EP0378632B1 - Mast, in particular for sailing boat - Google Patents

Abstract

The mast described, in particular for a sailing boat, consists of at least two elements (1) and (2) suitable for attachment at one of the ends on either side of the longitudinal median plane of the boat, and connected at the other end with or without contact; each of said elements (1) and (2) has a cross-sectional profile of an aerodynamic shape by being fixed at its base and coupled at its top, with the ability to be angularly orientated along a longitudinal axis depending in particular on the direction of the wind in order to obtain the best aeraulic performance of the sail-tackle assembly.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of the rigging of sailing vessels.

Sailing boats, whatever their design, have one or more masts fixed very substantially at the longitudinal media axis! of the hull, each mast being constituted by a single element. On these masts, the tack points of the wing are positioned on the deck, so that each mast is directly stressed by the bending forces imparted to it by the wing due to its connection with the luff. It is therefore often necessary to use guy lines, spreaders, bastaques and others.

In addition, there appear wear problems and risks of rupture and tearing of the sails, resulting from the friction of said sails directly with the mast and with the other rigging parts.

To overcome these drawbacks and solve the problem of having total freedom of positioning of the tack points of the wing on the deck, it has been proposed to make a mast composed of at least two independent elements capable of being fixed to one of their ends on either side of the longitudinal median plane of the vessel, and joined, at their other end, in a contiguous manner or not.

This state of the art can be illustrated without limitation by the teaching of US patents 2,147,501 and NL 86.00661 for example.

From this particular design of the mast in two independent elements, we wanted to improve the aerolic performance of the sails-rigging assembly and facilitate the balancing of the sails surfaces of large sails and in particular before sails.

According to the invention, this problem is solved in that each of the elements is profiled in section in an aerodynamic manner by being fixed at its base and coupled to its part. high with angular orientation capacity along a longitudinal axis in particular as a function of the wind direction to obtain the best aerolic performance of the sails-rigging assembly.

The elements cooperate with locking means in angular position.

Advantageously, the elements cooperate, in particular at their base, with means capable of ensuring at will, the simultaneous or independent angular orientation of said elements.

To solve the problem posed of the angular assembly along the longitudinal axis of each of the elements, the latter are mounted free in rotation on a socket angularly fixed, with adjustment capacity, on a support member shaped to be coupled to a part of the boat, especially from the bridge.

The support member has a sectional profile determined to allow, in combination with the elasticity of the material making it up, reduced angular variations from front to back, of the elements relative to the bridge.

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is to be able to control and orient each of the elements of the mast as a function of the wind, taking into account the possible deviation of the air streams created by the sails to ensure better adjustment of the upwind and downwind element.

This problem is solved in that each of the elements is coupled to a system capable of simultaneously controlling said elements according to different angular orientations in order to allow in particular an orientation adjustment of said elements relative to one another and relative to the wind. .

The system comprises a coupling bar connected by a system of articulated links to each of the elements, said bar being mounted with the ability to move in guided translation on the bridge while being subject to control means.

Another problem that is resolved to solve the invention is to increase the rigidity of the mast as defined. For this purpose, the elements are joined by one or more transverse spacers mounted in an articulated manner on said elements, said spacers being profiled so as to release the free space formed between the two elements, to allow the passage of a luff. of sailing.

The spacer (s) are arranged to allow the installation of additional dormant or routine maneuvers.

According to another characteristic, to solve the problem of having both good fixing at the head independently of the spacing of the base of the elements and a balancing of the forces exerted during the various maneuvers, without this causing parasitic forces or torques on the mast head or on its pivoting movement, the elements are joined at their upper part by an overhanging vertical plate shaped and arranged to allow the fixing of the dormant and / or current maneuvers by deporting them laterally forward and / or rearward and / or vertically relative to the head of the mast, said plate being mounted with oscillation capacity in its plane, from front to back.

The inserts are mounted at the end of the elements with the ability to move in rotation.

The plate is fitted on its sides with pulleys to return halyards and common maneuvers to guide them and allow the return towards the deck, along the elements, outside or inside of them.

The head of each of the elements is coupled directly or by means of members attached to a ball-type means serving as a support for the plate.

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is to design a mast from two elements under the indicated conditions of low weight and high rigidity, in particular when buckling.

For this purpose, each of the elements is composed of a main profiled monobloc piece arranged to receive vertically, over all or part of its length, profiled cheeks delimiting an internal space capable of receiving a stiffener, a vertical reinforcing plate being mounted on a part of the main room, inside the space delimited by said cheeks.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sailboat equipped with the mast according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial profile view showing the mounting of the base of the mast elements on the deck of the boat with angular orientation capacity along the longitudinal axis.

FIG. 3 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a mast equipped with a spacer.

Figure 4a is a partial sectional view showing an embodiment of articulated coupling between the spacer and the components of the mast.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the constitution of each of the elements of the mast.

FIG. 6 is a front view of one of the elements of the mast according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

Figure 7 is a purely schematic plan view showing the angular orientation of each of the elements of the mast taking into account the direction of the wind and the deviation of the air streams created by the sails.

FIG. 7a is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of the coupling system between the elements of the mast, capable of giving them an angular variation relative to the longitudinal axis different from one another.

Figure 7b is a front view corresponding to Figure 7a.

Figure 8 shows in a sectional view another embodiment of the mast element orientation system.

FIG. 9 shows an example of fixing the dormant and / or current maneuvers at the top of the mast.

FIG. 10 is a partial view showing the articulated and orientable mounting of the fixing plate at the top of the mast.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a purely schematic view showing an example of mounting the various attachment points of the dormant and / or current maneuvers of the wing.

FIG. 13 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 12.

Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the mast.

Figures 15 and 16 are two plan views and in section of the mast according to Figure 14, showing two mounting variants of a sail.

Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the mast.

Figure 18 is a schematic front view, corresponding to Figure 17, showing the mast in the folded position of certain constituent elements.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the mast designated as a whole by (M), is composed of at least two elements (1) and (2) capable of being fixed at one of the ends, on either side of the median longitudinal axis of the vessel, in particular in a symmetrical manner. Opposite their fixing part on the boat, the elements (1) and (2) are coupled, whether joined or not.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, each of the elements (1) and (2) constituting the mast has an aerodynamic profiled shape and, pivots along a longitudinal axis, to be oriented according to the wind direction to obtain the best performance aerolic of the whole rig rig. The pivoting movements of each of the two elements can be independent of one another or coordinated with one another and cooperate with means for locking in position. To allow pivoting, a mechanical or other system equips the head and the foot of the elements to provide both the necessary head and foot fixings by allowing the angular orientation of the elements.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each of the elements (1 and 2) is composed of a main piece (10) whose cross section is shaped to correspond to a fraction of the aerodynamic profile. This piece (10) is arranged to receive vertically, over all or part of its height, profiled cheeks (11) and (12) delimiting an internal space. This space can be filled in whole or in part with stiffening elements of the cheeks (11) and (12) constituted for example by light materials (13) or by beams. In addition, with the aim of reducing the weight, in particular of the main part (10) and of increasing its buckling resistance, the rear part of said part (10) can receive, over all or part of its height, and between the cheeks (11) and (12) of the stiffening plates or profiles (14).

Advantageously, the assembly constituted by the cheeks (11) and (12) and the stiffening elements (13) is integral with the part (10) receiving the stiffener (14), with the ability to disassemble to temporarily remove the directional effect. in the event of a prolonged stop, for example. Likewise, provision is made to execute each assembly (11-12-13) in several independent sections arranged in superposition so as to vary the bearing surface.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the main monobloc piece (10) of the mast, receives free articulation, in particular between two wings (10a and 10b), a series of spaced spacers (23) which are profiled, plan view, progressively decreasing given the desired aerodynamic effect. At their other end, each spacer is articulated to a vertical element (24) which acts as a trailing edge bar. Under these conditions, a sail (V) can be mounted in combination with the spacers (23) and the part (10), so as to create a tubular sail.

In FIG. 15, the sail (V) is engaged both around the part (10) and the spacers (23), while in FIG. 16, the sail is arranged only around the spacers (23), the free ends of said sail being engaged, sliding and held in profiled grooves formed at the end of the wings (10a) and (10b) of the part (10). The movement of the spacers, taking into account their articulated assembly, makes it possible to tension the sail after its installation and to reduce the surface by hoisting it more or less.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the part (10) receives, with free articulation, a plurality of elements (25) arranged in superposition being able to occupy a position perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said part. (10) or an angular folding position relative to said part (10) to reduce the bearing surface.

For this purpose, each element (25) comprises two profiled cheeks (25a) and (25b) articulated at their upper part between the two wings (10a) and (10b) of the part (10) so as to be able to be folded angularly against said part (10). These two cheeks are joined at their other end to be articulated, at their upper part, to a vertical element (26), so that by pulling upwards said element (26,) one causes in a concomitant manner, the angular drawdown of all the elements (25) which tend to be pressed against the part (10), (Figure 18).

FIG. 8 shows an example of a system allowing both the fixing and the angular self-orientation of the elements (1) and (2). To this end, the fixing and coupling member (6) relative to the base of each of the elements (1) and (2) and to the upper part of the latter, has an axis (6a) mounted for free rotation. in a ring forming a bearing (7) and integral with the corresponding element. The ring (7) is further arranged at (7a) to ensure at will the rotation lock of the axis (6a).

Figures 2 and 3 show a preferred embodiment of the fixing and the angular self-orientation of the base of the elements (1) and (2) relative to the bridge in particular. For this purpose, the base of the elements (1) and (2), in particular the main part (10) is mounted to rotate freely on a bushing (15) fixed on a support member (16) with adjustment and locking capacity in angular position. The support (16) is designed to be fixed on a part of the bridge in particular by any known and appropriate means.

The support member (16) has a sectional profile determined to allow, in combination with the elasticity of the material making it up, reduced angular variations back and forth. For example this member (16) is constituted by a support base (16a) extended by a vertical wing (16b) receiving under the conditions indicated the fixing sleeve (15). The base (16a) and the wing (16b) are joined by an angular fold line (16c) facilitating the elastic deformation of said support, without persistence.

According to another important characteristic of the invention, the elements (1) and (2) are controlled by a coupling system allowing their angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the boat in a different manner for each of said elements, taking into account the wind direction and the deviation of the air streams by the sails (F) and (GV) as shown schematically in Figure 7.

As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, this coupling system essentially comprises a connecting bar (17) connected by a system of rods (18 - 19) articulated to each of the elements (1) and (2). This bar (17) is mounted with the ability to move in guided translation on the bridge while being subject to control means of all known and appropriate types, such as cables in particular.

For example, each link (18 - 19) is coupled by means of the ball joint type (20), on the one hand to the elements (1) and (2) and, on the other hand, to a carriage (21 - 22) mounted with sliding capacity on the link bar (17). The bar (17) is mounted to slide guided on a support element (18) fixed on the bridge.

It therefore appears that the transverse displacement of the bar (17), in one direction or the other, causes by the action of the rods (18 - 19), the rotation of the elements (1 and 2) according to two angles (α ) and (β) different (Figure 7). In addition, when the coupling system is in a determined position, it is possible to modify the relative angulation of the element (1) relative to the element (2) or vice versa, by moving the corresponding carriage (21 or 22) supporting the links.

It follows that the geometry of the coupling system and the relative positioning of the carriage on the connecting bar, allow many possibilities of coupling the relative angular orientations of the elements (1) and (2), on the one hand, relative in the wind and, on the other hand, said elements relative to each other. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7, it is easy to obtain an angle (α) greater than the angle (β) corresponding to a better adjustment of the orientation of the elements considered in the wind and downwind.

The elements (1) and (2) may have, over part of their height, one or more intermediate connections (4), rigid or semi-rigid acting as a spacer. The spacer (s) (4) are profiled, in particular in an arc, to free the space between the two elements (1) and (2). This or these spacers can be arranged in (4a) to allow the establishment of dormant or current maneuvers (Figure 4).

Given the angular orientation capacity of each of the elements (1) and (2), where the spacers (4) are mounted in an articulated manner with respect to said elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, the coupling is carried out by a ball joint system (4b).

It is also planned to have, at the coupling of the upper part of the elements (1) and (2), a plate (8) oriented substantially, in the median plane of said two elements (1) and (2). This plate (8) is shaped to allow to move away from the end of the elements (1) and (2), forwards and / or backwards, from the fixing points (8a) of the standing maneuvers and / or common that has said plate.

In a preferred manner, the plate (8) is mounted at the end of the elements (1) and (2), with capacity for angular orientation, being able in particular to oscillate in its plane, from front to back, so as not to transmit force or torque or torsion on the head of the mast (1) (2). One can for example use a coupling member of the ball joint type (9) serving as a support for the plate (8).

Advantageously, this ball joint coupling system can be combined with the angular orientation system of the elements (1) and (2). The ball joint is substantially in the plane formed by the axes of orientation of the elements (1) and (2).

As already indicated, this combined system makes it possible to have both good fixing at the head independently of the spacing of the base of the elements and a balancing of the forces exerted on the head fixing plate for the various maneuvers connected to it. without this causing parasitic forces or torques on the head of the mast or on its pivoting movement.

The plate (8) can be equipped on its sides with pulleys for returning halyards and common maneuvers to guide them and allow the return towards the deck, along the elements (1) and (2) inside or inside. outside of these.

For example, as schematically shown in Figures 12 and 13, the plate (8) can be arranged to allow the mounting of the halyards (a, b, c, d, e,) respectively of the mainsail, the jib, the genoa , spinnakers, mounting the props (f, g, h) of the mainsail, the jib, and the genoa respectively, the mounting of the double backstay (i) for example and the mounting of the outrigger (j).

The invention applies to any type of sailing boat comprising one or more masts such as "ketch", "yawl", "schooner", multihulls ...

Claims (17)

1. - 1 - Mast, more particularly for a sailing boat, made of at least two elements (1, 2), which can be secured at one of the ends thereof on either side of a longitudinal medial plane of the boat, and united at the other end thereof in a joined or not joined manner, characterized in that each one of the elements (1, 2) is contoured sectionally in an aerodynamical or or streamlined manner while being secured at the bottom thereof and coupled at the upper part thereof with a possibility of angular orientation in accordance with a longitudinal axis more particularly in dependence on the direction of the wind, in oder to achieve a better aerolic efficiency of the sails and rigging assembly.
2. - 2 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the elements (1, 2) co-operate with interlocking means in the angular position.
3. - 3 - Mast as claimed in any one of Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elements are co-operating, more particularly at the level of the bottom thereof, with means capable of providing as desired the simultaneous or independent angular orientation of said elements.
4. - 4 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that each one of the elements (1, 2) is mounted for free rotation on an angularly fixed socket, with a capacity of adjustment, on a supporting organ made for being coupled with a part of the boat, more particularly the deck.
5. - 5 - Mast as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that the supporting organ has a sectional contour which is determined to permit, in combination with the elasticity of the material of said organ, forward and rearward angular variations of small magnitude of the elements (1, 2) relative to the deck.
6. - 6 - Mast as claimed in Claim 3, characterized in that each one of the elements (1, 2) is coupled with a system capable of controlling simultaneously said elements in accordance with different angular variations, in order more particularly to permit an orientation adjustment of said elements relative to one another, and relative to the wind.
7. - 7 - Mast as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in that the system includes a coupling bar connected by a system of small rods linked hingedly to each one of the elements, said bar being mounted on the deck with a possibility of guided translational shifting while being monitored by control means.
8. - 8 - Mast as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that the elements (1, 2) are united by one or more tranverse cross-pieces (4) mounted in a hinged manner on said elements, said cross-pieces being contoured in order to make clear the free space formed between the two elements, so that a sail lull may be passed therethrough.
9. - 9 - Mast as claimed in Claim 8, characterized in that the cross-piece or cross-pieces (4) is or are arranged in order to permit the installation of complementary standing or running rigging.
10. - 10 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the elements are united at the upper portion thereof by a projecting vertical plate (8) made and designed for permitting the securing of standing and/or of running riggings while they are being shifted forwardly and/or rearwardly and/or vertically relative to the head of the mast, said plate (8) being mounted with a possibility of oscillation within the plane thereof, forwardly and rearwardly.
11. - 11 - Mast as claimed in Claim 10, characterized in that the head of each one of the elements (1, 2) is coupled directly or through the medium of inserted or built in organs with a means of the ball and socket type (9) which serves as a support for the plate.
12. - 12 - Mast as claimed in Claim 11, characterized in that the inserted organs are mounted on the ends of the elements (1, 2), with a capacity of rotational shifting.
13. - 13 - Mast as claimed in Claim 10, characterized in that the plate (8) is equipped on the ides thereof with reversing sheaves for the running riggings and halyards, in order to guide them and to permit the return toward the deck, along the elements (1, 2), inside or outside of the latter.
14. - 14 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that each one of the elements (1, 2) consists of a main contoured unit piece designed for accommodating along the whole height or a portion of the height thereof, with the possibility or being taken down, contoured cheeks (11 - 12) which delimit an internal space designed for receiving a stiffener (13), a reinforcement vertical plate being mounted on a portion of the main piece within the space delimited by the cheeks.
15. - 15 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the assembly consisting of the cheeks (11, 12) with stiffener (13) is made of a plurality of independent stumps arranged overlaying.
16. - 16 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said mast consists of a main contoured unit piece (10) designed for accommodating for free hinged linking a series of tie bars (23) which when seen in plane are contoured in a gradually decreasing manner and linked at the ends thereof with a vertical element (24), a sail being mounted in combination with said tie bars (23) and the piece (10).
17. - 17 - Mast as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that said mast consists of a main contoured unit piece (10) designed for accommodating for free hinged linking a plurality of elements (25) disposed overlaying while being capable of assuming either a position normal to said piece (10), or a position of angular flapping against said piece (10), in order to decrease the bearing surface.

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