Multiple Hulls Patents (Class 114/61.1)
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Patent number: 7263945Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a motorized watercraft. The watercraft includes a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and an optional a canopy section. The pontoon section includes a pontoon to which a housing capable of storing an object is coupled. The pontoon includes a receptacle that mates with the housing. The receptacle may include a recess formed in the surface of the pontoon that receives the housing. Alternatively, the receptacle may include an opening that enables the housing to be partially inserted into the pontoon. In another embodiment, the housing may be secured to the exterior surface of the pontoon. The housing extends from pontoon and either terminates such that it is generally flush with the surface of the deck, or may extend through the deck surface. The housing permits a user to selectively access the object from the deck.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventor: Rolland N. Little
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Patent number: 7263940Abstract: A float structure having a mainframe and pontoons is described. The mainframe includes floor support beams transversely attached to pontoon connector beams. The pontoon connector beams are operatively connected to the pontoons such that there are no weak points in the mainframe. A motor mount is removably mounted to the connector beams and is adjustable to accommodate various lengths of motor shafts.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventors: Lloyd Yetter, Roger Yetter
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Patent number: 7255056Abstract: A marine vessel that possesses a capability for greater speed than most static-lift craft and is more stable than most dynamic-lift craft is disclosed. The vessel incorporates elements from both SWATH craft and WIG craft. In the illustrative embodiment, the marine vessel includes an upper hull that is disposed above the water line, a dynamic-lift-providing element that is disposed above the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed above the water line, a static-lift-providing element that is disposed below the water line, a propulsion system that is disposed below the water line; and struts that couple the static-lift-providing element to the upper hull and that raise the upper hull some distance above the water line.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Michael A. Watts
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Patent number: 7249568Abstract: A boat camper vessel 10 has a pair of pontoons 12, 13 joined by a bridge 44 that provides the deck of the vessel. A main canopy 22 stores in the bow when not is use. The raised canopy 22 is supported by ribs 220 and it extends from the bow 30 to a stern bulkhead 20 or 21. Two stern bulkheads 20, 21 define a stern compartment 60 has holds a toilet 29, shower 34 and water heater 35. An auxiliary canopy 36 covers the stern compartment 60. Marine electric motors in the pontoons drive propellers to propel the vessel. The vessel is suitable for travel on canals, small lakes and other protected bodies or water. It may be docked or placed on land and will serve as a camper whether on water or land.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: William J. Cultrara
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Patent number: 7240445Abstract: A display apparatus having a base portion and a display support portion extending vertically from the base portion. At least one display feature bearing at least one graphic presentation is connected to the display apparatus. More specifically, the display apparatus includes elongate pontoons, a plurality of column members extending from each of the pontoons, an elongate transverse member with each of the column members connecting thereto, and a plurality of cross-members extending between the pontoons. The pontoons, the column members, the transverse member and the cross-members each comprise an independently inflatable compartment. The display apparatus further comprises a ballast system including elongate ballasts mounted to the pontoons, and display features removably affixed to the column members which extend between the transverse member and the pontoons.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: William Richard Barlow
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Patent number: 7240634Abstract: A foldable rigid frame attachment system for portable, inflatable pontoon boats including first and second inflatable elongated pontoons arranged to be approximately parallel to each other. The pontoons include pairs of upwardly extending strips formed in a longitudinal direction on both sides of the centerline on the top of each of the pontoons. Transversal slats connect the pontoons, and the bottom of each slat includes engaging means to engage the strips of the pontoons. The pontoon boat is held rigid by first and second underbars. The first underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the first pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats, the second underbar is positioned in a longitudinal direction on the top of the second pontoon in between the pairs of strips and below the slats. As the pontoon boat is inflated, the underbars are locked into position between the pontoons and the slats.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Harrison Hoge Industries, Inc.Inventor: Cecil C. Hoge, Jr.
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Patent number: 7228811Abstract: An engine compartment cover for watercraft incorporates first and second pivots The cover can be rotated from an adjacent engine compartment in a first direction to a second location to provide a convenient access to the engine from the stern of the watercraft. Alternately, a portion of the cover can be rotated in the opposite direction on the second pivot to provide access to the engine compartment from the deck of the craft.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Maurell Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Huff, Wayne W. Cortner
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Patent number: 7194972Abstract: A vessel that varies its draft by adopting any one of three primary hull forms or configurations is disclosed. The primary hull forms include: a catamaran configuration, a barge configuration, and a SWATH configuration. The vessel is capable of reconfiguring between these hull forms while underway. Reconfiguration is accomplished by vertical movement of a center hull and/or at least one of two side-hull members.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Steven J. Schmitz, Sr.
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Patent number: 7191724Abstract: A method for outfitting a vessel such as a water ship for a particular mission includes maneuvering the vessel toward a mission module, capturing the mission module with the vessel, and coupling the mission module to the vessel. Such method allows one to interchange mission modules, and thus outfit a vessel for different missions, quickly and easily.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Terrence W. Schmidt, Gary M. Noland, Anthony J. Mannino
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Patent number: 7188576Abstract: A modular snap-tight interlocking deck and process for constructing a pontoon boat with said deck is described. The modular deck includes lightweight planks that snap together using a tongue-in-groove design. Once joined, the planks are inseparable and form a rigid, flat, watertight surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Xpress BoatsInventors: Jeff Bogard, David Ashcraft, Sr.
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Patent number: 7188575Abstract: The invention is directed to a watercraft hull design that comprises a hull having a bow, stem, top, and bottom. A wedge-shaped wave spreading system is located at a forward portion of the craft. The wave-contacting surface planes of the wave spreading system are positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of smooth water. The bottom edge of the wave spreading system is positioned near the level of smooth water when the watercraft is at cruising speed. The wave spreading system has a forward apex which forms a substantially perpendicular or vertical leading wedge to the plane of water. Since the apex and planes of the wave spreader are substantially perpendicular to the water, oncoming waves encountered by the wave spreader will tend to be deflected horizontally. Accordingly, the watercraft will more easily “cut through” waves instead of riding over them. Located rearwardly of the wave spreader, an internal hull prow is spaced from the wave spreading system, creating an air space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Elbert H. Baker
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Patent number: 7146925Abstract: An apparatus for varying the dimensions of a hull of a vessel comprising an arcuate truss assembly having a plurality of members pivotally joined. The arcuate truss assembly is operatively arranged to form a portion of the hull. The assembly is operatively arranged to extend and retract to vary the dimensions of the hull when the plurality of members are pivoted with respect to one another. The members of the arcuate truss assembly pivot in a plane substantially coplanar with the portion of the vessel hull.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Geoffrey D. M. Wilkie
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Patent number: 7137349Abstract: A kick down and kick up catamaran assembles by hand with holes in main spar and stern spar ends receiving threaded rods extending vertically from the side-by-side hulls, secured in place with hand knobs. A bow spar with a line to the mast lifts the mast to vertical and is then secured between the hulls. A mast operationally rests with its proximal end alongside the main spar, held in place by an easily removable cord that wraps the main spar and slips into a mast slot opening at the mast proximal end. A trampoline stretches between the main and stern spars providing a platform on which the operator sits, tightened by a plurality of adjustable straps between the trampoline and the stern spar.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventors: David Morelock, Michael Morelock
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Patent number: 7112108Abstract: A watercraft (10,40, 60, 90, 110, 200, 210, 310) is disclosed which is propelled by at least one pair of pivoted sheets (28, 29) which are reciprocated through the water by a propulsion mechanism (18, 25, 45, 48, 91, 92) which is driven by repeated weight transfer of an operator's body (20). Also disclosed is a hull assembly system (61, 161, 261). The water craft disclosed are particularly suited as pleasure craft able to be transported by a vehicle and operated by many classes of persons including those without endurance or stamina.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventor: Bruce William James McMullen
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Patent number: 7104852Abstract: A water craft includes a first portion having a front end, a rear end, and at least two sides; a second portion connected to the rear end of the first portion, wherein the second portion includes a walking-exercise treadmill portion having an exercise platform and at least two propelling portions on either side of the exercise platform; third and fourth portions that include at least two laterally spaced, parallel air tanks or pontoons; and a handle connected to a front end of the first portion and used as a controller for the walking exercise treadmill portion and a steering unit of the water craft.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Kaiyuen Francis Tsui
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Patent number: 7090549Abstract: Air propulsion system for a boat comprises an internal combustion engine for powering a propeller in a single rotational direction. A pivoting mechanism pivots the propulsion system through a 360 degree arc about a transverse horizontal axis from a first position in which the propeller produce a forward thrust, through a second position in which the propeller produces a downward neutral thrust and a turning torque, to a third position in which the propeller produce a reverse thrust, to a fourth position in which the propeller produces an upward neutral thrust and a turning torque. The turning torque produced by the propeller turns the boat to the left in the second position and to the right in the fourth position. The engine is adapted to pivot with the propeller and continues to operate under throttle control in all pivoted orientations.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Phillip P. Garcia
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Patent number: 7047902Abstract: A solar powered watercraft including a pontoon section, a strut section, a deck section, and a solar canopy section is provided. The canopy section comprises a headliner layer, a ventilation space, and means for receiving solar radiation. The solar canopy may further comprise a means for flowing air through the ventilation space that includes a fan, a thermostatic switch, a photocell, air inlet ports, and air exhaust ports. The aft section of the pontoon, moreover, may possess a dual tapered design that reduces water friction and wake. The watercraft further includes means for containing a battery pack that, in turn, comprises means for removing heat and gaseous byproducts from the containing means. The containing means is either made integral with the pontoon or is attached to the pontoon's outer surface. The watercraft may possess an aft-oriented trim, which stabilizes the craft and reduces the effect of water forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Rolland N. Little
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Patent number: 7028632Abstract: A ramp assembly for a pontoon boat includes a pair of ramp support members, at least two rollers, and a ramp. The ramp support members are positioned beneath a deck of the pontoon boat and include a vertically-oriented portion. The rollers are rotatingly mounted to the vertically-oriented portion of the ramp support members. The ramp includes a pair of side rails, each side rail positioned on a side of a ramp walkway, the side rails each having an upper rail member and a lower rail member joined by a web and forming an outboard pocket. The ramp is rollingly received between the ramp support members such that the rollers are positioned in the outboard pocket of the side rails.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Inventor: Charles A. Blank
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Patent number: 7021228Abstract: This invention is a road towed ferry with a hull system with a central hull and multiple outboard hulls having adjustable positions relative to the central hull. A first outboard hull position corresponds with a road tow configuration wherein the ferry may be towed over a road by a tow vehicle; the second position corresponds with a ferry configuration adapted to ferry the tow vehicle over water. The ferry in the tow configuration has a width, height, length, weight conforming with certain public road regulations without requiring special permits. In the ferry configuration the ferry is adapted to ferry heavy loads over water, such as in one configuration up to at least 16 tons, or in another configuration up to at least 19 tons.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Gary K. Robb
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Patent number: 7013819Abstract: A marine catamaran platform especially advantageous for small boats (in the three meter range) in which two substantially identical hulls are surmounted by superstructures that are joined by arced beams that lie in a plane that forms an acute angle of between 30° and 60° with a plane common to the hulls.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventors: Jean-Claude Sanchez, Jean-Philippe Sanchez, Pierre Jagourd
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Patent number: 6939184Abstract: A dampening assembly used in watercraft to isolate the motor from the deck of the watercraft. In an embodiment of the invention, a frame including cross-members and a plurality of brackets supports the deck. The dampening assembly of the present invention extends from the brackets of the frame to the motor and retains the motor at a position ensuring the motor does not contact the frame. The only path available to the vibrations generated by the motor is represented by the dampening assemblies that direct the vibrations to the brackets and tubes, thereby eliminating the high amplitude, low frequency vibrations that readily transfer throughout the deck and frame structure. In this manner, the vibrations are prevented from traveling directly through the cross-members of the frame and into the deck of the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Bennington Marine, Inc.Inventors: Bradley R. Fishburn, Jeremiah S. Warfel
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Patent number: 6932012Abstract: A marine surface vessel having a main hull and at least two lateral hulls disposed respectively on opposite sides of the main hull. The vessel includes an engine disposed in the main hull producing exhaust gas and cooling air, microbubble injectors disposed in subsurface areas of each of the lateral hulls, and conduits in fluid communication with the microbubble injectors. Upon operation of the engine, the exhaust and/or cooling air produced by the engine is directed by the conduits to the injectors to effect generation of microbubbles on the subsurface areas of the lateral hulls to occasion microbubble drag reduction on the lateral hulls.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventors: Richard B. Philips, Robert Latorre
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Patent number: 6923131Abstract: A windsurfing catamaran with a self-stabilizing wing. The wing is moved to the correct position by counter balancing water pressure from a rotating central keel connected to a central mast. The keel rotates in the opposite direction of the wing when the wing is moved off center by wind. The keel rotates such that a greater surface area is presented to water flow striking the keel. Water pressure on the keel offsets wind pressure on the sails and returns the keel and mast back to an upright position. This increases stability, lift, driving force, and speed. A central catamaran platform provides hinged struts and shock absorbers between the rear end of the central platform and planing hulls to reduce impact damage. The hinged struts and shock absorbers reduce water drag and the braking effect of repeated hull impacts with water resulting in a further increase in speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Enrique Petrovich
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Patent number: 6912967Abstract: A watercraft steered under power by water-jet propulsion utilizes a water intake ramp in its hull to create a nozzle-like effect to accelerate water loading to the jet pump through a ventral water inlet when under power. The hull has a pair of longitudinal stabilizers that form a tunnel in which the ramp is located. A canopy, which can be removable, encloses a passenger compartment with a steering wheel and one or more passenger seats. Two wings flank the passenger compartment and a pair of hull ramps run steeply downward from the leading edge of each of the wings and extends to the bottom of the hull while a pair of air scoops flanks each side of the passenger compartment and is located above the pair of wings. The forward-most beginnings of the pair of stabilizers relative to a nose section and the pair of wings ride above the surface of the water when the watercraft is under power and the watercraft rides on the back of the pair of stabilizers.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventors: Graham H. Oats, Sandra K. Oats
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Patent number: 6901873Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gas cavities to reduce frictional drag on underwater surfaces such as hydrofoils, struts, fins, rudders, keels, propeller blades, ship hulls, underwater bodies, and wetted surfaces in general. Each gas-filled cavity is formed behind a discontinuity in the surface that causes the water boundary layer to separate from the surface. Gas is ejected into a region behind the discontinuity to fill the cavity; the gas can be air. If a cavity is open to the atmosphere, then air can typically fill the cavity naturally without air ejection. Cavities can either be closed or open. A low drag hydrofoil may have a closed cavity on one side, and an open cavity on the other side. For closed cavities, the underlying surface can be shaped to minimize cavity closure drag. Various ways to generate cavities, change hydrodynamic forces, and duct gas internally on hydrofoils and struts with cavities are covered.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventors: Thomas G. Lang, James T. Lang
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Patent number: 6883450Abstract: A multi-hull design suitable for various size boats ranging from racing craft to the large military ships. The apparatus is a polygonal boat hull apparatus having a bow and stern wave penetrating feature. The hull is made from triangular-shaped essentially flat panels which provides for substantially stability and strength. The hull can be made in various configurations ranging from catamarans, triamarans to multiple hull designs in accordance with the projected use of the vessel. The invention includes a drive pod system having a plurality of propulsion units. The invention also provides at least one hydropneumatic cylinder that adjusts the angle of attack of the propulsion unit. The hull may also be rigged as a multi-masted sailing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Robert P. Kingsbury
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Patent number: 6874439Abstract: The vessel has a pair of flexible hulls flexibly coupled to a “cabin” between and above the hulls, thereby allowing the hulls to independently follow the surface of the water. Motor pods are hinged to the back of the hulls to maintain the propulsion system in the water, even if the stern of one or both hulls tends to lift out of the water when crossing swells and the like. Various other embodiments and features are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Marine Advanced Research, Inc.Inventor: Ugo Conti
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Patent number: 6871608Abstract: The invention provides a watercraft for transporting one or more human users in any of a sitting, standing, riding, kneeling or recumbent positions. The watercraft includes (a) a first hull comprising a cavity extending from the top of the hull downwards substantially to the bottom of said hull, said cavity being sufficiently wide to accommodate a user's leg and foot when the user is in a sitting, standing, riding, or kneeling position, (b) a second hull comprising a cavity extending from the top of the hull downwards substantially to the bottom of said hull, said cavity being sufficiently wide to accommodate a user's leg and foot when the user is in a sitting, standing, riding, or kneeling position, and (c) a connector rigidly attached to each of the first and second hulls, wherein a user of the watercraft can sit, ride, kneel, or stand with one foot and/or leg in the cavity of each hull.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Yoav Rosen
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Patent number: 6871607Abstract: A pontoon includes a generally elongated shell made of at least two shell segments assembled in an end-to-end configuration at adjacent male and female segment connecting ends. Each segment has a segment peripheral wall surrounding a segment inner volume. Each segment defines at least one end aperture extending into the segment inner volume from one of the segment longitudinal ends. The female segment connecting end is a longitudinal end portion of the segment peripheral wall. A filling component is positioned within the segment inner volumes. The filling component is made out of a buoyant material longitudinally and slidably inserted into the end apertures. The volume of the filling component into the shell is such that the combination of the shell and the filling component forms a buoyant combination. A mold for the fabrication of the shell segments is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Paul Trepanier
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Publication number: 20040182298Abstract: A ship has interchangeable mission modules. For example, a ship has a frame with a mission-module bay disposed therein. The bay is operable to receive a mission module having a mission-module system and an interface that facilitates the coupling between the mission-module system and the ship. As such, a plurality of different types of mission modules can be interchanged quickly and easily to provide the ship with different mission capabilities. Each mission-module is generally self-contained such that all the equipment necessary to perform the specific mission is contained within the single mission-module. Each mission-module is either a single unit or multiple units combined together to form an integrated unit. Thus, the ship is capable of transitioning from one mission to another simply by ejecting one mission module and replacing with another mission module.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Terrence W. Schmidt, Gary M. Noland, Anthony J. Mannino
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Patent number: 6786165Abstract: A pontoon including a generally elongated shell. The shell has a shell peripheral wall surrounding a shell inner volume. The shell defines at least one end aperture extending into the shell inner volume from one of the shell longitudinal ends. A filling component is positioned within the shell inner volume. The filling component is made out of a generally buoyant material. Manufacturing the pontoon involves slidably inserting the filling component into the end aperture in a direction generally along the shell longitudinal axis and towards the opposed shell longitudinal end. The volume of the filling component slidably inserted into the shell is such that the combination of the shell and the filling component forms a generally buoyant combination. Chambers including ballast sections for receiving ballast material may be formed in the shell inner volume.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: Paul Trepanier
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Patent number: 6755142Abstract: A pontoon system comprising a series of hollow plastic modular units held together in a string under a watercraft is disclosed. The string may be compressed so as to form a unitary pontoon. If the compression force holding the individual pontoon member is released, any individual pontoon member which has been damaged may be removed and replaced without having to remove the watercraft from the water.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventor: Thomas Rice
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Publication number: 20040112266Abstract: The invention provides a watercraft for transporting one or more human users in any of a sitting, standing, riding, kneeling or recumbent positions. The watercraft includes (a) a first hull comprising a cavity extending from the top of the hull downwards substantially to the bottom of said hull, said cavity being sufficiently wide to accommodate a user's leg and foot when the user is in a sitting, standing, riding, or kneeling position, (b) a second hull comprising a cavity extending from the top of the hull downwards substantially to the bottom of said hull, said cavity being sufficiently wide to accommodate a user's leg and foot when the user is in a sitting, standing, riding, or kneeling position, and (c) a connector rigidly attached to each of the first and second hulls, wherein a user of the watercraft can sit, ride, kneel, or stand with one foot and/or leg in the cavity of each hull.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Yoav Rosen
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Patent number: 6748893Abstract: There is disclosed a foil system for hydrofoil vessels, where the foil system lifts and carries the total weight of the craft at speed, and comprising a number of adjustable control fins/-surfaces (3-5), supporting legs (7-9) between the foil system and the hull of the vessel, and means to adjust the control fins/-surfaces. The foil system is characterized in that it is formed by one single approximately horizontal foil body comprising two generally mirror symmetric foil arms (1, 2) which extend aft to each side in almost equal angle, in that the forward corner of the angle lies in the center line (11) of the craft, and the foil arms extend aft to each side in an almost equal angle (12) with the longitudinal centerline (11) of the craft.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Inventors: Jens-Herman Jorde, Jan Ingar Norheim
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Publication number: 20040089214Abstract: An assembly for converting a catamaran into a trimaan, the assembly comprising a centre hull, left and right side linkage members (14, 15), with each linkage member (14, 15) having front and rear lateral portions (16, 17) and an interconnecting longitudinal portion (18), and a plurality of adaptors (21), with each adaptor (21) having a bottom surface which is adapted to be located in a catamaran hull tops surface recess (20) for a cross piece and a top surface (23) for receipt of the longitudinal portion (18), wherein each longitudinal portion (18) is adapted to be connected to forward and rear ends of respective catamaran hulls by a coupling means (27, 31).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Paul Dawson
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Patent number: 6732672Abstract: A trimaran type WIG (Wing-In-Ground) effect ship with a minimum waterplane area is disclosed. This WIG ship comprises a main hull and two half-submerged sub-hulls each having a minimum waterplane area capable of minimizing the wave resistance and appendage resistance of the ship, thus reducing speed loss on rough water. The WIG ship also has main and sub-wings and an effective propelling mechanism, designed such that they produce a strong lift force allowing a take-off of the ship sailing on water even at a low speed. The WIG ship is thus excellent in its seakeeping and maneuverability on the rough water. In the WIG ship, the main hull is intermediately positioned between the main wings and comprises a slender and half-submerged body, and bears 60% of the total displacement of the ship. The sub-hulls are respectively provided under the outer ends of the main wings, and each bear 20% of the total displacement, and act as an end plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Korea Ocean Research and Development InstituteInventors: Myung-Soo Shin, Yong-Jin Jo
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Patent number: 6729258Abstract: A trimaran vessel having a central hull (10) and two outer hulls (11) each small and of less draft compared to the central hull (10), the arrangement of the vessel being such that the draft of the vessel lessens when moving at speed due to dynamic lift developed by the movement and whereby because of the change in draft, the outer hulls (11) have little if any effect on buoyancy of the vessel when moving at speed. The increase in lift can be achieved by the use of foils (20) and/or other lifting surfaces and/or by the use of a planning hull design of at least the central hull (10). The vessel is particularly suitable for a load carrying vessel such as a ferry.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Inventors: John Theodore Fuglsang, Stephen Geoffrey Quigley
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Patent number: 6698371Abstract: The apparatus is a boat with a device for lifting a worker up to a location under bridges for maintenance or inspection. The preferred embodiment of the invention is an outboard motor propelled catamaran with a scissors type lift elevator or aerial boom located approximately in the center of the boat. One or more outrigger pontoons that are partially filled with water stabilize the boat, and the pontoons are pivoted back aboard the boat and emptied for over the road transport of the boat.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Harold A. Stoltzfus
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Publication number: 20040035344Abstract: A collapsible pontoon paddle boat that includes inflatable pontoons that may be deflated, and a series of frame pieces that may be disassembled. The frame structure includes metal tubes that snap into anchors that are integrally formed on the sides of the pontoons. A removable seat is provided for the boat that is supported by a series of cinch straps that allows fore and aft sections of the seating surface to be adjusted up and down relative to the pontoons. A plurality of mounting locations may be provided for removable cranks and paddle wheels so that their position may be adjusted relative to the seat. A rudder for the pontoon paddle boat is connected to the frame for the pontoon paddle boat by a friction connection and includes a pivot mechanism that permits folding to a position where it extends parallel to the boat.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Metzger, Shin Tsai Wu
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Patent number: 6691633Abstract: A collapsible pontoon paddle boat that includes inflatable pontoons that may be deflated, and a series of frame pieces that may be disassembled. The frame structure includes metal tubes that snap into anchors that are integrally formed on the sides of the pontoons. A removable seat is provided for the boat that is supported by a series of cinch straps that allows fore and aft sections of the seating surface to be adjusted up and down relative to the pontoons. A plurality of mounting locations may be provided for removable cranks and paddle wheels so that their position may be adjusted relative to the seat. A rudder for the pontoon paddle boat is connected to the frame for the pontoon paddle boat by a friction connection and includes a pivot mechanism that permits folding to a position where it extends parallel to the boat.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Metzger, Shin Tsai Wu
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Publication number: 20030230227Abstract: A ramp assembly for a pontoon boat, or the like, on which a boat user can come and go from the pontoon boat without having to get wet. A cylindrical float, rotatably attached to the free end of the ramp, keeps it and at least one user thereon afloat. Moreover, the float acts like a roller during docking, enabling one to move the ramp, in its extended position, up and onto the shore at most beaches. The ramp assembly comprises a support structure attached to the underside of the boat and a ramp including a platform which is slideably connected to the support structure by a shaft. Bearing blocks suspend the shaft and the platform, which is pivotally connected thereto, horizontally between a pair of rails. Riding on elongated bearing surface tracks mounted within the rails, the bearing blocks allow the platform to be easily extended outwardly from the support structure for use or, alternately, retracted into it for storage. The platform can be readily extended or retracted, as needed, manually.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventor: William C. Wright
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Patent number: 6644229Abstract: A pontoon including a substantially cylindrical member having a length in excess of about 14 feet and having no external circumferential welds intermediate the ends of the member and being substantially linear along its length axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Leisure Kraft Pontunes, Inc.Inventor: Wade E. Davenport
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Publication number: 20030164131Abstract: The vessel has a pair of flexible hulls flexibly coupled to a “cabin” between and above the hulls, thereby allowing the hulls to independently follow the surface of the water. Motor pods are hinged to the back of the hulls to maintain the propulsion system in the water, even if the stern of one or both hulls tends to lift out of the water when crossing swells and the like. Various other embodiments and features are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Ugo Conti
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Patent number: 6609472Abstract: Presented is an air lubricated ship that offers improved efficiency and stability over the prior art. Features of the preferred embodiment of the invention include: 1) a submerged bow that is generally proximal in depth to the stem, 2) a hydrofoil at the bow that not only adds stability but also allows the pressurized air layer(s) to extend further forward under the hull thereby reducing wetted area friction, 3) use of more than one air layer in series which is generally accomplished by water deflecting steps at the air layers forward portions, 4) special positioning of propulsors so that they do not interfere with the air layer(s) by aspirating pressurized air from the air layer(s), 5) optional outrigger hulls to aid to stability and to also increase useful deck area, and 6) optional configurations that allow for use of more than one air lubricated hull where such hulls are connected by structure in catamaran or other arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Donald E. Burg
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Patent number: 6604478Abstract: A hull configuration for a vessel that utilizes multiple effects to reduce friction between the vessel and the water's surface is provided by the present invention. In various embodiments, a surface effect is employed such that a supporting cushion of air is provided underneath the hull to substantially isolate portions of the hull from coming into contact with the water's surface. A blower is used to provide pressurized air to the air cushions. The inlet of the blower is positioned in the direction of the vessel's movement such that a ram air effect decreases the power required by the blower. An amount of thrust is also generated by the forward placement of the blower inlet. The vessel has a superstructure that is shaped to create a low pressure zone above the vessel. This low pressure zone creates a lifting body effect such that the friction between the hull and the water's surface is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Bruce R. Barsumian
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Publication number: 20030145776Abstract: Presented is a high efficiency high-speed boat or ship that has multiple hulls. These multiple hulls can include recesses in their undersides that are supplied with pressurized air to form supporting air cushions. There is a support and stability adding hydrofoil disposed between two of the multi-hulls and one trimmable hydrofoil mounted to the transom in the preferred embodiment of the invention. There are water deflecting steps forward of recesses inset in one or more sides of the multi-hulls where such recesses are preferably above the sidehull chines.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Donald E. Burg
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Publication number: 20030136322Abstract: A seagoing vessel having a length of between 45 and 175 metres and designed to operate at speeds of between 25 and 70 knots, the vessel comprising a single main hull with stabilising amahs positioned on either side, wherein the hydrostatic value of GM determined in the transverse plane lies between 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Neville A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20030127034Abstract: A combination engine compartment cover and privacy enclosure includes a frame member, which is rotatable about a pivot adjacent to an engine compartment access through a deck of a pontoon boat. The entire enclosure can rotate to a position to access the opening, or the enclosure can be used as a privacy enclosure. A top cover of the unit is also rotatable relative to the frame and has a support bracket attached to a back of the top cover, where the bracket is rotatable to an upright position, where a privacy curtain may be assembled around the enclosure by way of snap members.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Jerry L. Scott, Jeremiah S. Warfel, Bradley R. Fishburn, Joseph L. Engelhaupt
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Patent number: RE38697Abstract: A double hull marine vessel is provided which includes a syntactic foam-macrosphere composition between the inner and outer hulls which dissipates force applied to an outer hull.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Emerson & Cuming Composite Materials, IncInventors: Ronald F. Swann, Noel J. Tessler, James M. Teague, Ted M. Daves, Depankar Neogi, William A. Yancey
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Patent number: H2173Abstract: An unmanned hydroplaning water surface vehicle having a gondola housing with external midway lift and control foils that allow the unmanned surface vehicle to provide lift and control in water at sufficient speed. A superstructure trimaran hull serves as a stable operation platform during low speed maneuvers or at rest. The superstructure hull encloses command and control systems capable of remote, semi-autonomous or fully autonomous control and navigation and vehicle attitude control. A plurality of mission specific payloads and sensors are positioned within the superstructure hull and gondola housing to allow for various types of missions. A strut connects the gondola housing and the superstructure hull above the waterline, as well as to provide for the passage therebetween of a plurality of transmission and control lines. The strut also mounts a rudder above propeller at the stern end of the gondola housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David A. Newborn, Richard K. Knutson, Stephen P. Ebner