Marine propulsion – Air propelled boat
Patent
1996-11-13
1998-01-13
Swinehart, Ed L.
Marine propulsion
Air propelled boat
114 61, 114144R, B63H 700
Patent
active
057072612
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hydrocopter. A hydrocopter is a vehicle by which it is possible to move over water, particularly in an archipelago, under difficult conditions, e.g. during the thaw. The waterproof hull of the hydrocopter bears against the underlying surface, such as snow, ice, slush or water, and is driven forward by a propeller mounted on top of the hull.
BACKGROUND DISCUSSION
At present, there are two different types of hydrocopters available, both consisting of a hull driven by a motor positioned behind the hull and provided with a propeller. These hydrocopters are steered by means of air rudders positioned around the propeller. One of the hydrocopters available on the market is, in addition, provided with resilient wheels and skis on both sides of the hull, which makes the hydrocopter more comfortable to ride in on solid ice or snow.
The problem with the current hydrocopters is that they are very difficult to steer and uncomfortable to ride in. The hydrocopters are steered by turning the air rudders, whereafter the hydrocopter turns in a wide curve by the action of the resulting changes in the air resistance. A relatively high speed is required in order to produce the steering effect. In addition, the turning radius of the vehicle is large. The conventional hydrocopter is, moreover, difficult to handle under difficult ice conditions. It requires a relatively level underlying surface and cannot, for example, climb over a high edge of ice, as the center of gravity of the hydrocopter is situated so far in the back that, at slow speeds, the motor is not capable of bringing the center of gravity over the edge of ice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problems associated with the existing solutions can be avoided with the present invention.
A solution to the above-mentioned problems is provided by the present invention, which is characterized by what is disclosed in the appended claims.
The hydrocopter according to the present invention is characterized in that its hull comprises a bow and a stern portion, connected to each other by a hinge joint.
The invention is based on the need for a vehicle which is easier to drive on an uneven surface and which retains its steerability even at slow speeds.
The hydrocopter according to the present invention has several significant advantages over the prior art. In the case of a hydrocopter whose hull is divided into two separate portions connected to each other by a hinge joint, it is possible to use frame steering; this makes the hydrocopter considerably easier to steer. Such a vehicle is also more silent, since the motor can be positioned in a part of the hull which is separate from the compartment reserved for the driver and for transport. The bow portion can therefore be more effectively isolated from the vibrations and noise produced by the motor.
If the hydrocopter is, in addition, supported by pontoons connected to the hull pivotedly and resiliently, the riding comfort and steerability are further increased. In a solution according to the present invention, the pontoons absorb most of the bumps and vibrations which the hydrocopter is subjected to. A hydrocopter which is constructed according to the present invention is also easier to drive on an uneven surface or on a surface with sudden, relatively great differences in altitude. The parts of the hydrocopter that are in contact with the underlying surface consist of four pontoons arranged in pairs. The pontoons can be freely turned in relation to the transverse axis of their fixing points. This allows either one pontoon at a time or a pair of pontoons to climb over an edge of ice, for example, even at a very slow speed.
Division of the hydrocopter hull into two portions connected to each other by a hinge joint makes it possible to use frame steering. It also allows the vehicle to be supported by float structures, such as pontoons.
This new structure makes the hydrocopter according to the present invention easier to handle than the solutions of the prior art. The inventi
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patent: 3176647 (1965-04-01), Grengs
patent: 3216391 (1965-11-01), Jones
patent: 4821663 (1989-04-01), Schad
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