Water craft, such as a boat or a ship

Abstract

This invention relates to a watercraft with a framework arranged in radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis (Z-Z), in which a passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell is movably mounted so that it retains its vertical suspended position in rotational movement of the framework.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a watercraft according to the definition of the species of claim 1.

[0002] German Patent 196 21 521 A1 discloses a watercraft of the catamaran design, German Patent 40 30 225 C2 discloses a watercraft consisting of two surfboards, and German Patent 35 23 124 A1 discloses a twin-hull boat that can be dismantled. The above-mentioned watercraft and twin-hull boat have the advantage of increased capsizing stability in comparison with single-hull watercraft.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 1,711,726 describes a motor-driven watercraft having multiple floats which are interconnected by struts at their ends to form a three-dimensional structure. A bearing is arranged at the center of the struts. A passenger compartment is rotatably mounted in these bearings in such a way that it maintains its upright position regardless of the motion of the sea.

[0004] German Patent 43 04 659 A1 discloses another watercraft having multiple floats.

[0005] It is known from C. A. Marchaj, Aerodynarnik und Hydrodynamik des Segelns [Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of sailing], Bielefeld 1982, page 126, that—in order to achieve truly high speeds by a drastic reduction in wave resistance—the body of the boat must either be submerged or raised out of the water. The above-mentioned underwater concept, i.e., implementation of a sailing submarine, has not yet been implemented, whereas the surface concept mentioned above, i.e., implementation of a hydrofoil boat or hydroplane, is being developed further at the present time.

[0006] As a first step, wave-cutting or wave-piercing hulls have already been used in conjunction with the underwater or submarine concept.

[0007] German Patent 44 47 216 C2 and German Patent 196 24 487 C1 describe watercraft that can be assembled from a few simple components, offer a high level of security against capsizing and can be driven by the wind. The known watercraft have multiple disk-shaped floats arranged with radial symmetry around a horizontal axis. in preferred embodiments of the watercraft, a leeboard is fixedly mounted on both sides or the center of each float (cf. FIGS. 10 through 12).

[0008] Against the background of this state of the art, the object of this invention is to create a watercraft of the type defined in the preamble having improved floating properties.

[0009] This object is achieved according to this invention by a watercraft as defined in the claims.

[0010] Numerous advantages are achieved with this invention. Although watercraft according to the above-mentioned state of the art have disk-shaped floats with leeboards, and because of the water pressure acting on their leeboards, they tend to list severely and to undercut the individual floats, at least one control element is arranged on the structure of the watercraft according to this invention. This counteracts both listing and undercutting.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of a watercraft with a framework arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal central axis has a passenger cell mounted movably in such a way that it retains its vertically suspended position in rotational movement of the framework and is characterized in that the framework is in the form of a box kite or a similar framework having radial symmetry with the central horizontal axis. At least one control element is arranged on the passenger cell either directly or indirectly by way of at least one connecting element. This counteracts both listing and undercutting of the individual floats. The watercraft according to this invention is suitable for low-water travel and is unsinkable. It does not transfer any rolling motion to a passenger gondola including a control stand or to a load absorbing cell. It thus offers extremely great protection against capsizing and it remains fully functional even after capsizing has occurred. At the same time, the passenger gondola may be equipped with one or more sails.

[0012] In an advantageous manner, the watercraft according to this invention can be constructed and assembled easily from a comparatively small number of individual parts which are inexpensive to manufacture, so that the watercraft as a whole can be manufactured comparatively inexpensively.

[0013] Another advantageous embodiment of this invention consists of the fact that each float has at least one recess which is arranged on its side facing away from the water in positioning the respective float on water and accommodates a connecting joint of a framework arranged with radial symmetry to the central horizontal axis. This greatly increases the floating stability of the floats.

[0014] Another advantageous embodiment of a watercraft according to this invention having multiple floats arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal axis is characterized in that the framework is designed to be collapsible. This permits a great reduction in the volume of the watercraft for transport to and from its site of use, for example, or for storage.

[0015] The watercraft according to this invention may have framework arms which are submerged under water due to the design of the floats, among other things. The framework arms may advantageously have openings, especially tunnel-like openings running parallel to the direction of travel, minimizing the water resistance on immersion in the water.

[0016] The floats may each be designed as a hull. The hull preferably has a wave-cutting cross section. Such a hull largely prevents movements up and down over the crests and valleys of waves; it pierces through the crests of the waves, thus effectively preventing pitching of the watercraft.

[0017] This invention will now be described on the basis of the drawings, which show:

[0018] FIG. 1: a perspective view of a first embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention;

[0019] FIG. 2: a portion of the watercraft according to FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3: a side view of the first embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention;

[0021] FIG. 4: a front view of a watercraft according to FIG. 3;

[0022] FIG. 5: a horizontal section of the watercraft according to FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0023] FIG. 6: a side view of a second embodiment of the watercraft according to FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0024] FIG. 7: structural details of a hinge mechanism of a watercraft according to this invention as illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5;

[0025] FIG. 8: a third embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention;

[0026] FIG. 9: components of the watercraft according to this invention;

[0027] FIG. 10: a state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 1 of German Patent 44 47 216 C2); and

[0028] FIG. 11: a state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 2 of German Patent 44 47 216 C2); and

[0029] FIG. 12: another state-of-the-art watercraft (=FIG. 3 of German Patent 44 47 216 C2).

[0030] The watercraft illustrated in FIG. 1 has a main part A which is arranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis Z-Z of the watercraft and corresponds largely to the framework of a box kite. The main part A may be composed of one or more frameworks or backbone structures which are interconnected so they can rotate about their common horizontal axis of symmetry, central axis Z-Z and to a main part B (FIG. 2).

[0031] The framework of the main part A illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises three longitudinal copings or spars 2, six compression bars 18 forming two equilateral triangles in two normal planes of central axis Z-Z and twelve traction cables 7. Six sail boards are connected in a hinged manner to rigid framework arms 19 arranged on longitudinal spars 2, said sail boards either lying on the surface of the water as floats 3 or projecting into the air as additional rigid sails 4.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the longitudinal spars 2 are arranged outside the triangles formed by compression bars 18. However, it is also possible to arrange the longitudinal spars 2 inside these triangles. Thus, the framework arms do not pass through longitudinal spars 2.

[0033] Framework A has in particular the form of a box kite or a framework designed to have radial symmetry with the central horizontal axis 7-7. However, this invention is not lImIted to this form.

[0034] For wind propulsion, the framework is equipped with at least one sail cell (not shown in FIG. 1) which is also designed and arranged in radial symmetry with the central axis Z-Z. Sail surfaces can be designed to be rolled up by attaching textile cell edges to rolling shafts, so the wind propulsion can be controlled. To guarantee a constant tension in the sail surfaces, a winding torque in the manner of snap rollers can be produced on each rolling shaft, so the wind propulsion can be controlled. To guarantee a persistent tension in the sail surfaces, a winding torque can be produced in the manner of snap rollers from which the lock has been removed.

[0035] For a helmsman, trampoline surfaces can be stretched between sails in the central part, mainly in the same way as the sail surfaces.

[0036] Likewise, a gondola B (FIG. 2) or an independent boat can be arranged in a mount so that it can be rotated about the axis Z-Z, also lockable with the main part A, so that in the unlocked state, the gondola or the boat retains the vertical hanging position due to its inherent load in rotational movement of the framework about its longitudinal or transverse axis.

[0037] The floats 3 each have at least one recess 35 arranged on the side facing away from the water in positioning the respective float on water. The recesses 35, which are preferably funnel shaped, each accommodate a connecting joint of the framework, each attached to a framework arm 19.

[0038] Although in the state of the art (FIGS. 10 through 12), one leeboard 5 is in a friction-locked connection with each float 3 or sail board 4 on each side or one leeboard 5 is connected at the center, at least one control element 5 is arranged on the framework of the watercraft according to this invention in a non-friction-locked connection with-the floats or sail boards.

[0039] The watercraft according to this invention thus does not have any control elements in a friction-locked connection with the floats 3 or sail boards 4; i.e., instead of control elements 5 in a friction-locked mount on floats 3 or sail boards 4, the watercraft according to this invention is equipped with at least one control element 5 which is not connected to the floats or sail boards in a friction-locked manner, said control element 5 being arranged on the framework A (FIG. 6) or on a passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell B (in FIG. 2). The axis of rotation of the control element 5 thus remains essentially vertical, and no tilting forces are transmitted from the control element 5 to the float 3.

[0040] By omitting leeboards and other control elements on the floats in the watercraft according to FIGS. 1 through 5, joints of the floats 3, as connections to the framework(s) of the main part A may be arranged lower with respect to the water level. Due to being mounted lower, the float stability of floats 3 and thus the float stability of the watercraft is greatly increased on the whole.

[0041] As mentioned above, the main part A may consist of two skeletal structures as in the state of the art (FIGS. 11 and 12). As shown in FIG. 11 for the state of the art, they may consist of two skeletal structures A which are congruent with one another and are mounted to rotate about a main tubular girder 50 independently of one another, their compression bars 18 supporting longitudinal spars 47 against one another and their tension cables 7 pulling the outside ends of the longitudinal spars 47 into their planned position relative to the central axis Z-Z and connecting them to the main tubular girder 50 by means of pivot bearings 10.

[0042] If capsizing is possible, each framework of main part A rotates into the next stable equilibrium position because of the radial symmetry of its design, namely rotating by an angle of rotation of less than 180 degrees.

[0043] The main part B of an embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention as shown in FIG. 2 consists of a gondola or a boat with a control stand 34 which may optionally accommodate passengers and/or a payload in addition to the helmsman. The gondola is designed in one piece with a main tubular girder 50 which embodies central axis Z-Z and is mounted to rotate about the latter and is thus connected to the main part A (FIGS. 1 through 5). Because of this arrangement, the gondola experiences essentially no rotational motion in capsizing of the main part A due to its own weight and the weight of its passengers or payload. In an up and down movement when capsizing, the gondola always returns to its original position.

[0044] In this embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention, it is controlled by control elements 5, preferably floating rudders which are mounted directly on the gondola and/or are guided outward by a corresponding linkage or other expedient devices in the direction of the central axis Z-Z and thus remain connected in a friction-locked manner to the gondola floating over the water. Due to this friction-locked connection, the horizontal water forces which counteract drift and are absorbed by the control rudders are transmitted as torque to the gondola. To keep the control rudders in their most effective position, i.e., the vertical position, this torque which acts to cause listing of the gondola can be compensated by appropriate displacement of weight. By locking main parts A and B from time to tome, the listing moment can be transmitted to the entire system. If capsizing is imminent, the lock is released again.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of this watercraft.

[0046] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a front view and a horizontal section (DD) of the watercraft illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the framework consists of framework arms 19 arranged in the form of a star, also illustrated in conjunction with the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

[0047] FIGS. 7a through 7c illustrate this hinge mechanism.

[0048] The framework consists of three frames arranged in a star pattern (in radial symmetry around Z-Z). A frame (FIG. 7b) consists of two framework arms connected by a common longitudinal spar 2 and braced rigidly with it by traction cable 7.

[0049] In the use state, each arm 19 has a float 3 on one end and on the other end a hollow chamber (52, 53, 54 in FIG. 7a) shaped like a ring segment. The three hollow chambers shaped like ring segments are interconnected by hinges or can be closed to form hollow chamber ring 55 (=52, 53 and 54). The hollow chambers and framework arms accommodate the control mechanism in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 and are connected to the steering wheel. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 through 6, the main tubular girder 50 accommodates the control mechanism and is connected to steering wheels 6.

[0050] To reduce the volume of the framework, the three frames can be folded up into a position in which they are parallel to one another. The corresponding outline is, shown in FIG. 7c, with the side view being shown in FIG. 7a. The detached floats 3 and the gondola are stored in a collapsed state in the interspaces remaining between the frames.

[0051] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show the minimal outlines of a transport container labeled as 51.

[0052] The watercraft according to this invention may be designed so that at least one movement means serving to move the watercraft forward on land, in particular a wheel or a ball, is arranged on at least one control element. The movement means may also be a float.

[0053] A control element may be in the form of a folding leeboard, for example, which may be arranged on the framework (A), the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell (B) or it may also be arranged on a float at the side. In particular, two such folding leeboards which may also be arranged laterally on such a float can be folded up with respect to an axis running across the direction of travel. In addition to the folding leeboard, a connecting body may also be arranged on the same axis. It consists of a tubular piece on which are arranged two parallel plates perpendicular to the axis of the tubular piece. These plates hold the bearing for a wheel. This wheel has a pneumatic tire in particular.

[0054] The folding of the connecting body with the wheel is limited by stop pins.

[0055] In the rolling state, the folding leeboards are in a horizontal position, while the impeller assumes a lower position due to the weight of the watercraft.

[0056] In the floating state, the folding leeboards are in a vertical position, while the impellers assume an upper position.

[0057] In this embodiment, the floats are rotated jointly together with the folding leeboards.

[0058] The disk-shaped floats 3 (FIGS. 1 and 3 through 6) may be circular in shape or they may have some other shape, e.g., the shape of a conventional sail board. In this latter embodiment, the rotation of the control elements about the vertical axis may take place with frictional engagement with the sail boards in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0059] The disk-shaped floats of embodiments of the watercraft according to this invention are shaped with recesses, so that joints of the floats, as connections to the framework(s) of the main part A, may be arranged lower with respect to the water level. This greatly increases the floating stability of the floats and thus that of the watercraft on the whole.

[0060] In the case of the watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the floats 3 are designed as hulls. The hulls may be designed differently; in particular, they have a wave-cutting or wave-piercing cross section which tapers toward the top. Therefore, these hulls are more easily submerged in the water, largely avoiding the pitching motions caused by waves. The hulls then pierce through the crests of the waves.

[0061] The embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention illustrated in FIG. 3 also has a framework A consisting of parts A1 and A2 arranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis Z-Z. Part A1 is the part of the framework which is in contact with the water in normal operation and forms the buoyancy, while A2 is the part of the framework projecting into the air in normal operation. Framework part A2 fulfils two functions: first, it can counteract listing by displacement of weight in the direction of the windward side, as in FIG. 8c; secondly, it keeps the vehicle ready for operation in the normal position in an actual capsizing case. Each framework part A1, A2 consists of two portal frames, each comprising at least two framework arms 19 and a connected hull 3. These portal frames are held together by two connecting triangles and each is connected to a pivot bearing ring 10. The pivot bearing rings 10 surround the main tubular girder 50.

[0062] In the case of this watercraft, the framework A, A1, A2 has framework arms 19 arranged radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9a, each framework part A1, A2 has at least two pivot bearing-rings 10 to which are connected two of framework arms 19. The framework arm 19 of a pivot bearing ring 10 is connected to a corresponding framework arm 19 of the other pivot bearing ring 10 by a hull-shaped float 3, so that the two floats 3 are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to one another.

[0064] The framework arms 19 of a pivot bearing ring 10 are arranged in a plane normal to the central axis Z-Z, with the angle between these framework arms 19 being essentially 90 degrees.

[0065] As also illustrated in FIG. 9a, the framework arms 19 of a framework part A1, A2 are the same length. The lengths of the framework arms 19 of the two framework parts A1, A2 may be either the same or different.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell 9 is fixedly connected to the main tubular girder 50, forming together with rigging cordage 12, 13, 14, 15, 23, 1 the control stands 34 and with the control elements 5 the main part B. The center of gravity of B is below the central axis Z-Z, so that B can swing around the axis Z-Z and thus remains in stable equilibrium.

[0067] The passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell has an arrangement for fastening at least one sail or the rigging cordage. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, two main masts 12, seven auxiliary masts 13 and two auxiliary masts 14 are provided. The main masts 12 are connected to the main tubular girder 50, while the four longitudinal spars 2′ connect the main masts to one another. The auxiliary masts 14 can be operated independently of one another and the auxiliary masts 13 to support the sailing maneuver. Each auxiliary mast 13, 14 is mounted so it can rotate about its vertical axis. The rotational bearings are arranged between the longitudinal spars 2′.

[0068] The main tubular girder 50 has a diameter of more than two meters, for example, so that it is accessible for walking on it. It connects two control stands 34 to passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9 in an accessible manner.

[0069] Five masts 23 are rotatably mounted in the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9.

[0070] FIG. 8a shows framework arms 19 of the watercraft with their floats 3 in the basic position, while FIG. 8c shows the framework arms 19 in a position in which the framework part A2 causes a displacement of weight in the windward direction and thus counteracts possible listing.

[0071] The watercraft illustrated in FIG. 8 has framework arms 19 which are arranged radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z of the watercraft, as shown in FIGS. 8a, 8c, 8e and 8f in particular.

[0072] The framework arms 19 are connected to one another and to the pivot bearing rings 10 by connecting triangles 20.

[0073] To rotate framework parts A1, A2 opposite one another into predefinable positions, the watercraft has a mechanical system 17 to which framework parts A1, A2 are linked. In addition, the framework parts A1, A2 can be locked independently of one another on the main tubular girder 50 whose central axis is identical with the central horizontal axis Z-Z.

[0074] The mechanical system which generates pressure and traction may be operated with oil as a hydraulic medium, for example. Likewise, traveling block systems may also be used to produce traction. This achieves the result that the floats of a framework part A1 come in contact with water, while the other framework part A2 is rotated into a position in which its weight is displaced in the direction of the windward side and listing is counteracted.

[0075] Framework parts A1, A2 with their hull-shaped floats 3 can be rotated toward one another by traction systems (e.g., block and tackle) or by traction-compression systems (hydraulic oil presses) and locked in the desired positions relative to one another. A1, A2 can be locked independently of one another to the main part B. For certain applications, it may be expedient to connect two of the three main parts A1, A2, B fixedly and immovably to one another, i.e., to manufacture them in one piece.

[0076] The two hull-shaped floats 3 of a framework part may be equipped with water ballast tanks in particular and interconnected by lines, so that water can move out of the ballast tank of one float and into the ballast tank of the other float.

[0077] The framework arms 19 of the watercraft may be designed as a three-dimensional structure, so that water can flow with minimal resistance through the structure beneath the water level and air can flow above the water level.

[0078] Because of the water-cutting design of the floats 3, this watercraft can be submerged to different depths into the water. This is diagramed in FIGS. 8a and 8c, showing the water level 21 at the least depth of immersion and the water level 22 at the greatest death of immersion.

[0079] FIG. 8b shows a top view of the watercraft illustrated in a front view in FIG. 8d. It moves in the direction of travel FAH and rests on two floats 3 of framework part A1. A float 3 of framework part A2 is located on the windward side where it serves as a load balance. The other float 3 of the framework part A2 is on its framework arm 19 aligned perpendicularly (FIG. 8c).

[0080] The control stands 34 on the bow and on the stern are accessibly connected to the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9 by way of the main tubular girder 50. The machine for the auxiliary drive, which is integrated into 11, is located in each control stand 34.

[0081] FIG. 8b also shows the two upper longitudinal spars 2′ between which auxiliary masts 13 and 14 are rotatably mounted, auxiliary masts 23 which are rotatably mounted on the passenger/load absorbing cell 9 as well as two main masts 12 to which the spars 2′ are attached. The yards 15 are fixedly connected to the auxiliary masts listed above and they carry the cloth sails 1. Instead of square sails, cat sails may also be used, e.g., on the main masts.

[0082] FIG. 8d shows a front view of the watercraft having the main tubular girder 50. Framework parts A1 and A2 are connected to the main tubular girder by pivot bearing rings 10. These framework parts consist of components 19, 3, 10, 17. In addition, main masts 12 which are connected to the main tubular girder 50 have spars 2′ attached to them.

[0083] Floating rudders 11 are equipped with elevator controls and auxiliary drive (to support changes in direction of travel and/or for continued movement when there is little wind) and are rotatably mounted in control stands 34. Masts 13, 14 and yards 15 are shown in the upper part of FIG. 8d.

[0084] A section E-E is shown in FIG. 8c, which has already been described, where the framework part A2 with its floats 3 (A2 in FIG. 8b) causes a displacement of weight in the windward direction and thus counteracts possible listing.

[0085] Whereas the watercraft in FIG. 8d has a rigging cordage and comparatively short framework arms, the watercraft is rigged as a cat schooner in FIG. 8e and is equipped with comparatively long framework arms. The vehicle according to FIG. 8e is especially designed for wave-piercing operation, while the vehicle according to FIG. 8f is also designed for operation in which the float hulls are submerged, so that wave resistance is further reduced.

[0086] FIG. 9b shows first (in the diagram on the right) the arrangement of framework parts A1, A2 as shown in FIG. 8c and secondly (in the diagram on the left) an arrangement of two pivot bearing rings 10.

[0087] Two framework arms 19 are connected to each of these pivot bearing rings 10 which surround the main tubular girder 50. Of the mechanical system 17, only connecting cords connecting the two framework parts A1 and A2 to one another are shown.

[0088] In addition to framework parts A1, A2, the outline of the main part B (main mast 12; passenger/load cell 9, floating rudder 11) is also shown. Two connecting cords 17 connect framework arms of different framework parts A1, A2. For example, shortening the connecting cord shown at the left in the figure leads to lengthening of the connecting cord shown at the right in the figure.

[0089] A hydroplane mount 25 with hydrofoils 26 is arranged on each of the framework arms of the framework part A2. The hydrofoils contribute to the transverse stability of the watercraft in the submerged state of the floats 3 of A1.

[0090] If it is impossible due to unfavorable circumstances (storm, high waves) to achieve sufficient transverse stability with the help of hydrofoils 26, and if it is also impossible to blow air into the ballast tanks to displace the water from the tanks and return the watercraft to the half-submerged state (wave-piercing), it remains possible to completely flood the water ballast tanks so that the volume of the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell 9 and the two control stands 34 is submerged into the water and produces sufficient buoyancy and dimensional stability like an ordinary boat hull. Even in this operating state, possible listing can be counteracted by displacement of load by means of framework part A2.

[0091] In the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the framework arms 19 are arranged radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z. At their ends, the framework arms are equipped with float hulls to which are connected control rudders 27. The axes of rotation of these control rudders 27 are aligned radially to the central horizontal axis Z-Z. Two control rudders 27 are provided on each float hull.

[0092] As long as the two parallel float hulls of the framework part A1 are floating approximately half submerged, the position of the watercraft is stable. However, as soon as the hulls are completely submerged, they float in the water, so that the vehicle is in a labile equilibrium position from a practical standpoint. According to this invention, however, the position of the watercraft is stabilized constantly by displacement of the hull weights from A2 in the direction of the windward side.

[0093] To stabilize the watercraft in short gusts of wind, an electronically controlled automatic system which is used here has sensors of a gyro compass and acts on rudders 27. The rudders 27 can be driven individually, independently of one another. They can be retracted into the respective float hull to prevent damage when setting down on land.

[0094] The state-of-the-art watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12 have in common the fact that they have spars on their disk-shaped floats 3 or rigid sails 4. In contrast with that, in the case of embodiments of the watercraft according to this invention, control elements are preferably arranged on a framework of the watercraft, in particular on a main tubular girder in the central axis Z-Z and/or on a gondola instead of having disk-shaped control elements on floats or rigid sails. These disk-shaped floats according to the state of the art, which tend to great listing and undercutting because of the water pressure acting on their spars, are not provided with the watercraft according to this invention.

[0095] In the first and second embodiments of the watercraft according to this invention, sails may be provided on the main part A (framework), e.g., in the form of floats, while in the third embodiment (FIGS. 8e, 8f) of the watercraft according to this invention, sails may be arranged on the main part B (passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell). This third embodiment of the watercraft according to this invention at the same time implements the underwater concept mentioned above through the submerged float hulls of framework part A1 and the above-water concept through the hydrofoils of the framework part A2.

[0096] The watercraft according to this invention may be designed as personal watercraft and/or load carrying vehicle in different sizes as a function of the respective intended purpose. It is suitable for rescuing people from shipwrecks; the gondola can be reached by a ladder, for example.

[0097] It can also be designed as a toy with remote control. The control elements can be moved independently of one another in this way. Likewise, the sails can also be reefed and played out by remote control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NOTATION

[0098] 1

[0099] 2, 2′ sails, sail surfaces

[0100] 2′ longitudinal spars

[0101] 3 float

[0102] 4 rigid sail

[0103] 5 control element, spar, rudder

[0104] 6 steering wheel

[0105] 7 tension cable

[0106] 8 axle stub

[0107] 9 passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell

[0108] 10 pivot bearing ring

[0109] 11 floating rudder with elevator rudder and auxiliary drive

[0110] 12 main mast

[0111] 13 auxiliary mast

[0112] 14 auxiliary mast

[0113] 15 yard, cross struts for mounting 1

[0114] 17 mechanical system (traction or compression-traction system); connecting cord

[0115] 18 compression bar

[0116] 19 framework arm

[0117] 20 connecting triangle

[0118] 21 water level at the least depth of immersion

[0119] 22 water level at the greatest depth of immersion

[0120] 23 mast

[0121] 24 opening in 19

[0122] 25 hydrofoil mount

[0123] 26 hydrofoil

[0124] 27 radial control rudder

[0125] 34 control stand

[0126] 35 recess in 3

[0127] 50 main tubular girder (in central axis Z-Z)

[0128] 51 transport container outline

[0129] 52, 53, 54 hollow chamber segments

[0130] 55 hollow chamber ring

[0131] A, A1, A2 main part, framework

[0132] B main part, gondola, boat, passenger cell, payload cell

[0133] S center of gravity of the framework

[0134] Z-Z central axis

[0135] FAH direction of travel

Claims

1. A watercraft with a framework (A) arranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis (Z-Z), in particular in the form of a box kite or a similar framework designed with radial symmetry to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z), and with several floats (3) arranged in radial symmetry with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with at least one control element (5) arranged in a friction-locked manner on each float, characterized in that

instead of at least one control element (5) arranged in a friction-locked manner on a float (3), at least one control element (5) is arranged in a friction-locked manner on the framework (A).

2. A watercraft with a framework (A) arranged with radial symmetry to a central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with a passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell (B, 9) movably mounted in the framework so that it retains its vertical suspended position with rotational movement of the framework (A), with at least one control element (5, 11) being arranged in a friction-locked manner on the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell (B) either directly or directly by means of at least one connecting element,

characterized in that

the framework (A) has the form of a box kite or a similar framework having radial symmetry with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).

3. A watercraft according to claim 2,

characterized in that

the framework (A) can be locked with the passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell (B).

4. A watercraft having several floats (3) arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal axis (Z-Z),

characterized in that

the floats (3) each have at least one recess (35) which is arranged on its side facing away from the water in positioning the respective float (3) on the water, accommodating a connecting joint of a framework (A) arranged in radial symmetry with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).

5. A watercraft having several floats (3) arranged with radial symmetry to a horizontal axis (Z-Z) and a framework (A) arranged on the floats (3),

characterized in that

the framework (A) is designed to be collapsible.

6. A watercraft according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

at least one movement means serving to move the watercraft on land, in particular a wheel or a ball, is arranged on the minimum of one control element (5).

7. A watercraft according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

at least one movement means which is also a float (3) serves to move the watercraft on land and is arranged on the minimum of one control element (5).

8. A watercraft according to claim 1 and one of claims 4 through 6.

9. A watercraft according to claim 2 or 3 and one of claims 4 through 6.

10. A watercraft according to claim 4 and one of claims 5 or 6.

11. A watercraft according to claims 5 and 6.

12. A watercraft having a framework (A, A1, A2) arranged in radial symmetry to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z), with a passenger cell and/or a load absorbing cell movably mounted in the framework so that it retains its vertical suspended position in rotational movement of the framework (A),

characterized in that

the passenger cell and/or load absorbing cell has an arrangement (2′; 50; 12, 13, 14; 23) for mounting at least one sail (1).

13. A watercraft according to one of claims 1 through 12,

characterized in that

the framework (A) has framework arms (19) arranged radially to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).

14. A watercraft according to claim 13,

characterized in that

floats (3) with control rudders (27) are provided on the framework arms (19), their axes of rotation being aligned radially with the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).

15. A watercraft according to claim 14,

characterized in that

two control rudders (27) are provided on the floats (3).

16. A watercraft according to one of claims 12 through 15,

characterized in that

the framework (A) has two framework parts (A1, A2), and one framework part (A1, A2) has at lest two pivot bearing rings (10) on which are provided two of the framework arms (19), and the framework arm (19) of a pivot bearing ring (10) is connected to a hull-shaped float (3) by a corresponding framework arm (19) of the other pivot bearing ring (10) in such a way that the two floats (3) are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to one another.

17. A watercraft according to claim 16,

characterized in that

the two framework arms (19) of a pivot bearing ring (1) [sic; (10)] are arranged in a plane normal to the central axis (Z-Z), and the angle between these framework arms (19) is essentially 90 degrees.

18. A watercraft according to claim 16 or 17,

characterized in that

the framework arms (19) of one framework part (A1, A2) are equal in length, and the lengths of the framework arms (19) of the two framework parts (A1, A2) are either the same or different.

19. A watercraft according to one of claims 16 through 18,

characterized in that

it has a mechanical system (17) with which the framework parts (A1, A2) are linked in such a manner that they can be rotated toward one another into preselectable positions.

20. A watercraft according to one of claims 16 through 19,

characterized in that

the framework parts (A1, A2) can be locked independently of one another on a main tubular girder (50) whose central axis is identical to the central horizontal axis (Z-Z).

21. A watercraft according to one of claims 13 through 20, characterized in that the framework arms (19) have openings (24) which minimize the water resistance.

22. A float (3) for a watercraft according to one of the preceding claims.

23. A float (3) according to claim 22,

characterized in that

it is designed as a hull.

24. A float (3) according to claim 23,

characterized in that

the hull has a wave-piercing cross section.