AU1018402A - Self-righting water craft - Google Patents

Description

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7 1E SPICHIFECAU1PCH TRI-BUOY SELF RIGHTING VESSEL The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

seet 2 oP 3 2 Description.

The field of invention.

The hull body of the vessel) is spindle- shaped or cylindrical very much like the fuselage of an aeroplane. It is mounted on three floats or buoys. A forward float and two aft floats. All floats are sealed units. In normal condition the hull has no contact with water fig.

The forward float.

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This float takes the shape or form of a normal boat yet it splits in two halves along its length. Each half float is a sealed water-tight unit. The top part of the half float is hinged to the body of the vessel figs .o A hydraulic motor geared down to provide the necessary torque so as to enable the two halves of the forward float to fold or swing outward or inward. Figs)3W(4) By swinging or opening the forward float half way between extremes of its movements, it enables the vessel to travel in shallower waters, moor, quay, or beach. This also provides stability due to its shape. These floats (halves) can swing open till they come into contact with the hull. Crevasses built in the hull provide space for the propellers to be housed to avoid damage. FigQ(iWhen the two halves are in contact with the hull, this enables the body of the vessel or hull to rotate on its own axis with no resistance to movement. Fig4J(Propellers are mounted on each side of the forward float which are hydraulicly activated.

.J F;8 1o. B) q&Cb).

sheet 3 or 32 The floating line or (plimsol line) of the forward float may not be the same as those of the afts.

The forward float is design to enable the vessel to right itself up or assist in the process of righting the boat up in the event of capsize or overturn.

Those propellers are the ones that propel the vessel forward and backward. They also provide a wake.

The aft floats (2 in numbers) There are two aft floats; one on each side of the hull, they take the shape of normal boats, they are one piece each; completely sealed and water-tight they are not split lengthwise as the forward float fig 5(7) Swinging posts or arms or suspensions are hinged from the rear of the hull and are anchored on to the top of the aft floats. There are two pairs of swinging posts on each side 2f the hull anchoring on The front and back of the aft floats fig(T4i)his design is such that when the swinging posts are swung wide they provide stability to the vessel. They can be adjusted to have the aft floats to run in the calmer part of the wake caused by the front float. This gives a smoother ride in any weather condition.

An auxiliary propeller hydraulicaly operated) is activated when necessary and is mounted on the aft floats in a vertical position fig.5()2(!i)These vertical propellers are only activated in the righting up sequence The rudder is hydraulicly operated and are mounted on the back of the aft floats.

*F sheet 4,F52 Cylinder rams on each side of the hull are activated to operate the swinging posts or suspension arms, to fully extend or pull back the aft floats.fig.. 6 (1) The hull The hull is spindle- shape or cylindrical very much like the fuselage of an aeroplane, with the engine compartment situated at the rear of the vessel. The rear section is just a normal deck that is common in every boat Air is circulated throughout the vessel through vents. These vents can be automatically closed if necessary.

The self righting sequence In the event of capsize or overturn; the vessel can only take either position of figs )or q c).

Sequence 1. All vents are closed to water tight the vessel.

2. The two halves of the front float are then folded right back to eliminate or minimize resistance to the righting proves. Fig.4- When the boat is capsized one of the aft float will remain above water figs ?(c)This float is then drawn back. FigslOg)( (a Whilst the other will be resting on the surface of the water with its auxiliary propeller immer.se.

4. The auxiliary propeller mounted on the submerged aft float figs 100)/0( .is then activated. It may be necessary to partially ballast the submerged aft float with water by means of pumping) to assist in the righting process.

shee 5 o 3 2 The vessel should then be able to rotate on its own axis until it rights itself up figs/ Ill ))with the auxiliary propeller rotating and the submerged aft float partially ballasted. The submerged aft float will then be propelled underneath the hull and rises on the other side of the hull.

6. The other suspension arm is extended back again when the craft is in its upright position.

7. The forward float is also returned to its original position.

8. The partially ballasted aft float is then de-ballasted tius Ac'the self righting process.

9. The entire process of righting the vessel should take no more than 10-15 minutes *o