The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 19, 1990
Filed:
May. 03, 1989
Bernard Smith, King George, VA (US);
Ralph Gitomer, Arlington, VA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A tetrahedrally shaped pivotable sailing frame of four spars and a sail with balanced hydrofoils is disclosed. A hydrofoil sailboat is created by pivotally attaching the frame to a hull along a longitudinal axis of the hull. Tacking is accomplished by rotation of the frame about that axis. Although the sailing frame can be adapted to a variety of types of hulls, including windsurfers, catamarans, and multiple-hulled craft, a preferred embodiment of a hull is disclosed which in combination with the sailing frame affords the proper lift and forward vectors and obviates the need for a keel, live or dead ballast, or sail adjustments. The lift affords very high speeds and minimal wetted surface. The tetrahedral structure of the sailing frame is stiff, giving a level, stabilized ride and permitting an optimal surface area of sail. The hull design provides swift, easy tacking and reduces the possibility of backwinding.