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[0001] Provisional Patent Application
[0002] Application number: 60/317,227
[0003] Filing Date: Sep. 4, 2001
[0004] Name of Applicant: Billy G. Hinchee
[0005] Title of Invention: Flat Bottom Boat Stabilizer
[0006] Not applicable
[0007] This invention relates to stabilizing devices for small boats, and more particularly to a device attached to a flat bottom fishing boat that stabilizes the boat while in use.
[0008] Small water craft such as flat bottom boats are easily tilted while in use by the occupant, by waves created by larger boats or by strong water currents. An occupant using a flat bottom boat must limit movement in the boat and keep their center of gravity low and in the center of the boat to deter capsizing the boat. An occupant using a flat bottom boat in a large body of water must be aware of large waves from larger watercraft or strong currents that could capsize the boat.
[0009] This invention stabilizes the boat to allow occupants to move about in the boat and reduce the risk of tilting the boat. It provides stabilization of a flat bottom boat in large bodies of water and it protects against tilting from strong currents or large waves.
[0010] A prior art patentability search for stabilizing small water craft was conducted. The search did not reveal any patents that met the objectives established by the inventor for the use on a flat bottom boat. The typical prior art stabilizing devices researched are for canoe or kayak applications and does not provide the features that are distinctive for use on a flat bottom boat. Three examples of prior art patents are referenced below, this does not include the entire search.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,306 issued Oct. 23, 2001 to Grzybowski for Water Craft Stabilizer System.
[0012] U.S. Pat No. 5,826,529 issued Oct. 27, 1998 to Ely for Stabilizing Hull for Watercraft
[0013] U.S. Pat No. 5,647,297 issued Jul. 15, 1997 to Iianson for Foam Stabilized Watercraft
[0014] The invention includes two longitudinal sealed pipes deployed on each side of the boat. Attached to the boat by crossbeams and includes hinges to allow the pipes to fold up during transportation. The front-end portion of the pipes are curved upwardly to allow for easy maneuverability through the water.
[0015] The principal object of this invention is to stabilize a flat bottom boat and reduce the risk of tilting or capsizing while in all bodies of water and increasing occupant mobility in the boat.
[0016] To provide a safer operating environment in normal and turbulent conditions.
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022] Referring to