Sailing craft with wheels

Abstract

In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a sailing craft having a frame, a sail affixed to the frame, and buoyant wheels. In one embodiment, the frame has four sides and has a rectangular shape. Two or more buoyant wheels are attached to one side of the frame, and two or more buoyant wheels are attached to the opposite side of the frame. Each buoyant wheel is capable of contributing to at least one of floatation, steering, and tracking. In one such embodiment, some or all of the wheels have a fin or fins on some or all of its perimeter.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 464,542, filed on Apr. 22, 2003, by Jason H. Eveleth, entitled “Sailing Craft with Wheels,” attorney docket no. XYP-001PR.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is directed generally to the field of water craft. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a sailing craft with wheels. BACKGROUND [0003] Youngsters often start to learn to sail when they are eight to ten years old. Unfortunately many of the boats used to teach them are either difficult to handle, too heavy, too complex or not fun to sail. Traditional sailboats for youngsters generally fall into three categories: sailing dinghies, small single-handed boats (primarily designed for adults), and small catamarans. [0004] Sailing dinghies, such as the OPTIMIST, available from Vanguard Sailboats of Portsmouth, R.I., are small, relatively light, and not easily tipped over, but t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention relates to a sailing craft (i.e., a sailboat), which is simple, light-weight, fun, and fast.

[0008] In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a sailing craft with wheels. The terms “craft” and “boat” are used interchangeably without distinction to refer to a water vessel. A “sailing craft” or “sailboat” is a water vessel that uses wind for propulsion. In some embodiments, a craft makes use of buoyant wheels for floatation, which has advantages over conventional designs. Some embodiments have features optimized for use by youngsters, such that the craft is light, simple to operate, and stable. Other embodiments include features optimized for use by larger and heavier sailors and / or for higher performance.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, each wheel is equipped with one or more circular fins around its perimeter which act like a keel or rudder, depending on the wheel's location. For example, if the forward wheels can be turned as just described, fins on the forward two wheels can act as a rudder. If the aft two wheels are held straight, the fins on the aft two wheels can provide tracking like a keel or centerboard. Fins on the wheels thus can help the wheels provide steering and tracking.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fins on the wheels are sufficiently narrow such that they dig into beach sand and prevent the craft from proceeding any substantial distance up the sand when beaching. This is a safety feature that is useful when the craft is controlled by children.

[0025] In some such embodiments, the wheels rotate (e.g., about an axle) in a manner that provides performance benefits on water. In some embodiments, the wheels are buoyant, and help provide or provide floatation. In some embodiments, the wheels help provide or provide one or more of tracking and steering. The performance of the wheels in such embodiments optionally is improved by having one or more fins attached to or integral with one or more of the wheels.

[0026] A sailing craft as described above can be provided in kit form for assembly after it has been shipped to the desired location. This has great benefits in savings of transportation and manufacturing costs as compared to conventional sailing craft.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately many of the boats used to teach them are either difficult to handle, too heavy, too complex or not fun to sail.

Sailing dinghies, such as the OPTIMIST, available from Vanguard Sailboats of Portsmouth, R.I., are small, relatively light, and not easily tipped over, but they are complex to sail, and also are slow.

Also, youngsters outgrow them all too quickly because they are small.

Single-handed boats, such as the SUNFISH or LASER, also available from Vanguard Sailboats, are faster and fun, but are often too heavy for small children.

Further, they can be difficult to land at a beach because their centerboards and rudders must be retracted.

Small catamarans, such as the HOBIE WAVE, from Hobie Cat of Oceanside, Calif., are a favorite for young sailors because they are fast, but they can be difficult to turn.

They turn more easily if two sails are used, for example a mainsail and a jib, but this requires two sailors and skill.

But even the smallest of the small catamarans can be too heavy for some youngsters.

However they do not tip over as easily as the single-handed boats because they do not have rounded bottoms.

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