Patents by Inventor Ralph Gitomer

Ralph Gitomer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4934296
    Abstract: A tetrahedrally shaped pivotable sailing frame of four spars and a sail with balanced hydrofoils is disclosed. A hydrofoil sailboat is created by pivotally attaching the frame to a hull along a longitudinal axis of the hull. Tacking is accomplished by rotation of the frame about that axis. Although the sailing frame can be adapted to a variety of types of hulls, including windsurfers, catamarans, and multiple-hulled craft, a preferred embodiment of a hull is disclosed which in combination with the sailing frame affords the proper lift and forward vectors and obviates the need for a keel, live or dead ballast, or sail adjustments. The lift affords very high speeds and minimal wetted surface. The tetrahedral structure of the sailing frame is stiff, giving a level, stabilized ride and permitting an optimal surface area of sail. The hull design provides swift, easy tacking and reduces the possibility of backwinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventors: Bernard Smith, Ralph Gitomer