WAVE FORCE ABSORBING DEVICE

• US 3,804,049 A
• Filed: 02/12/1973
• Issued: 04/16/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Richard R. Greer
• Original Assignee: Richard R. Greer
• Inventors: Greer, Richard R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Blix, Trygve M.
• Application Number:
  US05/331,848
• Time in Patent Office: 428 Days
• Field of Search: 114/66.5R,66.5H,67R,141,67A,140 9/6
• US Class Current: 114/67.00A
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 1/40 by diminishing wave resistance
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 39/10 to decrease vessel movements by damping the waves, e.g. by pouring oil on water
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 70/10 Measures concerning design or construction of watercraft hulls

Abstract

Apparatus is disclosed for protecting lateral sides of waterborne vessels against wave damage. In particular, the present invention is directed to vessels generating lift through aerodynamic interactions and which vessels may employ a plurality of depending lateral sides. Each of the lateral side includes a deformable member disposed at its lower extremity. The deformable member includes three selectively pressurized deformable compartments positioned adjacent one another and generally longitudinally oriented with respect to a lateral side. The force of lateral wave action, striking the deformable member, is absorbed by the deformable member without transmitting the full effect of the force to the respective lateral sides. Pressure sensors are associated with each of the compartments and provide an indication of the magnitude of the striking wave force, which magnitude is a factor in establishing the maximum safe speed of the vessel.

Claims

1. An aerodynamically supported craft operating over water and having a lift generating member with lateral sides depending therefrom, said craft comprising:

A. a first pressurized resilient compartment extending downwardly from the lower extremity of each of said lateral sides for absorbing the impact of waves striking said craft in proximity to said lower extremity;

B. a second pressurized resilient compartment extending downwardly from the lower extremity of each of said lateral sides for absorbing the impact of waves striking said craft in proximity to said lower extremity, said second compartment being attached to said first compartment to form a downwardly directed V and defining a downward extension of the corresponding one of said lateral sides;

C. a third pressurized compartment adjacent each said lower extremity of each of said lateral sides and defined by the corresponding ones of said first and second compartments; and

D. pressure regulation means for selectively varying the impact absorbing capability of said first and second compartments by varying the pressure within each of said first, second and third compartments;

whereby, said first and second compartments will deflect laterally in proportion to the pressure within said first, second and third compartments to absorb and dissipate the impact force of the waves and minimize the force translated to said lift generating member.

2. first wall means disposed intermediate adjacent ones of said plurality of individual compartments for forming a panel extension of one side of each of said lateral sides;

and, wherein B. said second copartment includes;

3. The craft as set forth in claim 2 wherein said third compartment comprises a fluid inflatable compartment disposed intermediate said first and second compartments.

4. The craft as set forth in claim 3 wherein said pressure regulation means comprises:

A. a source of compressed fluid;

B. valve means for regulating the flow of fluid to said first, second and third compartments; and

C. recording means for indicating variations in pressure in each of said first, second and third compartments;

whereby, the fluid pressure within each saId first, second and third compartments can be maintained and pressure variations due to wave impacts can be recorded.

5. The craft as set forth in claim 3 wherein A. said first compartment includes:

6. The craft as set forth in claim 1 including a pair of hinged plates adjacent each of said first and second absorbing means.

7. The craft as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of said pair of hinged plates comprises:

A. a first plate slidably secured to the respective one of said first and second lateral sides; and

B. a second plate pivotally secured to the respective one of said first and second lateral side.

8. The craft as set forth in claim 7 further including individual bias means for urging each said pair of hinged plates adjacent respective ones of said first and second absorbing means.

9. The craft as set forth in claim 1 including a keel secured to said first and second absorbing means;

whereby, said keel in combination with said first and second absorbing means forms a downward extension of each of said lateral sides.

10. The craft as set forth in claim 1 wherein a plurality of sets of said first, second and third compartments are disposed along each of said lateral sides to localize the effect of the impact force of the waves.