EP2089271A2 - Appareil et procédé de commande de voilier - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de commande de voilier

Info

Publication number
EP2089271A2
EP2089271A2 EP07838715A EP07838715A EP2089271A2 EP 2089271 A2 EP2089271 A2 EP 2089271A2 EP 07838715 A EP07838715 A EP 07838715A EP 07838715 A EP07838715 A EP 07838715A EP 2089271 A2 EP2089271 A2 EP 2089271A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sail
sailboat
output
input
input device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07838715A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2089271A4 (fr
Inventor
Ethan Brown
Lucien Varney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Harken Inc
Original Assignee
Harken Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Harken Inc filed Critical Harken Inc
Publication of EP2089271A2 publication Critical patent/EP2089271A2/fr
Publication of EP2089271A4 publication Critical patent/EP2089271A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H9/1028—Reefing by furling around stays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1085—Boom vangs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H2009/088—Means for tensioning sheets, or other running rigging, adapted for being guided on rails, or the like mounted on deck, e.g. travellers or carriages with pulleys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H2009/105—Reefing using drives for actuating reefing mechanism, e.g. roll reefing drives

Definitions

  • a control system apparatus and method of the present invention has been developed, and comprises a separate input or drive device, which can be conveniently located, and if desired centralized, and connected by connecting means, preferably, but not necessarily, in the form of a shaft drive, to an output or driven device, which can be located near the cockpit input device and/or near the necessary location to carry out the desired sailing function, be it adjusting a car on a track, as for a traveler, or jib or genoa car fore and aft, athwartship or in combination, adjusting a vang or backstay, or other sail adjustments such as jib, genoa or mainsheet, Cunninghams, downhauls or outhauls, roller or slab reefing, etc.
  • the input and output devices may be integral. In either form input remote from output or integral therewith, some form of means is provided, if desired, to alter the mechanical advantage between the input and output.
  • the input device can be in the form of a drum or spool driven by pulling and/or easing on a line, albeit free ended or continuous. In the former case, the input device could be a spool or reel, and in the latter case, the input device could be in the form of a large diameter wheel about which the continuous loop or line can travel or be pulled, or a spool or reel.
  • the input device drives an output device.
  • the output device can again be a spool or wheel with the input device connected to the output device by shafting, be it a rigid or flexible shafting.
  • the drive from the input to the output may include gears, chains and sprockets and belts and pulleys, such as toothed, "v", or other type belt, to achieve the desired speed or torque, mechanical advantage, and/or speed or force multiplication ratios as desired.
  • the gears can be arranged in gear boxes or transmission, be they straight, angular or right or other angle drives.
  • the gear box may be located adjacent the input device, output device or both.
  • the system input device and/or output device can include a selector box so that a single input can be used to drive, usually one at a time, but could be more, selected output devices.
  • the selector box can also be separate and located between the input and output devices.
  • the selector box provides for selecting one or more outputs to drive, and when not driving the same can lock up the output to prevent it changing and/or drives the output device through, if desired, a ratchet mechanism providing one way control of the input/output, particularly during "easing" the adjustment.
  • the input device need only drive the output device in one direction, the opposite direction movement being achieved by either the sail or wind on the sail or gravity.
  • a halyard input device need only raise the sail, gravity being utilized to lower the sail.
  • the input or output device could be constructed to provide multi-speed operation as by sliding or planetary gears. Further, the input box could provide a speed up ratio while the output provides a speed down/torque up ratio. In this manner lighter weight or flexible shafting could be utilized to connect separated input and output devices.
  • Another advantage of the present invention compared to a winch is the control is much simpler/easier, because the sailor simply pulls to trim in, and eases out to release.
  • the sailor has to crank the handle to pull in when it's loaded, and must either use their other hand to tail, get another person to tail, or have a self-tailing winch. Then to ease, if another person is tailing then they have to know to ease, or in the case of the self-tailing winch, the line has to be pulled out of the self-tailing device, which amounts to taking a wrap off the winch, which takes extra time.
  • a line continuous or free ended, to drive an input device, which in turn drives one or more output devices, controlling one or more sailboat functions; Connecting the input device to the output device by shaft drive; Connecting the input device to the output device by flexible shaft; Providing gearing- or mechanical advantage to achieve the desired speed and/or torque ratios or multiplication;
  • Providing gearing or mechanical advantage, or ratios in the input and output devices to minimize the size of the connecting means be it shafting, rigid or flexible, or other means, such as gears, sprockets and chain or belt and pulleys, Providing a gear box after the input device; Providing a gear box before the output device;
  • Providing an input drive in the form of a wheel Providing an input device in the form of a spool; Providing an output device in the form of a wheel Providing an output device in the form of a spool; Providing a means for using a single input to drive one or more outputs;
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sailboat schematic incorporating various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic of an embodiment of the present invention shown at the stern of the boat of Figure 1 for a mainsheet traveler car adjustment.
  • Figure 3A is an enlarged schematic side elevational view of one form of input and output devices of the present invention.
  • Figure 3B is a top view relative to the installed position under the boat's deck taken at the line 3B-3B of Figure 3 A.
  • Figure 4A is a further enlarged side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3A and taken on the line 4A-4A thereof.
  • Figure 4B is a top view taken on the line 4B-4B of Figure 4A.
  • Figure 4C is yet a further enlarged side elevational view of the input device of Figure 4A taken on the line 4C-4C thereof.
  • Figure 4D is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on the line 4D-4D of Figure 4C.
  • Figure 5A is an enlarged, opposite elevational view of one form of the output device that is shown in Figure 3 A.
  • Figure 5B is a top view taken on the line 5B-5B of Figure 5A.
  • Figure 5C is a side or end elevational view taken on the line 5C-5C of Figure 5A, with portions deleted to better show the interior.
  • Figure 5D is a cross sectional view taken on the line 5D-5D of Figure 5C.
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic view showing a boom vang control or adjustment having a long, u-jointed connecting drive shaft.
  • Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic of the output device used to control or adjust a car fore and aft on a track, such as for a jib or genoa sheet on the sailboat of Figure 1.
  • Figure 7 A is a view similar to Figure 7 but without the bungee cord shown in Figure 7.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic of two output devices, one fitted with a right angle gear box, used as a fore and aft adjustment, and the other for jib, genoa or sail sheet lead control.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic of an output device for a backstay tension control.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic of an output device for a genoa, jib or sail Cunningham control.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic of two output devices to provide mainsheet outhaul control and mainsail Cunningham control.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic of an input device to provide for roller reefing of say, for example, a main sail, but in this instance a jib, or genoa, or other sail.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic of an input device to provide main sail slab reefing control.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic of another form of input devices using a purchase or tackle to increase the mechanical advantage of the non-continuous line input.
  • Figure 15 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment using a single input device to drive two or more separate output devices through a selector box and illustrated in conjunction with adjustments similar to those shown in Figure 8.
  • Figure 16A is an enlarged perspective schematic view of one embodiment of a selector box providing for, in this instance, three different outputs (only two showing being connected by shafting) from a single input device.
  • Figure 16B is an end elevational view of the box shown in Figure 16A taken in the direction shown by the arrows 16B in Figure 16A.
  • Figure 16C is a cross sectional view taken along the line 16C-16C of Figure 16B.
  • Figure 17A is a further enlarged schematic, perspective view of one of the three subassemblies shown in Figures 16A through 16C.
  • Figure 17B is an end view of Figure 17A.
  • Figure 17C is a cross sectional view showing the input gear connected to rotate the output shaft and taken along line 17C-17C of Figure 17B.
  • Figure 17D is a view similar to Figure 17C but showing the input gear connected to the output shaft and a ratchet means.
  • Figure 17E is a view similar to Figures 17C and 17D but showing the input gear disconnected from the output shaft and the output shaft engaged by the ratchet means.
  • Figure 17F is an end view of the assembly shown in Figure 17A taken along the line 17F- 17F of Figure 17C.
  • Figure 17G is a view taken along the line 17G-17G of Figure 17C showing the pawls and rackets.
  • Figure 18 is a perspective and schematic view of another form of input or output or input/output device having planetary gears and can provide two different speed/ mechanical advantages operation.
  • Figure 18A is an end view taken on the line 18A-18A of Figure 18.
  • Figure 18B is a cross sectional view taken on the line 18B-18B of Figure 18C.
  • Figure 18C is a cross sectional view of the device of Figure 18 taken on the line
  • Figure 18D is a cross sectional view of the device of Figure 18 taken on the line 18D-18D of Figure 18B shown in a second position with the splined collar moved to a second position to connect the planetary carrier to the output shaft and spool to provide a speed reduction and greater mechanical advantage.
  • Figure 19 is a schematical view similar to Figure 16B, but showing a reconfigured housing with plural output shafts with different gear ratios.
  • Figure 20 is a perspective view of a portion of a schematic of an input or output device of the present invention which uses a chain drive between its two shafts to drive, in this instance, two spools.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of a portion of a schematic of a belt driven selector box.
  • Figures 22 A through 22G illustrate that input and output devices could be integral or spaced apart and could be located at various positions closer to the operator or sail function or in between.
  • Figure 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention and shows a device that has an integral input and output, including the input from the sailor/operator and output(s) for carrying out the sailing function.
  • Figure 23A is a front elevational view of the device of Figure 23.
  • Figure 23B is an end elevational view of the device of Figure 23.
  • Figure 23C is a cross sectional view when as the line 23C-23C of Figure 23B.
  • Figure 24 is a schematic of another input device similar to that shown in Figures 2 to 4O, but with the guide pulleys and stripper mounted in fixed position rather than move in the slots shown in Figs. 2 to 4D.
  • Figure 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of input and/or output spool, upon which one or more lines could be wound or unwound.
  • Figure 26 is a bottom view of the spool device shown in Fig. 25.
  • Figure 27 is a cross sectional view taken on line 27-27 of Fig. 26.
  • Figure 28 is a perspective view of a gear box that could be used in conjunction with the spool device shown in Figs.25-27.
  • Figure 29 is an end view of the gear box shown in Fig.28.
  • Figure 30 is a cross sectional view taken on a line 30-30 of Fig. 29.
  • Figure 31 is a perspective view of the spool of Figs. 25-27 shown assembled to the gear box of Figs. 28-30.
  • Figure 32 is a bottom view of the assembled spool and gear box of Fig. 31.
  • Figure 33 is a cross sectional view of the assembled spool and gear box taken on the lines 33-33 of Fig. 32.
  • Figure 34 shows the device of Figures 25-33 installed on a boat and having two (input or output) lines or wires wound oppositely on the spools and the gear box connected to a (driven or driving) shaft.
  • Figures 35A to 35E are schematics showing the various locations of one or two gear boxes between input and output devices.
  • Figure 36 shows a device like that shown in Figures 25-33 mounted below deck to carry out a sailing function, in this instance traveler car adjustment.
  • Figure 37A is a perspective view of another embodiment.
  • Figure 37B is an end view of the devices of Figure 37A.
  • Figure 37C is a top view of the devices of Figure 37.
  • Figure 37D is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 37D-37D of Figure 37B. Description of the Preferred Embodiments
  • a schematic of a saiboat 10 is shown and has a hull 12 with a bottom 14, top sides 16 (port and starboard), a deck 18, a house 20, a sole 21 and a cockpit 22.
  • the boat includes at least one mast 24, and it carries a boom 26.
  • the boat shown is a sloop and has a headsail (See Figs. 8, 10 and 12 - such as a jib or genoa) and a main sail (See Figure 11).
  • the boat of course, has some means for steering, say a rudder controlled by a tiller or wheel.
  • sail control devices 40 (Figs 1 and 2), 310 (Fig. 6), 400 (Fig. 7), 400A (Fig. 7A), 500 and 502 (Fig. 8), 600
  • FIG. 40 is an apparatus and method for adjusting the traveler car 80 of a mainsheet (not shown in Fig. 1 but see Fig. 11) say for the mainsail.
  • the car 80 travels between the ends of a track 82, secured to the boat 10, hull 12 and/or deck 18.
  • the mainsheet (usually a block and tackle system not shown for clarity) is connected between the boom 26 and the traveler car 80, generally adjacent or at its far free end 82 A ( Figure
  • the car 80 has bearings and travels generally athwartship, on a track 82, the track 82 being fastened to the sailboat and particularly its stern 83, in this instance. It should be understood that the mainsheet and travel could be located elsewhere, such as mid cockpit or mid ship.
  • one or more cables, wires or lines 88P and 88S are attached to the ends of the car 9OP and 90S, with the mainsheet secured to the center 90 of the car 80.
  • the lines 88P and 88S are each turned at their outer ends by pivotally mounted blocks 94P and 94S secured to the hull, and more particularly, in this instance, the top sides indicated at 96P and 96S.
  • S spools or reels 98 and 100 which are collinear. These spools 98 and 100 are generally mounted parallel to the keel of the boat and perpendicular to the track 82. These spools are the output portions of device 60.
  • the lines 88P and 88S are wound oppositely on the spools 98 and 100 so that while one is being wound on, the other is wound off. Of course, winding the spools 98 and 100 one direction will move the car 80 toward port, and0 winding the spools in the opposite direction will move the car 80 toward starboard.
  • the spools 98 and 100 are suitably mounted in low friction bearing (ball or roller or combination or other) and to a connecting or integral shaft 231, as will be subsequently described.
  • the spools 98 and 100 and the associated drive shaft 230 are carried in a mounting or bracket 106, which in turn, is secured to the sailboat, and particularly the5 hull.
  • the input device SO is connected via a connecting shaft 231.
  • the drive between the input and output may, if needed or desired, include some angular drive function such as U joints, constant velocity joints, or angular couplings.
  • the drive shaft 231 at its opposite end is connected to an input device
  • the input device 50 for the traveler system 40 comprises an output shaft 233 which connects to the connecting shaft 231, and carries in this instance, a relatively large diameter wheel 200 (say from 3 to 12 inches in diameter and preferably about 5 to 6 inches).
  • a relatively large diameter wheel 200 say from 3 to 12 inches in diameter and preferably about 5 to 6 inches.
  • the boat builder/owner/sailor may choose to have the same nominal mechanical advantage, then the sailor/operator doesn't have to pull as hard. Furthermore, the greater efficiency allows easing to happen more quickly and easily, which is especially an advantage in lighter air.
  • the second advantage is line management. Due to the continuous loop on the input side, the main trimmer will never have a pile of line to contend with when they are traveled all the way up.
  • TP52 TransPac 52
  • TP52 which is a GrandPrix 52 foot race boat class, typically has approximately 9 feet of travel from end to end of the traveler track.
  • a nominal 8:1 purchase is not unusual, which results in 72 feet (8 x 9 feet) of line for each side, which is either in the purchase system or on the cockpit sole.
  • the continuous loop only has to be long enough to reach either side of the cockpit, say 13 feet across, so approximately 30 feet or less, and as the loop is pulled through the system, the line cycles back to the drive sheave.
  • the puller line is wound up on a spool, while the line is wound off the other spool, there is always the same, minimal amount of line on deck.
  • the third advantage is the ability to "freewheel"; that is, allow the drive sheave to spin under the eased input loop. This allows a smooth, quick ease to leeward, without feeding long length of line through the operator's hand, and without worry about rope burn or line tangling half-way through the ease. At the same time, all it takes to slow or stop the ease is adding tension to the input line, and the line will re-engage the drive wheel. This also helps with line management.
  • Another good feature is the ability to separate the drive wheel from the output spool. This means the output spool can be put near to the traveler, so the number of turns the highly-loaded output line has to take is minimized, further limiting friction.
  • the drive sheave can be near the trimmer's position, and the continuous loop can be trimmed from either side of the boat.
  • this system may be more difficult to install.
  • the systems in the TP52 class and other similar classes often have a bungee return to reduce the amount of slack in the system, as well as a zippered bag to contain whole the block and tackle system, all of which makes the difficulty of installation much closer to that of this described system.
  • the block and tackle systems will be less expensive, and potentially somewhat lighter, depending in part on the line weight and type used in the system.
  • winch systems would be easier to install than this development, and in many cases would have two speeds, but would also be heavier and more expensive. Weight reduction in sailing is very important, particularly in racing.
  • gears have been shown and used in most of the described and illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that other types of devices or elements providing a mechanical advantage (1:1, overdrive or underdrive), such as but not limited to chain and sprockets (See Fig. 20), belts (See Fig. 21), both toothed and "v" or other belt and pulleys could be used.
  • the drive could be fixed ratio or of a continuously varying or variable ratio type. For example by selecting the proper gears, sprockets or pulleys one could build an input or output device with any practical mechanical advantage, say anywhere from 1:20 to 100:1.
  • Diameters of the drive gears, sprockets or pulleys and/or driven gears, sprockets or pulleys would be selected to provide the desired mechanical advantage.
  • the diameter of the drive wheel and take up spools are considered in conjunction with the other gears, sprockets, pulleys and transmission gear boxes to give the desired mechanical advantage.
  • the primary consideration is that the system and its input and/or output devices, can be built in various configurations but should not have excessive friction.
  • the drive device or sheave in particular, should not be too small, as the sheave diameter compared to the line diameter has a direct impact on line friction.
  • the overall footprint of the device should be kept to a minimum, to maximize sailboat interior volume and limit intrusions into the cabin or below deck.
  • the required length of control line that must be wound around the takeup spool will have an impact on the diameter and length of the takeup spool, and the required load capacity of the control line may also have an effect on the length of the spool.
  • the overall footprint of the takeup spool should also be kept to a minimum.
  • a typical input and output device 50 is shown, for example for carrying out the function of adjusting the traveler car as shown in Figure 2.
  • This device or one similar could also be used with the systems shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and IS, with little or no modification, or if more modification is needed will be described in relation to that specific function below.
  • the input device 50 comprises a large diameter drive wheel 200, that has a rim 202 with tapered edges 204, 206 to receive a line or rope spliced into a continuous loop, or other manufactured continuous loop 208 (see Figure 2).
  • the rope is contained on the perimeter of the wheel by a curved guard 203 secured as by fasteners 205 to the housing 214.
  • the wheel 200 at its center is mounted on a shaft 233 in bearings 210 and 212 to rotate in a frame or open housing 214.
  • the housing 214 is formed by end plates 216 and 218 and connected to a base 220.
  • the base is to be mounted to the boat or hull and/or, preferably, under its deck.
  • Pairs of guide rollers or pulleys 222 and 224 are mounted on bearings 223 and axles 225, and can move or slide the axles in slots 226 (Fig. 4A) to keep the line 208 on the rim 202 of the sheave between the rim edges 204 and 206.
  • a generally triangular shaped stripper 202A is suspended by an axle or pin 203A and is movable in the slot or groove 226.
  • the line, such as 208 is lead off the wheel 200 onto either of the pulleys 222 and 224 by the stripper 202A up onto the deck, through say exit plates(somewhat like 530 in Fig. 8), where it may be accessed by the sailor/operator.
  • the wheel 200 is connected and drives the input device's (50) output shaft 233.
  • the output shaft 233 in turn may be connected directly or in this case by a connecting shaft 231 with coupling member or u-joint 232 (Fig. 3 A and B) to the input shaft 230 of the output device 60.
  • rigid shafting 231 is used, but as will be illustrated in Figure 15, flexible shafting could also be used.
  • a simplified version 50 ' is shown and has the guide rollers 222 ' and 224 ' rotating about fixed shafts 225 ' and with a stripper 202A mounted on a fixed pin 203A.
  • the materials used to make the devices should withstand corrosion and moisture caused with such environments, and could be stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, brass, and/or high strength plastic and composites, such as carbon fiber.
  • the output device 60 has its input shaft 230 mounted for rotation in a housing 238 with bearing 240 and 242.
  • the housing itself, in this instance comprises three vertical bulkheads or members 248, 250 and 252, secured, as by welding, or formed integral (as by casting) with a base 258.
  • the base 258 in turn is adapted to be mounted to the boat or deck and has fastening openings 260 for such purposes.
  • the input device 50 similar has means to secure it to the boat, hull or deck.
  • the housing 238 is, of course, appropriately mounted and aligned to carry out the desired function, such as shown in Figure 2.
  • gearing, or other elements such as chain and sprocket and/or belts ("v", tooth or otherwise) and pulleys, can be provided between the input shaft 230 of the output device 60 and its output shaft 266.
  • torque increasing gearing 268 and 270 is provided and comprises a smaller driven gear 268 and a larger driver gear 270.
  • the gears, or other elements could also be made to provide more increased speed by making the driver (input) gear larger than the driven (output) gear, or even eliminated with the output shaft and input shaft being the same or direct drive. It would also be possible to change gears, or other element, sizes to optimize the operation, if desired. For example a new set of gears could be slid onto their respective shafts and keys to change the ratio of input to output.
  • the output shaft 266 is, of course, mounted in bearing 274, 276 with the bearing being secured to the bulkheads 250 and 2S2.
  • the gear 270 on the output shaft 266 need not be overhung, but if desired could also have an outside bearing.
  • the output shaft 266 carries two spools or reels 280, and 282, (98 and
  • FIG. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D further views of the output device 60 including one cross section is shown. As shown to protect and contain the gearing, and persons near the same, two side plates 300 and 302 and a bottom plate 304 are provided.
  • suitable gearing, reduction or speed up could be provided in the input device, instead and/or in addition to that in the output device.
  • Such construction could be for the purpose of reducing the torque that need to be transferred between the input and output so that a flexible or other light drive shaft could be used to transmit the power between the input and output devices, and then create any needed high torque in/at the output device.
  • the present invention is shown adapted for use to adjust a boom vang 310 for the mast and boom.
  • the boom vang has a line or wire 314 with one end secured to the bottom of the vang and the other led over a pulley
  • an output device 320 somewhat similar to the device 60 previously shown and described, is used.
  • output device 320 is different in that it has only a single spool 324, instead of the double spool, as only one line or wire 314 is being controlled in this application.
  • the input shaft 328 of the device 320 is connected to the connecting drive shaft 330 from the input device (not shown) by a u-joint or coupling 334, to provide for changes in alignment.
  • the input device for Figure 6 could be similar to any of those described herein.
  • the gearing for the device 320 would most likely comprise gears 340 and 342 to increase the pull on the line 314, i.e., gear 340 being larger in diameter than, gear 342.
  • the vang system 310 of the present invention has efficiency advantages, particularly in both in heavy air, when a quick ease is required, and in light air, when greater friction would inhibit easing this control.
  • a system 400 is shown for adjusting the car 402 along a track 404, such as for a jib or genoa sheet 405.
  • the car and track are conventional and have a pulley 406 for the jib or genoa sheet 40S and ears 410 and 412 at either end.
  • the pull on the sail will return the car toward the stern, and if need be the pull of the elastic or bungee cord 414 can assist in moving the car toward the stem.
  • the cord 414 is fastened to the ear 412, turns around a pulley 416 mounted to the deck, with its other end fastened to the deck by the eye 418.
  • the present invention can supply that force.
  • an output device 422 In conjunction with an input device, such as like the one 50 already described, an output device 422, somewhat like that shown in conjunction with Figure 6, could be used.
  • This output device 422 has connecting input shaft 430, coming from an input device (not shown), which drives a right angle drive box 434 to change the drive angle to say 90°.
  • a right angle drive box 434 to change the drive angle to say 90°.
  • other angle drive boxes could be provided to achieve a different angle if desired.
  • the output device 422 has a single reel or spool 440 upon which a line or wire 446 can be wound to drive the car 402, forward toward the bow to adjust the jib or genoa lead 406 and jib or genoa sail shape. To this end, the line or wire 446 turns around a block or pulley 450 mounted at the forward end of the track 404.
  • the output wire device could be directly attached to the car without the use of a turning pulley if the output device was moved forward in front of the track 404.
  • the necessary gearing or mechanical advantage could be provided in the input device, the angle drive and/or the output device or in all three.
  • the genoa fore-and-aft efficiency advantages are similar to that for the traveler. This system only needs one puller line under deck near the jib or the genoa track.
  • Figure 7 A shows a system similar to that shown in Figure 7, but no elastic or bungee cord is used.
  • two output devices 510 and 518 are shown for making an athwartship adjustment 500 of a car 501, running on an athwartship track 502 to control, say for example a jib or genoa sheet 504.
  • This system is also here used in conjunction with the second output device 518 to adjust the lead 503 on the jib or genoa sheet 504.
  • an arrangement like this is used, instead of one like that shown in Figure 7.
  • the first output device 510 of Figure 8 is connected to an input device by a connecting shaft 512, here represented by dotted lines and has an output wire 514 which can pull the car 501 inboard toward the center of the boat.
  • the second output device 518 has its own connecting drive shaft 520, from an input device (not shown), this shaft again being represented by the second dotted line 520.
  • a right angle gear box 524 is provided, and the output from this box 524 is used to drive the output device and its control line 526 which is attached to a pulley 528 riding on the jib or genoa sheet 504 and runs through a pulley 529 carried by the car 501.
  • Shortening or lengthening the line 526 with the second output device 518 changes the angle of the line 504, similar to moving a jib or genoa sheet car fore and/or aft, as shown in Figures 7 or 7A.
  • the control line 526 can exit above deck through the exit slot plate 530, with all the shafting and output devices being located below deck. This athwartship jib adjustment has efficiency advantages and installation flexibility similar to the traveler.
  • a single drive sheave (like wheel 200 of device 50) can control both up-down and in-out lead of the sheet.
  • This construction replaces two lines (each of which would have to be lead to the cockpit 22 and thus to the cockpit sole 21), with a single continuous line and a selector lever, keeping the cockpit clear.
  • both are adjustable in either direction, and this can easily be accomplished with a dual- spool device mounted under deck, and with the shafting under any floor boards (in the bilge).
  • the present invention only a few control lines will pass through the cabin, instead of a large number with the prior art block and tackle systems.
  • FIG. 9 another form 600 of the present invention is shown to adjust a backstay 601 for tension.
  • the output device 602 has a connecting input shaft 604, represented by the heavy line, which in turn is driven by an input device (not shown).
  • the gearing of the input device for system 600 may be geared to increase the force of its output.
  • the gearing of the device 602 can increase the force of its output, as by having a smaller diameter driving gear 608 which drives a larger diameter driven gear 610.
  • the gear 610 turns the output shaft 612 and its reel 614, to wind on or wind off the line or wire 616 onto or from the reel 614.
  • the backstay 601 is also tensioned or detensioned. To do so, the backstay 601 is attached to the upper pulley 624.
  • the line or wire 616 turns around the sheave of the pulley 628 attached to the hull or deck and the sheave or wheel 629 of the pulley 624, with its other end 627 also being secured to the deck or hull at 631 to provide an approximate double purchase.
  • a safety line 633 secured to the backstay and deck or hull can be provided. The use of this system to control the backstay tension has efficiency advantages when compared to a block and tackle system.
  • the present invention gives a more direct feel to the operator, and adjustment is simpler because a single line is simply pulled or released or ease to increase or decrease tension.
  • hydraulics require back-and-forth pumping to trim in, and turning a knob to open a valve to ease out of, both with no or little tactile feed back to the operator. It should be understood that the system of the present invention could also be used with other mechanical back stay tension arrangements than the one shown.
  • FIG 10 shows a jib or genoa Cunningham adjustment system 700 used to change the tension on the luff of such a sail 701.
  • a connecting shaft 702 from an input device drives via an angle drive 704 an output device 708, which in turn pulls via its spool or reel 709 on a wire or line 710.
  • the line 710 via turning blocks 712 and 714, is attached to the Cunningham attachment or cringle or opening 715 of the sail say via a hook.
  • This Cunningham system has standard efficiency advantages similar for that of the traveler system as described above. Again, it also reduces clutter on deck or inside boat.
  • the present invention is used to control the outhaul 802 of the main sail 806 and the Cunningham 804 of the main sail 806.
  • two output devices 808 and 810 are provided, with the former for the outhaul and the latter for the Cunningham.
  • the respective connecting input shafting (dotted line) 814 and 818 drives the respective output devices 808 and 810. They in turn wind or unwind the wires or lines 810 or 824 on or off spools 826 or 828.
  • the line 810 is used to provide the outhaul via line 830, and pulleys 832 and 834 with one end of the line 830 attached to the pulley 832 and its other end attached to the clew 835 of the main sail 806.
  • the line 824 is used to provide Cunningham tension and runs through the Cunningham cringle 837 of the main sail 806 with the other end 839 secured or attached, in this instance to the mast 24, via eye bracket 840.
  • the main outhaul and Cunningham have similar efficiency advantages as those for the traveler system described above.
  • the outhaul and Cunningham can easily be led to cockpit for adjustment.
  • the present invention from a sailing standpoint is more efficient than asking crew to adjust either, as is common, with standard block and tackle systems. Both can be controlled by a single input device and its wheel through a selector box, further reducing cockpit clutter as will be described below.
  • the outhaul and Cunningham settings may change slightly as the boom goes out, but that also is typical for prior art systems. Again most of the components can be placed below deck and even in the bilge to minimize deck clutter and keep weight low in the boat.
  • a system 1700 and a device 1704 for roller furling or reefing a jib or genoa 1708 is shown. It should be understood that a similar system could be adapted to a roller reefed and furled mainsail. In this device, a sail is attached to a foil
  • the lower housing 1720 is rotated around the forestay, which in turn rotates the foil around the forestay, thus rolling the sail around the foil to reduce sail area or completely furl the sail.
  • a connecting drive shaft 1726 will input torque to a gear box 1730, which is fixed to an interior bulkhead, and connected to the lower housing. Through the gearing, this will turn the housing to reef or furl the sail.
  • the lower housing will be turned by a line either on a spool or around a drive sheave. This line must then be lead aft, and accommodations must be made to handle the drum or drive sheave at the bow of the boat, where space is minimal. Furling systems are increasingly being mounted with much of this belowdecks, which allows the tack of the sail to be closer to the deck
  • This invention allows a small footprint in the bow, and only a drive shaft must be routed belowdecks, which can reduce friction to allow easier furling.
  • a system 1800 and an output device 1804 is shown for single line 1808 slab reefing 1812 a main sail 1820.
  • This is a very simple system, with the far end of the line 1808 tying around the boom 26, then leading up through the reef cringle or grommet 1822 on the sail's leech.
  • the line 1808 is then lead through a sheave 1826 mounted in the boom, through the boom, and travels over sheave 1828 then exits the boom at the forward end. From this sheave 1828, the line passes through the reef cringle 1830 on the sail's luff, and from there it is lead down via the mast to the spool 1838 of the output device 1804.
  • a connecting shaft 1844 is lead forward from an input device or function selector (not shown).
  • FIG. 14 another form of input 900 is shown, wherein an input line 902 is wrapped around an input spool 904, that spool being rotatably mounted in or to the input device 905, in turn to the hull 12 or deck 16 via the bracket 906.
  • the spool is
  • an adjustment system 1000 carrying out a sailing function somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 8 is shown, and has two output boxes 1002 and
  • 1002 and 1004 are driven by a single input box 1009 through a selector and device or box
  • each of the connecting shafts 1022 or 1024 drives its associated output device 1002 or 1004.
  • the input devices and output devices are similar to those already described, and the selector box 1010 will be further described below. Note the shafting connected to the output boxes or from the input boxes could be, as shown, flexible shafting, or alternatively rigid shafting.
  • selector box 1010 and connecting shafting 1016/1018 and 1022 and 1024, in this instance rigid shafting is shown.
  • the selector box has two output shafts 1013B and 1013C used to drive shafts 1022 and 1024, and another unconnected output shaft 1013A.
  • the selector box or device could have as few as two but, three, four, five or even more output shafts.
  • the input device 1009 has the input line 1014 to turn the wheel 1011 and its output shaft 1016. For flexibility the ends of the shafts 1016/1018 and 1022 and 1024 are fitted with flexible or u-joints 1232.
  • the selector box 1010 has its input shaft 1018 driven by the connecting shaft 1016, 1018 and two or more output shafts, such as 1013A, 1013B and 1013C. As noted above, in this instance only two thereof 1013B and 1013C are utilized driving the shafts 1022 and 1024.
  • the selector box 1010 has a plurality of selector levers 1223 (represented collectively by 1020 in Figure 15). The selector box 1010 is further described below.
  • the selector box 1010 can be prismatic in form or triangular in cross section. For clarity and simplicity some of the bulkheads and bearing to carry the shafting has not been shown.
  • the input shaft 1018 carries a single central gear 1204 and is mounted to rotate in a housing 1210.
  • the housing 1210 has at least two and perhaps more, here three, bulkheads
  • the bulkheads 1216, 1218 and 1220 are connected by three side plates 1224, 1226 and 1228.
  • the side plates carry bosses 1230 in which a plurality selection levers or shafts 1234 can be mounted. It should be understood that more than one selection shaft can be fitted and more than one selector box output shafts driven.
  • the central gear 1204 engages several, in this instance three, planetary gears 1240, 1242 and 1244.
  • the size of each of the gears 1204 and 1240, 1242 and 1244 can be chosen to give each the desired gear ratios be it underdrive, 1:1 (direct drive) or overdrive.
  • Each of the gears 1240, 1242, 1244 (here all the same size) when driven by the gear 1204 will rotate in a direction opposite to that to gear 1204.
  • the gears 1204, 1240, 1242 and 1244 or more could be selected to give the desired and/or even different gear or speed ratios.
  • the selector device or box is fitted with a selector or clutch on each output shaft and constructed to that the output shafts 1013A, 1013B and/or 1013C can be one of driven, locked, or connected to a ratchet means or mechanism for controlled rotation in one direction (easing the adjustment) of the output shaft.
  • a selector or clutch on each output shaft and constructed to that the output shafts 1013A, 1013B and/or 1013C can be one of driven, locked, or connected to a ratchet means or mechanism for controlled rotation in one direction (easing the adjustment) of the output shaft.
  • the input gear 1240, 1242 or 1244 is driven by the gear 1204 and, in turn, drives its own associated shaft 1350 which at the other end carries an exterior splined cylindrical surface 1352.
  • the input shaft (each of 1350) is collinear with its associated output shaft 1354 (1013A, 1013B or 1013C), which has a similar exterior splined surface 1356.
  • the output shaft 1354 passes through the center of a ratchet housing or flange 1380. This flange has an exterior splined surface 1381 similar to 1352 and 1356, as well as ratchet 1382 which engage with pawls 1378 which are mounted in a ratchet housing 1376.
  • a cooperating internal splined sleeve 1360 is provided that can be slid into various positions (Fig. 17C, 17D, or 17E).
  • the input is connected directly and rotates the output shaft 1354.
  • the spline sleeve 1360 slid halfway over to engage the ratchet fitting splined surface 1381, the input is still connected to the output (see Fig 17D), so the shaft may be turned by the input, but only in one direction.
  • ratchet mechanism may be useful in many sailing applications, it is not strictly necessary for this function of this device.
  • An important function of the selector box 1010 is that when a function is disengaged, the setting or tension for that function does not change. Therefore, a device which prevents the output shaft 1354 from turning in either direction when it is not engaged to the input shaft 1350 may also be used to perform a similar function.
  • FIG. 16C Three sub-assembly 1270 shown in Figures 17A to 17G are included in the selector box 1010. It should be understood that a selector box could be designed to utilize more.
  • the selection levers 1234 move the lower forked ends 1390 (Fig. 16C) which engage a pair of spaced apart rims 1394 and 1396 on the internally splined sleeve 1360.
  • This structure in somewhat similar to, yet different from, the mechanism used to shift a synchromesh manual transmission. This also has similarities to the disconnect boxes used in Harken pedestal grinding systems.
  • FIG. 18A through 18D another embodiment of input device 1400 is shown and has a drive wheel 1402 (similar to wheel 200 of Figure 2) rotatably mounted in a housing or bracket 1404, with an output spool 1406.
  • the housing 1404 has a base 1408 that could be mounted under and to the deck 18 and carries two co-linear shafts 1412 and 1416. Again for clarity the bearings have been omitted.
  • the shaft 1412 at its left is connected to rotate with input wheel 1402. This shaft drives the sun gear 1442 in a planetary gear set 1440.
  • the other or right end of the shaft 1412 carries an externally splined section 1420.
  • the output shaft 1416 of the input device carries a similar or matching exterior, splined section 1424.
  • An internally splined sliding sleeve 1428 is carried on the output shaft 1416, and may slide into position to also engage the splined portion or end 1420 of the input shaft 1412, as shown in Fig. 18C. In this position, the planetary gears 1444 are free to rotate with the planet carrier 1446 in the fixed ring gear 1448 and the shaft 1412 is directly connected to the shaft 1416.
  • the lever 1430 is moved (Fig.
  • this moves the splined sleeve 1428 via the linkage 1432, and allows the splined sleeve 1428 to disengage from the splined end 1420 input shaft 1412, and an externally splined section 1434 on the splined sleeve 1428 engages the planet carrier 1446.
  • this has the effect of connecting the planet carrier to the output shaft driving that shaft through the planet gears and carrier, which therefore creates a different mechanical advantage compared to when the input shaft is directly connect to the output shaft.
  • the selector box 1010' can have a single, centrally mounted gear 1204' which drives different size output gears 1013 ' , 1013B ' and 1013C ' to give the output shafts of the box 1010' different or desired ratios.
  • the shafts are mounted in a housing 1210 ' , mechanical to accommodate the different size gears.
  • FIG 20 a perspective schematic view of portions an input or output device 1550 of the present invention is shown, and which uses a chain drive 1552 between its input shaft 1554 and output shaft 1558 to drive or be driven by, in this instance, two spools 1564 and 1568.
  • the two spools are formed by three flanges 1569 secured to the shaft 1558.
  • this construction is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 5, although, of course, a chain drive maybe used in most of the other positions where gearing is shown in the various figures herein.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of a selector box device 1648 of the present invention which uses a belt drive 1658 between its input shaft 1650 and its associated pulley 1651 and its associated three output shafts 1652, 1654, and 1656.
  • Each of these output shafts has a different mechanical advantage as they carry pulleys 1653, 1655 and
  • the output shafts, such as 1654 may have a ratchet mechanism 1661 including multiple pawls 1663. Due to belt wrap, the shaft 1654 will operate in the opposite direction of rotation for the input shaft 1650 relative to the other two output shafts.
  • Figure 22 illustrates that the input and output devices could each be separate units.
  • the input and output (input/output) devices could be integral, that is the line the sailor/operator pulls and the line(s) wire(s) controlling the sail function are contained within a single mechanism. In other words, there is no need for connecting shafting or the like between the input and output portion of device.
  • the input and output portions of the integral input/output device are connected by some means or mechanism capable of altering the mechanical advantage, such as gearing, chain and sprockets, pulleys and belt, etc.
  • an integral input/output device 2000 is shown. It has an input portion 2002 with an input wheel 2004, operable by a line (not shown), preferable a continuous one.
  • the wheel 2004 is mounted on an input shaft 2005 carried in bearings 2006 mounted to a bracket 2009, including and preferably to the bulkheads 2010 and 2012. These bulkheads, in turn, are mounted or integral with a base 2016.
  • the bracket 2009, and in this instance, the base 2016 can be mounted to the boat, its hull, sides, deck or other structure thereof.
  • this input portion 2002 is similar to the device 50 shown in Figures 2 tlirough 4D. It is different in that it does not drive an output shaft or a connecting shaft, but instead drives a small diameter gear 2020 mounted on to rotate with the output shaft, which in turn drives the output portion 2024 of the device 2000.
  • the output portion has an output shaft 2030, which is mounted in bearings 2034, and carries a larger diameter gear 2038 which mates or cooperates with the associated gear 2020 to provide increased mechanical advantage.
  • gears could be used to provide a 1:1 drive ratio, a lower mechanical advantage and/or increased output speed (increased output to input speed ratio), as desired.
  • the bearing 2034 are mounted in additional bulkheads 2040 and 2042 also secured to or integral with the base 2016.
  • the output shaft 2030 at its other end carries one or more output spools or reels, and in this instance two 2044 and 2046, upon which the output wires (not shown) can be wound or unwound.
  • the output portion of device 2000 is similar to the device 60 shown in Figures 2 to 3B and 5A to D.
  • the wires or lines can be wrapped on the output spool or spools, in this instance two 2044 and 2046 to wind in the same or opposite directions to carry out the sailing function or junctions.
  • the double spools could be of different diameters to take up and let off wire or line at different rates.
  • this two diameter spool construction would permit different amounts of wire or line be let out or taken in.
  • spool device 3000 (Fig. 25) which can be used in conjunction with a gear box 3050 (Fig. 28) is shown in Fig. 31.
  • the spool 3000 and gear box 3050 form a combination device 3100, which can be used as an input or output device with various gear ratios as provided by the gear box 3050 by choosing appropriate sized gears as will be described now in more detail.
  • the spool device 3000 could be made to instead and/or also use a spool with a continuous or loop of line, like that shown in Fig. 2. Further, if devices like 3100 or variations are used, the input and output ratio can be changed either higher or lower, or stepped up and back down or vice- versa by use of the two gear boxes.
  • the spool 3000 carries an axle 3002 in bearings 3004.
  • the bearings 3004 are mounted for rotation to end bulkheads 3006 of the housing 3008.
  • the housing 3008 can be formed from an aluminum extrusion and has a center portion 3010 integral with or jointing the bulkheads 3006 together.
  • the center portion 3008 has, in this instance, six mounting holes for securing it to the deck, hull or other structure of the sail boat.
  • the bearings 3004 carry an axle 3010 for rotation.
  • the axle 3010 On the axle 3010 are secured three round disks or webs 3012, one at each end and one at the center to form two rope, line or wire winding areas 3016 (defined by the spools or reels) so that rope, line or wire can be wound there between and secured to and/or on the axle or its webs.
  • a reel or spool for a continuous line or loop drive could be provided.
  • the left is a drive hub 3018 formed on the axle 3010. It should be understood due to symmetry and shape the spool 3000 or axle and drive hub 3018 and axle 3010 could be oriented 180° differently and the housing rotated about the axle as desired to mount the device to the boat.
  • the gear box 3050 is shown and it carries a first gear
  • the first gear is fitted in a housing 3050 which has two sides 3058 and 3060 one of which 3058 can be mounted to a bulkhead 3006.
  • the gear 3052 is rotatably mounted by the hub 3018 and no bearings are provided for it in the gear box 3050. However, if desired or needed additional bearings could be provided in the gear box 3050 to rotatably mount the gear 3052.
  • the gear 3052 cooperates with a second gear 3062, mounted preferably slidably and keyed and to rotate (in an opposite direction) with on a gear box shaft 3064.
  • the gear box shaft 3064 in turn is mounted in bearings 3066 in the gear box 3050 and its housing or sides 3058 and 3060. While one end of the shaft 3064 is contained within the gear box 3050, its other end 3068 extends outwardly to connect with other parts of the system as desired. To this end the outer end portion of shaft 3064 carries a torque transmitting end or portion 3068 in the form of a hex, and just like the socket 3068 could take other torque transmitting shapes.
  • the gear ratio of the gear box 3050 can be altered by using different radius gears 3052 and 3062.
  • the gear ratio of the can be changed from less than 1 to 1 , to 1 : 1 to greater than 1 to 1.
  • the range of gearing could be say from 1 :5 to 20:1 with 1:1 to 10:1 being preferred. This gear ratio or ratio can be selected as the task would dictate or is desired.
  • devices 3100 could be used for input or output or both of many of the applications shown herein to control functions in sailing and/or on a sail boat, and if desired, altered as described to be used on the others shown herein.
  • the mechanical advantage in device 3100 is shown using gears, any other method of gaining mechanical advantage may be used in place of gears, be it belts and pulleys, chain and sprocket, or any other device of a suitable size and construction for the marine environment.
  • the device 3000 with a gear box 3050 secured thereto is shown.
  • This device could be used as either an input device or an output device.
  • the device 3000, and its center section 3010 could, for example, be secured to the underside of a deck or cockpit.
  • the lines 3080 and 3082 can be lead off via pulleys 3084 and 3086 for either input or output purposes.
  • the gear box 3050 and its shaft 3066 and end 3068 are connected via a u-joint 3088 to a shaft 3090.
  • the lines 3080 and 3082 could form an input line such as a loop, like loop 208 in Fig. 2 and the shaft
  • one or more step up/step down devices could be located adjacent both the input and output (Fig. 35A); adjacent the output (Fig. 35B); adjacent the input (Fig. 35C); intermediate the input and output 35D; and/or more than one and specifically two gear boxes (on step up/step down devices) could be located after the input and before the output or anywhere in between.
  • FIG 36 it shows the device 3000 and gear box 3050 used as an output device in a manner similar to the output device 40 of Figure 2. Since this is human-driven, there is a limit to the input force the human can exerted on the input device.
  • the current standard connector shaft is 0.625 inch thick aluminum hex shaft. This is also used for the internal drive shafts, stainless steel or aluminum u-joints could be used to link to the connector shaft.
  • the torque transmitted via the shaft is at most about 270in-lbs.
  • SWL safe working load
  • the carbon tube could have aluminum fittings bonded into each end, with a hex hole to mate with the standard hex shafting. Any shafting which will transit the required torque, will endure the marine environment, and can be connected to the input, output and selector devices, will work equally well.
  • a second combination input-output device 3200 is shown and is similar to that shown in Figures 3 A and 3B except the shaft 3202 of the device 3204 extends into the gear ratio changing device or gear box 3206.
  • the gear box is connected to the device 3008.
  • a device like 3200 would be used where the input is close to the sail function to be controlled, which could be anyone disclosed herein.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé et un appareil pour un dispositif d'entrée actionné par une ligne, mis en œuvre par un marin/opérateur tirant sur la ligne pour fournir une entrée à un dispositif de sortie. Le dispositif d'entrée est relié, comme par transmission par arbres, à un dispositif de sortie à distance, qui à son tour effectue la fonction de navigation désirée, par exemple une ou plusieurs des fonctions de chariot de barre d'écoute, d'hale-bas de bôme, d'écoute de voile, de niveau d'écoute de voile, de chariot en travers, de tension du galhauban, de cunningham, de bosse d'écoute, de tourniquet, bordé de fond de bateau ou autres ris et/ou autres ajustements ou fonctions de voile. Un boîtier de sélectionneur peut être prévu de telle sorte qu'une entrée actionnée par une seule ligne peut commander deux sorties et deux fonctions de voile, ou plus.
EP07838715A 2006-09-21 2007-09-21 Appareil et procédé de commande de voilier Withdrawn EP2089271A4 (fr)

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US84707106P 2006-09-21 2006-09-21
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US8864476B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2014-10-21 Flow Control Llc. Portable battery operated bilge pump
ITTV20120236A1 (it) * 2012-12-17 2014-06-18 Riccardo Agostini Dispositivo di controllo per la conduzione di un catamarano
WO2017201580A1 (fr) * 2016-05-25 2017-11-30 Up Marine Technology Limited Système de gréement
US11084562B1 (en) 2020-02-07 2021-08-10 Henry Sanders Traveler control

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EP2089271A4 (fr) 2010-12-22

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