AQUATIC STABILISING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates an aquatic stabilising system.

The stabilising system will have particular use in stabilising objects at rest and floating on a body of water.

In particular, it is envisaged the stabilising system will have particular application in relation to aquatic vehicles, such as boats and particularly the smaller dinghy or sail craft. However, the stabilising system may also be used with the range of aquatic sporting equipment, or other objects where it is preferable for the object to be stable when at rest on water.

It should also be appreciated that the stabilising system may have applications outside this field.

BACKGROUND ART

In the prior art there are a number of inventions directed to stabilising ships and other water borne vessels and/or equipment used on water.

Such inventions may include hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or hydrofoils, and may include equipment to decrease pitch or roll or unwanted vessel movement. The inventions may be directed to self-righting, collapsible and unsinkable systems. They may be directed to the particular design and construction of a floating hull. They may include such equipment as hydroplane blades or outriggers designed to improve both the stability of the vessel or object on the water or improve the flotation of the vessel or object.

Such equipment may be designed specifically to improve the stability and flotation of a vessel or object in motion, whilst others may be particularly designed to improve the

stability and flotation of vessels or objects at rest on a body of water.

For example, a boat hull may be specifically designed to provide a space under the deck between the bow stern and bottom of the boat to provide buoyancy for the hull as disclosed in New Zealand Patent No. 302612. Yet other systems may employ the use of floats connected to a central hull in a typical trimaran design as in New Zealand Patent Specification No. 237938 and 241329. In these examples the system in effect becomes multi-hulled, with two side floats positioned on either side of the central float (hull).

The position and operation of such floats may be adjustable as in the above mentioned patent specifications, or may be fixed as a side-extending rigid float as described in relation to sail boards in Patent Specification 206254.

In the systems described, the floats are attached above the waterline relative to the main vessel, with the side floats themselves being partially submerged (particularly when the vessel is stationary).

Retractable floats or outrigger stabilisers for aquatic vehicles are described in a number of prior art documents including New Zealand Patent No. 175973 and 149659. In such situations the outrigger stabilisers extend on each side of a vessel from points of attachment adjacent the top of each side of the vessel.

However, there are problems associated with all of the above systems. In the scenario where a space is provided under the deck of the boat between the bow and stern and bottom to provide buoyancy for the hull, the buoyancy does not necessarily improve the stability of the vessel.

Typically, an object at rest on a body of water will rock due to the impact of wind, waves and currents. When the vessels are small (such as in the case of small aluminium dinghies or sailboats), the relative buoyancy of the vessel tends to make it more unstable than is the case for larger, heavier vessels. Accordingly, small vessels or other objects tend to rock more vigorously when at rest or floating in most bodies of water.

In systems relying on laterally disposed floats connected to a central hull in a typical trimaran arrangement, the floats are designed to minimise the rolling and rocking motion of the boat and provide additional flotation for the boat. The point of attachment of most of the floats is typically at deck level or attached toward the upper part of the main hull. Where such systems rely on retractable floats, they typically involve complex pivoting assemblies to allow the float to be folded against the hull or raised out of the water (when the float is not required). The overall design of the floats is typically bulky and they are somewhat cumbersome when retracted. Further, the retractable systems typically operate on hydraulic/pneumatic systems requiring suitable pressure to operate them. .

Systems that include rigid floats permanently attached to the sides of a vessel (whilst providing some stability to the vessel), can become cumbersome and undesirable when the vessel is being stored, or where the stabilising/flotation apparatus is not required.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a flotation and stabilising system for water borne objects that:

a) assists in decreasing the pitch, rocking, roll, or similar unwanted vessel movement particularly when the vessel or object is floating and/or at rest on the body of water;

b) is a system where the flotation/stabilising system is available when required and is easily positioned in to its operating position, without necessarily the need for hydraulic or powered systems, or can be raised or lowered without necessarily the need for hydraulic or powered systems; and

c) is simple to manufacture and cost effective to produce; and

d) can be used with a range of water borne vessels, sporting equipment and objects, particularly smaller vessels and the like, as and when required; and

e) is easy to attach to a vessel, sporting equipment or object by any home handy

person, or can be an optional extra for a range of vessels sold with or as an attachment to said vessels, or can be custom made as part of the vessel/object as the vessel/object is manufactured; and

f) is a compact system which in its non-operating position is not bulky, nor gets in the way, nor necessarily impacts on the performance of the object.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some if not all of the advantages of the above proposed aquatic stabilising system. Ideally, the present invention will also provide a system which allows for substantially trouble free installation and use.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems.

It is also a further object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In all aquatic objects and mono-hull watercraft, there exists instability, which is the tendency to pitch and roll. The degree of this movement can be dependant upon the wind, water conditions, the load, how that load is situated upon the object, and also the size of the object/vessel. More importantly is the factor of the structural design of the object or hull of said vessel. The flatter and wider the hull of the craft for example, the more stable it will be in the water, but this stability comes at the cost of performance of

the craft when underway. Simply put a craft with a wide flat bottom is not a very seaworthy vessel. This problem becomes even more pronounced in smaller watercraft.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a stabilising system for use in stabilising stationary water borne objects, said stabilising system including a said stabilising pod capable of pivoting between a non-use, storage position to an extended, operating position, said stabilising system also including latching apparatus capable of maintaining the stabilising pod in either or both the extended operating position or the non-use storage position, and characterised in that the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is attached to the water borne object in the region of the longitudinal midline of the object.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stabilising system substantially as described above wherein said stabilising apparatus includes at least one stabilising pod; attachment means attaching the stabilising pod to the underside external surface of the object and the stabilising pod when attached projecting lateral to the longitudinal axis of the object; operating means, adapted to deploy the stabilising pod through a vertical plane between a non-operational storage position and an operational position; and bracing means adapted to maintain the deployed stabilising pod in a preferred operational position. _iτ

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stabilising system substantially as described above wherein where the object is a boat, the stabilising system is attached in the region of the keel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising pod of the stabilising system in a non-use storage position is aligned in a substantially parallel arrangement to the linear axis of the object, and in an extended operating position extends in a substantially perpendicular arrangement relative to the linear axis of the object.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising system is laterally disposed relative to the body of the water borne object when the stabilising system is in the extended operating position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising system is substantially beneath the body of the water borne object when the stabilising system is in either the storage position or the extended operating position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising system is folded against the hull of the water borne object when the stabilising system is in the non-operating position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein, the stabilising system is optionally retracted inside a cavity in the hull of the water borne object when the stabilising system is in the non-operating position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the point of attachment of the stabilising system to the underside external surface/bottom of the water borne object is displaced towards the stern or back of the object.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the latching apparatus in the form of bracing means which includes an arm capable of locking the stabilising system in the extended operating position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising pod of the stabilising system optionally includes at least one internal cavity.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided stabilising system substantially as described above wherein the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is dimensioned to extend a preferred distance from the underside external surface/bottom of the object when in the extended operating position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is a method of manufacturing stabilising system for use in stabilising stationary water borne objects, said stabilising system including a stabilising pod said stabilising pod capable of pivoting between a non-use, storage position to an extended, operating position, said stabilising system also including latching apparatus as operating means and/or bracing means capable of maintaining the stabilising pod in either or both the extended operating position or the non-use storage position, and characterised in that the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is attached to the water borne object in the region of the keel or midline of the object. . . ^■

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is a method of hingedly attaching stabilising system for use in stabilising stationary water borne objects to said object, said stabilising system including a stabilising pod said stabilising pod capable of - pivoting between a non-use, storage position to an extended, operating position, said stabilising system also including latching apparatus as operating means and bracing means capable of maintaining the stabilising pod in either or both the extended operating position or the non-use storage position, and characterised in that the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is attached to the water borne object in the region of the keel or midline of the object.

For the purpose of this specification, the point of attachment of the stabilising pod is to the underside external surface or bottom of the object and is in the region of the keel or midline of the object.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stabilising system is designed to eliminate the instability of water borne vessels, sporting equipment, or even pontoons

floating and/or at rest on a body of water. In effect, the stabilising system- operates to dampen wave motion effects or wind effects which cause water borne objects to pitch and roll. However, the stabilising effect is determined by:

a) the dimensions of the stabilising system,

b) its point of attachment in terms of its positioning on the underside of a vessel or sporting equipment/object,

c) its attachment adjacent the keel/longitudinal midline of the object,

d) the distance it extends from the vessel or object when in the extended operating position, and *; ^■ ;.

e) - is size/dimensions; and . . .

f) the volume of air contained in any cavity(s) of the stabilising pod; and

g) any corresponding configurational changes to the underside of the object - with which the stabilising system complements/covers or is inset into; and

h) The presence of an optional storage cavity included in the underside of the objectinto which the stabilizing pod sits when in the non-use position; and

i) The surface shape and contours of the stabilizing pod - including the existence of any flanges, angled borders and such like.

This is particularly relevant for smaller vessels such as aluminium boats, small sailboats, smaller aquatic sporting equipment, floating pontoons/docks and so forth, where there is a tendency for the object to rock vigorously when at rest on most large bodies of water. Wind and water movements per se contribute to the rocking and rolling characteristics of an object at rest on a body of water. The stabilising system, when fitted, is designed to reduce or substantially eliminate the tendency of the object to rock. As can be appreciated variations to the stabilising system may be used in other

situations where objects are at rest on fluid surfaces.

Tests undertaken indicate the presence of the stabilizing apparatus with the stabilizing pods deployed in the operational position can contribute to up to an 80% decrease in the pitching and rolling in an aluminium dinghy. In addition, the speed with which the

5 object ceases substantial rocking motion is substantially faster when the stabilizing pods are deployed to the operational position, compared with when they are in the non-use position. The angle of deployment from the underside of the vessel also impacts on the performance of the stabilizing system. Tests undertaken on models with the angle of deployment of the stabilizing pods at 10 degrees, 15 degrees and 20 degrees suggest that

10. deployment at 15 degrees is particularly advantageous. Results suggest that the rocking ret I motion is hindered by approximately 50%..

As the stabilising system is designed for use when the object is at rest, the stabilising system preferably is able to operate between an extended operating position and a retracted, non-use or storage position. Accordingly, when the stabilising pod of the 15 stabilising system is in the non-use position, it is substantially aligned in a parallel arrangement to the underside external surface and/or the linear axis of the object to which, it is attached/ --. - ; - .- - . . - ^■ - -

Conversely, when the stabilising system is in an operating position, it extends downwards through a vertical plane from an object The degree of extension may be 20 determined by the degree of -travel of the operating means and bracing arm, the hinging apparatus of the stabilising system which enables the stabilising pod to pivot, or the desired arrangement of the stabilising stabilising pod when in use.

As the stabilising system is effectively a false section (for example - of the hull from the keel out to the chine in a boat) it can be appreciated that the deployment of the 25 stabilizing pod may be via a hinging system, or even via a telescopic system which lowers either one edge/side of the stabilising pod, or the entire stabilising pod. Typically, with such arrangements there is likely to be at least two stabilsing pods - one

on each side of the central longitudinal axis of the object. More stabilising pods may be employed depending on the size of the object.

Alternatively, the stabilising pod may be a centrally located pod which operates below the central longitudinal axis of the object. The operating means for such a system may be telescopic or any other suitable lowering mechanism available in the prior art may be adapted for this purpose.

To allow the stabilising pod of the stabilising system to operate between the operating and non-operating positions, where the stabilising system is preferably hinged to a portion of the underside, external surface of the object, the hinging system enables the stabilising system to pivot through an arc of up to, or more than 90°. However, the degree of travel may be limited by the dimensions and operation of the operating means and bracing means.

The hinging apparatus is preferably attached to one side of the stabilising pod of the stabilising system and is configured to receive complementarily configured portions of the hinging apparatus also attached to the underside of the object, or simply is attached also to the underside of the object. The positioning of the hinging apparatus in respect of the underside surface of the object is preferably at a position equating to the longitudinal mid-line, or the keel on a vessel, or adjacent to or distanced from but parallel to the longitudinal mid-line, or. the keel on a vessel.. Accordingly, the stabilising pod may be located at any preferred location between the keel of the vessel/object and the side of the vessel/object. ^■

Accordingly, in operation the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is deployed downwards from the non-use position (against the underside of the object) to extend into the water (being fully submerged therein) when in the extended position.

The hinging system preferably comprises at least two of either or both hinge eyes and hinge pins attached to the side of the vessel in the appropriate position which interact and engage with complementarily configured hinge eyes and hinge pins on the

stabilising pod of the stabilising system. Locking pins may be employed to maintain the stabilising pod in contact with the hinge components on the object, or the hinge pins may include end caps that fit over the hinge pins and prevent them sliding out of the complementary hinge eye with which they are engaged. It can however, be appreciated any suitable hinging system may be employed for use with this invention.

Given the stabilising system is being used on water it is preferable that the componentry of the hinging system (or relevant telescopic system) be resistant to the effects of water and particularly salt water. Accordingly, the hinging system may be manufactured from plastic materials, or suitable metals (including stainless steel).

The stabilising pod of =fch& stabilising system is preferably substantially rectangular in overall configuration. In preferred embodiments, and where the stabilising system is to be used in conjunction with aluminium vessels from .8 foot up to 14ft 6", the length of the stabilising pod is approximately 1.5m long with a width of approximately of 350mm. The depth, of the stabilising system may vary provided the stabilising pod of the stabilising system does not become too cumbersome, nor extends too far from the underside of the object when stored in the non-use position. However, as can be appreciated that in different applications, the stabilising pods may be different shapes, sizes, different surface configurations and so forth in order to be accommodated on and complement the object. In addition multiple pairs or multiple central stabilising pods may be used for any one object.

m addition, the stabilising pods may be configured at their outer edges to include angled sections, flanges/rims which are angled downwards- such that whether stabilising pods are deployed or not the resistance offered by this additional surface may provide some further benefit in stabilising the object's movement.

The stabilising pod may be hollow for at least a portion of its length. The cavity(s) created within the stabilising pod essentially contains air which contributes to the flotation characteristics of the stabilising pod. The volume of air contained therein also

contributes to the ability-of the stabilising system to stabilise the vessel/object.

As can be appreciated, in some embodiments the cavity may extend the foil length and internal width of the stabilising pod, or may be compartmentalised. Alternatively, the stabilising pod may be made of materials that in their production include natural cavities inherent in the structure of the material. For example, some foamed plastic materials, polystyrenes and so forth may be used in the manufacture of the stabilising pod of the stabilising system. The particular materials used will thereby influence the dimensions of any cavity(s) within the stabilising pod. The stabilising pod may also be made of substantially solid planar materials.

As mentioned previously, in operation the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is deployed downward to the extended operating position when the stabilising system is in use. However, it can be appreciated once in the extended operating position, there is a requirement to maintain the stabilising pod in that position to effect the required stabilising effect of the stabilising system. Accordingly, the stabilising system includes bracing means; -

When the stabilising pod of the stabilising system is extended, the operating means may effect release or operation of the stabilising pod to allow the stabilising pod of the stabilising pod to either pivot down (or be lowered down) into the water.

In preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stabilising pod is then maintained in position by a bracing arm. The bracing arm is preferably, fixedly attached to the stabilising pod of the stabilising system. Retention means retain the bracing arm in contact with the stabilising pod of the stabilising system. In addition, further retention means will maintain the bracing arm in either the fully extended or fully retracted orientation as is required when the stabilising pod is moved between the operating, extended and the storage, retracted position.

When attached to an object, the retention means is preferably in a position whereby it does not interfere with the operation of the object or use thereof. When used in relation

to a dinghy or small boat, the retention means may be located alongside the side panels of a dinghy.

The retention means may be associated with the operating means and may be a lever which is released when the stabilising apparatus is to be deployed. The same lever may be used to ensure the folly deployed stabilising apparatus is maintained as such by ensuring the bracing arm is held in position. Retention means on the bracing arm would

_ both maintain contact or communication between the operating means and the.bracing means; and similarly ensure contact is maintained between the distal end ofJhe bracing armband the surface of the stabilising pod. Alternatively, the outer distal end of the bracing arm may be free (unconnected) to the operating means, but rather is activated in some alternative way.

In addition, the bracing arm may either be a predetermined set length, or may include hinged or telescopic, sections, that can be -.compressed for storage of the bracing arm in the non-use position, or extended when the bracing arm is used to brace the stabilising pod in the extended position.

In embodiments where the outer distal- end of the bracing arm is free, the end may engage with clasping apparatus on a portion of the object and be essentially locked into position during use of the stabilising system. There are a number of systems available by which the outer distal end of the bracing arm may engage and lock with a portion of the object. For example, the bracing arm may be an extended hook having a substantially long body section equating to the length required of the bracing arm when the stabilising pod is in the extended position. The complementary portion on the object may be an eye configured to receive the hook portion. The eye may be attached to the object, or the object may be configured in its design to include a portion that would serve as a receiving eye for the hook.

Alternately, the outer distal end of the bracing arm may include a bulbous portion, the bracing arm may be enclosed by a sleeve comprising the retention means, the bulbous

portion may engage with a complementary configured indentation in the sleeve. Pressure may merely hold the bracing arm in position in the indentation. Yet further systems may be employed such as bayonet fitting, screw threads, push-fit friction systems, and so forth.

With larger water borne objects, dimensions of the object and/or the stabilising system may warrant the operation of the hinge and/or the bracing arm by pneumatic, hydraulic or.similarly powered systems.* . - _ _ .- - - . _^ ,

When the stabilising system is not in use and is folded against the stabilising pod of the vessel and/or object to which it is attached, the bracing arm (that serves to brace the stabilising pod. of the stabilising system in an extended position) may be retracted.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the stabilising pod of the stabilising system preferably comprises a single stabilising pod. Where the stabilising system is used with vessels of a size between eight to fourteen and a half feet in length, the dimensions of the preferred single pod may extend to approximately 1.5m long and up to 350mm wide, lowered from the bottom of the vessel's hull by a distance of 100mm or more. In such scenario, the device is preferably hinged to the bottom of a vessel adjacent the vessel's mid-Jine, or keel, in the vicinity of the .first 1.5m starting from the stern of the vessel. - ^" - - . -- . . ^{" • ■} - ^■

Any wave motion that would normally rock the vessel or water borne object is dampened and deflected as a result of the designed surface area of the single pod, along with any calculated volume of air contained within the device. . In addition, where the object is adapted to include a cavity which is configured to contain the stabilising system when in the retracted storage position, the cavity itself may contribute to the overall dampening effect.

In some embodiments, the stabilising pod may laterally extend from the bottom of the object to further create a wider stabilising system. While other embodiments of the stabilising system may include a stabilising pod comprised of two or more stabilising

- pods arranged in a substantially parallel configuration to each other (or in series) and having individual dimensions as required to provide a preferred designed surface ..area for minimising the tendency of a vessel or water borne object to rock in response to wave motion when the vessel/object is at rest on a body of water.

. In addition,. the contours of the upper and lower surface of the stabilising pod(s) may vary. For example, the stabilising pod may have a substantially flat, planar, upper and lower surface. • • - . - - •

Yet in other embodiments, the upper surface, or the whole, of the stabiliser pod may be configured to be substantially concave in shape when looking at the stabiliser pod from the side®.? -The concave shape may facilitate more compact alignment of the stabilising pod of the stabilising system against the vessel and/or object when the stabilising system is in its non-use storage position.

- Where the stabilising system includes two or more stabilising pods, each. pod may be differently configured depending upon its position relative to the point of attachment of the stabilising pod to the vessel of object. For example; the first stabiliser pod (closest to the point of attachment to the vessel) .may be substantially flat, with successive stabilising, pods being increasingly -.concave in shape (having a similar shape or configuration to a surfboard and/or water-ski) so that in the non-use position, the upper portions of the stabilising pod are most closely aligned to the structure of the vessel or object and may assist with travel of the object through the water when in operation.

As can also be appreciated, given the overall shape of a vessel, or object to which the stabilising system may be attached, the stabilising system may be configured along the edge by which it is attached to the vessel, to confirm to the actual shape of the vessel rather than being strictly linear along that edge. Accordingly, the inner or outer edge of the stabilising pod may be substantially curved to conform to the vessel shape and/or object to which it is attached.

Where the stabilising pod of the stabilising system comprises two or more stabilising

- podsr the pods may -be directly attached to each other, or may be distanced from each other by appropriate attachment apparatus that creates gaps between each successive stabilising pod.

To improve the flotation properties of the device the stabilising system is preferably .-- made from thermoplastics materials such as polyvinylchlorine..products. A range of thermoplastics material may be used internally, such as polystyrene or other foamed

_ . -, plastic materials which have their own inherent air cavities to improve buoyancy of the stabilising pod. Alternately, the pods of the stabilising pod of the stabilising system may be made from other materials, such as fibreglass, wooden products (such as marine plywood) and so forth. Again, buoyant materials such as polystyrene or other foamed plastics materials may be used in conjunction with these materials either externally, or internally as required.

In other situations, the stabilising system or components thereof may also be made from stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal capable of withstanding the effects of water and, in particular, salt water. In addition, the overall stabilising pod of the stabilising system may ϊiave an external coating of resin or other suitable coating that may or may not be coloured.

- As can be appreciated, the above description has been given by way of example only and it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the stabilising system as required in different situations, with different vessels and/or objects and so forth. Further, the terminology used should not be viewed as limiting the scope of this specification, particularly where broader interpretations are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 - is an end cross-sectional view of the stabilising system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 2 is an end cross-sectional view of the stabilising pod of the stabilising system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and -. ^■

Figure 3 is an end cross-sectional view of the stabilising system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the stabilising system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the stabilising system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figures 6a-i . are various views of the stabilising system in accordance with another . preferred embodiment of the present invention where the stabilising pods are included in a boat design and the stabilising pods are-raised into a cavity, and . ^" --

Figures 7a-i are various views of the stabilising system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention where the stabilising pods are included in a boat design and the stabilising pods are lowered, and

Figures 8a-h are various views of the bracing and operating means of the -stabilising system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 9 is a side view of a stabilizing pod in the non-operational position including an angled border or wing; and

Figure 10 Table illustrates test results obtained from a model of the present invention where the ability to dampen motion and improve stability has

~ ^• been -tested with the stabilising pods in the non-operational position

- compared with the stabilising pods in the operational position. - Deployment of the stabilising pods at 10 degrees, 15 degrees and 20 degrees is achieved when the stabilizing pods are hinged down.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the diagrams by way of example only there is provided stabilising system (generally indicated by arrow 1) for use in stabilising stationary, water borne objects (2).

The stabilising system (1) includes a stabilising pod (3) which may include one or more

<5Br. ^c stabilising pods (4).

The stabilising pod (3) is attachable to a portion of the bottom/hull (5) of the object (2). The point of attachment is typically at a position equating to or adjacent to the longitudinal mid-line or keel (6) of a boat, or equating to a portion between the central longitudinal axis and the side of the object.

Figures 1 through 7i show varying preferred embodiment of the present invention where the stabilising pod (3) comprises a single stabilising pod (4).

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the stabilising pod (3) of the stabilising system (1) extends beyond the side of the object. In Figures 1, 2 and 4 the stabilising pod (3) of the stabilising system (1) is fully retained within the dimensions of the bottom of the object and does not extend beyond the side of the object. Figures 6a to Ti illustrate the stabilising pod which when in the non-operational position is contained within a cavity in the vessel/object.

Figures 1-3, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate that the pod or main stabilising pod of the stabilising system the is capable of pivoting between a position (7) substantially aligned with, and in a substantially parallel arrangement to, the linear axis of the object (2) where the stabilising pod (3) is substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the object

- - (2); and an extended operating position (8) where the pod (4) is pushed down in to the water when the object (2) is at rest on a body of water.

To facilitate pivoting of the stabilising pod (3) between the non-operating and operating positions, the stabilising pod (3) is pivotably attached (at (9)) to the object (2).

5 ■ ^" Accordingly, hinging apparatus is attached to the bottom (5) of the object (2). The

- hinging apparatus includes any number of either or both appropriately configured hinge . eyes and hinge pins, or alternative hinge means.

— The stabilising system (1) also includes operating means/apparatus (generally indicated by arrow 12), capable of moving the stabilising pod (3) in either or both an extended

-10 operating position and a non-use, retracted, storage position. The apparatus (12) in «v . ^' . _. Figure 1 includes at least a bracing arm (10) that operates to brace the stabilising pod (3) in the extended operating position when required. The bracing arm co-operates within a V sleeve (11) located adjacent a side of the. object. In this described embodiment, the - bracing arm acts both as operating means and bracing means and travels in a vertical 15 plane up and down in the sleeve. At its lowest point in the sleeve, the bracing arm will operate to position the stabilising pod in its folly extended position. At its highest point within the sleeve, the bracing arm will position the stabilising pod in its folly retracted, non-operational position. - ...

When bracing the stabilising system, the arm engages and is held in place on the upper 20 surface of the stabilising pod (3) by means of a complimentary configured retention means. Further retention means (13) on the bracing arm may co-operate-with the sleeve to ensure retention of the stabilising apparatus in the extended or retracted position, including a push-fit, bayonet-type operation, screw thread system and so forth.

In Figures 8a-h, an alternative operating means and bracing means is illustrated. This

25 system utilizes a bell crank system. The handle of the bell crank system effects operation, whilst the bracing arm of the bell crank system performs the task of the bracing means. The bracing means includes a ball and socket system at the end

- associated with the stabilizing pod which forms the retention means. ^~

The dimensions of the stabilising pod (3) are determined by the size of the vessel to which it will be attached, the surface area of the (3) stabilising pod, the volume of water

- it is required to displace, the distance it is preferably hinged from the hull of the vessel

5 and the volume of air contained in one or more cavities within the pod of the stabilising

- pod. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the pod of the stabilising pod, not only extends under the bottom of the object, but also extends (at 15) a distance from the side of the object, when the stabilising pod is in the retracted storage position. This

- extension increases the surface area of the pod when the pod is extended for operation.

^■ * ^■ _; • ^• .- 10 In addition, as shown in figures 1-4 and 6a-7i, the stabilising pod of the stabilising -

; system may be retained within a complementarity configured ^" chamber or cavity (14) ^" - -within the bottom surface' of the object. With the embodiment described above, where the stabilising pod extends past the side of the object in the storage position — as shown in Figure 5 - the stabilising pod may be- configured so that part of the stabilising pod is " 15 configured to be accommodated within the cavity within the bottom of the object, whilst ^■ - the extension section (15) lies directly adjacent to the bottom surface of the object.

There may be a single cavity extending the full of the object, or several independent cavities may be desired, where more than one stabilising system is employed in relation - to the one object. ^{: "} . ^{' r}

20 In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 through 5 inclusive, the stabilising system (1) is configured primarily for use with small to medium sized vessels, such as aluminium vessels/dinghies and/or sailboats in a size range of 8ft up to 14ft 6". Accordingly, for vessels of the above mentioned lengths, the stabilising pod (3) may be 1.5m long, by up to 350mm wide and may be outrigged from the side of the vessel hull by 100mm.

25 These dimensions may vary between embodiments.

In the Figures 6a-7ij the vessels is a smaller tender or sail boat.

Whilst the above discussion relates to aluminium vessels, this does not preclude the possibility of a vessel made substantially from other materials, such as marine ply, thermoplastics materials, fiberglass, concrete and the like.

The possibility also exists for the stabilising pod (3) to be may be made up of more than - one stabilising pod (4). In this embodiment, two or more stabilising pods (4) form the stabilising pod (3). The individual stabilising pods (4) may be directly joined together, - - or may be fixedly attached but spaced apart from each other (not-shown). - ^• - -. - •

The overall configuration of the stabilising pods (4) of the stabilising system (3) may also vary. For example, the leading edge may be substantially angled or curved, the trailing edge (20) is substantially curved or tapered, both ends may be tapered -or

■- ^" substantially angled. In Figure 9, there is illustrated an alternative configuration of the

' , stabilizing pod - being a stabilizing pod in the non-operational position including an angled border Or wing, designed too provide additional resistance against rocking movement by providing a perhaps enhanced dampening effect. - .

Table 1 illustrates test results obtained from a model of the present invention where the ability to dampen motion and improve stability was tested with the stabilising pods in the non-operational position compared with the stabilising pods in the operational position. Deployment of the stabilizing pods at 10 degrees, 15 degrees and 20 degrees

* ^' -■ is achieved when the stabilising pods were hinged down. Tests undertaken on models - with the angle of deployment of the stabilizing pods at 10 degrees, 15 degrees and 20 degrees ^* suggest that deployment at 15 degrees is particularly advantageous. Results suggest that the rocking motion is hindered by approximately 50%.

This data confirms other manual tests undertaken to deteπnine whether the presence of the stabilising apparatus with the stabilizing pods deployed in the operational position is effective. Such manual tests indicated the stabilizing pods in the deployed position can contribute to up to an 80% decrease in the pitching and rolling in an aluminium dinghy. In addition, the speed with which the object ceases substantial rocking motion is found

- to be substantially faster when the stabilising pods are deployed to the operational position, compared with when they are in the non-use position. - -

Therefore, as can also be appreciated, the inner side of the stabilising pod (3) may either be substantially straight, or may also be curved to complement the shape of the-object (2) with which it is used. The stabilising pod (3) may also be substantially concave with respect to its upper surface to further facilitate alignment of the stabilising pod (3) ■ ^{■ ■} * ^{■ ■} against the bottom (5) of the object (2) when the stabilising system (1) is in its non-use storage position. ^■ - -

- The . stabilising system (1) and its components thereof are preferably made of thermoplastics materials;- although other suitable materials such as fibreglass,«stainless -~ - steel, aluminium, marine ply with resin coatings and so forth may be used. ,

Therefore, as can be appreciated a variety of different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention exist, even within the ambit of the above described dispensing system.

It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent ^~ nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without 5 departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.