Patents Assigned to Hobie Cat Co.
  • Patent number: 8720354
    Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Ketterman, James Taylor Czarnowksi, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 7430976
    Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Co.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas