Watercraft
US4981099A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B32/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The improved watercraft comprises an underwater pod or pods, that support a pecentage of the displacement of the watercraft at rest. The percentage of displacement produced by the pods could vary widely based upon the purposes of the watercraft and its intended range of uses, i.e., speed, water conditions, cargo, length, etc. The improved watercraft is also comprised of one or more hulls at the surface, which when at rest, displace most of the remainder of the watercraft's total weight. The rest of the watercraft's displacement, normally a small percentage, is comprised of hydrofoils, or wings, and these provide lift for the watercraft when under way. These hydrofoils or wings would normally be designed to be sufficient in area and dynamic lift to raise the surface hull clear of the water's effects, if that was desirable for the intended purpose.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.