Steerable keel
US4703708A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1985 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2041/006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steerable keel (10) comprising, in a first embodiment, a stationary section (12) and a rotatable section (14) and in a second embodiment, a stationary section (30) and two rotatable sections (32) (34). In either embodiment, the steerable keel (10) is designed with an aerodynamic fin cross-section and extends downwardly in a vertical direction from the hull of a sail boat (50). The rotatable sections (12) or (32) (34) are in indpendently controlled by a tiller(s) located above the boat deck. The keel (10) in operation is fixed. However, a means is provided to retract the keel to allow the boat to dock and navigate through shallow waters. The steerable keel (10) is designed to equalize the wind force and its below water keel counter force by providing a controlled below water lifting force that is produced by selectively adjusting the arc travel of the rotatable keel(s). Thus, the boat beam is maintained in a relatively horizontal plane which, in turn, allows a greater speed to be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.