Variable width watercraft hull for trailer transport

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a variable width watercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first side panel movably mated to the hull body and a second side panel movably mated to the hull body in which the first side panel and the second side panel are able to change position in relation to the hull body between an extended position and a retracted position and in which changing position of the first side panel and the second side panel results in a change in the width of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels change position by rotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can be implemented as a displacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of the two.

Description

RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application relates to and takes priority from a provisional application entitled “Convertible Width Boat Hull”, which was filed Dec. 16, 2004 and was assigned U.S. Ser. No. 60/636,507.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern waterborne occupational endeavors and recreation depend a great deal on small, trailer-transported, boats. Trailer-transporting fresh water vessels saves the average boat owner mooring fees and offers the versatility of being able to choose different land-locked lakes, reservoirs, and rivers for launching. Small ocean-going vessels can also save mooring costs by being trailered to a launch site when needed. Savings can also be realized in maintenance costs of small ocean-going boats because hauling out by trailer makes easier the job of removing some of the parasitic organisms found in salt water and in washing down metal boats that are prone to salt water corrosion.

Trailer transport of small boats, though, is limited by the need to travel public highways with the trailer-mounted boat. Every state has laws regarding the maximum width that normally can be transported by a highway vehicle. While there are special processes and permits that allow special travel with over-wide vehicles, the expense and inconvenience of getting the permits and providng the flags, pilot cars, flashing lights, etc. makes trailing over-wide boats an uncommon occurrence and negates the savings of avoiding moorage charges.

Trailed-vehicle width limits, therefore, are a limiting factor in the design of boats intended for regular trailer transport. The science of boat design drives the length-to-beam ratios of boats for reasons of stability, speed, internal volume and ride quality. By being limited to the legally mandated eight or eight and a half feet width of most states, the maximum size of a trailer-transported boat is fixed unless some means is taken to make a wide boat on the water become a narrow boat on land.

One way this has been done in the past is to use a multi-hull, such as a catamaran or trimaran, in which the outer hulls are moved outboard for the water and inboard for on-highway transport. Multi-hull craft, however, have limited internal volume for a given length, and therefore utility, and they are notoriously ill-adapted to extreme weather, either on the ocean or on large lakes.

What is needed then, is a hull for watercraft that is adaptable for legal trailer transport and yet provides the seaworthiness and utility of a relatively large mono-hulled vessel. The hull should provide its adaptability without inconvenience that would negate the advantages of being able to easily haul out and transport the boat by trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a watercraft hull is presented that is adaptable to legal trailer transporting and yet provides the seaworthiness and utility of a relatively large mono-hull. The hull presented provides its adaptability without the inconvenience that would otherwise negate the advantages of being able to easily haul out and transport the boat by trailer.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a variable width watercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first side panel movably mated to the hull body and a second side panel movably mated to the hull body in which the first side panel and the second side panel are able to change position in relation to the hull body between an extended position and a retracted position and in which changing position of the first side panel and the second side panel results in a change in the width of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels change position by rotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can be implemented as a displacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of the two.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments that are illustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation and components of this invention can be best visualized by reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a variable width hull in a wide configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a variable width hull in a narrow configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in a wide configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates rotation of a side panel on a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates rotation of a side panel on a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in a narrow configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a section of a retractable side panel of a variable width hull in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a section of a retractable side panel of a variable width hull in an extended configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for changing the width of a watercraft hull in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. At times, concepts disclosed in this discussion of embodiments of the present invention will be made more readily apparent be reference to the Figures.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a water-going hull that is enabled to change configuration from a wide configuration to a narrow, trailer-transportable, configuration. Embodiments of the present invention are able to change configuration by rotating a portion of one or both sides of the hull between an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the hull portions can be locked in either position to provide a seaworthy and structurally sound hull.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which both left and right movable sides are in an extended position. Hull 100 has a bottom 105, a bow 103, a stern 104, a left movable side panel, or port gunwale, 101, and a right movable side panel, or starboard gunwale, 102. It is noted here that the term “gunwale” is an historical term used to indicate that structural portion of a boat hull above the deck. It is also noted that the gunwale's name and usefulness originated in the early days of naval artillery when wooden ships needed the added strength a gunwale provided to resist the damage incurred by recoiling cannon. Embodiments of the present invention also employ the gunwale for structural soundness. The terms “gunwale”, “side portion” and side panel” are used throughout this description more or less interchangeably.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1, each gunwale, or side panel, is enabled to rotate about a longitudinal axis. In the extended position shown in FIG. 1, right movable side panel 102 is in the fully extended position, achieving a wide configuration for the hull. Left movable side panel 101 is also shown in the fully extended position. In one embodiment, the extended side panels are latched in place by an automatic latching mechanism. In another embodiment, the side panels are held in position by a manual latch. in yet another embodiment, the side panels remain in place without latching.

In FIG. 1, the side panels, or gunwales, are shown as rectangular box beams. In another embodiment, the gunwales are configured in a different structural shape. In the embodiment of the present invention shown, the rectangular box beams are welded from steel or aluminum. In an alternative embodiment, the gunwales are constructed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). In another embodiment, the gunwales are constructed of wood. It is noted that embodiments of the present invention are amenable to being constructed of any material suitable to boat building.

When, in the embodiment shown, the movable side panels are extended, they are sealed for watertightness by engaging a sealing mechanism. In FIG. 1, a sealing mechanism is not shown but exists at the interface between the deck 105 and port gunwale 101. In another embodiment, sealing mechanisms are provided for both the extended and retracted positions for each gunwale.

In an embodiment of the present invention in which a sealing mechanism is implemented for a retracted gunwale, the hull 100 is enabled for water travel in a narrow configuration. A narrow configuration is more capable of safe navigation in some situations, such as navigating a narrow channel between other craft. It is also noted that, in the proper conditions, navigating in a narrow configuration affords more economical fuel usage. It is further noted that embodiments of the present invention can provide the more comfortable ride afforded by narrower boats in rough water.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the variable width watercraft hull in a narrow configuration. Here, the hull 100 is shown mounted on a trailer 201 for transport on a roadway. It is noted here that this description does not define a boat or watercraft trailer, nor is it meant to imply that embodiments of the present invention are only intended for trailer transport. As noted above, embodiments are enabled for water navigation in both extended and retracted configurations. Another embodiment of the present invention can be transported on a public roadway on a vehicle which is not a trailer, but is a single unit transport truck. Again, embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to specific types of on-highway vehicles.

In FIG. 2, hull 100 is shown with movable left side panel 101 and movable right side panel 102 in the retracted position. While in the extended configuration, hull 100 has an overall beam of greater than the legal maximum for highway travel. However, in the retracted configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, hull 100 has an overall width equal to or less than the legal maximum for highway travel. It is noted that different states have different maximum widths for trailer loads. In California, for example, the maximum width for trailer towing without a special permit is 102 inches, or eight and a half feet. In a few other states, such as West Virginia, for example, the maximum width is 96 inches or eight feet. In either case, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hull 100 is wider than the legal towing width when in the wide configuration as shown in FIG. 1 and its width is equal to or narrower than the legal towing maximum when in the retracted configuration as shown in FIG. 2.

It is noted here that vehicles wider than the legal maximum can be operated on public highways. However, special permits are required and, if the vehicle is large enough, lead and follow safety vehicles, and other safety features, can be required for on-highway transport. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to be transportable over public highways without requiring any special permits or other special efforts beyond those normally required for legal trailer operation.

As discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention implements a sealing mechanism implemented in the narrow configuration. This implementation of this embodiment enables a hull to be navigated on water with the movable side panels, or gunwales, of the hull are in a retracted position. This embodiment can be navigated through narrow channels between obstacles. Another embodiment can achieve lower fuel cost while navigating in the narrow configuration. It is noted again that a narrow hull has less drag in water and can provide a more comfortable ride in rough water than a relatively wider equivalent hull.

Referring still to FIG. 2, movable right side panel 102, shown in the retracted position, is moved by rotating about axis 205. Axis 205, in this embodiment, is oriented longitudinally with the hull body 105. In one embodiment, axis 205 is oriented parallel to a sealing edge of right movable side panel 102 and is located so that the rotation of the side panel moves the bulk of the panel inboard when being retracted and outboard when being extended. By rotating about an axis with the orientation and location of axis 205, the movable side panel is able to, in this embodiment, fully engage a sealing mechanism in the extended position and, when rotated inboard, fully engage another sealing mechanism. In this manner, seaworthiness and structural soundness are achieved in both the extended and retracted positions.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the direction of the bow 103 while mounted on a trailer or other highway vehicle. Here, a watercraft hull 300 is situated on trailer 201. The watercraft hull is fitted with a typical superstructure 301 which is shown solely for the purpose of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to be implemented on any type of watercraft.

Watercraft hull 300 is shown in FIG. 3A with left movable side panel 101 and right movable side panel 102 in their respective extended positions. This configuration causes watercraft hull 300 to have a total width 303 that is wider than allowed for legal transport on public roadways. However, the wide configuration shown is, as noted above, more stable for navigation in water and provides more internal volume to the hull.

FIG. 3B illustrates rotation of the left movable side panel on the variable width hull, shown in FIG. 3A mounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Left movable side panel 101, in this embodiment, rotates about axis 304. Rotation of the movable side panels, illustrated by arrow 305, is accomplished in one embodiment by a motorized rotation mechanism. In another embodiment, rotation is accomplished by a manual mechanism. In FIG. 3B, left movable side panel 101 is shown having rotated about axis 304 approximately 60 degrees.

FIG. 3C also illustrates rotation of the left movable side panel on the variable width hull, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, mounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Left movable side panel 101, in this illustration, has rotated about axis 304 approximately 120 degrees. Additionally, FIG. 3C illustrates axis 306 which is the axis about which right movable side panel 102 rotates between its extended and retracted positions.

It is noted that the watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 4 is shown with vertical sides. Embodiments of the present invention are enabled to be implemented in a wide variety of hull configurations, including spray deflecting flared gunwales, weather resistant wineglass hulls and many other types. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular hull design or configuration. However, the illustrations in this description of embodiments of the present invention are shown as being vertical for clarity in illustration.

FIG. 4 also illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bow while mounted on a trailer or other highway vehicle. Here, again, a watercraft hull 300 is situated on trailer 201 as shown from the direction of the bow 103. In FIG. 4, however, left movable side panel 101 and right movable side panel 102 of watercraft hull 300 are shown in their respective retracted positions. This configuration results in a narrow configuration for watercraft hull 300. The narrow configuration shown achieves a total width 403 that is less than or equal to the legal maximum width for legal transport over public highways. It is noted again that the legal maximum for normal transport of vehicles over public highways in most states is eight and one half feet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of a watercraft hull with a movable side panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the left rear corner of a watercraft hull is shown, as viewed from the left front. Hull detail 500 is shown with hull body 105, which includes the deck 508 and the wettable bottom surface 509, as well as the rear end of left movable side panel 101.

It is noted here that details such as detail 500 shown in FIG. 5 are intended to illustrate concepts presented in embodiments of the present invention. Detail 500 and other details shown are not intended to imply that embodiments of the present invention are limited to any particular method of construction or hull configuration. For example, watercraft hulls in which embodiments of the present invention are implemented can be displacement type hulls or planning type hulls or hybrid combinations or the two. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in multi-hull vessels as well as mono-hulls.

Referring still to FIG. 5, left movable side panel 101 is shown in a retracted position in relation to hull body 105. In the embodiment shown, left movable side panel 101 achieves the retracted position by rotating on an axis 511 formed by a shaft 501. Not shown is a latching mechanism that holds left movable side panel in the retracted position. Sealing mechanism 505 is shown in FIG. 5. Sealing mechanism 505 achieves a watertight seal between bottom portion 105 and left movable side portion 101. In one embodiment, a similar sealing mechanism achieves a watertight seal when left movable side panel 101 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 5.

Another feature shown in FIG. 5 is latching mechanism 502. One embodiment of the present invention employs a latching mechanism such as shown at 502 to ensure full engagement with a sealing mechanism such as shown at 505. In the embodiment shown, latching mechanism 502 is an over-center hook-type latch that is manually actuated, needing manual release when unlatched and manual engagement when latched. Another embodiment uses an automatic latch that requires no direct operator action. An over-center latch, as in the present embodiment, provides security in that it is unlikely to become unlatched by accident or by operationally induced stresses. In another embodiment, another type of latch is implemented.

Referring still to FIG. 5, when changing position, left movable side panel 101 rotates about a longitudinal axis 511. As noted above, longitudinal axis 511 is formed by shaft 501 in this embodiment. Arrow 512 is shown to illustrate clearly how left movable side panel 101 moves to leave the retracted position shown to assume an extended position.

Returning to FIG. 5, sealing mechanism 505 is shown nestled in a groove in bottom portion 105. In this embodiment of the present invention, the sealing groove shown is used to augment structural soundness when left side movable portion 101 is deployed to the extended position. When in the extended position, left movable side panel 101, in this embodiment, wedges into the sealing groove and, when latched, makes for a relatively rigid joint between bottom portion 105 and side panel 101, enhancing the seaworthiness of the vessel in this embodiment of the present invention.

Sealing mechanism 505, in this embodiment of the present invention, is an elastomeric strip running the length of the opening in hull body 105 that is occupied by left movable side panel 101. When left movable side panel 101 is in the extended position, an extension on the mating surface of movable side panel 101 engages and slightly compresses sealing mechanism 505, forming a watertight seal. The extension of the mating surface of movable side panel 101 also acts to form the tongue half of a tongue-and-groove joint that provides rigidity to the movable side panel. The rigidity thus attained provides a structurally robust hull that is able to handle the rigors of ocean weather. In another embodiment, the sealing mechanism 505 is formed by a pneumatically inflatable tube that inflates when the movable side panel is fully engaged in the extended position. In this fashion, engaging the latching mechanisms that hold movable side panel 101 in place require no excessive force to compress the seal.

The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is equipped with a sealing mechanism for watertightness. It is noted, however, that a sealing mechanism is not a requirement of another embodiment in which no sealing mechanism is used. In such an embodiment, seaworthiness is maintained without a sealing mechanism. The presence or lack of a sealing mechanism is not intended to limit embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates hull detail 500 with left movable side panel 101 in the extended position. Here, again, a detail of hull body 105 is shown which includes wetted surface 509 and deck 508. In this embodiment, left movable side panel 101 is shown with sealing mechanism 505 fully engaged. Latching mechanism 502 is also shown fully engaged. Shown but not engaged is latching mechanism 601. Latching mechanism 601, in this embodiment, is used to keep left movable side panel 101 in the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 5 above. In another embodiment, left movable side panel 101 is not latched in place but is held by the mechanism used to effect its rotation between the extended and retracted positions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the side panels of the variable width hull are moved between the extended and retracted positions by a motorized mechanism. In another embodiment, the movement, rotation about a longitudinal axis, is effected by manually moving the side panels. In any case, moving the movable side panels between the extended and retracted positions results in a change in the width, or beam, of the watercraft hull. The change in width, in this embodiment of the present invention, is intended to accommodate legal transport of a watercraft hull over public roadways without requiring specially permitted transport. In another embodiment, however, the ability to change width enables maneuvering of the watercraft in a narrow channel. In yet another embodiment, the narrower hull width enables a more comfortable ride in rough water and also affords more economical fuel use and an attendant longer range.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for changing the width, or beam, of a watercraft hull in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process of changing width 700 begins with unlatching a movable side panel of the watercraft hull from its existing position 701. In one embodiment, unlatching is accomplished by an automated mechanism. In another embodiment, unlatching is accomplished manually. In yet another embodiment, unlatching is accomplished by the initial movement of the movable side panel of the hull from its existing position.

Process 700 continues by changing position of the movable side panel between the existing position and the new position, 702. If the side panel exists in a retracted position, such as for trailer transport to a launch site, then its new position is the extended position. If the existing position is the extended position, such as when waterborne, then the new position is the retracted position.

In one implementation of this embodiment of the present invention, the change in position of the movable side panel is accomplished by manually rotating the side panel about its longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the movement is accomplished by a motorized mechanism rotating the side panel about the longitudinal axis. In either case, moving the side panel from one position to the other results in a change of width, or beam, of the watercraft hull.

Referring still to FIG. 7, process 700 continues with the securing of the movable side panel in its new position 703. In an embodiment implemented with manual latching mechanisms, securing the side panel includes manually engaging the latching mechanism. In another embodiment, securing the side panel includes actuating an automatic latching mechanism. In yet another embodiment, securing the side panel includes allowing the motorized mechanism to hold the side panel in place.

Once the moveable side panel is secured in its new position, the watercraft is free to navigate on the water or to be transported over the public roadway. If the new position of the side panel is the extended position, the watercraft can navigate with the stability and internal volume that the wider beam affords. If the new position is the retracted position, the watercraft can either navigate in the narrow configuration thus achieved for reasons of tight maneuvering, comfort, or fuel economy, or it can be transported over the public highways without requiring specially permitted transport.

Embodiments of an invention presented in this description relate to a variable width watercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first side panel movably mated to the hull body and a second side panel movably mated to the hull body in which the first side panel and the second side panel are able to change position in relation to the hull body between an extended position and a retracted position and in which changing position of the first side panel and the second side panel results in a change in the width of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels change position by rotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can be implemented as a displacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of the two.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A variable width watercraft hull, comprising:

a hull body;

a first side panel movably mated to said hull body; and

a second side panel movably mated to said hull body wherein said first side panel and said second side panel are enabled to change position in relation to said hull body between an extended position and a retracted position and wherein changing position of said first side panel and said second side panel results in a change in the width of said watercraft hull.

2. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said hull body comprises;

a keel;

a wettable bottom surface fixedly attached to said keel;

a stern section fixedly attached to said keel; and

a bow section fixedly attached to said keel.

3. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said first side panel comprises a left side gunwale.

4. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said second side panel comprises a right side gunwale.

5. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said first and second side panels are enabled to change position by rotating about an axis oriented longitudinally to said watercraft hull.

6. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said rotating about an axis results in a change of position from said extended position to said retracted position.

7. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy with said first side panel in said extended position by a sealing device interposed between said hull body and said first side panel.

8. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy with said second side panel in said extended position by a sealing device interposed between said hull body and said first side panel.

9. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy with said first side panel in said retracted position by a sealing device interposed between said hull body and said first side panel.

10. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy with said second side panel in said retracted position by a sealing device interposed between said hull body and said first side panel.

11. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said watercraft hull is enabled to be legally trailer-transported on-highway when said side panel is in said retracted position.

12. A water-going vessel, comprising a wettable hull, wherein said wettable hull is enabled to change width.

13. The water-going vessel described in claim 12, wherein said wettable hull comprises a movable side panel enabled to occupy a retracted position and an extended position.

14. The water-going vessel described in claim 13, wherein said vessel has a width of greater than eight and one half feet when said movable side panel occupies said extended position.

15. The water-going vessel described in claim 13, wherein said vessel has a width equal to or less than eight and one half feet when said movable side panel occupies said retracted position.

16. The water-going vessel described in claim 13, wherein said vessel has a width enabling highway transport without a special highway permit when said movable side panel occupies said retracted position.

17. A method for changing the width of a watercraft hull, comprising:

freeing a movable side panel of said watercraft hull from an extended position;

changing position of said side panel of said watercraft hull from said extended position to a retracted position; and

securing said side panel of said watercraft hull in said retracted position, said retracted position resulting in a changed width of said hull.

18. The method described in claim 17, wherein said freeing a movable side panel of said watercraft hull from an extended position is accomplished by disengaging a latch enabled to secure said movable side panel in said extended position.

19. The method described in claim 17, wherein said changing position of a movable side panel comprises rotating said movable side panel about an axis oriented longitudinally to said watercraft hull.

20. The method described in claim 17, wherein said securing said movable side panel of said watercraft hull in said retracted position comprises engaging a latch enabled to secure said movable side panel in said retracted position.

21. The method described in claim 17, further comprising sealing said movable side panel in said retracted position to form a watertight seal between said movable side panel and said watercraft hull.

22. The method described in claim 17, wherein said changed width enables transporting said hull over a public highway without special permit.