Devices and methods for reducing watercraft drag

Abstract

This disclosure includes watercrafts comprising a body including a hull and a deck, and a means for transferring ambient air under said deck, namely holes and / or a pump. Also disclosed herein are methods of reducing drag on a watercraft comprising : forming a craft having a deck and a hull; and providing means for transferring air under said deck.

Description

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REDUCING WATERCRAFT DRAGRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App . No. 63 / 518,087, entitled "Devices and Methods for Reducing Watercraft Drag" and filed on August 7, 2023, the entire description, claims, and drawings of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREField of the Disclosure

[0002] This disclosure is directed generally toward watercrafts, such as boats, surfboards, jet skis, and the like. More specifically, this disclosure is directed toward reducing the drag associated with the water-watercraft interface. Even more specifically, this disclosure is directed to introducing air between the watercraft and the water to reduce drag.Description of the Related Art

[0003] When a watercraft floats in water with no velocity, much of its hull (or its bottom) contacts the water. Upon acceleration, the craft experiences drag, as a result of the interface between the hull and the water. As the craft "planes up," i.e. a portion of the hull previously in contact with the water is lifted out of the water, the drag associated with the friction between craft and water is reduced. In some watercrafts, such as some boats, tabs are utilized to further lift the hull out of the water.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a prior art watercraft 100 utilizing tabs for raising the hull out of the water, such as that offered by Hallett® Boats of Arizona. The tabs of the prior art watercraft100 comprise two adj ustable steel planes that mount to the transom on the rear of the prior art watercraft 100 . When adj usted to contact the water, the water exerts a force on the tabs , thereby creating an upward pressure that li fts the hull of the prior art watercraft 100 . In doing so , the surface area of the water-hull interface is reduced, and the prior art watercraft 100 can achieve a greater velocity .

[0005] Smaller waves following a relatively larger set of waves tend to become aerated or " foamy . " Surfboard users have come to reali ze that these foamy waves enable the board to travel more quickly through the water, due to a layer of air between the surfboard and the water that reduces drag . Similarly, studies of penguins have revealed that , before diving underwater, the birds fluf f up their feathers to trap air . When swimming, penguins release the trapped air, thereby reducing drag due to the surrounding air layer, and enabling them to swim at increased velocity .SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] This disclosure includes watercrafts comprising a body including a hull and a deck; and a means for trans ferring ambient air under said deck . Also disclosed herein are methods of reducing drag on a watercraft comprising : forming a craft having a deck and a hull ; and providing means for trans ferring air under said deck .

[0007] This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood . Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below . It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utili zed as a basisfor modi fying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present di sclosure . It should also be reali zed by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims . The novel features , which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure , both as to its organi zation and method of operation, together with further features and advantages , will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures . It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conj unction with the accompanying drawings . Where possible , the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features , elements , components or portions of the inventive embodiments . It is intended that changes and modi fications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments described herein as defined by the claims .

[0009] FIG . 1 is a photograph of a prior art watercraft 100 , such as that available from Hallett® Boats of Arizona;

[0010] FIG . 2 shows a translucent right side view of a watercraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure ;

[0011] FIG. 3 shows a translucent top front right perspective view of the watercraft of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 4 shows a translucent bottom view of the watercraft of FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a translucent front view of the watercraft of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a translucent back view of the watercraft of FIG. 2;

[0015] FIG. 7 shows a translucent top view of the watercraft of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a watercraft according to the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a watercraft according to the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGs. 10A-10C show various views of another embodiment of a watercraft according to the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a side view of another embodiment of a watercraft according to the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIGs. 12A-12B show detailed views of the variations of holes that may be utilized in watercrafts according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0021] The present disclosure relates to devices configured for and methods of reducing drag on watercrafts. Watercrafts described herein generally include one or more holes or tube formed through from a deck to a hull. The holes permit ambient air to flow from the deck to the underside of the watercraft,thereby forming a layer of air between the watercraft and the water, and thus reducing drag. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the holes are angled relative to the axis normal to the deck or top of the craft.

[0022] Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "invention," "device," "method," "disclosure," "present invention," "present device," "present method," or "present disclosure" refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature (s) of the "invention," "device," "method," "disclosure," "present invention," "present device," "present method, " or "present disclosure" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature (s) .

[0023] It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being "on" or "adjacent" to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being "attached, " "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly attached, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly attached, " "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0024] Relative terms such as "outer," "above," "lower," "below," "horizontal," "vertical" and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0025] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," and similar terms, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0027] Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Like elements among embodiments are referenced herein with the same reference numerals, except where differences are articulated.

[0028] It is understood that while the present application is written using the terms "watercraft," "surfboard," and "boat" and with watersports and nautical activities generally in mind, the devices, methods, and concepts herein could be applied to fields other than watersports and nautical activities, as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0029] FIGs. 2-7 show various views of an embodiment of a watercraft 200 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows this embodiment floating on water 214. The watercraft 200 has a deck 202, a hull 204, and holes 208 formed from the deck 202 to the hull 204. In some embodiments, the watercraft 200 may also have fins (not pictured in FIGs. 2-7) . It is understood that some watercrafts do not contain fins. While the watercraft 200 as shown in FIG. 2 is a surfboard, it is understood that other watercraft, such as— for example— boats and jet skis, may make use of the concepts described herein. Shown is a simple surfboard, but it also understood that watercraft with additional features, such as fins, hydrofoils, etc., may make use of the concepts described herein. Further, while 26 holes 208 are shown in FIGs. 3-7, it is understood that more or less holes 208 are possible such as, for example, 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, and so on. It is understood that these are exemplary in nature and do not limit this disclosure.

[0030] It is understood that the number of holes 208 and the diameter of the holes 208 depend on the size of the watercraft 200. Larger watercrafts generally may benefit from more andlarger holes. In a surfboard embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the holes may range from 0.01 inches to 1 inch. However, the holes for a larger or heavier surfboards may have diameters that are greater than 1 inch and up to several inches. Furthermore, it is understood that, some embodiments with more than one hole may have different diameters among the holes .

[0031] The holes 208 enable ambient air to flow from the deck 202 down to the hull 204, thereby creating a layer of air between the hull 204 and the water 214 in which the watercraft 200 ordinarily floats. When the watercraft 200 is at rest and mostly submerged under the water 214, the holes 208 will be mostly water-filled. However, once the watercraft 200 is moving (e.g., much of the surface area above the water 214) , the water 214 rushing underneath the hull 204 will create a vacuum that draws air from the deck 202 to under the hull 2024 through the holes 208. This layer of air reduces the total surface area of the hull 204 that contacts the water 214, in turn reducing drag and allowing for greater velocity utilizing the same amount of energy. The arrows 210a, 210b illustrate the direction of ambient airflow from the deck 202 to the hull 204 of the watercraft 200.

[0032] It is understood that, while the holes 208 pictured in FIG. 2 are shown towards the rear of the watercraft 200, the holes 208 may be formed on other positions on the watercraft 200. For instance, the holes 208 may be formed towards the middle of the watercraft 200. Or the holes 208 may be formed throughout the watercraft 200. It is understood that other positions are possible. For example, in FIG. 11, the embodiment shown has holes distributed throughout the watercraft 900.

[0033] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the holes 208 are angled relative to the axis normalto the deck 202. This axis is shown in FIG. 2 as an arrow 212. In such embodiments, air is encouraged to flow down through the holes 208 as the watercraft 200 is propelled through the water. It is understood that the holes 208 may be formed in many angles relative to the deck 202, such as between 1 and 90 degrees, 10 and 80 degrees, 20 and 70 degrees, 30 and 60 degrees, and 40 and 50 degrees. It is understood that these ranges are exemplary in nature and do not limit this disclosure. In a specific embodiment, the holes 208 are formed at an angle 45 degrees relative to the axis normal to the deck 202. It is also understood that, in some embodiments, different holes may have different angles relative to the deck 202.

[0034] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, air is actively transferred under the body of the watercraft, such as under the hull or under a hydrofoil or through hydrofoils located under the watercraft's hull, such as by a pump. The pump may be battery powered, but other sources of power are possible, such as solar.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a watercraft 800 according to the present disclosure. Like the watercraft 200 shown in FIGS. 2-7, the watercraft 800 shown in FIG. 8 contains a deck 802 (not pictured) , which may be the same as or similar to the deck 202; and a hull 804, which may be the same as or similar to the hull 204. The watercraft 800 further contains hole markers 808, which indicate where holes— which may be the same as or similar to the holes 208— would be formed. While 16 hole markers 808 are shown in FIG. 8, it is understood that other numbers of hole markers are contemplated in this disclosure such as, for example, between 1 and 30, 5 and 25, 10 and 20, and 12 and 17. One of skill in the art would understand that these ranges are purely exemplary in nature and do not limit this disclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the watercraft 800 contains fin slots 806, in which fins (not pictured) can be fastened to the watercraft 800. While five fin slots 806 are depicted in FIG. 8, it is understood that more or less fin slots 806 are possible such as, for example, one or more, two or more, three or more, and four or more. It is further understood that these ranges are exemplary in nature and not intended to limit this disclosure. Moreover, it is understood that some watercraft 800 do not contain fin slots 806, and instead may either be outfitted with permanent fins or no fins at all.

[0037] FIGs. 9-10C show another embodiment of a watercraft 900 according to the present disclosure. Like the watercraft 200, the watercraft 900 contains a deck 902, which may be the same as or similar to the deck 202, 802; a hull 904, which may be the same as or similar to the hull 204, 804; fins 906 (shown in FIG. 10A) ; and holes 908, which may be the same as holes 208.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 10A, in some embodiments according to the present disclosure, a portion 910 of the hull 904 is concave to create an air-water interface zone. In such embodiments, the concave portion 910 traps air beneath the hull 904. To prevent instability, the concave portion 910 does not extend across the entire width of the watercraft 900, and thus, at least the edges of the hull 904 maintain contact with the water when the watercraft 900 is in use.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 12A, some watercraft 900a according the present disclosure have holes 908a are about or the same diameter throughout starting at the deck 902a and through to the hull 904a. In other embodiments 900b, as shown in FIG. 12B, the holes 908b are larger in diameter on the hull 904b relative to their respective diameters on the deck 902b.

[0040] The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept . It is therefore contemplated that various modi fications of the disclosed embodiments will without departing from the inventive spirit and scope be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art . They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described . Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings , and it is not intended that the inventive scope be limited by this speci fication, but rather by the claims following herein .

[0041] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof , other versions are possible . Embodiments o f the present disclosure can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures , and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed . Therefore , the spirit and scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the versions described above . Moreover, it is contemplated that combinations of features , elements , and steps from the appended claims may be combined with one another as i f the claims had been written in multiple dependent form and depended from all prior claims . Combination o f the various devices , components , and steps described above and in the appended claims are within the scope of this disclosure . The foregoing is intended to cover all modi fications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure .

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A watercraft, comprising: a body including a hull and a deck; and a means for transferring air from said deck to under said hull .

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein said means for transferring air comprises at least one hole formed through said body from said deck to said hull.

3. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein said at least one hole is formed at an angle relative to said deck.

4. The watercraft of claim 3, wherein said angle relative to said deck is between 1 to 90 degrees.

5. The watercraft of claim 4, wherein said angle relative to said deck is 45 degrees.

6. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein an area surrounding said at least one hole on said hull is an air-water interface zone and said zone is concave.

7. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein said at least one hole is formed between a middle and a back end of said watercraft.

8. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein said at least one hole is the same diameter from said desk to said hull.

9. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein said at least one hole has a larger diameter at said hull than at said deck.

10. The watercraft of claim 2, wherein said at least one hole has a diameter between 0.10 inches to 1 inch.

11. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein said means for transferring air comprises a pump.

12. The watercraft of claim 11, further comprising at least one hydrofoil under said hull, wherein said pump is configured to transfer air under or through at least one of said at least one hydrofoil.

13. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a surfboard .

14. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein said watercraft is a boat .

15. A method for reducing water drag on a surfboard: shaping said surfboard to a desired size and shape, wherein said surfboard includes a deck and a hull; drilling at least one hole through said surfboard from said deck to said hull, wherein said at least one hole allows air to pass through from said deck to under said hull.

16. The method for reducing water drag on a surfboard of claim 15, wherein said surfboard further comprises at least one hole marker on said deck and at least one hole marker on said hull so as to designate where said drilling should occur.

17. The method for reducing water drag on a surfboard of claim 15, wherein said at least one hole is formed at an angle relative to said deck.18 . The method for reducing water drag on a surfboard of claim 15 , further including shaping said surfboard with a concave area on said hull surrounding said at least one hole .

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