초록 ▼

An apparatus for reducing drag over a flow surface and methods for using same is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment as including a drag reduction member comprising a means for reducing drag over a surface facing of a substrate (e.g., watercraft, airplane, automobile, airfoil, rudder, or

An apparatus for reducing drag over a flow surface and methods for using same is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment as including a drag reduction member comprising a means for reducing drag over a surface facing of a substrate (e.g., watercraft, airplane, automobile, airfoil, rudder, or the like) moving through a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) parallel and opposite to the direction of motion. The drag reduction member includes an exterior surface, an opposing contacting surface adapted to selectively cover at least a portion of the surface facing of the substrate, and an opening integrally formed in the body of the drag reduction member to enhance flexibility upon installation and provide greater resistance to impact forces. The opening may be sealable by means of at least two extension wings engageably disposed in relation thereto. The means for reducing drag over at least a portion of the flow surface of the substrate comprises at least two elongated channels or at least two complimentary pairs of elongated channels formed in the exterior surface of the drag reduction member, wherein each of the elongated channels or pairs of elongated channels are formed having an angular configuration selectively diverse dimensionally from the angular configuration of each of the other elongated channels or pairs of elongated channels of the drag reduction member.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:] [1.] An article capable of reducing resistance to drag of a fluid flowing over a surface facing of a substrate, said article comprising:a drag reduction member comprising a substantially conformable material adapted to

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:] [1.] An article capable of reducing resistance to drag of a fluid flowing over a surface facing of a substrate, said article comprising:a drag reduction member comprising a substantially conformable material adapted to cover at least a portion of said surface facing of said substrate, said drag reduction member having an exterior surface and an opposing contacting surface;means for securing at least a portion of said contacting surface of said drag reduction member over said portion of said surface facing of said substrate;said drag reduction member comprising a protective lip sufficient for protecting said securing means from contact with foreign substances; andmeans for reducing drag of said fluid over said portion of said surface facing of said substrate, said drag reducing means comprising at least two elongated channels formed in said exterior surface of said drag reduction member, said first elongated channel having an angular configuration selectively diverse from said second elongated channel.