WO1999038765A1 - Watercraft stabilizer system - Google Patents
Watercraft stabilizer system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999038765A1 WO1999038765A1 PCT/US1999/001773 US9901773W WO9938765A1 WO 1999038765 A1 WO1999038765 A1 WO 1999038765A1 US 9901773 W US9901773 W US 9901773W WO 9938765 A1 WO9938765 A1 WO 9938765A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- watercraft
- float
- floats
- pair
- small
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- B63B1/02—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement
- B63B1/10—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
- B63B1/14—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls the hulls being interconnected resiliently or having means for actively varying hull shape or configuration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B43/00—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for
- B63B43/02—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking
- B63B43/10—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy
- B63B43/14—Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving buoyancy using outboard floating members
Definitions
- This invention is related to and based upon a United Kingdom national application 98018948 GB filed January 30, 1998 in England as the inventor was then residing in England and reduced the invention to practice in England.
- This invention relates to methods, device and systems for stabilizing watercraft. More particularly it relates to a means for stabilizing a canoe or the like watercraft and includes a portable, articulated, heavy-duty and versatile mounting bracket which can be rapidly mounted and dismounted on a small watercraft with a pair of float units. The facile mounting of suitable accessory floats on the articulated outer strut arms of the mounting bracket transforms the unit into a versatile and compact flotation device.
- the technical character of this invention resides in the design and utility of a pair of float units as a means for stabilizing a watercraft which float unit is easily and quickly attachable and stow-able in the watercraft.
- This invention comprises a pair of floats individually engage-able and deploy-able on opposite sides of the watercraft near the center of gravity. Either float or neither or both can be deployed (folded out) or stowed away (folded in) without any interference with the normal operation of the watercraft.
- the bottom of the floats is shaped like SKI's.
- the width of the Ski determines the speed range of the watercraft. Suitable mounting hardware for quick release and deployment is included. While the preferred embodiment is a unitary design, an alternate embodiment with plurality of floats on each side requires assembly of components and is particularly suitable for high speeds .
- the width of the SKI's is inversely proportional to the speed.
- the normal skis are suitable for emergency rescue services and sportsmen in severe conditions or for slow moving and stationary watercraft use.
- Very thin knife edge SKI's are suitable for non-severe conditions at all speeds.
- An alternate embodiment is suitable for high speeds and is typically a few inches above the water, which comes into play for turning the watercraft to which it is attached at high speeds . Splashing and spray problems of lower speeds are minimal at high speeds .
- Another objective of this invention is that it use little or no additional power or energy.
- Another objective of this invention is that it is easy to use even for novices and beginners and therefore requires little additional training.
- Another objective of this invention is that the stabilizer system of this invention is integrated and streamlined to the watercraft.
- Another objective of this invention is that it be physically safe in normal environment as well as accidental situations . 7. Another objective of this invention is that it be environmentally friendly.
- Another objective of this invention is that it be made of modular units easily interface-able to each other. 9. Another objective of this invention is that it meet all federal, state, local and other private standards, guidelines and recommendations with respect to safety, environment, quality and energy consumption. 10. Another objective of this invention is that it permit safe operation in inclement weather conditions such as turbulence.
- Another objective of this invention is that it be elegantly simple in concept and design. 12. Another objective of this invention is that it be applicable to retrofit as well as OEM market.
- Another objective of this invention is that it be easy to install, de-install, deploy, stow, transport and store. 14. Another objective of this invention is that it can be adapted for other uses .
- Another objective of this invention is that the floatation device is easily separable in case of emergency to serve as life preserver. 16. Another objective of this invention is to only minimally interfere with the cruise speed of the watercraft.
- float units are custom-made, and are, therefore not universally applicable to small, narrow beam watercraft.
- the floats are of differing sizes and shapes but in general they are rather bulky to handle and/or provide substantial hydrodynamic drag to the vessel .
- these flotation devices do not' allow the float units to be readily engaged or disengaged while the vessel is in motion.
- the float units are not readily stow-able for launching, docking, or beaching the small, narrow beam watercraft.
- the flotation devices are typically not designed to facilitate the easy manoeuvering of the small, narrow beam watercraft in areas obstructed with rocks, brush, trees, and debris.
- the majority of existing flotation devices do not provide a means for stowing the float units in a manner, which will prevent the small, narrow beam watercraft from listing appreciably to one side, while stowing or removing the float units.
- the stowing of float units is necessary to permit the unobstructed passage of the small, narrow beam watercraft past waterside obstacles located to either side of the hull while minimizing the possibility of them being fouled.
- the Pontoons of Williams '277 are not readily suitable for launching and docking or beaching a small watercraft such as a canoe. Neither are the pontoons easily removable while remaining seated in a stationary position in the canoe to maintain the center of gravity along the longitudinal center line of the watercraft. It is thus not feasible to maneuver in areas obstructed by brush, rocks and the like.
- ACE '551 has an extendable arm on the pontoons, which can be adjusted in and out only when the gunwale mounting clamp is loosened because it is firmly affixed to the inner (slidable telescopic rod. It cannot be adjusted while the craft is being operated.
- the Invention of Barr '844 is always affixed either under or over the thwart and attached to a custom fitted float which by design may provide excess hydrodynamic drag.
- the float is custom fitted to one particular canoe shape and the float is quite bulky when in the engaged position and is therefore not universally applicable.
- An embodiment of his invention requires cutting a hole through the hull of the craft.
- Second embodiment entails the clamping of the outer sleeve to the structural thwart of the canoe .
- Denker '169 provides a universal mounting bracket that is clamped to the gunwale only on one side.
- Fig. 1(a) is an isometric perspective view of a pair of knife edge float units mounted and deployed on a prior art watercraft.
- Fig. 1(b) is also an isometric perspective view of a unitary design having a pair of float units, one of which deployed and the other in stowed position.
- Fig. 2(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 1(a) without the watercraft.
- Fig. 2(b) is a front from stern or back from bow view thereof .
- Fig, 2(c) is a bottom elevation thereof.
- Fig. 2(d) is a port side or starboard side view thereof .
- Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an alternate unitary design with standard SKIs for lower speeds of non-severe condition.
- Fig. 4 is yet another isometric perspective view of an alternate embodiment of assembly of components non-unitary design embodiment wherein flotation device comprises a pair of air bladders over each ski on each side of the watercraft.
- Fig. 5(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 4 without the watercraft.
- Fig. 5(b) is a front view form stern or back view from bow.
- Fig. 5(c) is a port side or starboard side view thereof .
- Fig. 1(a) is an isometric perspective view of a pair of float units 255 devices 250 mounted and deployed on a prior art watercraft 100.
- Fig. 1(b) is also an isometric perspective view of pair of float units 255 one of which is deployed and the other in stowed position. This embodiment is particularly suited for low speed or stationary operation in severe conditions .
- Fig. 2(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 1(a) without the watercraft.
- Fig. 2(b) is a front view from stern or back view from bow view thereof.
- Fig. 2(c) is a bottom elevation thereof.
- Fig. 2(d) is a port side or starboard side view thereof each complete with float units 255 mounted on the ends of longitudinal support member 200, which is interfaced to the watercraft at 210 and to the floats 260 at interface 230.
- the longitudinal support member has a pair of fold-able hinges 220 to quickly deploy (fold out) or stow (fold in) individually or collectively the float units 255.
- Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an alternate unitary design with standard SKIs for lower speeds under all conditions .
- Fig. 4 is yet another isometric perspective view of an alternate embodiment wherein floatation devices 250 which comprises a pair of air bladders 262 over each ski 240 on each side of the watercraft 100.
- This embodiment is particularly suited for high speed operation in non-severe conditions .
- Fig. 5(a) is top plan elevation of Fig. 4 without the watercraft.
- Fig. 5(b) is a front view from stern or back view from bow.
- Fig. 5(c) is a port side or starboard side view thereof complete with longitudinal support member 200, which is interfaced to the watercraft at 210 and to the float units
- the longitudinal support member has a pair of fold-able hinges 220 to quickly deploy (fold out) or stow (fold in) individually or collectively.
- Fig. 3 is an isometric perspective view of an alternate unitary design with standard SKIs for lower speeds of all conditions .
- the floats may comprise an assembly of components. This is particularly suited for high speed operation.
- the floats 260 can be of a unit body construction as shown in Fig. 1 , 2 & 3 or an assembly of components as shown in Figures 4 & 5.
- the floats 260 should be lightweight and compact in keeping with the overall portable nature of the flotation device, and the small narrow beam watercraft. They need not be custom-made to fit each small, narrow beam watercraft.
- the displacement capacity of the floats is determined by the severity of the operating conditions. For average operating conditions, the floats can be up to about fifty liters, or more, of displacement capacity and up to about one meter in length.
- the floats should be square, rectangular, or approximately cylindrical in overall shape with the anterior or forward portion being shaped similar to the floats illustrated. In special cases the float should be symmetrically shaped with both the anterior and posterior sections being shaped similar to the anterior section of the floats illustrated.
- This invention provides a design for a general purpose float which can achieve these characteristics when it is incorporated into the overall flotation device 250.
- any reasonable type, size, and shape of float can be rapidly and easily fixed to the float unit, either with float mounting fasteners or float mounting clamps to either the outer strut arm or the adjustable extension arm.
- mounting of this flotation device makes it extremely buoyant.
- the one crew member (of average weight) on board the vessel and minimum cargo carried is easily supported.
- the flotation device can be dismounted from the vessel during the emergency.
- the flotation device can be utilized to help maintain the crew member afloat till help arrives, or to enable the crew member to swim to shore more easily, since the crew member can take rest breaks when necessary while relying on the flotation device. This is in combination with the primary personal flotation device
- This flotation device permits the effective beam of a small, narrow beam watercraft to be approximately doubled when both float units are engaged and locked.
- the beam of the vessel is returned to normal when both of the float units are disengaged and stowed.
- the inherent improvement in safety benefits and vessel manoeuvering characteristics, under variable water conditions, are obvious for such a device.
- the float units 255 constitute everything from hinge out and are comprised of the float and any float mounting fasteners or float mounting clamps, a suitably long extension arm (needed to provide adjustment of the height of the float), and any fasteners and quick connect fasteners for float height adjustment.
- Angle fixtures are used to securely fasten the extension arm to the outer strut arm which is also defined as a part of the float unit for convenience.
- the float units are designed and adjusted to provide the optimum compromise between minimizing the list of the small, narrow beam watercraft, and the hydrodynamic drag which naturally ensues .
- a float unit is locked in the engaged configuration with a positive-locking latch or catch or, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a locking strut which permits the remote locking of the float unit.
- This invention also provides a means in which float units attached to the mounting bracket are articulated or hinged and, therefore, can be folded and stowed in a position near to the longitudinal center line of the small, narrow beam watercraft, thereby minimizing its list, regardless of the float units being in the engaged or disengaged position.
- a small, narrow beam watercraft which is fixed with this flotation device could be invaluable to emergency rescue services and rescue workers in such cases and on waterways where ice and water (winter conditions) coexist making rescues difficult or extremely hazardous.
- the weight and shape of the small, narrow beam watercraft with the mounted flotation device make it a cost effective rescue tool for people who break through thin ice and are in danger of drowning, or to approach them from a shore which is irregularly shaped from the ice and snow formations .
- the small, narrow beam watercraft can be poled across the ice regardless of the thickness of the ice (owing to the weight, shape and anti-list stability of the vessel).
- the crew member can remain on board the vessel while poling, paddling or rowing (owing to the weight and shape characteristics of the small, narrow beam watercraft) , thereby minimizing personal danger in manoeuvering between ice and open water, and even semi-open water.
- the floats 260, 262 of the float units 255 should be symmetrical in this case, conforming to the anterior section design to achieve satisfactory performance.
- a suitable strength line, which is attached to the vessel, can be thrown or shot to safe ground where backup rescue workers can help pull the vessel and occupants to safety.
- the suitably designed and totally assembled flotation device can be dismounted from the small, narrow beam watercraft and securely stowed inside the hull for protection and transport.
- the vessel can then be orientated in a suitable manner, including upside-down, mounted on a motor or other vehicle, secured, and safely transported to any desired destination with the flotation device safely stowed inside the hull.
- the invention presented here is developed for use with small, narrow beam watercraft, portions of this invention can be utilized quite effectively with other watercraft.
- the flotation device can be extremely useful when fixed to a small, narrow beam watercraft, it may be of marginal use for larger beam watercraft.
- the mounting bracket and clamps can be readily fitted to any watercraft, which possesses a T-shaped or inverted L-shaped gunwale, to provide a portable and heavy-duty mount for other accessories (such as a sailing conversion kit) which could be very useful on the larger watercraft.
- either the accessories or the mounting bracket utilized to mount the accessories can be designed with a deliberately breakable component (frangible link), such as the clamp fasteners, which will sheer under levels of stress which are slightly below those at which the gunwale or hull of the watercraft will be irreparably damaged. The accessory will thus break away and detach from the watercraft before irreparable damage can occur.
- the color, aesthetics and materials may be enhanced or varied.
- the SKIs may be of strong light weight rigid material and optionally airfoil shaped.
- the SKIS may be stowed differently.
- the SKIs may be made telescopic.
- the SKIs may be in modular sections differently.
- the flotation device may be modified in quantity and quality.
- the flotation device may be interfaced to the watercraft differently.
- the longitudinal member may be interfaced to the watercraft differently.
- the longitudinal member interface to the flotation device may be modified.
- Airfoil A body shaped to produce lift as it travels through the air.
- Stern The rear of a watercraft Symmetrical The shape of an object of integrated entity which can be divided into two along some axis through the object or the integrated entity such that the two halves form mirror image of each other.
- Turbulence Break up of laminar fluidic flow.
- Unitary A design of a single integrated unit.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
- Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2316194A CA2316194C (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-01-27 | Watercraft stabilizer system |
US09/600,100 US6305306B1 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-01-27 | Watercraft stabilizer system |
AU24770/99A AU2477099A (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-01-27 | Watercraft stabilizer system |
US09/337,478 US6050210A (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-06-21 | Universal clamping system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9801894.8A GB9801894D0 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1998-01-30 | A novel mounting bracket and flotation device for small watercraft |
GB9801894.8 | 1998-01-30 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/337,478 Continuation US6050210A (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-06-21 | Universal clamping system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999038765A1 true WO1999038765A1 (en) | 1999-08-05 |
Family
ID=10826097
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/001773 WO1999038765A1 (en) | 1998-01-30 | 1999-01-27 | Watercraft stabilizer system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2477099A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2316194C (en) |
GB (1) | GB9801894D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999038765A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102007021316B3 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-08-21 | Thiede, Björn, Dr. | Flexible ballast weight i.e. dumb-bell, for sailing ship, is supported transverse to longitudinal direction of sailing ship moved by waterline and shifted to windward side of sailing ship in order to work against offense forces |
CN103661842A (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2014-03-26 | 陈洪灿 | Telescopic ship side turn preventing mechanism |
CN112550580A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-03-26 | 烟台南山学院 | Small ship stabilizing device |
CN112849332A (en) * | 2021-01-19 | 2021-05-28 | 鹏城实验室 | Foldable three-body boat |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE73389C (en) * | F. SCHMITZER in Frankfurt a. M | Boat with adjustable floats to increase its stability | ||
US4351500A (en) * | 1980-07-17 | 1982-09-28 | Golze Richard R | Ski/float landing gear apparatus for aircraft |
-
1998
- 1998-01-30 GB GBGB9801894.8A patent/GB9801894D0/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-01-27 WO PCT/US1999/001773 patent/WO1999038765A1/en active Application Filing
- 1999-01-27 AU AU24770/99A patent/AU2477099A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-01-27 CA CA2316194A patent/CA2316194C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE73389C (en) * | F. SCHMITZER in Frankfurt a. M | Boat with adjustable floats to increase its stability | ||
US4351500A (en) * | 1980-07-17 | 1982-09-28 | Golze Richard R | Ski/float landing gear apparatus for aircraft |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102007021316B3 (en) * | 2007-05-07 | 2008-08-21 | Thiede, Björn, Dr. | Flexible ballast weight i.e. dumb-bell, for sailing ship, is supported transverse to longitudinal direction of sailing ship moved by waterline and shifted to windward side of sailing ship in order to work against offense forces |
CN103661842A (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2014-03-26 | 陈洪灿 | Telescopic ship side turn preventing mechanism |
CN112550580A (en) * | 2020-12-29 | 2021-03-26 | 烟台南山学院 | Small ship stabilizing device |
CN112849332A (en) * | 2021-01-19 | 2021-05-28 | 鹏城实验室 | Foldable three-body boat |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2477099A (en) | 1999-08-16 |
GB9801894D0 (en) | 1998-03-25 |
CA2316194A1 (en) | 1999-08-05 |
CA2316194C (en) | 2013-05-28 |
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