Abstract: A foldable pontoon composed of two inner floating bodies and two outer bodies which are each connected to one another by joints and can be folded together in the form of a W in the transport position. The floating bodies are connected to each other by a pull rope device composed of pull ropes and levers for facilitating the folding and unfolding procedures, wherein a two-arm unfolding lever mounted at each end face of the outer floating bodies acts with one end at a stop and a pull rope is attached to the opposite end of the unfolding lever. The joint connection between the outer floating body and the inner floating body is constructed as a double joint with a joint shaft each connected to the outer floating body and to the inner floating body. The unfolding lever is constructed as a joint plate for effecting an articulated connection of the joint shafts. The unfolding levers arranged at the end faces of the pontoon are connected to each other so as to move together.

Abstract: A snowmobile powered watercraft which includes a pair of forward pontoons mounted to the front suspension in place of conventional skis and an U-shaped rear pontoon mounted to the aft portion of the snowmobile body. Propulsion is provided by the endless track assembly of the snowmobile which extends in part beneath the rear pontoon. Also disclosed is a structural assembly for converting the snowmobile into a watercraft which includes the forward and rear pontoons.

Abstract: In a method for transferring a horizontally arranged rocket from a vessel to a floating structure, a ramp is provided in a position projecting out from the vessel, entirely or partially below a lifting device provided on a floating structure, and is connected to the floating structure. The rocket is moved completely or partially out on the ramp, and is lifted over to the floating structure by the floating structure's lifting device.

Abstract: An improved, planning pontoon boat has first and second spaced apart, elongated pontoons which exhibit a bow end and a stern end relative to the boat. A lower surface of each of the pontoons exhibits two intersecting planar members which terminate adjacent to respective elongated lift pads for the purpose of providing improved planing characteristics for the pontoons. The lift pads are each formed of intersecting concave surfaces. The lift pads extend radially from the pontoons and are located adjacent to the intersection of the planar surfaces and an upper curved surface of the pontoon. An elongated keel extends along the bottom of each of the pontoons, in the region where the planar elements intersect. The keel extends parallel to the lift pads.

Abstract: An improved step reinforcement system is disclosed for use in inflatable or pneumatic aircraft floats such as are employed in waterborne and amphibious aircraft. The float itself comprises a continuous tubular shell having spaced apart upper and lower walls interconnected by spaced apart first and second side walls to define an interior space within the float. The lower wall further includes a step extending continuously and transversely between vertically spaced fore and aft portions thereof. According to the improvement of the present invention, at least one inflatable bladder is disposed within the interior space of the float so as to be adjacent to the step and abut at least the lower wall of the float. The bladder has an internal pressure sufficiently greater than the internal pressure of the float so as to reinforce the step. An elongate stiffening element abuts the fore portion of the lower wall of the float forward from the step.

Abstract: An inflatable rescue pontoon for performing multiple water rescue operations comprises an elongate shell having a plurality of longitudinally extending individual sections. The plurality of individual sections includes a bow section. The bow section is the forwardmost individual section and is hydrodynamically shaped to enhance maneuverability of the pontoon in water. Valve means communicate with the shell for selectively inflating and deflating the pontoon.

Abstract: A dynamic mode shallow draft ski-toon boat featuring a multi-hulled bottom with water skis mounted thereto is disclosed and described, the ski-toon boat being capable of planing at lower velocities and utilizing substantially less engine power in comparison to conventional hulled boats.

Abstract: A shallow draft ski-toon boat featuring a multi-hulled bottom with water skis mounted thereto is disclosed and described, the ski-toon boat being capable of planing at lower velocities and utilizing substantially less engine power in comparison to conventional hulled boats.

Abstract: A mechanical regulation system for controlling tow line payout between the aerobody and a towing vehicle. The system comprises a housing, a nonrotating spool, and a tow line wound around the spool that is coupled between the aerobody and the vehicle. The regulation portion of the present system comprises a rotatable wedge-shaped tube, having the tow line wrapped around it. A rotatable mechanical regulator is slidably coupled to the wedge-shaped tube. The regulator is adapted to rotate with the tube and move transversely along the length of the tube as the tow line is removed from the spool. A brake mechanism is provided as part of the regulator, and a brake drum is disposed adjacent the periphery of the regulator that is contacted by the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A surface effect hull particularly suitable for use with a catamaran vessel. The twin hulls each comprise a V-shaped portion and a recess portion that receives pressurized gas therein. The V-shaped bow portion create dynamic lift and the pressurized air portion creates an air cushion for reduction of drag.

Abstract: A boat hull structure comprising a pair of laterally-spaced hulls having V-shaped bottom portions that are each symmetrical about a vertical plane extending through its longitudinal axis. A channel defined in each bottom portion that extends substantially along the length of each hull for trapping air and water to provide lift and to reduce "stuffing". Each channel defined by a pair of spaced, parallel and vertical channel walls and a horizontal base that interconnects the channel walls. A pair of strikes defined on each bottom portion that straddles the channel to define a high speed planing surface. The strikes preferably are located at the same elevation as the base of the channel so that the boat can plane on the strikes and the base of the channel at the same time. With this construction, the planing surface area of the boat hull structure is reduced, which enhances the speed performance of the boat hull structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydro-jet powered water vehicle having a jet motor and a seat for a passenger, the seat being provided with means for the feet of the passenger. The vehicle is designed so that, when it does not carry any load, the floating center of the vehicle is located between the seat and one end of the vehicle and so that an open channel extends between the front end and the back end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A powered planing catamaran has a pair of asymmetric V-bottom hulls such that the inner surfaces of each of the hulls defines less of a deadrise angle than the outer surfaces. The inner surfaces define the primary running and planing surfaces. The bridging structure that connects the hulls defines an inverted tunnel-like channel that is broader at the bow end of the boat than the aft end and which defines an essentially inverted U-shaped configuration from amidships aft. A V-shaped nacelle is formed at the bow end of the underside of the bridging structure and is configured to dampen the slamming effect of waves at low speeds. At planing speeds, the nacelle is out of the water.

Abstract: In a catamaran boat, including a propulsion system, and main hull positioned to travel above the water surface, the hull extending longitudinally forwardly, the combination comprising: two pontoons, each spaced below the main hull, the pontoons extending forwardly; support means carried by the main hull and carrying the pontoons, whereby the pontoons are at least mostly submerged below the water surface when the boat is loaded and at rest; the pontoons having associated chines positioned to permit the pontoons to plane on the water surface at typical planing speeds of the boat; the support means having streamlined leading edge structure and upper sponson structure; and the support means having lateral thickness at a longitudinal location spaced at a level above the pontoons and which is less than the maximum width of each of the pontoons at the longitudinal location.

Abstract: A boat having a pair of hull members with separate fore and after planing surfaces. Each one of the hulls has a forebottom surface, an aftbottom surface and a midbottom surface. The forebottom surfaces and the aftbottom surfaces have positive trim angles. Each midbottom surface is recessed into the respective hull member. When propelled at planing speeds, the boat skims across the water upon a planing area of the forebottom surface and a planing area of the aftbottom surface with the midbottom surface lifted out of the water.

Abstract: The present invention consists of two asymmetrical hulls connected by a crossbeam or deck structure to make up a catamaran. Each hull has a rounded or shallow angled outer surface below the water line. The inboard side presents a vertical, or near vertical surface below the water line to act as an effective leeway preventer, to resist sideways movement under normal sailing conditions. The vertical surface may have a winglet at the keel and a flow directing vane to prevent vortexes and to maintain parallel flow of water along the whole length of the surface.

Abstract: A hydroplane hull according to the present invention comprises a forebottom surface and an afterbottom surface connected by a step. The afterbottom surface has an aft portion formed with a positive trim angle and a forward portion with a non-negative trim angle which is of lesser angle than that of the aft portion.

Abstract: A pontoon boat comprising elongated flotation units of generally circular cross-section positioned in spaced-apart parallel relationship with each of the flotation units having planing fins extending longitudinally of the inboard and outboard sides of the flotation units near the bottom thereof to cause the pontoon boat to readily hydroplane. A wedge-shaped fin is provided on the underside of the outboard planing fins near the bow section to provide additional lift when turning at high speeds to improve control and stability on turns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural form consisting of a hollow member (48) with alternate convex (32) and unstiffened concave (34) surfaces and an internal framing arrangement (36) required to support such a structure such that it is capable of resisting external pressure. This structural configuration reduces the weight and simplifies the construction of such structures in relation to conventional stiffened fixed curvature cylindrical external pressure vessels. Use of such forms is envisaged particularly where external pressure is the dominant loading, for example in the offshore marine and subsea environments.

Abstract: A boat pontoon has a V-shaped keel region and a frame on deck connected to points along the keel region by rods of adjustable effective length. Any limited part of the keel region can be deflected in one direction by increasing the length of the rod connecting the frame to that part of the keel region and in the opposite direction by reducing the length of that rod.

Abstract: A pontoon log is formed by welding the upper flanged edges of a U-shaped hull member to the side edges of a flat top plate. At points at which the deck beams are to be attached to the log, the log top plate is notched and the weld is continued around the perimeter of each notch. The deck beams are bolted to the pontoon log with the bolts passing only through the hull flange in the region of the notches and hence outboard of the weld line. The modified embodiments, various types of spacers and clips are provided to reinforce the hull flange in the region of deck beam attachment.

Abstract: An out-rigger assembly for releasable attachment to a conventional sail-board is provided to make it easier for users to keep their balance while learning to master the art of sail-boarding, also known as wind-surfing. The assembly comprises an essentially planar central deck or platform which is releasbly secured to the top surface of a sail-board usefully by straps which pass around the sail-board. Elongated members extend transversely outwardly from the central dark and at their ends are releasably connected to pontoons or out-riggers.

Abstract: A trailable pontoon system that may be pulled behind a road vehicle and that may facilitate the launch of said road vehicle to effect a waterborne configuration comprised of the pontoon system and the vehicle. The trailable pontoons are capable of being unfolded by means of a rotating winch bar and are capable of separation to permit the vehicle to enter between the pontoons and be lifted into a mounted configuration upon the pontoons utilizing aforesaid winch bar. The launch and retrieval procedures utilize a combination of the pontoon's floatation capability, the vehicle's structural integrity, drive train and braking system and the facilitative function of the rotating winch bar. The vehicle/pontoon configuration, when waterborne, is a hybrid of the vehicle's inherent structural integrity and the floatation capability of the pontoons.

Abstract: A method for forming a pontoon log and the pontoon log formed thereby. The method includes the steps of forming the pontoon log body including a flange; applying sealing tape to the flange; covering the body with a top member, the top member including a second flange or flange portion, with the sealing tape intermediate opposing flanges; driving a clip onto opposing flanges; and securing the clip to the flanges and through the sealing tape, thereby forming a pontoon log able to receive additional fasteners through the clip, opposed flanges and sealing tape without destroying a waterproof seal formed between the pontoon log body and top member.

Abstract: A boat, especially a catamaran, having a rectangular collapsible frame with a one-man mast stepping structure. The tubular frame is comprised of fore, aft and central sub-frame assemblies which can be collapsed so as to be easily car topable and serve as a rack for containing other components of the catamaran. Inflatable hulls are secured in bracket arches on the undersides of the sub-frame assemblies. A rudder frame or cage is pivotally mounted on an aft sub-frame assembly and is adapted to receive a rudder, which is identical to and interchangeable with daggerboards. A system of adjustable rope stays is provided for adjusting the mast.

Abstract: A thin-walled large diameter spiral plastic tube with interlocking helical seams made from a strip of polyethylene material. The strip of plastic has a thin configuration with edge constructions providing a bead formation along one edge and a groove formation along the opposite edge, which can enable an interlocked helical seam, in the spiral tube. The strip is fed into a special spiral pipe making machine for plastics which winds and interlocks the edges of the strip. Such tubing is used for ducts and pipes and, filled with expanded polystyrene beads can be used very advantageously as flotation devices. The plastic used in the strips is polyethylene, including medium and high density polyethylenes with high molecular weight (HMW).

Abstract: A transient air and surface contact vehicle for transporting a person has a fuselage structure for carrying a person. A vehicle support extends from the structure and abuts a surface and thereby supports the vehicle at a predetermined distance above the surface. A buoyancy control device mounted on the structure and on the vehicle support provides for the buoyancy required to keep the vehicle afloat while stationary and at low speeds. At high speed the dynamic pressures generated at the bottom of the struts provide the supporting forces. A power source is mounted on the structure for moving the vehicle along the surface at the predetermined distance above the surface. A position control mounted on the structure produces a positive pitching moment to cause the vehicle to become airborne, a negative pitching moment to maintain the vehicle in surface-following contact with the surface and both moments to control the altitude of the vehicle when it is airborne.

Abstract: Improved sailcraft have a plurality of rectangular sails of approximately equal size, each carried on a separate mast that is enveloped by the sail luff. A full-length batten is fitted to the leech of each sail. The leech of each sail may overlap the luff of the adjacent aft sail. Sheets run from each sail leech to starboard and port members of a pantograph moveably carried in an horizontal plane about at the vertical midpoint of the sails. Fore and aft movement of the pantograph members to vary the set of the sails may be linked to the movement of a rudder to provide automatic constant sailing direction relative to wind direction. The sailcraft can be a multihull type in which starboard and port hulls or pontoons are cantilevered to a central mast-supporting section for pivoting between an extended, sailing position and a retracted, transport position.

Abstract: A screw-propelled, water saddle for ride on a water surface. This water saddle is supported by two parallel floats, properly spaced apart and joined by at least one emerging cross-member. A central bar or tubing is fixed parallel to the floats at the middle of the cross-members. The saddle is mounted on the rear part of the central bar approximately at the center of the area defined by the floats while the front end of the same receives a removable propelling and steering device comprising a screw-propeller driven by a pair of pedals and a handle-bar for steering the propeller in a given direction. The rider takes place on the saddle, puts his feet on the pedals and activates the handle-bar to place the propeller in the desired direction. This screw-propelled water saddle is particularly interesting because of its simplicity, lightness, stability, speed and manageability.

Abstract: An improved float construction of the type primarily intended for use in supporting a seaplane and commonly referred to as a pontoon. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved bottom configuration of a single step float.

Abstract: A ski/float landing gear is flexibly constructed of a resin reinforced with fiber. The ski/float has a pneumatically inflatable upper member, which is molded to fall to a flat shape when deflated. Engine exhaust gases are used to inflate and deflate the float. Air discharged from the lower side of the ski portion provides a boundary layer effect. The use of engine exhaust gases gives the ski element a rapid thaw capability in freezing weather.

Abstract: A substantially spherical human living module or space has a plurality of pontoons projecting from its lower hemisphere. It is preferably arranged to be self-propelled, as a vehicle, and the pontoons are preferably extensible and retractable. In a version in which wheeled landing gear is provided, a spherical human living space is provided with helicopter blades and four jet engines at the bottom of the craft, and two jet engines on the right and left sides, which swivel for direction control, for propelling the device.

Abstract: A float assembly for supporting a vehicle having three cylindrical float tubes tangentially secured together by a suitable adhesive with two of the float tubes being positioned so that the centerlines thereof are in a horizontal plane. The three float tubes are secured together to form a pyramid whereby the intersections thereof form a Y-shaped cross-sectional configuration so that the centers of the cylindrical float tubes form a triangle which is or approaches an equilateral triangle. Girths are secured to the float assembly in the horizontal plane and are suitably bolted to skids which are attached to the vehicle. The forward and aft ends of each of the cylindrical float tubes are frustoconical shaped cones which are inclined upwardly to increase the maneuverability of the vehicle and prevent pitch poling. The outboard and top float tubes have bulkheads to provide several sections to enable the float tubes to provide flotation in the event that one of the sections is deflated.