John J Almeter

US Patent:

60559241, May 2, 2000

Filed:

Aug 7, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/131227

Inventors:

Jason T. Marshall - Chesapeake VA
John M. Almeter - Chesapeake VA
Denis G. Bushey - Virginia Beach VA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B63B 2156

US Classification:

114242

Abstract:

The invention permits and promotes high speed water towing by uniquely immenting hydrofoil technology in association with a trailer vehicle. According to many inventive embodiments, a hydrofoil component (comprising one or more foils) is placed in the aft half region of the trailer vehicle; however, the front half region of the trailer vehicle is devoid of hydrofoil structure. The trailer vehicle is adaptable to a semi-rigidly towably connective relationship with a tractor vehicle. When the trailer vehicle is towed by the tractor vehicle at design speeds, most of the weight of the trailer vehicle is supported by the hydrofoil component, while the remaining weight is supported by the tractor vehicle. The invention avails benefits of hydrofoil use, but averts or allays difficulties which are customarily encountered with hydrofoil use.