EP0426917B1

EP0426917B1 - Water craft

Info

Publication number: EP0426917B1
Application number: EP89311593A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francesco A. Pia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-08-25
Filing date: 1989-11-09
Publication date: 1994-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2009-11-09
Also published as: EP0426917A1

Description

This invention relates to water craft. More particularly, this invention relates to water craft useful as marine rescue and recreational craft.
Heretofore, various types of water craft have been known for use in rescue work as well as in recreational activities, for example, water craft such as surfboards and paddleboards have been used not only for rescue work but also for recreational purposes. For example, life guards often resort to paddleboards as a means for quickly reaching a distressed swimmer or a drowning non-swimmer and for transporting the victim to shore for first aid.
In the past, paddleboards have been constructed with features which are especially adapted for specific uses. For example, paddleboards have been fabricated with a pointed bow which is to be angled out of the water as well as with a convex underwater surface in order to achieve faster speeds when in use. In other cases, boards have been made with a concave underwater surface in order to provide lateral stability.
Where a surfboard or paddleboard is intended for rescue operations, such as for use by a lifeguard, the board is generally constructed of a size to permit the lifeguard to lie at the stern while the rescued person is laid flat along the bow and middle section of the board. However, where the boards are made with a rounded underwater surface, there is a danger that the boards may tip or roll over causing the rescued person to slide off.
US-A-3807337 describes a boat hull which is constructed for planing. In this regard, the hull is provided with a front section having a pair of keels and a rear section having a pair of keels and a rear section having a single keel. When planing, the hull is to ride on points defined by the rear of each keel of the front section and a point defined by the keel of the rear section so that three-point contact is made with the water.
According to the present invention, there is provided a water craft having a bow section and a stern section, characterized in that said bow section includes a pair of longitudinally disposed runners on an underside and a recessed portion extending longitudinally between said runners to guide a flow of water therethrough; and in that said stern section is parabolic and includes a centrally disposed longitudinally extending chine on an underside with an apex disposed between and in spaced relation to said runners to define a pair of channels therebetween and to separate the flow of water from said recessed portion into said channels, each said channel extending from and communicating with said recessed central portion of said bow section to conduct a respective flow of water from said recessed portion therethrough.
Thus, invention provides a water craft of one-piece buoyant construction which has the forward bow section shaped and contoured to impart stability when moving through the water and the stern section shaped and contoured to improve the speed of the craft through the water.
The stern section of the craft may also include a flat centrally disposed deck on a top side which is angularly disposed relative to the bow section as well as a pair of foot rests on opposite sides of the deck, for example at mid-deck. This construction permits a user to be seated in a stable position, for example for paddling of the water craft through the water by use of a double-bladed paddle.
The stern section may also be provided with a depending rudder which extends from the rear end of the chine.
The craft has an overall shape which is contoured to enhance movement through the water. For example, the bow section may have a U-shape with the runners disposed in parallel while the stern section is of parabolic shape with a pair of lateral edges defining a converging angle towards a rear of the stern section.
The craft may also be provided with a means for mounting a mast for a sail on the bow section and a means for mounting a steering rudder on the stern section. With the sail in place, the craft can be used as a sail boat. In this embodiment, the flat deck on the stern section provides a stable surface on which a user may sit for sailing of the craft. Further, a center board blade may be pivotally mounted in the underside of a mid-section for pivoting into a depending position for sailing purposes.
The craft may also be provided with a means for mounting a hand-supported mast, which supports the sail vertically, and tubular bars of wishbone configuration, which supports the sail horizontally. The mast is then inserted into a mast foot with a universal joint, which is than attached to a mast step which has been imbedded within the craft. With the sail in place, the craft can be used as a windsurfer. In this embodiment, the flat deck provides a stable surface on which the user may stand while sailing the craft. Further, a center board blade may be pivotally mounted in the underside midsection for pivoting into a depending position for sailing purposes.
In certain embodiments where the craft is to be used for rescue purposes, the top side of the bow section is made flat. In this case, where a lifeguard has navigated to the location of the person requiring rescue, the swimmer can be positioned on the bow section either in a prone position or in a seated upright position for return to land. At this time, the lifeguard would be seated on the stern section and would paddle the craft to land, for example using a double-bladed paddle. Alternatively, the craft can be navigated through the use of a lifeguard's hands.
It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the invention can be implemented so as to provide a craft which:

(a) is capable of supporting a rescued victim in a stable position;
(b) can be rapidly moved through the water and which is sufficiently stable to expedite rescue operations;
(c) is capable of allowing the administration of first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on board;
(d) has multiple uses such as for marine rescue and recreational purposes; and/or
(e) has board-like construction which can be readily navigated.

For a better understanding of the present invention and as to how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a view of a craft embodying the invention in use for the rescue of a distressed swimmer;
Fig. 2 illustrates a view of the craft of Fig. 1 in use as a sail boat;
Fig. 3 illustrates a top side view of the craft of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 illustrates an underside view of the craft of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the craft of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of the craft of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 illustrates a view taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 illustrates a position of a distressed swimmer relative to the craft of Fig. 1 during a rescue operation;
Fig. 9 illustrates a position for a rescued swimmer on the craft of Figure 1 during a further step in a rescue operation;
Fig. 10 illustrates a position of a rescued swimmer on the craft of Figure 1 during a final phase of a rescue operation; and
Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the craft of Figure 1 in use as a windsurfer.

Referring to Fig. 1, the water craft 10 is of generally flat board-like shape, for example having an overall length of about twelve feet (3.7 m), a width of about three feet (91 cm) at the widest point and a thickness of about seven inches (18 cm) at the thickest part. The craft is made of bouyant material as well as being of light weight construction to be readily transported by a single person. For example, the board may be formed with a core of foam plastic and an outer sheath of non-foamed plastic.
Referring to Fig. 3, the water craft 10 has a forward bow section 11 and a rear stern section 12. As indicated, the bow section 11 is of U-shape while the stern section 12 has a parabolic shape with a pair of lateral edges which define a converging angle towards the rear of the stern section 12. The shape is one which is intended to enhance the streamline nature of the craft 10 and to improve the speed of the craft 10 through the water.
Referring to Fig. 4, the bow section 11 includes a pair of longitudinally disposed parallel runners 13 on the underside along the respective edges of the bow section 11 as well as a recessed central portion 14 which extends longitudinally between the runners 13. Each runner 13 presents a flat or slightly rounded surface on the underside which extends in a single horizontal plane as viewed in Fig. 6 while merging at the forward end into the bow section 11 and merging at the rear and into the stern section 12. As indicated in Fig. 4, the recessed central portion 14 has a generally flat middle portion which is symmetrical to a longitudinal axis 15 of symmetry of the craft 10 as well as a pair of curved sections which extend from the central section to the respective runners 13. For example, the flat central portion may have width of six inches (15 cm) while each runner 13 has a width of seven inches (18 cm) with the total width of the bow section at the widest point being thirty-six inches (91 cm).
As indicated in Fig. 5, the runners 13 merge into the forward portion of the bow section 11 so as to leave an unobstructed recess into which water may flow during navigation in order to minimize resistance to the flow of water and thus to permit the craft 10 to achieve a greater speed. The pair of runners 13 also impart stability to the craft 10 to increase resistance to capsizing.
Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the stern section includes a centrally disposed longitudinally extending chine or rib 16 on the underside which is disposed in spaced relation to the runners 13 in order to define a pair of channels 17 there between. As indicated, each channel 17 extends from and communicates with the recessed central portion 14 of the bow section 11 so as to guide a flow of water therethrough. As indicated in Fig. 7, the chine 16 presents a flat bottomed surface which is co-planar with the flat surfaces of the runners 13. In addition, the forward end of the chine 16 converges to an apex located between the runners 13 in order to facilitate a separation of a flow of water from the recessed portion 14 of the bow section 11 into the two channels 17.
The stern section 12 is also provided with a depending rudder 18 which extends from a rear end of the chine 16.
Referring to Fig. 3, the top side of the stern section 12 is provided with a flat or recessed centrally disposed deck 19 and a pair of footrests 20 on opposite sides of the deck 19. As indicated in Figs. 1 and 3, the deck 19 is angularly disposed relative to the bow section 11 such that the rear end of the deck 19 is lower than the forward end of the deck 19. As also indicated, the stern section 12 has a pair of longitudinally disposed recesses 21 which extend from the respective footrests 20 along an edge of the stern section 12. As indicated in Fig. 7, each recess 21 has an arcuate contour and merges in a smooth manner into a respective footrest 20.
As shown in Fig. 1, with a person, such as a lifeguard, 22 seated on the deck 19 of the stern section 12, the feet of the lifeguard 22 can be placed against the footrests 20. In this position, use may be made of a double-bladed paddle 23 for navigating the craft 10 through the water, for example, to a swimmer 24 in distress.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 6, the top side of the bow section 11 is flat so as to provide a platform for receiving a person in a prone or seated position.
As indicated in Fig. 4, each runner 13 gradually tapers in width in a rearward direction. In this case, the rear ends of the runners 13 define an opening in the side of the craft 11 opposite the chine 16 so as to permit water from the channels 17 to be guided laterally out and away from the craft. Alternatively, the runners 13 may become gradually depressed into the stern section 12 to permit water to flow out from the sides of the craft 10. Still further, each channel 17 may be tapered to decrease in depth while eventually disappearing at the lateral sides of the stern section 12.
The shape and contour of the underside of the craft 10 combines the features of a multi-hull which is characteristic of a catamaran in the bow section 11 with the characteristics of a mono-hull which is characteristic of a conventional surfboard in the stern section 12 in order to achieve high stability as in a catamaran and the reserve stability of a mono-hull.
Where the craft 10 is to be used for rescue purposes, a lifeguard 22 would be seated on the stern section 12 as indicated in Fig. 1 and would paddle to the location of a distressed swimmer or a drowning victim 24. Should the need arise, the craft 10 could be propelled through the water by hand.
During navigation through the water, the shape at the underside of the craft 10 permits a relatively high speed to be obtained as compared with previously known boards for similar purposes. Once reaching the location of the victim 24, the lifeguard 22 may pull the victim 24, as indicated in Fig. 8, over a mid-section of the craft 10. After positioning the victim 24 over the craft 10 the lifeguard 22 may turn the victim 90 degrees as indicated in Fig. 9 into a position parallel to the craft 10. The rescued person 24 may remain in this position or may move into a seated position, as indicated in Fig. 10, for return to land. For the return trip, the lifeguard 22 would again be seated in the stern section 12 and would use the paddle indicated in Fig. 1 for paddling to land.
The flat top side of the bow section 11 indicated in Figs. 3 and 6 permit the rescued person 24 to be laid or seated in a stable position. Of note, it is also possible for a lifeguard 22 to perform artificial respiration or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the like on the rescued person 24 while still in the water. In this respect, should a pulseless non-breathing victim be rescued a moderate distance from shore, the lifeguard may be able to quickly ventilate the victim's lungs while the victim is in a prone position on the craft 10. Thus, there can be a reduction in the risk that a victim may suffer irreversible brain damage or death because a rescuer was unable to externally compress the victim's sternum to force blood out of the heart through the lungs and into the brain. The size and stability of the craft permits a lifeguard to attempt to perform both cardiac compressions and respiratory ventilations on a prone victim on the craft. In this respect, ventilation of the lungs can be attempted by a lifeguard also on the craft or by a second lifeguard who remains in the water.
Referring to Fig. 2, the water craft 10 may also be be provided with a means 25 adjacent the forward end of the deck 19 for mounting a mast 26 for a sail 27. Such a means 25 may be in the form of a bracket which is permanently secured to the bow section 11 or which can be removably mounted in place or in the form of a recessed hole in the deck 19.
The water craft 10 may also be provided with a means 29 for mounting a rudder 28 on the rear of the stern section 12. This means 29 may be in the form of a suitable bracket assembly which can be permanently mounted on the craft 10 or removably mounted in known manner.
The use of the spaced apart runners 13 on the underside of the bow section 11 and the relatively wide flat chine 16 on the underside of the stern section 12 provides stability for a user when seated on the flat deck 19 as indicated in Figs 1. In addition, the shaping of the underside of the bow section of a recessed central portion 14 and the two channels 17 extending therefrom enhance the speed characteristics of the craft 10 when being propelled through the water. In this respect, the profile of the craft 10 which is presented to the water is of a very reduced minimum in the bow section.
The craft 10 may also be provided with inserts or recesses in the deck 19 alongside the recesses 21 in order to hold unsleeved double bladed kyack paddles.
Referring to Fig. 11, the craft 10 may have a mast step 29 to receive a mast foot in which a mast 30 is mounted via a universal joint for use as a wind-surfer. As indicated, the mast 30 supports a sail 31 along with horizontal support bars 32.
Certain embodiments of the invention thus provide a water craft which can be readily used for marine rescue purposes as well as a water craft which can be readily used for recreation purposes, for example, in the form of a Kayak, a windsurfer and a sail boat. In this respect, the craft is constructed to permit interchangeability from one function to another either while on shore or in the water.
For example, the craft can be used in the manner of a kyack, that is, propelled through the water with a double bladed paddle, with the mast inserted into the deck of the craft with the sails furled. At a time deemed appropriate by the user, the paddles can be unsleeved and inserted into receptacles on either the top side of the bow deck, or along the outside lateral chines. The sail would then be unfurled and the craft used as a sailboat. In like manner, the mast could be removed from the deck of the craft, inserted into a mast foot with a universal joint, and sailed as windsurfer.
Where the craft is propelled through the water, an individual may be seated on the top side of the stern section in a stable manner with his feet braced in the footrests. Such stability greatly surpasses the stability of traditional surfboards where smooth slightly convex undersides render the boards somewhat unstable and easily tippable.
Where used as a windsurfer, a mast can be attached to the craft with a universal joint or like means and may be supported in an upright position by the user. Because of the stability of the craft, a novice windsurfer may quickly master the skills necessary to balance oneself on the craft. Thus, instead of concentrating on learning the skills of balancing, the user may concentrate on the skills required for sailing.
Certain embodiments of the invention provide a water craft which is of generally light-weight construction so as to be easily transported by a single person. Further, the craft may be made of any suitable size so as to accommodate the use for which the craft may be intended.

Claims

A water craft (10) having a bow section (11) and a stern section (12) characterized in that said bow section (11) includes a pair of longitudinally disposed runners (13) on an underside and a recessed portion (14) extending longitudinally between said runners (13) to guide a flow of water therethrough; and in that said stern section (12) is parabolic and includes a centrally disposed longitudinally extending chine (16) on an underside with an apex disposed between and in spaced relation to said runners (13) to define a pair of channels (17) therebetween and to separate the flow of water from said recessed portion (14) into said channels (17), each said channel (17) extending from and communicating with said recessed central portion (14) of said bow section (11) to conduct a respective flow of water from said recessed portion (14) therethrough.
A water craft as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bow section (11) is of U-shape and said stern section (12) has a pair of lateral edges defining a converging angle towards a rear of said stern section (12).
A water craft as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said bow section (11) and said stern section (12) define a generally flat board-like shape.
A water craft as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said stern section (12) includes a flat centrally disposed deck (19) on a topside and a pair of foot rests (20) disposed on opposite sides of said deck.
A water craft as claimed in claim 4, wherein said stern section (11) has a pair of longitudinally disposed recesses (21), each recess extending from a respective foot rest (20) along an edge of said stern section (11).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said stern section (12) includes a depending rudder (18) extending from a rear end of said chine (16).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said chine (16) has a flat surface extending across said stern section (12) and each said channel (17) extends laterally outwardly to a side of said stern section (12).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 and including means (25) for mounting a mast (26) for a sail (27) on said bow section (11) and means (29) for mounting a rudder (28) on said stern section (12).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 and including a center board blade pivotally mounted in said stern section (12) for pivoting into a depending position.
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each runner (13) defines an opening in a side of said craft (10) opposite said chine (16) to permit water in a respective channel (17) to flow out from said side.
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said chine (16) is co-planar with said runners (13).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said chine (16) is symmetrically disposed between said runners (13).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein each runner (13) has a rounded surface on an underside.
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein each runner (13) decreases in depth in the direction of said stern section (12).
A water craft as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein each channel (17) decrease in depth in the direction of said stern section (12).