint 64 having its vertical cylinder pivotal about the mast 60 is secured on top and bottom by ring 65 and 66. The ring 65, 66 are fixed by a means to the mast 60 at a predetermined height from the surface. The opposite end of each yard 62, 63 is provided with control means that adjust the angle of the yard or sail in particular in relation to direction of the wind while sailing.

[0035] Another sport sailboat of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14 and 15, the hull design 20D is similar to hull 20C only uses an inflatable stem float 21 and an inflatable bow float 22. A relatively short body inflatable turned into a stable sailboat indeed. Hull 20D is designed with ease to transport and assemble as well. Each inflatable of the hull 20D is provided with rigid board bottom 67 with a predetermined hole aligned detachably screwed to the beam 23 by a means 68. A special clamp means 69 is generally provided securing the forward end of each inflatable to the beam 23. Another modification made on the hull 20C is the configuration of the beam 23. Accordingly the stem length section of the beam 23 is bended at point 70 a certain angle downward while the bow length section is bended at point 71 oppositely a certain angle upward. In effect raises the forward portion of inflatable 21, 22 off the surface 72 and aim at reducing the drag while sailing.

[0036] It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is to be ascertained solely by reference to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A watercraft's hull design consisting basically of a stern float and a bow float joined longitudinally to each other preferably at some distance apart by at least one elongated and laterally narrow structure preferably in the form of a beam or beam assembly.

2. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said beam or beam assembly is oriented closed to the surface or on the surface or beneath the surface where it find most effective.

3. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said beam or beam assembly is oriented beneath the surface connected to the said stem and bow floats and also acting as ballast and/or keel and/or centerboard.

4. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said beam or beam assembly is in the form of at least two length sections joined longitudinally by an intermediate means into a longer detachably sectional beam assembly.

5. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said beam or beam assembly is provided with substructure of any form oriented toward the bottom and in effect acting as ballast.

6. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said beam or beam assembly is provided with an upright structure of any form and in effect acting as mast.

7. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein the said stem and bow floats each provided with appropriate fins designed to lift the hull while in forward motion.

8. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein either or both the said stern and bow floats comprises of plurality of pontoons connected by an appropriate means.

9. A watercraft's hull design of claim 1, wherein either or both the said stern and bow floats are in the form of inflatable.

10. A stretch hull design consisting basically of a stem float and a bow float joined longitudinally to each other preferably at some distance apart by a beam and/or a platform.

11. A beam assembly as shown particularly in FIGS. 12 and 13.