Abstract:
A superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation system for yachts including an aft spoiler secured to the vessels hardtop for directing airflow about the hardtop downwardly into the aft cockpit area to interfere with, mitigate and eliminate the natural reverse backspray created by the low-pressure region behind the yacht. The spoiler protrudes from the hardtop and includes at least one air ducting channel directing airflow at select angles into the cockpit area presenting a protective shield preventing the backspray from entering the cockpit. An optional pivotal panel member selectively enables operation of the spoiler.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/347,988, filed on Jun. 9, 2016. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    N/A 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The present invention generally relates to marine vessels and watercraft and more particularly to specially designed air flow management apparatus for yachts for mitigating backspray while underway. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0005]    When a large object such as a yacht, truck, or plane moves through air, it creates a region of low-pressure behind the object. The low-pressure region can actually draw air from behind the object into its wake. This can create a reverse flow that moves faster than the object creating low-pressure area, such that the flow reaches the trailing edge of the object&#39;s structure. 
         [0006]    In the context of large marine vessels and yachts, the low-pressure region that develops behind the superstructure can create swirling turbulent airflow strong enough to carry spray, and water vapor into the cockpit as the vessel travels through the water. This is called “backspray”, and backspray can quickly thoroughly cover and soak the cockpit area of the vessel, as well as any passengers or gear that happens to be in the area. This is a very common and highly undesirable occurrence, requiring routine maintenance and cleaning of both the vessel and equipment. 
         [0007]    Current trends in yacht design place a greater premium on standing headroom in staterooms and salon areas. Historically these areas often did not have standing headroom, particularly on smaller yachts ranging up to 50 feet in length. As a result, the hull and superstructure cross-section was not large enough to create a low-pressure region behind the vessels which would generate significant backspray. Modern yacht designs, however, are characterized as having ever increasing lengths, beams, hull sizes, and heights. Modern designs also feature standing headroom on both decks making them exceedingly taller as well. Thus, modern vessel designs have been found to experience considerable backspray problems. 
         [0008]    The current state-of-the-art fails to adequately address or combat the problem of backspray on large vessels. Typically yacht designs attempt to offset this problem by reducing the cross-section of the vessel superstructure, which has minimal or no effect, and runs contrary to the trends in yacht designs and places limitations on size. 
         [0009]    It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. However, in view of the marine yacht designs in existence at the time of the present invention, it was not obvious to those persons of ordinary skill in the pertinent art as to how the identified needs could be fulfilled in an advantageous manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In order to mitigate and eliminate the backspray phenomenon occurring with respect to larger yachts, the instant invention incorporates airflow management apparatus, such as a spoiler having specialized geometry to redirect airflow streamlines so as to disrupt the low-pressure region behind the vessel by funneling air into the cockpit area. When this occurs areas of deleterious reversed flow behind the vessel are interfered with and prevented from developing, such that the backspray is prevented from flowing into the cockpit area where people, gear and equipment are located. 
         [0011]    In order to redirect the flow of air to mitigate backspray, the present invention incorporates a specially designed and oriented airflow management apparatus, such as a spoiler positioned about the hardtop to capture and redirect air that flows across the superstructure. In a preferred embodiment the spoiler is incorporated into the vessel superstructure. Downstream of the leading edge of the spoiler a duct channels and redirects the captured airflow for discharge into the cockpit area for the maximum effect as described hereinafter. The size and orientation of the channel can vary to optimize the mitigation system for a particular design. It will, however, direct the air running over the top of the hardtop from a generally horizontal flow, through an outlet in the fiberglass above the cockpit seating area. The outlet angle may be approximately 45° to 75° below the horizontal to best disrupt the backspray generated by the low-pressure region which develops behind the moving vessel. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a backspray mitigation system for yachts that is solves the aforementioned problems. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a backspray mitigation system for yachts that incorporates a specialized spoiler and air foil which redirects hardtop air flow into the cockpit area to mitigate and prevent deleterious reverse air and water vapor flow from occurring and entering the cockpit area. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a backspray mitigation system for yachts which incorporates accessory features and components to enhance its operation and effects. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a backspray mitigation system that is integrated into the vessel superstructure. 
         [0015]    Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a backspray mitigation system for yachts which is cost effective and operational efficient, and incorporates all the above features and objects. 
         [0016]    In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the low-pressure region field developed behind a large yacht of current designs; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the resulting backspray generated by the low-pressure region developed by behind the large yacht illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the modified state, caused by the instant invention, of the low-pressure region field developed behind a large yacht with an extended hardtop; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the modified state, caused by the instant invention, of the backspray mitigating airflow developed behind the large yacht with an extended hardtop illustrated in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the modified state, caused by the instant invention, of the low-pressure region field developed behind a large yacht without an extended hardtop; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the modified state, caused by the instant invention, of the backspray mitigating airflow developed behind a large yacht without an extended hardtop; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a partial top perspective view of the instant invention incorporated in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a partial bottom perspective view of the instant invention incorporated in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a partial side plan profile view of the instant invention incorporated in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional side plan profile view of the instant invention incorporated in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a partial top forward perspective view of the instant invention incorporated in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a partial front perspective view of the spoiler component incorporated into the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a partial bottom perspective view of the spoiler component incorporated into the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a partial rear-side perspective view of the spoiler component of the instant invention incorporated into the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a top-side perspective view of the spoiler component of the instant invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a top-front perspective view of the spoiler component of the instant invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the spoiler component of the instant invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a plan view of a spoiler of the instant invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a top-rear exploded perspective view with upper and lower spoiler arches illustrated in exploded relation; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the spoiler arch of the instant invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the spoiler arch of the instant invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the spoiler arch of the instant invention prior to installation on a vessel hardtop; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  illustrates accessory components which are mounted upon a spoiler arch of the instant invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  illustrates alternate accessory components which are mounted upon a spoiler arch of the instant invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the spoiler of the instant invention in conjunction with the vessel&#39;s hardtop; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is an alternative partial top perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 23  with an operable hardtop flap shown in the open configuration; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional side view depicting air flow created by the apparatus shown in  FIG. 23 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
         [0045]    Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
         [0046]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view illustrating a region of low-pressure, generally referenced as  10 , which develops behind a high-profile large yacht  12  in accordance with current design standards (prior to being modified in accordance with the present invention) traveling through a body of water  14 . This low-pressure region is illustrated using pressure gradient lines, with decreasing pressure regions illustrated as L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  (wherein L 4  indicates the lowest of the pressure regions). As seen in  FIG. 1A , a significant are of low-pressure, referenced as L 4 , forms in proximity to the vessel cockpit  13 . As used herein the term “cockpit” shall be broadly construed to include the area forward of the vessel transom at least until the closure  13 A separating the cockpit area from the enclosed salon area. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the resulting backspray airflow, referenced by the flow arrows, generated by the low-pressure regions and which generates undesirable backspray bringing water and vapors into the vessel cockpit. This low-pressure region thus develops aft of the vessel and creates an airflow into the stern area cockpit which is powerful enough to carry spray and water vapor stirred up by the vessel when traveling through the water. This is referred to as “backspray.” Backspray can be in such quantity to quickly drench the cockpit area of the vessel, along with occupants, gear and equipment located in the area. The recirculation of the air, spray and water vapor is readily apparent and actually recirculates 180° in the change of direction, directly into the large cockpit area. As should be apparent, having the cockpit area drenched with backspray can create significant problems and require substantial cleaning and maintenance of the cockpit area and anything in the cockpit, as well as is extremely undesirable and annoying to the vessel passengers an owner. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the pressure region  10  developed behind a large yacht  12  having an extended hardtop  16  adapted with a superstructure incorporated backspray mitigation spoiler, generally referenced as  20 , in accordance with the present invention. This low-pressure region is illustrated using pressure gradient lines, with decreasing pressure regions illustrated as L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  (wherein L 4  indicates the lowest of the low-pressure regions), and further illustrates a higher pressure region illustrated H 1  and H 2  (wherein H 2  is the highest of the high pressure regions).  FIG. 2B  illustrates the resulting backspray airflow, referenced by the flow arrows, generated by the low-pressure regions. Also depicted is an airflow stream, referenced as S 1 , which is diverted into or directly behind the cockpit by the superstructure incorporated backspray mitigation spoiler  20  thereby disrupting the airstreams as shown in  FIG. 2B  such that backspray is prevented from entering the cockpit area. Accordingly, reversed airflow within the low-pressure region is broken up, interfered with, and prevented by higher velocity air which is scooped and/or redirected into the cockpit area. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional centerline side profile view of the pressure region  10  developed behind a large yacht  12  without an extended hardtop but adapted with a superstructure incorporated backspray mitigation spoiler, generally referenced as  20 , in accordance with the present invention. This low-pressure region is illustrated using pressure gradient lines, with decreasing pressure regions illustrated as L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , and L 4  (wherein L 4  indicates the lowest of the low-pressure regions), and further illustrates a higher pressure region illustrated H 1  and H 2  (wherein H 2  is the highest of the high pressure regions).  FIG. 3B  illustrates the resulting backspray airflow, referenced by the flow arrows, generated by the low-pressure regions. Also depicted is an airflow stream, referenced as S 1 , which is diverted into or directly behind the cockpit by the superstructure incorporated backspray mitigation spoiler  20  thereby disrupting the airstreams as shown in  FIG. 3B  such that backspray is prevented from entering the cockpit area. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 4-11  illustrate a superstructure-incorporated backspray mitigation spoiler, generally referenced as  20 , in accordance with the present invention integrally installed on the yacht. Spoiler  20  may be fabricated from any suitable material, including without limitation, fiberglass, carbon composite, or marine grade aluminum. Spoiler  20  is positioned about the hardtop  12 A of vessel  12  to capture air flowing across the top of the superstructure and redirect that air into or directly aft of the cockpit/salon area. Spoiler  20  preferably includes opposing left and right side structural members, referenced as  22 , and a spoiler arch structure  24  extending between the left and right side structural members  22 . Structural members  22  function as arch supporting pillars for spoiler arch  24 , and are preferably securely mounted at the right/starboard and left/port edges of the hardtop. The left and right side structural members  22  have bottom surfaces shaped for mating mounted engagement with the hardtop  12 A of vessel  12  as best seen in  FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 . The spoiler arch structure may further include a center mount  26  projecting downward from spoiler arch  24 . Center mount  26  further includes a bottom surface shaped for mating engagement with the hardtop  12 A of vessel  12  as best illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The rear end of spoiler  20  preferably overhangs the cockpit area of the vessel. This may be accomplished by simple cantilevered extension of the rear end, or by formation of a cutout in the hardtop structure as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0051]    When operatively mounted, a pair of air ducting channels, referenced as  28  are formed. Each channel  28  is bounded at the bottom by the vessel hardtop  12 A, bounded at the top by the underside  25  of the spoiler arch  24 , bounded on one side by the inner surface of one of the side structural members  22 , and bounded on the other side by an outer surface of center mount  26 . Spoiler arch  24  includes a leading edge  24 A, and a rearwardly and downwardly curved surface terminating in a trailing edge  24 B. It is important that there exists a sufficient separation between leading edge  24 A and trailing edge  24 B to prevent sunlight from directly entering the cockpit area through spoiler structure  20 . As should now be apparent, when the vessel  12  is underway, superstructure integrated spoiler  20  functions to collect and divert air flowing across the top of the vessel into, or immediately aft of the cockpit area. In particular, air flow enters the air ducting channels  28  at an inlet disposed at the leading edge  24 A under spoiler arch  24  of spoiler  20 , whereby the air is ducted rearward and downward by the curved inner surface defined aft of the spoiler arch until discharged through an outlet disposed at the trailing edge  24 B. The discharge angle is preferably between approximately 45° to 75° below the horizontal to best disrupt the low-pressure region and associated backspray that would otherwise develop in the cockpit area. 
         [0052]    A further significant aspect of the present invention relates to the use of variable air ducting channel geometry to maximize backspray mitigation. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, superstructure integrated spoiler  20  incorporates air ducting channels  28  having cross-sectional areas that reduce in area from the leading edge  24 A to the trailing edge  24 B. This aspect of the invention involves several specific structural elements. First, the vertical dimensions (i.e. height) of air ducting channels  28  reduce from the leading edge  24 A to the trailing edge  24 B. Since the vessel hardtop  12 A is relatively horizontally planar, this reduction is achieved by providing the underside surface  25  of spoiler arch  20  with a downward slope such that the distance between the vessel hardtop  12 A and surface  25  reduces from that realized at the leading edge  24 A.  FIG. 13  illustrates this vertical dimensional reduction, with the vertical dimension of H 1  depicted at the leading edge and a reduced vertical dimension of H 2  depicted aft of the leading edges. This dimensional reduction creates a variable air channel ducting geometry that functions to increase the velocity of the air as it moves through the spoiler structure. 
         [0053]    Another significant aspect relating to variable air channel ducting geometry involves reducing the width of the air channel rearward of the leading edge. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the spacing between various side surfaces of superstructure integrated spoiler  20  are configured to reduce in dimension from maximum dimensions disposed at the forward end to minimum dimensions disposed aft of the forward end. A first horizontal or lateral dimensional reduction is achieved at the extreme front end left and right side structural members  22 , wherein a beveled tip  23 , best seen in  FIGS. 8 and 13-15 and 18 , functions to funnel air inward wherein the dimensional reduction increases air flow velocity to achieve maximum effect upon discharge. A second horizontal dimensional reduction is achieved within the air ducting channels  28 . As noted above, each air ducting channel  28  is bounded at the bottom by the vessel hardtop  12 A, bounded at the top by the underside  25  of the spoiler arch  24 , bounded on one side by the inner surface of one of the side structural members  22 , and bounded on the other side by an outer surface of center mount  26 . Center mount  26  includes a front surface  26 A, side surfaces  26 B, a rear surface  26 C, and a bottom surface  26 D. 
         [0054]    Surfaces  26 A-C may be generally characterized as being trapezoidally shaped with the narrow ends thereof intersecting bottom surface  26 D. As a result of this geometry, the side surfaces  26 B of center mount  26  are generally laterally inclined toward side structural members  22  when viewed in the direction of air flow (e.g. from leading edge to trailing edge) thereby defining a narrowing air channel geometry which further functions to increase air flow velocity. 
         [0055]    Yet another significant aspect of the present invention involves providing a superstructure-integrated spoiler system  20  for mitigating backspray wherein the integration of the spoiler and superstructure further allows for the mounting of marine hardware such as radar equipment and systems, horns, lights, antenna as illustrated in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . In accordance with this aspect, superstructure integrated spoiler  20  is fabricated as a double wall structure, having upper and lower structure members referenced as  21 A and  21 B, as best seen in the exploded view of  FIG. 16 . Upper and lower structures  21 A and  21 B are configured for nested mating attachment wherein interior space is defined between portions thereon for allowing access and cable and wire routing space. Fabricating spoiler  20  as a double wall structure allows for providing spacing between adjacent surfaces and access openings to allow for installation of fasteners, mounting hardware, and the running of wire and cables. Spoiler  20 , and particularly side structural members  22 , arch  24 , and center mount  36  may further be provided with specially configured and/or hardened mounting locations, each referenced as  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Mounting locations  30  may comprise cut-out openings, pre-drilled holes, or reinforced areas to support additional loads.  FIG. 20  illustrates the mounting of radar equipment  31 , antenna  32 ,  34 , and  36 , horns  37  and lights  38 .  FIG. 21  illustrates an alternate configuration of mounted marine systems and hardware. To facilitate the mounting of such equipment, spoiler  20  defines a plurality of access openings within the interior and/or under side of the apparatus. For example,  FIGS. 5, 10, 16, 17 and 18  illustrate access openings formed in lower spoiler structure member  21 B which provides access to the space defined between upper and lower structure members  21 A and  21 B, and which are preferably generally aligned with mounting locations  30  found on upper structure  21 A. Similarly, access openings, referenced as  42  are defined in side structural members  22  as seen in  FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 10, 16, and 17 . In addition, one or more access openings  44  may be formed in the bottom surface of each of side structural members  22  for routing of wires and cable from spoiler  20  to the vessel  12 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 22-24  illustrate a vessel hardtop  12 A adapted with a mechanically actuated pivotally openable and closeable panel or flap, referenced as  50  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Flap  50  is disposed within a cutout  12 B defined in hardtop  12 A, and is configurable between a closed configuration as seen in  FIG. 22 , and an open configuration as seen in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Flap  50  may extend substantially fully across the hardtop as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , or alternatively may extend only partially and/or may comprise two flap disposed on either side of center mount  26 . Flap  50  may be actuated by any suitable means, including electric or hydraulic actuation. By adapting the superstructure integrated spoiler system  20  with a mechanically actuated flap  50 , provides an additional operating mode. More particularly, with flap  50  in the closed position as shown in  FIG. 22 , the spoiler system operates as disclosed above. With flap  50  in the open configuration, however, an air stream may be diverted into a different, more forward, location within the cockpit through the opening  12 B formed in hardtop  12 A as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . Control of flap  50  may include automatic control means for opening and/or closing flap  50  based on vessel speed, or weather (e.g. rain or temperature), in addition to manual actuation. Complementary designs for water tracks and drains prevent rainfall and spray from flowing through the opening of the spoiler and into the cockpit area. This creates additional protection against undesirable elements penetrating into the cockpit area in the vessel is at rest, but does not inhibit the instant mitigation system when the vessel is underway. 
         [0057]    While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosures. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof.