U.S. patent application number 15/809471 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-08 for extendable hull system movable betwen mono-hull and multi-hull configurations.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ian Matthew HANDLEY. Invention is credited to Ian Matthew HANDLEY.
Application Number | 20180065710 15/809471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59385363 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180065710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HANDLEY; Ian Matthew |
March 8, 2018 |
EXTENDABLE HULL SYSTEM MOVABLE BETWEN MONO-HULL AND MULTI-HULL
CONFIGURATIONS
Abstract
An extendable hull system movable between a mono-hull to a
multi-hull configuration is provided so as to take advantage of
both types of hull designs depending on the boating conditions. The
extendable hull system provides a center hull portion and two side
hull portions, each with separate planing surfaces in an expanded
multi-hull configuration, and providing a shared planing surface in
the contracted mono-hull configuration. The extendable hull system
provides a pivotably connected railing system along a periphery of
the side hull portions for moving to a deployed configuration
providing additional walking surface. The extendable hull system
provides a retractable awning movable between positions for
covering the mono-hull and the multi-hull configuration.
Inventors: |
HANDLEY; Ian Matthew; (Lake
Delton, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HANDLEY; Ian Matthew |
Lake Delton |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59385363 |
Appl. No.: |
15/809471 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15009522 |
Jan 28, 2016 |
9845135 |
|
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15809471 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 17/04 20130101;
B63B 2001/145 20130101; B63B 35/34 20130101; B63B 17/02 20130101;
B63B 29/02 20130101; B63B 1/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B63B 1/20 20060101
B63B001/20; B63B 29/04 20060101 B63B029/04; B63B 17/02 20060101
B63B017/02; B63B 1/22 20060101 B63B001/22 |
Claims
1. An extendable hull system adapted to move between a mono-hull
contracted configuration and a multi-hull configuration,
comprising: a center hull portion connected to a plurality of fixed
frame elements; two side hull portions, one of the two side hull
portions disposed on the port and the starboard side of the center
hull portion, respectively, wherein each side hull portion is
connected to a plurality of slidable elements, each slidable
element received by an associated complement fixed frame element of
the plurality of fixed frame elements; and a plurality of actuator
arms, each actuator arm extending from a fixed end to an extendable
end, wherein each fixed end is connected to the plurality of fixed
frame elements, and wherein each extendable end is connected to one
of the two side hull portions so as to provide a mono-hull
contracted configuration.
2. The extendable hull system of claim 1, wherein the two side hull
portions abut in the mono-hull contracted configuration providing a
shared planing surface.
3. The extendable hull system of claim 2, wherein the shared
planing surface is disposed near a transom of the mono-hull
contracted configuration.
4. The extendable hull system of claim 1, further comprising a
complementary nesting cavity is provided in each of the two side
hull portions.
5. The extendable hull system of claim 1, wherein the center hull
portion is dimensioned and adapted to nest with the two nesting
cavities is formed in the mono-hull contracted configuration.
6. The extendable hull system of claim 1, further comprising a
complementary abutment surface is provided along each of the two
side hull portions, wherein the two abutment surfaces abut in the
mono-hull contracted configuration.
7. The extendable hull system of claim 1, further comprising a
center planing surface provided by the center hull.
8. The extendable hull system of claim 7, wherein the multi-hull
configuration provides a stepped hull configuration comprising the
center planing surface and a side planing surface of each of the
two side hull portions.
9. The extendable hull system of claim 1, further comprising a
retractable awning dimensioned and adapted to selectively move
between a contracted position and an expanded position, wherein the
expanded position provides coverage in the expanded
configuration.
10. The extendable hull system of claim 9, further comprising two
telescopically adjustable columns between which the retractable
awning spans.
11. The extendable hull system of claim 1, further comprising a
railing system pivotably connected to at least one of the two side
hull portions so as to be movable between a vertical configuration
orthogonal to the plurality of slidable elements and a deployed
configuration parallel and adjacent to the plurality of slidable
elements associated with the at least one of the two side hull
portions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
non-provisional application No. 15/009,522, filed Jan. 28, 2016,
the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to expandable watercraft and,
more particularly, to a watercraft system expandable from a
mono-hull to a multi-hull and able to be contracted back to the
mono-hull so as to take advantage of both types of hull designs
depending on the boating conditions.
[0003] A boat floats because it displaces a greater weight of water
than its own weight. When a boat is sitting still or moving slowly,
the hull is "in displacement mode." That is, all of the upward
forces keeping it on top of the water come from flotation obtained
by displacing water. Increase the boat's speed beyond a certain
point with certain hulls and the hull rises up and skims along on
top of the water. This is called "planing." As a result, generally
speaking, a hull can be described as a displacement hull or a
planing hull.
[0004] The displacement hull is typically restricted to relatively
slow speeds but is extremely efficient to run. In comparison, the
planing hull is designed to achieve high speeds on the water by
transitioning onto a plane easily. Planing hulls may include flat
bottom surfaces from amidships aft (from the middle to the back of
the bottom) and a flat transom (back of the hull). The transom may
meet the bottom at a sharp angle.
[0005] Boats come in two broad categories: mono-hull (or single
hull) and multi-hull. Mono-hull boats typically have a flat transom
stern and a pointed bow for facilitating planing. Multi-hull boats
have two or more hulls joined by a bridge deck or other structure.
Multi-hull boats provide a good rough-water ride as they can take
on big waves with a stable platform. Also, wider boats feel more
stable, which makes them popular for dockside entertaining or
angling. Multi-hull boats suffer, however, from the disadvantage of
being too wide for conventional marina docks and convenient
transport over land.
[0006] Narrower, mono-hull boats more readily offer the planing
hull, the need for speed, and the need to operate in tight
quarters. Plus, it can take more fuel to move a wide boat at a
given speed than a narrow hull of similar length. Single narrow
hulls, however, have trouble handling heavy weather and cannot take
on big waves at high speeds, but must reduce to displacement mode.
In fact, if the boating conditions are sufficiently adverse,
skippers of such narrow, mono-hull boats are advised to forget
their intended destination and bring the bow around into the wind
and waves using just enough power to make bare steerage.
[0007] As can be seen, there is a need for a watercraft system
extendable from a mono-hull to a multi-hull and able to be
contracted back to the mono-hull so as to take advantage of both
types of hull designs depending on the boating conditions.
[0008] An extendable hull system movable between mono-hull and
multi-hull offers advantages, yet, also presents challenges. For
example, conventional watercraft weather screens (for sun and rain
protection) do not contemplate being employed on expandable
watercraft, and as a result their framework is rigid and
non-adjustable; moreover, such weather screens would not provide
efficient coverage for expandable watercraft, as they would not be
able to adjustably expand along with such watercraft.
[0009] Therefore there is a need for a weather screen assembly that
can remotely expand to cover the entire length of an expanded
watercraft as well as provide efficient coverage when the
expandable watercraft is in a contracted configuration. Moreover,
the weather screen assembly could advantageously expand out and
hang over the edge of each side of any watercraft to provide for
the roll off of rain without getting in the watercraft. Also,
screens can be attached to the weather screen assembly to keep bugs
outside the boat, and video and audio output device could be
removably affixed to the weather screen assembly.
[0010] Furthermore, expandable watercraft may suggest the need to
further expand the walking space beyond its expanded configuration
because of the stability on the water it affords. Therefore there
is a need for further expanding the walking space by providing a
railing system that may be movable from a locked configuration to a
deployed configuration, providing an additional walking surface
generally flush with the expandable decking in the expanded or
contracted configuration. In the locked configuration, the railing
system may be locked generally perpendicular to the decking so as
to provide protection to crew and deck furniture from going
overboard.
[0011] As can also be seen, there is a need for an expandable
watercraft system to provide solutions to the challenges presented
by being movable between multi-hull and mono-hull
configurations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, an extendable hull
system adapted to move between a mono-hull contracted configuration
and a multi-hull configuration includes a center hull portion
connected to a plurality of fixed frame elements; two side hull
portions, one of the two side hull portions disposed on the port
and the starboard side of the center hull portion, respectively,
wherein each side hull portion is connected to a plurality of
slidable elements, each slidable element received by an associated
complement fixed frame element of the plurality of fixed frame
elements; and a plurality of actuator arms, each actuator arm
extending from a fixed end to an extendable end, wherein each fixed
end is connected to the plurality of fixed frame elements, and
wherein each extendable end is connected to one of the two side
hull portions so as to provide a mono-hull contracted
configuration.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the extendable
hull system further includes a retractable awning dimensioned and
adapted to selectively move between a contracted position and an
expanded position, wherein the expanded position provides coverage
in the expanded configuration.
[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the
extendable hull system further includes a railing system pivotably
connected to at least one of the two side hull portions so as to be
movable between a vertical configuration orthogonal to the
plurality of slidable elements and a deployed configuration
parallel and adjacent to the plurality of slidable elements
associated with the at least one of the two side hull portions.
[0015] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating a contracted configuration;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, illustrating a contracted configuration;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention (omitting multiple components for illustrative
clarity) illustrating the contracted configuration;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention (omitting multiple components for illustrative
clarity) illustrating a mid-expanded configuration;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention (omitting multiple components for illustrative
clarity) illustrating the expanded configuration;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention (omitting multiple components for
illustrative clarity) illustrating the contracted
configuration;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention (omitting multiple components for
illustrative clarity) illustrating the expanded configuration;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a front detail view of an exemplary embodiment an
awning portion of the present invention, illustrating a closed
configuration;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front detail view of an exemplary embodiment the
awning portion of the present invention, illustrating an open
configuration;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a detail bottom perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the contracted
configuration;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a detail bottom perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the expanded
configuration;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 11;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating a locked configuration;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a detail perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a transitional
configuration;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a detail perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a deployed
configuration; and
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating the deployed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0034] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an
extendable hull system movable between a mono-hull to a multi-hull
configuration so as to take advantage of both types of hull designs
depending on the boating conditions. The extendable hull system
provides a center hull portion and two side hull portions, each
with separate planing surfaces in an expanded multi-hull
configuration, and providing a shared planing surface in the
contracted mono-hull configuration. The extendable hull system
provides a pivotably connected railing system along a periphery of
the side hull portions for moving to a deployed configuration
providing additional walking surface. The extendable hull system
provides a retractable awning movable between positions for
covering the mono-hull and the multi-hull configuration.
[0035] The width of boat hulls is typically constrained by the
limitations of slip-docking, storage, trailer preparation and other
transportation considerations, while currently expandable or
extendable boats are limited in deck width because of the rigid
attachment between the expandable hull portions and the adjustable
frame carrying the deck. Instructively, hull strength is a function
of frame width. Therefore, there is a need for extendable boat
hulls movable between a contracted configuration for storage and
transportation and an expanded configuration once afloat, ergo an
extendable hull system.
[0036] The extendable hull system may include a center hull
portion, two side hull portions, an adjustable frame and a
plurality of actuator arms. The adjustable frame may include a
plurality of fixed frame elements and a plurality of slidable
elements. The plurality of fixed frame elements may be supported in
a traverse relationship to and along the length of the center
pontoon. Each elongated slidable element may have a received end
and a hinged end. Each fixed frame element may be tubular having
two opposing ends, wherein each opposing end may be adapted to
slidably receive one received end. The plurality of hinged ends may
be pivotably connected to either one of the two side hull portions.
Each actuator arm may have a fixed end and an extendable end,
wherein the plurality of fixed ends are connected to one fixed
frame element, and wherein the plurality of extendable ends are
connected to the two side hull portions so that the two side hull
portions are extendable relative to the center hull portion by
shifting the two side hull portions between a contracted position
and an expanded position.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention may
include an extendable hull system 100. The extendable hull system
100 may include a fixed deck 16, two mobile decks 14, a center hull
portions 20, 148, two side hull portions 18, 144, an adjustable
frame 44 and a bracing system 46.
[0038] The hull portions 18, 144, 20, 148 may be any hull shape
that provides buoyancy to the associated boat. The two side hull
portions 18, 144 may have an above-water surface including a padded
edge 66 and a hinge edge 68. The padded edge 66 may have a
plurality of pads 42 attached along at least a portion of the
length of each side hull portion 18.
[0039] The adjustable frame 44 may include a plurality of elongated
fixed elements 22, a plurality of elongated slidable elements 24
and a plurality of actuator arms 26. The plurality of fixed
elements 22 and the plurality of slidable elements 24 may be made
of material that can be repeatedly subject to bending forces
without fracturing required of a seaworthy watercraft of a
predetermined size. Each fixed elements 22 may be tubular, forming
an opening on each opposing end for slidably receiving one slidable
element 24 through each opposing end. The plurality of fixed
elements 22 may be connected, for example, by welding, along the
length of the center hull portions 20, 148 at approximately evenly
spaced increments.
[0040] Each of the plurality of slidable elements 24 may have a
received end and a hinged end 48. Each hinged end 48 may be
pivotably connected to a hull hinge 40. The plurality of hull
hinges 40 may be connected along the length of both side hull
portions 18, 144 padded edges 66, for example, by welding, at
approximately evenly spaced increments. The plurality of hull
hinges 40 may be adapted to restrict the extent of pivoting so as,
for example, the two side hull portions 18, 144 are not allow to
pivot more than forty-five degrees about a vertical axis. The two
side hull portions 18, 144 pivoted zero degrees about the vertical
axis is illustrated in FIG. 5. The plurality of hull hinges 40 may
allow for expansion at any distance up to double the original
width. For example, an eight-and-a half foot wide boat in the
contracted position may extend to a seventeen foot boot, doubling
the surface area, in the expanded configuration. It should be
understood that the present invention may also enable a
seven-and-a-half foot contracted position to extend to ten feet in
the expanded positions.
[0041] The plurality of actuator arms 26 may be linear actuators,
actuators and/or devices that create motion in a straight line so
that the adjustable frame 44 may be extended from a contracted
position to an expanded position. Each actuator arm 26 may be
slidably received in an actuator sleeve 50. At least one actuator
sleeve 50 may be connected to at least one fixed element 22. Each
actuator arm 26 may include a fixed end and an extendable end 52.
Each sleeve end may be slidably received within the actuator sleeve
50. Each extendable end 52 may be fixed to one of the two side hull
portions 18, 144. The plurality of actuator arms 26 may be
electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or the like. The plurality of
actuator arms 26 may be independently remotely controlled from, for
example, a deck control panel 36.
[0042] In the contracted configuration, the size of the two side
hull portions 18 and the center hull portions 20 may urge the two
side hull portions 18 to pivot about the plurality of hull hinges
40, as illustrated in FIG. 3, so as to accommodate wider hull
portions 18, 20 for a given fixed deck 16 width than would
otherwise be allowed with non-pivoting hull hinges 40 connections
to the two side hull portions 18.
[0043] The fixed deck 16 may be connected to the plurality of fixed
elements 22. The fixed deck 16 width may terminate at two
longitudinal mating edges 54. Each mobile deck 14 width may
terminate at a longitudinal mating edge 56 and a longitudinal
roller end 58. The two mobile decks 14 may approximately abut along
their respective longitudinal mating edges 56 in the contracted
position, supported by the fixed deck 16 on a higher plane thereof.
Each of the two roller ends 58 may be pivotably connected to a
plurality of spring loaded rollers 38. The plurality of spring
loaded rollers 38 may be connected to the plurality of hull hinges
40. The plurality of spring loaded rollers 38 may by adapted so
that the two mobile decks 14 in the contracted position may share
the higher plane yet share a lower plane with the fixed deck 16 in
the expanded position. The two mating edges 54 and the respective
mating edges 56 may abut on the lower plane in the expanded
position.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the extendable hull system 100 may
include deck furniture 34, the deck control panel 36 and at least
one telescopic awning support 12 connected thereto. The at least
one telescopic awning support 12 may include a retractable awning
10 adapted to provide shade to substantially all deck furniture
when the extendable hull system 100 may be in the expanded
position.
[0045] The bracing system 46 may include a plurality of anti-roll
braces 28, a plurality of anti-roll male members 30 and a plurality
of anti-roll female members 32. Each female member 32 may be
adapted to securely receive a complimentary male member 30 in a
matingly engagement. When the plurality of male members 30 are
matingly engaged with the plurality of female members 32 the
bracing system 46 is adapted to resist the torque imposed about
each mobile deck 14 by the buoyancy forces applied through each
side pontoon 18. The bracing system 46 may be adapted to minimize
the size of the decking 14, 16 so as to minimize the overall weight
of the extendable hull system 100.
[0046] A pair of female members 32 may be connected to opposing
port/starboard ends of a plurality of braced fixed elements 62,
with one female member 32 on a bow side and the other female member
32 on a stern side thereof.
[0047] Each anti-roll braces 28 may be made of material that can be
repeatedly subject to bending forces without fracturing required of
a seaworthy watercraft of a predetermined size. Each anti-roll
braces 28 may include a side end 60 and a locking end 64. Each side
end 60 may be connected, for example by welding, to one of the two
side hull portions 18, 144. Each locking end 64 may terminate in
the male member 30.
[0048] A pair of anti-roll braces 28 may be placed so that one is
disposed on the bow side and another is disposed on the stern side
of the plurality of braced fixed elements 62. In the expanded
position each male member 30 may be securely received by each
female member 32 so as to prevent the two mobile decks 14 from
extending past the expanded position.
[0049] In certain embodiments, the extendable hull system 100 may
have only the two side hull portions 18, 144 and no center hull
portions 20, 148. In such an embodiment, the plurality of elongated
fixed elements 22 may be supported by the fixed deck 16. The fixed
deck 16 may remain in a fixed position relative to the center line
of the boat and/or extendable hull system 100 while the two side
hull portions 18, 144 are extended and contracted.
[0050] In an alternate embodiment, the extendable hull system 100
may have a plurality of side hull portions 18, 144 and at least one
center hull portions 20, 148 utilizing the plurality of actuator
arms 60, the plurality of hull hinges 40 and the like, to move the
plurality of side hull portions 18, 144 from the expanded
configuration to the contracted configuration and back, while at
least one fixed deck 16 remains fixed relative to the center line
of the boat and/or extendable hull system 100.
[0051] A method of using the present invention may include the
following. The extendable hull system 100 disclosed above may be
provided. When being transported, the extendable hull system 100
may be in the contracted position to abide by state law and or for
traffic safety considerations. When deployed as a watercraft, the
extendable hull system 100 may be remotely extended from the
contracted position to the expanded position when afloat so as to
accommodate additional cargo and/or passengers.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the extendable hull system 100 may
be adaptable for industrial/barge applications.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 17, the present invention may
include a extendable hull system 100 adapted to be configurable
from a mono-hull to a multi-hull design, and able to be contracted
back to the mono-hull design so as to take advantage of both types
of hull designs depending on the boating conditions.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a mono-hull contracted configuration 145
of the present invention, whereby the mono-hull contracted
configuration 145 offers the advantages of a mono-hull design,
whereby two side hull portions 144 are dimensioned and adapted to
abut each other along complementary abutment surfaces 147, forming
a shared planing surface 143 at least near the transom. Each side
hull portion 144 may be adapted to provide a planing surface 141
and cooperating abutment surfaces 147 for facilitating the shared
planing surface 143 in the contracted configuration, as illustrated
FIGS. 10-13. Moreover, each side hull portion 144 may form similar
nesting cavities 151.
[0055] The present invention may also provide a center hull portion
148 dimensioned and adapted to nest within the cooperating nesting
cavities 151 in the contracted configuration. The center hull
portion 48 provides a center planing surface 153. The present
invention is expandable into an expanded configuration 149, as
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13. Moreover, the expanded
configuration 149 enables a stepped hull configuration by
recreating multiple running surfaces: the center surface 153 and
the two opposing planing surfaces 141, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
As the boat speed increases, the present invention in the expanded
multi-hull configuration 149 may ride on these three running
surfaces, 141, 153, 141, with area of contact with the water moving
progressively further aft, resulting in more speed with less
power.
[0056] The extendable hull system may provide two opposing bow and
stern columns 112, wherein each column 112 may be vertically
adjustable, such as telescopically. A retractable awning 110 may
span both opposing columns 112 so that the awning 110 provides
sufficient coverage for the decking 14 and 16 in the expanded
configuration 149. The retractable awning 110 may be adjusted
either remotely or manually so as to provide sufficient coverage of
the decking in the mono-hull contracted configuration 145. Thus, in
the open configuration, the retractable awning 110 may be
dimensioned and adapted to selectively move between a contracted
position and an expanded position, wherein the expanded position
provides coverage in the expanded configuration 149, and wherein
the contracted position provides coverage in the contracted
configuration 145.
[0057] The extendable hull system may also provide a railing system
170 having a plurality of pivotally connected platform members 150
movable from a vertical locked configuration to a deployed
configuration, thereby generally flush with the decking 16. Struts
160, 162 and the hull hinges 40, or alternatively platform hinges
152, may be adapted to provide the pivotal connection. Support
brackets 164 may be disposed along the underside of at least some
of the platform members 150, wherein the support brackets 164 fold
down with gravity during the transitional configuration. Rail
paneling 154 pivotally connected to the distal edge of at least
some of the platform members 150 by rail hinges 156 may provide
hand rail support in the deployed configuration.
[0058] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *