Shallow draft boat with a tri-tunnel hull
US7448927B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H5/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shallow draft boat has a hull that protects a propulsion propeller within a tunnel that passes only partially through the hull from stem to bow. The hull causes mixing of water and air at high pressure during motion of the boat through the water, creating lift and a pressure gradient that keeps the tunnel filled. The boat prevents propulsion unit malfunction by keeping obstacles, such as debris, crab pots and mammals such as manatees from contact with the propeller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.