Abstract:
The various embodiments disclosed and pictured herein illustrate a universal depth boat that is easy to operate and may be controlled by a single operator. A universal depth boat and hull design that comprises a hull having a bow, stern, sides, a V-hull portion and a flat bottom is disclosed. In the exemplary embodiment, a V-hull portion for spreading water is centrally located at a forward portion of the watercraft. The V-hull portion may include a keel as a forward apex, which forms a substantially perpendicular or vertical leading wedge with respect to the plane of water. The V-hull portion transitions to a flat bottom toward the stern. Accordingly, the watercraft will more easily traverse waves instead of riding over them, while the watercraft is simultaneously capable of accessing areas with extremely shallow water.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/000,545 filed on Oct. 27, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to watercraft. More specifically, the present invention relates to watercraft hulls designed to displace water in a manner to provide enhanced stability and movement through the water while simultaneously allowing the watercraft to operate in extremely shallow water. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Conventional recreational and commercial watercrafts, for the most part, incorporate hulls that have V-shaped bottoms, with the V-shape forming a keel at its lowest point. The V-shape is thought to enable the boat, as speed is increased, to be pushed upwardly out of the water, as the water traversing against the boat&#39;s bow is forced sideways and downwardly at a vector to the outer shape of the hull. Such designs have been used for years, but have various deficiencies. 
         [0006]    One detriment to such hull designs is that the draft of the boat tends to sit relatively deep in the water in relation to the length and beam of the boat, thus requiring sufficient depth of water to accommodate that draft. Another detriment to such hull designs is that they require a relatively large amount of force (and horsepower) to propel such a boat forward at a sufficient speed to stabilize the boat, i.e., to force the water sideways and downwardly as the boat travels generally horizontally through the water. 
         [0007]    With V-shaped hull designs, initially, as velocity begins to increase from zero the bow of the boat acts much like a plow, digging into and through the surface of the water. This creates what is known as a “bow wave”. As velocity increases, the bow tends to be forced upwardly by the sideways and downward force being applied to the water by the curvature of the V-shape of the hull, which is being forced horizontally forward and up over the bow wave. 
         [0008]    Finally, when sufficient velocity is reached, the apex of the force on the V-shaped hull travels aftwardly along the hull, forcing the boat more upwardly to an increasing degree until a point is reached at which the bow, now out of the water, tends (by force of gravity) to descend toward the water, pivoting on the apex of the force against the sides and bottom of the V-shaped hull. This pivoting serves to raise the stern of the boat as the bow descends until the whole boat is lifted upwardly into what is known as a planing position. At this point, because there is relatively less water contacting the hull, drag from that water is reduced and the boat is correspondingly able travel at a significantly greater speed given the same amount of force propelling the boat forward. 
         [0009]    Of course, as might be anticipated, the hydraulic force of the water against the V-shaped hull is substantial, and thus at least an equally substantial counteracting force must be provided by the engine of the boat. Significant power is required to get the boat up to the planing position and to maintain it there. The ultimate speed of the boat when planing depends on the specific design of the V-shaped hull, the weight (and weight distribution) of the boat, and the available power (i.e., the size of the engine and the size and pitch of the propeller that is driven by the engine). However, in all cases, the forward movement of the boat at any speed, whether planing or not, is counteracted by both crossways and downward vectors of force produced by the relative hydraulic movement of the water against the hull. 
         [0010]    The amount of fuel needed to power a boat at a given velocity is in direct proportion to the overall degree of each of the forces that must be overcome to move that boat forward over a given distance. The greater those forces, the greater the amount of fuel required. Thus, as a general proposition, if fuel economy is a concern, hull designs that tend to reduce the overall amount of opposing forces directed against the hull during forward movement of the boat are desirable. One approach to mitigate fuel usage is the use of relatively flat bottom hulls wherein there is less counteracting hydraulic force imposed against the hull as the boat moves forward. A flat hull is more readily pushed directly up over the bow wave to a position substantially on top of the water, creating less displacement of water by the hull in the dynamic mode as distinguished from the static mode. In other words, dynamic displacement of water is significantly less with a flat bottom boat than with a V-shaped bottom. On the other hand, static displacement, when the boat is at rest, is substantially the same for a flat bottom or a V-bottom boat, given equivalent boat weights and hull-surface contact area with the water. 
         [0011]    Watercraft or boats with flat bottom hulls have been known for years. Small fishing boats have been manufactured using this design. Such boats have a relatively shallow draft to enable sports fishermen or hunters to reach shallow waters along shorelines, shallow and swampy areas, and lakes, ponds, and/or streams that are not sufficiently deep to accommodate the draft of conventional V-bottom boats. 
         [0012]    Such designs have evolved into what are popularly called “bass boats”. Bass boat hulls are relatively narrow, in relation to length, with generally flat bottoms and relatively shallow V-shapes, if any. The draft of these boats is relatively shallow in comparison to V-shaped hulls. Once up on a plane, the vector force of the water is mostly downward, forcing these boats to rise up out of the water to a greater degree at relatively slower speeds. Accordingly, ultimate velocity may be greater, and relatively less engine power may be required to reach a given velocity. 
         [0013]    One disadvantage to bass boat hulls is that because bass boats are relatively narrow beamed and there is relatively little crossways or lateral force exerted against the hull of a bass boat, there is correspondingly less lateral stability; and, due to a relatively narrow beam, such boats tend to be susceptible to laterally moving waves. Also, these flat bottom hulls are also generally more susceptible to waves as the hull rides more on top of the waves rather than slicing through waves as V-shaped hulls do to a greater degree. Furthermore, flat-bottomed boats do not steer as easily or as precisely as those with distinct, V-shaped hulls, again due to the fact that such boats incur relatively less opposing crossways forces (which are the forces that tend to hold a boat to a straight forward movement). Opposing crossways forces, if present, may be precisely altered by a rudder device at the stern. Therefore, most bass boats tend to skid laterally sideways more readily during turning, thus making turning a much less precise and controllable skidding action rather than the positive, more precisely controllable action of V-shaped hulls. Bass boat designs rarely incorporate sponsons, thus, for the sake of safety it is almost necessary to slow some high-powered bass boats down before turning, to both achieve a more precise turn and to prevent the boat from flipping over. 
         [0014]    Both types of hulls are susceptible to wave action and may produce instability depending on the height and direction of waves. Both types of hulls have large surfaces which absorb the force of waves and cause significant vibration, vertical or lateral movement, or a combination thereof. Other boats include hull designs which incorporate pontoons or sponsons for lateral stability and floatation, but such systems are undesirable for a number of reasons. Published U.S. Pat. Application No. 20070157865 filed by Baker and entitled “Watercraft with Wave Deflecting Hull” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,341 issued to Devin entitled “Boat Hull” provide more pertinent background on the prior art and are incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0015]    Other hull designs attempt to incorporate some of the advantages of a V-hull with the advantages of a flat bottom hull. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,859 issued to Clancey and U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,781 issued to White, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. Although the prior art discloses that others have attempted to combine the advantages of a V-hull with those of a flat bottom hull, none have been successful in merging those two hull configurations into one commercially viable boat having more advantages from one hull type than disadvantages from the other. Common deficiencies in the prior art include lack of strength of the hull, few advantages associated with a certain hull style, and/or high cost of manufacturing, among others. 
         [0016]    There is thus a need for a watercraft that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and is efficiently maneuverable in the water while providing increased fuel efficiency and a smooth, stable ride, even in rough and/or shallow water. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The invention is directed to a universal depth boat and universal depth boat hull design that overcome the deficiencies of prior designs. The universal depth boat comprises a hull having a bow, stern, V-hull portion, flat bottom, keel, and first and second sides. The V-hull portion performs the wave-spreading function of the hull and is located at a forward portion adjacent the bow of the craft. The V-hull portion lends the universal depth boat greater stability and maneuverability over a bass boat. The flat bottom performs the wave riding function of the hull and is located at a rear portion adjacent the stern. The flat bottom allows the universal depth boat to be operated in extremely shallow waters compared to conventional V-hull boats. 
         [0018]    The combination of a V-hull portion adjacent the bow and a flat bottom adjacent the stern allows the universal depth boat to perform in both deep and shallow waters while being extremely durable, stable, and maneuverable. The stern of the universal depth boat allows for single or dual motor mountings so that one motor may be used for operation in deep water and the other for operation in shallow water. The universal depth boat hull design allows the universal depth boat to traverse wing dams and even short spans of dry land in certain scenarios. The structure of the hull is designed to allow for stability and rapid turning in shallow or deep waters. The supporting structure components are on the interior of the hull, inside the boat—nothing is external to the hull providing a continuously smooth outer surface, which may be constructed of a single, unitary piece of material. A plurality of planes may be placed in the hull structure along the transition from the V-hull portion to the sides and/or the transition from the flat bottom to the sides through bending to increase the structural rigidity of the hull from the bow to the stern and affect the drag and stability of the universal depth boat as desired. 
         [0019]    Applications for the universal depth boat include hunting, fishing, and recreation. The universal depth boat as disclosed allows waterfowl hunters to access areas that are inaccessible to other watercraft. When used for fishing, the universal depth boat provides fishermen with the ability to cross timbers and transverse marshy areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. The universal depth boat may also be used by emergency response crews because it gives such crews the ability to reach victims in traditionally inaccessible areas. Furthermore, the universal depth boat allows navigation of floodwaters having debris and unknown obstacles beneath the surface without fear of damage to the hull. 
         [0020]    These and other advantages of the universal depth boat will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0021]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  provides a detailed rear view of the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  provides a detailed front view of the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  provides a detailed top view of the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  provides a top view of the hull from the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat before the various fingers are joined. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION—LISTING OF ELEMENTS 
       [0028]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 ELEMENT DESCRIPTION 
                 ELEMENT # 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Universal Depth Boat 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 V-Hull Portion 
                 11 
               
               
                   
                 Flat Bottom 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Keel 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 First Plane 
                  14a 
               
               
                   
                 Second Plane 
                  14b 
               
               
                   
                 Third Plane 
                  14c 
               
               
                   
                 Fourth Plane 
                  14d 
               
               
                   
                 Trim Tab 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Stern 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Bow 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 First Side 
                  18a 
               
               
                   
                 Second Side 
                  18b 
               
               
                   
                 Hull 
                 19 
               
               
                   
                 First Top Rail 
                  21a 
               
               
                   
                 Second Top Rail 
                  21b 
               
               
                   
                 Cross Support 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Longitudinal Support 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 Bow Cap 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Stern Cap 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 Shelf 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Deck 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Finger 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 Floor Panel 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 Pod 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat  10 .  FIG. 2  provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the universal depth boat  10  includes a hull  19  with two main portions: a V-hull portion  11  adjacent the front of the universal depth boat  10  (i.e., the bow  17 ) and a flat bottom  12  adjacent the rear of the universal depth boat  10  (i.e., the stern  16 , which may also be referred to as the transon). The stern  16  may be sized and configured so that an outboard marine motor (not shown) may be mounted thereto. 
         [0031]    The hull  19  may be made of a single piece of material. As shown, the universal depth boat  10  has a full floatation hull  19  with the openness of a commercial-style hull  19 . In the exemplary embodiment, the hull  19  has a lower rake angle to improve shallow water performance and provide improved planing characteristics. Accordingly, the universal depth boat  10  may be operated in extremely shallow water and plane out on the surface of the water at lower speeds as compared to conventional V-hull boats. The V-hull portion  11  of the hull  19  provides the user with greater ability to traverse waves and increases the stability of the universal depth boat  10  in open water and while turning. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows the hull  19  outline for the exemplary embodiment of the universal depth boat wherein the hull  19  is constructed of a single piece of aluminum. Fingers  29  are cut into the aluminum sheet as shown in  FIG. 6 , and then the sheet is bent according to design specifications for form the hull  19 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the hull  19  may include four planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,  and  14   d  in the transition from the flat bottom  12  to the first side  18   a  and second side  18   b,  respectively. From the flat bottom  12 , the first plane  14   a  may be angled approximately nineteen degrees on both the first and second sides  18   a,    18   b.  From the first plane  14   a,  the second plane  14   b  may be angled approximately twenty degrees on both the first and second sides  18   a,    18   b.  From the second plane  14   b,  the third plane  14   c  may be angled approximately twenty degrees, and the fourth plane  14   d  may be angled approximately twenty degrees from the third plane  14   c.  The fourth plane  14   d  on each of the first and second sides  18   a,    18   b  forms the upper-most portion of the sides of the hull  19 . In certain embodiments, the fourth plane  14   d  at the area adjacent the stern  16  may be twenty to twenty four inches high depending on the length, width, and design specifications of the universal depth boat  10 . The first and second sides  18   a,    18   b  may be higher or lower in other embodiments depending on the requirements of the user. 
         [0033]    The first and second planes  14   a,    14   b  may intersect one another at the transition of the hull  19  from the flat bottom  12  to the V-hull portion  11 . From this point of intersection, the first and second planes  14   a,    14   b  may increase in width towards the stern  16  to aid the universal depth boat  10  in planing out on the water surface. At the stern, the width of the first and second planes  14   a,    14   b  may be from one to twenty centimeters, depending on the application of the universal depth boat  10 . The third and fourth planes  14   c,    14   d  may terminate at their respective interfaces with the V-hull portion  11 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . At the stern  16 , the width of the third and fourth planes  14   c,    14   d  may be from five to fifty five centimeters. In other embodiments not pictured herein, the universal depth boat  10  does not have first, second, and/or third planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c.  Instead, the fourth plane  14   d  is adjacent the flat bottom  12 , and the first and second sides  18   a,    18   b  are formed exclusively from the fourth plane  14   d.  In such an embodiment, the hull  19  as viewed from the stern  16  would resemble a block-shaped “U”. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment not pictured herein, the universal depth boat  10  has first a plane  14   a  and a fourth plane  14   d,  but does not have second or third planes  14   b,    14   c.  The various angles, dimensions, and/or absence of various planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,    14   d  in no way limits the scope of the universal depth boat  10 . The universal depth boat  10  may include any combination of planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,  and/or  14   d  at any orientation with respect to one another, the flat bottom  12 , and the V-hull portion  11 . Furthermore, the vertical distance from the interface of the flat bottom  12  to the V-hull portion  11  to the top rails  21   a,    21   b  will vary depending on the specific application of the universal depth boat  10  and in no way limits the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this vertical distance affects the stability of the universal depth boat  10  and the minimum depth of water in which it will operate. 
         [0035]    The overall length of the universal depth boat  10 , the length and width of the V-hull portion  11 , the length and width of the flat bottom  12 , and the weight of the universal depth boat  10  may vary depending on the specific application. The preceding design factor coupled with the presence or absence, dimensions, and orientation of planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,    14   d  in the hull  19  affect the stability, maneuverability, and minimum depth of water required for operation of the universal depth boat  10 . For example, the distance from bow  17  to stern  16  may be as little as six feet or as much as twenty four feet, or it may be some value outside of that range. The width of the stern  16  may be as little as two feet or as much as eight feet, or it may be some value outside that range. Accordingly, an infinite number of orientations and configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    After the desired planes  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,  and/or  14   d  are fashioned into the hull  19 , the V-hull portion  11  may be formed. The various fingers  29  shown in  FIG. 6  are brought together and joined to form the V-hull portion  11 . The fingers  29  may be joined by any method known to those skilled in the art that is appropriate for the material used in the hull  19 . For example, if the hull  19  is made of aluminum, the fingers  29  may be welded; if the hull  19  is made of a polymer material, the fingers  29  may be chemically or thermally fused. A keel  13  may be affixed to the center line of the V-hull portion  11  to increase strength and rigidity of the universal depth boat  10 . As with joining the fingers  29 , the keel  13  may be affixed to the hull  19  in any manner known to those skilled in the art that is appropriate for the materials of construction. As shown herein, a shelf  26  may be fashioned in the V-hull portion  11  along the interface of two fingers  29  on each side of the universal depth boat  10 . The shelf  26  serves to deflect water or other material from entering the interior of the universal depth boat  10 . 
         [0037]    A first top rail  21  a is placed on the top surface of the fourth plane  14   d  on the first side  18   a,  and a corresponding second top rail  21   b  is placed on the top surface of the fourth plane  14   d  on the second side  14   b  in the exemplary embodiment. To increase the strength and structural rigidity of the universal depth boat  10 , a plurality of cross supports  22  and longitudinal supports  23  may be affixed to the interior surface of the hull  19 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . For additional strength, a bow cap  24  may be affixed to the bow  17  and first and second top rails  21   a,    21   b.  Additionally, two stern caps  25  may be affixed to the first and second sides  18   a,    18   b  and the stern  16 , respectively. The materials of construction, number, and orientation of the cross supports  22 , longitudinal supports  23 , bow cap  24 , and stern caps  25  will vary depending on the specific application of the universal depth boat  10 . The universal depth boat  10  is designed so that stresses and forces are transferred across the entire hull  19  to prevent hooking and flexing. 
         [0038]    Floor panels  40  may be placed over or around the cross supports  22  and longitudinal supports  23  so that the universal depth boat  10  has a flat floor for occupants. Additionally, seating structures, such as pods  42 , may be placed over the cross supports  22  and/or longitudinal supports  23 , or pods  42  may be placed directly onto floor panels  40  at convenient locations. Additionally, a deck  28  may be positioned between the first and second top rails  21   a,    21   b  near the bow  17  for added strength or simply to create additional storage space protected from the elements in the area underneath the deck  28 . The materials of construction, number, and orientation of the floor panels  40 , pods  42 , and or decks  28  will vary depending on the specific application of the universal depth boat  10  and therefore are not limiting. 
         [0039]    As shown in the exemplary embodiment pictured herein (best shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , a trim tab  15  may be placed at the interface of the flat bottom  12  and the stern  16 . The trim tab  15  may be integrally formed with either the flat bottom  12  or the stern  16 , or it may be separately affixed thereto. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the trim tab  15  may be used to adjust the angle of the universal depth boat  10  with respect to the water surface at a given speed by adjusting the angle of the trim tab  15  relative to the flat bottom  12 . 
         [0040]    In another embodiment not pictured herein, the universal depth boat  10  may include runners (not shown) affixed to the exterior portion of the hull  19 . The runners (not shown) may be shaped as a fin and extend a predetermined distance from the surface of the hull  19 . The runners (not shown) aide in cornering and maneuverability, and may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, wood, polymers, etc. The runners (not shown) may be affixed to the hull  19  by any means suitable for the materials of construction that is known to those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that two runners each placed approximately one foot from their respective sides  18   a,    18   b  extending approximately ten feet from the stern along the flat bottom  12 , and approximately extending one inch from the surface of the hull  19  would provide increased maneuverability in many situations. However, other configurations and/or dimensions of runners (not shown) may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0041]    The universal depth boat  10  and the various elements thereof may be constructed from aluminum with a single-piece formed hull  19  as described above, or from multiple sheets of material with welded seams therebetween. In one embodiment, the hull  19  is constructed from 0.125 inch thick marine-grade aluminum and is one piece. All supports and structures may be welded to one another. Alternatively, riveting may be used to attach certain elements to one another, such as floor panels  40 , bow cap  24 , and the like. The stern  16  is typically constructed from a strong material capable of supporting the weight of an outboard marine engine from two to one hundred and fifty horsepower. This may be a thick aluminum or other material known to those skilled in the art, such as steel, metallic alloy, wood, polymeric material, etc. The hull  19  and other portions of the universal depth boat  10  may be fabricated from materials other than aluminum, such as, for example, fiberglass reinforced plastic, high-density polyethylene, high-strength polymers, or other suitable materials. 
         [0042]    As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the universal depth  10  boat may be equipped with a wide range of accessories and options including multiple seats, accessory lights and racks, accessory electrical plugs, winch mounts, extended deck storage, onboard fuel tanks, lockable storage spaces, stern  16  cutouts for specific motors, or any other accessory known to those skilled in the art for use with boats. The inclusion or exclusion of any accessory items in no way limits the scope of the universal depth boat  10 . 
         [0043]    It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar boats with a hull  19  having a V-hull portion  11  and a flat bottom  12 . Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.