DE202021103292U1 - Device for protecting a sail - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for protecting a sail (2), comprising at least one sheath (20) for wrapping the sail (2), characterized in that the device (1) has at least one element (30) for receiving a gaseous substance with a variable volume (30-2) comprises or forms, wherein the device (1) further comprises at least one device (40) for supplying and / or removing the gaseous substance from the receiving volume (30-2), wherein the at least one element (30) for receiving is arranged or designed in such a way that the element (30) for receiving an increasing part of the internal volume (70) enclosed by the at least one cover (20) takes up when the cover (20) envelops the sail (2) and the Receiving volume (30-2) enlarged.

Description

The invention relates to a device for protecting a sail.

Sails are used to drive sailing vehicles, for example sailing boats or sailing ships, by means of wind power. A sail is typically designed as a sailcloth made of woven fibers and can be attached to the sailing vehicle along its edges, also known as leeches. There are different types of sails, such as a main sail or headsail, which are attached to the sailing vehicle along a mast or a forestay, among other things.

When the sail is not in use, it is often rolled up to one of its edges, for example the headsail is rolled up to a luff around the forestay. The sail remains attached to the sailing vehicle for the duration of the non-use. Such a condition can lead to disadvantageous kinks or other damage to the sailcloth, e.g. due to relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled-up sailcloth that are prone to friction. Thus, even in the rolled up state, the sail requires special protection against such mechanical stresses on the rolled up sailcloth that can result in increased wear and tear on the sail. In order to achieve protection against mechanical stress, it makes sense to minimize or even prevent relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled-up sailcloth along the entire length of the sail.

Furthermore, when not in use, the rolled up sail requires special protection against weather-related external stress, such as solar radiation, moisture or wind. In particular, the external stress caused by the ultraviolet light occurring in solar radiation can result in premature wear or optical changes in the sail. In order to achieve protection against external stress, it makes sense to cover the rolled up sail.

Due to different cuts and shapes of sails, it can happen that a rolled up sail has a non-cylindrical shape, for example, or a shape that tapers conically from one end to the other, so that it is more difficult to achieve the required protection due to a changing shape of the rolled up sail can be.

Depending on the way in which the sail is attached to the sailing vehicle, it is also conceivable that the sail, when rolled up, is arranged in an upright or almost upright position, such as rolled up along the length of the luff around the forestay, which could potentially lead to the creation of protection difficult access to higher lying areas of the furled sail.

A cover, also known as a tarpaulin, is typically used to achieve the desired protection against the aforementioned influences. This is attached to the rolled-up sail and sealed to form a cover that encloses the rolled-up sail. In order to achieve the aforementioned protection of the sail, in particular against the explained mechanical stress, the cover must lie tightly and firmly on the sail, which is often achieved by lashing the cover using lines, which are usually guided on the outside of the cover over the length of the rolled up sail become. After pulling up the cover, these lines must be pulled tight by the user with considerable effort in order to compress the cover and also the sail, which is wrapped in the rolled up state. This can lead to creasing of the cover and / or the sail, which can negatively affect the external appearance of the cover and / or sail and can also reduce the required protection.

From the prior art, for example, from DE 20 2004 015 026 U1 a device for protecting a sail is known which proposes an adjustable headsail tarpaulin which has several belts with buckles, a respective belt length being adjustable on the buckles. The belt length can be adjusted by the user so that the headsail tarpaulin can be adapted to the shape of the rolled-up headsail. Furthermore, the device has lines for lashing, these being passed crosswise along the cover through loops and being lashed by the user in order to achieve the required protection.

The technical problem arises of creating a device for protecting a sail which is more user-friendly in terms of attachment and removal and offers effective protection against the stresses mentioned at the beginning.

The solution to the technical problem results from the subject matter with the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous refinements of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

The purpose of the device is to protect a sail against the stresses explained at the beginning, whereby the disadvantages identified from the prior art do not occur or are reduced are. A sail can include a sailcloth with at least three edges, eyelets and / or lines and a rope sewn into the edges of the sailcloth for attaching the sail to a sailing vehicle. Other embodiments of a sail, which is used to propel a sailing vehicle through the wind, are also conceivable.

The device comprises at least one cover, wherein the at least one cover can be made from woven material and designed, for example, as a tarpaulin. Furthermore, the shell can be put into an enveloping state, in which case it has or forms an internal volume which serves to receive or arrange at least part of the sail or the complete sail, in particular in the rolled up state. In the enveloped state, the sail can therefore be enveloped by the envelope along part of its length or along its entire length (if this is in the enveloped state). The inner volume can be sealed against the external environment to such an extent that the penetration of solar radiation, moisture, wind or other external stress is at least reduced or prevented.

According to the invention, the device comprises at least one element for receiving a gaseous substance with a variable receiving volume or forms this element for receiving.

The element for receiving can be made from a plastic material, in particular an elastomer and / or polymer material, and designed as a single-layer or multi-layer balloon body with one or more cavities; a tubular design is also possible. Other materials are also conceivable for production, the material being selected in such a way that the absorbing element at least slows down the escape of the absorbed gaseous substance into the environment. However, the element for receiving is preferably designed to be gas-tight. It is also conceivable that the shell at least partially encloses the element for receiving in order to achieve protection of the element for receiving against mechanical damage such as puncture or external stress on the element for receiving, as can occur, for example, from solar radiation.

The gaseous substance can be air, which is introduced into the element for absorption from the environment, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the gaseous substance is a gas or gas mixture other than air, such as helium, for example.

The receiving volume of the receiving element can be changed, in particular it can be increased by filling it with the substance, which can be made possible by the preferably elastic expandability of the receiving element. It is also conceivable that the element for receiving is designed such that it has a predetermined external shape when a maximum receiving volume is reached, the maximum receiving volume and thus the predetermined shape being able to be set by supplying the gaseous substance. Furthermore, the intake volume can be reduced by removing the gaseous substance. In particular, changing the receiving volume can influence the external shape and / or dimensions of the element for receiving. Likewise, in a state in which the element for receiving has a smaller receiving volume than the maximum receiving volume, the device can advantageously be attached to or removed from a rolled up sail in a simplified manner.

The device further comprises at least one device for supplying and / or removing the gaseous substance from the receiving volume. The device for supplying and / or discharging serves to control the flow of the gaseous substance into and / or out of the receiving volume. The device for feeding and / or discharging can for example be designed in two parts and with a cover, a first part of the device without the cover being inserted from the inside through openings in the element for receiving and the cover and a second part with the cover being inserted from the outside the first part of the device is plugged, glued, screwed or pressed. Thus, the casing and the element for receiving by the device for supply and / or removal can be connected to one another, preferably clamped to one another, in such a way that the gaseous substance does not escape from the element for receiving after closing, preferably by means of the cover Removing the lid, the gaseous substance can be supplied or discharged.

It is also possible that the device for supply and / or discharge comprises a valve, for example a check valve. For example, in particular one of the two parts of the device for supply and / or discharge can comprise the valve.

Other forms of a device for supplying and / or discharging or for controlling the flow of the gaseous substance into and out of the receiving volume are of course also conceivable.

The supply and / or removal of the gaseous substance in and / or from the element for Recording can take place, for example, using a hand pump or an electric pump. For this purpose, the device for supply and / or removal can comprise a suitable connection element or means. The connection element or means can, for example, be designed as an adapter for a pump on an outwardly facing side.

The element for receiving is arranged or designed in such a way that the element for receiving takes up an increasing part of the internal volume encompassed or enclosed or enveloped by the at least one envelope when the envelope envelops the sail, i.e. the envelope is in the enveloping state, and the recording volume increases. The inner volume encompassed by the envelope can comprise a volume part which is occupied by the element for receiving with the variable receiving volume, and a further volume part which is occupied by the sail. Furthermore, the inner volume can comprise a free volume part that is neither stressed by the sail nor by the element for receiving.

If a gaseous substance is supplied to the element for receiving, the receiving volume increases. The enlargement of the receiving volume can influence the shape of the element for receiving in such a way that the part of the volume of the internal volume encompassed by the shell, which is occupied by the element for receiving, increases. Furthermore, the explained free volume part and possibly also the volume part occupied by the sail can decrease, in particular if the internal volume is constant. When the receiving volume increases, the receiving element can in particular press against the sail and compress it. In such a state, the mechanical stress explained at the beginning is avoided or the risk of its occurrence is reduced.

In order to adequately protect the sail against such mechanical stress, it is advantageous if the rolled up sail is compressed evenly from the outside. In particular, the element for receiving can thus be arranged and / or designed in such a way that the shape of the element for receiving adapts evenly to the shape of the rolled-up sail as the receiving volume increases, with the shape being adapted by supplying the gaseous substance and not by must be actively carried out by a user. The gaseous substance can be fed into the receiving volume until sufficient compression of the sail is achieved or the maximum receiving volume is reached. Furthermore, the gaseous substance can be removed from the element for receiving, so that the part of the volume of the inner volume enclosed by the shell, which is stressed by the element for receiving, decreases and this advantageously simplifies removal of the device from the rolled-up sail.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises means for producing a closed state of the at least one casing. This can mean, in particular, that the casing is in a non-closed state before the closed state is established. In the non-closed state, the envelope can, for example, have opposite ends or sides to which the means for producing the closed state are attached. The opposite sides are preferably two longitudinal sides of the casing, wherein the casing can have two longitudinal sides and two end faces in the non-closed state. The means for producing a closed state can be designed in such a way that a releasable closed state can be produced by them.

For example, these means can comprise resealable elements which enable the two opposite ends or sides of the shell to be connected by means of a form fit and / or force fit, for example by means of elements of a zip fastener. These can be sewn to or sewn into the at least one sleeve along the opposite ends of the latter. Of course, other means of producing a closed state are also conceivable, e.g. elements of a button fastener. The means for producing a closed state of the at least one shell advantageously increases the user-friendliness compared to an embodiment without means for producing a closed state of the at least one shell, since the attachment and / or removal of the device to and / or from the to be protected sail is simplified in a non-closed state of the envelope. In the closed state, the envelope can be in the described enveloping state, with a maximum internal volume of the envelope being defined in this state. By feeding the gaseous substance into the element for receiving, the receiving volume can then - as explained above - be increased until the rolled up sail is evenly compressed from the outside by the device.

In a further embodiment, the at least one shell forms the at least one element for receiving. The shell and the element for receiving can be configured as one component, so that, for example, the shell forms at least one wall of the element for receiving and at least slows down or slows down the escape of the captured gaseous substance into the environment prevented. By designing the element to be received by at least part of the casing, the overall weight of the device can be reduced, since less material has to be used. For the user, the weight reduction advantageously results in increased user-friendliness when attaching and removing the device. It is also conceivable that both components can be produced from the same material. An elastomer or polymer material, for example, can be used as the material.

In a further embodiment, the at least one element for receiving is attached to the casing. The attachment can be made by a material, form-fitting or non-positive connection. The attachment of the element for receiving to the shell can take place by means of fastening elements which establish a connection between the element for receiving and the shell. A connection between the element for receiving and the casing can also be implemented by means of material-locking welding of the two components. In other words, the element for receiving can be welded to the shell. The attachment of the element for receiving to the shell enables a more flexible choice of materials, for example the shell and the element for receiving can be made of different materials, these materials being able to have different properties adapted to the stresses to be avoided. It is possible that the element for receiving has or forms fastening areas or sections for fastening to the shell. These areas or can in particular be edge areas or protruding areas. These areas can, for example, be designed with a greater material thickness, that is to say reinforced, in comparison with other areas. It is further possible that the cover also has or forms fastening areas or sections for fastening the element for receiving. These areas or can in particular be edge areas, in particular on a longitudinal and / or on an end face. These areas can, for example, be designed with a greater material thickness, that is to say reinforced, in comparison with other areas.

The above-mentioned protection can advantageously be achieved in a more flexible manner by virtue of the fastening explained. Furthermore, by attaching the element for receiving to the cover, a higher user-friendliness is achieved in an advantageous manner, since the cover and the element for receiving do not have to be attached to the sail separately by the user in the attached state and are stored attached to one another after removing the device from the sail can, so that the risk of a component of the device not being found is reduced.

In a further embodiment, the element for receiving is attached to the side facing the inner volume of the at least one shell. This side can also be referred to as the back of the case. By attaching the element for receiving on the side facing the inner volume of the shell, in an enveloping state of the shell, the changing receiving volume of the element for receiving can increase towards the rolled up sail in such a way that the element for receiving is the part of the device that supports the facing the furled sail and / or touching the furled sail. The side of the casing which faces away from the inner volume, that is to say the outside, can be the part of the device facing the surroundings. This design of the device makes it possible in an advantageous manner to design the named parts of the device in such a way that the protection against the mechanical and external stress mentioned at the beginning is increased. For example, through this structure, the part of the device facing the rolled up sail or the part of the device touching the sail can be made of a material which, when the device is attached and / or removed and / or the device is pressed against the sail, the surface of the sail in front of a mechanical stress by the pressing protects in an advantageous manner, while the outward facing, so the part of the device facing away from the inner volume, can be made of a material which is advantageously durable against the external stress.

In a further embodiment, the element for receiving is sewn to the casing. It is conceivable that the cover and the element for receiving are made from different materials and the selected materials cannot be connected in a materially bonded manner, so that sewing the element for receiving to the cover represents an advantageous type of connection. For example, the element for receiving can have edges or edge sections for attaching a seam. These are arranged and / or designed in such a way that a seam does not adversely affect the absorption of a gaseous substance. The element for receiving can thus be sewn to the casing along the edges or edge sections. The connection of the two components by a seam can enable the components to be severed in a non-destructive manner if the seam is severed, while there may be a comparatively increased risk of damage to the device when an integral connection is severed. The sewing of the element for receiving to the sleeve consequently advantageously increases the interchangeability of the sleeve and / or the element for receiving. It is conceivable, for example, that the casing or the element for receiving it is irreparable are damaged, so that for repairing the device, the damaged component of the device can be replaced after the seam has been severed.

In a further embodiment, the element for receiving is releasably attached to the sheath. The releasable connection between the element for receiving and the shell enables the user to advantageously release and / or re-establish the connection between the components as required. For example, one of the two components can be soiled, so that it can be separated from the other component for cleaning. Other reasons for a releasable connection are also conceivable, such as, for example, the separate attachment and / or removal of the components of the device to and / or from the sail. A component can also be replaced, e.g. for maintenance in the event of damage to the device, thanks to the detachable connection. The releasable connection can be formed by means of fastening elements, for example via a button strip attached along the edges of the element for receiving, with associated button holes which are formed through the cover. The releasable connection of the two components using elements of a zip fastener is also conceivable.

In a further embodiment, the at least one cover is designed in such a way that at least one connecting element for connecting to an actuating element or for manual actuation is arranged in at least one edge area of the cover, preferably an end edge area. A connecting element can be used to connect to an actuating element for power transmission to the shell, but the connection to a fastening element via the connecting element is also conceivable. The connecting element can also be an element for actuation by a user, for example for the transmission of force to the cover. As described above, it can happen that the rolled up sail remains in an upright or almost upright position on the sailing vehicle. This can have the consequence that it is more difficult for the user to attach and / or remove the device due to the potentially reduced accessibility in higher-lying areas of the rolled-up sail. It is therefore advantageous if the device has a possibility for connection to an actuating element and / or fastening element in the edge region of the sheath.

For example, the cover can be connected to a halyard via the connecting element, and the cover can be pulled onto the rolled-up sail by actuating the case. The cover can also be connected to a fastening hook via the connecting element, e.g. in the opened state.

In the enveloping state of the envelope, the edge region can be arranged on a part of the envelope that is accessible from the outside; for example, the edge region can encompass 10% of a longitudinal extension of the envelope in an enveloping state. It is conceivable, for example, that at least one connecting element is arranged in the edge region of the cover or is attached to the cover. For example, a tab can be sewn to the edge area of the cover, but other types of fastening are also conceivable. In this case, the connecting element can be connected to an actuating element, in particular a case, a line coming from the mast, so that it is possible to position the device at a required height or to pull it up onto a rolled up sail, especially when it is almost upright Position.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting element is also formed by the shell or is an opening in the edge region of the shell. Such an opening can be designed as a thimble, in particular a thimble, for example.

In a further embodiment, a first connecting element is arranged on a first edge region and a further connecting element is arranged on a further edge region of the casing which is opposite the first edge region. This further edge area can be a further front edge area. Attaching a further connecting element in an edge area of the cover opposite the (first) edge area is advantageous in order not only to make it easier for a user to attach the device by means of the connecting element in the edge area and a further connecting element in the opposite edge area when the rolled up sail is, for example, in an almost upright position, but also to make it easier for the user to remove the device. For example, a further tab can be attached in the opposite edge area, which can be gripped by a user. By holding the other tab, the opposite edge area and thus part of the device can be held in position during attachment and / or the entire device can be tensioned by, for example, pressing the at least one tab attached in the opposite edge area, thus pulling the cover taut if, for example, a force for pulling the cover is exerted on the cover via the first connecting element. Furthermore, by for example actuating the further tab, for example by pulling on the further tab, the device can advantageously be removed in a simplified manner from the rolled-up sail become. Pulling on and pulling off can thus be simplified.

In a further embodiment, the device for feeding and / or discharging is arranged in a lower area, for example in the lower half or the lower third, of the device. If a direction of the gravitational force (gravitational direction) is oriented from top to bottom, the lower area of the device designates the area which is arranged below a remaining (upper) area of the device in relation to this direction when the device is in an upright or almost upright position Orientation is arranged on a rolled up sail. An upright or almost upright orientation is given here if a directional component of a (central) longitudinal axis of the device, in particular in the enveloping state, which is oriented parallel to the direction of gravity, is greater than zero or greater than a directional component perpendicular thereto. Such an upright or almost upright orientation is given, for example, when a sail is wrapped, which is arranged on the luff of a ship or boat.

The lower area is in particular the area of the device that is accessible to the user in the upright position of the device, for example the lower 150 cm of the device along its longitudinal axis if the device is 300 cm long. The upper area is accordingly the area of the device that is difficult to access and / or inaccessible to the user in the upright position of the device, for example the upper 150 cm of the device along its longitudinal axis. The arrangement of the device for supply and / or removal in the lower area of the device is advantageous in order to facilitate the accessibility of the device for supply and / or removal for the user when the device envelops a sail in an almost upright position. In particular, it can be made easier for the user, for example, to connect a pump to a suitable connection element or means of the device for supplying and / or discharging.

In a further embodiment, the device for supply and / or discharge is designed as a valve or comprises a valve. The design of the device for supply and / or discharge as a valve is advantageous since a simple, quick and reliable supply and discharge of the gaseous substance is made possible. The flow of the gaseous substance into and / or out of the element for receiving can thus be interrupted without a closure part, for example a cover, having to be actuated by the user. For example, the user can introduce the gaseous substance through the valve into the receiving element by means of a pump. Once the supply of the gaseous substance has been completed, the user can remove the pump from the valve, the gaseous substance being prevented from escaping from the element for receiving after the pump has been removed from the valve. For example, the valve can be designed as a check valve.

In a further embodiment, the device for supplying and / or removing extends from the outside of the casing through to the inside of the element for receiving, in particular into the receiving volume. The outside of the shell denotes a side facing away from the inner volume enclosed by the shell. In particular, the outside of the cover is accessible from the outside by the user when the cover is in the enveloping state. The inside of the element for receiving is a side of the element for receiving which faces the variable receiving volume. Extending the device for supply and / or removal from the outside of the shell through to the inside of the element for receiving is advantageous in order to make the device for supply and / or removal accessible to the user from the outside. For example, a pump can be connected to the feed and / or discharge device when the cover is already covering the rolled up sail. In particular, it is conceivable that the device for supply and / or removal can also be used as a coupling element between the casing and the element for receiving, with, for example, a first part of the device for supply and / or removal through at least one opening in the casing and at least one further opening in the element for receiving and a second part of the device for feeding and / or discharging is inserted, glued, screwed or pressed onto the first part of the device from the outside. It is also conceivable that the device for supply and / or removal and / or the casing is designed in such a way that the suitable connection element or means of the device for supply and / or removal can be covered if necessary. For example, the outside of the shell can have or form a resealable flexible cover that covers the device for supply and / or discharge, in particular the connection element or means of this device, so that it is protected from external stress such as solar radiation or dirt particles can, is protected. Also conceivable is a cover sewn onto the outside of the cover, which can be opened and closed by means of a Velcro strip, so that the device for feeding and / or removing the cover is accessible from the outside when the cover is open.

In a further embodiment, the envelope has a degree of transmission to ultraviolet light between 0% and 99%. The transmittance describes the quotient between the measurable radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light behind the shell and the measurable radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light in front of the shell. In this context, in front of the cover, this is to be understood as an entry point of the ultraviolet light on the outside of the cover and behind the cover as an exit point on the opposite side of the cover. A transmittance of 0% means that the measurable radiation intensity behind the shell is 0% of the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light measured in front of the shell. A transmittance of 99% means that behind the envelope the measurable intensity is 99% of the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light measured in front of the envelope. In order to protect the rolled-up sail from external exposure to solar radiation, it is therefore advantageous to design the cover in such a way that it has a degree of transmission to ultraviolet light of at most 99% or preferably less than 99%, at most 0%. The material must be selected so that the required degree of transmission is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the element for receiving is tubular or sack-shaped. Here, a tubular design can mean that, in the unfilled state, a length of the element is greater than a width, preferably greater than twice the width, of the element. A sack-shaped design can mean that, in the unfilled state, a length of the element is less than or equal to a width, preferably less than or equal to twice the width of the element.

It is also possible that the element for receiving comprises a cushion element which is formed, for example, by a foam layer which is attached to a side of the element for receiving which faces the surface of the sail, so that the risk of damage to the surface of the sail by the device is reduced in an advantageous manner.

The shell can be designed in such a way that it assumes a cylindrical or conical shell shape, in particular in the enveloping state and / or when the receiving volume of the element for receiving is filled with the gaseous substance. As a result, the shell and / or the device has a uniform, preferably rotationally symmetrical outer shape, whereby the outer shape advantageously offers a smaller area of attack for the external stresses such as strong wind compared to, for example, a cuboid shape.

In a further embodiment, the sleeve can be printed. Printable is to be understood in particular to mean that the cover is designed in such a way that the outside of the cover can accommodate at least one colorant which can be used, for example, to represent letters and symbols on the outside of the cover. It is also conceivable that, for example, letters or symbols are represented with the aid of flock fibers by means of electrostatic flocking. In particular, the representation can have information content. The display can convey the handling of the device to the user. For example, orientation information regarding the upper and lower area of the device on the sail can be conveyed by a representation using the letters OBEN for above and BELOW for below. This advantageously increases the user-friendliness and also safety during the use of the device.

In a further embodiment, the cover is water-repellent. A water-repellent cover is advantageous because the device thereby offers better protection for the rolled up sail against external stress such as rain. Water-repellent means in particular that the shell is designed in such a way that the outside of the shell has hydrophobic properties. However, it is also conceivable that the cover is impervious to water, so that water applied to the outside of the cover does not penetrate from the outside of the cover through the cover to the opposite side of the cover, in particular not onto the sail covered by the cover . It is also conceivable that, for example, wax or paraffin are applied to the casing in order to achieve the water-repellent property of the casing.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Segelboots mit Vorsegel,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Segelboots mit aufgerolltem Vorsegel und angebrachter Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels,
• 3 eine vorderseitige schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem nicht geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle,
• 4 eine rückseitige schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem nicht geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle, und
• 5 eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a sailboat with headsail,
• 2 a schematic representation of a sailboat with a furled headsail and attached device to protect a sail,
• 3 a front schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a sail in a non-closed state of the cover,
• 4th a rear schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a sail in a non-closed state of the cover, and
• 5 a schematic perspective illustration of a device for protecting a sail in a closed state of the cover.

In the following, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same or similar technical features.

1 shows a sailing vehicle 5 with two sails 2 , being a main sail 7th and a headsail 2-1 on the sailing vehicle 5 are appropriate. The headsail 2-1 is along a luff 6th on a forestay 8th guided. The forestay 8th also serves to support a mast 3 of the sailing vehicle 5 . The direction of gravity is marked with g and an arrow, with the arrow pointing in the direction of gravity. Is the headsail 2-1 not in use, the headsail can 2-1 around the forestay 8th be rolled up.

2 shows a sailing vehicle 5 with two sails 2 , with the foresail 2-1 to the luff 6th around the forestay 8th is rolled up. One device 1 envelops the furled headsail 2 -1. The furled sail 2 is through the device 1 against mechanical stress, such as caused by friction during relative movements of the different layers of the rolled up sail 2 occurs and / or external stress, such as occurs, for example, from solar radiation, must be protected from premature wear. The device 1 will after 2 by means of a case 51-4 , so one from the mast 3 coming leash, positioned.

3 shows an apparatus 1 in an unlocked state. The device 1 includes a sheath 20th with opposite long sides 20-1 at what means 20-2 for producing a closed state of the envelope 20th are appropriate. The means 20-2 can be or comprise elements of a zip fastener. Be the opposite sides 20-1 by means of the means 20-2 releasably connected, the shell is in a closed state 20th . In this closed state, the shell 20th an outside 20-4 the shell 20th on which an external environment 100 is facing.

Furthermore, the outside is 20-4 with a first and a second guide 61 , 62 printed, with the first guide 61 by means of the letters ABOVE an upper area 63 the device 1 Visible for the user and the second orientation notice 62 by means of the letters BELOW a lower area 64 the device 1 identifies visible to the user. To 3 is the transition from the upper to the lower area of the device by a dashed line 65 marked. Through the guidance notes 61 , 62 becomes the user attaching the device 1 on the sail, which is furled in an almost upright position 2 facilitated in an advantageous manner. It can also be seen that a facility 40 for feeding and / or discharging in the lower area 64 the device 1 is attached, so that the supply and / or removal of a gaseous substance is facilitated in an advantageous manner for the user.

Next, the device 1 in the closed, that is to say enveloping, state an internal volume (not shown) which is covered by the envelope 20th is enveloped and which in particular for receiving and / or arranging at least a part of the rolled up sail 2 or the whole sail 2 serves. When not closed, the device can 1 advantageously simplified around the rolled up sail 2 are laid, then the sail by making the closed state 2 from the shell 20th is wrapped. As a result, the device offers 1 protection against external stress on the sail 2 by solar radiation, for example. In particular, the shell 20th have a transmittance to ultraviolet light between 0% and 99% and be water-repellent.

In order to achieve even more extensive protection against external and mechanical stress, the device comprises 1 an element for receiving a gaseous substance (not shown), which is attached to a rear side of the envelope 20th , so one of the outside 20-4 opposite side of the shell is arranged. The element for receiving is along part of its edges (not shown) by means of a seam 25 with a first end-face edge region 20-5 the shell 20th and another opposite edge area 20-6 the shell 20th to the shell 20th sewn. The first frontal edge area 20-5 can be used as the upper edge area and the further front edge area 20-6 can be referred to as the lower margin area.

The element for receiving can by means of the device 40 for supplying and / or removing a gaseous substance (not shown) into a receiving volume formed by the element for receiving and / or removing it therefrom. The gaseous substance can be air from the environment 100 through the establishment 40 for supply and / or removal introduced into the interior volume of the element for receiving and / or into the environment 100 can be discharged. Next includes the facility 40 a connection element for feeding and / or discharging 40-1 for connecting a pump, for example, which can comprise a hollow cylindrical element with an external thread and a cover with an internal thread. Furthermore is on the outside 20-4 the shell 20th a cover 40-3 attached, which by means of a Velcro strap 40-4 to obscure the facility 40 for feeding and / or discharging on the outside 20-4 the shell 20th can be attached. This is the facility 40 for supply and / or discharge advantageously protected from external stress and contamination. To 3 can when loosening the Velcro connection between the cover 40-3 and outside shell 20-4 the cover 40-3 be folded over that the connection element 40-1 is accessible to the user from the outside.

The attachment can be done in which the sheath 20th around the sail 2 laid around and then placed in a closed state.

Alternatively, the attachment can be done by removing at least a portion of the sheath 20th , e.g. the further edge area 20-6 the portion comprising the sheath is wrapped around a portion of the rolled-up sail, for example a lower portion of the sail. Then the shell can 20th be set to the closed state in the area of this section. After that, the shell 20th are moved along the sail, for example up to an upper end of the sail, with further areas of the envelope during the movement 20th are closed, in particular until a completely closed state is established. Alternatively, it is possible to establish the completely closed state only after reaching the end position, for example the upper end.

4th shows the device 1 from a perspective in which the outside 20-4 the shell 20th is not visible. Instead shows 4th the inside, i.e. that of the sail 2 facing side, the device 1 with the element 30th to record. The element 30th a receiving volume has for receiving 30-2 on. The recording volume 30-2 can be changed by supplying and / or removing the gaseous substance, in particular the volume increases 30-2 by supplying the gaseous substance and it is reduced in size by discharging the gaseous substance. In the in the 3 and 4th The state shown is no gaseous substance in the element 30th recorded for recording, so that the recording volume 30-2 is minimized. Attaching the device 1 on a sail 2 is advantageously simplified in such a state.

Front edges 30-1 of the element 30th for inclusion are via a seam 25 with the edge areas 20-5 , 20-6 the shell 20th sewn. The edges 30-1 of the element 30th for admission are not part of the admission volume 30-2 so that the absorption of a gaseous substance through the seam 25 is not adversely affected. The seam 25 creates a connection between the shell 20th and element 30th for recording, so that the individual components of the device 1 (Covering 20th and element 30th for recording) can not separate from each other in an advantageous manner.

It is possible that this includes long sides of the element 30th for inclusion via a seam with the cover 20th are sewn, in particular with edge areas along the long sides 20-1 the shell 20th .

5 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a device according to the invention 1 which protect a sail 2 serves against mechanical and external stress. Is the device 1 as after 5 on a sail 2 attached and envelops the shell 20th in the closed state a particularly rolled up sail 2 and becomes a gaseous substance in the element 30th recorded for recording, the recording volume increases 30-2 . This stresses the element 30th to accommodate an increasing portion of the from the envelope 20th included interior volume. Furthermore, changes due to the enlarged recording volume 30-2 the shape of the element 30th for inclusion, so that the item 30th for inclusion in one through the furled sail 2 defined shape on the rolled up sail 2 can press. This will make the sail 2 Compressed and through a compression, relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled up sail are made 2 minimized and / or prevented. By minimizing and / or preventing relative movements of the sail 2 offers the device 1 protection against mechanical stress on the sail 2 and a premature closure of the sail 2 .

In the upper and lower margins 20-5 , 20-6 the shell 20th are fasteners 51 , 52 on the shell 20th attached. Both fasteners 51 , 52 are than in the edge areas 20-5 , 20-6 sewn-in flaps formed. The fasteners 51 , 52 can, for example, be used for connection to an actuating element 51-3 serve. The actuator 51-3 can as in 2 shown, for example, one from a mast 3 coming leash, so a fall 51-4 , be whatever it is to the user of the device 1 advantageously allows the device 1 after connecting the actuating element 51-3 with one of the fasteners 51 , 52 to be positioned at a height that is difficult for the user to access by the user using the device 1 by means of the actuating element 51-3 actuated, in particular by means of the case 51-4 pulls up. Furthermore, the device 1 after attaching it to the sail 2 by grasping and pulling the (further) connecting element 52 on the furled sail 2 advantageously positioned and pulled taut. The (further) connecting element 52 can for example from one hand of the user of the device 1 are gripped around the device by pulling on the tab 1 on the furled sail 2 advantageous to position and / or remove the device 1 from the sail 2 to facilitate in an advantageous manner.

In the 5 illustrated embodiment of the device 1 has all the advantages and functions described in the 2 , 3 and 4th shown embodiments. In 5 is a furled sail 2 in an almost upright position arranged. This position can be the sail 2 for example assume if it is on a forestay 8th of a sailing craft 5 is arranged. It is shown that the device 1 the furled sail 2 enveloped.

In particular, is a shell 20th the device 1 into a closed and the furled sail 2 enveloping state. Furthermore, by opening the cover 20th by means of the means 20-2 to produce a closed state, a non-closed state of the envelope 20th are manufactured in which the device 1 advantageously simplified by the rolled up sail 2 can be removed.

Due to the closed state of the cover 20th is an interior volume 70 through the closed shell 20th educated. A volume part 70-1 of the internal volume 70 is determined by an intake volume 30-2 of an element 30th claimed for inclusion. Another volume part 70-2 of the internal volume 70 is from a forestay 8th and the furled sail 2 claimed. A remaining free volume part (not shown) of the internal volume 70 can be stressed by, for example, air, the air of the environment 100 can come from.

Continue to take the item 30th for recording after 5 by taking up a gaseous substance in the receiving volume 30-2 , for example by supplying air from the environment 100 in the element 30th to take up a figure, which is attached to the furled sail 2 and the sail 2 thus protects against mechanical stress. The case 20th indicates after filling the element 30th for receiving a conical outer shape 20-8 on, which is streamlined in an advantageous manner.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

2

sail

2-1

Headsail

3

mast

5

Sailing vehicle

6th

luff

7th

Main sail

8th

Forestay

20th

covering

20-1

Long sides

20-2

Means of manufacture

20-4

Outside of the shell

20-5

Edge area of the envelope

20-6

further edge area of the envelope

20-8

outer shape of the shell

30th

Element for inclusion

30-1

Edges of the element for inclusion

30-2

Recording volume

40

Device for supply and / or removal

40-1

Connection element

40-3

cover

40-4

Velcro

51

Connecting element

51-3

Actuator

51-4

case

52

another connecting element

61

first orientation note

62

second orientation note

63

upper area

64

lower area

65

Dashed line

70

Internal volume

70-1

Volume part

70-2

further volume part

100

vicinity

G

Direction of gravity

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 202004015026 U1 [0008]

Claims (16)

Device (1) for protecting a sail (2), comprising at least one sheath (20) for wrapping the sail (2), characterized in that the device (1) has at least one element (30) for receiving a gaseous substance with a variable volume (30-2) comprises or forms, wherein the device (1) further comprises at least one device (40) for supplying and / or removing the gaseous substance from the receiving volume (30-2), wherein the at least one element (30) for receiving is arranged or designed in such a way that the element (30) for receiving an increasing part of the internal volume (70) enclosed by the at least one cover (20) takes up when the cover (20) envelops the sail (2) and the Receiving volume (30-2) enlarged. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the device comprises means (20-2) for producing a closed state of the at least one casing (20). Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one shell (20) forms the at least one element (30) for receiving. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one element (30) is attached to the sheath (20) for receiving. Device (1) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the element (30) for receiving is attached to the side facing the inner volume (70) of the at least one shell (20). Device (1) according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the element (30) is sewn to the sheath (20) for receiving. Device (1) according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the receiving element (30) is releasably attached to the sheath (20). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cover (20) is designed in such a way that in at least one edge area (20-5) of the cover, preferably an end edge area, at least one connecting element (51) to Connect to an actuating element (51-3) or is arranged for manual actuation. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first connecting element (51) is arranged on a first edge region (20-5) and a further connecting element (52) is arranged on a further edge region (20-6) of the casing ( 20) is arranged, which is opposite to the first edge region (20-5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supply and / or removal is arranged in a lower region (64) of the device (1). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supply and / or discharge is designed as a valve or comprises a valve. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supply and / or removal extends from the outside (20-4) of the casing (20) to the inside of the element (30) for receiving extends, in particular into the receiving volume (30-2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (20) has a degree of transmission to ultraviolet light between 0% and 99%. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (30) for receiving is tubular or sack-shaped. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (20) can be printed. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing (20) is water-repellent.

Images