Ships – Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to... – Having fluid channeling or entrapping configuration
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-21
2001-09-25
Sotelo, Jesus D. (Department: 3617)
Ships
Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to...
Having fluid channeling or entrapping configuration
C114S290000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293218
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tunnel-hulled boat having a twin entry tunnel.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Tunnel-hulled boats are known in the art. By providing one or more tunnels within a boat's hull, the operating characteristics of the boat are improved. The particular nature of the tunnel is determined by the operational characteristics that are to be advanced. Various designs and considerations have been taught with varying degrees of achievement. However, no prior art design has disclosed a tunnel-hulled boat design that greatly improves the operating characteristics of the boat in most modes of operation including fast speed, slow speed, gradual and sharp turning, shallow water operation, and backing procedures, or in most water conditions.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tunnel-hulled boat that improves the operating characteristics of the boat in most modes of operation and under various sea conditions. Such a tunnel-hulled boat should be of relatively simple and straightforward design employing standard methods of manufacture to build.
SUMMARY THE INVENTION
The tunnel-hulled boat of the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art. The present invention provides for a tunnel-hulled boat that improves the operating characteristics of a boat at fast speeds and at slow speeds and in gradual as well as sharp turns. The present invention allows the boat to achieve strong performance characteristics in shallow water as well as during backing procedures. These performance improvements are achieved under various sea conditions. The tunnel-hulled boat is not unduly complex in design and is constructed using standard manufacturing techniques.
The tunnel-hulled boat of the present invention is comprised of a hull having a fore, an amidships, and an aft with a transom attached thereto proximate the aft. A generally rounded tunnel, having a generally rounded twin-entry nose and a pair of opposing sides with a first bevel on each side, is disposed within the hull extending rearwardly from the amidships. The depth of the tunnel increases during the rearward progression. The diameter of each bevel increases during rearward progression and a second bevel is disposed within each first bevel proximate the aft. The rearward portion of the tunnel has a generally V-shaped notch. A pair of sponsons, each having a diagonal end relative to the amidships of the hull, is attached to the transon on opposing sides of the tunnel. The combined buoyancy volume of the sponsons is greater than the buoyancy volume loss of the tunnel. A pair of lifting strakes, each having two sections disposed on different planes relative to one another, is located on the hull on opposing sides of the tunnel.
In operation, water enters the tunnel by passing over the twin entry nose which causes the water to enter the tunnel in two separate and parallel paths thereby increasing the stability of the boat especially at high operational speeds. The increasing depth of the tunnel behind the bulbed portion maintains straight flow of water through the tunnel further increasing boat stability. Both of these factors decrease water flow turbulence through the tunnel thereby decreasing hydrodynamic drag and increasing performance. The bevels assist in turning at low and high speeds with the increasing nature of the diameter of the first bevels helping deflect the water during the turn thereby increasing boat stability. Furthermore, the second set of bevels channel water to the first set of bevels during a backing operation thereby increasing the efficiency of the maneuver. The notch at the rear of the tunnel allows water to rise to furnish sufficient cooling water for motors without low water intakes. The sponsons replace the buoyancy volume lost to the tunnel to allow proper operation of the boat in shallow waters and during low speed operation. Furthermore, the diagonally disposed nature of the sponsons allows water to be thrust back underneath the boat instead of against the transom during a backing operation.
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Loffler Peter
Sotelo Jesus D.
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