FR2847226A1 - Inflatable towing wing for use in water sports has line attached to centre of leading edge for re-launching from water - Google Patents

Abstract

The wing (1) has a curved inflatable structure and four main control lines - two lines (L4, L6) from the ends of its leading edge (4, 6) are connected to a ring (C4) and two from the ends of its trailing edge (4A, 6A) are connected to a bar (B). An additional line (L5) is attached to the centre (O) of its leading edge, passes through the ring and is equipped with a handle (P) or leash. By pulling on the handle the wing can be relaunched when it lands in the water with its leading edge down. During normal flight the line (L5) can be used to spill air from the wing.

Description

The present invention relates to a clamping system used for

  facilitate re-launching and allow to fully vent the traction wings with inflatable structures. The wing is made up of a very light canvas wing (1), an inflatable structure (2) defining the shape seen from the front and inflatable structures (3) defining the shape of the profile. The upper part, shaped, defines the upper surface (EXT), the lower part defines the lower surface (INT). The profile given to this wing gives it aerodynamic characteristics. In the case of use in a traction wing, this profile is maintained by these 4 ends (4, 4A, 6 and 6A), giving it in the wind a generally round natural shape (Figure 1). These wings are called 4 lines. Some wings have only 2 lines

  attached to the ends of the wing span (Figure lb). These wings are called 2 lines.

  The wings currently used in this so-called 4-line configuration have unsatisfactory re-launch characteristics and very limited power reduction capacities. These problems are even more glaring with large wings and large wings. It should be noted that the so-called 2-line wings have the same re-launch and safety problems. The present invention solves these problems as well on

  wings 4 lines than wings 2 lines.

  Current method of relaunch. Generally the wing in the water is positioned the leading edge towards the water. The wind generally pushes the wing downwind and drifts. It then stabilizes, the leading edge towards the water and the trailing edge towards the sky. The current method of relaunching requires the user to swim towards the wing to relax the lines, then let the wind exert a force on the wing which will cause it to tip over on its back (Extrados of the central part of the wing in contact with the water). The wing must then rotate, also called tilting, by 900. The axis of this rotation is defined by the surface of

  water and is perpendicular to the wind. The center of the leading edge (0) is a point on this axis.

  It should be noted that the larger the wing, the more the end points have a path

  long to perform to ensure this rotation of 90.

  - 2 necessary deflections of lines = Angles (90 ') * Distance between centers / axis of rotation (0). The user must then swim towards the wing of this same distance to allow complete tilting. However, the more the user will approach the wing to ensure this tilting deflection, the more the wing subjected to the ambient wind will drift and subtract its drift speed from the force of the ambient wind. The force exerted on the wing being a function of the force of the wind, this phenomenon of decrease in the apparent wind limits the

wing tilting moment.

  Indeed the moment of the force exerted by the wind to tilt the wing must be

  greater at the time of the weight of the structure.

  It should be noted that the more the wing has a high aspect ratio (short central slat) the less the moment of the tilting force is important. In addition, the more important the aspect aspect, the further the center of gravity is from the tilt axis, therefore the more

  the moment linked to the weight of the structure is important.

  Tipping moment (Mb) = Pressure exerted by the wind * Sail area * Leverage between the point of application of this pressure force (generally

  length of the central slat / 2) and the tilting axis (0).

  Moment arising from the weight of the structure (Mp) = Weight of the structure * distance

  between the Center of gravity and the tilt axis (0).

  The moment of the force exerted by the wind (Mb) to tip the wing must be

  greater at the moment of the weight of the structure (Mp).

  This is why this problem occurs more generally on the large wings of

important ratio.

  Currently the user must swim to relax the lines and wait for the wind to put pressure on the LF to tip the wing. The wing tends to drift with the wind while the user swims towards it. So you have to swim faster than the wing does

  derivative. This technique is therefore quite random and very tiring for the user.

  Once on the back, the user just has to wear part of the wing by pulling on one of the 2 rear lines (L4) or (L6). The wing then pivots on the ear and will be placed in

  window sill. All the difficulty is therefore to tilt the wing on the back.

  - 3 The current security systems are connected to one of the 4 lines for the 4-line wings or to one of the 2 lines for the 2-line wings via a leash at the

  handle or harness. So in case of imminent danger the user must let go of his bar.

  All lines are then relaxed except that connected to the leash. The wing is then no longer attached to the user except by this hanger. The wing is flat but it remains rigid because of its inflatable tubes. The wing then has the possibility of pivoting on itself, De

  the more the wing is not in the relaunch position.

  The present invention makes it possible to tilt the wing effortlessly into the re-take-off position and to ensure the safety of the user by allowing the wing to be completely vented. The present invention is materialized by the addition of a line connected to the center of the leading edge (0) or slightly eccentric on the one hand and at the connection (C4) of the 2 front lines (L4) and (L6 ) for a 4-line wing and in the center of the bar (C2) for a wing

2 lines.

  This connection point in the center of the wing will be very close to the rotation axis (0) of the wing

previously defined.

  The present invention is embodied by a line starting from the leading edge (2) of

  the wing and connected at the connection of the front lines (L4) and (L6).

  This line being connected to the user, and the user acting as an anchor, the point (0) is considered to be a fixed point. Holding this line and releasing the bar, the wind rotates the wing around the center of rotation (0). The wing is then put on the back without the user having to swim. This system makes relaunching more reliable by

  allowing the user to return the wing to the re-launch position on the back.

  The new technique for relaunching is as follows: The wing is on the leading edge, trailing edge towards the sky (Figure 2), the user grasps the 5th row (L5) by the handle (P), then pulls . The 5th line (L5) then slides in the ring (C). This ring is used to keep the handle of this 5th line close at hand without requiring tension in it. When you release the bar, the lines relax (L4) and (L6) (Figure 3). The user pulls the 5th line (L5) as much or releases the bar (B) as much as the wing has a large area. The amplitude depends on the size of the wing. The wind exerts a force (F) -4

  perpendicular to the wing surface and over the entire wing. The wing swings (Figure 3).

  The 5th line (L5) made it possible to keep the leading edge fixed at the level of the axis of rotation

(0) during the changeover.

  Once on your back (Figure 5), simply release the 5th line (L5), pull one of the 2 rear lines to rotate the wing on one of these ears. The wing then takes

  lift, go to the edge of the window and take off again (Figure 4).

  It is possible to position this 5th line (L5) still at the leading edge but eccentrically relative to the central batten. The effect is immediate - when you pull on the 5th line (L5) or release the bar (B). The wing tips over on the back (Extrados). The fixed point (5th line grip (L5)) not being placed in the center of the wing, the aerodynamic balance is modified so that the force (F) exerted by the wind pressure is no longer in the axis of the central slat. The wing then begins to tilt and

  rotate at the same time (Figure 3bis). The part receiving the 5th line (L5) pivots in the wind.

  The other part of the wing pivots in the wind. The wing being round, it slides on its part

  lateral (The ear) to get into the re-launch position (Figure 3bis).

  Depending on the position of this 5th line (Left or right from the center of the wing),

  the wing will always take off on the same side.

  In addition, the aerodynamic and gravitational balance of the wing will be modified if the line is off-center. This line must therefore be of a very small diameter to avoid any disturbance of the balance of the wing. It is also possible to add an elastic link connected symmetrically relative to the center of the leading edge to ensure rebalancing.

  The present invention also allows it to be used as a safety line.

  When the bar is released, all the lines relax and the user is only attached to the center of the leading edge (2). The wing no longer wears and floats in the air or comes to rest on the upper surface (EXT) ready to take off again (Figure 5). The wing remains very stable in this position, which ensures maximum comfort and safety. In this position on the upper surface (EXT), the wing is in the ideal position for take-off by pulling on one of the

2 rear lines (Figure 4).

  -5 This 5th line can then be attached to the user by: * A leash on the wrist * A leash attached to the harness. If this leash is of a fairly fine diameter, this leash can also pass through the hole or slide the central line. It is then possible to make figures without

  wrap the leash around the bar.

  The drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents a general view of the traction wing mounted in 4 lines with

the 5th line system (L5).

  (1) defines the airfoil. It delimits the lower side (INT) at the center of the vote and the upper side (EXT) outside the vote. (2) defines the Leading Edge. (3) represents the inflatable transverse structures. (4) and (6) represent the attachment points on the leading edge; (L4) and (L6) represent the corresponding lines. (L4) and (L6) meet at a point at the end of the central line (Lc). (4A) and (6A)

  represent the points of attachment on the trailing edge.

  The line (L5) is hooked on the one hand to the leading edge (2), in its center (0) or eccentric, then passes through a passer-by (C4) which may have the shape of a ring, and on the other part left free or attached to the central line (Lc) by means of a velcro, magnet or other easily disengageable means. At this end the line ends in one with a handle (P) allowing easy grip of the line and making it possible to prevent

  line of escape through the passer-by (C4).

  This passer-by (C4) imposes on (L5) and the 2 lines coming from the ends (4) and (6)

to join at the same point.

  (P) is the stop to which the end of the line is fixed (L5). She may have

  the shape of a plastic handle or textile strap, a stopper, a knot.

  This handle (P) incorporates a rings to allow hanging a leash.

  (B) is the control bar. The central line (Lc) slides along the bar via a hole through the bar or off-center with respect to the diameter of the bar. -6 Figure lb shows a general view of the traction wing mounted in 2 lines with

the 5th line system (L5).

  (1) defines the airfoil. It delimits the lower side (INT) at the center of the vote and the upper side (EXT) outside the vote. (2) defines the leading edge. (3) represents the inflatable transverse structures. (4) and (6) represent the attachment points on the leading edge; (L4) and (L6) represent the corresponding lines. (L4) and (L6) cling to

  each end of the center line (Lc).

  The line (L5) is hooked on the one hand to the leading edge (2), in its center (0) or eccentric, then passes through a passer-by (C2) which may have the shape of a ring or a hole

  in the center of the bar, and whose axis leaves free (L5) to slide and on the other hand left free.

  At this end the line (L5) ends in one with a handle (P) allowing the easy grip of the line and making it possible to prevent the line from escaping through the

  passer-by (C2). This handle (P) incorporates a rings to hang a leash.

  The loop (C2) is on the middle of the bar (B).

  (P) is the stop to which the end of the line is fixed (L5). She may have

  the shape of a plastic handle or textile strap, a stopper, a knot.

  (B) is the control bar. The 5th line (L5) is able to slide through the passer-by via a hole through the bar or offset from the

bar diameter.

  FIG. 2 represents a general view of the wing mounted in 4 lines in its typical position of falling into water, leading edge down, trailing edge up. The wind

  naturally pushes the wing in the direction of the wind.

  FIG. 3 represents the actions to be carried out to reposition a 4-line wing initially in the position defined by FIG. 2 in a re-take-off position, the th line being hooked in the center (0) of the leading edge of the wing (2 ). The user pulls on the line (L5) via the handle (P) and releases the bar (B). The central line (L5) slides through the ring (C4) The lines relax and the wing then starts to pivot to position the upper surface on the surface of the water,

leading edge towards the wind.

  -7 Figure 3BIS represents the actions to be carried out to reposition the wing mounted in 4 lines initially in the position defined by Figure 2 in a relaunch position, the 5th line being offset from the center (0) of the edge of wing attack. Figure 3.1 shows a general view of the wing mounted in 4 lines in its

  typical waterfall position, leading edge down, trailing edge up.

  The wind naturally pushes the wing in the direction of the wind. The tilting axis goes through the

  center (0) of the leading edge (2). The wind exerts pressure on the entire wing.

  - The aerodynamic result (F) is exerted in the center of the wing and perpendicularly

  to the wing. This force tends to cause the wing to drift.

  Figure 3.2 shows the effects on the behavior of the wing mounted in 4 lines when the user grasps the handle and releases the bar. The user pulls on the line (L5) via the handle and releases the bar. Lines (L4) and (L4a) relax. The line (L5) being connected to the center of rotation (0), the aerodynamic result creates a tilting moment. The wing then begins to pivot to position the upper surface

  on the surface of the water, leading edge towards the wind.

  Figure 3.3 shows the wing mounted in 4 lines after the use of the invention.

  The wing is then in its most favorable position for take-off.

  FIG. 4 represents the actions to be carried out to reposition the wing initially in the position on the back (FIG. 3.3 and FIG. 5) in a position of relaunch at the edge of the window. By activating one of the rear lines, the wing pivots on its lateral part and is

  positioned at the edge of the window for takeoff.

  FIG. 5 represents a general view of the wing in neutral position thanks to

activation of the invention.

  The present invention may take the form of a flexible flange with a fairly fine diameter of 1 to 3 mm at its top (0). This flange can receive a sheath at its base (P) polyester, kevlar or other aramid in order to limit wear due to friction between the -8 line and the passer-by (C4) for a 4-line wing and (C2) for a wing. 2 lines. The diameter

can then reach 5mm.

  This clamp must have a minimum resistance of 45kg.

  The fixing at its top (O) will be done via a strap sewn on the structure of the leading edge. A lark knot sewn or tied at the top of the line

  will allow you to easily remove the line or change it.

  An identical method of attachment can be envisaged for the lower part.

-9

Claims (4)

CLAIMS:   1) Aid system for relaunching the traction wings with inflatable structures used in 4 lines characterized by a line (L5) connecting the center of the leading edge (0) and the connection of the front lines (L4) and (L6) , this line sliding at this connection through a ring (C4) along the central line (Lc) for the wings called 4 lines and connecting the center of the leading edge (0) and the center of the bar (B), this sliding line at the   center of the bar through a ring (C2) for the wings called 2 lines.   2) system for relaunching according to claim 1 characterized in that the connection to the leading edge of the line (L5) is offset to the right   or to the left with respect to the center (0) of the leading edge (2).   3) Take-off aid system according to claims 1 and 2   characterized in that the lower part of this line is provided with a handle of grip (P).   4) Take-off aid system according to claims 1, 2 and 3   characterized in that this line (L5) is connectable by means of the handle (P) to a leash on the wrist, to the harness or any other suitable means.