U.S. patent number RE28,955 [Application Number 05/593,363] was granted by the patent office on 1976-09-07 for hydrofoil vehicle.
Invention is credited to William R. Stanberry, Jr., William R. Stanberry, Sr..
United States Patent |
RE28,955 |
Stanberry, Sr. , et
al. |
September 7, 1976 |
Hydrofoil vehicle
Abstract
The hydrofoil vehicle has a buoyant hull to support a rider. A
powering device is in the hull with a propeller therefrom. The ski
assembly includes a main ski below the hull mounted on the forward
and aft ends thereof. It has a pair of helper skis oppositely
alongside the aft end portion of the main ski. Stabilizing fins
extend below the main ski, and a rudder is used to steer.
Inventors: |
Stanberry, Sr.; William R.
(Derby, KS), Stanberry, Jr.; William R. (Derby, KS) |
Family
ID: |
26998137 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/593,363 |
Filed: |
July 7, 1975 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
353903 |
Apr 23, 1973 |
03827391 |
Aug 6, 1974 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/55.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B
34/40 (20200201); B63B 34/10 (20200201) |
Current International
Class: |
B63B
35/73 (20060101); B63B 1/16 (20060101); B63B
1/24 (20060101); B63H 005/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;115/70
;114/16F,66.5R,66.5P,66.5H,123,163 ;9/31A,31B,31C ;180/3R,3A |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Blix; Trygve M.
Assistant Examiner: Basinger; Sherman D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brown, Jr.; Edward L.
Claims
We claim:
1. A hydrofoil vehicle, comprising:
a. a bouyant hull having means to support a rider thereon,
b. a powering means mounted within said hull having a
.[.propeller.]. .Iadd.propulsion .Iaddend.means extending
therefrom,
c. a .[.main.]. ski mounted below said hull attached to said hull
on the forward end portions and the aft end portions thereof,
d. .[.a pair of helper skis oppositely mounted with said main ski
and longitudinally alongside an aft end portion of said said main
ski,.].
e. rudder means operatively mounted on said .[.main.]. ski to steer
the same, said rudder means comprises a .Iadd.first .Iaddend.
rudder pivotally mounted above said .[.main.]. ski .Iadd.and
relative thereto .Iaddend.and a second .Iadd.smaller
.Iaddend.rudder pivotally mounted below said .[.main.]. ski
.Iadd.and relative thereto.Iaddend., said rudders mounted on said
forward end portion of said .[.main.]. ski and essentially pivot in
unison around .[.the same.]. .Iadd.their respective
.Iaddend.vertical axis, and
f. stabilizing fin means mounted on said .[.main.]. ski and
extending .[.there below,.]. .Iadd.therebelow. .Iaddend..[.said
stabilizing fin means includes a foward fin situated behind and
adjacent to said second rudder..]. .[.2. The vehicle of claim, 1
wherein:
a. said main ski has an upturned forward portion,
b. said pair of helper skis have planar bottom surfaces, upturned
tip portions, and extend forward from the aft end of said main ski,
and
c. said stabilizing fin means additionally includes another fin at
an aft
end portion of said main ski..]. .[.3. The vehicle of claim 2,
wherein:
a. said stabilizing fin means has a plurality of fins adjacent said
second rudder being aft of said second rudder in a spaced relation
thereto and parallel to said main ski,
b. said stabilizing fin means has a plurality of fins at said aft
end portion of said main ski in a spaced parallel relation and
being parallel with said main ski,
c. said helper skis extend less than one-half the length of said
main ski, and
d. said helper skis are attached to said main ski along adjacent
edges
thereof..]. 4. The vehicle of claim .[.3.]. .Iadd.7,
.Iaddend.wherein:
a. said main ski has a hollow portion extending substantially the
length of said main ski open at said aft end of said main ski and
vented to the atmosphere at said forward end portion of said main
ski,
b. said main ski has flotation material attached to the upper
forward portion thereof, and
c. said powering means has said propeller means extending below
said aft end portion of said main ski. .[.5. The vehicle of claim
4, wherein:
a. said hull has a streamline shape generally pointed in the
forward portion thereof, having a generally narrow center portion
having a seat thereon for a rider to sit straddling said hull, and
having a generally wider aft end portion with the bottom surface of
said aft end portion having upwardly turned forward portions,
and
b. said main ski has a flat bottom surface portion at said aft end
portion thereof..]. .[.6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said main
ski has an upturned forward portion, said helper skis have planar
bottom surfaces, upturned tip portions and extend forward from the
aft end of said main ski..]. .Iadd. 7. The vehicle of claim 1,
wherein said ski is the main ski; further including a pair of
helper skis oppositely mounted with respect to said main ski and
longitudinally alongside the aft portion of said main ski.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first and
second rudders are pivoted approximately at their centers about a
common vertical axis, the second rudder having a substantially
smaller effective area than the first rudder whereby at higher
planing speeds the second rudder has a substantially comparable
sensitivity to that of the first rudder at lower non-planing
speeds. .Iaddend.
Description
Numerous types of recreational water vehicles such as motor skis
and hydrofoil vehicles are known to the prior art which are adapted
for a person to ride for transportation purposes along surface of
water. Generally these water crafts use multiple combinations of
skis or flotation bodies to support the craft in the water and to
provide a surface on which the craft is moved over or through the
water. Some of the prior art water crafts use a pair of skis on the
forward portion thereof or a similar device and a large flotation
body on the rear thereof with a propeller or an outboard motor
extending therethrough. Other prior art water crafts use an
elongated ski in two sections, the front section being turnable and
the rear section being rigidly attached to the body of the craft.
Some prior art devices use a single ski supported below the body of
the device, however, this type of water craft has a body in which a
person must sit and which has airfoil type lifting devices to aid
in lifting the hull from the water. Of the known prior art
hydrofoil vehicles some have a cockpit for carrying passengers
while others have a padded seat portion on the exterior of the hull
for a rider to sit when operating the vehicle. Generally the
hydrofoil vehicles known in the prior art using skis have a
propeller assembly mounted below the ski or skis thereof for
propelling the craft through the water. The propellers for these
ski type vehicles are operated by engines mounted within the hull
or outboard type motors mounted with the hull or ski supporting
structure.
In one preferred specific embodiment, the hydrofoil vehicle
includes a buoyant hull to support one or more riders thereon which
is above a ski assembly, a powering device mounted in the hull, has
a propeller extending below the ski assembly, a steering apparatus
has rudders below and above the ski assembly for controlling the
hydrofoil vehicle. The ski assembly has a single main ski attached
to the hull at the forward and aft end portions thereof; a
flotation material with the main ski; a pair of helper skis mounted
alongside the aft end portion of the main ski; stabilizing fins
mounted below the main ski; and rudders mounted below and above
main ski on the forward end portion thereof. The hydrofoil vehicle
of this invention is adapted to support and carry one or more
riders for recreational use. The hydrofoil vehicle is maneuverable
at a low speed and can be accelerated at a high speed at which time
the vehicle passes over the water on the main ski and the helper
skis. When in motion at a high speed the stabilizing fins and the
rudder mounted below the main ski control the vehicle. The hull of
the hydrofoil vehicle is a buoyant structure having a streamline
shape with a narrowed portion in the center thereof forming a seat
for one or more riders and having a widened aft portion with shaped
surfaces on the bottom thereof to aid in lifting the vehicle from
the water when accelerating to the high speed planing condition.
The hydrofoil vehicle hull contains an engine used to operate the
propeller which extends below the aft end portion of the main ski.
The main ski is provided with flotation material on its forward
portion and a hollow portion therealong above the planing surface
thereof with the hollow portion adapted to receive water when the
main ski is below the surface of the water and discharge same as
the main ski moves into the planing condition.
One object of this invention it to provide a hydrofoil vehicle
structure overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior
art devices.
Still, another object of this invention is to provide a hydrofoil
vehicle having a buoyant hull to support a rider thereon, a ski
assembly mounted below the hull attached thereto at the forward and
aft end of portions of the hull, the ski assembly having a main ski
with a pair of helper skis mounted alongside the aft end portion of
the main ski, stabilizing fins mounted below the main ski, rudders
mounted below and above the main ski operated by a steering
apparatus and with a propeller extending below the aft end portion
of the main ski rotated by an engine mounted within the hull.
Still, another object of this invention is to provide a hydrofoil
vehicle ski assembly having a main ski and a pair of helper
skis:
wherein the pair of helper skis are mounted alongside the aft end
portion of the main ski, stabilizing fins are mounted below the
main ski and rudders mounted above and below the main ski on the
forward end portion thereof.
Still, another object of this invention is to provide a hydrofoil
vehicle for recreation and water transportation purposes which has
a streamline shaped buoyant hull for one or more riders to sit
astraddle thereof, having a ski assembly mounted below the hull and
attached thereto and having an inboard engine mounted within the
rear portion of the hull to rotate a propeller assembly below the
aft end portion of the ski assembly; the ski assembly including a
single main ski with a pair of helper skis attached alongside,
stabilizing fins mounted below the main ski at the forward end
portion thereof and at the aft end portion thereof, having a rudder
mounted below the main ski and a rudder mounted above the main ski,
having flotation material with the main ski, and further having a
hollow portion to receive water when the main ski is submerged and
to discharge the water as the main ski moves into a planing
condition on the surface of the water.
Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the hydrofoil vehicle having
portions thereof cutaway for clarity;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hydrofoil vehicle;
FIG. 3 is a front end elevation view of the hydrofoil vehicle;
FIG. 4 is a rear end elevation view of the hydrofoil vehicle;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the ski assembly taken on line 5--5 of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the hydrofoil vehicle;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the ski assembly shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the ski assembly shown in FIG.
7; and
FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the ski assembly shown in FIG.
7.
The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific
embodiments of hydrofoil vehicle structure of this invention, such
being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same
reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts
and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and
description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.
Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, a
hydrofoil vehicle structure of this invention is shown and
indicated generally at 10. The hydrofoil vehicle structure 10
includes a buoyant hull, indicated generally at 12, and a ski
assembly, generally indicated at 14, mounted below the buoyant hull
12. The buoyant hull 12 provides a narrowed center portion seat
area for a rider and encloses the engine, indicated at 16, and
mounts the controls for the vehicle. The ski assembly 14 includes a
single main ski 18 with a pair of helper skis 20 along each side of
the aft end portion thereof, a propeller assembly 22, rudders 24,
stabilizing fins 26 on the lower surface of the main ski 18 and a
hollow portion 28 having flotation material 30 in the forward end
portion therein on top of the main ski.
The buoyant hull 12 is shown in detail in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The
hull 12 is a buoyant structure designed for the purpose of floating
the entire vehicle with a rider or multiple riders thereon while
motionless in the water, while moving at a relatively slow speed
namely slower than planing through the water and supporting them
when the vehicle is operating at a relatively high planing speed on
the water. The forward portion of the buoyant hull 12 is the bow
portion thereof which is constructed in a deep V-shaped and pointed
configuration to break the water when moving therethrough at a slow
speed with a minimum of resistance. The pointed configuration of
the bow portion of the hull 12 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the
starboard side of the bow indicated at 34 and the port side of the
bow portion indicated at 36. The upper portion of the bow is wider
than the lower portion thereof and has a flattened or blunt shape
as shown in FIG. 2 and indicated at 38. A forward deck 40 covers
the blow portion of the vehicle and is indicated at 40. The forward
deck 40 has therewith the instrument panel 42, the hull ventilation
fresh air intake vent 44, the fuel tank filler cap 46, the shifting
lever 48 and the handlebars 50. Preferably the fresh air hull vent
inlet 44 opens aft at the highest point on the deck 40 to minimize
the passage of splashed water thereinto. The fuel tank filler cap
46 is preferably unvented and a fuel tank vent is provided to the
atmosphere at another point (not shown in drawing). In the center
portion of the deck 40 is the ski assembly air vent which vents air
to and from the main ski 18 as will be described in detail
hereinafter. A cowl vent or shroud 52 covers the ski assembly air
vent and opens aft as shown. The deck 40 has a removable hatch
indicated at 54 for access to the interior of the hull 12. The
interior of the bow portion is provided with flotation cavities
filled with non-sinkable material such as foamic plastic material;
the cavities are not shown in the drawings. The center portion of
the buoyant hull 12 is substantially narrower than the bow and aft
portions thereof. The hull's portions is narrower to enable one or
more riders to sit astraddle thereon. The starboard side of the
hull center portion is indicated at 56 and the port side at 58. The
center portion of the buoyant hull on the upper surface thereof is
shaped in the form of an elongated seat and has a pad 60 thereon.
The fuel cell or tank for the hydro-foil vehicle 10 is preferably
placed in the center portion of the buoyant hull 12 below the seat
(not shown in the drawings).
The stern or aft portion of the buoyant hull 12 is substantially
wider than the center portion thereof and can be slightly wider
than the bow portion, as shown. The increased width of the aft hull
portion is necessary to provide extra flotation needed due to the
weight of the engine 16 and propeller assembly 22. The rear of the
buoyant hull 12 or the sternpost is indicated at 62, the starboard
side of the buoyant hull aft end portion indicated at 64 and the
port side of the buoyant hull aft end portion indicated at 66. A
rear support leg 68 extends downward from the bottom keel portion
of the buoyant hull 12 at the aft end portion thereof. The buoyant
hull bottom 70 extends outward from the keel portion as shown in
FIG. 1. and 4 to the hull sides 64 and 66. Portions of the hull
bottom 70 at the forward portion of the buoyant hull's aft portion
are indicated at 72 and are curved upward as shown in FIGS. 1 and
3. These surfaces 82 of the bottom 70 are curved to a nearly
upright position of the forward portion of the hull's aft portion
The particular shape of the hull's aft portion is an important
feature of the hydrofoil vehicle in that when the vehicle is moving
at a relatively slow speed or when it is accelerating to the
planing speed the shape of the buoyant hull bottom surface 70
provides lifting forces which aid in raising the vehicles vertical
position in the water. The stern portion of the vehicle and aft
deck 74 covers the aft end portion thereof, it has a removable
access hatch 75 to provide access to the engine compartment. The
louvers or vents indicated at 76 on the engine access hatch 75
provides a hull ventilation exhaust. The engine access hatch 75 is
preferably shaped as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to allow a clearance
around the engine 16. On the keel of the hull at the aft portion
thereof the rear mount leg 68 is provided with a flange on the
upper end thereof to smoothly join same with the aft end portion of
the keel. On the forward portion of the buoyant hull keel a tapered
portion indicated at 78 is provided to fair the hull bottom with
the rudder leg or upper rudder. This is necessary to provide a
streamline structure and allow pivoting of the rudder. The tapered
portion 78 is flat on the bottom thereof in the portion which is
adjacent to the rudder. The aft portion of the buoyant hull 12 has
a cavity portion filled with a non-sinkable flotation material such
as foamic plastic material to add strength and to prevent sinking
of the vehicle should the hull become filled with water.
The engine 16 is preferably a water cooled internal combustion
engine similar to the types used in out board motors with certain
modifications to adapt it to operation with the hydrofoil vehicle
10 of this invention. The engine 16 can be either a rotary or
reciprocating internal combustion engine or other suitable rotary
power device. The engine 16 shown includes a block portion 80
secured by bolts passing downward through mounts 81, aft end
portion of the keel and the upper flange of the rear mount leg 68.
The engine 16 has a water cooled exhaust manifold or side plate
connected by a conduit or exhaust pipe 86 at the upper end and
extends upward therefrom (not shown in drawings) to a loop inside
the engine access cover 75 and then downward as shown at 86 to
discharge engine exhaust into the lower unit 88. That portion of
the exhaust pipe 86 that extends upwards (not shown in drawings)
from the upper end of the water cooled exhaust manifold or side
plate 82 to form a loop in the engine access cover is air cooled by
a flow of air generated by the engine fly wheel and conducted
around that portion by the shroud 84. That portion of conduit or
exhaust pipe 86 extending downward from the loop to discharge the
engine exhaust into the lower unit 88 is cooled by water injected
into same in the loop area before the shroud 84 terminates. The
propeller assembly 22 includes the lower unit 88 and propeller 90.
The lower unit 88 is mounted with the ski assembly 14. It includes
a necessary gear drive apparatus to rotate the propeller 90 and an
exhaust port 92 to discharge the engine exhaust below the water
level. Preferably the lower unit 88 gear drive has forward, neutral
and reverse operating capability. The engine 16 is joined by a
shaft 92 and universal joints to the lower unit 88. The lower unit
88 is supported at the upper end by a flanged adapter 94 that
receives machine screws that pass downward through the flange on
the lower end of the rear mount leg 68 and the upper structure 150
of the main ski assembly 18. Lower unit 88 is also attached to ski
plate 130 by a flange in the mid portion thereof as shown in FIGS.
1 and 9. A push-pull cable (not shown) connects the gear shift
lever 48 with the lower unit 88 for controlling the lower unit
between forward, neutral and reverse settings necessary to properly
control the vehicle. Another push-pull cable control (not shown)
connects a twist grip throttle control 96 on the right-hand end of
the handlebars 50 to the engine carburetor, indicated at 98, for
controlling the engine 16. The lower unit 88 has therein the water
pump used to supply cooling water for the engine 16 and
exhaust.
In practice it has been found desirable to mount a bilge pump in
the lower end of the rear mount leg 68 for removal of water which
collects in this area. A bilge pump is not shown in the drawings.
In practice it has been found that water entering the hull 12 will
collect in the rear mount leg 68 as it is the lowest point in the
hull. A battery, indicated at 98, is mounted in the forward portion
of the hull 12 and is used for starting and operating the engine
16. As the hydrofoil vehicle 10 is provided with the battery 98
numerous electrical appliances can be operated on the vehicle such
as pumps, navigation lights, electrically operated instruments and
other electrical accessories. Forward mounting of the battery 88
has been found advantageous to aid in balancing the vehicle.
The steering assembly connecting the rudders 24 and the handlebars
50 is in the bow portion of the hull 12. The bow portion of the
vehicle has a horizontal member 100 through the mid portion thereof
for mounting portions of the steering assembly and strengthening
the hull structure. The handle bars 50 are attached to an upright
member 102 pivotally supported on the upper portion through the
deck 40 and on the lower end by a rotatable mount 104 attached to
the horizontal member 100. Rotation of the handlebars pivots the
upright member 102 in the mount 104. A hollow steering support
member 106 connects the hull 12 and the ski assembly 14 and is
mounted at a mid portion with the horizontal member 100 by a
pivotal mount 108, supported on a lower mid portion by a rotatable
bearing-seal mount 110 and further supported on its lower end
portion by a mount assembly 112 in the main ski 18. The hollow
steering support member is connected by a drag link 114 and
steering arms 116 to the upright handlebar member 102 and it is
turnable to the right and left by the handlebars 50 to turn the
rudders 24. The rotatable mounts 108 and 110 connect the steering
support member or the tube 106 to the structure of the hull. The
mount 112 is a bearing support and connects the ski assembly 18 to
the support member or tube 106. The bearing mount 110 is secured to
the keel portion of the hull in the shaped portion indicated at 78.
The steering support member 106 is open in its upper end portion
118 which terminates within the vent or shroud 52 in the forward
deck 40. The vent or shroud 52 is open on its rear portion to allow
air to pass from the atmosphere through the shroud and into the
hollow portion of the steering support member 106 for venting the
cavity 168. The rudder above the main ski 18 is a low speed rudder
120 and it is preferably shaped in the streamline fashion as shown.
The low speed rudder 120 is attached to the steering support tube
106 by brackets 122 to the upper and lower portions of the rudder
120. The low speed rudder 120 turns to the right and left with the
steering support member 106 and is adapted to aid in directional
control of the vehicle 10 when moving at relatively low speeds,
namely speeds at which the ski assembly 14 is submerged normally
when the buoyant hull 12 in is contact with the water. The
structure of the rubber 120 is preferably smooth on the exterior
thereof and is filled with a non-sinkable buoyant material such as
foamic plastic material. The rudder 120 pivots to the right and
left about a vertical axis in position adjacent to the lower
portion of the hull 12 and the upper portion of the main ski 18.
The mount 112 within the main ski 18 is adapted to allow the
steering support member 106 to rotate relative to the main ski and
provides for transmitting forces from the main ski 18 to the
steering support member 106 and additionally provides a conduit to
pass air and water through the interior of the steering support
member 106 to the main ski hollow portion 28 through apertures 124
in the steering mount tube 106 and the foamed portion 30 of the
main ski assembly 18. The second rudder 126 is mounted below the
bottom surface of the main ski 18; it is a planing rudder effective
to control the vehicle when operating in a planing condition. The
rudder 126 has the rudder shaft 128 attached to the lower end
portion of the steering support member 106. Additionally, the lower
mount 112 is adapted to limit rotation of movement to the right and
left of the hollow steering support member 106 which in turn limits
rotating motion of the rudders 120 and 126 relative to the ski
assembly 14. It is to be noted that the ratio of rotation of the
rudders 24 relative to the handlebars 50 can be changed or varied
by varying the length of the drag link support arms 116 connecting
the steering support member 106 with the upright handlebar support
member 102, thereby changing their ratio of pivoting. In practice
it has been found necessary to limit the rotational motion of the
rudders 24 to provide for safe operation of the vehicle throughout
its operating speed range. Preferably, the rudder 126 is shaped as
shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8, such has been found through
experimentation in practice to give desirable handling qualities to
the hydrofoil vehicle 10. It is understood that rudders having
shapes other than the shapes of the specific rudders 120 and 126
can be substituted therefor to function in a similar capacity
without departing from the scope of the invention.
The ski assembly 14 is shown in detail in FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9. The ski assembly 14 has the main ski 18 thereof preferably
extending substantially the length of the hull 12 and the helper
skis 20 less than one half of the length of the main ski. The main
ski assembly 18 has a ski plate indicated at 130 on the bottom
thereof with an upper structure having the hollow portion 28 and
the flotation material 30 attached to the top surface of the ski
plate 130. The ski plate 130 is generally flat from the center
portion to the aft end and smoothly curved upward from the center
portion to the forward tip 132 generally as shown. The rear portion
134 of the ski plate 130 along with the helper skis 20 aid optimum
angle of attach of hydrofoil vehicle 10 as it is being accelerated
to the planing condition. FIG. 5 shows in plan view a preferred
structure and shape of the main ski 18, such being substantially
rectangular. In practice it has been found that sides 152 of the
upper structure 150 should be substantially perpendicular relative
to the ski plate 130 as shown to aid stability in leaning turns
when the hydrofoil vehicle 10 is operating in the high speed or
planing condition. A pair of stabilizing fins indicated at 138 are
mounted with the ski plate 130 in a spaced relation aft of the
planing or bottom rudder 126. The fins 138 can be parallel in their
spaced relation to the rudder 126 as shown in FIG. 6. In practice
it has been found that the stabilizing fins 138 provide for a
smoother operation of the hydrofoil vehicle when operating in a
high speed planing condition by dampening the over effectiveness of
the planing rudder 126 and are planing rudder dampening fins.
Another pair of stabilizing fins indicated at 140 are mounted with
the ski plate 130 on the aft end thereof. The stabilizing fins 140
are mounted on opposite sides of the main ski 18 in a spaced
relation as shown in FIG. 6. In practice is has been found
advantageous to space the rear stabilizing fins 140 on the outer
portions of the main ski 18 for reasons of stability in controlling
the vehicle. It is to be understood that the stabilizing fins 26
mounted with the ski plate 130 can be modified or changed in shape,
placement and number to change or to maintain the handling
characteristics of the hydrofoil vehicle 10. In practice of the
hydrofoil vehicle 10 of this invention it has been found that the
shown shape and spacing of the stabilizing fins 26 is an
arrangement of stabilizing fins which provides for accurately and
safely controlling the vehicle.
The preferred shape of the main ski 18 as shown has several
definite advantages which provide for governing and controlling
operation of the hydrofoil vehicle 10. A concave edge portion of
the tip portion of the ski (not visible in the drawings) provides a
necessary downward water deflection when the forward speed of the
vehicle is reduced thereby allowing the vehicle to let down without
undue splashing or spraying to rest on the hull 12. The aft portion
134 of the main ski 18 in combination with the constantly changing
curvature from the center to forward end portion 132 of the main
ski plate provides a surface which aides optimum angle of attack of
the ski 18 relative to the surface of the water when one or more
riders induce forward or aft loading and the shape of the ski also
aids when leaning turns are made with the vehicle 10. The optimum
angle of attach of the ski 18 relative to the water surface has
been found to depend upon the speed which the vehicle is moving to
some degree but the induced forward or aft loading by one or more
riders has little effect.
The main ski plate 130 has a structure attached thereto comprised
of the filled flotation material portion 30 and the hollow portion
28. FIG. 1 shows in detail the main ski 18 with portions cutaway to
show the flotation material and the hollow portion. The structure
attached to the top of the ski plate 30 is a supporting container
like structure, generally indicated at 150, preferably constructed
in the shape shown. The upper ski structure 150 is secured to the
ski plate 130 along the sides thereof and on the end of the tip
portion 132. The ski upper structure 150 provides strengthening or
stiffening of the ski plate 130, a container for the flotation
material 30 and the upper walls of the hollow portion 28, it also
provides a foot rest for a rider. The flotation material 30 is
preferably foamic plastic which can be poured and formed in place
in the forward portion of the main ski upper structure 150 as shown
in FIG. 1. On the forward portion of the ski upper structure 150 it
has vertical sides 152 joined by a transversely flat top 154 having
a raised hump 156 longitudinally oriented along the main ski 18 as
shown. The hump portion 156 extends the length of the main ski 18
with the tp portion thereof being spaced substantially from the ski
plate 130 as shown in FIG. 7. The upper structure 150 surfaces 154
and sides 152 decrease in height above ski plate 130 about mid
portion thereof. A step portion 158 in the upper structure 150
lowers the top 154 and the height of the sides 152. The top aft of
the step portion 158 is indicated at 160 and the sides aft of the
step portion 158 are indicated at 162. The sides 162 are tapered to
become shorter in height at the aft end of the upper structure. The
function of the sides 152 and 162 of the upper structure 150 in
operation of the hydrafoil vehicle 10 is to prevent water from
passing over the main ski when the vehicle is turned. The surfaces
of the sides 152 and 162 contact the water when the vehicle turns
while planing to give additional water contact surface area. In
practice the sides 152 and 162 increase the vehicles performance
and stability while turning.
The hollow portion 28 is formed between the ski plate 130 and the
wall of the upper structure 150 aft of the flotation material 30
and has a opening or passage 151 over the flotation material within
a hump 156. The hump 156 extends from the mid portion of the main
ski to the aft portion thereof at approximately the same height
above the ski plate 130 and has the side surfaces thereof indicated
at 164 on the aft end portion of the main ski 18. As shown in FIGS.
1 and 9 and indicated at 168, the upper structure 150 is hollow
starting at the open aft end indicated at 170 and bounded by the
ski plate 130, the upright sides 152 and 162, the hump sides 164,
the steps 158, the tops 154 and 160 and the aft end of the
flotation material 30. The passage 151 connects the hollow portion
or cavity 168 to the apertures 124 in the steering support tube 106
to vent air to and from the hollow portion or cavity 168. When the
main ski 18 is being submerged the air in the hollow portion or
cavity 168 passes out through passage 151, apertures 124, up
through support tube 106 and into the atmosphere to allow the
hollow portion 168 to readily fill with water through opening 170.
At the starting of the main ski 18 being moved from a submerged
condition to a planing condition on top of the water's surface, air
passes down through support tube 106, apertures 124, passages 151
and hollow portion or cavity 168 to allow ready jetison of the
water in cavity 168 out through opening 170. As water moves from
the cavity 168 air will pass from the atmosphere through the cowl
vent 52, downward through the hollow steering support member 106,
through the apertures 124, through the passageway 151 and into the
cavity 168. As the hydrofoil vehicle 10 lets down or changes from
the planing condition to a low speed condition wherein the main ski
18 becomes submerged, air within the cavity 168 is replaced by
water. When the main ski 18 becomes submerged, air within the
cavity 168 can escape by passing through the passageway 151 and
apertures 124 in the lower end portion of the steering support
mounted 106, passing through the hollow steering support member 106
and into the atmosphere through the cowl vent or shroud 52 on the
forward deck 40.
Optimum flotation and upright attitude of the hydrofoil vehicle 10
is accomplished through that amount of flotation material 30 in the
front end portion of upper structure 150, flotation material in
rudder 120 and water filling the hollow portion or cavity 168
increasing front end buoyancy in this manner allow the flotation
hull 12 to have a very streamlined shaped yet be sufficiently
buoyant. It is to be noted that the vehicle 10 must be sufficiently
buoyant to maintain a substantially horizontal attitude as shown in
FIG. 1 when one or more riders sit on it when it is stopped in the
water.
The helper skis 20 are shown in detail in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9. The
helper skis 20 consist of a pair of skis substantially shorter and
narrower than the main ski 18 with one ski each of the pair
attached to opposite sides of the main ski 18 at its aft end
portion. The helper ski on the starboard side of the hydrofoil
vehicle is indicated at 180 and the other helper ski on the port
side of the vehicle as indicated at 182. The helper skis 20 are
provided with bottom ski plates 184 having upturned generally
square shaped tips 186 as shown. A structural reinforcement member
188 is attached to the ski plates 184 and runs the length thereof
as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 to strengthen the helper skis 20.
Preferably, the bottom surface of the main ski plate 30 and the
bottom surfaces of the helper ski plates 184 lie in substantially
the same plane. The helper ski plates 184 and the main ski plate
130 can be constructed integrally or they can be constructed
separately and joined to the main ski 18 by welding in the event
the ski plates are constructed from metal such as aluminum or they
can be joined by adhesive bonding in the event the ski plates are
constructed of a plastic material or the ski plates can be joined
by any other suitable means. It is to be noted that the helper skis
20 can be warped or turned slightly from the plane of the main ski
18 to be used for trimming the vehicle as needed. In practice it
has been found that the helper skis 20 are an important feature of
the ski assembly 14 of this invention in that, that added surface
area aides the optimum angle of attack when the hydrofoil vehicle
10 is being accelerated to a planing condition and adds to the
amount of horizontal surface area of the aft portion of the ski
assembly which is necessary to support the weight of the engine 16.
Also, the skis 20 provide surface area in addition to that of the
main ski for water contact to provide for lateral and rolling
stability in the ski assembly when in a planing condition.
Additionally, in practice it has been found that the helper skis 20
provide a ski assembly having the required lift to maintain a
desirable planing attitude for the hydrofoil vehicle 10 when moving
in a high speed or planing condition wherein the ski assembly 14 is
on the surface of the water.
The hydrofoil vehicle shown and described herein has been built,
and operated by the applicants. In the operaion of the hydrofoil
vehicle it has been found that with an engine of approximately 25
horsepower the vehicle will rise to a planing condition at
approximately 6 miles per hour and it will obtain a maximum speed
of approximately 35 miles per hour.
In the use and operation of the hydrofoil vehicle 10 of this
invention, it is seen that same provides a new and unique
recreational vehicle for use on water. The hydrofoil vehicle has a
hull 12 supported above a ski assembly 14 which will provide
transportation for one or more riders sitting on the hull 12. The
hydrofoil vehicle 10 is powered by an engine 16 contained within
the aft end hull structure. The vehicle 10 is maneuverable at a low
speed with the ski assembly 14 submerged. Rudders 24 above and
below the main ski 18 provide for controlling the direction of the
vehicle. When it is desired to move at a fast speed such as a
planing speed, the engine 16 causes the vehicle to be moved through
the water at the faster speed so the hull 12 and portions of the
ski assembly 18 rise from the water and ultimately to a planing
condition with the bottom surface of the main ski 18 and helper
skis 20 moving on the surface of the water. As the hydrofoil
vehicle 10 moves from the low speed condition to the planing
condition water contained within the main ski 18 is replaced by air
from the atmosphere as the water exits the main ski through the aft
end thereof. When the hydrofoil vehicle is operating in the planing
condition, the stabilizing fins 26 on the bottom surface of the
main ski 18 provide directional rectional stability and the rudder
126 on the bottom of the main ski 18 provides the needed
directional control for the hydrofoil vehicle. The hull 12 of the
hydrofoil vehicle 10 is constructed in a streamline shape so as to
be attractive in appearance and to be movable through the water
with a minimum of resistance when operating in the slow speed
condition. Shaped portions on the aft porton of the hull 12 aid in
lifting the hull from the water during periods of acceleration. The
hull 12 is substantially closed to prevent water from entering the
engine compartment in the event that the hydrofoil vehicle is to be
turned over or spilled during operation. Additionally, the hull 12
is constructed with non-sinkable portions therein to support the
vehicle at the surface of the water should it become filled with
water.
In the manufacture of the hydrofoil vehicle of this invention, it
is obvious that the vehicle can be produced by methods currently
used in the manufacture of boats and water crafts. The hydrofoil
vehicle structure can be constructed from materials used in boat
construction such as plastic material and fiberglass reinforced
polyester resin material, aluminum alloy castings, brass castings
and other materials. The hydrofoil vehicle is constructed to use
some elements of standard manufacture, such as handlebars
instruments, engine and lower unit, and other parts. Preferably,
some portions of the vehicle structure are filled with non-sinkable
foamic plastic material to provide buoyancy and flotation for
safety.
As will become apparent from the foregoing description of the
applicant's hydrofoil vehicle, relatively inexpensive, attractive
and unique means are provided to give a water recreational vehicle
as the end product. The hydrofoil vehicle structure is attractive
in appearance, simple to use, operable to carry one or more riders
in a rapid fashion on the water in a relatively safe manne. The ski
assembly of the hydrofoil vehicle is unique in its single main ski
and helper skis mounted below a buoyant hull with rudders and
stabilizing fins for controlling the direction of travel of the
vehicle and the lower unit propeller assembly at the rear of the
ski assembly. The ski assembly is provided with a rudder above and
a rudder below the main ski for directional control and a pair of
helper skis on the aft portion of the main ski.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with
preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that
this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the
scope of the invention which is defined by the following
claims.
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