GB2392112A - Moveable crew for radio controlled model sailing boats - Google Patents

Abstract

A radio controlled model sailing boat has a crew comprising moveable crew figures. The mechanism to move the crew comprises a carriage capable of rotation, and a slotted arm. The rest of the figure is rotatably attached to the carriage which is carried on a support frame which allows the carriage to move from side to side of the deck. The carriage and figure are attached to the slotted arm, which is attached to the deck by a pivot. The figure may be attached to a cord which may be used to move the sails on the boat, or may be use to right a capsized vessel.

Description

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MOVEABLE CREW FOR RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL SAILING BOATS

This invention relates to model sailing yachts,dinghies and nultihulls.

Traditionally model sailing craft have ballast attached to a keel to provide stability.

It is the object of the present invention to produce a more realistic model employing a moveable crew figure which replicates as far as possible the movements carried out whilst sailing a full size craft.In addition the figure is used to right the boat following a capsize.

Figs.1-4 show the basic layout of the mechanism. A drum winch is connected to the slotted control arm via pulley blocks mounted either side of the deck. The crew figure is attached to the rear of the arm and carries a certain amount of balance weight. The winch has fully proportional radio control movement and can be rotated and stopped in any position. When first moved from its central position the control arm mainly rotates on its pivot allowing the operator to position the figure between the confines of the edge of the deck. Fig. 2.

Additional rotation of the winch imparts a more lateral movement finally positioning the figure almost at right angles to the centreline of the boat with its feet on the edge of the deck. Fig. 3.

The range of movement of the figure may be extended by mounting the pulley blocks on an outboard rack,the control arm supported on a carriage. Fig. 5.

By employing the range of the figure to counteract the effect of the wind on the sails very realistic sailing may be achieved,no keel ballast being required.

The figure when immersed in the water provides a righting moment by virtue of its bouyancy and can right the boat from a total 180 deg. capsize.

MOVEABLE CREW FOR RADIO CONTROL MODEL SAILING BOATS.

This invention relates to model sailing yachts,dinghies and multibulls.

Fig.1 shows the cord for controlling the sail position passing from the winch mounted inside the hull,through the deck at the pivot for the control arm/crewman assembly.The: pivot is a hollow tube.This arrangement provides zero interference between the crew control mechanism and the sail positioning cord.: Fig.2 shows the pivot and retention system for the crewman i The crewman figure when immersed in the water provides a righting moment in the event of a capsize,by virtue of its bouyancy.This action is enhanced by allowing the figure to pivot upwards thus increasing the righting moment when the boat is lying on its side.

The maximum movement is limited by an arrangement of washers and spacer tubes as shown,the base of the figures feet coming up against a stop washer mounted at the top of the carriage pivot assembly.

MOVEABLE CREW FOR RADIO CONI ROL MODEL SAILING BOAT

This invention relates to model sailing yachts,dinghies and multibulls. FIGI shows in elevation a part section through the crew fgure.It has a channel formed in the underside of its body which houses a pair of tubes, the outer fixed at its forward end to the figure pivot bracket and the inner attached to the deck via a spherical bearing.

The figure is able to rotate horizontally about the carriage and also pivot vertcally,its range of movement being limited by a stop fitted in the channel.

The carriage is supported by two tubes running across the deck at right angles to its centreline.They extend beyond the edges of the deck to form part of a rack assembly,as would be seen on a full size racing dinghy.

The carriage is moved from one side to the other by a drum winch connected to it by cord running through pulley blocks fitted at the outer ends of the support tubes.As the carriage moves from its central position the figures motion is at first mainly rotational,the further the carriage travels the more linear the motion becomes.During this movement the inner tube slides out of the outer.

Thus employing this mechanism the crew figure may be positioned about the boat to provide the required balance to sail all points of sailing without the need for any keel weight.

The figure can also pivot vertically.This enhances the righting moment generated by the figures bouyancy,used to right the boat following a capsize.This feature is not required on certain boats with steeply angled rack cross tubes.On these boats the outer control tube is fixed inside the crew figures body.

Claims (5)

1 A mechanism comprising a pivot point attached to the surface of the deck, a slotted arm positioned over the pivot fitted at one end with a carriage capable of rotation and attached to the crewmans feet area, a supporting frame capable of carrying the carriage from one side of the boat to the other and to points outboard of both edges of the deck.

2 A mechanism as claimed in claim I wherein the control line for the sails is passed through the centre of the pivot point from under the deck to the surface.

3 A mechanism as claimed in claim I wherein where space does not permit, the slotted arm is replaced by a system of telescopic members fixed to the pivot at one end, fitted inside the body of the crewman or in a slot in the underside of the crewmans body.

4 A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein on supporting frames with low angles to deck surface a pivot system with limited travel, fitted at the crewmans feet area is employed to enhance righting moment.

5 A mechanism as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the carriage is traversed from one side of the frame to the other by a remotely controlled servo winch.