FR2464178A1 - Power driven inflatable craft - has cross plate on stern with support plate for power unit and bottom scraper fins - Google Patents

Abstract

The vessel is made of vulcanised rubber and has an inflatable float (A) divided into separately inflatable sections (I). The inflatable float is covered with a weather resistant envelope (B). The base of the craft is made from abrasion resistant material. The stern of the vessel has two aluminium fins (D) extending below the hull. The hull has a cross beam (H) at the stern and below the level of the boat floor boards. The power unit is fitted to a vertical plate (F) which is reinforced by the angles (E).

Description

 The present invention relates to inflatable boats with large mechanical propulsion and high performance.

The commonly manufactured inflatable boats are made up of a rubberized or plastomer coated fabric flange made by cold gluing or welding of the various component parts, of a background of the same kind fixed by the same methodS of a transom used for fix the engine, a floor in several pieces of wood or other rigid material and various accessories such as swimmers, pockets, handles etc. also fixed by welding or gluing, sometimes by sewing.

The lateral flanges projecting towards the rear of the table generally end in a cone or a truncated cone.

During acceleration and cornering, this type of boat tends to oversize too far forward and slip. On the other hand when the speed increases the drag of the cones also increases eventually to limit the performance of the whole
On this type of material, the longitudinal rigidity and the resistance to twisting are only obtained by blocking a rigid floor between the tubes, the bottom and a rigid or inflatable keel. The width is therefore limited and the passage of waves at high speed tires the boat and. the crew, the assietbe- is hardly maintained.

The device according to the invention forming a very slightly deformable rear part supported on its carrying plane working in an area of flat water allows the manufacture of boats much wider than in the past, having a better passage in the waves, retaining a excellent longitudinal and lateral attitude in a straight line and in tight turns, practically not skidding, better retaining their course, for example in choppy conditions.

An inflatable boat which is the subject of the invention consists of the following elements: A bladder or air chamber A made of special gum, for example vulcanized or crosslinked epichlorodrin rubber, with a thickness of 0.5 to 1 millimeter comprising several compartments separated by returnable cones I, each compartment comprising an inflation or deflation orifice.

All assemblies being carried out by press and hot. An envelope B composed of a nylon or polyester fabric resistant to inflation pressure and navigation constraints, protected at least outside by a layer of rubber or plastic resistant to atmospheric aging, action of the sun and ozone as well as products that can be encountered in the marine or river environment, polluted or not as well as at temperatures between -40 e and + 100le. This envelope is preferably assembled by sewing as well as its reinforcements and equipment,
With an abrasion resistant bottom C and having. overall the same physico-chemical characteristics as the envelope. From two rigid ends D of material resistant to corrosion and. mechanical forces, for example polyester, aluminum, polycarbonate etc. can end with fins;, secured to the rear of the flanges but removable and taken up on the engine mounting bracket F by two tie rods E of appropriate size, and also removable, made for example of aluminum alloy. Table F being. tightly fixed on the enclosures B and on the bottom C. Of a floor / keel assembly
G in several parts made of rigid material, for example plywood or a sandwich of cellular plastic and metal or metal. From a load-bearing surface It rigidly fixed on the ends D made of resistant material and. another target and presenting an appropriate teacher.

 Inflatable boats manufactured according to the invention are particularly suitable, thanks to their excellent attitude on the water, to military equipment carrying shooting equipment or shooters, to rescue equipment thanks to their larger floor area and their better behavior. in rough water, inflatable boats equipped with powerful engines to tow skiers.

 their use can also. be considered in waters polluted by hydrocarbons by adapting on the rigid stern an air motor insensitive to the state of the liquid on which the boat moves. it should also be noted that the manufacturing method makes it possible to obtain a seal retaining the pressure for several weeks and a repairability similar to that of car tires equipped with air chambers.

Claims (4)

 7, Device equipping an inflatable boat improving its nautical qualities. Characterized by the fact that it has a load-bearing plane. 2. Device according to claim 1. Characterized by the fact that the carrier plane is fixed on rigid ends soliarized at the rear of the lateral tubes.  3. Device according to claim 2. Characterized by the fact that the rigid ends can be taken up by tie rods on the engine mounting panel.  4. Manufacture of the boat characterized in that the etvecheité is obtained by a special rubber bladder, sou  hot-air, with compartments closed by cones returnable, interchangeable and repairable.