Patent # 5,340,144
Dynamic Fluid Engaging Surface for Vehicles
Inventor: Charles L. Eleneke
Oct. 8, 1992
Having a surface for vehicles to slide or move on a surface with improved dynamics and stability is valuable.
This invention relates to boards for use on ski slopes. The invention also concerns water skis, runners for snowmobiles, skiplanes, jet-skis and hulls of other watercrafts.
Background
…. There is a need to provide an improved dynamic fluid engaging surface for use on snow, ice and water.
Summary
…. According to the invention the snow or water engaging surface of a vehicle includes a concave bottom. There are longitudinal extending outrigger runners depending from the bottom surface. The concave bottom forms a venturi configuration axially directed from front to back, with the throat of the venturi located towards the longitudinal center of the surface relative to the front and back surface. This reduces drag and increases surface purchase and speed in turns and maneuvers.
….
In further forms of the invention, the outer edges are hardened with metal edges and extend at least the greater part of the length of both sides to provide surface purchase and speed on snow and ice and increase board maneuverability.
Column #3
Line # 51
The camber or concavity provides for a smaller contact surface resulting in less friction, which in turn allows for more speed. This causes a hydroplane effect on hard-packed snow and ice and a venturi effect on powder, soft snow or fluid such as water.
Line # 59 - 68
…. When in contact with the snow, the forward movement of the board forces snow through the front area 34 of the board into the venturi 73 between the runners 26 and the bottom 32. The snow is then forced through the throat of the venturi. The force of the snow exiting the narrow venturi throat at the midsection (off-centered apex) is greater than the force entering the narrow venturi throat from the front. This extra force allows for a large increase in speed, maneuverability and control. This venturi effect obtained from the described structure diminishes co-efficient drag and side slipping and causes acceleration through turns.
Column # 4
Line # 1 - 13
The inner beveled walls 42 are part of the two outrigger type runners 26 which are the two contact surface areas for the board 4. The mid area of the venturi 73 bevel makes little or no contact with the snow and ice or other fluid which causes a hydroplane effect. When in contact with the snow or ice or other fluid, through gravity or any type of propulsion, it forces the snow or other fluid into the front area on the board.
The snow then passes through the throated mid area of the veturi which is smaller in width than both entry and exit areas. ….
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