EP3455126B1 - Inflatable watercraft and method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an inflatable watercraft, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing such a watercraft.

Well-known dropstitch surfboards or kayaks have a loose outer shell and can be rolled up after deflation. When inflated, they have only a low stiffness because of the flexible outer skin. The low stiffness is a major disadvantage compared to surfboards or kayaks with a stiff outer shell. However, these hard plastic boards and kayaks can not be folded up.

The weight of the sportsperson, who usually stands or sits in the middle, deforms the inflatable surfboard or kayak in such a way that it deflects downwards in the middle and therefore the bow and stern are bent upwards. For a favorable flow behavior, the surfboard or kayak should not deform.

The US 8,591,274 B2 shows two Surfboardhälften that are glued together so that in the middle of a channel is formed, in which a tube or a stiffening element is inserted to stiffen the surfboard. The rather loose connection of the tube to the two Surfboardhälften achieved only a slight stiffening of the surfboard. This is especially clear Figure 1C This document can be seen in which the surfboard is shown in the inflated state and the channel is visible with its flat walls. Any tension with the stiffening to be inserted is not shown or described. The chamber limiting side surfaces and the outer side surfaces are flat even without inserted stiffening element - this is not feasible in practice.

In the WO 84/03868 A1 is a method for producing inflatable structures, in particular surfboards described. This surfboard has two or more inflatable air chambers, which are applied to a reinforcing element, which forms, for example, the bottom of the surfboard. Between the two air chambers, a stiffening element is arranged in an open channel and the entire assembly with the air chambers, the stiffening element and the bottom is inserted into a sheath.

US 6,241,568 B1 discloses an inflatable watercraft having at least two halves (12, 14), each forming a sealed air chamber, so that each part is inflatable on its own, so that between each part a cavity (pocket 26) is formed, in the at least one stiffening element (beam 36) can be used.

In all embodiments described in this document, the stiffening elements - similar to the above-described prior art - used in chambers whose walls extend at a distance from the stiffening element, so that it is slidably received. The air chambers are formed in an additional rigid shell, which are formed on the one hand by the bottom-side reinforcing element and on the other hand by the rigid enclosure. Such a structure is very complex and requires a considerable manufacturing effort, the production of surfboard-like structures is not possible or only with great effort. For example, in a surfboard whose enveloping shape changes constantly in both thickness and width, a ground rigid in one direction can not be introduced. For this, the all-encompassing envelope described would have to be open at least in the longitudinal axis of the board, but this is not shown and not described.

In the case of the applicant DE 20 2014 008 662 U1 an inflatable surfboard is described, are attached to the shell stiffening floor elements. The attachment of these floor elements, for example, via positive connections, which are used in recesses of the surfboard.

Which is also due to the applicant DE 20 2012 005 185 U1 discloses an inflatable float made of drop stitch and inserted into the stiffeners to improve dimensional stability.

A collapsible surfboard with a longitudinally extending support beam and two air bodies is in the DE 31 43 769 A1 described.

The document US 2011/0207376 A1 deals with the construction of a demountable watercraft, in which the tensioning is done by means of tension elements.

On the one hand, all of these solutions have a very complex structure and, in the case of watercraft produced using the drop-stitch method, do not ensure a significant improvement in the rigidity.

Object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable watercraft, in particular a surfboard or kayak Dropstitchmaterial that is easy to produce and has a maximum longitudinal stiffness. The object of the invention is also to provide a method for producing such a watercraft.

This object is achieved by a watercraft according to claim 1 or by a method for producing such a watercraft according to claim 20.

The invention also includes a bonding table, which is described in detail in the following explanation of the invention. The applicant reserves the right to formulate an independent patent application for this adhesive table.

Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The inflatable watercraft according to the invention is at least partially made of drop stitch material and has at least two parts, preferably two halves, each forming a sealed air chamber. These parts are deck-mounted and unterwasserschiffseitig joined together by retaining bands such that the two parts / halves are braced in the inflated state of the adjacent parts with each other or that forms a cavity, in which a stiffening element can be used, wherein the structure of the straps or retaining tabs is designed so that the adjacent parts of the vessel are braced with the intermediate stiffening elements and / or other built-in parts, according to a development adjacent to the contact area of the parts Dropstitch threads relative come close to each other, so that the stiffness is optimized in this area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining straps or retaining straps are designed such that the two parts of the watercraft during inflation experience such a high contact pressure that the inner, adjacent to each other side walls form an approximately straight (level) surface at the height of the watercraft. That the usual way for a drop stitch construction usual bulge is leveled by the contact pressure, so that a flat contact in this area.

In this case, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dropstitch threads are arranged in the region of these inner side walls, so that this region has maximum stability.

The lying on the outer circumference of the watercraft side cheeks are then continue bulged / rounded in a conventional manner.

The longitudinal rigidity is thus achieved in that the maximum internal pressure of, for example 10 to 20 PSI exerts a contact pressure on the lateral surfaces of the stringer or on the side walls of the parts / halves. In this case, the two halves or the adjacent parts are so tightly connected at the top and bottom by preferably glued retaining bands or retaining tabs that the inner side cheeks of the two halves / parts after inflation form an approximately straight surface at the height of the watercraft.

In order to achieve the high contact pressure according to the invention, the above-mentioned bonding table is used according to the invention, with the help of which the two halves are pressed so tightly together in the inflated state, that the inner sidewalls of the halves together at the height of the watercraft give an approximately straight surface, while the inner Dropstitch rows are placed directly next to each other. Only after this pressing and aligning the halves / parts of the straps are glued or applied in any other way. By this type of bonding the necessary contact pressure on the inner side walls, the stiffening elements and the inserts is achieved. For this purpose, on both sides of the enveloping shape of the vessel slidable rods are mounted, which engage in grooves and can be moved from the outer edge of the vessel in the direction of the midship line of the vessel. Upper horizontal support rods, which are adjusted to the height of the vessel, thereby force the inflated halves in a horizontal position.

A big problem in the production of inflatable surfboards made of drop stitch material is the twist that arises in the handmade surfboards. At the same time, the upper and lower surfboard covers twist in the board's longitudinal axis. The underwater ship is then no longer flat, but depending on the delay is a Surfboardaußenkante up or down. With the bonding table according to the invention it is the first time succeeded, for example, surfboards, which consist of two halves, completely flat, without twist to produce.

One or more stiffening elements can be introduced into the vessel.

Preferably, components of the watercraft, such as fin boxes, foot straps and Mastfußhalterung or stiffening plates of a surfboard, connected to the Boardober- or -unterseite with the stiffening elements and thus form a rigid assembly.

The introduction and removal of the stiffening elements can be done from the front and or rear, but also by kinking the flaccid, not inflated watercraft over the openings for the components such as fin box or Mastfußhalterung.

With a dropstitch material, thousands of equally long polyester threads hold the blanket and the ground together in parallel. This special dropstitch material is made by design in sheets that are open on both sides and that must be provided with a sidewall to provide a closed body that can be filled with air.

Since this sidewall does not contain any bracing, as in the case of dropstitch material, where the polyester threads hold the ceiling and floor parallel, the sidewall buckles out to form a round sidewall. However, this is undesirable on the inner halves, which is why in the embodiment according to the invention, the two halves are joined together so that the inner Dropstitch rows come to lie next to each other. Only then the two halves are glued together in the midships plane at the Surfboardober- and -unterseite with straps, so that creates a cavity between the surfboard halves, in which one or more stiffening elements can be inserted before the inflation of the surfboard. After inflation of the two surfboard halves, which are connected by the holding straps on the top and bottom firmly to a board, presses the inner wall of the left and right surfboard half with high pressure against the introduced between the surfboard halves stiffening elements and fixes them in the nave axis , To fix flat stringer better, the cavity between the inner side walls can be reduced. For this purpose, the side cheeks are additionally glued on top and bottom.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the two halves are connected to each other at the top and / or bottom detachably on sections or the entire length by two-part holding strips, such as by a zipper or hooks and eyes. If the upper zipper is opened in the floppy, deflated state, then stringers and built-in parts can simply be inserted between the two halves and anchored if necessary.

Preferably thin rigid tissue films that can be rolled up for transport, placed next to each other as a stable stringer used. Stiffness, Rollable films can also be glued directly to the inner side walls of the left and right half.

The thin foils may be in duplicate or more than one other in certain zones, in order to produce more stiffness in these zones.

However, thin stringers made of hard material may also overlap in certain zones in order to create more rigidity there.

The stringer divisible for transport need not be bolted to a long stringer before use. It is enough if they have nubs and depressions that interlock. Between the two halves, they are firmly connected by the high pressure of the inner side cheeks.

In a further embodiment according to the invention is located in the middle between the two halves a preferably made of metal or high-strength plastic stringer with grooves on both sides and a third groove on its upper side. In the lateral grooves holding straps are inserted with a piping, which are glued to the halves. By this type of attachment not only the two halves are connected to each other but at the same time kept the stringers stationary. At the top of this stringer can be connected in a third groove functional elements such as mast base, foot straps or other elements with the top.

After the air is released from the halves, the stiffening elements can be removed from the cavity between the inner sidewalls, so that the floppy shell can be easily rolled up.

In a further embodiment according to the invention stiffening elements are inserted with lateral concaves in an elongated recess of the watercraft, in particular a surfboard, the automatically anchor to the convex side walls of the cutout after inflation of the watercraft.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the effective width and thus the applied over tension of the tether between the two halves between the top and bottom is designed to be different widths. If the straps at the top and bottom are the same width (same tension), the left one with the right surfboard half forms a plane. If the lower tether shortened (greater tension below), the sliding surface is concave. If the lower tether is widened in relation to the upper tether (greater tension at the top), the sliding surface forms convex. Especially in surfboards, which are used for the competition, are in the underwater vessel convex with concave zones in alternation.

According to the embodiment of the invention, the two Surfboardhälften can form a convex underwater ship in the bow area to go after the first third of the underwater ship in a straight line, then create a concave zone to be straight or convex to the rear of the surfboard again.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, a flat stringer protrudes in the midships plane in front or in front and behind over the watercraft, for example the surfboard or the kayak.

The contact pressure of the two side parts on the stiffening element is so great that it can be used without further supports as bow and stern.

From the protruding end of the stringer, for example, a water- and airtight shell stretches to the board or hull. This shell can also be inflated. The thin end of the stiffening element in the form of a stringer, which is surrounded by the watertight sheath, preferably forms a pointed bow or a pointed stern of the watercraft, in particular the surfboard or kayak.

As stated, the vessel is preferably designed as a board (SUP, windsurfboard, kitesurfboard, foilboard, surfboard) or canoe and kayak.

A bonding table for performing the method is carried out, for example, with an adjustable clamping device for clamping the parts, which is designed such that the inflated parts can be inserted and then clamped by adjustment, so that the side walls are braced directly or with intermediate stiffening elements.

In a further development of the adhesive table this is formed with lateral, approximately vertically arranged rods which bear against the outsides of the halves of the vessel and compress them with high pressure. The rods are arranged adjustable, so that in the bonding table different forms of watercraft are machined.

In a further development of the adhesive table this is formed with two apart or movable together Klebetischseiten.

In turn, the vertically arranged rods can in turn have upper horizontal support rods which rest on the parts on the cover side. Furthermore, horizontal bars can be arranged on the bars below, on which then the parts rest. The rods are in turn adjustably arranged, so that Vertwisten of the parts can be corrected before bonding and they are reliably held in the desired relative position.

Such bar arrangements are arranged along the entire outline of the vessel.

• Figur 1 eine Prinzipdarstellung eines teilbaren aufblasbaren Surfboards;
• Figur 2 die beiden in Figur 1 dargestellten Surfboardhälften, die mit Haltbändern verbunden sind;
• Figur 2A die Anordnung gemäß Figur 2 im nicht aufgeblasenen Zustand;
• Figur 3 die Anordnung gemäß Figur 2 mit einem eingeschobenen versteifenden Element;
• Figuren 4, 4A, 5 Querschnitte von Ausführungsbeispielen eines aufblasbaren Surfboards;
• Figur 5A eine Variante des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figur 2 mit lösbaren Haltbändern;
• Figur 5B ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer kederartigen Verbindung;
• Figur 5C einen Schnitt eines Surfboards, bei dem die Surfboardhälften mittels einer kederartigen Verbindung verspannt sind;
• Figur 5D Ansichten eines Wettkampf-Surfboards mit einem optimierten Unterwasserschiff;
• Figur 5E Surfboardhälften eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels, wobei diese im Bugbereich hohl geschnitten sind;
• Figuren 6, 7, 8 Ausführungsbeispiele, bei denen Funktionselemente, wie beispielsweise ein Schwert oder eine Finne, ein Schwertkasten oder dergleichen im Boardaufbau gehalten sind;
• Figur 8A eine Einzeldarstellung eines als Stringer aufgebauten Versteifungselementes;
• Figur 8B eine Variante, bei der Tampen zum Positionieren eines Versteifungselementes genutzt werden;
• Figur 9 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Wasserfahrzeuges, insbesondere eines Surfboards mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung eines Bugs bzw. Hecks;
• Figur 10 Ausführungsbeispiele für die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung eines Kajakbugs;
• Figur 11 eine Variante eines teilbaren Versteifungselementes;
• Figur 12 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Wasserfahrzeuges, bei dem ein Hohlraum zur Aufnahme eines Versteifungselementes verschlossen wird und
• Figuren 13, 13A, 13B und 13C Darstellungen eines Klebetisches, der beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Wasserfahrzeugs verwendet wird.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments, reference being made to accompanying drawings. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a divisible inflatable surfboard;
• FIG. 2 the two in FIG. 1 illustrated surfboard halves which are connected to straps;
• FIG. 2A the arrangement according to FIG. 2 when not inflated;
• FIG. 3 the arrangement according to FIG. 2 with an inserted stiffening element;
• FIGS. 4, 4A, 5 Cross sections of embodiments of an inflatable surfboard;
• FIG. 5A a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 2 with detachable straps;
• FIG. 5B an embodiment with a kederartige connection;
• FIG. 5C a section of a surfboard, in which the Surfboardhälften are braced by a keder connection;
• FIG. 5D Views of a competition surfboard with an optimized underwater ship;
• FIG. 5E Surfboard halves of another embodiment, which are cut hollow in the bow area;
• FIGS. 6, 7, 8 Embodiments in which functional elements, such as a sword or a fin, a sword box or the like are held in the board structure;
• Figure 8A an individual view of a stringer constructed as a stiffener;
• FIG. 8B a variant in which Tampen be used for positioning a stiffening element;
• FIG. 9 a three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of a watercraft, in particular a surfboard with an inventive design of a bow or tail;
• FIG. 10 Embodiments for the inventive design of a kayak bug;
• FIG. 11 a variant of a divisible stiffening element;
• FIG. 12 an embodiment of a watercraft, in which a cavity for receiving a stiffening element is closed and
• Figures 13, 13A, 13B and 13C Representations of a bonding table, which is used in the inventive method for producing a watercraft according to the invention.

The basic concept of the invention is clear in the FIGS. 1 to 3 represented, in which by way of example the vessel is designed as a board (SUP), windsurfboard, Kitsurfboard, Foilboard, wave riding board or the like.

Before a detailed description of the figures is made, the essential content of the figures is summarized as follows.

FIG. 1 shows a left inflated surfboard half 1 and a right inflated surfboard half 2. In both halves, an outer side wall 3 is curved outward and an inner side wall 4 inwardly.

According to FIG. 2 Both halves are joined together by glued-on straps 5 on the Surfboardober- and -unterseite so that the rounded inner side walls 4 are pressed flat by the high air pressure in the Surfboardhälften and lie side by side 6.

FIG. 2A shows a cavity 7 between the two inner side walls of the surfboard, which arises when it is not inflated.

FIG. 3 shows a stiffening element 8, for example in the form of a stringer 8A, which is inserted into the cavity 7 between the two Surfboardhälften.

FIG. 4 shows a section through the inflated surfboard with drop stitch threads 9, which are stretched between the ceiling and floor, and hold them parallel to each other. The straps 5 are glued to the top and bottom of the surfboard so that the surfboard halves together be forced that the inner sides are pressed together and form a straight surface at the level of the surfboard.

FIG. 4A shows a section through an inflated surfboard in which a narrow stringer 8A is inserted in the form of a flat tube, which is enclosed by the inner side walls of the two Surfboardhälften.

FIG. 5 shows a section through an inflated surfboard, the two halves are glued to each other by wide straps 5 on the top and bottom of the surfboard so that there is space between the two surfboard halves and the two inner side walls 4 do not touch, so that a stiffening element 10 with hollow cheeks takes place.

FIG. 5A shows the top of a surfboard, in which the left half 1 and the right half 2 is connected to segmented zippers 5A.

FIG. 5B shows a Surfboardoberseite, in which the left Surfboardhälfte 1 is covered with a plate row 5B made of plastic and in which the right Surfboardhälfte 2 is covered with a plate row 5D made of plastic. Both rows of tabs are connected by a metal or plastic rod 5C.

FIG. 5C shows a section through a surfboard with the left inflated Surfboardhälfte 1 and the right inflated Surfboardhälfte 2. In the middle between the Surfboardhälften is a metal stringer 10A with a two-sided groove 10B and another groove 10C on top of the stringer. In the grooves 10B left and right of the metal stringer 10A Kederhaltebänder 10E, which are glued on the Surfboardhälfte, engage with a piping 10D.

FIG. 5D shows views of a typical surfboard used in competition. Section AA shows the surfboard in the bow area with a convex underwater hull with a broader bond 10G and a narrower bond 10F (the words "narrower" and "wider" are discussed below). Section BB shows the middle section of the surfboard with one concave underwater hull with a lower narrower bond 10F and a wider bond 10G. Section CC shows the back of a surfboard with a flat underwater hull, where both straps are equally wide at the top and bottom. Between the concave, convex or straight underwater, the transitions are flowing.

FIG. 5E shows a surfboard, consisting of two halves, in which the two halves are cut hollow at its top and in the bow area 10H.

FIG. 6 shows a right Surfboardhälfte 2 with recesses 11 for mounting parts such as a fin box 12, a waterproof box 13 for storing items such as mobile phone or car keys, and a Mastfußaufnahme 15th

FIG. 7 shows in perspective a right Surfboardhälfte 2, in which in a small recess 11, a built-in part in the form of a fin 12 is inserted directly between the two surfboard halves 1, 2 without fin box. Also, a movable blade 12A, which can be folded down by means of an operating lever 12D (position 2B), is inserted with a sword box 12C directly between the two surfboard halves. For this purpose, in the upper and lower tether corresponding cutouts through which the folding sword protrudes down from the board and the operating lever 12 D, with which the folding sword can be operated, protrudes up.

FIG. 8 shows in perspective a right Surfboardhälfte 2 with drop stitch threads 9 and side cheeks 3, 4 and glued on the Surfbrettober- and underside retaining straps 5 or with a tab connection 5B, 5D, which is glued between the mounting parts 12, 13, 14, 15 or with a Section 16 is provided, through which protrudes the mounting part, so that on this component on the top and / or bottom of the surfboard other parts such as Fußschlaufenbefestigung or plates, which form a sliding surface, can be attached.

Figure 8A shows stringer 8A in cross-section, the outside of which has a structure in the form of lines or nubs 8B, so that a plurality of stringer 8A can be sandwiched together.

FIG. 8B shows thin Stringer 8C, which side by side strengthen the stiffness in certain areas. Here are Tampen 8D use to store the individual stringer of different lengths at certain positions. The rope remain in the surfboard, so that the stringer can be retracted with re-inflation of the surfboard halves 1, 2 again.

FIG. 9 shows a surfboard obliquely from above with a projecting beyond the surfboard stiffening element in the form of a flat stringer 20, the ends of which form a pointed bow 17 and a pointed stern 18 and an open top water and airtight sheath 19, extending from the pointed ends of the flat stringer 20 extends to the surfboard and is glued all around this.

FIG. 10 shows the front part of a kayak in plan view and side view with side walls 24, with a left and a right bottom part 25, a bent-up stringer 26, which forms the upper nose 29, protrudes over the kayak side walls and the front assumes the function of Stevens 27th Is shown Furthermore, a waterproof sleeve envelope 28, which is stretched from the stem to the side walls and glued there.

FIG. 11 shows a split stiffening element in the form of a flat stringer 20, on one end of two retaining strips 21 are screwed. The other end of the flat stringer 20 has recesses 22. A magnet 23 or other connecting means holds both stringer halves together.

FIG. 12 shows the watertight closure of the cavity 7. A flexible, rear-open, waterproof protuberance 30 is glued to the surfboard with its cavity 7. Through him, the stiffening element 8 is inserted into the cavity 7 until it is positioned in the surfboard (position 31). The protuberance 30 can be folded vertically (position 32), rolled (position 33) and pushed into the cavity 7 (position 34). After inflation of the side cheeks, the rolled-up shell is sealed watertight by the contact pressure of the side cheeks.

FIG. 13 shows the perspective view of a gluing table for surfboards, which consists of two halves. On the enveloping shape of the surfboard sliding on both sides, vertical rods 35 are mounted, which are guided over horizontal bars 36 in grooves 37. Upper horizontal support rods 38 are connected to the vertical rods 35.

FIG. 13A shows a schematic representation of the bonding table in section AA. On a left-hand threaded rod 39 and a right-hand threaded rod 40 which are fixedly connected to each other, a drive crank 41 is attached. A vertical rod 35 is connected to the threaded sleeve 42. An upper horizontal bar 38 is connected to the vertical bar 35. Also shown is a left twisted surfboard half 1 in which the right side wall (1A) is higher than the left side wall (1B). A right vertwistete Surfboardhälfte 2, in which, for example, the right side wall 1A is higher than the left side wall 1B. The bonding table is in the open state, wherein the vertical bars 35 have a distance 43 to the side walls 3, 4 of the surfboard halves 1, 2.

FIG. 13B shows the half-closed adhesive table 47, in which the vertical bars 35 touch the outer side walls 3 and a pressure on the inner side walls 4 of the two Surfboardhälften 1, 2 is applied.

FIG. 13C shows the closed adhesive table 47, in which the vertical bars 35 are pressed against the outer side walls 44 and the inner side walls 45 are pressed flat against each other. The vertwisteten Surfboardhälften are then in a straight, even state.

In the following, the above-mentioned figures are explained in more detail.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified three-dimensional representation of the two surfboard body forming board halves 1, 2 in the unconnected state. It can be seen that in this "raw state" both the outer side cheeks 3 and the inner, mutually facing side cheeks 4 are convexly bulged. This is a typical for all Dropstitch float profiling, which stems from the fact that in the connection area between a deck and a bottom ("underwater") Dropstitch threads are formed and the lateral seal - as explained in the introduction - on glued side walls. These side cheeks are not - as later on the basis of FIGS. 4, 4A and 5 explained - stabilized by the drop stitch threads and therefore bulge during inflation by the significant pressure in the range of more than 1 bar.

FIG. 2 shows the two inflated Surfboardhälften 1, 2 off FIG. 1 in which the outer side cheeks 3 are bent bead-like outward.

On the top (deck) and the bottom (sliding surface, underwater hull) of the surfboard retaining bands 5 are glued, which connect the board halves 1, 2 after inflation with each other. In this case, the two board halves 1, 2 are so closely connected to each other that the dropstitch threads in the board halves 1, 2 almost touch or are arranged at a close distance.

According to FIG. 2A remains in the inflated state between the left and right Surfboardhälfte 1, 2, a narrow slot 7, in which a stiffening element can be inserted. The straps 5 may be continuously attached to the surface or divided into sections.

In the in FIG. 2A Slot 7 shown can - as stated above - be used before inflating a stiffening element 8. In principle, however, it is also possible to dispense with such a stiffening element, since the above-described planar contact of the inner side cheeks of Surfboardhälften 1, 2 - referred to in the following board half - significantly improves the longitudinal rigidity. When inserting a stiffening element in the slot 7, the inner side cheeks 4 are pressed with the large surface of this stiffening element, so that again at least partially planar bearing surface between the side walls 3 and the correspondingly designed side cheeks of the elastic element is present.

Such an embodiment is exemplary in FIG. 3 shown, in which a stringer 8A is used as stiffening element.

FIG. 3 shows the stringer 8A, which was inserted into the cavity 7 in the deflated state and the inflated state by the contact pressure is a unit with the left and right half board 1, 2, so that the stringer 8A neither forward or backward after can be moved up or down.

The high contact pressure of the left and right half of the board 1, 2 also ensures that the Stringer 8A undergoes maximum stiffness.

The contact pressure acting on the inner side cheeks and / or on the stiffening element (stringer 8A) is essentially determined by the pretensioning of the retaining straps 5. If a lower contact pressure prevails, which is achieved by less biased holding straps 5, the stringer 8A would lose some of its stiffness because it does not stabilize sufficiently due to a relatively loose fit between the two flat but now bulging inner side cheeks 4 under load is and thus would take a wave-like shape between the two Surfboardhälften 1, 2.

It is therefore advantageous that the straps 5 are glued so tightly or otherwise fastened, that the inner side cheeks 4 of the surfboard, as in FIG. 4 shown in the inflated state 6 lie flat against each other FIG. 4 when inflated, the outer dropstitch thread row 9 on the right side of the left half board 1 next to the outer Dropstitch Fadenreihe 9a on the left side of the right half of the board 2 to lie. This results in a homogeneously joined Dropstitch body, in which the Dropstitch threads in the entire width of the body are about the same distance. They take the height of the surfboard. This is a significant difference to the solutions mentioned above or to the structure in the region of the outer side cheeks 3, which are not stabilized by drop stitch threads in the area of the fillet and accordingly in the inflated state at a predetermined pressure (10 to 15 PSI) to the outside bulge and are therefore not stabilized in the bulged area.

In FIG. 4A a further embodiment is shown in which within the flat adjacent side cheeks 3, a narrow stringer 8A is introduced, which may also be designed in the form of a flat tube, so that the flat side walls above the stringer and below the stringer completely close and the inner side cheeks 4 of the two board halves 1, 2 completely enclose the narrow stringer 8A. In order to increase the stiffness of the enclosed stinger 8A, the two inner side cheeks 4 of the board halves 1, 2 can be glued above and below the stringer 8A.

In principle, it is also possible to form the inner side cheeks 4 with a profiling, for example in the form of a groove or receptacle, into which the stringer 8A is then inserted, which is then pressed during inflation with this groove / receptacle. The two formed in each side wall 4 grooves / recordings then complement each other to a kind of bag for the stringer 8A.

In FIG. 5 a further embodiment is shown in which the stiffening element 10 is formed on the left and right with hollow cheeks, in the after inflation, the left and right surfboard half 1, 2 is pressed. This approximately in the form of an hourglass formed stiffening element 10 is adapted with its concave hollow cheeks to the bulged structure of the inner side walls 4. That is, in this embodiment, the bulge of the inner side cheeks 4 remains similar formed as in the outer side walls 3 - the stabilization then takes place but by the side cheeks in sections embracing stiffening element 10. In this embodiment, under Circumstances, the bias of the straps 5 are chosen slightly lower than in the embodiments described above.

For particularly long surfboards, such as those used in races, it is advantageous, as in FIG. 5A shown to provide at least the top of the surfboard with a divisible tether, which is designed for example in the form of a zipper 5A. This allows a perfect opening of the surfboard, so that between the two surfboard halves 1, 2 different types of stringers or stiffening elements can be very easily insert.

In FIG. 5B a further divisible solution is shown in which a tab connection is provided with a plate row 5B on the left Surfboardhälfte 1 and a plate row 5D on the right Surfboardhälfte 2, wherein the plate rows 5B, 5D stepped approximately mesh in a zig-zag. The connection of these two plate rows 5B, 5D is brought about by a metal or plastic rod 5C. The passage openings of the plate rows 5B, 5D are aligned coaxially with each other, wherein a tab projection engages in each case in a Laschenausnehmung, so that the metal or plastic rod 5C can be introduced in a simple manner.

To keep the stiffening element as stationary as possible in the surfboard and bring about maximum stiffness, according to FIG. 5C as a stiffening element, a metal stringer 10A be used, which has a widening at the top and bottom (view FIG. 5C ), in which two grooves are introduced. This stringer 10A is designed in the manner of a double-T carrier, in which the tensile, bending and compressive strength at the top and bottom is considerably increased by the broadening of the stringer 10A. In each case Kederhaltebänder 10E are introduced into the two grooves 10B, at the end of each a piping 10D is formed.

A third groove 10C on the top and / or on the underside serves to accommodate further attachments such as fins, mast feet, holding plates or foot straps and also opens the possibility to attach to the surfboard underside sliding surfaces made of hard material.

In a further embodiment, the stringer 10, 10A can also be designed as a built-in part in the form of a sword or a fin.

In FIG. 5D is an inflatable surfboard made of two board halves 1, 2 shown, with the special opportunity to influence the shape of the underwater ship, which so far only surfboards with hard outer shell reserved. It is the convex or concave shape of the underwater hull. Usually on the surfboard, a convex shape in relation to the underwater hull looks better than a concave one. In order to allow a better buoyancy behavior of the board, a concave shape is arranged in the central region, which then expires either flat or convex towards the end.

This different shape of the underwater hull of a surfboard, consisting of two board halves 1, 2 with or without an intermediate stringer, is made possible by the fact that the two board halves 1, 2 on the deck are glued together so closely that the inside drop stitch threads almost touch ( Position 10F), while the underwater hull is chosen to be glued with less tension (wide bond) (position 10G). The underwater ship assumes a convex shape in this case.

In contrast, the shape becomes concave when at the bottom the two surfboard halves 1, 2 are joined together by a "narrow" strip (position 10F) (more bias).

If the two surfboard halves 1, 2 on the top side and on the underwater hull are glued at the same distance or subjected to the same preload (10F = 10F), a straight, flat underwater ship is created.

If you want to make the concave or convex shape even stronger, you will achieve this by changing the outline of the left and right Surfboardhälfte 1, 2, as in FIG. 5E shown. If this is excepted in the bow region on the upper side, that is to say a hollow-cut region 10H is formed and then the sealing side wall / side cheek 4 is glued, a stronger convex formation results in the underwater vessel.

In FIG. 6 another embodiment of the invention is described. In this case, recesses 11, 11 ', 11 "are formed on the inner side cheeks 4 of the left and right board halves 1, 2, which make it possible to arrange mounting parts centrally between the two surfboard halves 1, 2. The recesses 11, 11', 11" complete itself with corresponding recesses of the other Surfboardhälfte to recordings for functional parts.

This is exemplary in FIG. 7 represented in which, for example, in a rear recess 11, a fin box for a fin 12 is introduced. The other recesses 11 ', 11 "serve to receive a sword box 12C for a folding sword 12A, which can be brought from the illustrated extended position by means of an actuating lever 12D, for example by abutment with the foot, into the folded position 12B in the sword box 12C. so that, for example, in a downwind course, the hydrodynamic resistance is minimal.

On another execution is in FIG. 8 received. In this embodiment 5 cut-outs 12, 13, 14, 15 can protrude through cutouts 16 in the tethers. The straps 5 or tabs are provided with the tab rows 5B, 5D with a cutout 16 through which protrudes a Befestigungsasbschnitt the insert 12, 13, 14, 15, so that it on the top and / or bottom of the surfboard more parts such as a Fußschlaufenbefestigung or plates, which constitute a sliding surface, can be attached.

Figure 8A shows another stringer variant according to the invention, in which the two sides of the stringer 8A have a fine ruling or nubs 8B. If two such stringer 8A, 8A 'side by side between the board halves 1, 2 introduced, they form a unit, wherein the example zig-zag-shaped projections / recesses mutually positively engage in each other, so that a displacement of the stringer 8A, 8A 'Is practically impossible in the longitudinal direction. On the inner side wall of the two board halves 1, 2, a film or a shaped body is laminated, which is formed with the same ruling, so that the sides of the introduced stringers 8A, 8A 'get caught on these films. No matter how many stringer 8A, 8A 'one inserts next to each other between the board halves 1, 2, these remain fixed in the composite stored.

As in FIG. 8B thin stringer 8C, 8C ', 8C ", 8C'" of film laminate can also be stored side by side and one above the other. They are thereby positioned in the desired area by means of ropes 8D fastened on both sides to the stringers 8C, 8C ', 8C ", 8C'". In this case, a rope 8D can be assigned to the entire stringer package or to each individual stringer. These are positioned within the region between the facing inner side cheeks 4. In principle, it is also possible to shift the stringer depending on the application via these slings 8D or to use different stringer packages in order to allow adaptation to the weight of the surfer. Excess tail ends preferably remain accessible stowed at the surfboard ends between the two surfboard halves.

A surfboard for paddling (SUP) need not be the same length over the entire length. The paddling person makes a dynamic high-low movement during paddling, which leads to a significant change in the load of the board due to the body weight. It is therefore important to have good strength and stiffness, especially in the middle area where the person is standing. This can be accommodated by the middle area being stiffened by several overlapping stringers, while the two board ends (bow, stern) remain flexible.

Watercraft, especially surfboards and kayaks or canoes, which are made of drop stitching material, are usually not made with a pointed bow or a sharp tail, because made of drop stitch material parts must always be round due to production, to ensure an airtight bonding. In an embodiment according to the invention ( FIG. 9 ) in the form of a surfboard takes over according to FIG. 3 out of the board halves 1, 2 forward and backward protruding flat stringer 20 the functions of a Stevens, so that the vessel can be made with a pointed bow and stern. The hydrodynamically optimized design of the bow and / or tail then takes place by means of a water- and airtight sheath 19, which extends from the pointed ends of the flat stringers 20 to the surfboard and is glued all around with this.

Further clarifies the function of the stringers 26 in FIG. 10 , In this inventive embodiment of the stringer 26, which protrudes from the float (formed from the board halves 1, 2) of the watercraft front and rear, the stringer 20, 26 is formed upwards and takes over the function of a Stevens 27th

In the embodiment according to FIG. 10 is the vessel, in the present case a canoe or kayak, formed with an inventively designed two-piece bottom 25, which is formed in the manner described above from the two bottom halves 1, 2, between which the bent stringers 26 is pressed. At this bottom 25 side walls 24 are attached, which are also in turn designed to be inflatable and form together with the bottom 25 of the hull of the kayak.

The executed with great longitudinal and transverse stiffness bottom 25 is - as explained above - stiffened by the bent stringers 26. The angled end portion of the stringer 26 forms a stem 27. The hydrodynamic optimization is again carried out via a waterproof outer casing 28, which is glued to the hull (side walls 24, bottom 25), so that in FIG. 10 below shows hydrodynamically optimized structure.

In most cases, except for very short surfboards or other vessels, the stringer 8A, 20, 26, which is incorporated in the midships plane, must be split for transportation. The high pressure exerted by the two sides of the surfboard or by the bottom of a kayak or other vessel on the stringer or stringer, ensures a positive connections of the individual stringer sections.

Exemplary shows FIG. 11 such a stringer connection, in which two halves 20, 20 'of the flat stringer 20 are positively and non-positively connected to each other. In this case, recesses 22 are formed on one stringer half 20 ', in which retaining strips 21 of the other stringer half 20 (or another stringer part) engage. The cohesion of the two halves is ensured by the contact pressure and the longitudinal stiffness cause the two retaining strips 21, on whose surfaces the recess 22 rests positively. For further relative positioning of the two stringer halves 20, 20 ', a closure, for example a magnet 23, can be provided which effects a frictional connection.

If the channel is to be sealed between the two board halves or the bottom halves of another vessel, this is possible by means of a watertight protuberance 30 adhered to the surfboard or vessel, as described in US Pat Figures 12-12D is shown.

As shown in FIG. 12 the protuberance 30 is tubular and is adhered to the shell of the two halves of the watercraft, in the present case, the surfboard halves 1, 2 or connected in any other way with this. To insert a stiffening element 8, for example a stringer, the protuberance 30 in the in FIG. 12 placed on the top left insertion position and introduced the insert into the slot 7 - the two board halves 1, 2 are not inflated. After complete insertion of the insert 8 in the not yet inflated board body (the end position of the insert 8 is in FIG. 12 With designated by reference numeral 31), the elastic protuberance is flattened so that the supply port is closed. The vertically folded section 32 then becomes, as in FIG FIG. 12 shown at the bottom left, rolled up and inwardly, folded through the slot 7, so that a watertight closure of the insert 8 receiving area is created. Subsequently, the float is then inflated, so that the board halves 1, 2 are braced with each other and also the protuberance is determined by the pressure, so that accidental release is excluded.

Inflatable surfboards are made in different thicknesses of PVC fabrics. The thicker the PVC material, the more unwieldy it is in processing. But especially the thicker PVC materials are popular because they are durable and sturdy. Two board halves 1, 2 of a surfboard or a kayak floor, which corresponds in shape to a surfboard, are extremely difficult to join together in a manual bonding process. There are no machines for that. The difficulty lies in getting the mostly slightly twisted board halves straight in the gluing process. Embodiments of the inventive inflatable watercraft with stiffening elements has been successfully produced with a bonding table 47, which in FIG. 13 is shown in perspective view. The adhesive table 47 is constructed of individual, movable elements.

The in the Figures 13 and 13a to 13c shown adhesive table 47 is formed in the manner of a bench and has a support 48 for the two board halves 1, 2, which are positioned on this support 48 such that they lie approximately with their inner side walls 4 to each other. This support is formed by a plurality of horizontal bars 36 which are guided transversely displaceably in grooves 37. These adjustable support rods carry vertical rods 35, which in turn in the position adjustable upper horizontal support rods are formed, which cover the two board halves 1, 2 at least partially, so that these laterally from the vertical bars 35 and in the vertical direction (view FIG. 13 ) are fixed on the one hand by the upper horizontal support rods 38 and on the other hand by the support 48 (horizontal bars 36). The vertical bars 36, and thus the vertical and horizontal bars 35, 38 adjustably mounted thereto, are in the transverse direction the surfboard / watercraft slidably guided in the grooves 37 of the bonding table 47, so that the rods can be set to the respective outline of different surfboards and then fixed.

To connect the two inflated board halves 1, 2 of the board (or parts of another vessel) are placed on the bonding table 47 and pushed the vertical bars 35 along the grooves 37 from the outside to the side walls 3 of the surfboard and then on a left and a right Adhesive table side 49, 50 screwed by means of clamping screws 51. The two adhesive table sides 49, 50 are mounted in the transverse direction adjustable on a common table bed 52. The held on the vertical bars 35 horizontal support rods 38 are adjusted to the height of the lying on the bars 36 surfboards.

After this relative positioning of the support rods 35, 38 with respect to the outer contour of the surfboard / watercraft, the actual connection of the board halves 1, 2 can be made. In this case, a contact pressure can be applied via the vertical bars 35 and the horizontal holding rods 38, by reducing the effective distance of the adhesive table sides 49, 50. This adjustment of the adhesive table sides 49, 50 by means of a crank mechanism.

According to the FIGS. 13A to 13C are the two adhesive table sides 49, 50 adjustable transversely to the surfboard longitudinal axis by means of the crank mechanism. This has two running with opposite threads threaded rods 39, 40, which are in each case via a threaded sleeve 42 in operative engagement with the Klebetischseiten 49, 50. The drive of the threaded rod 39, 40 by means of a drive crank 41, so that in accordance with the operation of the drive crank 41, the effective distance of the Klebetischseiten 49, 50 and thus the distance of the vertical rods 35 can be changed.

In this case, the rods 35 exert a contact pressure on the outer side walls 44 (outer side cheeks 3) during a movement from outside to inside. In this way, the surfboard is compressed and its inner sidewalls 45 (inner side cheeks 4) lie flat against each other. The straps 5, 5A, 5B and 5D can now be glued. The gluing table makes it possible, furthermore, before the bonding of the two board halves 1, 2, which are mostly vertwistet to align them by the horizontal bars 38 straight.

During bonding, for example by applying the straps 5 or the retaining tabs and / or by gluing the flat to each other inner side cheeks 4 Surfboard halves 1, 2 held by the adhesive table structure reliably in the predetermined relative position and maintain the corresponding contact pressure. After the adhesive has dried, the tensile stress is transmitted via the applied holding straps 5, so that the relative position in the inflated state is maintained at least in the region of the inner side cheeks 4 lying on one another. After releasing the bias by moving apart of the Klebetischseiten 49, 50, however, the outer side walls 44 (outer side walls 3) do not retain their flattened shape, but bulge elastically again in the rounded form of use. However, the inner side cheeks 4 remain in the planar contact, since the applied straps 5 continue to transmit the required tension for flattening.

Disclosed is an inflatable watercraft, which consists of at least two inflatable parts, which are joined together with bias by means of straps or the like. Further disclosed are a method of manufacturing such an inflatable watercraft and a splicing table usable in the manufacture of the watercraft.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

left surfboard half

1A

right side wall

1B

left side wall

2

right surfboard half

3

outer side wall

4

inner side wall

5

straps

5A

zipper

5B

left plate row

5C

Metal or plastic rod

5D

right tab row

6

inner side cheeks (4), which lie against each other

7

cavity

8th

stiffening element

8A

Stringer

8B

Lines and pimples

8C

thin stringer

8D

Tampen

9

Dropstitchfäden

10

stiffening element with hollow cheeks

10A

Metal stringers

10B

double-sided groove

10C

another groove

10D

piping

10E

Kederhaltebänder

10F

tight bonding

10G

wide bond

10H

hollow cut

11

recesses

12

fin

12A

sword

12B

folded position

12C

daggerboard

12D

actuating lever

13

waterproof box

14

lower half of a divisible built-in part

15

upper half and Mastfußaufnahme a divisible built-in part

16

neckline

17

sharp bow

18

pointed stern

19

waterproof and airtight cover

20

flat stringer

21

retaining strips

22

recesses

23

magnet

24

side walls

25

ground

26

bent stringer

27

Steven

28

waterproof sleeve

29

upper bow tip

30

waterproof protuberance

31

positioned in the surfboard

32

vertically folded section

33

rolled

34

pushed

35

vertical bar

36

horizontal bar

37

groove

38

upper horizontal support rods

39

left rotating threaded rods

40

right rotating threaded rods

41

drive crank

42

threaded sleeve

43

distance

44

outer side walls

45

inner sidewalls

47

splicing table

48

edition

49

left adhesive table side

50

right adhesive table side

51

clamping screw

52

table bed

Claims (21)

1. Inflatable watercraft, in particular a board (SUP, windsurfing board, kitesurfing board, foil board, surfboard) or canoe and kayak, the inflatable part of which is at least partially manufactured from drop-stitch material and which has at least two parts, preferably two halves, which each form a closed air chamber so that each part can be inflated separately, wherein the parts on the upper and underwater side are joined together by means of holding strips (5)/straps so that a cavity preferably forms between each of the adjacent parts in which preferably at least one reinforcement element (8) can be inserted, characterised in that the holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D) or holding straps are dimensioned in such a way that, in the inflated state, the adjacent parts are braced together with one another or the adjacent parts are braced together with the reinforcement elements (8) placed in between them and/or with installation parts.
2. Watercraft according to Claim 1, wherein drop-stitch threads (9) arranged in the attachment area of the parts are very close together in the inflated and tensioned state.
3. Watercraft according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein holding strips (5) and/or separable holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D) are glued onto the upper and/or underwater side in such a way that the inflatable parts, in particular the inflatable left half (1) and the inflatable right half (2) of the watercraft are connected by the holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D) in such a way that after the halves (1,2) or parts have been inflated, their inner side walls experience such a high contact pressure that they form an approximately straight or level surface at the height of the watercraft, wherein the side bolsters (3) on the outer circumference of the watercraft are rounded, wherein the cavity (7) preferably has an opening at one or both ends of the watercraft and/or the cavity (7) has openings on the upper and/or underside of the watercraft through which the reinforcement element or elements can be slotted or inserted into the cavity.
4. Watercraft according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the reinforcement elements (8) are separable or can also lie next to each other in long sections in a thin, rollable form and, positively connected, achieve a reinforcement in the midship level of the watercraft.
5. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that recesses (11) are incorporated into the watercraft for accommodating installation parts into which recesses the installation parts are inserted before the watercraft is inflated.
6. Watercraft according to Claim 5, characterised in that the installation parts are fin boxes (12), a waterproof box (13), a mast base bracket (15) and/or holders for attachments.
7. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reinforcement elements (8) are formed in such a way that they can be positively attached to the installation parts or the installation parts are formed in such a way that they fully or partially enclose the reinforcement elements (8) to form a reinforcing assembly which causes longitudinal rigidity in the midship level of the watercraft.
8. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that holding strips (5) are glued to the upper and/or underside of the watercraft in which there are cutouts (16), wherein one or more of these cutouts (16) form an opening through which the reinforcement elements are inserted into the cavity.
9. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the installation parts (12, 13, 14, 15) protrude in sections so that further objects such as foot straps or reinforcement plates can be attached to these areas.
10. Watercraft according to one of Claims 5 to 9, characterised in that one or more of the recesses (11) are of oblong shape and each accommodates only one component (12, 13, 14, 15) and these are attached to the reinforcement element (8).
11. Watercraft according to one of Claims 5 to 10, characterised in that one of the recesses (11) is of oblong shape and accommodates multiple components (12, 13, 14, 15) and these are attached to the reinforcement element (8).
12. Watercraft according to one of Claims 5 to 11, characterised in that one of the recesses (11) is of oblong shape and accommodates multiple components (12, 13, 14, 15) and these are attached to the reinforcement element with hollow bolsters (10).
13. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that reinforcing, separable elements (8) protrude above the surfboard or watercraft and form a bow (17) and a stern (18) and from the end sections of which a water-tight and airtight cover (19) is glued to the left and right halves of the surfboard or watercraft.
14. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a stringer made from metal (10A) with a two-sided groove (10B) is inserted between the halves and holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D), which are glued to the top and/or bottom of the halves and at the sides of which piping is attached which fits in the grooves (10B).
15. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that stringers made from rigid rollable films are glued on the inner side bolsters (4) of the two drop-stitch walls.
16. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D) are designed to be separable, for example in the form of a zip-fastener (5A).
17. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that holding strips (5, 5A, 5B, 5D) are separable in the form of a row of straps (5B) glued to one half and a row of straps (5D) glued to the other half with a metal or plastic rod (5C) connecting both rows of straps.
18. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two halves (1, 2) are joined closer together or further apart at their upper side and underside with holding strips (5, 5A, 5B and 5D) or bracing of different widths.
19. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a watertight, rollable, flexible protrusion (30) seals the openings at the front and back of the watercraft.
20. Method for manufacturing a watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:

    - manufacturing at least two parts of the watercraft out of a drop-stitch material, each forming an air chamber,

    - bracing the parts together in the inflated state with or without the inserted reinforcement element and

    - attaching, preferably by gluing, the holding strips (5, 5A, 5B and 5D) to the parts in the inflated state.
21. Method for manufacturing a watercraft according to Claim 20, characterised in that the two board halves (1, 2) are aligned horizontally and vertically before the holding strips (5, 5A, 5B and 5D) are attached.

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