EP2768723B1 - Inflatable hull and buoyant vehicle, in particular a dinghy - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inflatable hull, which is more particularly but not exclusively intended for propulsion by sail, and a floating device, in particular of the dinghy type, comprising such an inflatable hull.

To date, there are floating devices comprising an inflatable hull and which can be equipped mainly with a rudder, a centreboard well, a centreboard, a mast root, a mast and a sail. . Licences US3577576 , DE29919234 , US4149481 , US4750446 , WO8606338 , DE3004416 and US-A1-2009 / 031941 testify to the state of the prior art in the field.

The first drawback of these known floating devices is linked to the fact that the rigidity of their inflatable hull is less than that of a known floating device with a hard material hull. Consequently, their ability to support the weight of one or more crew members and their ability to withstand the forces applied by the water and by the mast on the inflatable hull are limited or require the addition of bulky structural rigid reinforcements.

A second drawback of these known floating devices is the shape of the hull of their inflatable hull, which is flat. Consequently, their inflatable hull has poorer hydrodynamic performance and their behavior in navigation is of poorer quality than that of a known hull which has a hull of non-planar cross section, for example having a general U or V shape. , as well as a non-planar longitudinal section and a bow.

A third drawback of these known floating devices is the complexity of assembling the various pneumatic envelopes which make up their inflatable hull. Consequently, the time required for their manufacture, maintenance and possible repairs is long and this adversely affects production costs. In addition, the complexity inducing a consequent use of material, these inflatable hulls represent a relatively high weight. These drawbacks also affect in particular other inflatable hulls represented in the patents. JP2007176236 , FR2722758 , US2011036284 , which have a complex structure comprising a peripheral buoyancy tube to which are added a floor and a transom. Also, the latter originally intended for motor propulsion, do not have good nautical qualities when propelled by means of a sail because in addition to being relatively heavy, they do not have a good support on the water.

A fourth drawback of these known floating devices is the lack of structural rigidity of the assembly between the inflatable hull and the dinghy type equipment which does not allow the use of a sail of a power comparable to that which equips a dinghy in hard material. Consequently, their performance in navigation is lower than that of known dinghies with hulls made of hard material.

It is also known from the document US 2009/0031941 a floating machine of the kayak type, the hull of which, in a known manner, comprises an inflatable bottom and also inflatable side walls or tubes which are secured to one another. According to this document, each of the inflatable envelopes constituting the bottom and the side tubes is produced by means of a double-walled material, the walls of which are connected to one another by a multitude of connecting wires. The inflation with air is carried out in the space between the two walls retained by the threads. Such a material offers the advantage of good rigidity in the swollen state. Nevertheless, the hull of the machine according to the document US 2009/0031941 has a relatively complex conventional structure, which proves to be detrimental, in particular, from the point of view of manufacturing cost, weight, ease of use and reliability. The document US 2009/0031941 indicates moreover that by choosing the length of the wires which extend between the walls, it is possible to obtain inflatable compartments of any size and shape. Assuming that such a double-walled envelope with connecting threads of varying lengths was feasible, this would be a complex means of imparting a desired shape to the inflatable compartments.

Inflatable floating devices of the board type with manual paddle propulsion are also made of such double-walled materials. The hull is devoid of any buoyancy elements attached to the casing, has a relatively flat bottom and has a front spatula, in other words a somewhat raised nose. Because of their flat bottom, these board type machines have a nautical behavior which limits them to this use of board.

The invention has, among other objects, to provide an inflatable hull which makes it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, that is to say an inflatable hull which is rigid in navigation without the need for a structure and capable of supporting weight and loads. consequent efforts, which can have a hull of the desired shape, and which is simple to make.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a floating device as defined in claim 1.

The material with two textile walls interconnected by connecting threads of which the envelope is made, also called double-wall textiles, is already known and has been described in particular in an article entitled "USES OF THREE-DIMENTIONAL MATERIALS" published in the review TEXTILES ET USAGES TECHNIQUES, fourth semester 1991, No. 2, pages 25 to 27 . Thus, the inflatable shell inflated at relatively high pressure benefits from a rigidity comparable to that of a shell made of hard material.

The use of a small number of parts for making the inflatable hull and the general structure thereof is such that the pneumatic casing plays the role of float, floor and seat at the same time. As a result, the inflatable shell is lighter and the manufacture, maintenance and possible repairs thereof are greatly facilitated. The clamp constitutes a particularly simple means of producing the bow, in an area where the hull has both a curvature in cross section and a curvature in longitudinal section.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said clamp comprises a fold formed in said wall disposed on the interior side of said curvature.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said clamp comprises a fold formed in said wall disposed on the outer side of said curvature.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the shell comprises a part for joining said ply.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said clamp is produced by means of cutouts made, at least on the front portion of said inflatable shell, at least in said wall disposed on the inside side of said curvature of said envelope, said cutouts being fixed edge to edge to form said bow.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said clamp is produced by means of cutouts made, at least on the front portion of said inflatable shell, in each of said superimposed walls of said envelope, said cutouts being fixed edge to edge to form said said shell. bow.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the shell comprises sealed junction pieces for said edge-to-edge fixing of said cutouts.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said envelope comprises on at least part of its periphery a lateral peripheral band having a shape determining said curvature in longitudinal section of said envelope.

Likewise, according to another possible characteristic of the invention, said peripheral band comprises at least one transverse peripheral band having a shape determining the curvature in cross section of said envelope.

Thus produced, the inflatable hull according to the invention benefits from good hydrodynamic performance and quality navigation behavior. The shape given to the side strip and to the transverse strip, which the double-walled casing is forced to follow in the inflated state thereof, constitutes a particularly simple means of imparting respectively to the longitudinal section and to the transverse section. of the hull the desired non-plane profile.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the hull comprises at least one waterproof inner band arranged in a median longitudinal plane between said walls in order to seal off said pneumatic casing into a starboard part and a port part which are inflatable and deflatable independently. one from the other. This is a simple way to make two independent compartments in the envelope. Thus, a safety float is retained in the event of an air leak.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the shell comprises at least one waterproof inner band sealed between said walls to form the side wall of at least one orifice passing at least partially through said inflatable shell.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the hull comprises a first orifice for passage of a fin extending over at least a portion of the length of said pneumatic casing and passing through said inflatable hull.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the hull comprises a second non-traversing orifice for the passage of the mast root and extending partially through said inflatable hull.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said wall arranged on the interior side of said curvature has a dimension different from said wall arranged on the exterior side of said curvature.

Another object of the invention is to provide a floating craft with an inflatable hull which makes it possible to use a means of propulsion, such as a sail, of a power comparable to that which equips a craft made of hard material, such as a dinghy.

To this end, the invention also relates to a floating device comprising at least one inflatable hull as defined above equipped with a propulsion device. The rigidity offered by the inflatable shell according to the invention makes it possible to satisfy the aforementioned requirement.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the floating vehicle comprises a part forming a fin well adapted to be received in said first orifice passing through said hull.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said part forming a fin well has a return of dimension adapted to allow said part to be inserted into said first through orifice in the deflated state of said hull and to retain said part in said first orifice in the inflated state of said shell.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, the floating vehicle comprises a central part comprising said part forming a fin well and a part forming a mast root.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said inflatable hull and said central part comprise means for fixing at least one bearing part on each side of the inflatable hull, said bearing parts being adapted to secure said part. central with said inflatable hull and distribute the forces of the mast and the fin on the inflatable hull. It advantageously results from this that the assembly between the inflatable hull and the pieces of equipment of the floating craft forms an assembly which is sufficiently rigid structurally to be able to benefit from a sail with a canvas surface and a power comparable to that of a. dinghy with hard material hull.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said hull comprises lateral rings and at least one central ring fixed respectively on the opposite sides and at the center of the rear part of said inflatable hull, said machine comprising at least one rudder support comprising at least two lateral branches and a lower branch adapted to be received respectively in said lateral and central rings, said rudder support being shaped to bear on and be secured to said inflatable hull in the inflated state.

According to another possible characteristic of the invention, said device comprises wings adapted to be fixed on each side of the floating device on one of said branches of the rudder support and on an outer end of said support pieces, said wings forming with said branches and said support pieces a closed stiffening structure on each side of said shell. This structural assembly helps to stiffen the hull even more.

• La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective de la coque gonflable conforme à l'invention à l'état gonflé ;
• La figure 2 représente une vue schématique en coupe partielle de l'enveloppe pneumatique de la coque gonflable montrant la structure du textile double à double paroi;
• La figure 3 représente une vue de côté d'une première variante de la coque gonflable à l'état gonflé conforme à l'invention ;
• La figure 4 représente une vue de côté d'une autre variante de la coque gonflable à l'état gonflé conforme à l'invention ;
• La figure 5 représente une vue de dos de la coque gonflable à l'état gonflé dans la variante de réalisation présentée figure 3, laquelle possède une section transversale en U ;
• La figure 6 représente une vue de dos de la coque gonflable à l'état gonflé dans la variante de réalisation présentée figure 4, laquelle possède une section transversale en V ;
• La figure 7 représente une vue en perspective de plusieurs pièces composant l'enveloppe pneumatique de la coque gonflable selon la première variante de réalisation présentée figure 3 et 5 ;
• La figure 8 est une vue de dessus en éclaté montrant plusieurs pièces disposées à plat composant l'enveloppe pneumatique de la coque gonflable représentée aux figures 3, 5 et 7 ;
• La figure 9A représente une vue en coupe transversale de l'avant de la coque gonflable selon l'invention réalisée avec une pince longitudinale sans découpe ;
• La figures 9B est une vue en coupe transversale de la coque illustrant une variante de réalisation à deux pinces longitudinales sans découpe ;
• La figures 9C est une vue en coupe longitudinale illustrant une autre variante de réalisation comportant une pince transversale sans découpe ;
• La figure 10 représente une vue en perspective éclatée de plusieurs pièces composant l'enveloppe pneumatique de la coque gonflable selon la seconde variante de réalisation représentée aux figures 4 et 6 ;
• La figure 11 est une vue de dessus en éclaté montrant plusieurs pièces disposées à plat composant l'enveloppe pneumatique de la coque gonflable représentée aux figures 4, 6 et 10 ;
• La figure 12 représente une vue en perspective de la coque gonflable et d'une partie des pièces d'équipements de type dériveur pour un engin flottant propulsé par voile selon l'invention ;
• La figure 13 représente une vue en perspective de la coque gonflable et d'une partie des pièces d'équipements de type dériveur pour un engin flottant propulsé par voile selon l'invention ;
• La figure 14 représente une vue en coupe transversale d'un mode de fixation avantageux du puits de dérive de la figure 12 sur la coque gonflable ;
• La figure 15 représente une vue en coupe transversale d'un mode de fixation avantageux de l'emplanture de mât de la figure 12 sur la coque gonflable ;
• La figure 16 représente une vue en perspective d'un mode de fixation avantageux de pièces d'appui destinées à la répartition des efforts du mât et de la dérive sur la coque gonflable ;
• La figure 17 représente une vue en perspective d'un mode de fixation avantageux d'un support de gouvernail, du gouvernail et d'une écoute de grand-voile sur la coque gonflable ;
• La figure 18 représente une vue du dessus de l'engin flottant, équipée d'ailes et de sangles de rappel ;
• La figure 19 représente une vue de dos de l'engin flottant représentée à la figure 18 montrant la position d'un équipier appuyé sur l'aile bâbord ;
• La figure 20 représente une vue partielle en perspective et en coupe de la coque gonflable selon la variante de réalisation des figures 3, 5, 7 et 8, avantageusement équipée d'orifices formés par deux bandeaux intérieurs ;
• La figure 21 représente une vue en perspective et en coupe partielle de la coque gonflable selon la variante de réalisation des figures 3, 5, 7 et 8, avantageusement équipée d'orifices formés par un bandeau intérieur ;

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which will now be given of preferred embodiments of an inflatable hull and of a floating device according to the invention, which description is given. by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 shows a perspective view of the inflatable shell according to the invention in the inflated state;
• The figure 2 represents a schematic view in partial section of the pneumatic casing of the inflatable shell showing the structure of the double double-walled textile;
• The figure 3 shows a side view of a first variant of the inflatable shell in the inflated state according to the invention;
• The figure 4 shows a side view of another variant of the inflatable shell in the inflated state according to the invention;
• The figure 5 shows a rear view of the inflatable shell in the inflated state in the embodiment shown figure 3 , which has a U-shaped cross section;
• The figure 6 shows a rear view of the inflatable shell in the inflated state in the embodiment shown figure 4 , which has a V-shaped cross section;
• The figure 7 shows a perspective view of several parts making up the pneumatic casing of the inflatable shell according to the first variant embodiment presented figure 3 and 5 ;
• The figure 8 is an exploded top view showing several parts arranged flat making up the pneumatic casing of the inflatable shell shown in figures 3, 5 and 7 ;
• The figure 9A shows a cross-sectional view of the front of the inflatable hull according to the invention produced with a longitudinal clamp without a cutout;
• The figures 9B is a cross-sectional view of the hull illustrating an alternative embodiment with two longitudinal grippers without a cutout;
• The figures 9C is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating another variant embodiment comprising a transverse clamp without a cutout;
• The figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of several parts making up the pneumatic casing of the inflatable shell according to the second variant embodiment shown in figures 4 and 6 ;
• The figure 11 is an exploded top view showing several parts arranged flat making up the pneumatic casing of the inflatable shell shown in figures 4, 6 and 10 ;
• The figure 12 shows a perspective view of the inflatable hull and part of the dinghy type equipment parts for a floating craft propelled by sail according to the invention;
• The figure 13 shows a perspective view of the inflatable hull and part of the dinghy type equipment parts for a floating craft propelled by sail according to the invention;
• The figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an advantageous method of fixing the fin well of the figure 12 on the inflatable hull;
• The figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an advantageous method of fixing the mast root of the figure 12 on the inflatable hull;
• The figure 16 shows a perspective view of an advantageous method of fixing support pieces intended for the distribution of the forces of the mast and of the centreboard on the inflatable hull;
• The figure 17 shows a perspective view of an advantageous method of fixing a rudder support, the rudder and a mainsheet on the inflatable hull;
• The figure 18 shows a top view of the floating craft, equipped with wings and booster straps;
• The figure 19 represents a rear view of the floating craft shown on figure 18 showing the position of a crew member leaning on the port wing;
• The figure 20 shows a partial perspective and sectional view of the inflatable hull according to the alternative embodiment of figures 3, 5 , 7 and 8 , advantageously equipped with orifices formed by two interior bands;
• The figure 21 shows a perspective view in partial section of the inflatable hull according to the alternative embodiment of figures 3, 5 , 7 and 8 , advantageously equipped with orifices formed by an internal band;

If we refer to the figure 1 , in a preferred embodiment, the inflatable shell 1 consists of at least one pneumatic casing 2 and advantageously equipped with an inflation and deflation valve 3. The inflatable shell 1 is intended to be rolled or folded. In the end, it is light and has a very small footprint, which facilitates its storage, its handling and its transport.

In use, the inflatable hull 1 supports the forces applied by the water on its submerged parts, the forces applied by the propulsion means fixed to the inflatable hull 1, and the weight of one or more people. It is therefore essential that the inflatable hull 1 be rigid in navigation. To this end, the pneumatic casing 2 of the inflatable shell 1 is made of double-walled textile such as appears more clearly on the figure 2 . Double-walled textiles are also known and their manufacturing process will not be described in this text. If we refer to the figure 2 , the double-walled textile is in the form of two walls, namely an upper wall 2c which constitutes the inner wall of the shell and a lower wall 2d which constitutes the outer wall of the shell. These two walls 2 c and 2 d are formed respectively by two textile layers and are interconnected by a multitude of connecting threads 2f. The airtightness of the pneumatic envelope 2 is carried out over the entire periphery of the double-walled textile 2c, 2d, 2f by a waterproof peripheral band 2g, 2h which is fixed by any suitable means and preferably by means of a neoprene glue , over the entire periphery of the two walls 2 c and 2 d, as it appears more clearly on the figure 1 . The two textile walls 2c and 2d are moreover made waterproof by any suitable means, and preferably by means of a neoprene coating or any other complex.

In a specific non-limiting example of an embodiment, the two walls 2 c and 2 d consist of layers of textile, the threads of which are made of polyamide. 2f binding son between the walls 2c and 2d are polyester. They are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the inflatable shell 1 at a density of about 15 threads / cm ² . The walls 2c and 2d are coated with neoprene on their outer face. The peripheral band 2g, 2h consists of layers of textile whose threads are made of polyamide and is coated with neoprene on both sides. More generally, the thickness e of the double-walled textile 2c, 2d, 2f of the inflatable shell 1 in the inflated state is 200mm for reasons of rigidity and buoyancy. This value is non-limiting in addition or in less. It is up to those skilled in the art to determine this thickness e as a function of the size of the inflatable shell 1 and as a function of the weight and the forces which it will have to withstand. In a specific example of an embodiment given as an indication, the hull inflatable 1 measures 3200mm in length and 1200mm at the beam. To obtain sufficient rigidity, the inflatable shell 1 is inflated to a pressure of about 500 millibars or even more. The higher the inflation pressure, the greater the rigidity of the shell. The inflation pressure is limited by the capacity of the material from which the shell is made and of the bonds by gluing or welding to withstand the mechanical stresses generated by the inflation.

According to a preferred embodiment, for reasons of hydrodynamic performance, the inflatable hull 1 according to the invention is tapered towards the front as shown in figure 1 , has a bow or bow E of curved shape in longitudinal section as shown in the figure figure 3 and a generally U-shaped non-planar cross section as shown in Figure figure 5 , within the meaning of the present specification, by prow or bow designates the front part of the hull.

As shown on figures 1 , 3 and 5 , the inflatable hull 1 is composed of a starboard part 2 a and a port part 2 b delimited on either side of a median longitudinal plane 2 x parallel to a longitudinal axis D. The two parts 2 a and 2 b of the shell are preferably symmetrical with respect to the 2 x median plane.

According to a preferred embodiment of the figures 7 and 8 , the upper wall 2 c and the lower wall 2 d of the pneumatic casing 2 comprise a clamp which makes it possible to produce by means of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f a bow E having a curvature both in longitudinal and transverse section. As used herein, the term curvature here denotes a non-planar hull profile which may be continuous or discontinuous, for example a V or U shape in cross section.

Thus, the wall 2 c has in its front part a substantially V-shaped cutout 2 k open towards the front and the wall 2 d has in its front part a cutout 2 i which is substantially V-shaped open towards the front. These cuts are made so that when the cutouts 2 i are fixed edge to edge on the 2 x median plane and when the 2 k cutouts are fixed edge to edge on the 2 x median plane, a bow is obtained E curved in cross section and longitudinal section. Advantageously, the edge-to-edge assembly of the cutout 2 i and of the cutout 2 k is carried out by means of junction pieces 2 l which are in this specific case waterproof strips fixed by any suitable means and preferably to the using neoprene glue.

As a variant, only the inner wall 2 c has in its front part a substantially V-shaped cutout 2 k open towards the front and the edges of which are assembled, for example by means of a junction piece 2 l .

Of course, according to the invention, it is possible to make the clamp intended to form the bow without making a cut, for example by creating a longitudinal fold 2 p on a front part of the upper wall 2 c and, where appropriate, a longitudinal fold 2 p on a front part of the lower wall 2 d and fixing each fold 2 p for example by means of a junction piece 2l " as it appears more clearly on the figure 9A .

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by figure 9B , the wall 2 c has two longitudinal clamps made on either side of the median longitudinal plane 2 x by means of 2 p folds which extend over at least part of the front length of the inflatable shell. Such an arrangement with two longitudinal plies makes it possible to obtain a more pronounced curvature of the cross section of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f forming the envelope, while preventing the inner wall 2 c from having beads. .

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by figure 9C , the wall 2c has at least two transverse clamps 2 q made respectively on the port part 2 b and the starboard part 2 a from the lateral edge of the hull. Such an arrangement with two transverse folds makes it possible to obtain a more pronounced curvature of the longitudinal section of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f forming the envelope, while preventing the inner wall 2 c from having beads. .

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures 7 and 8 , the pneumatic casing 2 of the inflatable shell 1 has a curved longitudinal section on its front portion. One of the solutions, in order to obtain this curved longitudinal section, consists in constraining the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f by the lateral peripheral band 2 h sealed, the cutout of which corresponds to the expected shape of the longitudinal section. On inflation, the lateral peripheral strip 2 h on the port side determines the longitudinal section of the port part 2 b and the peripheral lateral strip 2 h on the starboard side determines the longitudinal section of the starboard section 2a.

Likewise, the shape of the cross section of the pneumatic casing 2 of the inflatable shell 1 is determined by the shape of the transverse peripheral band 2 g located at the rear of the shell, the cut of which corresponds to the expected shape of cross section.

Although this is preferable, the pneumatic casing 2 according to the invention does not necessarily combine a clamp, a lateral peripheral band 2 h and a transverse peripheral band 2 g but may, for example, only comprise a clamp and a band. lateral peripheral 2 h and present a gluing of the walls 2 c and 2 d between them at the level of the transom.

Of course, the method of making the pneumatic casing 2 according to the invention makes it possible to give any desirable shape to the bow E, to the front part of the inflatable hull 1, in longitudinal section as well as in cross section.

It should be noted that depending on the preparation, the upper wall 2 c of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f of the pneumatic casing 2 or of any other shell according to the invention may have a dimension different from that from the bottom wall 2 d .

For example, depending on the embodiment of the figures 7 and 8 the upper wall 2 c located inside the curvature of the pneumatic casing 2, namely the inner wall 2 c of the shell having this curvature, is of a smaller dimension than the lower wall 2 d located outside of the curvature of the tire casing 2, namely the outer wall 2 d of the shell having this curvature. This dimension can vary in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction, or in both directions. The difference in dimension (s) between the lower wall 2 d and the upper wall 2 c contributes to obtaining the longitudinal and transverse curvature of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f .

According to a second variant embodiment represented by the figures 4, 6 , 10 and 11 , the inflatable shell 1 'according to the invention is made in the same way as the inflatable shell 1, except that the cutouts 2 i and 2 k which make it possible to produce the clip extend over the entire length of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f . Thus, the 2 h lateral peripheral bands can determine the shape of the section. longitudinal over its entire length and not only at the level of the bow E.

In this specific case, the longitudinal section of the inflatable shell 1 'has a continuous curvature and the cross section has a general V shape. Of course, the method of making the pneumatic envelope 2' according to the invention makes it possible to give any shape desirable to the entire longitudinal section and to the stem E, as well as to the cross section of the pneumatic shell 2 'of the inflatable hull 1'.

To maintain one or more safety in case of floats air leakage, the envelope tire 2 is partitioned into two parts, corresponding to the starboard and port sides 2a 2b. Advantageously, the sealing of each of the two parts has starboard and port 2b of the inflatable envelope 2 'of the inflatable shell 1' is provided by two proof inner bands 2 m sealingly fixed by any appropriate means on each of starboard parts 2 a and port 2 b , and preferably by means of a neoprene glue so that the starboard part 2 a and the port part 2 b , each provided with a valve 3, inflate and deflate independently . Just like the lateral peripheral bands 2 h , the shape of the bands 2 m ' determines the longitudinal section of the pneumatic casing 2' of the inflatable shell 1 '. The junction piece 2 ′ extends advantageously on the transom and on the front of the inflatable hull 1 ′ so as to assemble the starboard 2 a and port 2 b parts . Of course, it is possible to make a partition between parts 2 a and 2 b using a single strip 2 m ' .

Optionally, for the same safety reasons, it is possible to partition the pneumatic casing 2 and the pneumatic casing 2 'into several independent compartments, in particular by internal partitions.

The inflatable hull 1 and the inflatable hull 1 'can be used with any means of propulsion, for example with an engine, oars, a sail ... and this in a non-limiting manner.

According to a preferred embodiment of the figures 12 and 13 , the floating craft which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 21 comprises an inflatable hull 1 'according to the invention, equipped with different parts of the dinghy type for sailing, namely: a central part 6, a centerboard 7, support pieces 8, a mast 10, a sail 11, a cunningham 12, a batten 13, a mainsheet 14, a rudder 15, a rudder support 16, and a pin 18.

According to figure 12 In a preferred solution of embodiment, the orifices 4 and 4b advantageously located in the longitudinal median plane 2 x through substantially vertically the inflatable shell 1 '. The side wall of these orifices 4 a and 4 b is formed by the two waterproof inner bands 2 m '. The junction piece 2 1 ' is cut so that the orifice 4 a has an opening in the upper part and an opening in the lower part, and so that the orifice 4 b has a single opening in the upper part. , the mast root not requiring, in this specific case, to pass through the inflatable hull 1 'on either side. Advantageously, the openings of the orifices 4 a and 4 b are consolidated by reinforcements 5 a and 5 b fixed on their periphery and produced by any suitable means and in particular using parts of textiles coated with neoprene fixed with a neoprene glue.

Advantageously, the orifice 4 a is of elongated shape. According to figure 14 , 6 centreboard a, which is a rigid substantially smaller dimension chamber at the orifice 4 is in the horizontal plane, is inserted into the hole 4a of the inflatable shell 1 'in the deflated state and crosses the inflatable shell 1 '. The daggerboard well 6 a has, without limitation, two returns or flanges 6 c in its lower part. When the inflatable shell 1 'is inflated to a sufficient pressure, the drift 6 wells is held firmly in the longitudinal axis, transverse and vertical directions and returns 6c prevent the extraction of the 6 centreboard is out of the orifice 4 a . The fin well 6 a allows the fin 7 to be inserted or removed freely, preventing the latter from being pinched by the interior bands 2 m ' . It is up to the art of judiciously determine the location of wells 6a drift and therefore the opening 4 a.

Advantageously, the orifice 4b is of circular shape. If we refer to the figure 15 The mast step 6b, which is a rigid tube of substantially smaller diameter than the hole 4b is inserted into the hole 4b of the inflatable shell 1 'in the deflated state and partially through the inflatable shell 1 '. The mast step 6 b is thus firmly held in the longitudinal and transverse axes. It is up to those skilled in the art to judiciously determine the location of the root of the mast 6 b and therefore the orifice 4 b . In the context of the invention, although this is preferred, the strut 6 b root is not necessarily inserted into a hole of the inflatable shell 1 '. Thus, as a variant, the mast root 6b integrated into the central part 6 comprising the fin well is simply resting against the inner wall 2 c , the casing being devoid of the orifice 4 b .

In a preferred embodiment, the mast root 6 b and the fin 6 a belong to the same rigid central part 6. This central part 6 supports all the forces exerted by the water on the centerboard 7 and by the wind on the sail 11, itself supported by the mast 10. According to the figure 16 Two support pieces 8 optimize the transmission of these transverse forces primarily relying on the inflatable shell 1 'and firmly hold the front portion of the core member 6 and thus the mast step 6b against the inflatable shell 1 'preventing the mast root 6 b from being pulled out of hole 4 b . Advantageously, the two support pieces 8 are tubes made of a rigid material which fit into rings 9 a , 9 b which are advantageously straps adjusted to the size of the support pieces 8 and fixed by gluing to the 1 'inflatable hull. In a preferred embodiment, the central part 6 comprises sleeves or tenons 6 d which are rigid tubes on which the bearing parts 8 are inserted. Advantageously, the sleeves or tenons 6d which are means for fixing the support parts 8 on the central part 6, are located forward or backward on the central part 6. The assembly is held in position using 9c textile flaps fitted with hook-and-loop strips. Of course, the rings 9 a and 9 b can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, and can just like the sleeves 6 d and the textile flaps 9 c be replaced by any equivalent fixing means and in particular by hooking means. mechanical. The bearing pieces 8 preferably follow the shape of the inflatable shell 1 'to present a substantial bearing surface. The support pieces 8 advantageously form an angle towards the rear of the inflatable hull 1 'in order to withstand with the central part 6 the transverse forces of the mast and of the centreboard, and the forces of the mast towards the rear of the. floating device 21. Consequently, a wing surface similar to that of a dinghy made of hard material can be adapted to the floating device 21, or in this specific example a non-floating wing surface. limit of 5m ² .

If we refer to the figure 17 , in a specific embodiment, the floating craft 21 is equipped with a rudder support 16 composed of tubes formed and assembled so as to match the shape of the rear of the inflatable hull 1 ', the assembly having two side branches 16 a and a lower branch 16 b . In a preferred embodiment, rings 17 a are fixed to the left and to the right of the upper part of the transom of the inflatable hull 1 ', and a ring 17 b is fixed to the transom of the inflatable hull 1' at the rear. middle on the vertical plane and in the middle on the horizontal plane. Advantageously, these rings 17 a and 17 b are adjusted respectively to the dimension of the lateral branches 16 a and of the lower branch 16 b and are straps fixed by gluing to the inflatable shell 1 '. The side branches 16 a are slipped into the rings 17 a and the lower branch 16 b is slipped into the ring 17 b when the inflatable shell 1 'is in the deflated state and therefore when it is flexible. When the inflatable hull 1 'is in the inflated state, its rigidity prevents the extraction of the rudder support 16 which, held by the rings 17 a and 17 b , rests on the inflatable hull 1' at at least 3 points. . Of course, the rings 17 a and 17 b could be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, and they could be replaced by any equivalent fixing means and in particular by mechanical hooking means. On the other hand, the rings 17 a and 17 b can be fixed anywhere on the rear part of the inflatable hull, as long as they are arranged at a sufficient distance from each other or that they are numerous enough. to effectively immobilize the rudder support 16 on the inflatable hull 1 '.

According to a preferred embodiment presented figure 17 , the rudder 15 is fixed on the rudder support 16 by means of the rudder head 15 b . The rudder head 15 b present in a particular embodiment, two ports positioned above and below the lower arm 16 b which advantageously acts as a gudgeon. The rudder 15 is held in position by a pin 18 which is inserted in the rudder head ports 15 b and the lower arm 16 b thus positioned.

The rudder 15 a is surmounted by a bar 15 c which allows to steer the floating machine 21. This bar 15 c is fixed by an axis 15 e to the rudder 15 a and around which it pivots in order to reduce the size of the rudder 15 outside navigation.

The mainsheet 14 is composed of a hoist 14 a and a crow's feet 14 b . The ends of the crow's feet 14 b are tied on each of the ends of the branches 16 a . The upper end of the tackle of the mainsheet 14 is anchored on a sheet eyelet 11 e shown figure 13 .

If we refer to the figure 13 , in a specific embodiment, the mast 10 is composed of 4 parts which are assembled by a system of sleeves. Once assembled, it is slid into the luff pocket 11 a as can be seen for the known rigging of a sailboard. In this specific and non-limiting example, a rigid or semi-rigid batten 13 can be slipped into a batten sleeve 11b provided on the edge of the sail 11 and locked using a strap provided with a self-locking band. - hook-and-loop 11 c . The mast 10 is slid into the mast step 6b and relies on the bottom 6 th presented figure 15 . Advantageously, the cunningham 12 is passed and fixed in a cunningham eyelet 11 d and in an orifice 6f provided on the central part 6. It makes it possible to adjust the tension of the sail 11, and secures the sail 11 and the mast 10 to the central piece 6.

In practice, the user or users are seated on the port side or on the starboard side of the floating vehicle 21 depending on the balance thereof. If we refer to figures 18 and 19 , two return straps 19 fixed on the inflatable shell 1 'allow the user to slide his feet under these straps to lean backwards and thus change the balance of the floating vehicle 21 by acting as a counterweight. In the same logic, it is possible to join the end of the support pieces 8 to the end of the side branches 16 a of the rudder support 16 by wings 20. In a specific embodiment, the wings 20 are tubes. which can be fixed by a sleeve system to the support pieces 8 and to the side branches 16 a , and which include a protective foam flange 20 a . The wings 20 are advantageously located in the back of the navigator when the latter is seated on the port or starboard edge of the inflatable hull and leans backwards. They act as support for the back or seat and may possibly make it possible to stiffen the inflatable shell 1 ', in particular in the case where the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f does not have a thickness sufficient to withstand on its own the forces applied to the inflatable shell 1 '.

According to a preferred embodiment, a reinforcing arm 8 '(not shown) extends from the mast root 6b to the end of each of the support pieces 8. The support structure of the wings 20, intended to support the weight of one or more people, is reinforced.

In practice, the disassembled floating craft 21 is stored in a bag which contains: the inflatable hull 1 ′ and the sail 11 rolled or folded, the parts of dinghy type equipment and a manual inflation pump (not shown) which can be seated. 'fit on the inflation and deflation valves 3 of the inflatable shell 1'.

In summary, the assembly of the floating vehicle 21 takes place as follows. First, the central part 6, then the support parts 8 and the rudder support 16 are inserted on the inflatable hull 1 'in the deflated state. Then, it is possible to fix wings 20 on the support pieces 8 and on the rudder support. Then the inflatable shell 1 'is inflated. The next step is to insert the mast 10 and the slat 13 in the disc 11. The mast 10 is then placed in the mast step 6b. The rudder 15 is attached with the axis 18 and the listening mainsail 14 is positioned Finally, when the dinghy is water drift 7 is slid into the daggerboard 6 a.

Although the floating device 21 described comprises an inflatable hull 1 ′, it can of course include an inflatable hull 1 or any other inflatable hull according to the invention.

Also, according to another variant embodiment of the figure 20 and 21 which is more particularly suited to the inflatable hull 1, one or more interior bands 2 m , located between the port 2 b and starboard 2 a parts , are fixed in a sealed manner between the two walls 2 c and 2 d of the double-walled textile 2 c , 2 d , 2 f over certain portions of the length of the pneumatic casing 2, so as to constitute the side wall of the orifices 4 a and 4 b .

The invention is not limited to the example described with reference to figures 1 to 21 , but covers the technical equivalents.

Claims (16)

1. Floating vessel comprising at least one inflatable hull (1, 1') comprising at least one pneumatic casing (2, 2') with two walls (2c, 2d) placed one over the other, said walls (2c, 2d) each comprising a fabric sheet and being connected to each other by a multitude of connecting wires (2f) distributed over the entire surface of said sheets, forming a structure adapted to be inflated to a pressure capable of rigidifying said structure and being capable of ensuring the buoyancy of said hull independently of any attached buoyancy element, and equipped with a propulsion device, characterised in that said casing (2, 2') has a first cross-sectional curvature and a second curvature on at least its front part in longitudinal section, one (2c) of said walls, called the upper wall, corresponding to the inner side of said curvature and the other (2d) of said walls, called the lower wall, corresponding to the outer side of said curvature, in that the upper wall (2c) and the lower wall (2d) of said casing (2, 2') comprise a clip that allow to carry out, by cutting means (2i, 2k) or a fold (2p), a stem (E) having said first and second curvatures, in that it comprises at least one sealed inner strip (2m', 2m) sealingly fixed between said walls (2c, 2d) to form the lateral wall of at least a first orifice (4a) for the passage of a drift extending over at least a portion of the length of said pneumatic casing and passing through said inflatable hull (1, 1'), and in that it comprises a piece (6a) forming a drift well adapted to be received in said first through orifice (4a) of said hull (1, 1'), and in that the propulsion device comprises a mast (10) and a sail (11).
2. Floating vessel according to claim 1, characterised in that said piece (6a) forming a drift well has a return (6c) of a size adapted to allow said piece to be inserted into said first through orifice (4a) in the deflated state of said hull (1, 1') and to retain said piece (6a) in said first orifice (4a) in the inflated state of said hull (1, 1').
3. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a central piece (6) comprising said piece (6a) forming a drift well and a piece (6b) forming a mast root.
4. Floating vessel according to claim 3, characterised in that said inflatable hull (1, 1') and said central piece (6) comprise means for fixing at least one support piece (8) on each side of the inflatable hull (1, 1'), said support pieces (8) being adapted to connect said central piece (6) to said inflatable hull (1, 1') and to distribute the forces of the mast (10) and the drift (7) on the inflatable hull (1, 1').
5. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said hull comprises lateral rings (17a) and at least one central ring (17b) fixed respectively to the opposite sides and to the centre of the rear part of said inflatable hull (1, 1'), said vessel comprising at least one rudder support (16) comprising at least two lateral branches (16a) and a lower branch (16b) adapted to be received respectively in said lateral (17a) and central (17b) rings, said rudder support (16) being shaped to rest on and to be integral with said inflatable hull (1, 1') in the inflated state.
6. Floating vessel according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises wings (20) adapted to be fixed on each side of the floating vessel (21) to one of said branches (16a) of the rudder support (16) and to an exterior end of said support pieces (8), said wings (20) forming with said branches (16a) and said support pieces (8) a closed stiffening structure on each side of said hull.
7. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said clip comprises a fold (2p) formed in said wall (2c) disposed on the inner side of said curvature.
8. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said clip comprises a fold (2p) formed in said wall (2d) disposed on the outer side of said curvature.
9. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterised in that it comprises a piece (2l, 2l') for connecting said fold (2p).
10. Floating vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said clip is made by cutting means (2i, 2k) provided, at least on the front portion of said inflatable hull (1, 1'), at least in said wall disposed on the inner side of said curvature (2c) of said casing, said cutting (2i) being fixed edge to edge to form said stem (E).
11. Floating vessel according to claim 10, characterised in that said clip is made by cutting means (2i, 2k) provided, at least on the front portion of said inflatable hull (1, 1'), in each of said walls (2c, 2d) placed one over the other of said casing, said cuttings (2i, 2k) being fixed edge to edge to form said stem (E).
12. Floating vessel according to claim 11, characterised in that the inflatable hull comprises sealed connecting pieces (2l,2l') for said edge to edge attachment of said cuttings (2i,2k).
13. Floating vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said casing comprises on at least a part of its periphery a lateral peripheral strip (2h) having a shape determining said curvature in longitudinal section of said casing (2, 2').
14. Floating vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said casing comprises on at least a part of its periphery a cross-sectional peripheral strip (2g) having a shape determining said cross-sectional curvature of said casing (2, 2').
15. Floating vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one sealed inner strip (2m') arranged in a median longitudinal plane (2x) between said walls (2c, 2d) to sealingly partition said pneumatic casing (2') into a starboard part (2a) and a port part (2b) which can be inflated and deflated independently of each other.
16. Floating vessel according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a second non-through orifice (4b) forming the mast root passage and extending partially through said inflatable hull (1,1').

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