CA2267874A1 - Modified water craft - Google Patents
Modified water craft Download PDFInfo
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- CA2267874A1 CA2267874A1 CA002267874A CA2267874A CA2267874A1 CA 2267874 A1 CA2267874 A1 CA 2267874A1 CA 002267874 A CA002267874 A CA 002267874A CA 2267874 A CA2267874 A CA 2267874A CA 2267874 A1 CA2267874 A1 CA 2267874A1
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- Prior art keywords
- water craft
- control means
- control
- section
- craft according
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
- B63B1/32—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
- B63B1/322—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls using aerodynamic elements, e.g. aerofoils producing a lifting force
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport
- Y02T70/10—Measures concerning design or construction of watercraft hulls
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
A modified water craft comprising two separate sections.
The upper section consists of a modified airframe including wings and fuselage, which is mounted on the lower section consisting of a moveable support which is connected to a motorboat hull. In operation, the airframe fuselage is able to rise above the motorboat to create a sensation of flying for the operator.
The upper section consists of a modified airframe including wings and fuselage, which is mounted on the lower section consisting of a moveable support which is connected to a motorboat hull. In operation, the airframe fuselage is able to rise above the motorboat to create a sensation of flying for the operator.
Description
Modified Water Craft The present invention relates t:o water craft, and more particularly to a water craft which includes a moveable support mounted thereon and a modified aircraft fuselage with wings connected to the water craft through the moveable support. In operation, the modified aircraft fuselage is able to rise above the deck of the water craft, giving the pilot a sense of flying.
BACKGROUND AR'T
In the past, there have been attempts to design water crafts or boats that have the ability to generate lift when the water craft is at high speed in order to raise a portion of the craft out of the water, such as hydro-planes, catamarans, tri-hull boats and the like. Typically, these types of boats generally produce sufficient velocity to lift a portion of the boat from the water. Lift is typically created by air forces between the hull and the water surface. Examples typical of the prior art are described below.
US Patent 5,369,249 describes a boat or hydro-hull that when in use is capable of high speeds which allows the whole craft to be raised over the water. The; water craft consists of an airfoil profile adapted to create lift during high speeds which allows the craft to raise over the water surface. The craft consists of a centre section which is connected to a lower section and two floats.
BACKGROUND AR'T
In the past, there have been attempts to design water crafts or boats that have the ability to generate lift when the water craft is at high speed in order to raise a portion of the craft out of the water, such as hydro-planes, catamarans, tri-hull boats and the like. Typically, these types of boats generally produce sufficient velocity to lift a portion of the boat from the water. Lift is typically created by air forces between the hull and the water surface. Examples typical of the prior art are described below.
US Patent 5,369,249 describes a boat or hydro-hull that when in use is capable of high speeds which allows the whole craft to be raised over the water. The; water craft consists of an airfoil profile adapted to create lift during high speeds which allows the craft to raise over the water surface. The craft consists of a centre section which is connected to a lower section and two floats.
US Patent 5,329,870 describes 'a boat having three or more super-cavitating hydrofoils, which <~re able to flex to raise or lower the foils in relation to the hull. The body of the craft is connected via a pivoting assembly to a stern assembly which in helps raise and lower the hull.
US Patent 4,164,909 describes a water craft having a hull, a front and rear hydrofoil depending downwardly from the hull, and additional side hydrofoils depending from the hull. In use, the front end of the craft rises higher than the water level.
Each of the side hydrofoils are monoplane main supporting hydrofoils and are able to pivot.
US Patent 5,526,764 discloses a water craft having a continuous aerodynamic wing structure:, a generally horizontal or concave shaped bottom with longitudinal concavities underneath. The propulsion system i.s in the front and the pilots body movements controls the craft during operation. In use the majority of the craft rises above the water, with the support for flight derived from the air passing beneath and over the wings.
These references do not address t:he primary aspect of the present invention, which is to provide an apparatus capable of giving the occupant a sense of flying in combination with the safety of boating. Additionally, the prior art does not provide an apparatus which allows the hull of a water craft to remain in the water and which permits an upper aircraft section to rise above the hull for a controlled f:Light sensation. Further, these references do not disclose an apparatus with a combination of a modified aircraft fuselage and a water craft whereby the upper section is adapted to be raised and lowered through air pressure or lift produced by the speed of the lower section of the water craft when in use.
SUMMARY OF INVE1~1TION
The present invention is direcaed to a modified water craft having two sections, a first :section including a lower hull section and a second section including an upper section including a modified aircraft structure that includes wings and a substantial portion of the fuselage.
In a preferred embodiment, there is provided in a water craft having a hull and motor with controls, the improvement comprising an aircraft fuselage associated with the hull of the water craft, the fuselage having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings and a cockpit, with. moveable support means mounting the aircraft fuselage to the hull, the moveable support means permitting upward vertical lift of the aircraft fuselage, and control means in the aircraft fuselage to control wing tilt and the motor of the water craft, whereby when the water craft reaches a predetermined speed, the aircraft fuselage will lift providing for a f7Light sensation.
Most desirably, the water craft is a motorboat, and the motor is an outboard motor or inboard motor..
Desirably, the inboard and or outboard motor is associated with a rudder.
Most preferably, the control means includes primary directional control means and secondary wing control means.
Desirably, the primary control means includes control means adapted to control the direction and velocity of the lower hull section, and the secondary control means includes control means adapted to control thEa attitude of said wings.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the wings are associated with the secondary control means.
In another aspect of the present invention, the primary and secondary control means are located within the cockpit.
In another aspect of the present invention, the water craft includes secondary control means which includes control cables attached to the pair of wings. Desirably, the secondary control means further includes a cont~__~ol column associated with the control cables.
Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the primary control means includes a control bar having control cables associated with the motor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the moveable support means includes a hinged frame positioned within the hull, the support means being adaptedl to move between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
In a further embodiment, there is provided a water craft wherein the hinged frame is secured to the hull section and the aircraft fuselage, and is adapted to allow movement of the aircraft fuselage between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
In an alternative embodiment, the water craft includes a load compensator.
US Patent 4,164,909 describes a water craft having a hull, a front and rear hydrofoil depending downwardly from the hull, and additional side hydrofoils depending from the hull. In use, the front end of the craft rises higher than the water level.
Each of the side hydrofoils are monoplane main supporting hydrofoils and are able to pivot.
US Patent 5,526,764 discloses a water craft having a continuous aerodynamic wing structure:, a generally horizontal or concave shaped bottom with longitudinal concavities underneath. The propulsion system i.s in the front and the pilots body movements controls the craft during operation. In use the majority of the craft rises above the water, with the support for flight derived from the air passing beneath and over the wings.
These references do not address t:he primary aspect of the present invention, which is to provide an apparatus capable of giving the occupant a sense of flying in combination with the safety of boating. Additionally, the prior art does not provide an apparatus which allows the hull of a water craft to remain in the water and which permits an upper aircraft section to rise above the hull for a controlled f:Light sensation. Further, these references do not disclose an apparatus with a combination of a modified aircraft fuselage and a water craft whereby the upper section is adapted to be raised and lowered through air pressure or lift produced by the speed of the lower section of the water craft when in use.
SUMMARY OF INVE1~1TION
The present invention is direcaed to a modified water craft having two sections, a first :section including a lower hull section and a second section including an upper section including a modified aircraft structure that includes wings and a substantial portion of the fuselage.
In a preferred embodiment, there is provided in a water craft having a hull and motor with controls, the improvement comprising an aircraft fuselage associated with the hull of the water craft, the fuselage having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings and a cockpit, with. moveable support means mounting the aircraft fuselage to the hull, the moveable support means permitting upward vertical lift of the aircraft fuselage, and control means in the aircraft fuselage to control wing tilt and the motor of the water craft, whereby when the water craft reaches a predetermined speed, the aircraft fuselage will lift providing for a f7Light sensation.
Most desirably, the water craft is a motorboat, and the motor is an outboard motor or inboard motor..
Desirably, the inboard and or outboard motor is associated with a rudder.
Most preferably, the control means includes primary directional control means and secondary wing control means.
Desirably, the primary control means includes control means adapted to control the direction and velocity of the lower hull section, and the secondary control means includes control means adapted to control thEa attitude of said wings.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the wings are associated with the secondary control means.
In another aspect of the present invention, the primary and secondary control means are located within the cockpit.
In another aspect of the present invention, the water craft includes secondary control means which includes control cables attached to the pair of wings. Desirably, the secondary control means further includes a cont~__~ol column associated with the control cables.
Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the primary control means includes a control bar having control cables associated with the motor.
In a further aspect of the present invention, the moveable support means includes a hinged frame positioned within the hull, the support means being adaptedl to move between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
In a further embodiment, there is provided a water craft wherein the hinged frame is secured to the hull section and the aircraft fuselage, and is adapted to allow movement of the aircraft fuselage between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
In an alternative embodiment, the water craft includes a load compensator.
According to an alternative embodiment, there is provided in a water craft having a lower hull section and motor, the improvement comprising an upper section including a section of aircraft fuselage having a pair of laterally disposed wings, support means adapted to allow vertical movement of the upper section in a vertical plane relative to the lower hull section, primary control means adapted to control the direction of travel and the velocity of the lower aection, secondary control means adapted to control the attitude of the upper section: and propulsion means.
According to an above alter.~native embodiment, the secondary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the attitude of the wings.
Desirably, the primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the propulsion means.
Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control th.e direction of said lower section.
In further alternative embodiment there is provided in a water craft having a lower hull section of a motor boat with at least one motor, the improvement comprising an upper section having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings, wherein the upper section is adapted in operation to rise vertically above the lower hull section, hinge means moveably mounting said upper section to the lower hull section, control means for controlling both the direction of tr<ivel and the attitude of the wings; and drive means.
The upper aircraft section is connected to the lower hull section through a moveable support means that enables the upper section, when in use and when the lower hull section is at sufficient speed, to achieve lift along the wings which allows the upper section to substantially :rise above the lower hull section through the moveable support..
According to a preferred embodiment, the wings of the upper section of the craft are able to pivot along their horizontal axis. This enables one or- both wings to assume an inclined or tilted position to increase or decrease the angle of attack which varies the lift of the upper fuselage section.
To effect a turn, both wings are angled along their horizontal axis in opposite orientations to effect a turn in the desired direction.
The propulsion system is of any conventional type, preferably a conventional inboard or outboard motor capable of propelling the water craft to sufficient speed to provide lift to the upper section.
Propulsion and rudder control of the water craft are controlled by the driver in the cockpit through any conventional control means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGB
Figure la is a perspective view o~f the present invention, showing a modified motorboat at rest 'with the upper aircraft, lower hull section, and a moveable support frame according to _7_ the present invention.
Figure 1b is a perspective view of the water craft in use with the upper aircraft section raised upwardly from the hull section;
Figure 2 is a top plan view illustrating the modified wing structure of the present invention including the control column and control lines.
Figures 3 through 6 illustrate perspective views of the water craft, upper aircraft section and moveable support of the present invention in use, and showing wing tilt depending on the position of the control column; where Figure 3 shows the upper section with the wings in an angled position illustrating a descent: Figure 4 shows the wings in an angled position showing the upper section in an ascent; Figure 5 shows the water craft. in a left turn, with the 20 left wing in a angled position downwards, and the right wing in an angled position upwards; and Figure 6 shows the water craft in a right turn, with the right wing angled position downwards, and the left wing in an angled position upwards.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the water craft illustrating the control lines to the: rudder and motor.
DETAINED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMHODIMENTB
In a first preferred embodiment there is provided a modified water craft that combines the safety of boating with the sensation of flight. A modified motorboat is provided _g_ which includes an upper section in the form of a modified aircraft including wings and a fuselage. In use the upper section is adapted to rise upwardly in a generally vertical direction while the lower section of the water craft remains in motion on the surface of the water.
Figures 1 through 7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a water craft of the present invention. As shown, the present invention consists of a modified water craft generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. The modified water craft includes first and second sections. T:he first section comprises a lower hull section generally indi~~ated by reference number 50. The second section comprises an upper aircraft section generally indicated by reference numeral 20. The lower hull section 50 includes a deck 52, sides X55 and an interior 57. The upper section 20 includes a modified aircraft fuselage or airframe including wings 30 and 40, and cockpit 22.
As shown in Figure 1a and 1b, the upper section 20 includes an airframe or other like structure having a low aerodynamic resistance. A pair of aerodynamically shaped laterally disposed wing structures 3.0 and 40, are positioned in an opposed parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the upper section 20.
The fuselage or upper section :? 0 as shown in Figures 1 through 7, is connected to the lower hull section 50 or motorboat hull through a moveable support means or pusher frame 60. The pusher frame 60 includes firsst and second ends (80,70 respectively), and is adapted to allow movement in a vertical plane only, which enables the upper section 20, when in use and when the motorboat is at a certain speed, to 'rise vertically above the lower hull section 50. A first end 80 of the moveable _g_ support means or pusher frame 60 is affixed to the upper section or fuselage 20 with the opposite or second end 70 being affixed to the lower hull section 50.
In a preferred form, the moveable support means 60 is in the form of a hinge-like structure, which hingedly secures the upper section 20 through hinges 80 mounted to the support means 60 and the lower section through hinges mounted to the hull section 50.
According to the preferred embodiment, the upper section may be a separate construction, which is modified to be installed onto a conventional motorboat. Preferably, such a construction includes the wings (30,4~D) and forward section of the fuselage of an airframe or aircra:Et as well as the support member or pusher element 60, as described in greater detail below. Most desirably, the upper section 20 or airframe includes the fuselage and wings, but excludes the tail portion of the airframe.
The upper section 20 includes a cockpit 22 or control area for an occupant to operate the water craft. A single pilot can control both the boat controls and the controls for the wings and 40. The upper section 20 is mounted in a forward facing or bow facing position along the center line of the hull 50.
The wings 30 and 40 typically are in the form of conventional aircraft wings. The wings are of an aerodynamic shape and are adapted to pivot alone their horizontal axis.
30 This enables one or both wings (30,4~D) to assume an inclined or angled position to increase or decrease the angle of attack which varies the lift of the upper section 20. As shown in greater detail in Figures 3 through 6, the wings 30 and 40 are mounted on the upper section of the cockpit 22, for example those typical of a Cessna airframe or trainer type aircraft.
In operation, as illustrated in Figures 3 through 6, once the lower hull section 50 or motorboat reaches sufficient speed, the upper section or airframe 20 is adapted to rise vertically above the motorboat supported by the movable support means or hinge structure 60. The driver, through a push/pull action of the control column 130 in the cockpit 22, is able to effect an up and down motion of t:he upper section 20, as outlined above.
In use, the motorboat or lower hull section 50 is propelled and attains a sufficient sp~aed or velocity to provide lift to the upper section 20. 'This velocity generates aerodynamic lift force on the wings :30 and 40. This resulting lift force creates support for the upper section 20 whereby the upper section 20 is able to rise above the lower hull section 50.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 2, the wings 30 and 40 are connected to the control column 130 and shaft 140 through control lines 110, 122, 120 and 122. Direction and vertical lift of the upper section i~~ accomplished by pushing the control column 130 forward, which will slacken the trailing edge of control lines 112 and 122, and tighten the leading edge 1 fines 110 and 12 0 . This wil l cause i:he wings ( 3 0 and 4 0 ) to have a reduction in their angle of attack, which in turn causes a reduction in lift. By pulling the control wheel 130 rearwardly or towards the occupant, this action accomplishes the reverse; the trailing edge control lines tighten 112 and 122, and slacken or loosen the leading edge lines 110 and 120.
This pull action will cause an increase in lift.
The control lines 110, 112 and 120, 122 are affixed to each wing (30 and 40 respectively) along both the leading and trailing edges. In use, the angle of attack of the wings 30 and 40 is controlled through the rotation of both wings. The roll action, or a revolution about a. longitudinal axis, is counteracted through a rotation o:E both wings (30,40) in opposite directions.
As with conventional planes or flying devices, attitude control is accomplished through the rotation of the wings 30 and 40. To counteract or control the :roll action, the wings 30 and 40 are adapted to rotate in opposite directions, thus acting as ailerons. As such, both the angle of attack and roll are able to be controlled through the control column 130.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 3, when the control column 130 is pushed forward or away from the driver, the trailing edge control lines 122 and 112 are tightened whereby the wings leading edges are angled or tilted downwardly, which allows for the upper section 20 to lower. As shown in Figure 4, if the control column 130 is pulled towards the occupant, the trailing edges 132 and 142 of: both wings 30 and 40 respectively are lowered, whereby t:he wings 30 and 40 are inclined, which allows for the upper section 20 to raise above the lower hull section 50.
As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in order to effect a turn one wing is rotated upwards and the other downwards through a rotation of the control column 130. Turning the control column counter-clockwise will cause tightening of control lines (120,122) to leading edge of left wing 30 moving the left wing downward, causing the hy~dro-flyer to tilt to left side as illustrated in Figure 5. In order to effect a right turn, the control column 130 is turned clockwise, as shown in Figure 6, where the right wing 40 is tilted downward, the left is tilted upwards thus effecting the turn. As shown in Figures and 6, the motor boat or lower hull section 50 is also turned at the same time the upper section or section turns. This is accomplished through the rudder and propulsion controls of the lower hull section 50 controlled by ithe operator of the water craft which is described in greater detail below.
The lower section 50 includes an.y conventional motorboat, for example any such craft that is able to support the upper section. The lower section 50 or boat typically includes a hull 50, control means and a drive or propulsion system generally indicated by the motor 90. The hull 50 may be of any conventional construction, i.e., a cat=amaran, single or double hull, etc.
The direction control means for the lower portion is the motor 90 which includes a rudder 100. The motor 90 is preferably connected to a horizontal z~udder control bar 157 in the cockpit 22. Flexible lines 150 are affixed at one end to the rudder control bar 157 and at their opposite end to a rear bar 155 mounted to the motor 90. This allows the user to control the direction of travel of the lower hull portion.
If the craft is not at a sufficient speed, or if the operator does not wish to be in the air, the upper section 20 and the lower section 50 can function as a normal motorboat.
As shown in Figures 1 through 7, the preferred propulsion system is an outboard motor 90, although any conventional motor or plurality of motors may be used. In accordance with the present invention, an outboard motor 90 is affixed to the lower hull section 50, whereby the motor 90 has sufficient horsepower to propel the water craft 10 at sufficient velocity to attain or maintain the minimum speed required to provide lift to the fuselage or upper section 20.
Engine control means, as shown in Figure 7, are illustrated as throttle gear box 160 associated with the motor 90 through a cable 165. The throttle gear box 160 is used to control the speed of the engine in a, conventional manner.
In an alternative embodiment, i:he control system of the present invention may include two control columns or sticks, not shown, whereby pulling on both control sticks causes both wings to increase their angle of attack. One control stick may be adapted for use for each wing, e.g., one is to control the left wing and the other to control t:he right wing. According to such an alternative embodiment, a rudder control bar may be attached in a similar manner as described above to control the direction of the motorboat, and other suitable control means may be provided for other steering, throttle gears or like mechanisms of the motorboat. Additional control for an alternative wing structure, such as a fixed wing structure with ailerons may be used in accordance with the described wing control means.
In alternative embodiment, locking means or the like may be provided to prohibit the upper secaion 20 or fuselage from raising into the air when not desired.
In a further alternative embodiment, there is provided a load compensator or spring like device positioned between the upper section 20 and lower section 50. The load compensator or spring like device is adapted to compensate for the weight of the upper section 20 allow for flight using less speed, as only the weight of pilot would be the factor in compensating for the increase or decrease of speed. If, on one hand, a compensator is not used, the speed required by the present invention to attain sufficient velocity for lift would be approximately 40 miles per hour. If a load compensator is used, the required speed would be approximately 30 miler per hour.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.
According to an above alter.~native embodiment, the secondary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the attitude of the wings.
Desirably, the primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the propulsion means.
Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control th.e direction of said lower section.
In further alternative embodiment there is provided in a water craft having a lower hull section of a motor boat with at least one motor, the improvement comprising an upper section having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings, wherein the upper section is adapted in operation to rise vertically above the lower hull section, hinge means moveably mounting said upper section to the lower hull section, control means for controlling both the direction of tr<ivel and the attitude of the wings; and drive means.
The upper aircraft section is connected to the lower hull section through a moveable support means that enables the upper section, when in use and when the lower hull section is at sufficient speed, to achieve lift along the wings which allows the upper section to substantially :rise above the lower hull section through the moveable support..
According to a preferred embodiment, the wings of the upper section of the craft are able to pivot along their horizontal axis. This enables one or- both wings to assume an inclined or tilted position to increase or decrease the angle of attack which varies the lift of the upper fuselage section.
To effect a turn, both wings are angled along their horizontal axis in opposite orientations to effect a turn in the desired direction.
The propulsion system is of any conventional type, preferably a conventional inboard or outboard motor capable of propelling the water craft to sufficient speed to provide lift to the upper section.
Propulsion and rudder control of the water craft are controlled by the driver in the cockpit through any conventional control means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGB
Figure la is a perspective view o~f the present invention, showing a modified motorboat at rest 'with the upper aircraft, lower hull section, and a moveable support frame according to _7_ the present invention.
Figure 1b is a perspective view of the water craft in use with the upper aircraft section raised upwardly from the hull section;
Figure 2 is a top plan view illustrating the modified wing structure of the present invention including the control column and control lines.
Figures 3 through 6 illustrate perspective views of the water craft, upper aircraft section and moveable support of the present invention in use, and showing wing tilt depending on the position of the control column; where Figure 3 shows the upper section with the wings in an angled position illustrating a descent: Figure 4 shows the wings in an angled position showing the upper section in an ascent; Figure 5 shows the water craft. in a left turn, with the 20 left wing in a angled position downwards, and the right wing in an angled position upwards; and Figure 6 shows the water craft in a right turn, with the right wing angled position downwards, and the left wing in an angled position upwards.
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the water craft illustrating the control lines to the: rudder and motor.
DETAINED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMHODIMENTB
In a first preferred embodiment there is provided a modified water craft that combines the safety of boating with the sensation of flight. A modified motorboat is provided _g_ which includes an upper section in the form of a modified aircraft including wings and a fuselage. In use the upper section is adapted to rise upwardly in a generally vertical direction while the lower section of the water craft remains in motion on the surface of the water.
Figures 1 through 7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a water craft of the present invention. As shown, the present invention consists of a modified water craft generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. The modified water craft includes first and second sections. T:he first section comprises a lower hull section generally indi~~ated by reference number 50. The second section comprises an upper aircraft section generally indicated by reference numeral 20. The lower hull section 50 includes a deck 52, sides X55 and an interior 57. The upper section 20 includes a modified aircraft fuselage or airframe including wings 30 and 40, and cockpit 22.
As shown in Figure 1a and 1b, the upper section 20 includes an airframe or other like structure having a low aerodynamic resistance. A pair of aerodynamically shaped laterally disposed wing structures 3.0 and 40, are positioned in an opposed parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the upper section 20.
The fuselage or upper section :? 0 as shown in Figures 1 through 7, is connected to the lower hull section 50 or motorboat hull through a moveable support means or pusher frame 60. The pusher frame 60 includes firsst and second ends (80,70 respectively), and is adapted to allow movement in a vertical plane only, which enables the upper section 20, when in use and when the motorboat is at a certain speed, to 'rise vertically above the lower hull section 50. A first end 80 of the moveable _g_ support means or pusher frame 60 is affixed to the upper section or fuselage 20 with the opposite or second end 70 being affixed to the lower hull section 50.
In a preferred form, the moveable support means 60 is in the form of a hinge-like structure, which hingedly secures the upper section 20 through hinges 80 mounted to the support means 60 and the lower section through hinges mounted to the hull section 50.
According to the preferred embodiment, the upper section may be a separate construction, which is modified to be installed onto a conventional motorboat. Preferably, such a construction includes the wings (30,4~D) and forward section of the fuselage of an airframe or aircra:Et as well as the support member or pusher element 60, as described in greater detail below. Most desirably, the upper section 20 or airframe includes the fuselage and wings, but excludes the tail portion of the airframe.
The upper section 20 includes a cockpit 22 or control area for an occupant to operate the water craft. A single pilot can control both the boat controls and the controls for the wings and 40. The upper section 20 is mounted in a forward facing or bow facing position along the center line of the hull 50.
The wings 30 and 40 typically are in the form of conventional aircraft wings. The wings are of an aerodynamic shape and are adapted to pivot alone their horizontal axis.
30 This enables one or both wings (30,4~D) to assume an inclined or angled position to increase or decrease the angle of attack which varies the lift of the upper section 20. As shown in greater detail in Figures 3 through 6, the wings 30 and 40 are mounted on the upper section of the cockpit 22, for example those typical of a Cessna airframe or trainer type aircraft.
In operation, as illustrated in Figures 3 through 6, once the lower hull section 50 or motorboat reaches sufficient speed, the upper section or airframe 20 is adapted to rise vertically above the motorboat supported by the movable support means or hinge structure 60. The driver, through a push/pull action of the control column 130 in the cockpit 22, is able to effect an up and down motion of t:he upper section 20, as outlined above.
In use, the motorboat or lower hull section 50 is propelled and attains a sufficient sp~aed or velocity to provide lift to the upper section 20. 'This velocity generates aerodynamic lift force on the wings :30 and 40. This resulting lift force creates support for the upper section 20 whereby the upper section 20 is able to rise above the lower hull section 50.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 2, the wings 30 and 40 are connected to the control column 130 and shaft 140 through control lines 110, 122, 120 and 122. Direction and vertical lift of the upper section i~~ accomplished by pushing the control column 130 forward, which will slacken the trailing edge of control lines 112 and 122, and tighten the leading edge 1 fines 110 and 12 0 . This wil l cause i:he wings ( 3 0 and 4 0 ) to have a reduction in their angle of attack, which in turn causes a reduction in lift. By pulling the control wheel 130 rearwardly or towards the occupant, this action accomplishes the reverse; the trailing edge control lines tighten 112 and 122, and slacken or loosen the leading edge lines 110 and 120.
This pull action will cause an increase in lift.
The control lines 110, 112 and 120, 122 are affixed to each wing (30 and 40 respectively) along both the leading and trailing edges. In use, the angle of attack of the wings 30 and 40 is controlled through the rotation of both wings. The roll action, or a revolution about a. longitudinal axis, is counteracted through a rotation o:E both wings (30,40) in opposite directions.
As with conventional planes or flying devices, attitude control is accomplished through the rotation of the wings 30 and 40. To counteract or control the :roll action, the wings 30 and 40 are adapted to rotate in opposite directions, thus acting as ailerons. As such, both the angle of attack and roll are able to be controlled through the control column 130.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 3, when the control column 130 is pushed forward or away from the driver, the trailing edge control lines 122 and 112 are tightened whereby the wings leading edges are angled or tilted downwardly, which allows for the upper section 20 to lower. As shown in Figure 4, if the control column 130 is pulled towards the occupant, the trailing edges 132 and 142 of: both wings 30 and 40 respectively are lowered, whereby t:he wings 30 and 40 are inclined, which allows for the upper section 20 to raise above the lower hull section 50.
As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in order to effect a turn one wing is rotated upwards and the other downwards through a rotation of the control column 130. Turning the control column counter-clockwise will cause tightening of control lines (120,122) to leading edge of left wing 30 moving the left wing downward, causing the hy~dro-flyer to tilt to left side as illustrated in Figure 5. In order to effect a right turn, the control column 130 is turned clockwise, as shown in Figure 6, where the right wing 40 is tilted downward, the left is tilted upwards thus effecting the turn. As shown in Figures and 6, the motor boat or lower hull section 50 is also turned at the same time the upper section or section turns. This is accomplished through the rudder and propulsion controls of the lower hull section 50 controlled by ithe operator of the water craft which is described in greater detail below.
The lower section 50 includes an.y conventional motorboat, for example any such craft that is able to support the upper section. The lower section 50 or boat typically includes a hull 50, control means and a drive or propulsion system generally indicated by the motor 90. The hull 50 may be of any conventional construction, i.e., a cat=amaran, single or double hull, etc.
The direction control means for the lower portion is the motor 90 which includes a rudder 100. The motor 90 is preferably connected to a horizontal z~udder control bar 157 in the cockpit 22. Flexible lines 150 are affixed at one end to the rudder control bar 157 and at their opposite end to a rear bar 155 mounted to the motor 90. This allows the user to control the direction of travel of the lower hull portion.
If the craft is not at a sufficient speed, or if the operator does not wish to be in the air, the upper section 20 and the lower section 50 can function as a normal motorboat.
As shown in Figures 1 through 7, the preferred propulsion system is an outboard motor 90, although any conventional motor or plurality of motors may be used. In accordance with the present invention, an outboard motor 90 is affixed to the lower hull section 50, whereby the motor 90 has sufficient horsepower to propel the water craft 10 at sufficient velocity to attain or maintain the minimum speed required to provide lift to the fuselage or upper section 20.
Engine control means, as shown in Figure 7, are illustrated as throttle gear box 160 associated with the motor 90 through a cable 165. The throttle gear box 160 is used to control the speed of the engine in a, conventional manner.
In an alternative embodiment, i:he control system of the present invention may include two control columns or sticks, not shown, whereby pulling on both control sticks causes both wings to increase their angle of attack. One control stick may be adapted for use for each wing, e.g., one is to control the left wing and the other to control t:he right wing. According to such an alternative embodiment, a rudder control bar may be attached in a similar manner as described above to control the direction of the motorboat, and other suitable control means may be provided for other steering, throttle gears or like mechanisms of the motorboat. Additional control for an alternative wing structure, such as a fixed wing structure with ailerons may be used in accordance with the described wing control means.
In alternative embodiment, locking means or the like may be provided to prohibit the upper secaion 20 or fuselage from raising into the air when not desired.
In a further alternative embodiment, there is provided a load compensator or spring like device positioned between the upper section 20 and lower section 50. The load compensator or spring like device is adapted to compensate for the weight of the upper section 20 allow for flight using less speed, as only the weight of pilot would be the factor in compensating for the increase or decrease of speed. If, on one hand, a compensator is not used, the speed required by the present invention to attain sufficient velocity for lift would be approximately 40 miles per hour. If a load compensator is used, the required speed would be approximately 30 miler per hour.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.
Claims (22)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a water craft having a hull and motor with controls, the improvement comprising:
an aircraft fuselage associated with the hull of the water craft, said fuselage having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings and a cockpit;
moveable support means mounting said aircraft fuselage to said hull, said moveable support means permitting upward vertical lift of said aircraft fuselage; and control means in said aircraft fuselage to control wing tilt and the motor of said water craft, whereby when said water craft reaches a predetermined speed, said aircraft fuselage will lift providing for a flight sensation.
an aircraft fuselage associated with the hull of the water craft, said fuselage having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings and a cockpit;
moveable support means mounting said aircraft fuselage to said hull, said moveable support means permitting upward vertical lift of said aircraft fuselage; and control means in said aircraft fuselage to control wing tilt and the motor of said water craft, whereby when said water craft reaches a predetermined speed, said aircraft fuselage will lift providing for a flight sensation.
2. A water craft according to claim 1, wherein said water craft is a motorboat.
3. A water craft according to claim 2, wherein said motor is an inboard motor.
4. A water craft according to claim 3, wherein said motor is an outboard motor.
5. A water craft according to claim 3, wherein said inboard motor is associated with a rudder.
6. A water craft according to claim 4, wherein said outboard motor includes a rudder.
7. A water craft according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes primary directional control means and secondary wing control means.
8. A water craft according to claim 7, wherein said primary control means includes control means adapted to control the direction and velocity of said lower hull section.
9. A water craft according to claim 7, wherein said secondary control means includes control means adapted to control the attitude of said wings.
10. A water craft according to claim 9, wherein said wings are associated with said secondary control means.
11. A water craft according to claim 7, said primary and secondary control means are located within said cockpit.
12. A water craft according to claim 7, wherein said secondary control means includes control cables attached to said pair of wings.
13. A water craft according to claim 12, wherein said secondary control means further includes a control column associated with said control cables.
14. A water craft according to claim 7, wherein said primary control means includes a control bar associated with control cables affixed to said motor.
15. A water craft according to claim 1, wherein said moveable support means includes a hinged frame positioned within said hull, said support means being adapted to move between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
16. A water craft according to claim 15, wherein said hinged frame is secured to said hull section and said aircraft fuselage and is adapted to allow movement of said aircraft fuselage between a first stationary position and a second operative position.
17. A water craft according to claim 1, wherein said water craft includes a load compensator.
18. In a water craft having a, lower hull section and motor, the improvement comprising :
an upper section including a section of aircraft fuselage having a pair of laterally disposed wings;
support means adapted to allow vertical movement of said upper section in a vertical plane relative to said lower hull section;
primary control means adapted to control the direction of travel and the velocity of said lower section:
secondary control means adapted to control the attitude of said upper section; and propulsion means.
an upper section including a section of aircraft fuselage having a pair of laterally disposed wings;
support means adapted to allow vertical movement of said upper section in a vertical plane relative to said lower hull section;
primary control means adapted to control the direction of travel and the velocity of said lower section:
secondary control means adapted to control the attitude of said upper section; and propulsion means.
19. A water craft according to claim 18, wherein said secondary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the attitude of said wings.
20. A water craft according to claim 1, wherein said primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the propulsion means.
21. A water craft according to claim 18, wherein said primary control means includes mechanical, hydraulic or electrical relaying devices adapted to control the direction of said lower section.
22. In a water craft having a lower hull section of a motor boat with at least one motor, the improvement comprising:
an upper section having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings, wherein said upper section is adapted in operation to rise vertically above said lower hull section;
hinge means movably mounting said upper section to said lower hull section;
control means for controlling both the direction of travel and the attitude of said wings; and drive means.
an upper section having at least one pair of laterally disposed wings, wherein said upper section is adapted in operation to rise vertically above said lower hull section;
hinge means movably mounting said upper section to said lower hull section;
control means for controlling both the direction of travel and the attitude of said wings; and drive means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002267874A CA2267874A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 1999-03-31 | Modified water craft |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002267874A CA2267874A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 1999-03-31 | Modified water craft |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2267874A1 true CA2267874A1 (en) | 2000-09-30 |
Family
ID=29588685
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002267874A Abandoned CA2267874A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 1999-03-31 | Modified water craft |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2267874A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1557350A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-07-27 | Luigi Greppi | High-performance sailing boat using wing sections and lifting sails |
| CN102803060A (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2012-11-28 | 安全艇国际有限责任公司 | Watercraft with stepped hull and outboard fins |
-
1999
- 1999-03-31 CA CA002267874A patent/CA2267874A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1557350A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-07-27 | Luigi Greppi | High-performance sailing boat using wing sections and lifting sails |
| CN102803060A (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2012-11-28 | 安全艇国际有限责任公司 | Watercraft with stepped hull and outboard fins |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20071025 |