GB2461957A

GB2461957A - An accessory to save power in boats

Info

Publication number: GB2461957A
Application number: GB0815714A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Oliver Halpin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-22
Filing date: 2008-08-29
Publication date: 2010-01-27
Also published as: GB0815714D0; GB0813359D0

Abstract

An accessory is disclosed, that is adapted to attach to the stern of propelled boats, and is in the form of a rigid or semi rigid lid, platform or fin and engages at or below the water line of the boat and extends rearwardly across the water's surface, to suppress the wasted power rising in the boats swell. The said accessory is adjustable by means of brackets and/or hinges for leveling the accessory at independent boat stern angles (Fig 2) and has means to resist vibration. The said wasted power is redirected by the accessory into contributing to the drive of the said boat. The said accessory may also be provided on new build boats (Fig 27 and 28), may be used as a boat trailer (Fig 31), may be used as a stabiliser (Fig 17), may be attached to the said boats rudder (Fig 32), and/or the frames of a boats paddles (Figs 29 and 30).

Description

description

Fig. 1 Shows the water swell at the stem o of a conventionally propelled boat and the wasted pressure at the swell water surface (a) Shows wasted water pressure at the swell above the water line.

(b) Shows a propelled boat with a basic platyfin' in position.

(c) Shows the swell of a propelled boat redirected to assist its propulsion.

(d) Illustrates a basic platyfm' attached to the stern of a boat.

Fig. 2 Shows how the platyfln' can be adapted to fit the different angle of boat sterns in relation to the water level with a platyfin bracket and hinge/s.

(a) Shows a boat with a fixed bracket that\ which the platyfin' can be and repositioned by sliding to the position of the water line and secured.

(b) Shows the hinge/s (interchangeable) that can maintain the platyfin' in a position level with the water line. These hinges can also be used for repositioning the platyfm for breaking the speed of the boat, steering andlor dropping down of the platyfm' and for storing.

(c) Is a Plug' which is a an adjusting device keeping the platyfin' level to the water line against the angle of the fixed bracket attached to A stem of a boat. This Plug' can also contain/be a shock absorber i.e. sprung, hydraulics, and/or rubber and can be attached at both ends and/or one end for operational purposes, referred to as (Pug') in following descriptions.

(d) Is an example of a platyfm' support shape to take the pressure of the swell with a handle facility and hols for adapting to alternative brackets.

This facility can also contain adjusting attachments.

(e) The platyfm Plug' can be free, for the platyfin' to control the boat.

Fig.3 / Shows an example of a platyfm' bracket fm attachment and Plug' (a) Is an example of an adjustable Plug' (b) Is a section containing a platyfin' Plug'.

(c) Is an example of a bracket that can secure the platyfin' to a boat.

(d) An example of a unit set of a platyfm' containing a bracket and Plug' Fig. 4 Shows an extendable platyfin that will automatically extend when the speed of the boat extends the swell further to the rear of the stern (a) Is a clamping device (As in Fig. 10) to hold the platyfin' at the water line.

(b) Shows overlapping and extending fms.

(c) Are fins fixed and/or (adjustable) to resist the water flow. Fig.5

Shows an example of an alternative platyfm' fin design where the fin is a shape angled from the stern of the boat before it may follow the water line.

(a) Shows the shape of the' platyfin' starting from the boats stem.

(b) Shows adjusting rod/s for alternative stem angles (cushioned) (c) Shows hots in a bracket to adjust the said rods to the angle of the stern (d) Is the water line of the boat.

(e) Are practical bracket fixture examples to attach to this Hafin' shape. -C) Fig.6

Shows a design of a platyfin'that conceals all its mechanics. Resulting in the platyfm' being a practical and fashionable accessory to class boating.

(a) Shows the water level fin and the angle fms sliding and adjusting section.

(b) The angle of the fm from the stem as in Fig.5 is similar but is independent from the water level fin section and can control the platyfin' water level fin to align with the water level of the boat.

(c) Shows a Plug' (or fixed adjustment.) (d) Shows a platyfin' attached to a boat with a different angled stern.

(e) Shows bracket housing as in Fig.7 and fully exploded in Fig.8.

(f) Shows a platyfin' unit without a waterline fm this unit could be flat/shaped. Fig.7

Shows the complete Fig.6 design above attached to a boat.

(a) Is a platyfm' unit and attached to the stern of a boat by example.

(b) The exposed bracket housing with the angle fm section attached.

(c) Is a strengthening support shape/section of the fm.

(d) Shows the anchor hinge that secures the water level fin to the bracket (e) Is the water level fm of the platyfin' with the sliding section exposed. Fig.8

Shows the bracket section exploded.

(a) Is a clip on lid that will also secure parts within the bracket unit.

(b) Is the rail hinge on the bracket that anchors to the water level fm.

(c) Are hols to receive bolts that secure and adjust the platyfm to the water level of the boat.

(d) Is an adjusting Plug' to maintain the water level fin to the correct angle.

(e) Is the bracket which is permanently fixed to the boat's stern (f) Is an anchor hinge in the bracket to secure the angle fm from the stern. Fig.9

Is an example of a simple design concealing the mechanics of adjustment with the platyfin' fin shape as in Fig.8 starting below the waterline from the stern.

(a) Shows a platyftn' bracket that is attached to the stem of a boat and is easily adjusted by loosening its fixing screws/bolts (b) Is a pressure pad to accommodate a Plug' adjustment.

(c) Shows a hinge/rod that attaches the Shaped Fin to the bracket.

(d) Is the said Plug' with its support bracket that also adds fm strength.

(e) Shows the platyfm as a complete platyfin' unit on a boat's stern.

Fig. 10 Is a bracket clamping device to secure the position of a platyfin' to the waterline. (a) Shows cut out section of a back plate of a platyfin' (b) Shows cut out section of a bracket attached to the stern of a boat.

(c) Is a textured or ribbed surface to create friction.

(d) Shows a leaver handle with a protruding shape on the hinge open.

(e) Is the said leaver handle when closed with a securing device.

(f) Shows the pressure of the protruding shape on the hinge has closed the gap taking up the slack and securing the platyfin to the bracket.

Fig.11 Shows a platyfin' that can swivel its fin to control the direction of the water swell for steering the boat.

(a) Shows a clamping device as in Fig.lO to control the height of the platyfin' to the water level to a boat.

(b) Is the plug and hinge to keep the platyfin' at the water level.

(c) Is the swivel feature where the platyfm' can pivot.

(d) Is a support for a swivel bolt and the mechanism.

Fig.12 Shows a platyfm' with a split fm/s that can steer a boat, by releasing and controlling the swell pressure, this action does not resist the boats momentum thus saving fuel.

(It is not operating like a conventional boat rudder.) (a) Shows a unit of a platyfin' bracket and Plug' (b) Is a split fin with a hinge and a supporting section for mechanics.

(c) Is a support for the hinge.

Fig.13 Shows a split fm platyfin' as in Fig.12 for steering and saving fuel.

(a) Is a suggested unit of a platyfin' bracket and Plug'.

(b) This section can control the platyfin' physically, mechanically including hydraulically andlor by remote control.

(c) Shows the action of a split fin platyfin' in an alterative direction.

Fig.14 Shows a' platyfin' with a heavyduty bracket system using a screw device and guides to adjust the platyfin' to the water surface level, possibly suitable for marine craft.

(a) Is the screw device and handle/s control to put the platyfm' at water level.

(b) Shows a bracket attached to the stern of a boat holding the fin unit.

(c) Is a controlling adjustment section with a damper (Plug) for maintaining the platyfin' at the water level and to buffer turbulence.

(d) Shows a hinge sheared with the fin operation and water level settings.

(e) Is a support and guide for the fms.

(f) Shows a split platyfm to control the direction of the boat.

Fig. 15 Shows a platyfin' that can twist its fm/s and steer the boat by using its water level adjustment hinges. Some suggested Mechanics are in this illustration.

(a) Shows a bracket fixed to a boats stern holding a platyfin' at water level.

(b) Is the water level adjustment (Plug) (c) Are the hinges for the water level fm adjustments.

(d) Shows the fin at an angle before the water level hinge/s is engaged to steer the boat.

Fig. 16 Shows a platyfin' designed to divide the swell pressure of a boat towing; the divide swell will divert and reduce the pressure against the towed boat.

(a) Shows a fixture/bracket on the stern of a towing boat to secure a platyfin' (b) Is the' platyfin' waterline fin hinge.

(c) Is an adjustable fixture (Plug').to secure the platyfin' (d) Shows a shape in the fin to divide the swell andlor (finls positioned under the platyfm' to divide the swell not shown) Fig. 17 Shows a platyfin' operating in turbulent water stabilising the boat by resisting the action of the rising and falling of the boat. This said action would also contribute to the propulsion of the said boat.

(a) Pressure of the boat is in an upward direction.

(b) Shows a fixed adjustable Plug' will extend and contract under pressure.

(c) Pressure of the water is in a downward direction.

(d) Shows the changing water pressure in turbulent water and how the platyfm' will resist the pitching of the boat and ad to the boat's propulsion.

(e) Is the direction of the boat.

(f) This is an optional platyfin' fin design to enhance the said propulsion.

Fig. 18 Is an alternative platyfin' bracket fixture system with screw bolt and guide rails.

Fig. 19 Is an exploded view of Fig. 18' bracket and fin.

(a) Is the bracket when attached to a boat.

(b) Are sliding guide rails.

(c) Are sliding guide slots.

(d) Is a screw bolt for the adjusting section that keeps platyfin' at the water level of the boat. (operated physically, remotely andlor mechanically.) (e) Is the Plug/s' support that keeps the platyfln' in line to the water level.

(f) Are adjustable supports for a swivel hinge bolt/device to hold a Plug' keeping the platyfin' in line with the water surface level of the boat.

(g) Are hinges to adapt to the boat angle and/or any alternative platyfm' fm.

(h) Shows the platyfm' fin section separated from the bracket.

Fig.20 Shows a platyfm' with an alternative adjustable fixture bracketl'Plug' suitable for attaching to a boat with a rounded/shaped stern.

(a) Shows exposed hinge to receive alternative attachments.

(b) Shows alternative bracket (Plug') that can be attached to the stern of a boat so that the platyfm' can adapt to the shape and angle of said boat.

(c) Are suggested bracket /(Plug) fixtures (d) Is the' platyfm" support shape with hols to use on other brackets.

(e) Is an elevation of platyfln' bracket and support shape joined with the holes.

(1) Is an example of shaped attachments made of a flexibk/suitable material to fix to the interchangeable hinge, to fit a shaped tern, (g) The above bracket is also suitable to fix on supporting central stern shapes.

Fig. 21 Shows an alternative a bracket to secure a platyfin' to boat stems shapes.

(a) Is an alternative basic bracket that could accommodate a platyfin on any stern shape.

(b) Is a platyfin' fm.

Fig.22 Shows a platyfm' constructed with a flexible hinge material.

(a) Shows a practical method of attaching a platyfin' to a boat when the operational height of the platyfin' will not need adjustment.

(b) Is a binge made of a flexible material.

(c) Shows the adjustments to level the platyfm' to the water surface.

(d) Shows flexible material used to help dampen any vibration.

(e) Is a Plug' for maintaining the platyfin at water surface level.

Fig.23 Shows a platyfin' bracket design with its own damper/shock absorber this is fixed directly to a stern of a boat or to an adjustable bracket attached to a stern.

(a) Shows the sliding bracket attached to a stem (b) Is the shock absorber bracket (c) Shows a Plug' adjustment.

(d) This is the platyfin' water lines fin.

Fig.24 Shows Fig.23 bracket design separated from the waterline fin.

Fig.25 Shows a plalyfm' and bracket design which is also self sprung.

(a) Is a springing shape to absorb vibration.

(b) Shows the section that aligns the platyfin' fin with the water surface.

(c) Is the back plate of the bracket to attach directly on to a stem or a bracket.

Fig.26 Is a more detailed version of Fig.25 showing how the above could fit another bracket (a) Is an adjustable bracket holding the fixed bracket.

(b) Are holes for independent securing.

(c) Is a suggested fin securing device.

(d) Are samples of platyfin' fins.

Is a platyfin' design incorporated into a new build boat.

(a) Is a boat of a conventional design.

(b) Shows the platyfm' design incorporated into a new build boat/ship by using a concave keel or partially concaved keel at the stern of the boat.

(c) Taking parallel lines from the width of the boat skirting to the rear side fins would fit the boat shape at a proposed water level.

(d) The platyfin' design would then continue at the stem of the boat using any of the platyfin' combinations.

(e) Shows the concave keel at the stern elevation Fig.28 Is another example of a platyfin' new build design but without a concave keel.

(a) Is the example of a new build boat.

(b) The customised side skirting fins as in Fig 27 (c) will extend to the rear of the boat and make into a platyfin' shape.

(c) Is a rudder (optional).

(d) Is an alternative steering method by operating platyfin' water level hinge's that are at an angle to the boat's central keel line, operated independently.

(e) Is a support shape that could also conceal mechanism? (0 Is a stern elevation showing an angled water level hinge/s.

(g) Is the waterline of the boat.

Fig.29 Shows a platyfm' attached to the paddle frame of a side paddle boat.

(a) Boat direction (b) platyfin' bracket in paddle servicing position.

(c) platyfm' bracket in operational position (d) Swell pressure.

(e) Shows suggested attachmentls and or Plug' for boat side paddles.

(f) Is an extension on the fin support that can make a damper spring and/or an attachment facility.

Fig.30 Shows a platyfin' attached to the frame of a boat paddled from the rear.

(a) The boats direction (b) Is the frame of the paddle.

(c) Shows the bracket attachments and/or Plugs' with a sprung shape.

(d) Shows suggested adjustment design to maintain platyfin' at water level.

(e) Is a platyfin' fin at water level.

Fig.31 Shows a platyfm' adapted as a trailer to a boat. While suppressing the swell the platyfin' can collect the rising swell air with it's side fms and or shape creating a cushion between the water surface and the platyfin' thus reducing the water resistance to the trailer.

(a) Is a design of a platyfm' boat trailer.

(b) Shows adapted brackets and hinges.

(c) Is a boat stem.

(d) Shows object towed on said trailer.

(e) Are fins to trap pressure and air.

(1) Is the water line of the boat Fig.32 Shows a' platyfm' with optional waterline angle/s attached to a conventional rudder.

(a) Shows a bracket attachment to the rudder.

(b) Shows fin/s optional.

(c) Are optional wings to cover the gape when the rudder is operating.

Claims

Claims Assisting Propelled Boats to save Fuel and Power.WHAT I CLAIM IS A FIN INNOVATION/S ATrACHMENT/S DEVICE SPECIFICALLY DESiGNED TO SAVE FUEL ON BOATS BUT CAN ALSO BE OF USE IN CONVENTIONAL BOAT MANOEUVRES.I have carefully studied countless boats both marine and river and have not seen any means of attempting to control the rising swell at the stern to the boats own advantage.A considerable amount of power can be seen wasted by the rising surface of the water mainly at the stern of the boat in the stern swell. The swell surface of the water has risen under the pressure of the boat's propulsion and mixture of air in the water. Propelled water also draws air from the surface, a mixture of air and water is less dense than water alone loosing some of the power of the propulsion.The air and water mix being less dense than water alone also creates a degree of a vacuum at the stern of the boat. (Boatlship/catamaran paddle boat! water transport etc. is hear-after referred to as boat) This invention is a commercial device/attachment for redirecting the power lost /wasted on./in the rising water surface swell mainly at the stem of a propelled boat this said device will make a free contribution to the power of the said boat thus saving fuel. This said device can also control the directing of the said boat without resisting its momentum and loosing power. This said device can also be used for breaking/slowing the said boat with less reversing of the boat's propulsion thus also saving fuel.Boats towing large objects such as barges also loose power by towing the barges against the swell pressure of the towing boat. The above said device can also be adapted to split the swell away from the towed objects. The mixture of air and water will also largely be diverted from the towed object/s.Towed object/s lie deeper in the aerated water and they will need more power to be towed.What I claim is a commercial device/attachment/s that can save fuel and power from boat propulsion by a ridged and/or semi ridged lid fin held/attached and or incorporated at or below the surface the water mainly at the stem of a boat. This said device will suppress the swell preventing/redirecting some of the surplus power seen in the rising swell of the boats propulsion at the stern leaving the surface of the water. This said redirected surplus power and rising air will now contribute to driving the boat.This said device could be tailored to adapt to most boats and /or attached with adjustable bracket/s.This said device can have hinges for controlling the boat and vibration suppression and is hereafter named as a Platerfin' as shown in the following descriptions and illustrations.What I claim is the platyfin' reduces the amount of propelled power pressure leaving the surface at the stern of a boat. This said propelled power pressure now redirected will contribute to driving the boat.What I claim is the platyfin' reduces the amount of air being sucked down from the surface of the water at the stern with the boat propulsion and mixing with the propelled water. The said propulsion can now be operated more efficiently in a dens environment.What I claim is the platyfin' can be made adjustable with hinges mechanical and or of a flexible material. The said hinges will allow the Halfin' to be adjusted to the angle of the stern of the boat while staying level and or at an operational angle with the water line surface. The said hinges can also be used for controlling the said boat.What I claim is the platyfin' can incorporate an adjustable part/unit that will freely separate for operational purposes now referred to as Plug' in the following descriptions and illustrations.This said Plug' can also incorporate shock absorption. Pl1yiWhat I claim is the platyfin' can be attached to the said boat by a bracketls that will enable the Maln' to be adjusted to an operational position, also to changing the platyfin' to water line level of the boat when it is loaded and unloaded..What I claim is the platyfin' can be used to steer a propelled boat without resisting its power and or the boat's momentwn by releasing/controlling some of the said swell What I claim is the platyfin' can be sprung/shock absorber dampened mechanically and/or hydraulically and/or with rubber or like material. This said sprung can be used to compensate/dampen/stabilise the boat with a platyfin' attached in turbulent water conditions and/or reduce any vibration to the boat.What I claim is the platyfin' can be adjustable by being extended with sliding plates and/or telescopic and/or concertina bracket and br swivel control also the sliding plates could automatically be extended by the speed of the said boat with resistance fins on the said plates.These said plates could automatically return to there original position by the said sprung when the speed of the boat is reduced.What I claim is the platyfin' can be of a split design each part/s working independently.What I claim is the platyfin' can be incorporated into the design of new boats, in that the keel and/or stern of the boat could be designed to a concave or part concave keel with the propulsion further foreword compared with conventional boats and/or with further control of the swell with wrap around platyfin' skirt at the sides and/or stern of the boat.What I claim is that the platyfin' will trap the rising air in the swell between the surface of the water and under the platyfin' creating an air pocket to cushion the platyfin' preventing resistance/drag to the water surface, this cushioning will also enable the platyfin' be used as a trailer to a boat e.g. to transport a facility boat.What I claim is the platyfin' can be controlled physically, mechanically, automatically and/or remotely.What I claim is the platyfin' can also be operated with or without attached fins and/or is flat and/or of varied shapes e.g. Arched, Corrugated and/or ribbed/grooved at the contact with the swell to help to evenly direct/channel the flow of the said swell including fan shaped.What I claim is the platyfm' as a commercial product/device that can be interchangeable, incorporated, adapted, attached and or standardised to boats.What I claim is the platyfin' in all design combinations.What! claim is the platyfin' as a practical and or fashionable accessoiy to boats.What! claim is a platyfin' that is attached to an existing conventional boat rudder and/or manufactured as a unit of a conventional boat rudder and platyfin' Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory comprising attachmentls by means of a ridged and/or semi ridged lid! fin held with the means to attached and/or incorporated mainly at the stern, engaging with the water line suppressing the rising swell power and redirecting some of the said power to contribute to driving the boat.
2 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, this said Accessory can be tailored to adapt to fix to most boats and/or attached with adjustable bracket's, as a means for the said Accessory to be freely adjusted to engage to the water level of the boat and secured.
3 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, in which there are hinge/s mechanical and/or of a flexible material as a means for adjusting the angle of the said Accessory to the angle of the boats stern and water level and/or controlling the boat.
4 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, in which the hinged Accessory claim 3 is controlled by an adjustable arm/s/section/s as a means to secure and/or control.
A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, with a means of vibration suppression by means of cushioning material, torsion bar, torsion spring and or hydraulics.
6 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means of preventing air from the water surface being sucked down at the stern with the boat propulsion and mixing with the propelled water, the said propulsion can now be operated more efficiently in a dens environment.
7 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, with a divided fin each part/s working independently as a means of steering a boat and/or without resisting its power and/or the boat's momentum by releasing/controlling a portion of the said swell.
8 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, duplicating as a means to stabilise a boat to compensate/dampenlstabilise the boat in turbulent water conditions by means of its hinge/s claim 3 and suppression sprung claim 5. * **
9 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, by means in which it can be * incorporated into the design of new boats, in that the keel and/or stern of the boat would be designed to a concave or part concave keel. *
10

A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim I, with a further control of the swell * :: by means of a wrap around skirt at the stern and sides of the boat at water level.
11 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means of a trailer to a boat e.g. : to transport a facility boat, rising air in the swell between the surface of the water and under the said *: * trailer creating an air pocket to cushion the trailer preventing resistance/drag at the water surface.
12 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means can be controlled physically, mechanically, automatically and/or remotely.

Continued 1r
13 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim I, as a means can operate with or without attached guide fins andlor is flat and/or of varied shapes e.g. arched, corrugated including fan shaped or ribbed/grooved in contact with the said swell to evenly directlchannel the swell flow.
14 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a productlAccessory that can be interchangeable, incorporated, adapted, attached and or standardised to boats in all my claim combinations as a practical and or fashionable Accessory to boats.
A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means attached to an existing conventional boat rudder andlor manufactured as a unit of a conventional boat rudder.
16 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means attached to an existing paddle boat paddle frame/s and/or manufactured as a unit on a paddle boat paddle frame/s.
17 A boat fuel and power saving Accessory according to claim 1, as a means for breaking/slowing the said boat with less reversing of the boat's propulsion by resisting the boats momentum claim 3 thus also saving fuel. * SI * S * * ** ***. * S I... *S S * * * * p. **1S*** * S *. * * S S * *S S. S * S * S *S