FR3067256A1 - DEVICE FOR NAUTICAL SPORTS OF SLIDING 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 flat portion each having an upper surface, able to occupy an inclined position, in wherein the upper surface of the second portion is raised above the upper surface to form a non-zero angle with the upper surface; a mat (29) covering the upper surfaces of the first and second portions of the structure (9), and means for projecting a flow of water onto the mat (29), the device (5) comprising a means curvature of slope so that the carpet (29) has a rounded shape between the first and second portions, to the right of a junction between the two portions of the structure (9).

Description

DEVICE FOR SLOPE CURVING SLIDING WATER SPORTS

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

From US-2815951 or DE-2837391, such a device is already known 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, sausages under the carpet make it possible to locally create mounds promoting a dynamic practice of the sport.

An object of the invention is:

- so much power, as needed, to further stimulate the practice of these sports, or on the contrary make it accessible and / or more fun for the greatest number,

- than to secure the practices by avoiding that in certain places the practitioners can be destabilized or the carpet weakened by the structure constituting the device.

Thus, it is proposed that the device include:

- A structure having a first portion and a second portion each having an upper surface, at least part of the second portion being movable relative to the first portion between a flat position in which the upper surfaces are aligned with one another substantially horizontally and an inclined position in which the upper surfaces form a non-zero angle between them;

- a mat 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 gliding, the device comprising, or at least the second portion incorporating, a means of slope curvature on which the carpet rests , the slope curvature means being able to adopt 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 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 weakening of the mat by the structure of the device. .

The slope curvature means then makes it possible to break this sharp or marked angle and to make the practice of a nautical sport safer 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, depending on the nautical sport they have chosen to practice.

Providing that the slope curvature means comprise at least one airbag would make it possible to implement a modular solution, a priori comfortable for the practitioner, fairly easy to implement and reassuring.

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, we will opt more for localized cushioning (especially at the bottom of the slope) or for flexibility over a larger area, with continuity that is easier to manage when breaking a slope. Advantageously, the cushions have a substantially triangle shape, or a downward swollen shape, so that a larger side of the triangle faces the carpet.

In a solution may be more stable, making more use of structural parts, emphasizing even more the safety of implementation, it is proposed that the slope curvature means comprise at least one plate movable with respect to the first and second portions of the structure, by means of actuation up and down, between:

- an erect state in which the plate or plates will rise above the upper surface of at least one of the first and second portions,

- And a lowered state in which the plate or plates will come substantially level with the upper surface of the first portion.

In an adaptive version, allowing to follow / better follow the slope of the second portion of the structure which could itself be variable, or to adapt the rounding at the bottom of the slope according to other parameters (ease of the practitioner, type sliding ...), it is proposed that said movable plates are multiple and articulated with respect to 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 with respect to the raising and lowering means to which it is linked. The curve can then be smoothed very precisely.

In a solid, very reliable and mechanically proven solution in other contexts, inspired by stairs and conveyor belts, it is also proposed to use several 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 curved upper slice, preferably with several curvatures like a wave), between which are interposed flat vertical slices (at least upper slice), the slices shaped comprising, at one end adjacent to the first portion, a concavity oriented towards the mat.

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

In another solution, the slope curvature means may comprise at least one plate movable relative to the first and second portions of the structure, by means of actuation means up and down, between:

- an erect state in which the plate or plates will rise above the upper surface of at least one of the first and second portions,

- And a lowered state in which the plate or plates will come substantially level with the upper surface of the first portion, each plate then being actuated individually with respect to the others and being pivotable with respect to the means of raising and lowering to which it is linked .

Furthermore, the “shaped” plate or plates will each favorably have an upper surface of wavy or curved shape.

Thus, the vertical mobility of the / each plate will be associated with a shape of its upper surface favorable to the desired slope rounds or angle breaks, thereby limiting the risk of injury and the sudden cuts suffered from certain slope breaks.

Regarding the operation of the means for projecting the flow of water onto the conveyor, it is noted that means will be favorably used for controlling the position of the water flow (s) created to the position, or to the displacements, on said mat, of the user or of means mobile with him. This will ensure, on this mat, a variable (evolutionary) distribution of the water flow (s) created. Preferably, several parameters will be varied among the speed, width and height of the water flow (s) created, by acting on the water flow means, thus favoring the variety of evolutions and figures of style in the practice of the sport (s), and more generally nautical activities, as well as a progression in the quality of this practice.

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

In one embodiment, the slope curvature means comprises at least one plate movable relative to the first and second portions of the structure, as described above, and at least one airbag capable of covering 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 characteristics provides good smoothing of the curvature in order to best remove the roughness on the carpet.

Preferably, the airbag (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 control one or more device (s) for the practice of water sports sliding from a single control desk without having to go as close to each of the devices to make it evolve according to the desired nautical sport.

In order to further diversify the possibilities of practicable sports on the device, inflatable pocket cushions are positioned between the second portion of the structure and the mat. Thus, local protrusions can be created, when the pockets are inflated, to serve as springboards or even as cushioning zones to receive beginner practitioners in the event of a fall.

In addition, the device may include means for lifting and / or holding the second portion in an inclined position. 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 FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic external perspective of the device of the invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic view from above of a possible embodiment, FIG. 3a is an interior schematic side view, FIG. 3b is an interior schematic view of a detail of FIG. 3a according to an alternative embodiment, FIG. 4 (Figures 4a, 4b, 4c) shows successive operating states in the same practice area, Figures 5 and 6 show a possible embodiment of two contiguous valves, Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 ( FIGS. 7; 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d; 9a, 9b, 9c; 10; 11; 12) show variants of operation of the device, according to three possibilities, FIG. 13 illustrates a jump and / or cushioning zone, Figure 14 shows a contactless solution for detect the presence of the user.

FIG. 1 shows a practitioner 1 evolving on a water flow 3 created by a device 5.

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

Below, we should read "mobile means with the user" whenever it says "his board (of evolution) 1a" or "the cable 2". Other mobile means could serve as a position or displacement reference.

Favorably, these control means 11 comprise detection means, such as 13a0, 13b0, 13ai, 13bi ... (FIG. 4) for detecting the position, or movements, of the user 1, or of his board 1a, during his / their movements on the support 9, and act accordingly on the water flow means 7. The practitioner 1 will thus be able to move as he pleases on a body of water whose position will change with his own or that of his board. Figure 1, this practitioner is holding a cable (or a rope) 2, one end of which is fixed to a mast 4, here fixed, arranged on the side from which the water flow comes 3. It can thus evolve, for example according to the circular arc 6 of fig. 2. He stands facing the flow or sideways (turns ..), 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 I (see FIG. 1) and of the preferred organization of the means 7 for water flow, the means of detection such 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 flow of water on the support (see FIGS. 1-4).

In the preferred illustrated version, it can be seen in particular in FIG. 4 that the water flow means 7 comprise means 17 for distributing water adapted to form a series of water outlet vents such as 17a, 17b through all or part of which the water flow passes to (above) the support 9 which is arranged horizontally (level).

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

The water outlet openings, such as 17a ..., are carried by a frame 19 containing a collecting box 19a adapted to the circulation of water (Figure 4). This box rises above the level of the support 9 (see FIG. 3a) and here extends perpendicular to the direction 15 of the water flows. The frame 19 here carries the mast 4 which rises above it (see Figures 1 and 14).

The water flow means 7 favorably comprise, in FIG. 5, a line of movable hatches, such as 23a, 23b connected to the servo means 11 and arranged opposite the line of outlets 17 which they cover or uncover in order to control the water outlets to the support 9. Thus, we will be able to open and close these vents, such as 17a, 17b in Figure 4, depending on the position or movement of the user, or his board 1a.

Each hatch of width L1 (FIG. 5) is controlled by the servo means 11, via a jack, such as 24a or 24b in FIG. 5. The jacks will a priori be moved vertically and controlled in all or nothing. Their course is guided on the sides by guide elements (such as 26a, 26b) fixed on the frame 19.

FIG. 6, it can be seen that the collecting box 19a can also have a substantially cylindrical shape, with two series of opposite mouths, those already mentioned which supply the conveyor 3 (such as 17a) each being provided with a controlled hatch (such as 23a), while at the rear, the mouth 170a returns the water to the tank 39.

In a variant shown in FIG. 3b, the water leaving the mouth 170a can feed another mat 29 positioned opposite the mat 29 fed by the mouth 17a. Thus, the same collector box 19a can supply two tracks facing each other.

This allows :

- returning the water flow directly into the tank 39 and not only diverting the flow from the user (which on small widths does not allow the user to be completely released from the water flow);

- to manage several tracks facing each other;

- to manage several independent and side by side tracks, and

- to control independently or simultaneously the power of the water flows feeding each runway.

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

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

Furthermore, the control of the opening and closing of the mouth 17a (and / or possibly of the mouth 170a) makes it possible to create waves to diversify the offer of practicable nautical activities by means of the device 5.

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

As a variant, it is possible to keep the mouths 170a, 170b ... 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 to the support 9, it will also be possible to ensure that the flow means 7 will generally comprise means 25 for distributing water suitable for forming a series of water outlet openings through all or part of which the water flow can pass to the support 9, these openings therefore being adapted to open and close under the control of the aforementioned detection means, such as 13a1 , 13a2, 13b1 (cf. FIG. 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, width, power and speed of the water flow created on the support 9. The detection means will be favorably distributed in several places, following at least one line transverse to the direction 15 of each flow 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 line 21 of the water outlet openings, therefore perpendicular to the general direction 15 of the water flow (s) generated on the practice medium 9 .

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

Again concerning the structure of the device 1, the support 9 will favorably comprise a flexible mat, 29, on which the water flow will flow 3. Favorably, this mat will be stretched by tensioning means 31, such as a weight pulling a resistant resistant canvas. To avoid / limit water loss, it is further advised that downstream of the belt, the / each flow of water created flows to a recovery circuit, through a net or wire mesh 33. Figure 3a, this net is laid inclined like a protective rim. Its bottom edge is located at the rear limit of the support 9, its top edge is fixed to the place of the inflatable tubes 35 which peripherally surrounds the device. Thus, the support 9 and each layer of water 28 are surrounded by protective tubes. Under the level of the support 9, the box 19a and the net 33 extend a structure 37 for supporting the device containing means 39 for recirculation / recycling of water.

These means 39 include one or more conduits open upwards at the rear, here under the net 33, to allow the flow of water 28 to flow therein, beyond the rear edge 9a of the support 9. For example from under the frame 19, one or more pumps 41 draw water from the means 39 and discharge it under pressure into the box 19a for supplying water to the mouths such as 17a, 17b ...

Thanks to the position detectors 13a0 ... 13ai ..., it is possible to continuously capture the position of the user (or his board), the control system 7, 11, 17 translating the information from the sensors for the actuators mechanical such as 23a, 23b ..., these allowing the displacement of the water flow 3 as a function of the detected position and therefore only spraying the desired gliding zone, in particular with a determined power.

If the term “door” is used for the space located between two successive optical lines of transmitters / receivers arranged on either side of a practice area that can be “sprinkled” (space of width L4 in FIG. 2 where a flow of d 'water), then, when a user 1 is located in the middle of such a door, the valve 17a / 23a will be open and the water will flow. When the user is outside the door, the hatch will close and stop the flow in 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 which direction the user is moving, that is to say which side he is located in relation to the optical line and therefore between which optical gates he is present. Each valve (hatch) is associated with two double optical lines together forming a detection door, except the two at each end which are associated with only one double line, this because the user cannot exceed the ends. The gray area marks the localized water flow, the arrows the three open valves depending on the position of the practitioner.

The device 5 illustrated in the figures allows a practitioner 1 to carry out different water sports for gliding, each having distinct characteristics. Indeed, for certain sports, such as for example water skiing, the practitioner 1 holds onto a cable 2 and moves on a mat 29 substantially horizontal. On the other hand, for other water sports, such as surfing, practitioner 1 does not hold onto a cable 2 and moves on a mat 29 in shape, for example having a shape having a convexity facing practitioner 1.

Various shapes, concave and / or convex for example, can be provided in order to widen the range of nautical activities achievable via device 5.

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

As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the structure 9 comprises a first portion 50 and a second portion 52 substantially planar each having an upper surface 50a, 52a, these portions 50,52 being shown 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 includes 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 and / or receiving area for practitioner 1 and as a recovery area for the water flowing over the carpet 29.

Advantageously, the movement of the second portion 52 relative to the first portion 50 of the structure, on the one hand, and of the third portion 54 relative to the second portion 52 of the structure on the other hand, are carried out by means of hinge joints 56 and by at least one lifting system 58 such as a jack. As a variant or addition, the device, for example the lifting system 58, can comprise one or more slide (s) 580 shown schematically in FIG. 12. The slide (s) 580 and said second portion 52 can include notches and tabs to maintain for example the edges 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 low 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 shown in Figure 12, the different portions 50, 52, 54 of the structure 9 are not connected by means of hinges but are movable relative to each other according to a translation of a 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.

In addition, as can be seen in FIGS. 8d and 12, the device 5 comprises means 581 for holding the second portion 52 in an inclined position, such as one or more crutches, or even the above-mentioned notches and tabs.

The flexible mat 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 mat 29, it is necessary to round the curve followed by the mat 29, in particular in the junction zone between the upper surfaces 50a, 52a of the first portion. 50 and of the second portion 52 of the structure 9. To this end, the device 5 comprises a means 60 of slope curvature, supported by the structure 9, which makes it possible to reduce, for the flexible carpet 29, the angle formed by the upper surfaces 50a, 52a of the first portion 50 and of the second portion 52 of the structure 9.

The slope curvature means 60 can at will adopt:

an active position in which it deforms the belt 29 so that the belt 29 has a rounded shape between the first and second portions 50, 52,

- Or a rest position in which the slope curvature means 60 does not deform the belt 29.

According to a first alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the means 60 of slope curvature is interposed between the structure 9 and the mat 29 and comprises at least one inflatable cushion 62 which at least partially covers the first and the second portion 50, 52 as well as the hinge 56 connecting these two portions 50, 52. This cushion 62 has substantially a triangle shape, or a shape swollen downward 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 mat 29 and that refined sides are each directed towards the first and second portions 50, 52 of the structure 9.

According to a second alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a to 8d, the means 60 of slope curvature is integrated into the second portion 52 and is formed, parallel to the direction of flow of the water, by a succession of sections ( 64) vertical in shape between which are interposed flat vertical sections (66).

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

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

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

FIGS. 8b and 8c respectively show, schematically and in profile view, 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 the form of extends below the upper surface 52a of the flat edges 66a, and in the configuration for the practice of surfing, that is to say when the upper surface 52a of the shaped edges 64 extends beyond the upper surface 52a 66 flat slices.

Advantageously, the thickness of the slices 64, 66 of the second portion 52 of the structure will be chosen so that the difference 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 mat 29 cannot deform between two edges 64, 66 of the same type.

According to a third alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 9a to 9c, the means 60 of slope curvature is interposed between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 and is produced by at least one plate72, and in this case two plates 72 adjacent 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.

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

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

The plates 72 can be with limited movement relative to one another as is the case in FIG. 9b and, optionally comprise a mechanical locking element for the hinges 56 in predefined positions, or each moved, as illustrated in FIG. 9c, by means 74 of actuation up and down, typically a jack, between an upright state in which the plate or plates 72 stand above the upper surface 50a, 52a of the '' at least one of the first and second portions 50, 52, and a lowered state in which the plate or plates 72 come substantially level with the upper surface 50a of the first portion 50 or retract under at least one of the surfaces 50a, 52a upper of the 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.

FIGS. 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 to create bumps or depressions between the first portion 50 and the second portion 52 of structure 9.

According to a particular embodiment represented in FIG. 10, and combining the embodiments represented in FIGS. 7 and 9, the means 60 of slope curvature comprises at least one plate 72 movable with respect to the first and second portions 50, 52 of the structure 9, by means of actuation 74 for upward and downward actuation, between:

- an upright state in which the plate or plates 72 rise 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 come 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 FIG. 11, uses the principle illustrated in FIGS. 9a to 9c, in which the means 60 of slope curvature comprises a series of plates 72, however each plate 72 is independent of the others, and actuated individually with respect to to the others and pivoting relative to the means 74 for raising and lowering to which it is linked. Thus, each plate 72 is precisely adjustable so that the curve is as smooth as possible. This embodiment may also include 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 plates 72.

A last variant is shown in FIG. 12, this variant is based on the alternation of sections 64, 66 shown in FIGS. 8a to 8d but differs in that the sections 64, 66 are not pivotable but sliding by relative to the first portion 50 and possibly relative to the third portion 54 of the structure 9. In this variant, therefore FIG. 12 only represents the first portion 50 and the second portion 52, each slice 64 in the form is moved by a means 74 for actuating up and down, in this case a jack. 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 for surfing for example.

The different variants of the slope curvature means 60 described above make it possible to reduce 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 onto the mat 29 flows without rebounds, which provides practitioner 1 with better conditions for the practice of a water sport of sliding and a greater realism of the real practice.

In order to create a more complete practice area and to authorize the practice of water sports mixing gliding and acrobatics, the device 5 includes elements making it possible to locally create springboards or bumps 76 on the flexible mat 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 he can perform acrobatics. When the inflatable pockets 78 are inflated, the mat 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 make a jump start.

As a variant, a differential lifting of each curvature means 60 or of each plate can also make it possible to create local bumps or hollows and / or an uneven sliding surface.

In addition, these projections can be used to delimit a track and create a soft border absorbing falls, especially for beginners 1 who tend to fall frequently.

Advantageously, the inflatable cushion (s) 62 and the pocket (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 remote control console 82 to which can even be connected multiple devices 5.

When practitioner 1 chooses surfing as a water sport, the use of a cable 2 is not possible. However, it remains necessary to know, at all times, the position of 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 FIG. 11, the mast 4 comprises, at the head, a contactless sensor, for example a thermal sensor 84 which scans the track and determines, in real time and using the servo means 11 , the conditions for the flow of the water flow on the flexible mat 29.

Claims (12)

1. Device (5) for practicing 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 part of the second portion (52) being movable relative to the first portion (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 a non-zero angle between them ; a mat (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 mat (29), to allow a user (1) to practice a water sports gliding, characterized in that the device (5) comprises, or at least the second portion incorporates, a means (60) of slope curvature on which the carpet (29) rests, the means (60) of slope curvature being able to adopt: - an active position in which it deforms the mat (29), so that the mat (29) then has a rounded shape between the first and second portions (50, 52), - And a rest position in which the slope curvature means (60) does not deform the belt (29). 2. Device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the slope curvature means (60) comprises at least one inflatable cushion (62). 3. Device (5) according to claim 2, wherein the airbag (s) (62) have substantially a triangle shape so that a larger side of the triangle is facing the mat (29). 4. Device ( 5) according to claim 1, wherein the slope curvature means (60) comprises at least one plate (72) movable with respect to the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9), by l 'intermediate means (74) for actuating up and down, between: - an upright state in which the plate or plates (72) stand above 5 of 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) come substantially level with the upper surface (50a, 52a) of the first portion (50, 52). 5. Device (5) according to claim 4, which comprises several said plates (72) articulated with respect to the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure and / or between them. 6. Device (5) according to claim 1 wherein the slope curvature means (60) is formed, parallel to the direction of flow of 15 water, by a succession of vertical shaped slices (64) between which are interposed flat vertical slices (66), the shaped slices (64) comprising, at one end adjacent to the first portion (50), a concavity (68) oriented towards the mat (29). 7. Device (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein the 20 shaped slices (64) comprise at a second end a convexity (70) oriented towards the mat (29). 8. Device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the slope curvature means (60) comprises at least one plate (72) movable relative to the first and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9), by 25 by means of upward and downward actuation means (74), between: - an upright state in which the plate or plates (72) stand 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) come substantially level with the upper surface (50a, 52a) of the first portion (50, 52), each plate (72) being actuated individually with respect to the others 5 and being pivotable relative to the means (74) for raising and lowering to which it is linked. 9. Device (5) according to claims 2 and 4 or 2 and 8, the inflatable cushion (s) (62) of which are capable of covering the junction between the plates (72) or between said at least one movable plate (72) and the First and second portions (50, 52) of the structure (9). 10. Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims which comprises at least one inflatable pocket (78) between the second portion (52) of the structure (9) and the mat (29) to allow the local creation of projections in the mat (29) when the pocket (s) (78) 15 inflatables are inflated. 11. Device (5) according to claims 2 and 10, in which the inflatable cushion (s) (62) and the pocket (s) (78) are inflated and deflated by means of a device ( 80) of remote inflation coupled to a remote control (82). 20 12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises means (58, 580) for lifting and / or holding the second portion (52) in an inclined position.