초록 ▼

A hull configuration for a vessel that utilizes multiple effects to reduce friction between the vessel and the water's surface is provided by the present invention. In various embodiments, a surface effect is employed such that a supporting cushion of air is provided underneath the hull to substanti

A hull configuration for a vessel that utilizes multiple effects to reduce friction between the vessel and the water's surface is provided by the present invention. In various embodiments, a surface effect is employed such that a supporting cushion of air is provided underneath the hull to substantially isolate portions of the hull from coming into contact with the water's surface. A blower is used to provide pressurized air to the air cushions. The inlet of the blower is positioned in the direction of the vessel's movement such that a ram air effect decreases the power required by the blower. An amount of thrust is also generated by the forward placement of the blower inlet. The vessel has a superstructure that is shaped to create a low pressure zone above the vessel. This low pressure zone creates a lifting body effect such that the friction between the hull and the water's surface is reduced. Boost ports induce a venturi effect by providing a high pressure air flow at the water air boundary of the air cushion. Thus, the boost ports decrease the time required to re-establish an operating pressure in the air cushions after a venting has occurred. The above discussed aspects of the invention result in enhanced speed, range and efficiency for the vessel. Thus, the present invention has particular applicability to fast ferries, military patrol craft and landing crafts.

대표청구항 ▼

A hull configuration for a vessel that utilizes multiple effects to reduce friction between the vessel and the water's surface is provided by the present invention. In various embodiments, a surface effect is employed such that a supporting cushion of air is provided underneath the hull to substanti

A hull configuration for a vessel that utilizes multiple effects to reduce friction between the vessel and the water's surface is provided by the present invention. In various embodiments, a surface effect is employed such that a supporting cushion of air is provided underneath the hull to substantially isolate portions of the hull from coming into contact with the water's surface. A blower is used to provide pressurized air to the air cushions. The inlet of the blower is positioned in the direction of the vessel's movement such that a ram air effect decreases the power required by the blower. An amount of thrust is also generated by the forward placement of the blower inlet. The vessel has a superstructure that is shaped to create a low pressure zone above the vessel. This low pressure zone creates a lifting body effect such that the friction between the hull and the water's surface is reduced. Boost ports induce a venturi effect by providing a high pressure air flow at the water air boundary of the air cushion. Thus, the boost ports decrease the time required to re-establish an operating pressure in the air cushions after a venting has occurred. The above discussed aspects of the invention result in enhanced speed, range and efficiency for the vessel. Thus, the present invention has particular applicability to fast ferries, military patrol craft and landing crafts. to improve durability of said boot as well as aesthetic appearance of said boot; and wherein said inner quarter further comprises a slit, said slit being positioned such that a longitudinal axis of said slit is collinear with a longitudinal axis of said inner quarter, said slit being positioned such that said slit extends from a medial portion of a top edge of said inner quarter downwardly towards a lower edge of said inner quarter, said slit being for receiving said closing device. 2. The method of making a boot of claim 1, wherein said quantity of leather provided comprises full grain leather having a weight more than about 6 ounces and less than about 7 ounces. 3. The method of making a boot of claim 1, wherein said closing device comprises a zipper. 4. A boot making method for improving accessibility to those who are physically impaired, the steps of the method comprising: providing a quantity of leather for making individual portions of a boot including an outer quarter, inner quarter, vamp, counter pocket with pull tab, triadd, adjustable strap, and a binding strap (collar); providing a quantity of thread for stitching portions together; providing a plurality of patterns, each one of said plurality of patterns corresponding to an associated one of said individual portions of said boot; positioning each one of said plurality of pattern on a surface of said quantity of leather such that each pattern covers a unique area of said quantity of leather; tracing an outline of each one of said plurality of patterns onto said surface of said quantity of leather such that an outline of each one of said plurality of patterns is visible on said surface of said quantity of leather; cutting along each outline such that each individual portion of said boot is separated from said quantity of leather; coupling each individual portion to adjacent portions to form said boot; attaching a closing device to said boot for coupling said boot to a foot of a user by allowing the mouth of the boot to be relatively wider while the user is putting on said boot and then being somewhat constricted by said closing device; finishing said boot to improve durability of said boot as well as aesthetic appearance of said boot; said quantity of leather provided comprises full grain leather having a weight more than about 6 ounces and less than about 7 ounces; said closing device comprises a zipper; said inner quarter further comprises a slit, said slit being positioned such that a longitudinal axis of said slit is collinear with a longitudinal axis of said inner quarter, said slit being positioned such that said slit extends from a medial portion of a top edge of said inner quarter downwardly towards a lower edge of said inner quarter, said slit being for receiving said closing device. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: providing a quantity of adhesive for coupling said zipper to said inner surface of said inner quarter; applying said quantity of adhesive on a inner surface of said inner quarter substantially adjacent to each side of said slit, said inner surface being opposite of said surface receiving the tracing of said pattern; positioning said zipper face down on said inner surface substantially over said slit, curing said quantity of adhesive to cure such that said zipper is held in a substantially static position relative to said slit. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: performing, a backstitch through said inner quarter and said zipper adjacent to an upper end of said inner quarter and adjacent to said slit; stitching along a perimeter of said slit such that said zipper is stitched to said inner quarter; performing a backstitch through said inner quarter and said zipper adjacent to said upper end of said inner quarter and adjacent to said slit but opposite of the backstitch adjacent to said upper end such that the stitching of said zipper to said inner quarter begins and ends with a backstitch. 7.