Hybrid tubular for boats

Abstract

A hybrid tubular (1) is described, particularly of the "D" section type, having a back portion (11) configured to face a side (101) of a boat (100) and a belly portion (12) configured to at least partially face towards water, the tubular (1) is removably fixable to a side (101) of a boat (100) and comprises at least one inflatable insert (2); a foamed portion (3), configured to surround the inflatable insert (2), the foamed portion (3) has at least one main cavity (30), adapted to house the inflatable insert (2); the main cavity (30) has a trianguloid-shaped section, defined by three ends (P1, P2, P3) and three curved tracts (C1, C2, C3) connecting said three ends (P1, P2, P3); a waterproof cover (4) with an anti-slip finish surrounding the foamed portion (3).

Description

[0001] HYBRID TUBULAR FOR BOATS

[0002] The present invention relates to a hybrid tubular, i . e . , a tubular having a foamed portion surrounding one or more pneumatic inserts , arranged in the foamed section . The present invention further relates to a boat comprising such hybrid tubular .

[0003] It is known that existing rigid-hull boats are divided into two main categories , i . e . those in which buoyancy is ensured exclusively by the hull and those in which it can be assisted by a tubular applied in various ways to the hull itsel f .

[0004] The tubulars , in turn, can be divided into several categories .

[0005] A first category is that of inflatable tubulars , al so referred to as pneumatic type , in which the case of the tubular is filled with air that, once pressuri zed, reaches its final shape with a circular section .

[0006] A second category is that of the so-called rigid tubulars . However, "rigid tubular" does not mean that it is undeformable , but rather that the shape of the section at rest is given by the presence of a material therein, which is usually of the closed-cell sponge type and possesses speci fic elastic features , so as to make it still defo rmab 1 e .

[0007] A third category of tubulars , which is becoming increasingly widespread as it combines the advantages o f the two types described while limiting their drawbacks , is that of the so-called hybrid tubulars .

[0008] All existing types of tubulars perform the function, when in contact with water, of increasing the buoyancy of the hull , reducing its immersion compared to one without it , and that of a fender, useful for protecting the rigid hull from possible damage both during docking and mooring .

[0009] The main advantage of the pneumatic-type tubulars over rigid tubulars is , if positioned correctly relative to buoyancy, to have high elastic properties , allowing them to exchange energy with water during motion and achieve both a damping ef fect and energy restitution at the same time . Pneumatic-type tubulars are also lighter than rigid tubulars , helping to l imit the weight increase compared to a hull without them . The main drawback i s that they are easily puncturable , and a deflated tubular loses all its advantageous features , also becoming dangerous for navigation . In order to limit damage caused by deflation, pneumatic tubulars are normally divided into a plurality of separate chambers .

[0010] The main advantage of rigid-type tubulars over inflatable tubulars is that they are much more robust and maintain their properties substantially unchanged even in the presence of damage . The main drawbacks o f rigid-type tubulars are that they are not as ef fective as inflatable tubulars in damping the ef fect of wave motion or navigation, resulting in greater stress on the crew and passengers , and, ultimately, that they are signi ficantly heavier compared to an inflatable tubular with the same characteristics ( section and length) . Another feature that allows tubulars to be classi fied is the shape of the cross-section, which can be essentially divided into two classes : circular or D-shaped .

[0011] The circular section is the only possible one for pneumatic-type tubulars , while rigid tubulars can adopt various section types . A tubular having a "D" section, in which the substantially flat vertical surface i s coupled with the hull side , could be applied to an existing rigid hull even afterward . Instead, a tubular with a circular section requires a hull originally having concave surfaces , having the necessary curvature . Such coupling surfaces are , in some cases , formed in the j unction zone between the hull and the deck . Approximately hal f of the circular section of the tubular extends towards the inside of the boat , subtracting the available space in the cockpit .

[0012] In other cases , however, the tubular seat is formed in the vertical sides of the boat and proj ects inside the hull for at least the vertical hal f of its own circular section . The tubular, therefore, not only subtracts space to all the internal compartments placed at its longitudinal development but also prevents accessories and components to be f ixed to the internal wall due to its curved shape .

[0013] In both cases , the part of the pneumatic tubular that extends inward and does not contact water does not substantially contribute to improve buoyancy, stability, or the ability to dampen wave motion during navigation . The obj ect of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of known solutions , and in particular, to ideate a hybrid tubular that allows to maximi ze the available space inside the hull , improving both static and dynamic stability by implementing elasticity and optimi zing the deformability of the tubular itsel f .

[0014] A further obj ect of the present invention is to provide a hybrid tubular that is durable over time . These and other obj ects , according to the present invention, are achieved through a tubular having the features set forth in claim 1 and a boat comprising such tubular as set forth in claim 13 .

[0015] Further features of the tubular and the boat comprising such tubular are speci fied in the dependent claims .

[0016] The features and advantages o f a tubular and of the boat comprising such tubular, according to the present invention, will be more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description, referred to the attached schematic drawings , in which :

[0017] - Figure 1 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of a hybrid tubular, according to the present invention, fixed to a boat ;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of a di f ferent embodiment of a hybrid tubular, according to the present invention, fixed to a boat ;

[0019] - Figures 3a-3c show di f ferent embodiments of a hybrid tubular, according to the present invention, in a sectional view;

[0020] - Figures 4a-4c show, in section, the main cavity in the embodiments of Figures 3a-3c, isolated from the rest of the tubular ;

[0021] - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the tubular o f Figure 1 , with the inflatable insert removed from the respective foamed portion .

[0022] With reference to the attached figures , the following describes a hybrid tubular, generally indicated by reference number 1 .

[0023] The tubular 1 is of the "D" section type . In detail , the "D" section, and also the tubular 1 , has a back portion 11 , configured to face a side 101 of a boat 100 , and a belly portion 12 , configured to at least partially face towards water in which the boat 100 is adapted to be immersed .

[0024] Indeed, the tubular 1 i s removably fixable to a side 101 of a boat 100 , as explained below .

[0025] The back portion 11 is substantially flat or otherwise shaped to be complementary to a side 101 of a boat 100 , while the belly portion 12 is at least partially substantially rounded . The upper and lower ends of the back portion 11 define , respectively, an upper edge 111 and a lower edge 112 of the tubular 1 .

[0026] The tubular 1 , in accordance with the present invention, comprises at least one inflatable insert 2 . The inflatable insert 2 extends between two extremities 20 for a predetermined length .

[0027] The inflatable insert 2 , in use , is inflated .

[0028] The inflatable insert 2 has a circular section .

[0029] The tubular 1 comprises a foamed portion 3 , configured to surround the inflatable insert 2 .

[0030] The foamed portion 3 can be made o f an elastic polymeric foam, such as closed-cell polyethylene .

[0031] The foamed portion 3 has at least one main cavity 30 , which is adapted to house the inflatable insert 2 . The main cavity 30 is particularly shaped so as to house the inflatable insert 2 therein, in order to interact with the inflatable insert 2 .

[0032] The tubular 1 comprises a waterproof cover 4 , which surrounds the foamed portion 3 .

[0033] The cover 4 is coupled to the foamed portion 3 . For example , the cover 4 is made of neoprene reinforced with fabric . Optionally, the cover 4 is partially glued to the foamed portion 3 . It should be noted that, in accordance with the present invention, the at least one main cavity 30 has a trianguloid-shaped section. Such trianguloid is particularly defined by three ends Pl, P2, P3 and three curved tracts Cl, C2, C3, connecting the three ends Pl, P2, P3.

[0034] Preferably, the main cavity 30 has a section that is trianguloid-shaped in any plane in which the section is taken, as long as it is orthogonal to the development direction of the main cavity 30.

[0035] Such trianguloid shape allows to optimize the load distribution in the "D" section type tubular 1. The circular shape of the inflatable insert 2, interacting with the related trianguloid-shaped main cavity 30, enhances the elastic performance of the tubular 1 when subjected to water impact, so that the deformation of the tubular 1 is uniform, which is not required in the case of tubulars with a circular-section cavity.

[0036] Indeed, the inflatable insert 2 placed in the main cavity 30, having such trianguloid shape, once inflated, due to physical reasons, tends to assume a circular shape, differently pushing towards the walls of the main cavity 30 in which it is housed, while remaining within the elasticity limits of the material of the foamed portion 3.

[0037] The trianguloid shape allows a preferential load distribution in the external zone of the foamed portion 3, i.e. towards the belly portion 12, rather than in the internal zone of the foamed portion 3, i.e. the back portion 11. In such sense, the inflatable insert 2 tends to involve and distort as little as possible the flattened surface that is against the side 101 of the boat 100.

[0038] The trianguloid-shaped section thus allows the constant pressure deriving from the inflated inflatable insert 2 to be properly compensated, preventing unwanted pressure towards the back portion 11 and improving the durability of the tubular 1.

[0039] Preferably, each main cavity 30 is arranged so that the respective trianguloid is oriented with one end Pl facing towards the back portion 11 and two ends P2, P3 facing towards the belly portion 12.

[0040] In more detail, the trianguloid has three segments SI, S2, S3, each passing through one of the three ends Pl, P2, P3 and the centre W of the trianguloid, until meeting the curved tract C2, C3, Cl opposed to the respective end Pl, P2, P3. Preferably, the segments SI, S2, S3 thus defined differ from each other in length by a maximum of 15% .

[0041] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the tubular 1 comprises at least one secondary cavity 31, formed in the foamed portion 3.

[0042] Preferably, the secondary cavity 31 has dimensions smaller than the main cavity 30.

[0043] More preferably, the secondary cavity 31 has a circular section .

[0044] The secondary cavity 31 is adapted to remain empty. In other words, the secondary cavity 31 is not adapted to house an inflatable insert. Indeed, the secondary cavity 31 has the function of reducing the structure of the tubular 1 being configured as a part of the tubular 1 that lacks foam. Furthermore, the secondary cavity 31 functions as a deformation equalizer.

[0045] In accordance with an embodiment, as shown, for example, in Figure 1 and in Figures 3a and 3b, the tubular 1 comprises only one inflatable insert 2 and, therefore , only one main cavity 30 .

[0046] In accordance with a di f ferent embodiment , as shown, for example , in Figures 2 and 3c, the tubular 1 comprises two inflatable inserts 2 . In accordance with such embodiment , the tubular 1 therefore also comprises two main cavities 30 , formed in the foamed portion 3 , where each main cavity 30 has a trianguloid-shaped section and is adapted to house a respective inflatable insert 2 .

[0047] In accordance with such embodiment , the inflatable inserts 2 are arranged one above the other in the foamed portion 3 . Therefore , preferably, the main cavities 30 are positioned one above the other .

[0048] Preferably, the upperly-placed inflatable insert 2 is larger than the lowerly-placed inflatable insert 2 . Similarly, the main cavities 30 adapted to contain such inflatable inserts 2 will also have di f ferent si zes , and in particular, the upper main cavity 30 will have dimensions larger than the lower main cavity 30 . Alternatively, the inflatable inserts 2 and the respective main cavities 30 can be identical .

[0049] In accordance with both such embodiments , the tubular 1 can comprise a single secondary cavity 31 .

[0050] The tubular 1 can also comprise two secondary cavities 31 , formed in the foamed portion 3 , preferably in the case of a single inflatable insert 2 .

[0051] In accordance with other, less ef ficient embodiments , the tubular 1 can comprise one , two , or more inflatable inserts 2 and related main cavities 30 , but without comprising secondary cavities 31 .

[0052] With reference to Figures 3a-3c, the external profile of the foamed portion 30 can be described by two lengths, i.e. the height H of the back portion 11 and the width L of the belly portion 12, which is the maximum distance between the back portion 11 and the opposite part of the tubular 1 on the belly portion 12.

[0053] In accordance with a first embodiment, such height H and width L are substantially equal, as visible in Figure 3a .

[0054] In accordance with a second embodiment, the height H and width L differ from each other, for example, in a 10-to- 7 ratio.

[0055] In accordance with a third embodiment, the height H is approximately twice the width L.

[0056] Depending on the proportions of the foamed portion 3, the number of inflatable inserts 2 and their respective trianguloid shapes, as well as the position and number of the one or more secondary cavities 31, preferably also vary, as visible in Figures 3a-4c.

[0057] For example, in accordance with the first embodiment, one inflatable insert 2 and at least two secondary cavities 31 are provided. In such case, the two secondary cavities 31 are preferably placed above and below the main cavity 30.

[0058] In accordance with the second embodiment, one inflatable insert 2 and at least one secondary cavity 31 are provided. In such case, the secondary cavity 31 is preferably placed below the main cavity 30.

[0059] In accordance with the third embodiment, two main cavities 30 and at least one secondary cavity 31 are provided. In such case, the secondary cavity 31 is preferably interposed between the two main cavities 30. Preferably, considering the sections of the tubular 1, according to the present invention, the proportion between the section area of the inf latable insert 2 and the section area of the foamed portion 30 is between 35% and 60% .

[0060] Preferably, each inflatable insert 2 comprises a first valve 21 , connectable to an inflation system 103 .

[0061] Preferably, the first valve 21 is a quick-connect valve . The first valve 21 is preferably arranged in an intermediate position of the length of the inflatable insert 2 .

[0062] Still preferably, the foamed portion 3 comprises a channel 32 , adapted to pass a tube 104 from the inflation system 103 . In particular, the first valve 21 is configured to be placed at the channel 32 when the inflatable insert 2 is inserted into the respective main cavity 30 .

[0063] Advantageously, the inflatable insert 2 can be inserted deflated into the main cavity 30 and inflated through the first valve 21 .

[0064] Preferably, the inflatable insert 2 also comprises a safety valve 22 , preferably positioned next to the first valve 21 .

[0065] Optionally, the inflatable insert 2 can be internally divided into multiple inflatable chambers (not visible in the attached figures ) separate from each other . In detail , sealed transverse bulkheads can be provided, without fluid communication between one chamber and the other to ensure the functionality of the tubular 1 even in case of damage to one of the chambers .

[0066] In such case , the inflatable insert 2 can have as many first valves 21 and safety valves 22 as chambers .

[0067] With reference to Figure 5 , preferably, the cover 4 has at least one openable portion 40 , to allow the inflatable insert 2 to be inserted into / removed from the respective main cavity 30 .

[0068] More preferably, the foamed portion 30 has an opening 33 in fluid communication with the main cavity 30 . The opening 33 is placed at the openable portion 40 and allows the inflatable insert 2 to be accessed .

[0069] The tubular 1 optionally also comprises a filling element 6 for each inflatable insert 2 . The filling element 6 i s configured to be arranged between the inflatable insert 2 and the opening 33 to keep the inflatable insert 2 in position in the respective main cavity 30 and to protect it .

[0070] Advantageously, the inflatable insert 2 is easily removable for transport or replacement thereof . Preferably, the inflatable insert 2 comprises a second valve 23 , accessible from the openable portion 40 .

[0071] The second valve 23 is preferably placed at one extremity 20 of the inflatable insert 2 .

[0072] Preferably, such extremity 20 comprises a handle 24 . Advantageously, it is possible to deflate the inflatable insert 2 when it needs to be removed from the foamed portion 3 accessing from the openable portion 40 , in order to easily remove the inflatable insert 2 after deflation .

[0073] The cover 4 can comprise a rubbing strake 41 positioned circumferentially . The rubbing strake 41 can be made for example of rubber or another material capable o f absorbing impacts and protecting the impact surface from wear .

[0074] Still preferably, the tubular 1 comprises a guide 5 for fixing the tubular 1 to a side 101 of a boat 100 . The guide 5 is configured to be introduced into a respective seat 106 placed on a side 101 o f a boat 100 . The guide 5 allows the tubular 1 to be removably fixed to a boat 100 .

[0075] The guide 5 is placed at the back portion 11 . Preferably, the guide 5 is placed on the lower edge 112 , which is the most stressed .

[0076] The upper edge 111 optionally has a flattened shape to be walkable when the tubular 1 i s mounted on the boat 100 .

[0077] Therefore , the cover 4 preferably also has an anti-s lip treatment . Such treatment can be made according to one of the modes known to a person skilled in the art and compatible with the materials used .

[0078] Another obj ect of the present invention is a boat 100 comprising one or more tubulars 1 as described above .

[0079] According to a first embodiment , the boat 100 comprises multiple tubulars 1 , preferably two , one for each side of the boat 100 .

[0080] According to another embodiment , the boat 100 comprises a single tubular 1 .

[0081] The boat 100 comprises at least one side 101 . Each tubular 1 is shaped to be complementary to the side 101 , so as to allow the tubular itsel f 1 to rest against and be fixed to the side 101 .

[0082] In particular, each tubular 1 is removably fixed to the side 101 of the boat 100 . In the case of a single tubular 1 , it extends along both sides 101 of the boat 100 , from the same longitudinal station at the stern until j oining at the bow of the boat 100 . In other words , the single tubular 1 entirely contours the hull except at the stern . The boat 100 comprises one or more internal spaces 102 , such as , for example , a control helm, cabins , storage , and / or service spaces .

[0083] The boat 100 can further comprise at least one inflation system 103 , adapted to connect to a respective first valve 21 and configured to inflate the respective inflatable insert 2 . In particular, the inflation system 103 is accessible from one of the internal spaces 102 .

[0084] The inflation system 103 preferably comprises an air compressor (not illustrated in the attached figures ) . The inflation system 103 further comprises a tube 104 , connected to the compressor and adapted to connect to the first valve 21 .

[0085] Preferably, the tube 104 is a flexible tube provided with an attachment for quick connection to the first valve 21 .

[0086] More preferably, the inflation system 103 is an automatic inflation system .

[0087] Additionally, the inflation system 103 can optionally be configured to monitor the pressure in the inflatable insert 2 , so that it can restore the operating pressure i f it drops below this value for any reason .

[0088] Even more preferably, an inflation system 103 is provided for each inflatable insert 2 present in the tubular 1 . In the case where the tubular 1 comprises two inflatable inserts 2 , preferably, two inflation systems 103 are provided, which are partially independent of each other . Furthermore , i f the inflatable insert 2 has multiple chambers , as reported above , the boat 100 can comprise as many inflation systems 103 as the chambers in each inflatable insert 2 .

[0089] The boat 100 preferably comprises a system for fixing the hybrid tubular 1 . The fixation system preferably comprises at least one seat 106 for each side 101 of the boat 100 . Such seat 106 is adapted to accommodate the guide 5 of the tubular 1 . Each seat 106 can be incorporated in the hull lamination .

[0090] Preferably, the fixation system comprises a seat 106 at the lower edge 112 . Still preferably, the fixation system comprises a plate 108 , fixed to an upper portion of a side 101 of the boat 100 , adapted to fix by bolts the upper edge 111 of the tubular 1 .

[0091] Preferably, the seat 106 is made of a pultruded fiberglass profile , for example , in a "C" or ring shape . More preferably, the seat 106 i s formed in a bracket 107 , on which the tubular 1 is adapted to rest with its lower edge 112 . The fixation system can therefore al so comprise such bracket 107 .

[0092] Advantageously, the bracket 107 allows a structural support of the tubular 1 , bearing part of its weight .

[0093] In order to fix the tubular 1 to the side 101 of the boat 100 , the lower edge 112 of the tubular 1 is slid in the profile or seat 106 through the guide 5 , while the upper edge 111 of the tubular 1 is preferably bolted to the deck with removable stainless-steel screws .

[0094] The advantages of the hybrid tubular, according to the present invention, are listed below : it of fers greater robustness compared to fully inflatable systems ;

[0095] - it of fers a lower weight compared to rigid systems with the same section;

[0096] - it acts as an additional buoyancy / stability volume even in the case of a puncture , allowing a safe navigation; it optimi zes overall hydrodynamic resistance ( especially in calm waters ) compared to fully inflatable systems ;

[0097] - it optimi zes energy recovery in rough waters ;

[0098] - it is fully walkable due to the flattened upper shape and the anti-slip treatment ;

[0099] - it allows the installation of protected valves ;

[0100] - it allows a constant pressure monitoring, capable o f compensating for thermal expansion .

[0101] The present invention has been described, for illustrative but non-limiting purposes , according to its preferred embodiments , illustrated in the attached drawings , but it is to be understood that any variations and / or modi fications that are obvious to a person skilled in the art must be considered included within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined in the attached claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. Hybrid tubular (1) , particularly of the "D" section type, having a back portion (11) configured to face a side (101) of a boat (100) and a belly portion (12) configured to at least partially face towards water, said tubular (1) being removably fixable to a side (101) of a boat (100) and comprising:- at least one inflatable insert (2) having a circular section; a foamed portion (3) configured to surround said inflatable insert (2) , said foamed portion (3) having at least one main cavity (30) adapted to house the inflatable insert (2) ; said main cavity (30) having a trianguloid-shaped section defined by three ends (Pl, P2, P3) and three curved tracts (Cl, C2, C3) connecting said three ends (Pl, P2, P3) ;- a waterproof cover (4) surrounding said foamed portion (3) .

2. Tubular (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each main cavity (30) is arranged so that the respective trianguloid is oriented with one end (Pl) facing towards the back portion (11) and two ends (P2, P3) facing towards the belly portion (12) .

3. Tubular (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trianguloid has three segments (SI, S2, S3) each passing through one of the three ends (Pl, P2, P3) and the centre (W) of the trianguloid until meeting the curved tract (C2, C3, Cl) opposed to the respective end (Pl, P2, P3) ; said segments (SI, S2, S3) differing from each other in length by a maximum of 15%.

4. Tubular (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one secondary cavity (31) formed insaid foamed portion (3) .

5. Tubular (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said secondary cavity (31) has dimensions smaller than the main cavity (30) .

6. Tubular (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said secondary cavity (31) has a circular section and is adapted to remain empty.

7. Tubular (1) according to any of claims 1-6, comprising two inflatable inserts (2) and two main cavities (30) formed in said foamed portion (3) ; each main cavity (30) having said trianguloid-shaped section.

8. Tubular (1) according to any of claims 4-6, comprising two secondary cavities (31) formed in said foamed portion (3) .

9. Tubular (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each insert (2) comprises a first valve (21) connectable to an inflation system (103) ; said foamed portion (3) comprising a channel (32) adapted to pass a tube (104) of said inflation system (103) ; said first valve (21) being configured to be placed at said channel (32) when the inflatable insert (2) is inserted in the respective main cavity (30) .

10. Tubular (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said cover (4) has at least one openable portion (40) to allow the inflatable insert (2) to be inserted into / removed from the respective main cavity (30) .

11. Tubular (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said inflatable insert (2) comprises a second valve (23) accessible through said openable portion (40) .

12. Tubular (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a guide (5) at the back portion (11) , said guide (5) being configured to be introduced into arespective seat (106) placed on a side (101) of a boat (100) for removably fixing the tubular (1) to a boat (100) .

13. Boat (100) comprising: - one or more tubulars (1) according to any of the preceding claims, removably fixed to a side (101) of said boat (100) ,- one or more internal spaces (102) ;- at least one inflation system (103) adapted to connect to a respective first valve (21) and configured to inflate the respective inflatable insert (2) ; said inflation system (103) being accessible from one of said internal spaces (102) .

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