Ships – Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to... – Having hydrofoil
Patent
1995-07-25
1997-06-17
Swinehart, Edwin L.
Ships
Hull or hull adjunct employing fluid dynamic forces to...
Having hydrofoil
114280, B63B 124
Patent
active
056387660
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The following invention relates to a water craft and more particulary, though not exclusively to a surface skimming water craft.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
There is disclosed herein a water craft comprising: the craft. longitudinal axis to and below the hull and in combination having sufficient buoyancy to support the hull above the water, each disc comprising an essentially circular skimming surface adapted to skim upon the water as the craft moves at speed, each disc being adapted to rotate about a rotational axis which projects laterally at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal reference plane such that the skimming surface faces downwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the hull.
Preferably, the discs may be free spinning or rotatably driven.
Preferably, said acute angle is less than 45.degree..
Preferably, the circular surface of each sics is convex.
Preferably, the contour of the underside of the hull is such that a point of maximum air pressure therebeneath corresponds with the centre of gravity of the craft.
Preferably, the hull body and discs are formed of moulded plastics material.
Preferably, the discs are pivotally mounted to the hull.
Preferably, said pivotal mounting is by way of a ball joint.
Preferably, the ball joint comprises a ball affixed to or integrally formed with a leg extending from the hull, the ball extending into a socket formed within the disc and being retained therein by a retention flange secured to the discs
Typically, the main craft body or hull is supported above and out of the water as a result of buoyancy of the discs. The discs may be considered the main or only buoyancy for the water craft. That is, the total buoyancy of the craft is dependent upon the configuration, size and/or number of discs attached.
As the discs are for use in a liquid environment, it is necessary to lay them down so as, when stationary, the maximum of surface area is in contact with the water, thus gaining the maximum of buoyant effect.
Beneficially, it is necessary to predispose the angles of the discs relative to the water surface, in such a way as to place the inside, rear quadrant of the bottom disc surface at the lowest point. This area is considered to be the maximum area of grip upon the disc. To achieve this, it is typical to provide a forward uptilt and an outside uptilt so as to give this contact area the maximum effect and increase in performance as forward motion is applied to the craft. This enables the discs to become controlled, forward rotating, deflected, multi-directional discs.
Typically, there are provided circular, non-directional, concave indentations on the underside surface near the outer perimeter of each disc to provide grip and decrease slippage on the disc surface.
It might be necessary, dependent upon the size and configuration of the craft and discs to limit the angle through which the discs may pivot. At no time should the leading edge of the discs drop below the horizontal as this would allow the disc to penetrate or dive below the surface, thus "tripping" the craft. To this end, pivot limitation devices may be adapted to cooperate with each disc.
The bearing surfaces of the discs consist, typically of one dimpled, spherical, non-rotating fixture and one matching smooth surfaced cup located within the disc. The dimples might act to reduce the surface area and friction whilst capturing water and air within the assembly which acts as a lubricant and negates the need for mechanical metal adaptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a water craft,
FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view depicting the arrangement of the discs of the craft in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of line arrangement of FIG. 7,
FIG. 4 is a schematic forward elevational view of the arrangement of FIG. 2 and 3,
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspecti
REFERENCES:
patent: 1738410 (1929-12-01), Weir
patent: 2488310 (1949-11-01), Mayer
patent: 3237582 (1966-03-01), Sturgeon et al.
patent: 4061104 (1977-12-01), Pinchot, III
patent: 5171623 (1992-12-01), Yee
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