U.S. patent application number 09/783695 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for stabilizing element for use on mobile devices.
Invention is credited to Bolen, Robert.
Application Number | 20010006864 09/783695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22269117 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010006864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bolen, Robert |
July 5, 2001 |
Stabilizing element for use on mobile devices
Abstract
A foil having a stabilizing hollow element, the entire foil
forming a wing- or fin-like shape. The hollow element may also have
a leading edge that tapers to a defined point. The hollow element
may also have a foil shape, running substantially parallel to the
foil profile of the fin- or wing-like extensions.
Inventors: |
Bolen, Robert; (Huntington
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
620 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
SIXTEENTH FLOOR
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
22269117 |
Appl. No.: |
09/783695 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09783695 |
Feb 14, 2001 |
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09335463 |
Jun 17, 1999 |
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6217402 |
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09335463 |
Jun 17, 1999 |
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09098400 |
Jun 17, 1998 |
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6106346 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
441/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/66 20200201;
B63B 34/40 20200201; B63B 32/62 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/79 |
International
Class: |
B63B 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stabilizing fin for a water planing device, comprising: an
upper vertical stabilizer element having an upper end for
attachment to a bottom surface of a water planing device; a hollow
tubular element having an upper portion depending from a lower end
of said upper vertical stabilizer element, said tubular element
having an open front end and an open rear end; and a lower vertical
stabilizer element having an upper end depending from a lower
portion of said hollow tubular element, wherein during use thereof
said upper and lower vertical stabilizer elements provide lateral
stability and said hollow tubular element provides increased
lateral stability and vertical stability for enhanced control by a
user.
2. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said front end of said
hollow tubular element comprises a rounded leading edge and wherein
said rear end of said hollow tubular element comprises a tapered
trailing edge.
3. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said hollow tubular
element has a substantially circular cross-section.
4. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said hollow tubular
element has an elliptical cross-section.
5. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said upper vertical
stabilizer element comprises a single vertically oriented
plate.
6. The stabilizing fin of claim 5, wherein said upper vertical
stabilizer element includes a rounded leading edge and a tapered
trailing edge.
7. The stabilizing fin of claim 5, wherein said lower vertical
stabilizer element comprises a rounded leading edge and a tapered
trailing edge which converge at a lower end thereof.
8. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said upper vertical
stabilizer element, said hollow tubular element and said lower
vertical stabilizer element are integrally connected.
9. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein said water planing
device comprises a surfboard.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said water planing device
comprises a windsurfing board.
11. The stabilizing fin of claim 1, wherein a lower front portion
of said upper vertical stabilizer element is contiguous with an
upper front portion of said hollow tubular element, a lower front
portion of said hollow tubular element is contiguous with an upper
front portion of said lower vertical stabilizer element, a lower
rear portion of said upper vertical stabilizer element is
contiguous with an upper rear portion of said hollow tubular
element, and a lower rear portion of said hollow tubular element is
contiguous with an upper rear portion of said lower vertical
stabilizer element, thereby providing a continuous curve side
profile for said stabilizing fin.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/098,400, filed Jun. 17, 1998, entitled Stabilizing Fin
For a Water Planing Device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an improved foil, such as a
fin or wing, having a stabilizing hollow element which increases
stability by reducing the effect of turbulence in air or water on
mobile devices and which increases maneuverability of such
devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many mobile devices have a foil, frequently a wing or a fin
to stabilize their motion and provide lift. Nearly all types of
watercraft use a vertical foil or fin to provide horizontal
stability. Sailboats and other large watercraft frequently have a
fin that is a direct extension of the hull. Commonly used
surfboards and wind surfing boards utilize one or more "shark-like"
fins which may extend vertically up to 16 inches in a downward
direction below the bottom surface of the surfboard or wind surfing
board. This type of fin generally only allows for the stabilization
of a boat, surfboard or windsurfing board in the horizontal
direction while riding through the water or on a wave under either
smooth or rough water conditions. It offers little or no resistance
to the vertical rise experienced while performing the various
maneuvers common to watercraft. Any maneuver that moves the weight
forward and causes the watercraft or board to rise vertically may
result in loss of control due to the fin losing contact with the
wave or the water and result in a wipe out. Additionally as a wave
becomes steeper and prepares to break, this type of fm, having only
vertical design, will tend to lose contact with the face of the
wave causing the loss of horizontal control allowing the board to
slide sideways and cause a wipe out. Waves and turbulent water can
also jar speedboats and sailboats or cause them to lose
control.
[0006] The wings of airplanes or other aircraft have horizontal
wings or stabilizers that provide lift and/or vertical stability
and/or horizontal, but the aircraft is still vulnerable to
instability caused by turbulent air. Automobiles may also use a
foil or blade appendage, commonly attached at the rear. This rear
foil, sometimes known as a spoiler, provides downward force to help
the tires maintain contact with the road. Like an airplane wing,
however, the spoiler mostly provides stability in only one
direction and is subject to the destabilizing effect of turbulent
air. In short, most mobile devices have some type of airfoil, wing,
or blade-like device which is designed to achieve stability, lift,
and/or maneuverability.
[0007] Thus there is a need for improved stabilizing elements for
use in connection with these types or similar devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention preferably reduces the
effect of turbulent air or water upon a moving object, increases
stability in a variety of directions and increases lift beyond
foils currently in use. In another aspect, the present invention
also preferably increases maneuverability of moving object in air,
water or on land.
[0009] In one embodiment, the stabilizing element attaches to a
water planing device or watercraft. The stabilizing fin includes an
upper vertical stabilizer element, a hollow tubular element, and a
lower vertical stabilizer element. The upper vertical stabilizer
element has an upper end for attachment to a bottom surface of a
water planing device or watercraft. The hollow tubular element has
an upper portion depending from a lower end of the upper vertical
stabilizer element. The tubular element has an open front end and
an open rear end. The lower vertical stabilizer element has an
upper end depending from a lower portion of the hollow tubular
element. During use thereof the upper and lower vertical stabilizer
elements provide lateral stability and the hollow tubular element
provides increased lateral stability and vertical stability for
enhanced control by a user. The water planing device may be, for
example, a surfboard or a wind surfing board. The watercraft may
also be a sailboat or speedboat.
[0010] The stabilizing fin stabilizes the water planing device or
boat in a variety of directions under a variety of conditions. For
example, this element gives the surfboard or windsurfing rider
longer more controlled rides while performing on the nose area of a
surfboard by holding the tail section down in the water. This
element also gives the rider of the surfboard or a wind surfing
board more control while riding through, in, or over the white
water sections of waves while performing a variety of maneuvers. It
gives the rider more control while riding on water or up or down
face of a step wave on either a surfboard or a wind surfing board
during either rough or smooth conditions. The stabilizing fin
stabilizes other watercraft in waves or turbulent water.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an
increase in maneuverability is attained by the leading edge of the
hollow element tapering to a defined edge. It is believed that this
defined edges aids the moving object in initializing a turn by
biting into the fluid.
[0012] In another embodiment, the hollow element, as it extends
through the entire foil, maintains the foil shape of the entire fin
or wing. This foil shape of the hollow element provides greater
lift on the mobile object by creating more surface area against
which the water or air may flow.
[0013] In another embodiment, the stabilizing element attaches to
an aircraft. The wing of the aircraft has a hollow stabilizing
element that helps provide additional lift and stability beyond
wings currently in use.
[0014] In another embodiment, the stabilizing element attaches to
the rear of an automobile, as a spoiler. Automobile spoilers are
generally arranged to provide downward force to the rear tires,
helping the tires remain in contact with the ground. The hollow
element increases the surface area beyond commonly used spoilers,
thereby allowing the spoiler to create more downward force without
requiring greater length. In addition, the hollow element provides
horizontal stability by channeling air through the body of the
hollow element. It is also believed that the element increases
maneuverability as the front edge of the hollow element is tapered
to a defined edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front, side perspective view of the stabilizing
fin of an aspect of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the stabilizing
fin.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stabilizing fin of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear end view of this embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front end view, taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of the stabilizing
fin.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a bottom, front perspective view of the
stabilizing fin.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a surfboard with one
embodiment of the stabilizing fin of the present invention attached
thereto.
[0023] FIG. 9A illustrates a surfboard with an arrangement of
another type of stabilizing fin.
[0024] FIG. 9B illustrates another arrangement of stabilizing fins
on a surfboard.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates use of the stabilizing fins on a wind
surfing board.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
stabilizing fin, which is more greatly swept back than the FIG. 1
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another fin profile
which is more vertically oriented than the FIG. 1 embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a rear end view of yet another embodiment which
has a hollow tubular element with an elliptical shape.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a rear end view of another embodiment where the
elliptical tubular element is oriented 90 degrees from the FIG. 13
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of a stabilizing fin mounted on a
surfboard.
[0031] FIGS. 16A and 16B are side views of the hollow portion of a
foil.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a front view of a sailboat, with the upper end of
the fin contiguous with the hull or keel of the boat.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 18, with a large hollow
element contiguous with the hull and a smaller stabilizing fin
attached at the rear of the boat.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a top view of an airplane, where two foil with a
hollow element make up the wings of the airplane.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a side view of an automobile, with the
stabilizing element attached at the rear.
[0036] The same reference characters designate the same parts or
elements throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INVENTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings and the characters of
reference marked thereon, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a first embodiment
of the present invention, designated generally as 10. Stabilizing
fin 10 includes an upper vertical stabilizer element 12, a hollow
tubular element 14 and a lower vertical stabilizer element 16. The
upper vertical stabilizer element is generally shaped as a single
vertically oriented plate or blade having a generally planar
configuration. It has an upper end 18 which attaches to a bottom
surface of a water planing device (not shown). It may be attached
by means well known in the art (either permanently affixed or
removable). The upper vertical stabilizer element 12 may also be
contiguous with the bottom surface or hull of a sailboat, as shown
in FIGS. 18-19.
[0038] The hollow tubular element 14 has an upper portion 20 which
depends from a lower end 22 of the upper vertical stabilizer
element 12. The tubular element 14 has an open front end 24 and an
open rear end 26. The hollow element is a three dimensional shape
having an upper outer surface 70, a lower outer surface 72, an
upper interior surface 74, and a lower interior surface 76.
[0039] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hollow tubular element
14 is symmetrical about its center line. In this preferred
embodiment, the hollow tubular element 14 has a substantially
circular cross-section. Although the hollow element is tubular in
this embodiment, the opening or passageway need not be tubular in
shape.
[0040] The lower vertical stabilizer element 16 has an upper end 28
depending from a lower portion 30 of the hollow tubular element 14.
The upper vertical stabilizer element 12, the hollow tubular
element 14 and the lower vertical stabilizer element 16 are
preferably integrally connected. They may be formed of typical
surfboard fin materials such as fiberglass, injection-molded
plastic, and carbon fiber composites. The combination of shapes
required by the stabilizing fin 10 particularly lend themselves to
recent advances in carbon composite manufacturing processes.
[0041] The front end of the hollow tubular element 14 preferably
has a rounded leading edge and the rear end thereof preferably has
a tapered trailing edge. Similarly, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and
5, the upper vertical stabilizer element 12 and the lower vertical
stabilizer element 16 have rounded leading edges and tapered
trailing edges. The edges of the lower vertical stabilizer element
16 converge at a lower end 32 thereof.
[0042] As can be seen, for example in FIG. 3, a lower front portion
34 of the upper vertical stabilizer element 12 is contiguous with
an upper front portion 36 of the hollow tubular element 14. A lower
front portion 38 from the hollow tubular element 14 is contiguous
with an upper front portion 40 of the lower vertical stabilizer
element 16. Furthermore, a lower rear portion 42 of the upper
vertical stabilizer element 12 is contiguous with an upper rear
portion 44 of the hollow tubular element 14. A lower rear portion
46 of the hollow tubular element 14 is contiguous with an upper
rear portion 48 of the lower vertical stabilizer element 16. Thus,
as can be seen in for example in FIG. 3, a continuous curve side
profile is provided.
[0043] For a surfboard, the distance from the top of the upper
vertical stabilizer element 12 to the bottom of the lower vertical
stabilizer element 16 may typically be around 3 inches to about 12
inches. For a wind surfing board this distance may be up to about
15 inches.
[0044] The upper vertical stabilizer element 12 may have a width on
the order of about 4 inches to 6 inches.
[0045] The lower vertical stabilizer element 16 may have a width
that tapers from about 3 inches at the upper end down to the tip or
perhaps as much as say about 6 inches down to the tip.
[0046] The hollow tubular element 14 may have a diameter of about 1
inch to about 3 inches for applications with a surfboard. This
diameter may be substantially increased for applications on a wind
surfing board.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 8, application of the stabilizing fin
10 of the present invention is illustrated on a typical application
on a surfboard 50.
[0048] FIG. 9A shows an alternate arrangement of the stabilizing
fin on a surfboard 50. In this instance, two relatively small
stabilizing fins 52 are positioned side-by-side forward a
relatively large fin 54 near the back of the surfboard 50. This fin
configuration provides an enhanced stabilizing effect on relative
large steep waves. As noted above, the stabilizing fins may be
permanently affixed to the board or removable and adjustable to,
for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 9A.
[0049] FIG. 9B shows a surfboard 50 with an arrangement of another
type of stabilizing fin. The two forward fins 78 have a hollow
element attached one on side. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the rear
fin 80 has two hollow elements, one at each side of the fin.
However, in another embodiment (not shown), the rear fin is a
regular straight fin, without a hollow element, and the two forward
fins 78 have hollow elements attached on the outward facing side.
The arrangement shown and described in relation to FIGS. 9 and 9a
may also be used on a windsurfing board or other water planing
device.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows implementation of stabilizing fins, 56, 58 on
a wind surfing board 60. Stabilizing fin 58 is attached near the
center of the wind surfing board. Stabilizing fin 56 is attached
near the rear of the board. This arrangement is shown by way of
example. There are many different configurations of stabilizing
fins that can be adapted in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
[0051] FIG. 11 shows a stabilizing fin 62 with a fin profile which
is swept back to a greater degree than the FIGS. 1-7 embodiment.
This is useful for creating a more drawn out turn. Additionally,
this fin is more suitable for surfing in areas with an abundance of
kelp, seaweed and rocks. As is shown in FIG. 11, the hollow
stabilizing element 63 can extend completely from the leading edge
of the fin 62 to the trailing edge thereof; or, alternatively, the
element 63 can extend only partway from the leading edge toward the
trailing edge with side vents or exhausts allowing the exit of
fluid from the fin. In another embodiment (not shown), the
stabilizing element 63 can extend partway from the trailing edge
toward the leading edge.
[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates a stabilizing fin 64 with a fin profile,
which is more vertical than the other embodiment to create more of
a pivot turn. Although only two fin shapes are shown, the
stabilizing fin may be attached to any shape, size of thickness of
fin, blade, airfoil, and the like. In addition, although the
stabilizing element 65 is shown in FIG. 12 as being symmetrical, it
may also take on an asymmetrical configuration, such as one having
an airfoil shape in cross section. Such a configuration can have
the effect of producing a lift on the fin, both due to the flow of
fluid over the outer extremities of the hollow element 65 as well
as the flow of fluid through its interior. The outer extremities
67, of the element 65 are shown better in FIGS. 13 and 14, which
illustrate non-circular cross sectional elements. Thus, the element
may be incorporated into a fin, blade, airfoil, and the like, in
such a manner as to extend outwardly away from the fin, as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14, or may be incorporated therein to more closely
align itself with the sides of the fin, as would be more the case
in a sailboat fin shown in FIG. 84. That is, the effects of the
element, as explained herein, stem both from its interior surfaces
as well as its extending surfaces, if any.
[0053] Although the hollow tubular element 14 has been shown with a
generally circular cross-section, it may have other shapes although
these other shapes should be symmetrical about the center line to
provide the best stability. For example, referring now to FIG. 13,
a fin 66 is shown with an elliptical hollow tubular element. FIG.
14 shows another "elliptical" embodiment, designated generally as
68, with the ellipse oriented in another position.
[0054] The hollow tubular element in all these instances may serve
as a device for connecting the surfboard to a rack or other
permanent fixture for locking purposes. In addition, the element
may be mounted on a mobile device by single or plural blades or
fins, or may be cantilevered therefrom.
[0055] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a surfboard 50 with a
stabilizing fin 10 mounted on the underside of the board. The
stabilizing fin 10 in this embodiment provides a force that holds
the tail down, helping stabilize the board in waves and turbulent
water and allowing the rider to move toward the front of the board.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, the underside of a surfboard or
windsurfing board usually has rocker, meaning the board curves up
from the midpoint of the board, curving up at both the nose and the
tail. This rocker or curve keeps the hollow element 14 at a slight
downward angle A-A, causing water to deflect off the top exterior
surface 70 and the bottom interior surface 76 of the hollow
element. This water deflection maintains a slight downward force
even when the board is at a natural position.
[0056] When the nose of the surfboard dips down and the tail tips
up, from wave action or the rider's weight, the hollow element and
fin begin to tilt further down. The more the hollow element angles
down, the more the top exterior surface 70 of the hollow element
resists against the direction of flow as more of the full top
exterior surface 70 opposes the forward velocity. This downward
force pulls the tail back down into the water. As the downward
angle from tail to nose gets steeper and the angle of the hollow
element increases, the more downward force the stabilizing fin will
exert upon the tail. As a result, the stabilizing fin allows a
surfer to ride the nose longer. In addition, the destabilizing
effect of turbulence and wave action is minimized. Once the board
is no longer at an angle and the nose no longer points down, the
hollow element will not drive the board's tail down. This same
principle can be used in other watercraft to decrease the effect of
turbulence, helping the craft glide more smoothly and efficiently
by holding the underside of the craft to the surface of the
water.
[0057] The stabilizing hollow element 14 shown in FIG. 16A has a
bottom leading edge 82 that curves upward, towards the center of
the hollow element. The upward-curved leading edge counteracts the
downward pull of the stabilizing element. When the tail of the
water planing device dives into the water, such as when the surfer
turns or otherwise puts his or her weight on the tail of the
surfboard, thus putting the tail into the water at an angle, curved
edge provides counteracting lift. The greater the angle that the
tail dips into the water, the greater upward force this feature
creates, preventing the hollow element from driving the tail of the
water planing device too deep below the water's surface.
[0058] In general, the hollow tubular element provides an increased
wetted surface area of the fin. The continuous water flow around
and through the increased wetted surface areas of the stabilizing
fin allow for more control of surfboards and wind surfing boards in
all directions (both vertical and horizontal components) while the
operator is directing the surfboard or wind surfing board through
the water or up and down the face of the wave. The curve of the
hollow element allows it to hold on to a curving or breaking wave,
where a similar wing-like stabilizing element only cuts across the
wave.
[0059] The three dimensional shape of the stabilizing fin increases
surface area against which water flow can exert its force. The
circular or rounded shape of one embodiment allows the surface area
to create force when the board and fin tilt in any number of
directions. Thus, the hollow element provides stability in a
variety of directions, beyond the single direction foils in use
generally provide. In addition, these principles also apply to the
other applications of the stabilizing element, such as for example,
on aircraft, automobiles, etc.
[0060] The hollow shape of one aspect of the invention nearly
always allows two surfaces to be exposed to the water flow (upward
or downward depending on the tilt of the board). Generally, fluid
can exert force against both an exterior surface and an opposite
interior surface of the hollow element, providing stability and
lift in a variety of directions. As a result, water can exert more
force against a fin with the hollow stabilizing element than water
could against a fin that extended only horizontally through the
main fin, having a single surface. The hollow element can also
channel fluid through its length, thus minimizing the effect of
turbulent flow on the moving object as a whole.
[0061] In another aspect, the stabilizing fin also aids turning.
For example, when a surfer begins a turn, the surfer steps back to
the tail of the board, pushing the tail down and bringing the nose
up. When the rider's weight is on the rear of the board and the
rider begins to lean the board to one side to make the turn, the
upper interior surface 74 of the hollow element becomes more
exposed to the force of the water's velocity. As that surface
becomes more exposed, the water flow exerts an upward force on the
tail, helping lift the tail of the board out of the water and
making the turn smoother and easier. Furthermore, as the rider
leans the board to one side to begin a turn, the lean of the board
exposes the side interior surface of the hollow element, pushing
against the side corresponding to the direction of the turn. As a
result of water flow against the upper interior surface 74 and a
side portion of the upper inside surface 74, turning is easier and
smoother.
[0062] In another embodiment, the hollow element tapers to a
defined edge at the leading edge and at the trailing edge. This
tapered shape mirrors the foil shape of a fin or wing. The interior
of the hollow element is straight, not foiled. It is believed that
the straight interior creates a vortex within the aperture, giving
increased stability and creating increased maneuverability.
[0063] In one aspect, illustrated in FIG. 16A, the position of the
tunnel below the surface of the water allows the stabilizing
element to reach below the choppy or turbulent water to smooth
water below. In this illustration, the tail of the surfboard is
tending to rise out of the water, which occurs when the surfer, for
example, is riding near the nose of the board. In this case, the
force of the water fluid, as illustrated by arrow 71, is incident
at the leading edge of the hollow element 14 such that it deflects
off of the lower, interior surface 73 of the element 14. This
deflection causes the element, and therefore the fin and board
itself, to forced downward, as illustrated by the arrow 75, thereby
tending to right itself or correct the rocking motion. This effect
allows the surfer to ride on the nose longer or otherwise maintain
a more stable ride. In addition, there is a propulsive effect (for
example, the forces that may arise from the venturi effect of the
element) from the water streaming out of the back of the hollow
element, tending to give the surfer the feel that greater speed is
achieved.
[0064] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 16B, if the surfer is riding at
the tail of the surfboard or otherwise causes the tail to dive
further into the water, the element as the effect of counteracting
this opposite rocking or rotational movement. Thus, the water flow
77 impinges on upper interior surface 79 of the element 14 causing
a corrective force on the surfboard as shown by arrow 81. Arrows 83
in FIG. 16B also illustrate the interior airfoil effect achieved by
the water flow in the element, further enhancing the lift effect
achieved by the element. This same lift effect could also be
achieved on the exterior surfaces of the element if extending away
from the fin, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0065] In one embodiment, the stabilizing fin 10 is a surfboard
fin, as shown in FIG. 16, that extends about eight inches below the
underside of the surfboard. The fin has a mounting element (not
shown) that is 0.75 inches tall and 6.25 inches from leading to
trailing edge. The upper vertical stabilizer element 12 extends
1.25 inches below the board's surface and is 4.5 inches long at its
midsection. The hollow element 14 has an approximately constant
diameter of 1.5 inches and is 3.5 inches from its leading to
trailing edge. The lower vertical stabilizer element 16 sweeps back
behind the hollow element 14, with its trailing end 4.5 inches
behind the trailing end of the hollow element 14. The length of the
lower stabilizer element 16 is about seven inches from the lower
portion 30 of the hollow element 14 to the tip of the fin.
[0066] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a sailboat 84 with a hollow
element 14 extending from the hull 86 of the boat. FIG. 19 shows an
embodiment where a small stabilizing fin 10 attaches to the rear of
the boat. The hollow element stabilizes the boat in more directions
than the keels currently in use. The stabilizing element gives the
keel another edge to prevent up and down movement from choppy
water, with minimal horizontal extension. Therefore, the
stabilizing element smoothes the ride, making the boat more
efficient.
[0067] FIG. 20 shows an airplane 88 with hollow stabilizing
elements 14 attached to each wing 90. The stabilizing element will
make turning and gliding easier by cutting down on turbulence in a
variety of directions. As a result, aircraft would travel more
smoothly and get better gas mileage by eliminating turbulence that
detracts from forward motion.
[0068] FIG. 21 shows an automobile 92 with a rear spoiler 94. In
this embodiment, a hollow stabilizing element 14 is attached at the
center of the spoiler 94. Although a spoiler with a single hollow
element is shown, the spoiler could have two or more stabilizers.
In an embodiment with two stabilizers, they stabilizers could be
attached at the edges of the spoiler.
[0069] The hollow element could also be placed on a pivoting
spoiler or on a fixed spoiler. A spoiler with this aperture has
more area for wind resistance, slowing automobile when required and
providing downward force, without requiring two fins. The hollow
element also helps eliminate turbulence as the automobile rounds
corners, giving the driver more control. The stabilizing device can
be attached from a center hollow element on a pedestal.
[0070] Many modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings. Furthermore, the
principles explained in connection with the surfboard embodiments
are also applicable to the other mobile devices shown as well as
others. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of
the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described.
* * * * *