Patent EP-1866199-A1 (EP)
Inventor: PAYNE TREVOR WILLIAM
IPC: B63B1/00
Filed: 2006-03-22
Abstract: The disclosed is for a specifically designed ski structure to support a vessel's hull above the water surface while the vessel is underway so that the hull encounters minimal or no resistance from the water, the viscosity of which is 800 times greater than air. The skis, which may number more than two per vessel, are arranged in parallel to the vessel's direction of travel and support the hull from beneath via stanchions that may be of a fixed nature or capable of lifting and lowering the hull relative to the ski structures' planing position on the water surface. The skis would normally be positioned to the sides of the hull's beam to impart maximum stability to the vessel. The ski structures are designed to have multiple functions: a.) to enable sea vessels to travel at very much higher speeds than conventional designs afford; b.) To provide a lightweight, rigid structure that is able to be reinforced within itself; c.) Through their design shape and internal reinforcing to be able to bear considerable weight imposed by the vessel and its cargo; d.) To enclose air (or other friction reducing agents) in entrapment zones between the underside of the skis and the water surface; e.) To provide directional stability to the vessel through the structures' design elements; f.) To contribute wave piercing attributes through the structures' design elements; g.) To enable the ski structures to shed water readily due to the structures' design elements; h.) To provide watertight housing within the structures' for fuel and/or cargo storage and for housing the vessel's motors and drive trains (larger vessels). The ski structures may be made from any suitable metals, timber, plastics or composites thereof. Each ski structure generally consists of two complementary ski surfaces (with upward curves at their leading or entry points). The main ski surface (1 ) has a pair of assist skis or 'glides' (2) that are arranged on either side of the main ski surface (1 ). These elements are attached to and supported by the ski structure's main assembly, a longitudinal shell (3), which may or may not contain reinforcing (4) within its watertight housing (6) that may also be utilised to house fuel and the vessel's engines and drive train components on larger scale vessels. The longitudinal shell (3), front-on in cross section, has the shape of an inverted 'U' the ends or edges (5) of which impart a keel-like activity to the ski structures to provide directional stability and prevent yawing. The edges (5) also provide an air entrapment zone (7) between them and the underside of the main ski surface (1 ) and the water surface where air, or any friction reducing agent, may be induced into the zone to provide a friction relieving interface between the water surface and ski undersides. The assist skis (2) are attached to the assembly at a lower level than the main ski surface (1 ) and become the main contact with the water surface at speed, allowing a cushion of air to be provided in the entrapment zone (7) for the main ski surface (1 ). The assist skis may also be designed to provide an air entrapment zone of their own by having a downward lip on their outer extremities running the length of the skis.