EP3119481A1

EP3119481A1 - Device and system for propelling a passenger

Info

Publication number: EP3119481A1
Application number: EP14720647.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frankie Zapata
Original assignee: Zapata Holding SAS
Current assignee: Ziph20
Priority date: 2014-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-21
Publication date: 2017-01-25
Also published as: FR3018261B1; US10118677B2; US20180362123A1; FR3018261A1; JP2017510492A; WO2015132478A1; US20170080997A1; CN106573165A

Abstract

The invention relates to a propulsion device (20) comprising a body designed to accommodate a passenger and collaborating with a thrust unit the main nozzle or nozzles (22) of which are advantageously directed from the bow toward the stern of said device. Said device (20) is supplied with pressurized fluid from a remote compression station. The "all-in-one" design of such a device offers immense freedom and speed of travel in the open and/or under the surface of a fluid. The invention also relates to a propulsion system in which the remote station may be a nautical craft with a motor (30) designed to collaborate with a propulsion device.

Description

Device and system for propelling a passenger

The invention relates to a device and a propulsion system for a passenger so that it can move in the air, on the surface of a fluid or in a fluid with very great freedom of movement thanks to its agility and his physique.

As a preferred application, the device and the propulsion system according to the invention will be implemented on the surface of the water.

The invention further provides that the system is very simple to implement and accessible to the greatest number.

Today, water sports are very popular thanks to their playful side and the sensations that these sports bring. Among the known water sports, we can certainly mention surfing. The latter consists of sliding on waves, standing on a board. Different surfboards are used depending on the surfer's degree of experience. The surf is based on a particular principle: initially, the surfer is usually lying flat on his board, arms on either side of it, the bust straightened. He paddles with his arms when he spots a wave he wants to slip on, in order to acquire enough speed for the wave to prevail. When he feels the wave lift, he rushes faster and pushes with his hands flat on the board to straighten up. To maintain his balance, he adopts a posture bent over his bent legs. Once standing, the arms serve basically to maintain the balance and help change direction. The legs act as shock absorbers and control the plate of the board.

Alternatively, some surfers like to practice bodyboarding, a sport close to surfing but practiced on a shorter and more flexible board. Bodyboarding is based on a principle similar to that of surfing: the "bodyboarder", that is to say the bodyboarder, is generally lying on his board, resting on the elbows with his bust raised and his hands placed on the nose of the board. When sliding on a wave, the bodyboarder remains in a lying position. Nevertheless, sometimes the bodyboarder, adventurous, is sitting or even standing.

However, in the practice of these two disciplines, certain conditions are required: it is not possible to practice these sports on any body of water or site, or in any weather conditions. Surfing and bodyboarding are practiced on surfing sites: beaches bathed by high or low waves whose profile is adapted. Moreover, the wind is not necessarily very popular with surfers: indeed, it "chops" the waves, making them "soft" and often impassable to surf. But if there are no waves, there is no sport. The surfer can wait for hours a wave for just a few seconds to a few minutes of sensations. He never has any certainty about the possibility of practicing his sport. In addition, surfing and bodyboarding require intensive training and experience to properly master these disciplines. The latter are thus not accessible to all and a beginner often has difficulty feeling or appreciate sensations as long as he does not master his technique at least.

To overcome the need for surfing or bodyboarding surfed sites and so be able to enjoy sensationsequivalent without being dependent on weather conditions, thrill-seekers on demand use the practical duwakeboard. Just like bodyboarding and surfing, wakeboarding is a sliding sport requiring the use of a board. However, it is based on a different principle: the athlete, or commonly called "rider", is towed by a boat using a rope with a rudder. A wave is created by the wake of said boat, the "rider" takes advantage of said wave to jump on both sides of said wake and perform different figures, such as, as non-limiting examples, somersaults, rotations and "grabs", figures inspired by "classic" sliding sports, such as surfing or snowboarding. The "rider" uses a board, ensuring good lift; on this board are fixed two feet for the feet in the direction of the length as for a snowboard. The choice of the board is determined by the style of the "rider". Although this discipline allows to overcome the constraint of place, it raises other disadvantages: the position that the "rider" adopts on the board is sometimes not optimal because it can lead to pain problems knees and / or back and fast fatigue. In addition, the means necessary for the practice of wakeboarding are not very accessible. Indeed, the wakeboard requires the presence of a specific boat, specially adapted to the practice of this sport: besides the presence of a tower making it possible to fix the traction rope, such a boat is equipped with ballasts in order to be weighed down. as well as a specially studied hull, to finally obtain a wake generating higher waves. As a result, the boats are complicated to handle and require the presence of a knowledgeable professional, but also generates very significant costs because of their technicality.

Alternatively, some surfboards have been improved to overcome the difficulties of weather conditions, including the presence or absence of waves, or also those related to return to port: they are more known under the name of motorized surfboards. Thus a motorized surfboard as described in US 6,192,817 B1 comprises a body in the form of a board defining a stern and a bow, within which is housed an internal combustion engine, closer to the stern than from the bow. Such a motor includes an inertia flywheel attached to a crank and an outlet mouth and is connected to a pump receiving the thrust force created by the engine. Advantageously, said motorized board comprises a wired control for acting on the acceleration and / or speed of the device. However, this type of device remains very confidential, because of the many disadvantages it raises, such as poor maneuverability, heaviness, excessive acquisition and maintenance costs, a certain size, low sensations, especially with regard to the use of a conventional motor vehicle, etc.

In addition, for each activity mentioned above, specific equipment is needed. As examples, to practice surfing it is essential to have a surfboard, while to practice bodyboarding, it is essential to do it on a board of bodyboard adapted to the sport: it is often not easy to use a surfboard while lying down. It is the same for motorized boards. Each piece of equipment is adapted and dedicated to each discipline. A multidisciplinary athlete must also invest in different equipment. To provide certain sensations, to minimize intensive training and simply to allow anyone to move easily on the surface of a fluid and especially water, propulsion devices have been developed.

Thus in the sixties, a propulsion device as described in US 3,243,144 or US 3,381,917 comprises a body in the form of a harness or a seat against which or in which a passenger can take place, cooperating with a thrust unit in the form in particular of a pair of nozzles for ejecting a fluid under pressure and exerting a thrust force. The nozzles are advantageously arranged above the center of gravity, at the level of the passenger's shoulders. The thrust unit further comprises a station for compressing a fluid positioned also in the passenger's backside supplied with gas or liquids flammable, also positioned in the passenger's back.

Faced with the danger of this type of gear, more recently, other devices, based on the teachings of the first invention, have been developed as described in US 7,258,301 or US 2008/0014811. The compression station is now remote and usually dedicated. In addition, the fluid under pressure is water compressed by said station, said water being conveyed from a remote compression station by means of a supply duct such as a fire hose. The configuration of the nozzles and the means for orienting said nozzles are deliberately retained. At a high cost, this device has other drawbacks: the configuration of the nozzles located above the center of gravity gives the passenger the impression of being suspended at the level of the shoulders by a virtual crane hook and thus depriving the passenger of There are many sensations. In addition, the variety of directions and movements is limited.

Figure 1 shows another embodiment of a propulsion device 10, said device having been designed by the manufacturer ZAPATA RACING, as described in US 8,336,805 or 8,608,104. This device comprises a main body in the form of a substantially flat platform 11 on which a passenger 1 can take place. The propulsion device, described in connection with FIG. 1, comprises a thrust group cooperating with the platform 11. Such a thrust group consists of a pair of main nozzles 12a and 12b fixed against the underside of platform 11. According to Figure 1, the thrust group of such a device may further comprise two secondary nozzles 13a and 13b to facilitate its maneuverability. These are free and intended to be possibly and respectively held by a passenger 1 at the forearms or hands. To provide a sufficient thrust force and allow a flight and then a displacement, the device 10 further comprises means for collecting and dispensing a fluid under pressure, for example water, to the main and secondary nozzles. Such a fluid is preferably conveyed by means of a flexible supply duct 2 from a remote compression station - not shown in FIG. 1. Such a supply duct can be made from a fire hose or all other materials having the necessary resistance to the pressure exerted by the fluid under pressure. A collector 14 may thus have a base 14c to which is connected a tip 2a of a supply duct 2, for example by means of a groove adapted to receive said duct 2. According to FIG. 1, the collector 14 may present a shape close to a "Y" to collect from the base 14c and distribute via the arms the fluid under pressure respectively to the main nozzles 12a and 12b. The collector 14 is connected to the main nozzles or via an optional bend 15, in order to orient the main nozzles along an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower face of the platform 11. The baffles connected to said main nozzles - via said elbow 15 - according to a pivot connection at the arms. Such an arrangement allows a free rotationsnext an axis F substantially parallel to the arms of the collector 14. Thus, said collector can describe a quasi free rotation r1 about said axis F, modulo the stop that represents the lower face 11b of the platform 11 at an excessive inclination thereof. In addition, such a pivot connection allows the user to "take off" easily from the surface of the water and gives it a great ability of orientation and movement. A relative rotation of the collector around the axis F with respect to the plane of the lower face of the platform 11, consecutive rotation of the connection of the collector with the feed duct 2, does not cause rotation of the platform 11 The tip 2a of the supply duct 2 can advantageously cooperate with the collector 14 at its base 14c in a pivot connection to allow free rotation r2 about an axis C substantially parallel to the duct 2. The device can thus freely rotate about said axis C without generating loops or excessive stresses on the supply duct 2.

In order to dispense the pressurized fluid to the secondary nozzles 13a and 13b, by way of example and as indicated in FIG. 1, secondary ducts 18a and 18b - in the advantageous form of flexible hoses can be provided to deliver from the manifold 14 said fluid under pressure at the secondary nozzles. To avoid disturbing the passenger 1, said secondary ducts can be guided along the back to the shoulders by the use of holding means 19, such as straps, harnesses, etc. A passenger may further use means to constrain the secondary nozzles at his forearms. The platform 11 may have means for holding a passenger on the upper face of said platform 11. Thus, according to the preferred position of a passenger on the platform, said holding means may consist - as indicated in FIG. in a pair of slippers, foot straps (also known as "Foot Straps") or boots 16 of a type similar to what can be found for example in the practice of wakeboarding.

A propulsion device, for example such as the device 10 described in connection with FIG. 1, can be supplied by any fluid compression station from the moment when it is able to deliver a fluid whose pressure is sufficient to ensure the operation of the propulsion device. It can be remote and dedicated to this use at the risk of increasing the overall cost of a propulsion system comprising a propulsion device, a compression station and a supply duct cooperating with said device and station to route the device. fluid under pressure. Such a station may alternatively consist of using a motorized nautical vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "VNM") adapted, as described in the document WO2013 / 041787A1, to reduce costs.

Figure 1 preferably describes a system in which the fluid used is water under pressure to move on the surface of the water. Although the propulsion device described in connection with Figure 1 allows to move easily in and / or on the surface of the water and offers the user very large degrees of freedom to achieve a large number of figures, it can present, for some, some disadvantages. All First, the configuration of the nozzles below the platformprivilégie a substantially vertical movement and does not allow a rapid movement and substantially parallel to the surface of the water: the speed of movement is thus limited, limiting the sensations of the passenger in performance quest. In addition, when a passenger, having taken place on the platform, wants to move along the surface of the water, it requires an extra effort, since the configuration of the nozzles below the platform causes a vertical movement . As a result, the equilibrium position for achieving the desired displacement is often difficult to maintain and tiring.

The invention makes it possible to meet the great majority of the disadvantages raised by the known solutions.

Among the many advantages provided by a device according to the invention, we can mention that it allows:

to make available to users a very playful device which, after a quick learning, is easy to use and offers a wide variety of applications;

to provide an "all-in-one" device, allowing the aid of a single adaptable device to perform different activities without even having to leave the machine;

to be able to take off or dive in all weather conditions, totally or partially submerged, from land, etc. ; to reduce the fatigue of a passenger wishing to move substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid;

to increase the horizontal movement speed when using the propulsion device;

to limit or even eliminate all constraints related to the practice of a water sport very close to surfing, such a sport being practicable on any body of water whatever the weather.

To this end, there is provided a propulsion device comprising a platform on which a passenger sits, said platform comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and cooperating with means for collecting and delivering a pressurized fluid to a main nozzle expelling said fluid from a fluid outlet in a given direction, said means being supplied with pressurized fluid by a fluid supply conduit.

To increase the speed of movement, to increase the ergonomics, to reduce the fatigue stresses of the passenger taking place on the platform and to facilitate a movement substantially parallel to the surface of the water, the main nozzle is oriented substantially from the bow to the stern of the platform. In addition, the direction of expulsion of fluid fits in a median plane of the platform. In addition, it describes an angle between -10 ° and + 45 ° with a longitudinal axis of the platform contained in said median plane. Finally, the means for collecting and distributing a fluid cooperate with the platform in a flush connection. In order to reduce the stresses of the fluid supply duct in rotation with respect to the platform and thus to guarantee greater freedom of movement, the means for collecting and distributing a fluid can cooperate with the fluid supply duct in a pivotal connection. at the proximal portion of said conduit.

In order to allow greater freedom of movement and greater complexity of figures for a passenger, the platform may comprise at least two parts constituting a single entity.

Alternatively, the main nozzle may cooperate with the upper surface of the platform, the direction of fluid expulsion of said nozzle and a longitudinal axis of the platform, said direction and longitudinal axis being included in a median plane and substantially parallel.

To adjust the positioning of the main nozzle on the platform, the propulsion device may comprise means for adjusting the distance between the main nozzle and the prouede the platform along a longitudinal axis of said platform.

Alternatively or in addition, so as to ensure sharp turns and facilitated directional movements, the propulsion device may comprise two coplanar secondary nozzles cooperating with the underside of the platform in a plane secant to a longitudinal plane of the next platform a transverse axis of the platform, the norms of said planes describing an angle between 0 ° and 90 °. Preferably, the fluid expulsion directions of the secondary nozzles can describe an angle between 60 ° and 120 ° between them.

In order to guarantee optimum efficiency of the device according to the invention while optimizing manufacturing costs, the main nozzle and the two secondary nozzles can constitute a single entity in the form of a "composite" fluid outlet.

To allow faster movement when the passenger moves in a straight line parallel to the fluid surface, the propulsion device may comprise means for independently closing the fluid outlets of each secondary nozzle.

Advantageously, the means for closing can be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically controlled.

To allow a suitable adjustment of the speed, the propulsion device may advantageously comprise means for adjusting the angle described by the direction of expulsion of fluid from the main nozzle and the longitudinal axis contained in the median plane containing said direction of rotation. expulsion of fluid.

In order to facilitate the adjustment of the angle described by the direction of fluid expulsion of the main nozzle and said longitudinal axis, the means for adjusting can be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically controlled.

To accomplish sharp and incisive turns, the means for adjusting may consist of a directional fluid outlet. In a preferred manner, the directional fluid outlet may be orientable along a median plane, said median plane containing the direction of fluid expulsion.

As a variant, in order to reduce the pressure drops in the means for collecting and distributing and thus to increase the efficiency of the device for the same compression power, at least part of the means for collecting and distributing the pressurized fluid and the main nozzle may comprise a oblong section.

In addition, the fluid outlet of the main nozzle can cooperate with a flap.

Preferably, the component is articulated.

In order to provide greater freedom and possibilities of movement, the propulsion device may advantageously comprise at least two main nozzles whose respective directions of expulsion of fluid are substantially parallel to each other.

Advantageously, to allow joint use of the main nozzles, the means for collecting and distributing a fluid can be arranged to distribute the fluid to the different main nozzles.

To protect the nozzle (s) and all or part of the means for collecting and distributing the pressurized fluid, the propulsion device may comprise a fairing cooperating with the platform.

Advantageously, the propulsion device may comprise means for maintaining a passenger on the platform. When the passenger is lying down, the means for maintaining a passenger may include gripping means.

Alternatively or additionally, the means for maintaining a passenger may include support means.

According to a second object, the invention relates to a propulsion system. Advantageously, it comprises a propulsion device according to the invention cooperating with a remote compression station, said station supplying pressurized fluid to said device.

In addition, the propulsion system according to the invention may comprise a supply conduit connected on the one hand to the device and on the other hand to the remote compression station for the latter to deliver the fluid under pressure to said device via said conduit. feeding.

Preferably, in order to facilitate the delivery of the pressurized fluid, the remote compression station consists of a motorized nautical vehicle comprising a hull, propulsion means compressing by a turbine engine a fluid ingested from an inlet and expelling said fluid thus pressurized for a period of time. fluid outlet of said vehicle.

Other features and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the following description and on examining the figures that accompany it, among which: the figure, previously described, illustrates an embodiment of a propulsion device known in US 8,336,805 or 8,608,104;

FIGS. 2a and 2b respectively describe two configurations of use of a propulsion device according to the invention;

FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c show sectional views of a first embodiment of a propulsion device according to the invention; FIG. 3d illustrates a simplified diagram of the first embodiment of a propulsion device according to the invention; ;

FIG. 4 describes a second embodiment of a propulsion device according to the invention; FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a propulsion device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a three-quarter view of the third embodiment of a propulsion device in accordance with the invention, specifying the notions of longitudinal, transverse, median planes as well as transverse and longitudinal axes of the platform used in the present document;

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate particular configurations of the means for collecting and distributing a fluid and the main nozzle of a propulsion device according to the third embodiment of the invention; - Figure 9provides a schematic view of a motorized nautical vehicle adapted as a remote compression station. According to a first embodiment of a propulsion device 20 according to the invention, described in connection with FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, such a device comprises a main body in the form of a platform 21, on which 1. Depending on the size of the platform and the power of the remote compression station, the invention provides that several passengers can possibly take position simultaneously onladite platform 21. The platform has a lower surface 21i and greater 21s. The passenger or passengers 1 can take place on one or other of the lower surfaces 21i or greater 21s, depending on the type of sensations that wish to feel or activity that wish to practice the passenger (s) 1: it will advantageously qualify the device and / or the platform of "reversible (s)". Furthermore, the platform can be advantageously made from one or more materials alone or in combination sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the passenger or passengers and thus prevent excessive deformation. Alternatively or additionally, according to FIG. 6, the device may advantageously comprise one or, in certain cases, several arms or reinforcing bar, cooperating advantageously with the platform 21 and preferably fixed (s) by any means to the lower surface of said platform 21i. Such a reinforcement arm 42 is sized in the way following: the distal end of said arm 42 cooperates with said platform 21 in an area of the lower surface 21i located in the first third of said surface from the bow; furthermore, the proximal termination of said arm cooperates by any means with the stern of the device 20 according to the invention, namely the platform 21 and / or the thrust unit. Indeed, the passenger 1 positionneson front foot, preferably but not limited to a distance of two thirds of the platform 21 from the stern. The presence of such an arm greatly reduces the dimensions of the platform 21, in particular its thickness and its width, since the arm or arms dampen the bending of the platform 21. A material constituting said platform 21 can be privileged to act on the buoyancy of the device when it is submerged. According to the embodiments, the platform may thus have one or more cavities filled with air or vacuum to improve buoyancy. Alternatively, it may be preferred the absence of vacuum or cavity or the presence of a ballast or a ballast, preferably drainable, to facilitate movement under the surface of a fluid. Such emptying may allow for example to recover the gliding activity, when a passenger 1 wants to move on the surface of a fluid. Preferably, the platform 21 may consist of a single piece, such as, as non-limiting examples, a surfboard, a bodyboard or a wakeboard. However, the platform 21 may advantageously be composed of at least two parts, constituting together a single entity, to give some flexibility to the device and thus confer greater freedom and originality on the level of figures or evolutions.

Alternatively or in addition, the platform may advantageously have a curvature or spatula, (also known under the name Anglo-Saxon "rocker", not shown in Figures 3a to 3d, 4 to 6), said curvature being observed in a profile view, starting from the bow of the platform 21 towards the stern, like the boards traditionally used in the practice of surfing, bodyboarding or wakeboarding. Different types of "rockers" are countable according to the desired use of the device 20 according to the invention: a stretched curvature, that is to say substantially flat, promotes the speed and sharp turns while a so-called "banana" curvature, it that is to say that the curvature has a greater angle of curvature, promotes the handling and responsiveness of the platform 21. The presence of a curvature, in the extended position, allows a passenger 1 to stay on the platform instead of adapted holding means. Furthermore, it is expected that the curvature can be adjustable and / or adjustable depending on whether the passenger 1 wishes to favor the speed or maneuverability of the device 20 according to the invention. In addition, the curvature can be reversible, so that the curvature acts as a leveling stabilizer when the device according to the invention evolves in "underwater" configuration, that is to say the lower surface of the platform 21 being above the upper surface, saidpassager being positioned on said lower surface. A propulsion device 20, described in connection with FIGS. 2a and 2b, FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3cvoire in variants according to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, comprises a thrust group cooperating with platform 21.

In this document we use the term

"Nozzle" for defining a profiled pipe element, intended to impose a speed increase on a flowing fluid. We could also use the term "nozzle" to characterize such an element. This increase in fluid velocity is mainly due to a difference in sections between the input and the output of the element - the section of the output being smaller than that of the input.

Such thrust group consists of a main nozzle 22 cooperating with the upper surface 21s or lower 21i of the platform 21. Such a main nozzle 22 provides the propulsion function. According to FIGS. 2a and 2b, 3a, 3b and 3c, the main nozzle 22 is fixed against the lower face 21i of the platform and oriented from the bow, that is to say the bow, towards the stern, that is to say the rear of said platform 21: such an orientation advantageously contributes to the displacement substantially parallel to the surface of the fluid above or below which the propulsion device according to the invention evolves. Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 4, two main nozzles 22 can be fixed on the lower face 21i of the platform, said nozzles all being oriented from the bow to the stern of the platform 21. Advantageously, in the presence of two nozzles, the fluid expulsion directions are substantially parallel in order to ensure optimum displacement and rapid of a propulsion device 20 according to the invention. It is thus possible to increase the playfulness of the use of the device by a passenger. In general, the invention would be limited to the number of main nozzles located under the lower face 21i of the platform 21. The thrust unit and comprises at least one main nozzle 22coperating with said lower face. Similarly, such a main nozzle 22 can also cooperate with the upper surface 21s of a platform 21s.

Said main nozzle 22 is fixed by any means to the platform according to a recess connection. Such an embedding connection means that the main nozzle 22 is completely integral with the platform 21 and that no relative movement is possible between said main nozzle 22 and platform 21. According to a preferred variant, the main nozzle 22 can be mounted movably at With a view to the platform 21. In order to promote the flight of the device and subsequently to guarantee its displacement in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of a fluid, any main nozzle 22 is oriented from the stern of the stern of the platform 21 so that such a main nozzle 22 expels a fluid under pressure from the prouede the platform 21 towards the stern thereof in a direction DE22.En addition, the fluid is expelled in a median plane to the platform. In connection with Figure 6, we define the median planes, transverse and longitudinal, but also longitudinal and transverse axes. We hear by :

- "median plane" PM, any plane normal to platform 21, which separates the port half from the starboard half of said platform 21, said halves not necessarily being equal;

"Transverse plane" PT, any plane normal to a median plane, which separates the platform 21 into two halves, one comprising the bow of said platform 21 and the other comprising the stern of the latter halves not being necessarily equal ;

"Longitudinal plane" PL, any plane normal to transverse and median planes, said plane separating an upper half of a lower half of said platform 21, said halves not necessarily being equal;

"Transverse axis" AT, any axis belonging both to a transverse plane and to a longitudinal plane;

"Longitudinal axis" AL, any axis belonging both to a median plane and a longitudinal plane.

According to Figures 3a, 3b, 5 and 6, the fluid outlet direction of a main nozzle 22 is located in a median plane PM, said median plane PM comprising a longitudinal axis AL. The fluid is thus expelled from the main nozzle 22 at an angle α. The angle α, described between the fluid expulsion direction DE22 and the longitudinal axis AL, is advantageously between -10 ° and + 45 ° in order to ensure rapid and optimal displacement as close as possible to the fluid surface. and to allow a total freedom of use of the platform. The value of the angle a is substantially zero, when the fluid outlet direction is substantially coincidental with the longitudinal axis AL. Indeed, as specified previously, a propulsion device according to the invention is "reversible", that is to say that the direction of expulsion of fluid not only allows to evolve in the air near the water by setting advantageously said angle α between 0 ° and + 45 °, but also under water such a "submarine" advantageously adjusting said angle α between -10 ° and 0 °.

The angle a may advantageously be adjusted: this adjustment may depend, as non-limiting examples of the weight of the passenger, the power of the compression station or simply, as specified above, the displacement that wishes to perform the passenger 1 The main nozzle 22 may advantageously be fixed on a base (not shown in the figures), the latter having notches to allow adjustment of the angle: such an arrangement is similar to a ratchet type mechanism (also known under the name Anglo-Saxon "ratchet"). In a variant, one or more flaps (also known by the name "flap"), external or possibly steerable, or a cone or outlet of orientable fluid, said flaps and elbow being advantageously orientable along a median plane, may also be envisaged. Such flaps and cone will be described more precisely later.

In addition, different ways of adjustment can be used:

firstly, by static means, also called "manual", before any use of the propulsion device 20, the passenger 1 can manually adjust the angle a by moving or orienting the main nozzle 22, in particular the fluid outlet direction;

then, dynamically, before any use or during the use of the propulsion device 20, the passenger 1 can adjust the angle a by means of control means or setpoint interface, such as non-limiting example, a wired or wireless remote control that the passenger 1 can hold by hand or can be positioned on the platform 21;

finally, automatically, during the use of the propulsion device 20, the angle a can be directly adjusted by using one or more inclinometers which measure the attitude of a longitudinal plane PL of the platform 21 and whose measurements are operated by an on-board computer in the device that determines and controls the appropriate angle according to the movements executed by the passenger 1. A device according to the invention may furthermore, or alternatively, comprise one or more other sensors to measure, for example, the acceleration of the device and thus allow said computer to adjust the angle a. By way of nonlimiting example, when the platform 21 is substantially in a horizontal attitude, the computer can advantageously determine a low value angle to maximize the speed of movement of the device. Alternatively, for a non-horizontal attitude, such a computer can control actuators to increase the angle a to be more incisive and slalom easier. The orientation of the fluid outlet of a main nozzle 22 can thus be determined, preset or dynamically adjusted, humanly or automatically according to the embodiments of a device according to the invention.

In addition, according to FIG. 5, the means for adjusting the angle may consist of a directional fluid outlet 22c, in order to orient the expulsion of the fluid. These means for adjusting the angle a may, advantageously but not limitatively, consist of a directional cone (also known as the Anglo-Saxon "directional nozzle"), adaptable to the fluid outlet of the main nozzle 22. Such a cone can, for example, be inserted on the fluid outlet of the main nozzle 22. Preferably, said directional cone is orientable in a median plane PM of the platform 21 with respect to a longitudinal axis AL included in said median plane PM.

Finally, it is also possible to adjust the position of the main nozzle 22 in the median plane PM, along the longitudinal axis AL, by adjusting the distance between said main nozzle 22 and the bow of the platform 21. Such means to adjust the distance may be, advantageously but not limited to, an adjustment rail positioned integrally with the lower face of the platform 21. Said position of the main nozzle 22 may have an influence on the angle a: in fact, more the distance between the main nozzle and the bow of the platform 21 is large, the angle a must be large. Indeed, the angle counterbalances the weight of a passenger 1 and the position he takes on the platform 1. The positioning of a main nozzle with regard to the bow and / or the angle a can be determined dynamically by a computer on board a device according to the invention which would exploit, as mentioned above, sensor measurements positioned on the device, to translate an inclination of a longitudinal, medial or transverse plane and / or an acceleration of said device in actuator control to adjust the angle a. In addition, the thrust unit of a propulsion device according to the invention may comprise two secondary nozzles 23a and 23b to facilitate the handling of the device 20, especially during sequences of figures in viragesserrés and consequently, maximize the sensations . The two secondary nozzles 23a and 23b are inscribed in the same plane, secant to a longitudinal plane along a transverse axis and normal to any median plane, to ensure, when turning left or right, the same gesture for the passenger: it is thus intended to provide a device 20 according to the invention of an intuitive nature, so that such a device can be used by a large number of different users, regardless of their levels. Said secondary nozzles 23a and 23b are fixed by any means to the platform 21 in a recessed connection, that is to say they are completely integral with the platform 21, they have no degree of freedom and no relative movement between the platform 21 and the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b is possible. According to a preferred variant, the main nozzles 23a and 23b can be mounted movable with respect to the platform 21. They cooperate with the underside 21i in a plane PSsécant to a longitudinal plane of the platform 21 along a transverse axis. As a reminder, the term "transverse axis", any axis belonging both to a transverse plane PT and a longitudinal plane PL.

According to FIG. 3d, said FIG. 3d illustrating a simplified diagram describing a transverse axis AT of the platform 20 in a plane PS of the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b, said transverse axis corresponds to the axis AT. The normals of the plane PS and of a longitudinal plane PL form an angle between 0 and 90 °, that is to say that said secondary nozzles 23a and 23b can be oriented, like the main nozzle 22, substantially from the bow to the stern. When the angle between the normals is substantially equal to 0 °, the fluid outputs of said secondary nozzles are oriented parallel to a longitudinal plane PL. In contrast, when the angle between the normals is substantially equal to 90 °, the fluid outlets of the secondary nozzles are oriented in a transverse plane PT. Preferably, the angle formed between the two normals of the PS and PL planes can be between 45 ° and 90 °, to optimize the function of the secondary nozzles, that is to say to act as a "guide" for the movements and movements of the device 20 during tight turns of a passenger 1.

In addition, as indicated in connection with FIG. 3d, the respective fluid spaces of the secondary nozzles are symmetrical about a median plane, the directions of said fluid outlets being mutually intersecting with said median plane PM. Said respective fluid outlet directions DE23a and DE23b of the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b describe an angle β predetermined. Preferably, such an angle β is between 60 and 120 °. These values are advantageously chosen to guarantee the lift of the device 20 according to the invention in turns and thus optimal displacements. Consequently, the complementary angles δι and ô ₂ with respect to the transverse axis AT are preferably equal, their values depending on the movements or figures executed. For β equal to 120 °, δι and Ô ₂ are equal to 30 °. The invention provides, however, that the values deôi and O ₂ may be different. The nozzles 23a and 23b therefore remain coplanar but their respective fluid outlet directions DE23a and DE23b show no symmetry. In a similar way to a main nozzle, the relative angles ou or δι and δ ₂ , described by the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b, can be adjusted by different ways such as by way of non-limiting examples, by static, dynamic or automatic.

Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in connection with FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, a main nozzle 22 and two secondary nozzles 23a and 23b may constitute a single entity in the form of a "composite" fluid outlet. Such an arrangement not only makes it possible to optimize the time and manufacturing costs, but also to control very precisely the mutual adjustments of the different fluid outlets of the respective nozzles. When such a configuration is preferred and said composite fluid outlet is positioned in the center of the lower face 21i of the platform 21, the angle a is preferably between +5 and + 10 °. Finally, the device 20 according to the invention may also include means for closing, not shown in Figures 3a to 3d, independently the fluid outlets of the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b. Such means make it possible to deliver a majority of the thrust force at the level of the main nozzle (s) 22 to the detriment of the secondary nozzles 23a and 23b and thus to favor the flight of a device 20 according to the invention, or else to make displacements faster in a straight line. They may be, as non-limiting examples, in the form of flaps, plugs or valves. Like the means for adjusting the angles β of the main or secondary nozzles 23a and 23b, the means for closing can be implemented in different ways: manually or static before any use of the device 20, dynamically. by means of a setpoint interface such as a remote control before or during the use of the device 20, or automatically - via a shutter command generated by a computer on board the propulsion device - during the use of the device. device 20 through measurements delivered by inclination or accelerator sensors of the platform 21, said shutter commands being delivered wired or without contact to shutter actuators such as flaps, valves for example. Advantageously, the means for adjusting and the means for closing can be implemented in a similar manner, by way of nonlimiting example, by means of a common remote control and / or a common computer.

The "platform, thrust group and passenger (s)" package has a CG center of gravity. Unlike some propulsion devices known from the prior art, for which thrust group thrusters are necessarily positioned above said center of gravity CG to minimize the physical effort of the passenger and simplify their movements, the main thrusters (s) ) and secondary thrust group of a device 20 according to the invention are positioned below said center of gravity CG. The agility of the passenger as well as his physical ease maximize the sensations provided and allow all movements, all trajectories and all desired acrobatic figures or fortuitous.

To provide a sufficient thrust force and allow flight and then a displacement, the device 20 further comprises means for collecting and delivering a fluid under pressure, for example water, to the main nozzles 22 and 23a and 23b secondary. Such a fluid is preferably and pre-conveyed by means of a flexible supply conduit 2 from a remote compression station (not shown in Figures 1 to 8c). Such a supply duct 2 may be made of a material constituting a fire hose, such as leather, or any other materialpresenting the resistancenecessary to the pressure exerted by the fluid under pressure. Such a supply duct 2 must have a suitable diameter, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a duct whose section diameter is substantially equal to 110 millimeters. Nevertheless, a larger diameter can also be exploited, the device not being designed to evolve at a significant height compared to the fluid surface, the weight of the conduit is not critical unlike the power supply of a device according to Figure 1. A too small diameter would cause significant pressure losses with respect to the compression capacity of the remote compression station : thus for a given compression capacity, the propulsion would no longer be adequate to ensure the flight and movements of the device 20 according to the invention.

Such means for collecting and distributing a fluid may advantageously comprise a collector 24. Such a collector 24 may thus have a base 24c to which is connected a tip 2a of a supply conduit 2 for example by means of a suitable groove to receive said duct 2, possibly dismountable by indexing. The diameter of said base 24c will be adapted to the diameter of the tip 2a of the supply duct 2. According to FIGS. 3a, 4 to 6.1e collector 24 can cooperate with the platform 21 in a recess connection: therefore, the manifold 24 is rigidly fixed and is integral with the platform to prevent relative movement between the platform 21 and the collector 24 and, consequently, to benefit from the camber induced by the fluid under pressure to promote the lift of a device according to the invention and / or compensate the weight of a passenger 1. As illustrated in connection with Figures 2a and 2b, the invention provides that the tip 2a of the supply duct 2 can advantageously cooperate with the base 24c of the collector 24 in a pivot connection to allow free rotation r2 about an axis C substantially parallel to the conduit 2. The device 20 can thus freely pivot about said axis C without generating excessive loops or stresses on the supply duct 2. Thus, such a rotation not only allows to "unravel" quickly, that is to say in the space of a few seconds or even a few minutes, the supply duct 2, but also to facilitate the rotational movement of a device 20 according to one invention.

According to FIG. 3a, the collector 24 can have a shape close to a "? To collect from the base 24c and distribute via an arm 24a bent the fluid under pressure respectively to the main nozzle22. The collector 24 is rigidly connected to the main nozzle 22. According to a second embodiment described in connection with FIG. 4, when the device according to the invention comprises two main nozzles, the collector 24 can have a shape close to a "Y" for collecting, from the base 24c and distributing via bent arms 24a, the fluid under pressure respectively to the main nozzle 22. An arm 24a thus comprises a portion comprising a possible connecting bend 25 in order to orient the nozzles main22 from the bow to the stern of the propulsion device. Other configurations of collector 24 could be envisaged, said configurations depending on the number of main nozzles that comprise a propulsion device 20 according to the invention. In addition, FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the means for collecting and distributing a fluid of a propulsion device 20 according to the invention. Such means for collecting and distributing a fluid may advantageously comprise a collector 24 and be positioned essentially at Stern of the platform 21. Such a collector 24 may advantageously have a shape substantially close to a "U" to collect from a base 24c and distribute via a connecting bend 27, preferably with a radius of curvature in a median plane of the platform 21, the fluid under pressure at the main nozzle. Such a connecting bend 27 may advantageously be in the form of a "C" and makes it possible, thanks to its clever arrangement, to reduce the pressure losses within the means for collecting and distributing the fluid by reducing the speed of the fluid beforehand. the entry of said fluid into the main nozzle 22. This reduction in pressure losses itself ensures, for a given compressor station power, a tenfold increase in performance achieved by such a propulsion device 20.

In addition, a main nozzle 22 generally has a substantially circular section. However, as illustrated in connection with FIGS. 6, 7a to 7c and 8a to 8c, in addition to the elongated section of the elbow, the section of the main nozzle 22 may also be substantially oval or elliptical. Said section of the nozzle is preferably substantially oblong. The term "oblong" refers to a shape that is longer than wide and whose angles are rounded, as illustrated in connection with Figures 7a to 7c and 8a to 8c. This configuration makes it possible in particular, for the same compressor station power, that the pressure drops within a propulsion device according to the invention are reduced and that the performance of a propulsion device comprising a main nozzle section 22 substantially oblong are increased tenfold. In in addition, the oblong section avoids friction between the expulsion of the fluid and the lower surface 21i of the platform.

Alternatively, said connecting bend 27, a portion or even the entire collector 24, may advantageously comprise an oblong section, as illustrated in connection with Figures 6, 7a to 7c and 8a to 8c. Such an oblong section makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the device by allowing a tighter curvature of the connecting elbow 27, and consequently, by reducing the pressure drops in the collector and thus maximizing the performances. In addition, other advantages are to be noted because of the presence of such an oblong section:

the bulk resulting from the means for collecting and distributing is greatly reduced, making it possible to greatly reduce the width of the platform 21 and making the device 20 according to the invention more compact;

- The impact of the device on the fluid above which the device evolves is cushioned due to the small size as opposed to a substantially circular section, and the slide of the device is improved during the landing of such a device;

due to the decrease in size, the distance between the platform 21 and the fluid outlet is reduced, facilitating the control of the inclination of the platform 21 via the feet of the passenger 1 or more generally improving the ergonomics and safety. intuitiveness of the device 20 according to the invention. In addition, according to FIGS. 5 and 7c, said connecting bend 27 may comprise a directional blade 29 which also allows a reduction of the head losses and a tenfold increase in performance. Such a directional blade 29 may consist of a pallet, the profile of said blade reproducing the advantageous shape of the connecting bend 27. It thus has a radius of curvature concentric with that of the connecting bend 27. It can be advantageously positioned over the entire length connecting elbow 27, at a distance, from the wall describing the internal curvature of said elbow, corresponding to one third of the height of the oblong section of said elbow 27: the blade makes it possible to direct the flow of the molecules of the fluid during their passage in the directional elbow and to avoid the slowing of the flow caused by the shocks of the fluid molecules. The efficiency of the propulsion device is thus increased and the pressure losses are finally reduced.

In addition, in order to better direct the expulsion of the fluid, to reduce the losses of charges and thus to increase the performance of a device 20 according to the invention, a main nozzle 22 comprising, at the fluid outlet, an oblong section, can advantageously comprising one or more directional flaps 41. Such configurations are illustrated in connection with FIGS. 7a to 7c and 8a to 8c: the fluid outlet of the main nozzle 22 is oblong, so that such an outlet comprises two segments that are substantially straight and parallel. The flaps 41 cooperate with said segments, that is to say they are fixed by any means. The presence of one or more directional flaps 41 makes it possible to increase the speed and makes it possible to achieve, in an optimal way, tight turns. For this, advantageously, the position and / or the angle of the flaps 41 can be adjusted beforehand, the flaps 41 thus remaining static during use of the device 20 according to the invention. Alternatively, the position and / or angle Θ, described by a normal to said flap and by the fluid outlet direction in a median plane PM of the platform, directional flaps 41 can be adjusted dynamically or automatically, to like the adjustment of the angle α for the main nozzle 22:

dynamically, before any use or during the use of the propulsion device 20, the passenger 1 can adjust the position and / or the angle Θ by means of setpoints and control, such as non-limiting example, a remote control, wired or non-contact with a computer embedded on the propulsion device;

- Automatically, during the use of the propulsion device 20, the position and / or the angle can be directly adjusted by the use of one or more inclinometers, cooperating with said computer, the latter determining the position and / or the appropriate angle according to the changes made by the passenger 1 or the acceleration of the device 20 according to the invention.

Thus, the angle Θ makes it possible to adjust the angle α of the direction of fluid, guided by the nozzle 22. In such configurations, the directional flaps 41 will be considered as "articulated". The control means for the different angles, β, Θ and nozzle positions with respect to the bow can advantageously consist of a single entity, that is to say a computer, to simplify the implementation of the device 20 and ensure comfort optimal for the passenger 1. The actuation of a directional flap, the orientation and the positioning with respect to the bow of a fluid outlet can be operated by actuators with electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic controls translating a command issued by a computer in response to an instruction delivered by a remote control and / or a sensor measurement of the device. Furthermore, preferably, at least one directional flap 41 will be present on the fluid outlet of a main nozzle 22: such a directional flap 41 is advantageously positioned a few millimeters beyond the inner wall of the main nozzle 22 to avoid any contact between the fluid outlet and said flap, said contacts being able to substantially modify the direction of fluid expulsion. However, both directional flaps 41 may be present. As described above, the two flaps are advantageously positioned a few millimeters beyond the inner wall of the main nozzle 22 to avoid contact between the fluid outlet and said flap. Due to the presence of two components, different arrangements are still possible in this configuration:

only one of the two flaps 41 may be hinged, the other flap may, for example, be molded with the fluid outlet in a preset orientation; the two flaps can be articulated according to Figures 7a to 7c, so as not to block the expulsion of the fluid through the main nozzle, two flaps 41 can advantageously cooperate with each other by hook attachment means. Such means ensures that the angle described between flaps 41 is substantially equivalent to or equal to the natural angle described by the expelled fluid. Such an arrangement makes it possible to eliminate any loss of charges.

Surprisingly, the nozzle assembly with "oblong section-flap (s) directional (s)" is adaptable to any type of nautical motor vehicle. Such an assembly may advantageously replace a fluid outlet provided with a directional cone. In such a configuration, the oblong section may be, advantageously but not limitatively, in a vertical position. Thus, an oblong section fluid outlet, provided with two directional flaps 41 and mutually orientable in a median plane, can equip any motorized watercraft by turbining. The power and maneuverability of it will be increased tenfold. The pressure drops are almost zero.

The invention furthermore contemplates that the propulsion device 20 according to the invention includes a fairing 43 cooperating with the platform 21. As illustrated in connection with FIG. 3b, such a fairing may be in the form of an outer covering and may have different functions depending on its position relative to the platform 21. In a variant, the fairing 43 and the platform 21 can be molded together in one piece.

The fairing 43 can cooperate with the underside of the platform 21: this advantageous configuration allows the protection of the thrust unit and part of the means for collecting and dispensing the fluid under pressure of a device 20 according to the invention, but also to optimize the sliding of such a device on the surface of a fluid. In addition, such a fairing can:

allow a joint hold of all the components of a propulsion device 20 according to the invention;

bring an aesthetic side to the whole;

contain one or more safety devices: the fairing 43 can "host" a safety device, such as, by way of example, an airbag, so that, when falling on a solid surface, the landing a passenger 1 may be a little less difficult and / or violent; - Include buoyancy means such as, by way of non-limiting example, an inflatable buoy, to prevent drowning during a fall in a fluid such as water.

A fairing 43 may be rigidly attached to said lower face 21i and at least the pusher group. However, the shroud can advantageously enclose the collector 24 in addition to the main or secondary nozzles. According to these different variants, the fairing advantageously comprises openings to allow the fluid outlets of the nozzles to unclog and expel the fluid. Preferably, such a fairing can have a substantially "V" shape, adapted to allow shock absorption with the fluid that can be in contact with the propulsion device 20 according to the invention. Such a general shape in "V" ensures an increase in the penetration of the propulsion device 20 in said fluid. By way of non-limiting example, when the device 20 according to the invention comprises two main nozzles, a fairing 43 of suitable shape may advantageously correspond to a fairing comprising two shells "V" parallel to each other, as, for example non-limiting example, the hulls of a catamaran.

Alternatively or in addition, the fairing can cooperate with the upper surface of the platform, preferably but not limited to the bow of the platform 21. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when the passenger 1 is in the extended position, as indicated Figure 2b. Indeed, the fairing, during such a configuration, provides a function of "deflector", that is to say, it modifies the flow of air and / or fluid on the surface of which a passenger 1 moves and thus ensures the "comfort" of the passenger 1.

The invention also provides that the platform 21 may have means for maintaining a passenger 28 on the platform 21 comfortably, safely. A passenger 1 can take different positions on the platform 21 according to the sensations that said passenger 1 wishes to have. Among the possible positions, there are: a "standing" position, similar to a position that can take a surfer on a board, illustrated in connection with Figure 2a; an "elongated" position, similar to a position that a rider can take on a bodyboard, illustrated in connection with Figure 2b;

a "segway" position, close to that which a passenger can take on a Segway; - a substantially seated position, allowing the configuration "underwater".

Thus, according to the preferred position of a passenger 1 on the platform 21 of a device according to the invention, by way of nonlimiting example in the "standing" position, said means to ensure the maintenance28 may consist - as indicated by the Figure 1 - in a pair of straps for feet (also known under the name "foot straps"), slippers or boots of a type similar to what can be found for example in practice wakeboarding.

Alternatively, other types of means for maintaining 28 may be preferred when it is desired to assist the passenger to maintain an extended position. Such means 28 may include gripping means such as by way of non-limiting example, one or more tubes (not shown in Figures 2a, 2b 3a to 3d and 4 to 6) serving as handles. Such tubes may be positioned at different places on the upper surface 21s of the platform or at the front of the platform 21. In addition, the tube or tubes may advantageously be hollow to contain within it independent or common setpoint or control means for:

controlling the fluid compression power of a remote compression station delivering the fluid under pressure;

adjust the different angles relative to the main and secondary nozzles;

adjust the distance between the main nozzle (s) and the bow of the platform.

Alternatively, the gripping means may be cylindrical whose outer diameter is arranged to penetrate control means comprising a body having a groove or adequate female hole.

In a variant, said setpoint and / or control means may also cooperate with the tube or tubes by being, by way of non-limiting example, fixed by any means to said tubes. Such setpoint and / or control means may advantageously be in the form of a remote control delivering instructions via one or more wired or non-contact communications to actuators, to a computer or even to the remote fluid compression station.

In this respect, whatever the configuration or variant embodiment of a propulsion device according to the invention, the latter may advantageously comprise safety means to protect the integrity of the passenger in the event of a fall or failure of the passenger. and to prevent any uncontrolled displacement of the propulsion system comprising said propulsion device, the pressurized fluid supply duct and the remote compression station. Such security means can be partially integrated with a remote that holds the passenger to control the power of the compressor station or to dynamically adjust certain elements of the devices, such as flaps, valves, actuators positioning of nozzles, etc. Such security means could also be dissociated from said remote control. In any case, said security means may in particular implement two modes of generating safety instructions, voluntary or by default, controlling the stopping of the compression engine of the compression station, said stopping event possibly preceded by a progressive decrement of the compression power during a predetermined period, generally of the order of a few seconds. This stopping instruction can be conveyed by a cable or more generally by a wired connection connecting the security means to the compression engine, or even control means of the latter embedded on the remote compression station. Such a setpoint can also be transmitted by a wireless communication, for example radio or acoustic, established between the security means and said remote compression station. This instruction can, alternatively, be conveyed by a wired or wireless communication to an on-board computer on the propulsion device, advantageously that interpreting all instructions of the passenger to, for example, orient or adjust a nozzle of the device. This calculator is responsible for interpreting this safety instruction in stop command of the compression station itself, said stop command being transmitted in turn by the computer to the compression station by channel. wired or wireless. Whatever the solution chosen to connect, directly or indirectly via the computer, the security means to the compression station, said security means may advantageously comprise a human-machine interface, for example a button or trigger of a remote control which, when actuated by the passenger, generates the safety instruction whose interpretation by the compression station or by the computer of the device, causes the stopping of said remote compression station, said stop being advantageously progressive. Alternatively or in addition, such a setpoint can be generated by the release of the passenger action on a human-machine interface, for example a button or trigger. As a preferred example, if such an interface is no longer solicited by the passenger during a predetermined period, advantageously a few seconds, the security instruction is generated by the security means. Such a solution makes it possible to detect a passenger's failure or discomfort. Alternatively or in addition, the security means may consist of an emission of a continuous signal whose failure can be interpreted by the computer as a safety instruction. This variant may be particularly advantageous in the case where the security means communicate via a wireless link with said computer. The transmission of said signal by the security means may be provided to ensure a proximity communication, about one to two meters for example, with said computer. Thus, a fall of the passenger, the latter moving away, together with the security means, for example its wireless remote control, the safety device beyond a safety distance, corresponding to the maximum transmission range of said signal, no longer allows to route the signal of the security means to the computer. The latter then interprets this communication break as a security instruction. Moreover, such a signal can be routed by a cable connecting the safety means to the computer by a fastener arranged to yield during the fall of the passenger. The signal is no longer transmitted to the computer. In another variant, said cable may be a conventional circuit breaker, maintaining a terminal of said computer at a reference potential as long as said cable is connected to said computer. Detachment of the cable during a fall, causes a variation of the potential of said terminal, said variation being interpreted by this denier as a safety instruction. Any other configurations or arrangements of such security means could be envisaged. Such safety means associated with an on-board computer on a propulsion device according to the invention, or even in communication with control means of the compression engine of the remote compression station, could be adapted to equip any other propulsion device. a passenger, from the moment said device is supplied with pressurized fluid by a remote compression station. Moreover, any other instruction from the passenger, for example via a remote control, to regulate the compression power of the engine of the remote compression station, can be routed from a suitable human-machine interface of said remote control, for example a trigger or joystick, directly to said station or via the computer of the propulsion device by means of a wired link, wirelessly. Such a connection can be mixed, that is to say wired between the remote control and the computer, wirelessly between the latter and the compression station or vice versa.

Alternatively or additionally, according to FIG. 2b, when the passenger 1 wishes to maintain an "elongated" position, a device according to the invention may comprise gripping means advantageously in the form of a handle 28 'or handlebar, placed at the bow of the platform 21, as illustrated in connection with Figure 2b. Such a handle 28 'is similar to handlebars present on bikes or scooters. It allows not only the passenger 1 to remain on the platform 21 in a chosen position, but also to direct the movements of the device 20 according to the invention, as the passenger 1 moves in the air, on the surface of the under water. Such a handle 28 'is preferably used to ensure a more optimal handling. Like the tubes presented above, the handle 28 'can advantageously be hollow and contain within it, or more generally cooperate with, control means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a wired remote control or without thread. Moreover, such a handle 28 'can be removable, that is to say it can be moved, removed, disassembled or directly inserted into the fairing of the device 20 according to the invention. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the size of the device 20 which presents itself in the form of an "all-in-one" device adaptable and easily manipulated.

Alternatively, the holding means may comprise seating means: the upper surface 21s can be arranged to receive a passenger 1 in "sitting" position. Such seating means may consist, advantageously but not limited to, a saddle, a boss or a recess to accommodate the buttocks of said passenger 1 and allow its evolution in a sitting position serenely, comfortably and safely.

In addition, the holding means can be advantageously arranged so that a passenger can take place along the platform, such as, for example, in "segway" position as described above. The holding means may thus comprise foot support means, such as by way of non-limiting example, according to FIG. 3a, "footrests" 28 ". Advantageously, like the handle 28 ', the footrests 28' 'can be removable, telescopic, that is to say that the different parts that make up the footpegs fit together and slide into each other or retractable, that is to say that the fairing of the device 20 according to the invention comprises suitable housing for concealing said footrests.

Finally, as previously stated, the propulsion device 20 according to the invention is reversible for use as a "submarine". The main nozzle 22 and / or the reinforcing arm 42 may advantageously comprise a coating made of a suitable material, such as a foam, in order to create seating means, for example a seat, for a passenger 1 to take a position. on said device 20. A propulsion device according to the invention, for example such as the device 20 described by way of example in conjunction with FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 5 and / or 6, can be powered by any remote fluid compression station from the moment when it is capable of delivering a fluid whose pressure is sufficient for the operation of the propulsion device. This can be adapted for this purpose at the risk of increasing the overall cost of a propulsion system comprising a propulsion device according to the invention, a remote compression station and a supply duct cooperating with said device and station for convey the fluid under pressure.

To reduce such a cost, the invention also provides that the remote compression station may be an apparatus whose original main function is different from the supply of a fluid under pressure of a propulsion device. For example, the invention provides that a land or water fire vehicle can be operated as a remote compression station if it has a sufficient fluid compression capacity.

Alternatively or additionally, the invention also proposes to take advantage of the natural compression capacity of a fluid of a motor vehicle (VNM) such as for example the RUNABOUT MZR 2011 edition of the manufacturer ZAPATA RACING. Such a vehicle 30, a side view of which is described in connection with FIG. 9, includes a case 31 and houses propulsion means 32 that compress a fluid by turbining, on the surface of which the VNM sails. said fluid being ingested from an inlet 33 arranged under the shell 31. The fluid thus pressurized is expelled from a fluid outlet 34 located at the rear of the vehicle. Such a fluid outlet is generally in the form of a coexcessive with a directional, (not shown in Figure 9) to change the path of the VNM. The means 32 are generally driven by means of a heat engine, also not shown in FIG. 9. In order to guarantee the use of the VNM as a remote compression station, a flange 35 is applied to the fluid outlet 34 and then connected to a tip 2b of a supply duct 2 for conveying the pressurized fluid expelled from the fluid outlet of the VNM. The supply duct 2 is connected, at the other end, by means of a nozzle 2a to the means 24 for collecting and delivering the fluid under pressure to the nozzles of a propulsion device according to the invention such that the device 10 described in connection with FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 5 and 6.

The invention has been described when it is used on the surface of and / or in water. It can also be implemented on the surface of any suitable fluid and more particularly in the air.

Other modifications may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A propulsion device (20), comprising a platform (21) on which a passenger (1) sits, said platform (21) comprising an upper surface (21s) and a lower surface (21i), and cooperating with means for collecting and distributing (24; 24c) a pressurized fluid to a main nozzle (22) expelling said fluid from a fluid outlet in a given direction, said means being supplied with fluid pressurized by a fluid supply conduit (2), the device (20) being characterized in that:

the main nozzle (22) is oriented substantially from the prouevers the stern of the platform (21);

the direction of fluid expulsion (DE22) is in a median plane (PM) of the platform;

the direction of fluid expulsion (DE22) of the main nozzle (22) describes an angle of between -10 ° and + 45 ° with a longitudinal axis (AL) of the platform (21) contained in said median plane (PM) ;

the means for collecting and distributing a fluid (24, 24c) cooperate with the platform (21) in a recess connection. Propulsion device (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the means for collecting and distributing (24, 24c) a fluid cooperate with the fluid supply duct (2) in a pivot connection at the proximal portion of said duct .

Device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (21) comprises at least two parts constituting a single entity.

A propulsion device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main nozzle (22) cooperates with the upper surface of the platform (21), the fluid expulsion direction (DE22) of said nozzle and a longitudinal axis (AL), said fluid expulsion directions (DE22) and longitudinal axis (AL) being in the same median plane and substantially parallel.

Propulsion device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for adjusting the distance between the main nozzle (22) and the bow of the platform (21) along a longitudinal axis (AL).

Propulsion device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two coplanar secondary nozzles (23a, 23b) cooperating with the lower face (21i) of the platform (21) in a plane intersecting with a longitudinal plane of the platform (21) along a transverse axis (AT21) of the platform, the normal of said planes describing an angle between 0 ° and 90 °.

7. propulsion device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the directions of fluid expulsion (DE23a, DE23b) secondary nozzles describe an angle βοοιηρΓίε between 60 ° and 120 ° between them. 8. propulsion device (20) according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the main nozzle (22) and the two secondary nozzles (23a, 23b) constitute a single entity in the form of a fluid outlet "composite" ".

9. propulsion device (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising means for independently closing the fluid outlets of each secondary nozzle (23a, 23b).

10. propulsion device (20) according to claim 9, wherein the means for closing are electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

11. propulsion device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for adjusting the angle described by the fluid expulsion direction (DE22) of the main nozzle (22) and a longitudinal axis (AL) contained in the median plane (PM) containing said fluid expulsion direction. 12. propulsion device (20) according to claim 11, wherein the means for adjusting are electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically. The propulsion device (20) according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the means for adjusting comprises a directional fluid outlet. The propulsion device (20) of claim 13, wherein the directional fluid outlet is orientable along a median plane (PM), said median plane containing the fluid expulsion direction.

15. A propulsion device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least a portion (27) of the means for collecting and distributing (24) and the main nozzle (22) comprise an oblong section.

16. Propulsion device (20) according to claim 15, wherein the means for collecting and distributing the fluid comprises a connecting bend (21).

17. A propulsion device (20) according to claims 15 or 16, wherein the fluid outlet of the main nozzle (22) cooperates with a directional flap (41).

18. A propulsion device (20) according to claim 17, wherein the directional flap (41) is articulated in a median plane (PM) of the platform (21).

19. Propulsion device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two main nozzles (22), the respective directions of fluid expulsion (DE22) are substantially parallel to each other.

20. A propulsion device (20) according to claim 19, wherein the means for collecting and delivering a fluid (24, 24c, 25) is arranged to distribute the fluid to the different main nozzles (22).

21. propulsion device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fairing (29) cooperating with the platform (21).

22. propulsion device (20) according to any preceding claim, comprising means for maintaining (28, 28 ', 28' ') of a passenger (1) on the platform (21).

23. Propulsion device (20) according to claim 22, wherein the means for ensuring the maintenance of a passenger (1) comprises gripping means (28 ').

24. propulsion device (20) according to claims 22 or 23, wherein the means for maintaining a passenger (1) comprises support means (28 '').

25. A propulsion system characterized in that it comprises a propulsion device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 24 cooperating with a remote compression station

(30), said station supplying pressurized fluid to said device (20).

26. Propulsion system according to the preceding claim, comprising a supply duct (2) connected on the one hand (2a) to the device and on the other hand (2b) to the remote compression station (30) for the latter to deliver the pressurized fluid to said device via said supply duct (2) .

27. System according to claim 25 or 26, for which the remote compression station (30) consists of a motorized watercraft having a shell (31), propulsion means (32) compressing, by turbining, a fluid ingested from an inlet ( 33) and expelling said fluid under pressure from a fluid outlet (34) at the rear of said vehicle.