Inflatable hull structure and method of forming an inflatable boat hull

Abstract

An inflatable boat includes a bottom structure made up of two or more inflated bottom tubes. Each bottom tube extends along the longitudinal axis of the boat from the stern end of the boat to the bow end of the boat. The bottom tubes are arranged side-by-side along at least a portion of their length, and when in an inflated condition, may directly provide a portion of the hull surface for the boat or at least support further components which provide portions of the hull surface. A front end of preferably each bottom tube is raised vertically relative to a back end of the respective bottom tube at the stern of the boat, and the relative size and / or position of the bottom tubes may be selected to define a desirable hull profile for the boat such as a V-shaped hull profile.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The Applicant claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 732,792 filed Dec. 3, 2012, and entitled “Inflatable Hull Structure and Method of Forming an Inflatable Boat Hull.” The entire content of this provisional application is incorporated herein by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to inflatable boats, and, more particularly, to an inflatable boat having an inflatable hull structure providing a desirable hydrodynamic shape. The invention also encompasses methods for forming an inflatable boat hull.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Inflatable boats find application in a wide variety of situations. Inflatable boats may be used as utility runabouts for large vessels, as fishing boats, and as military landing or boarding craft. Despite their many desirable characteristics, prior inflatable boats have certain negative characteristics which reduce th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an inflatable boat without a rigid frame or covering. The boat has a desirable hull shape achieved by using inflatable tubes. The boat has a peripheral tube structure with right and left side tubes that meet at the bow end of the boat to define the hull. It also has bottom tubes that extend along the longitudinal axis of the boat and are positioned side-by-side along at least a portion of their length. The front end of each bottom tube is raised vertically relative to the back end. The technical effects of the invention provide a hull shape that is inflated without the need for a frame or covering, and a more efficient and stable inflation process.

Problems solved by technology

Despite their many desirable characteristics, prior inflatable boats have certain negative characteristics which reduce their usefulness.

One undesirable characteristic of prior inflatable boats is that they provide a relatively unstable and low performance hull structure.

However, employing rigid hull material has the disadvantage of negating some of the benefits of inflatable boats, in particular, light weight and portability.

These designs tend to be complex and relatively difficult to set up and break down.

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