EP3415204A1 - Water skiing device with slope curvature - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (5) for the practice of sliding water sports, the device comprising:
a structure (9) having a first portion and a second substantially planar portion each having an upper surface, able to occupy an inclined position, wherein the upper surface of the second portion rises above the upper surface to form a nonzero angle with the upper surface;
a carpet (29) covering the upper surfaces of the first and second portions of the structure (9), and
- Means for projecting a flow (3) of water on the carpet (29),
the device (5) comprising a slope curvature means for the carpet (29) to have a rounded shape between the first and second portions, at a junction between the two portions of the structure (9).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the practice of water sports gliding, such as surfing or water skiing.

From US 2815951 or DE-2837391 already known such a device where means for projecting a flow of water artificially create, on a support or carpet, a flow of water where the user can practice his sport.

In US 5401117 Puddles under the rug make it possible to create hillocks locally that promote a dynamic practice of sport.

• tant de pouvoir, suivant les besoins, dynamiser encore davantage la pratique de ces sports, ou au contraire la rendre accessible et/ou plus ludique pour le plus grand nombre,
• que de sécuriser les pratiques en évitant qu'à certains endroits les pratiquants puissent être déstabilisés ou le tapis fragilisé par la structure constituant le dispositif.

An object of the invention is:

• so much power, according to the needs, to dynamize even more the practice of these sports, or on the contrary to make it accessible and / or more playful for the greatest number,
• that to secure practices by avoiding that in some places practitioners may be destabilized or the carpet weakened by the structure constituting the device.

• une structure ayant une première portion et une deuxième portion présentant chacune une surface supérieure, une partie au moins de la deuxième portion étant mobile par rapport à la première portion entre une position à plat dans laquelle les surfaces supérieures sont alignées l'une avec l'autre sensiblement horizontalement et une position inclinée dans laquelle les surfaces supérieures forment entre elles un angle non nul ;
• un tapis recouvrant les surfaces supérieures des première et deuxième portions de la structure ;
• des moyens pour projeter un flux d'eau sur le tapis, pour permettre à un utilisateur de pratiquer un sport nautique de glisse,

le dispositif comprenant, ou au moins la deuxième portion intégrant, un moyen de courbure de pente sur lequel repose le tapis, le moyen de courbure de pente pouvant adopter une position active dans laquelle il déforme le tapis de sorte que le tapis présente une forme arrondie entre les première et deuxième portions, et une position de repos dans laquelle le moyen de courbure de pente ne déforme pas le tapis.Thus, it is proposed that the device comprises:

• a structure having a first portion and a second portion each having an upper surface, at least a portion of the second portion being movable relative to the first portion between a flat position in which the upper surfaces are aligned with each other; another substantially horizontally and an inclined position in which the upper surfaces form between them a non-zero angle;
• a carpet covering the upper surfaces of the first and second portions of the structure;
• means for projecting a flow of water on the carpet, to allow a user to practice a water sports slide,

the device comprising, or at least the second integrating portion, a slope curvature means on which the carpet rests, the means of a curvature of slope capable of adopting an active position in which it deforms the carpet so that the carpet has a rounded shape between the first and second portions, and a rest position in which the slope curvature means does not deform the carpet.

Such a solution achieves the intended goals, at least in part.

The first and second portions of the structure are planar, thus generating the formation of a sharp or marked angle between them, which increases the risk of destabilization of a practitioner or embrittlement of the carpet by the structure of the device .

The means of curvature of slope then makes it possible to break this sharp or marked angle and to make safer the practice of a water sport for a practitioner.

The relative mobility of the first and second portions then makes it possible to adapt the slope on which the practitioners will slide, according to the water sport they have chosen to practice.

Providing that the means of slope curvature comprises at least one airbag would implement a flexible solution, a priori comfortable for the practitioner, easy enough to implement and safe.

By providing that the airbags extend towards the angle between the upper surfaces of the first and second portions of the structure and / or along said first and second portions, more will be chosen for localized cushioning (especially at the bottom of the slope) or for flexibility over a larger area, with a continuity that is easier to manage when the slope breaks. Advantageously, the cushions have a substantially triangular shape, or a swollen shape downwards, so that a larger side of the triangle is turned towards the carpet.

• un état dressé dans lequel la ou les plaques se dresseront au-dessus de la surface supérieure de l'une au moins des première et deuxième portions,
• et un état abaissé dans lequel la ou les plaques viendront sensiblement de niveau avec la surface supérieure de la première portion.

In a solution that may be more stable, making more use of structural parts, and insisting even more on the safety of implementation, it is proposed that the slope curving means comprise at least one movable plate with respect to the first one. and second portions of the structure, by means of ascending and descending actuating means, between:

• an erect condition in which the one or more plates will rise above the upper surface of at least one of the first and second portions,
• and a lowered state in which the one or more plates will be substantially level with the upper surface of the first portion.

In an adaptive version, allowing to better / better follow the slope of the second portion of the structure which could itself be variable, or to adapt the rounding down slope according to other parameters (ease of the practitioner, type glide ....), it is proposed that said movable plates are multiple and articulated vis-à-vis the first and second portions of the structure and / or between them.

According to one embodiment, each plate is actuated individually with respect to the others and is pivotable relative to the raising and lowering means to which it is connected. The curve can then be smoothed very precisely.

In a solid solution, very reliable and mechanically proven in other contexts, inspired by stairs and treadmills, it is also proposed to use a plurality of said plates, with a said means of curvature formed, parallel to the direction of flow water, by a succession of vertical slices, shaped (at least upper curved edge, preferably with several curvatures as a wave), between which are interposed flat vertical slices (at least upper slice), shaped slices comprising, at an end adjacent to the first portion, a concavity oriented towards the carpet.

Advantageously, the shaped slices will have, at a second end, a convexity oriented towards the carpet.

• un état dressé dans lequel la ou les plaques se dresseront au-dessus de la surface supérieure de l'une au moins des première et deuxième portions,
• et un état abaissé dans lequel la ou les plaques viendront sensiblement de niveau avec la surface supérieure de la première portion,

chaque plaque étant alors actionnée individuellement par rapport aux autres et étant pivotante par rapport au moyen de montée et de descente auquel elle est liée.In another solution, the slope curvature means may comprise at least one movable plate with respect to the first and second portions of the structure, by means of actuating means up and down, between:

• an erect condition in which the one or more plates will rise above the upper surface of at least one of the first and second portions,
• and a lowered state wherein the one or more plates will substantially level with the upper surface of the first portion,

each plate then being actuated individually relative to the others and being pivotable relative to the raising and lowering means to which it is connected.

In addition, the "shaped" plate or plates will each have an upper surface of corrugated or curved shape.

Thus, we will associate the vertical mobility of the / each plate with a shape of its upper surface favorable to rounding of slope or breakage of desired angles, thus limiting the risk of injury and jolts suffered at certain breaks in slope.

Regarding the operation of the water flow projection means on the carpet, it is noted that means will be favorably used to enslave the position of the water flow (s) created (s) at the position, or displacements, on said carpet, the user or moving means with him. This will ensure a variable (evolutionary) distribution of the created water flow (s). Preferably, several parameters will be varied among the speed, the width and the height of the water flow (s) created (s), by acting on the water flow means, thus favoring the variety of evolutions and shapes of water. style in the practice of sport (s), and more generally of nautical activities, as well as an increase in the quality of this practice.

Favorably, and moreover, the position of this / these stream of water will be enslaved by detecting the position, or displacements, on the support, of the user or of moving means with him.

In one embodiment, the slope curvature means comprises at least one movable plate relative to the first and second portions of the structure, as described above, and at least one suitable airbag. to come over the junction between said at least one movable plate and the first and second portions of the structure or between the plates.

The combination of these two features provides a good smoothing of the curvature to remove as much roughness on the carpet.

Preferably, the inflatable cushion (s) and the pocket (s) are inflated and deflated by means of a remote inflation device coupled to a remote control. Therefore, an operator can order one or more device (s) for the practice of water sports slides from a single console without having to go closer to each of the devices to make it evolve according to the desired water sport.

In order to further diversify the possibilities of practicable sports on the device, air bag cushions are positioned between the second portion of the structure and the carpet. Thus, local projections can be created, when the pockets are inflated, to serve as stepping stones or even amortized areas to receive beginners in case of a fall.

In addition, the device may comprise lifting means and / or holding in inclined position of the second portion. These means can be manual or automatic, for example.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below and in the accompanying drawings, given by way of examples, and in which the figure 1 is an external schematic perspective of the device of the invention, the figure 2 is a schematic view from above of a possible realization, the figure 3a is an inner schematic side view, the figure 3b is an inner schematic side view of a detail of the figure 3a according to an alternative embodiment, the FIG. 4 (FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c ) shows successive states of operation in the same practice area, the figures 5 and 6 show a possible realization of two contiguous valves, the figures 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 ( figures 7 ; 8a , 8b , 8c , 8d ; 9a, 9b, 9c ; 10; 11 ; 12 ) show variants of operation of the device, according to three possibilities, the figure 13 illustrates a jump and / or cushioning area, the figure 14 schematizes a contactless solution to detect the presence of the user.

We have shown in figure 1 a practitioner 1 evolving on a stream of water 3 created by a device 5.

The device 5 comprises means 7 for the flow of water, and means 11 for servocontrol in position to ensure a distribution, on a support 9, of the stream of water 3 created, depending on the position, or displacements on this support 9, the user 1 or moving means with him, such as his ski board 1a (see figures 1 , 3a , 3b ), or a cable 2.

Hereinafter, we will read "mobile means with the user" each time that is written "its board (evolution) 1a" or "the cable 2". Other mobile means could serve as a reference position or displacement.

Favorably, these servocontrol means 11 comprise detection means, such as 13a0, 13b0, 13ai, 13bi ... ( figure 4 ) to detect the position, or displacements, of the user 1, or of his board 1a, during his / their movements on the support 9, and to act accordingly on the water flow means 7. The practitioner 1 will be able to evolve at will on a body of water whose position will evolve with his own or that of his board. Figure 1 , this practitioner is held by a cable (or a rope) 2, one end of which is fixed to a mast 4, here fixed, disposed on the side from which the stream of water 3 comes from. It can thus evolve for example according to the arc of circle 6 of the fig.2 . He stands facing the flow or side (bends ..), without leaving with him.

Given the geometry of the space at the location of the support 9 (typically a rectangle of width L and length l (see figure 1 ) and the preferred organization of the water flow means 7, the detection means such as 13a0, 13b0... will be favorably adapted to detect limit movements of the user or of his board 1a, laterally with respect to the direction 15 of the water flow on the support (see Figures 1-4 ).

In the preferred version illustrated, we see in particular figure 4 the water flow means 7 comprise water distribution means 17 adapted to form a series of water outlet mouths 17a, 17b through all or part of which the flow of water passes towards the above the support 9 which is arranged horizontally (level).

The flow rate and the pressure of the water flow (s) expelled by the mouths 17a, 17b ... concerned will be adapted to provide the practitioner 1 the desired lift, by sending under him a carpet of water at a speed and a variable thickness. Thus, the speed between the reference water and practicing 1 will be respected.

The water outlet mouths, such as 17a ..., are carried by a frame 19 enclosing a collector box 19a adapted to the circulation of the water ( figure 4 ). This box rises above the level of the support 9 (see figure 3a ) and extends here perpendicularly to the direction 15 of the water flows. The frame 19 here carries the mast 4 which stands above it (see figures 1 and 14 ).

The means 7 of water flow favorably include, figure 5 a line of mobile hatches 23a, 23b connected to the servo means 11 and arranged facing the line of mouths 17 they cover or discover to control the water outlets to the support 9. Thus, we will to be able to open and close these mouths, such as 17a, 17b figure 4 , depending on the position or displacements of the user, or his board 1a.

Each hatch of width L1 ( figure 5 ) is controlled by the servo-control means 11, via a jack, such as 24a or 24b figure 5 . The cylinders are a priori moved vertically and piloted in all or nothing. Their stroke is guided on the sides by guiding elements (such as 26a, 26b) fixed on the frame 19.

Figure 6 it can be seen that the collector box 19a can also have a substantially cylindrical shape, with two series of opposite mouths, those already mentioned which feed the carpet 3 (such as 17a) being each provided with a slave hatch (such 23a), while at the back the mouth 170a returns the water to the tank 39.

In a variant shown in figure 3b , the water leaving the mouth 170a can feed another carpet 29 positioned vis-à-vis the carpet 29 fed by the mouth 17a. Thus, a same collector box 19a can feed two tracks vis-à-vis one another.

• de renvoyer le flux d'eau directement dans la cuve 39 et pas seulement de dévier de l'utilisateur le flux (ce qui sur des petites largeurs ne permet de dégager complètement l'utilisateur du flux d'eau) ;
• de gérer plusieurs pistes en vis-à-vis les unes des autres ;
• de gérer plusieurs pistes côte à côte et indépendantes, et
• de contrôler de manière indépendante ou simultanée la puissance des flux d'eau alimentant chaque piste.

This allows :

• returning the flow of water directly into the tank 39 and not just diverting the user from the flow (which on small widths does not allow the user to completely free the water flow);
• manage multiple tracks vis-à-vis each other;
• manage multiple tracks side by side and independent, and
• to control independently or simultaneously the power of the water flows feeding each track.

For example, a 12m wide simulator can for example manage from 1 to 5 gliding tracks.

Indeed, during the fall of a practitioner 1, the mouth 17a closes to reduce or eliminate the amount of water sent to the practitioner 1 and the mouth 170a is opened to return the flow of water from the collector 19a to the tank 39 and thus avoid the overpressure in the manifold 19a, on the one hand, and the increase of the flow of water for the other water lines, on the other hand.

Moreover, the control of the opening and closing of the mouth 17a (and / or possibly the mouth 170a) allows to create waves to diversify the offer of nautical activities passable by means of the device 5.

It is the same for the creation of water lines, when a mouth 17a, 17b ... a manifold 19a, 19b ... can be closed to create the demarcation between two lines of water, the mouth 170a, 170b ... opposite is simultaneously open so as to avoid any overpressure in the manifold 19, 19b ....

Alternatively, the mouths 170a, 170b ... can be held closed or partially closed in order to create a slight pressure in the manifold 19a, 19b so as to increase the power of the flow of water leaving the mouths 17a, 17b. .

By using in particular one of these solutions for controlling the water outlets towards the support 9, it will also be possible to ensure that the flow means 7 will generally comprise water distribution means adapted to form a series of water outlet mouths through all or part of which the flow of water can pass to the support 9, these mouths being adapted to open and close under the control of the aforementioned detection means, such as 13a1 , 13a2, 13b1 (cf. figure 2 ), or by manual control means, via a touch screen for example.

The water flow means 7 will thus comprise means (17a, 17b ... 23a, 23b ... 25 ...) for modifying the height, the width, the power and the speed of the flow of water created. on the support 9. The detection means will be favorably distributed in several places, along at least one line transverse to the direction 15 of each stream of water created and along the areas of the support where these flows can be created. The detection means may be arranged along two lines 27a, 27b parallel to each other and to the line 21 of the water outlet mouths, therefore perpendicular to the general direction 15 of the water flow / streams generated on the practice support 9 .

Starting in particular from the figure 2 it is understood that the detection means, such as 13a1, 13a2, 13b1, 13b2 ... include a series of beam detectors and that here the opening and closing of each mouth, such as 17a, 17b, is controlled by a pair of these detectors disposed on either side of the mouth concerned, except towards the lateral ends of the support where the first and last mouths of the series are respectively controlled by first and last detectors of said series located towards these ends; here: 13a0 / 13b0 to left and 13ai / 13bi on the right. It is advised that the detection means comprise thermal or optical beam sensors, infrared or laser, for example. These sensors may in particular be oriented in pairs to detect parallel to the direction 15 of each stream of water created on the support 9.

Referring again to the structure of the device 1, the support 9 will advantageously comprise a flexible belt 29, on which the flow of water 3 will flow. Favorably, this belt will be stretched by tensioning means 31, such as a weight pulling a tire. flexible resistant fabric. To prevent / limit water losses, it is further advised that downstream of the carpet, the / each flow of water created flows to a recovery circuit, through a net or mesh belt 33. Figure 3a , this net is laid inclined in the manner of a protective rim. Its low edge is located at the rear edge of the support 9, its high edge is fixed at the location of the inflatable tubes 35 peripherally surrounding the device. Thus, the support 9 and each layer of water 28 are surrounded by protective beads. Below the level of the support 9, the box 19a and the net 33 extend a support structure 37 of the device containing means 39 for recirculation / recycling of water.

These means 39 comprise one or more ducts open upwards at the back, here under the net 33, to allow the flow of water 28 to flow therethrough, beyond the rear edge 9a of the support 9. For example since under the frame 19, one or more pumps 41 suck the water 39 means and pressurized under pressure in the box 19a water supply mouths such 17a, 17b ...

Thanks to the position sensors 13a0 ... 13ai ..., the position of the user (or his board) can be continuously sensed, the control system 7, 11, 17 translating the information of the sensors for the actuators mechanical such 23a, 23b ..., these allowing the displacement of the water stream 3 according to the detected position and therefore only watering the desired sliding area, especially with a determined power.

If we call "door" the space between two successive optical lines of transmitters / receivers arranged on both sides of a "waterable" practice area (width space L4 figure 2 where a flow of water can be propelled), then, when a user 1 will be in the middle of such a door, the valve 17a / 23a will be open and the water will flow. When the user is out of the door the trapdoor will close and stop the flow on this area.

In the illustration of a possible complete system as FIG. 4 (FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c ), an optical line is actually formed by two pairs of adjacent sensor-receivers, such as 13a11,13b11; 13a12,13b12. This duo, forming two consecutive beams, makes it possible to know in which direction the user moves, that is to say on which side it is located with respect to the optical line and therefore between which optical doors it is present. Each valve (mouth-trap) is associated with two double optical lines forming together a detection door, except the two of each end which are associated with only one double line, this because the user can not exceed the ends. The shaded area marks the localized water flow, the arrows the three open valves according to the practitioner's position.

The device 5 illustrated in the figures allows a practitioner 1 to perform different water sports slides each having distinct features. Indeed, for some sports, such as water skiing, the practitioner 1 is attached to a cable 2 and operates on a carpet 29 substantially horizontal. On the other hand, for other water sports, such as surfing, the practitioner 1 does not hold to a cable 2 and evolves on a carpet 29 shaped, for example having a shape having a convexity turned towards the practitioner 1.

Various forms, concave and / or convex, for example, may be provided in order to widen the range of water activities that can be achieved via the device 5.

The device 5 must then be able to adopt a substantially horizontal configuration, for the practice of water skiing, and a shaped configuration, for the practice of surfing, for example.

As shown by Figures 7 to 9 , the structure 9 comprises a first substantially flat portion 50 and a second portion 52 each having an upper surface 50a, 52a, these portions 50, 52 being represented in an inclined position in which the upper surface 52a of the second portion 52 rises above the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50 so as to form a non-zero angle with the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50. The structure 9 also comprises a third portion 54 connected to the second portion 52 in an articulated manner and also provided with an upper surface 54a, this third portion 54 serving in particular as a launching area and / or receiving the practitioner 1 and water recovery zone flowing on the carpet 29.

Advantageously, the movement of the second portion 52 with respect to the first portion 50 of the structure, on the one hand, and the third portion 54 with respect to the second portion 52 of the structure, on the other hand, are achieved by means of hinge joints 56 and at least one lifting system 58 as a jack. As a variant or complement, the device, for example the lifting system 58, may comprise one or more slide (s) 580 represented schematically on the figure 12 . The slide (s) 580 and said second portion 52 may comprise notches and cleats to maintain for example the slices 64 in a given elevation position. Preferably, the lifting system 58 is connected to the third portion 54 of the structure 9, but it could also be connected to the second portion 52 of the structure 9. Thus, the structure 9 can be placed in its inclined configuration or in a position in which the upper surface 52a of the second portion 52 extends below or in the extension of the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50.

According to a variant represented on the figure 12 , the different portions 50, 52, 54 of the structure 9 are not connected to the hinge means but are movable relative to each other in a translation of vertical axis, for example via the slides 581, substantially in the manner of an elevator, each of the portions 50, 52, 54 then being independent of the other portions 50, 52, 54.

Moreover, as is visible on figures 8d and 12 , the device 5 comprises holding means 581 in the inclined position of the second portion 52, such as one or more stand (s), or the aforementioned notches and cleats.

The flexible carpet 29 covers the upper surface 50a, 52a, 54a of each of the three portions 50, 52, 54 of the structure 9 so as to form a slope to allow the practice of surfing. In order to limit the disturbances of the flow of water on the flexible belt 29, it is necessary to round the curve followed by the belt 29, in particular in the junction zone between the upper surfaces 50a, 52a of the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the structure 9. For this purpose, the device 5 comprises a means 60 of slope curvature, supported by the structure 9, which allows to fade, for the flexible belt 29, the formed angle by the upper surfaces 50a, 52a of the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the structure 9.

• une position active dans laquelle il déforme le tapis 29 de sorte que le tapis 29 présente une forme arrondie entre les première et deuxième portions 50, 52,
• ou une position de repos dans laquelle le moyen 60 de courbure de pente ne déforme pas le tapis 29.

The average 60 of slope curvature can at will adopt:

• an active position in which it deforms the carpet 29 so that the carpet 29 has a rounded shape between the first and second portions 50, 52,
• or a rest position in which the means 60 of slope curvature does not deform the carpet 29.

According to a first embodiment variant represented on the figure 7 , the means 60 of slope curvature is interposed between the structure 9 and the carpet 29 and comprises at least one inflatable cushion 62 which at least partially covers the first and the second portion 50, 52 and the hinge 56 connecting these two portions 50, 52. This cushion 62 has substantially a triangle shape, or a shape swollen downwards to position itself in the hollow formed between the two portions 50, 52, so that a larger side of the triangle is turned towards the flexible belt 29 and that refined sides are each directed towards the first and second portions 50, 52 of structure 9.

According to a second variant of embodiment represented on the Figures 8a to 8d the means 60 of slope curvature is integrated with the second portion 52 and is formed, parallel to the direction of flow of the water, by a succession of vertically shaped slices (64) between which are interposed slices (66). ) vertical flat.

Advantageously, the second portion 52 comprises an alternation of slices 64 in shapes and flat slices 66. The slices 64 in shape comprise at their end by which they are connected to the first portion 50, a concavity 68, forming the means 60 of slope curvature, turned towards the flexible carpet 29 and may comprise, at their end by which they are connected to the third portion 54, a convexity 70 oriented towards the flexible belt 29. The figure 8d illustrates, schematically, a structure 9 whose slices 64 in shape have an end having a convexity 70 and an end having a concavity 68 without showing the third portion 54 of the structure 9. When the slices 64 in shape comprise an end having a convexity 70 and an end having a concavity 68, the substantially planar upper surface 52a is located between these two ends. On the other hand, when the shaped slices 64 comprise only the end having a concavity 68, the substantially flat upper surface 52a extends the end having a concavity 68 to the hinge 56 between the second portion 52 and the third portion 54. .

To allow the practice of different sliding sports, slices 64 in forms are retractable compared to slices 66 flat and movable independently of each other. Advantageously, the flat slices 66 are fixed and only the slices 64 in shape are adjustable in height to form the inclination desired by the user.

The figure 8a illustrates, schematically and in perspective from above, the structure 9 in a flat configuration for the practice of water skiing for example.

The figures 8b and 8c show respectively schematically and in profile the structure 9 in the configuration for the practice of water skiing, that is to say when the upper surface 52a of the slices 64 in shape extends below the upper surface 52a of the slices 66 flat, and in the configuration for the practice of surfing, that is to say when the upper surface 52a of the slices 64 in shape extends beyond the upper surface 52a of the flat slices 66 .

Advantageously, the thickness of the slices 64, 66 of the second portion 52 of the structure will be chosen so that the distance between two slices 64, 66 of the same type is large enough to limit the number of slices 64, 66 and small enough. so that the flexible belt 29 can not be deformed between two slices 64, 66 of the same type.

According to a third variant of embodiment represented on the Figures 9a to 9c , the means 60 of slope curvature is interposed between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 and is formed by at least one plate72, and in this case two adjacent plates 72 and articulated with respect to each other, and / or with respect to the structure 9 to make the connection between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the structure 9 by means of hinges 56.

The figure 9a illustrates, schematically and in profile view the structure 9 in its configuration for the practice of water skiing.

The Figures 9b and 9c both illustrate, schematically and in profile profile 9 in its configuration for the practice of surfing.

The plates 72 may be limited in their travel relative to one another as is the case on the figure 9b and, optionally, including a mechanical locking member of the hinges 56 in predefined positions, or each moved, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 9c by means of means 74 for raising and lowering, typically a jack, between an erected state in which the plate or plates 72 rise above the top surface 50a, 52a of at least one first and second portions 50, 52, and a lowered state in which the plate or plates 72 are substantially level with the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50 or retract under at least one of the upper surfaces 50a, 52a first and second portions 50, 52.

Thus, the plates 72 make it possible to ensure a precise adjustment of the radius of curvature to be applied between the upper surfaces 50a, 52a of the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the structure 9.

The Figures 9a to 9c show a device having two plates 72, however the device could comprise a greater number of plates 72 to further refine the adjustment of the radius of curvature or create bumps or hollows between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of the structure 9.

• un état dressé dans lequel la ou les plaques 72 se dressent au-dessus de la surface 50a, 52a supérieure de l'une au moins des première et deuxième portions 50, 52,
• et un état abaissé dans lequel la ou les plaques 72 viennent sensiblement de niveau avec la surface 50a supérieure de la première portion et

au moins un coussin 62 gonflable apte à venir recouvrir la jonction entre ladite au moins une plaque 72 mobile et les première et deuxième portions 50, 52 de la structure 9.According to a particular embodiment represented in figure 10 , and combining the embodiments shown on the figures 7 and 9 , the means 60 of slope curvature comprises at least one plate 72 movable vis-à-vis the first and second portions 50, 52 of the structure 9, via means 74 for actuating uphill and downhill between :

• an erect state in which the plate (s) 72 are raised above the upper surface 50a, 52a of at least one of the first and second portions 50, 52,
• and a lowered state wherein the one or more plates 72 are substantially level with the upper surface 50a of the first portion and

at least one inflatable cushion 62 capable of covering the junction between said at least one movable plate 72 and the first and second portions 50, 52 of the structure 9.

Another embodiment, represented in figure 11 uses the principle illustrated in Figures 9a to 9c wherein the slope deflection means 60 comprises a series of plates 72, however each plate 72 is independent of the others, and individually actuated relative to the others and pivotable relative to the raising and lowering means 74 to which it is connected. Thus, each plate 72 is adjustable precisely so that the curve is as smooth as possible. This embodiment may also comprise one or more inflatable cushions (62) capable of coming to cover the junction between said at least one movable plate 72 and the first and second portions 50, 52 of the structure 9 or between the plates 72.

A last embodiment variant is represented on the figure 12 this variant is based on the alternation of slices 64, 66 represented on the Figures 8a to 8d but differs in that the slices 64, 66 are not pivoting but sliding relative to the first portion 50 and optionally relative to the third portion 54 of the structure 9. In this variant, therefore the figure 12 represents only the first portion 50 and the second portion 52, each wafer 64 is moved by a means 74 of up and down operation, in this case a cylinder. The shaped slices 64 are then either under the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50 of the structure 9 for the practice of water skiing for example, or above the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50 of the structure 9 to the practice of surfing for example.

The various variants of means 60 of slope curvature described above allow to mitigate the break between the two portions 50, 52 of the structure 9 when they form a non-zero angle between them. Thus, the water projected on the carpet 29 flows without rebounds which ensures the practitioner 1 better conditions for the practice of a water sports glide and a greater realism of the real practice.

In order to create a more complete practice area and to allow the practice of water sports combining gliding and acrobatics, the device 5 includes elements making it possible to locally create jumps or bumps 76 on the flexible carpet 29.

For this, inflatable pockets 78 are interposed between the structure 9 and the flexible mat 29. These inflatable pockets 78 are inflated according to the wish of the practitioner 1 to create a course along which it can perform acrobatics. When the inflatable pockets 78 are inflated, the carpet 29 is deformed locally creating a projection on which the water flows to ensure the sliding of the board 1a of the practitioner 1 and perform a jump primer.

Alternatively, differential lifting of each bending means 60 or each plate may also allow local bumps or depressions and / or a rough gliding surface to be created.

In addition, these protrusions can be used to delineate a track and create a soft, fall-absorbing edge, especially for beginner practitioners who tend to fall frequently.

Advantageously, the inflatable cushion (s) 62 and the bag (s) 78 are inflated and deflated by means of a remote inflation device 80 coupled to a remote control 82. Thus, there is no need for an operator to intervene as close as possible to the structure 9 of the device 5. The variable geometry of the device 5 can thus be entirely controlled from a control console 82 at a distance which can even be connected. several devices 5.

When the practitioner 1 chooses the surf like water sport of gliding, the use of a cable 2 is not possible. However it remains necessary to know, at every moment, the position of the practitioner 1 in order to open or close the water lines according to his movements and / or his position and / or a possible fall.

For this, as shown in figure 11 the mast 4 comprises, at the head, a non-contact sensor, for example a thermal sensor 84 which scans the track and determines, in real time and with the aid of the servo means 11, the flow conditions of the flow of water on the flexible carpet 29.

Claims (12)

Device (5) for the practice of sliding water sports, the device comprising: a structure (9) having a first portion (50) and a second portion (52) each having an upper surface (50a, 52a), at least a portion of the second portion (52) being movable relative to the first portion (52); (50) between a flat position in which the upper surfaces (50a, 52a) are aligned with each other substantially horizontally and an inclined position in which the upper surfaces (50a, 52a) form between them a non-zero angle ; a belt (29) covering the upper surfaces (50a, 52a) of the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9), and - Means for projecting a flow (3) of water on the carpet (29), to allow a user (1) to practice a water sport slide, characterized in that the device (5) comprises, or at least the second integral portion, means (60) of curvature of slope on which the carpet (29) rests, the means (60) of slope curvature can adopt: an active position in which it deforms the carpet (29), so that the carpet (29) then has a rounded shape between the first and second portions (50, 52), - And a rest position in which the means (60) slope curvature does not deform the carpet (29). The device (5) of claim 1, wherein the slope curving means (60) comprises at least one inflatable cushion (62). Device (5) according to claim 2, wherein the or inflatable cushions (62) are substantially triangular in shape so that a larger side of the triangle is turned towards the carpet (29). Device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the means (60) of slope curvature comprises at least one plate (72) movable with respect to first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9), via means (74) of up and down actuation, between: an erect condition in which the at least one plate (72) stands above the upper surface (50a, 52a) of at least one of the first and second portions (50, 52), - and a lowered state in which the plate or plates (72) are substantially level with the upper surface (50a, 52a) of the first portion (50, 52). Device (5) according to claim 4, which comprises a plurality of said plates (72) articulated vis-a-vis the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure and / or between them. Device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the slope curving means (60) is formed, parallel to the direction of flow of water, by a succession of vertically shaped slices (64) between which slices are interposed. (66) flat vertical, the slices (64) in form comprising, at one end adjacent to the first portion (50), a concavity (68) facing the carpet (29). Device (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slices (64) in shape comprise at a second end a convexity (70) facing the carpet (29). Device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the means (60) of slope curvature comprises at least one plate (72) movable relative to the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9), by the intermediate means (74) for actuating upwards and downwards, between: an erect condition in which the at least one plate (72) stands above the upper surface (50a, 52a) of at least one of the first and second portions (50, 52), - and a lowered state in which the plate or plates (72) are substantially level with the upper surface (50a, 52a) of the first portion (50, 52), each plate (72) being individually actuated relative to the others and being pivotable relative to the raising and lowering means (74) to which it is connected. Device (5) according to claims 2 and 4 or 2 and 8, wherein the or inflatable cushions (62) are capable of covering the junction between the plates (72) or between said at least one plate (72) movable and the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9). Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises at least one pocket (78) inflatable between the second portion (52) of the structure (9) and the carpet (29) to allow the local creation of projections in the carpet (29) when the one or more inflatable pockets (78) are inflated. Device (5) according to claims 2 and 10, wherein the inflatable cushion (s) (62) and the pocket (s) (78) are inflated and deflated by means of a device (80) remote inflator coupled to a remote control (82). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises means (58, 580) for lifting and / or holding in inclined position the second portion (52).

Images