A semi-rigid inflatable boat with a V-keel

Abstract

 A boat having a rigid hull (1) and an inflatable structure (6,6ʹ) attached to its rim comprises two generally tubular elements (6) of approximately circular cross section having short rounded ends (6ʺ) and being joined at the forward end by a transverse tubular element (6ʹ). The upper surface of the tubular elements is provided with a number of grab handles (7,8) and the tubular elements (6) are themselves reinforced by additional layers of rubberised fabric (9) in the region of the grab handles (7,8), and further reinforced by panels (10) in the region of the vessel where divers may be expected to climb into it out of the water. A thick rubber strake (11) extends around the outer perimeter of the boat and acts as a fender and as a spray guard, and above the strake there are provided a plurality of lifting shackles (12), whilst the prow of the rigid keel (1) is fitted with a stainless steel towing ring (13) and has, at the rear, in the region between the two tubular inflatable elements, two foot boards (3) to assist in climbing into the boat out of the water.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a semi-rigid inflatable boat.

[0002] Many types of inflatable boats are known, some very simple and of small dimensions, others larger and more complex, provided with numerous accessories and with a very wide range of possibilities of use. However, it is observed in general that whereas medium to large size inflatable boats have specific improvements both in form and in practical arrangement, smaller inflatable boats derive from a less accurate study of the requirements with the result that they are not sufficiently versatile in use and, therefore, not able to withstand more difficult navigation conditions.

[0003] The main object of the invention is to provide an inflatable boat which is capable of operating in a very satisfactory and entirely positive manner in difficult navigational conditions; and a secondary object of the invention is to introduce numerous improvements and novel ideas in shape and structure of an inflatable boat such as to confer on it considerable properties of a functional nature. A further object of the invention is to introduce additional improvements as far as passenger convenience and comfort are concerned.

[0004] According to the present invention, therefore, there is provided a semi-rigid inflatable boat, characterised in that it comprises a robust V-keel in glass-reinforced plastics resin, to which is attached a resistant inflatable and deflatable structure constituting the upper part of the boat.

[0005] The inflatable boat of the invention is of the semi-rigid type, that is to say constituted by a robust V-keel in glass-reinforced plastics resin, to which is fitted a resistant structure in rubberised fabric which is inflatable and deflatable in a rapid and secure manner.

[0006] The said rubberised fabric inflatable structure preferably comprises two tubular elements which are joined together at a rather square prow and terminate with shortened and rounded rear ends so as to increase the buoyancy and the load-carrying capacity of the boat with respect to similar such boats of equal length but terminating with the usual cones. The said rigid keel allows, in relation to the size of the individual boat, the creation of spaces, a forepeak and, possibly, comfortable seats and lockers for the stowage of equipment.

[0007] The boat is also preferably provided with a plurality of hand grips or handles, conveniently also made in rubberised fabric, located in pairs, and positioned on the upper surfaces of the tubular elements Selected regions of the inflatable structure, such as the regions where handles are fitted and the region where users (e.g. divers) climb into the boat from the water are conveniently protected by the presence of adequate strips of reinforcing rubberised fabric on the outer surface of the tubular elements.

[0008] For the purpose of simplifying entry into the boat from the water there are further provided foot boards in glass-reinforced plastics resin to the rear of the boat close to the transom, and supplementary handles one on each side on the tubular elements on a surface thereof facing towards the opposite tubular element.

[0009] It is to be noted, finally, that the preferred colour is bright red both for the rigid keel and for the rubberised fabric inflatable parts, which renders the boat visible from a great distance making it easier for it to be seen and found if necessary.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view from above of a boat formed as an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings, the boat shown is an inflatable boat having a keel 1 of plastics material such as GRP (Glass Reinfored Plastics) having a double skin and shaped as a shell with a decidedly accentuated V-prow 1ʹ at one end and a transom 15 at the other, and depending on the dimensions of the boat, can include spaces, a forepeak and, possibly, lockers for the stowage of equipment. This keel 1 can support suitably shaped seats 2, again in glass-reinforced plastics resin, and, at the rear, a motor (not shown), as well as one or two footboards 3, (also in glass-­reinforced plastics resin) the purpose of which is to facilitate boarding the vessel when climbing out of the water.

[0012] The keel 1 is further provided with a robust instrument panel 4, again in glass-reinforced plastics resin, complete with appropriate remote controls for the engine and a steering wheel 5 preferably in stainless steel. A thwart 14 (shown in broken outline in Figure 1) may also be provided if desired for seating additional passengers. As can be seen the seats 2 are comfortably shaped to support a user.

[0013] Attached to and supported by the rigid keel 1 by means of appropriate measures (not shown) which make this attachment both secure and reliable, is an inflatable tube structure which is inflatable and deflatable with ease and safety, and is made of a special fabric, rubberised both internally and externally and having very great strength. Valves (not shown) are provided for inflation and deflation of the inflatable tubes. The inflatable structure includes two tubular elements 6 which are joined together at the forward end by a transversely extending prow member 6ʹ, and at the rear end are shortened and have rounded ends 6ʺ so as to confer on the boat a greater load carrying capacity with respect to similar boats of the same length having conventional tubular elements with normal elongate stern cones.

[0014] The upper parts of the tubular elements 6 are fitted with a number of pairs of hand grips 7 made in rubberised fabric, which offer an excellent gripping point during use of the boat. These handles are formed as upstanding inverted U-shape elements which can be grasped easily by an occupant to steady himself during use. Two individual handles 8, one on each side of the boat, again in rubberised fabric, are provided on the tubular elements of the rear thereof to facilitate climbing out of the water. The regions of the tubular elements where both the pairs of handles 7 and the individual handles 8 are fitted are well protected by the application of strips of rubberised fabric 9 and 10 respectively, which reinforce the tubular elements.

[0015] Around the whole external perimeter of the boat runs a solid and rather thick rubber strake 11 which acts as an anti-spray barrier and as a fender against rubbing when the boat of the invention is in close proximity to another boat or a jetty or quay.

[0016] Above the strake 11 are disposed a good number of robust lifting shackles 12 in rubber, whilst a ring 13 in stainless steel is fitted to the prow of the V-keel.

[0017] From the said Figures and from what is explained hereinabove it is possible to determine the considerable practical and functional merits which characterise the improved inflatable boat forming the subject of the present invention.

Claims

1. A semi-rigid inflatable boat, characterised in that it comprises a robust V-keel (1) in glass reinforced plastics resin, to which is attached a resistant inflatable and deflatable structure (6,6ʹ) constituting the upper part of the boat.

2. A boat according to Claim 1, characterised in that the keel (1) is moulded in the form of a shell with a decidedly accentuated V-prow, having formed therein spaces, a forepeak and at least one locker for the stowage of equipment.

3. A boat according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the keel (1) is shaped to support seats (2) also made of glass-reinforced plastics, and/or at least one thwart (14) for passengers.

4. A boat according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the keel (1) is provided with a transom (15) having one or more integrally moulded glass-reinforced plastics resin foot boards (3) for facilitating climbing into the boat out of the water.

5. A boat according to any preceding Claim, characterised in that the said keel (1) is further provided with an instrument panel (4) integrally moulded in glass-reinforced plastics resin and equipped with remote controls and a steering wheel (5).

6. A boat according to any preceding Claim, characterised in that the inflatable upper structure (6,6ʹ) which can be attached in a secure and solid manner to the said keel (1) is inflatable and deflatable by means of inflating valves and is made of very strong fabric rubberised both internally and externally.

7. A boat according to any preceding Claim, characterised in that the upper structure (6,6ʹ) includes two elongate tubular elements (6) which are joined together at a rather square prow by a transverse element (6ʹ) and terminate with significantly shortened and rounded rear ends (6ʺ).

8. A boat according to Claim 7, characterised in that it has a plurality of robust handles (7, 8) made of rubberised fabric positioned on the upper surface of the tubular elements (6).

9. A boat according to Claim 8, characterised in that two individual handles (8) of rubberised fabric are fitted, one on each side, adjacent the rear of respective tubular elements (6) for the purpose of aiding climbing out of the water.

10. A boat according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, characterised in that the said tubular elements (6) are reinforced in the region of the said handles (7,8) by the presence of wide strips (9,10) of reinforcing rubberised fabric on the upper surfaces of the tubular elements (6).

11. A boat according to any preceding Claim, characterised in that it is provided along the outer perimeter of the tubular structure (6) with a solid rubber protection strake (11).

12. A boat according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterised in that it has a plurality of rubber lifting shackles (12) distributed along the outer perimeter of the tubular elements (6) above the level of the said strake (11).

13. A boat according to any preceding Claim, characterised in that it is provided with a robust stainless steel ring (13) fitted to the prow of the V-keel (1).

Drawing