Backspray mitigation system for yachts

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10279869-B2
Application number	US-201715618011-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 8, 2017
Priority date	Jun 9, 2016
Publication date	May 7, 2019
Grant date	May 7, 2019

Abstract

A superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation system for yachts including an aft spoiler secured to the vessels hardtop for directing airflow about the hardtop downwardly into the aft cockpit area to interfere with, mitigate and eliminate the natural reverse backspray created by the low-pressure region behind the yacht. The spoiler protrudes from the hardtop and includes at least one air ducting channel directing airflow at select angles into the cockpit area presenting a protective shield preventing the backspray from entering the cockpit. An optional pivotal panel member selectively enables operation of the spoiler.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. Superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation apparatus for a marine vessel, said apparatus comprising:
a yacht having a superstructure including a hardtop, and a cockpit area;
a spoiler integrated with said superstructure that redirects airflow from above said hardtop to an area below said hardtop in proximity to said cockpit area;
said spoiler having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and defining at least one air ducting channel disposed between said leading edge and said trailing edge;
said air ducting channel receiving air passing over said hardtop at said leading edge, and discharging said air from said trailing edge in proximity toward an aft end of said cockpit area thereby mitigating backspray from entering said cockpit area.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said spoiler trailing edge protrudes rearwardly from said hardtop and above said cockpit area.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said cockpit area includes a salon entrance defined by a closure, and said spoiler redirecting airflow from above said hardtop into said cockpit area aft of said salon closure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said air ducting channel discharges air in a downward and rearward direction at an angle between 45° and 75° below horizontal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said air ducting channel defines a variable cross-sectional area that decreases when measured from said leading edge to said trailing edge.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said spoiler further includes left and right side structural members, and a spoiler arch extending between said left and right side structural members.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said spoiler further includes means for mounting of accessory hardware and systems.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said spoiler is fabricated as a spaced double wall structure, and defines access openings to provide access to an interior space defined between said double wall structure.

9. A backspray mitigation apparatus for a marine vessel having a hardtop and a cockpit area located below the hard top, said apparatus comprising:
a spoiler with mounted to the vessel hardtop;
said spoiler having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and defining at least one air ducting channel means for ducting air between said leading edge and said trailing edge;
said means for ducting air adapted to receive air passing over the vessel hardtop at said leading edge, and discharging said air below the vessel hardtop in an aft direction in proximity to the cockpit area thereby mitigating backspray from entering the cockpit area.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said spoiler trailing edge protrudes rearwardly from said hardtop and above said cockpit area.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said means for ducting air discharges air in a downward and rearward direction at an angle between 45° and 75° below horizontal.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said means for ducting air defines a variable cross-sectional area that decreases when measured from said leading edge to said trailing edge.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said spoiler further includes left and right side structural members, and a spoiler arch extending between said left and right side structural members.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said spoiler further includes means for mounting of accessory hardware and systems.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said spoiler is fabricated as a spaced double wall structure, and defines access openings to provide access to an interior space defined between said double wall structure.

16. A superstructure-integrated backspray mitigation apparatus for a marine vessel having a hardtop and a cockpit area disposed below the hardtop, said apparatus comprising:
a spoiler that redirects airflow from above said hardtop to an area below said hardtop in proximity to said cockpit area;
said spoiler including left and right left and right side structural members attached to the vessel hardtop, and an arch extending between said left and right side structural members, said arch having an upper surface, and a lower surface disposed in vertically spaced relation with the vessel hardtop;
said spoiler arch defining a leading edge disposed above the vessel hardtop, and a trailing edge disposed rearwardly of the hardtop and above the cockpit area;
an air ducting channel having an inlet and an outlet;
said inlet disposed at said leading edge, said air ducting channel inlet having: an upper boundary defined by the lower surface of said arch; a lower boundary defined by the vessel hard top; and opposing side boundaries defined by said left and right side structural members;
said outlet being angularly oriented to discharge air downward and rearward relative to the hardtop;
said air ducting channel inlet receiving air passing over said hardtop due to movement of the vessel, and said air ducting channel outlet discharges said air below the hardtop in proximity to said cockpit area thereby mitigating backspray from entering said cockpit area.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 , further including a center mount disposed between said left and right side structural members, and having a lower portion affixed to the vessel hardtop and an upper portion affixed to said arch, whereby said center mount divides said air ducting channel inlet.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein said cockpit area includes a salon entrance defined by a closure, and said spoiler redirecting airflow from above said hardtop into said cockpit area aft of said salon closure.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein said air ducting channel discharges air in a downward and rearward direction at an angle between 45° and 75° below horizontal.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein said air ducting channel defines a variable cross-sectional area that decreases when measured from said leading edge to said trailing edge.

21. The apparatus of claim 16 , further including accessories mounted to the upper surface of said arch.

22. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the hardtop defines an opening, and a an openable flap disposed in covering relation with said opening, said flap mechanically actuated between a closed position wherein said flap is disposed on flush covering relation with said opening, and an open position wherein said flap divert air from said air ducting channel through said opening.

Assignees

• Herrington Frederick
• Lewis George
• Scherer John
• Hodges Joshua
• Brunswick Corp

Inventors

• Herrington Frederick
• Lewis George
• Scherer John
• Hodges Joshua

Classifications

• B63B2003/485

  movably connected to hull or superstructure · CPC title

• B63B15/00 Primary

  Superstructures {, deckhouses, wheelhouses or the like}; Arrangements or adaptations of masts {or spars, e.g. bowsprits}(loading or unloading equipment B63B27/00; masts and staying in general E04H; sails, running rigging B63H; {mounting ladders or the like on masts B63B29/205}) · CPC title

• B63B2017/026

  Rigid awnings, or sunroofs · CPC title

• B63B2001/005

  Deflectors for spray, e.g. for guiding spray generated at the bow of a planing vessel underneath the hull · CPC title

• B63B1/322

  using aerodynamic elements, e.g. aerofoils producing a lifting force (flying boats B64C35/00) · CPC title