WO1992021556A1 - Embarcation du type planche a voile pourvue de deux surfaces planes - Google Patents

Embarcation du type planche a voile pourvue de deux surfaces planes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992021556A1
WO1992021556A1 PCT/US1991/003917 US9103917W WO9221556A1 WO 1992021556 A1 WO1992021556 A1 WO 1992021556A1 US 9103917 W US9103917 W US 9103917W WO 9221556 A1 WO9221556 A1 WO 9221556A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
boards
sail
vessel
centerboard
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1991/003917
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven D. Winter
Michael J. Botich
Eric Adickes
Original Assignee
Catsurfer, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Catsurfer, Inc. filed Critical Catsurfer, Inc.
Priority to PCT/US1991/003917 priority Critical patent/WO1992021556A1/fr
Publication of WO1992021556A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992021556A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/50—Boards characterised by their constructional features
    • B63B32/56—Boards convertible into vessels or other types of water sports boards, e.g. into sailboats, canoes or water-cycles

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to sailing vessels, more particularly to wind surfing types of sailing vessels, especially suitable for sailing over large bodies of water.
  • the typical windsurfing-type sailing vessel is a relatively portable sailing device which can be taken to various locations for sailing. Furthermore, vessels such as these allow speedy sailing as well as riding any encountered surf. However, a high degree of balance and agility is required with many windsurfing-type vessels or windsurfers. Also, steering and turning is extremely difficult to the novice.
  • Patent 2,577,917 issued on December 11, 1951 to H. L. Root discloses a vessel having a pair of pontoons that receive the feet of a user to permit the user to walk or float on the surface of water.
  • a sail can be held to propel the pontoons.
  • a frame member can be operatively associated between the pontoons for seating.
  • Patent 4,530,299 issued to A. Ross on July
  • U.S. Patent 4,537,145 issued to ⁇ . R. white on August 27, 1985 discloses an elongated main hull and a shorter elongated float. Each are secured in a parallel relationship with cross beams. A centerboard is not incorporated and a sail is used which is movably affixed to main hull.
  • U.S. Patent 4,715,306 issued to A. w. Horais on December 1987 discloses a catamaran with a steerable centerboard apparatus wherein the centerboard is pivotally mounted.
  • the catamaran is constructed of a pair of parallel hulls that are held in parallel fashion by a deck portion.
  • each of the references above attempt to provide a personal sailing vessel which allows for speed, steerability and stability.
  • the versatility of each of the disclosed references does not allow for the same exact speed and maneuverability of a conventional single board windsurfing device.
  • the twin pontoons or hulls of the disclosed vessels are awkward to maneuver, particularly, when turning. Like most catamaran type vessels, turning is difficult because two parallel hulls are cutting the water simultaneously. The hull on the side opposite the side of the turn tries to continue on a straight course slowing the turn. A great degree of stress between the two hulls is transferred to the interconnecting deck. The fluid dynamics around each hull prevent quick turns. Quick turns are only possible when the craft is keeling hard to one side or the other, lifting one hull out of the water.
  • a windsurfing-type vessel has the stability and the ease of sailing of some of the above-described vessels, yet have the same maneuverability and speed as a conventional single board windsurfing-type device. Also, it is desirable to have such a device having the versatility to be used as a conventional windsurfing device with a minimum amount of disassembly. Portability is also important.
  • the present invention is embodied in an improved wind sailing vessel for sailing over a water surface comprising a first elongated board defining an undersurface substantially planar.
  • a second elongated board defining an undersurface substantially planar is joined to the first elongated board in a spaced side-by-side relationship in an assembled condition.
  • the elongated boards are buoyant in water and are joined together by an upraised platform that arches between both the elongated boards providing a place for a sailor or sailors to stand and an area to store useful articles.
  • An adjustable centerboard is used for providing sailing maneuverability operatively associated with the platform.
  • the centerboard is parallel to the elongated boards and provides substantial steerability, allowing the planar undersurfaces of the elongated boards to skim over the water surface and pivot about the centerboard, and thus easily turn the vessel.
  • a windsurfing-type sail is used for catching gusts of wind to propel the vessel.
  • the sail is pivotally mounted on the platform and can be centrally located thereupon.
  • the platform is dissociable from the elongated boards and each of the elongated boards may be outfitted so as to independently sail in a similar manner as a conventional windsurfing-type vessel or a kayak like craft.
  • the platform utilizes a slot parallel to the elongated boards in an assembled condition.
  • the slot is sized to receive the centerboard, wherein the centerboard is insertable through the slot and retained therein during sailing and the centerboard may also be adjustable in an angular horizontal relationship.
  • the platform may be modularly made so. as to comprise a number of independent sections which can dissociate from each other to collapse the platform for transportation or storage or may be a single structural element.
  • the platform may be fastened to the elongated boards using a fastening devices which is easily releasable so as to allow quick dissociation of the platform from the elongated boards.
  • the platform may be fastened at various points along the width of the elongated boards which may have a curved contact surface. By fastening the platform to different points along the elongated board, a planing or angled configuration may be obtained for greater performance of the sailing vessel.
  • the platform may include a stinger tail which overhangs the rearward portion allowing the sailor to stand on the back during high wind conditions.
  • a number of water tight compartments may be added for storage of useful articles.
  • the sail comprises a grippable boom for holding and orienting the sail.
  • the sail may be of a larger size than most conventional windsurfing vessels since greater stability is attained with the improved design of the vessel.
  • the vessel may include mast stay fastening means to assist the sailor in retaining the sail in a particular erected position during sailing and further a rear damper may be included that elastically controls movement of the boom and acts as a leverage point during downwind sailing.
  • the mast of the sail may be attached to the platform by the use of a recessed "T" shaped track allowing the mast to be located at the optimum position for the prevailing wind conditions.
  • the mast may contain a flotation tip on the top for providing buoyancy to the sail for easing the task of pulling the sail out of the water when the vessel is overturned.
  • the elongated boards may additionally include rear fins that provide directional stabilization, wherein the fins are located on the undersurfaces of the elongated boards at the stern end of each of the elongated boards.
  • planar undersurfaces of the elongated boards are at least one foot (30.5 cm) in width in the preferred embodiment and are curved upwardly along a bow end of the elongated boards.
  • Adjustable legs projecting from an undersurface of the platform may allow association of the platform to the elongated boards, wherein the legs may be adjusted to provide a greater height or inclination between the platform and the elongated boards. This adjustability allows for greater performance of the sailing vessel under varying wind and surf conditions.
  • the vessel may be configured to include a large board for buoyancy and a small board for stabilization in outrigger style. Further, the boards may be in the basic windsurfer style or may alternatively be in the form of a kayak or the like.
  • the sailing vessel of the present invention provides a greatly stabilized windsurfing-type craft allowing increased ease and turning ability, yet requires little balance, coordination and muscular agility. Furthermore, the sailing vessel of the present invention is completely versatile for sailing in an assembled condition or dissociated and used as a conventional windsurfing craft. The vessel is compact and completely portable for purposes of transportation and storage. The sailing vessel is easy to assemble, as well as, disassemble and is easy to manufacture.
  • the sailing vessel described herein allows even the most inexperienced windsurfing novice to thoroughly enjoy all of the advantages that trained and well-practiced windsurfers have enjoyed heretofore.
  • FIGURE 1 is a front top right perspective view of the sailing vessel of the present invention in a fully assembled condition
  • FIGURE 2 is a left side elevational view of the sailing vessel of the present invention with the sail partially shown;
  • FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the sailing vessel of the present invention without the sail and mast stay means, with typical wind surfing fittings on each of the boards shown in phantom lines;
  • FIGURE 4 is a front top right exploded and perspective view of the platform of the sailing vessel of the present invention, including a collapsible centerboard with portions of the platform shown in phantom lines normally not visible, and a partial view of a board is also shown;
  • FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view of the sailing vessel of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is a front cross-sectional view taken midway through the mast stay means of the sailing vessel of the present invention shown in FIGURE 5.
  • FIGURE 7 is a rear top right perspective view of a second embodiment of a mast stay means of the sailing vessel of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a sail boom including a mast stay means as shown in FIGURE 7 of the sailing vessel of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 9 is a front top right perspective view of the invention including alternative embodiments.
  • FIGURE 10 is a front top right exploded view of the platform means separated from the invention for clarity.
  • FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along 11-11 of FIGURE 9 depicting the centerboard in its retracted position with dotted lines indicating is fully extended position.
  • FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIGURE 11 illustrating the centerboard attachment in crossection.
  • FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of FIGURE 11 illustrating the centerboard attachment in crossection.
  • FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIGURE 9 with the board shown offset from the platform for clarity.
  • FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of FIGURE 9 illustrating another connector embodiment with a hook and receptacle.
  • FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of FIGURE 9 illustrating an embodiment employing a floating nut plate for attachment of the board to the platform.
  • FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 17-17 of FIGURE 9 illustrating yet another connector embodiment with a platform leg and fastening screw.
  • FIGURE 18 is a front top right perspective view of the invention is an embodiment utilizing two different sized boards in outrigger style.
  • FIGURE 19 is a cross-section view taken along lines 19-19 of FIGURE 18 illustrating the flotation tip in section.
  • FIGURE 1 depicts the invention embodied in a wind sailing vessel 11 comprising a first board 13 and a second board 15 disengageably held in side-by-side relationship.
  • the first and second boards 13 and 15 are disengageably retained in that relationship by a rigid platform 17 which is arched between the first board 13 and the second board 15.
  • the boards 13 and 15 have planar undersurfaces 37 and 38, respectively.
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a sail 19 having a mast 21, and a boom 23 connected thereto for directing the mast 21 and sail 19.
  • the boom 23 allows the manipulation of the mast 21 and sail 19 and also keeps the sail 19 in an unfurled condition.
  • a mast retaining means 25 holds the mast 21, boom 23 and sail 19 in a desired condition.
  • the mast retaining means 25 includes a cable 26 associated with the platform 17 so as to retain the sail 19 in a desirable position.
  • the mast retaining device 25 can be adjustably actuating by release levers
  • a centerboard 32 which projects downwardly from an undersurface 35 of the platform 17 and is in parallel relationship to the first board 13 and the second board 15, being retained therebetween.
  • the centerboard 32 is perpendicular to the undersurfaces 37 and 38 of the boards 13 and 15, respectively, and serves as a stabilizer.
  • the centerboard 32 has a length and geometric shape so as to extend below a plane define by the first board 13 and the second board 15.
  • the centerboard 32 is normally extended below the surface of the water (not shown) which is to be sailed upon.
  • the centerboard 32 in another embodiment, include a Pivotal blade 34 permitting the angle of the centerboard 32 to be changed relative to the boards and the depth it penetrates the water.
  • the centerboard 32 is designed to fully retract out of the water when desired.
  • FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 18 more particularly provide a full or almost full view of the vessel 11 of the present invention.
  • the first board's planar undersurface 37 has a width of approximately 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet (46 to 73.5 cm). Edges 39 of the undersurface 37 curl upwardly for more improved fluid flow between the first board 13 and the water to be sailed upon.
  • the curvature of the edges 39 is described as having a radius of arc of between 15° and 45° from a plane defined by the undersurface 37 of the f irst board 13 and a plane tangent ial at a midpoint of the board's height to the curve edges 39 of the undersurface 37 of the first board 13.
  • the first board 13 may, of course, be symmetrically curved, however the curvature of the edges 39 near the undersurface 37 is not critical to overall performance.
  • the length of the first board 13 is approximately five to twenty feet (1.5 to 6.5 M) in the preferred embodiment. Therefore, the undersurface 37 of the first board 13 is of a similar, if not an identical, length.
  • the undersurface 37 curves longitudinally upwardly at a bow end 41 of the first board 13.
  • the undersurface 37 at the bow end 41 of the first board 13 curves gradually upwardly at an angle of approximately 15 to 35 from a plane defined by the undersurface 37 of the first board 13.
  • a centerboard or fin 43 is attached and located on the undersurface 37 of the first board 13 at an aft end 45 of the first board 13.
  • the fin 43 provides for greater directional stability when sailing the vessel 11 over the surface of the water.
  • the second board 15 and its undersurface 38 is identical or very similar to the first board 13.
  • both boards 13 and 15 have fittings or receptacles 47 and 49, respectively, for receiving and securing windsurfing sails (not shown) commonly used in the sport of windsurfing.
  • Both boards 13 and 15 also have slots 51 and 53 defined therethrough for purposes of receiving a centerboard (not shown) also typically used in the sport of windsurfing.
  • the platform 17 can be removed form the first board 13 and second board 15 so as to allow the independent sailing of the first board 13 and second board 15.
  • the centerboard 32 of the vessel 11 may be of a type so as to be positionable and securely held within either the slot 51 or slot 53 to allow sailing an individual board.
  • the slots 51 and 53 can serve as a means to secure the platform 17.
  • the platform 17 can be designed to engage the slots 51 and 53, and thereby securely retain the boards 13 and 15 together.
  • the first board 13 is larger than the second board 15 permitting the vessel 11 to operate much like an outrigger.
  • the first or larger board 14 provides the buoyancy to allow the vessel 11 to operate in a conventional manner and the smaller board or second board 16 is sized to provide stabilization of the vessel.
  • the outrigger connects the platform 17 in the same manner however, it may be simpler and obviously smaller in construction hence less costly to manufacture decreasing the overall monetary investment of the vessel 11.
  • the operation is similar to a single board in that the sailor balances his weight on the larger board 14 and the smaller board 16 becomes the stabilizing means to prevent overturning and steadies the vessel 11 particularly when moving slowly or in a static condition.
  • the boards 13 and 15 or 14 and 16 are constructed of a buoyant material, preferably a fiberglass shell with a buoyant foam within as commonly used in the art of surfboard and windsurfing board manufacture.
  • the type of material and construction methods are commonly known in the art of surfboard and windsurfing board manufacture.
  • the boards may be decorated or painted pursuant to the likes of its owner.
  • the boards should have a mean thickness of approximately three to five inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) depending upon certain performance criteria. with a thicker cross section of buoyant material within the boards 13 and 15, persons of heavier weight or more than one person can sail the vessel 11 without submerging the boards 13 and 15, which can make getting started difficult.
  • the platform 17 as shown in FIGURES 1, 3, 4 and 10 has a rear section 55 and a front section 57.
  • the front section 57 and the rear section 55 can dissociate in an unassembled condition for ease of transportation and storage or in the case of a racing vessel, single unitary construction may be employed.
  • the front section 57 and the rear section 55 in the dissociate embodiment may be easily reassembled and installed upon the first board 13 and the second board 15 for purposes of sailing the vessel 11.
  • the front section 57 of the platform 17 has lower legs 59 and 61 partially shown in phantom lines and descending from the undersurface 35 of the platform 17.
  • the rear section 55 has aligning descending legs 63 and 65.
  • the legs 59, 61, 63 and 65 extend a vertical length so as to engage the first board 13 and second board 15, respectively.
  • the length of the legs 59, 61, 63 and 65 is uniform.
  • the longitudinal length of the legs 59, 61, 63, and 65 may fully extend along the length of the front section 57 and the rear section 55, respectively; however, in the preferred embodiment the legs extend only a quarter of the longitudinal length of the front section 57 and the rear section 55, respectively.
  • the width of the legs 59, 61, 63 and 65 are sufficient so as to support the platform 17 in an assembled condition while engaging the first board 13 and the second board 15, respectively. This unique arrangement provides for a two-point balanced engagement between each of the two boards 13 and 15, respectively, and the platform 17.
  • Projecting semi-circular extending tabs 67 may extend from a front forward lateral surface 69 of the legs 63 and 65 of the rear section 55 of the platform
  • extending tabs 67 are shown. These extending tabs 67 are insertable within semi-circular slots 71 of the extending legs 59 and 61 of the front section 57 of the platform 17.
  • the slots 71 may have an interior area so as to complement and engage the extending tabs 67 of the legs 63 and 65.
  • the extending tabs 67 have vertically positioned bores 73 centered therethrough.
  • similar complementary bores 75 are vertically located through a rear edge 77 of the front section 57 of the platform 17 and pass through the semi-circular slots 71. Therefore, when the front section 57 and the rear section 55 are pushed into a assembled position, the bores 73 and 75 can be aligned vertically to allow pins or fastenings screw 79 to be pushed through said bores 73 and 75, respectively.
  • the fastening screws 79 may have threaded ends 81 which may engage the corresponding threaded taps 83 positioned within the first board 13 and second board 15, respectively.
  • the threaded taps 83 provide receiving points for threaded ends 81 of the fastening screws 79 to securely retain both the front section 57 and the rear section 55 of the platform 17 to the first board 13 and the second board 15, respectively.
  • the threaded taps 83 are sufficiently secured within the interior of the first board 13 and second board 15, respectively so as not to pull free under the expected stresses and strains of sailing the vessel 11 in rough water with high waves or in high wind conditions.
  • more than one fastening screw 79 can be used along the length of each of the legs 59, 61, 63 and 65 of the platform 17 provided additional complementing bores (not shown) and threaded taps (not shown) are provided through the platform 17 and in the boards 13 and 15, respectively.
  • additional complementing bores not shown
  • threaded taps not shown
  • only two fastening screws 79 are utilized to retain the platform 17 to the first board 13 and the second board 15, respectively.
  • a number of different threaded taps 83 variably positioned along the width of the boards 13 and 15 allow adjustability to provide varied sailing performance by varying the angle of the board 13 and 15 with respect to the platform 17.
  • the fastening screws79 may have star-shaped heads 85 to allow easier rotation of the fastening screws 79.
  • recessed portions 87 of the front section 57 and rear section 55 of the platform 17 can accommodate the star-shaped heads 85 to recess below a top surface 89 of the platform 17 when in a fully assembled condition. This prevents the star-shaped heads 85 of the fastening screws 79 from creating a safety problem.
  • the star-shaped heads 85 may be covered with a plastic material so as not to present any sharp edges which could inflict injury when scrambling upon the top surface 89 of the platform 17 barefooted.
  • FIGURES 14 through 17 depict other embodiments of the method to attach the platform 17 to the boards 13 and 15.
  • a pair of removable horizontal pins 90 installed to the platform 17 within a recess 32 slidably mate with horizontal sockets 94 in the boards 13 and 15.
  • FIGURE 14 and 15 depict this arrangement.
  • the pin 90 may be attached with a threaded fastener into a insert 96 affixed within the platform 17 as shown in FIGURE 14 or may be bolted together as depicted in FIGURE 15.
  • the socket 94 is likewise connected with similar attaching means, in assembly of the components, the platform 17 is positioned on top of the boards 13 and 15 and slid in a horizontal direction until the elements mate.
  • FIGURE 16 illustrates a method attaching the platform 17 which allows the boards 13 and 15 to be installed at an angle permitting the board to camber.
  • a radial floating nut plate 98 is employed installed directly on the board 13 or 15 with convex platform leg 100 integral with the platform 17.
  • a fastening screw 79 is employed to make a compressible union.
  • FIGURE 17 shows another method which uses an integral tapered platform leg 102 with a fastening screw 79 as previously described.
  • FIGURE 4 illustrates the centerboard 32 which is pivotedly mounted within a sheath 91 and a pivot pin94 retains the centerboard 32 within the sheath 91 and is retained thereby.
  • An upper portion 92 of the centerboard 32 has an extending armature 95 which can be manually pushed downward or lifted upward so as to retract or lower the centerboard 32, respectively.
  • a knobbed end 97 of the armature 95 is engagable with the front section 57 of the platform 17 to securely retain the centerboard 32 in a descended position.
  • the sheath 91 including the centerboard 32 may be screwedly fastened to a centrally located undersurface 101 of the front section 57 of the platform 17.
  • Brackets, bolts or an industrial adhesive may be used to secure the sheath 91, including the centerboard 32 to the front section 57 of the platform 17.
  • a slot 103 Directly above the centrally located undersurface 101 is a slot 103 through the front section 57 of the platform 17 allowing the armature 95 of the centerboard 32 to extend up through the front section 57 of the platform 17.
  • the slot 103 has a shape and enlarged size so as to complement the armature 95, especially the knob end 97 of the armature 95. when in an installed condition, the sailor or operator of the vessel 11 can depressed the armature 95 into the complementary slot 103 providing frictional engagement therebetween and holding the centerboard 32 within the sheath 91 in a downward position.
  • Edges 105 of the slot 103 can be recessed or chambered to allow the sailor to firmly grasp the armature 85 and exert sufficient upward force to disengage the armature 95 from the edges 105 of the slot 103 of the front section 57 of the platform 17. This upward force allows the centerboard 32 to pivot about the pivot pin 94 and retract the centerboard 32 which is necessary in shallow water or for transportation and storage.
  • FIGURES 11 through 13 depict another embodiment of the centerboard means that employs a pivotal "C" shaped kickwheel 104 attached to a separate replaceable blade 106.
  • the slot 103 instead of being rectangular completely through the platform 17 has a concave and bulbous shape 108 as shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 and a structural bridge 109 spans the slot from side to side.
  • This bridge 109 has a radial upper surface and a flat lower surface with the upper surface shaped so as to receive the inside surface of the "C" shaped kickwheel 104.
  • the kickwheel 104 is mated with the bridge 109, the upper surface is exposed above the platform allowing the sailor to adjust the centerboard 32 by pushing forward or aft with his foot on the upper surface.
  • a series of serrations may be added on the top surface in the form of grooves 110.
  • the kickwheel 104 is further held in place with an integrally formed axle 104 that nests into recesses in the slot 103, best illustrated in the cross section of FIGURE 12 and 13.
  • a recessed region 111 Centrally located on a top surface 107 of the front section 57 is a recessed region 111 for associated hardware (not shown) for engaging a bottom end 113 of the mast 21 of the sail 19.
  • the recess 111 and associated hardware, as well as the design of the bottom end 113 of the mast 21 are of a conventional type normally used with windsurfing-type devices well known in the art. Normally, such devices include a ball-and-socket configuration so as to allow the mast 11 to rotate in a number of different planes for providing steering capability and maximizing the force of wind to propel the vessel 11 depending upon wind direction.
  • FIGURE 9 and 18 Another embodiment of the recessed region 111 is illustrated in FIGURE 9 and 18 and consists of a "T" shaped mast tract 114 integral with the platform 17.
  • the recess region and associated hardware are also as described above except the region is formed in a "T" shape permitting the mast 21 to be slid and relocated toward the mast buoyant board particularly when two sized boards 14 and 16 are used in the outrigger style, as previously described. Even when the boards are equal in size, the adjustment allows an optimum mast center and as the recess is slotted, the mast is allowed to move both laterally and longitudinally, fore and apt, again permitting the ideal position of the mast 21 relative to the wind loading.
  • a foot release 115 shown in FIGURES 9 and 18 allows the mast to be released and slid to the prime position while under sail by a simple manipulation of the sailor's foot.
  • a flotation tip 116 is added to the uppermost tip of the mast 21 as illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 18.
  • This tip 116 is constructed of non-water absorbing buoyant material and has a hole 118 in the body thereof allowing the tip 116 to slip over the mast 21 and be retained by a mast sail cap 120.
  • a recessed slot 122 is provided to accommodate the sail 19 as shown pictorially in the cross section of FIGURE 19.
  • strips 117 of Neoprene or like material may be used on the top surface 89 of the platform 17 to increase the coefficient of friction between the sailor's feet and the platform 17 to prevent slipping when operating the vessel 11.
  • the platform 17 arches between the first board 13 and the second board 15 and may be made of a fiberglass material having an internal flotational core.
  • the material may be of the same type as commonly used in the art of surfboards and windsurfing, which is sufficiently durable to prevent cracking and yet, completely flotational.
  • the platform 17 may be fastened to various points along each of the boards 13 and 15, respectively, in FIGURE 4, a single screw tap 83 is shown. Any number of screw taps 83 can be incorporated to allow adjustability in locating the Platform 17 between the first board 13 and second board 15. This adjustability allows the possibility of a slight inclination of the first board 13 and the second board 15 with respect to the surface of the water when sailing and provides a hydroplaning contact with the surface of the water.
  • a cut-out portion 119 along sides 121 of the Platform 17 allow the free flow of water on either side of the sides 121 during sailing. This prevents the possibility of water build-up between the platform 17 and the boards 13 and 15, respectively. Also, it should be noted that the platform 17 sufficiently arches above the first board 13 and second board 15 so as to provide a distance of at least six inches (15 cm) above the boards 15 and 17. This configuration reduces the possibility of the platform 17 hitting .waves over the course of sailing the vessel 11 in rough water.
  • FIGURES 9, 10 and 18 Another embodiment of the rigid platform means 17 is illustrated in FIGURES 9, 10 and 18 and consists of a one piece or two piece platform 17 curved and raised as previously described having a number of storage bins 123 disposed on opposed sides of the platform 17. Any number of bins 123 may be used with equal disadvantageity however, four are preferred as depicted in FIGURE 10. Each bin 123 is either removable as shown in FIGURE 10 or may be formed integrally with the platform top surface 89. in either configuration, a peripheral recessed lip 124 is formed into the platform around a bin opening 126 to receive a watert ight cover 127.
  • the cover 127 has the same contour as the platform 17 and the same strips of neoprene 117 may be applied to the cover 127 for gripping the sailor's feet.
  • the cover 127 may be hinged or removed completely with hardware well known in the art. Further, a gasket may be provided between the cover and the bin 123 or lip 124 again in a manner well known by those skilled in the art.
  • the covers may optionally contain foot retaining straps 128 as illustrated in FIGURES 9, 10 and 18 permitting an appropriate method of allowing the sailor to secure himself or herself to the platform 17.
  • the bins 123 provide a convenient storage area for various articles used by the sailor such as equipment for camping, snorkeling, fishing, photography, rock climbing etc., also an anchor, food, outboard motor, first aid kit, tools, music or communication gear and the like.
  • the platform 17 may alternately contain a front stinger 130 as shown in FIGURES 10 and 19 and a stinger tail 132 illustrated in FIGURES 9, 10 and 19 both integral with the platform 17.
  • These stingers 130 and 132 are formed into the base section of the platform 17 and protrude outwardly in a overhanging manner from the bow and stern end of the vessel 11 also planar with the boards 13 and 15 except positioned above.
  • the platform 17 may contain either or both of these stingers 130 and 132 as optionally desired.
  • FIGURE 9 shows only the stinger tail 132 and FIGURES 10 and 18 both.
  • the stinger tail 132 further contains a number, preferably two pairs, of foot retaining straps
  • the platform 17 includes cable holes 123 through the front section 57 of the platform 17. Also, a groove 125 on the undersurface 101 of the front section of the platform connects the cable holes 123.
  • the cable 26 of the mast retaining means 25 passes through the holes 123 and is held within the groove 125 when in an assembled condition.
  • the mast retaining means 25 is movably attached to the boom 23 or the mast 21 and releasably secures the cable 26.
  • the cable 26 is endless and is releasably held by the mast retaining means 25 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 6.
  • a second mast retaining means 129 as shown in FIGURE 7 can be incorporated to retain the mast in a desirable condition by retaining the second mast retaining means
  • the mast retaining means 25 has a series of rope guide 131, jam cleats 133 and a sheave 135 retained within a housing 137 which is fastened to the mast 21 approximately three to five feet (1.3 to 2.1 M) above the bottom end 113 of the mast 21.
  • a ball-and-socket linkage (not shown) allows the housing 137 to rock sideways, as well as forward and backward.
  • the cables 31 engage the jam cleats 133 so as to either engage or disengage the cable 26. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 8, the cables 31 may be actuated by the release levers 29 which are retained or fastened to the boom 23.
  • a second mast stay means 129 incorporates a circular wheel 145 which has a retaining circumference or groove 147 which engages the cable 26.
  • the second mast stay means 129 is clampedly mounted to the mast 11 using a bracket 149.
  • the wheel 145 frictionally engages the cable 26 only allowing the mast 11 to move with respect to the cable 26 when the wheel 145 is able to rotate.
  • the wheel 145 is only allowed to rotate when engagable pins (not shown) retract from at least one of a plurality of recesses 151 in an aft surface 153 of the wheel 145.
  • the engaging pin or pins are actuating by the cables 31 which are actuated by release levers 29 fastened to the boom 23.
  • the cables 31 may alternatively be positioned through a hollow core 157 of the boom 23.
  • hand grips 159 of a foam material may be positioned adjacent to the release levers 29 for a more secure grip.
  • release levers 29 and cables 31 may be positioned on both sides of the boom 23.
  • an extended boom 161 may be used so as to allow the sailor to extend out away from the sail 19 yet retain control thereof.
  • the extended boom 161 also includes a cable 163 associated with one of the release levers 29 so as to actuate the second mast retaining means 129 and move the sail 19 from a fixed position, AS shown in FIGURE 8, additional hand grips 164 can be utilized to engage the extended boom 161.
  • the second mast retaining means 129 is clampedly held in conjunction with the mast 21 of the sail 19. Because of the unique mast retaining means 26 shown in FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 6, and the second mast retaining means as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, a much larger sail 19 may be used because the sailor is offered some assistance in retaining the sail 19 in a fixed position. Therefore, the larger sail 19 may allow greater speed of the vessel 11. As shown in FIGURE 1, sail struts 171 may be used to extend the sail outward so as to catch a greater amount of wind and propel the craft even faster.
  • the mast retaining means 25, the second mast retaining means 129, the cables 31, the cable 26 and the release levers 29 are made of a material which is lightweight and will not corrode with exposure to salt water.
  • a rear rigging damper depicted in FIGURES 9 and 18 may be added to the vessel 11 consisting of a primary pulley 173 that is attached on the stern end of each board 13 and 15 with a universal joint 175.
  • a securing line 177 is affixed to the aft end of the boom 23 on one end and to an intermediate pulley 179 on the other.
  • a connecting line 181 with a ball type stop 183 joined to an elastic cord 185 on each end is looped into the intermediate pulley 179 and threaded through each primary pulley 173 with the ends secured to the platform 17.
  • This arrangement allows the connecting line 181 to move freely back and forth around the primary pulley 173 permitting caching of the sail 19. when sailing down wind the stops 183 are contiguously restrained by the primary pulleys 173 limiting the movement of the connecting line 181 permitting the cords 185 to be stretched within their elastic limits allowing the boom 23 to be manually pulled back and forth using the securing line 177 as a pivot point.
  • the rear rigging damper provides further control of the vessel and makes sailing easier and considerably less strenuous as the pivot point acts as a fulcrum while not being so rigid as to restrict the normal movement of the sail 19 when controlled by the boom 23.
  • the present invention provides an improved sailing vessel which is completely portable, and versatile in that an inexperienced sailor may attain extreme maneuverability and speed not known to comparable craft in the art.
  • the sailing vessel of the present invention provides a greatly stabilized "windsurfing-type" craft having a greater ease of operation and turning ability, yet requires little balance, coordination and muscular agility.
  • the sailing vessel of the present invention is completely versatile, allowing sailing in an assembled condition or dissociated and used as a conventional windsurfing craft.
  • the vessel is compact and completely portable for purposes of transportation and storage.
  • the sailing vessel is easy to assemble as well as disassemble and easy to manufacture, it should be noted that the unique configuration of the undersurfaces 38 and 41 of the boards 13 and 15, respectively in conjunction with the descending centerboard 32 provide a great deal of turning capability in a relatively short distance.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Embarcation du type planche à voile (11) comprenant une première et une deuxième planche(s) allongée(s), flottante(s) respectivement (13) et (15), chacune comportant une surface inférieure plane (37, 38). Une plate-forme arquée (17) relie les planches (13, 15) de manière libérable, en les maintenant espacées et parallèles, et une dérive à angle réglable (32) est située au centre sur la plate-forme (17) entre les planches (13, 15) pour accroître la man÷uvrabilité. La plate-forme (17) peut être libérée des planches (13, 15), permettant à chacune d'être utilisée séparément comme une planche à voile classique. Des pieds réglables (59, 61, 63 et 65) sur la plate-forme (17) permettent différents degrés d'inclinaison des surfaces planes (37, 38) par rapport à la surface de l'eau afin de varier les degrés de commande. Pour faire avancer l'embarcation (11) une voile de planche à voile (19) est montée pivotante sur la plate-forme. Un dispositif de retenue du mât (25) comprenant une voie en ''T'' (114) peut être utilisé pour maintenir la voile (19) en position déployée lorsque le vent souffle. Un amortisseur arrière fixe une bôme (23) à l'embarcation et assure une résistance élastique et un point de pivot utilisé pour le positionnement.
PCT/US1991/003917 1991-06-04 1991-06-04 Embarcation du type planche a voile pourvue de deux surfaces planes WO1992021556A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1991/003917 WO1992021556A1 (fr) 1991-06-04 1991-06-04 Embarcation du type planche a voile pourvue de deux surfaces planes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1991/003917 WO1992021556A1 (fr) 1991-06-04 1991-06-04 Embarcation du type planche a voile pourvue de deux surfaces planes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992021556A1 true WO1992021556A1 (fr) 1992-12-10

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6302042B1 (en) 1999-01-22 2001-10-16 Harris Kayot, Inc. Deck support bracket for pontoon craft
FR2898862A1 (fr) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-28 Francois Naslin Engin nautiquehybride planche a voile / deriveur de sport pourvu d'un mat haubane inclinable simultanement dans le plan transversal et le plan longitudinal.
EP2042424A1 (fr) 2007-09-27 2009-04-01 François Naslin Engin nautique hybride planche à voile/dériveur de sport pourvu d'un mât haubané inclinable simultanément dans le plan transversal et le plan longitudinal

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3016859A (en) * 1960-12-06 1962-01-16 Robert Mark Johnson Sail boat safety device
FR2510509A1 (fr) * 1981-07-30 1983-02-04 Tauszig Dominique Engin de navigation
US4401047A (en) * 1981-01-19 1983-08-30 Auras Alain G Wind-propelled craft
DE3230795A1 (de) * 1982-08-19 1984-02-23 Robert Thoma GmbH Rotho Kunststoffwerke, 7800 Freiburg Segelsurfbrett
DE3341996A1 (de) * 1983-11-22 1985-05-30 Dieter 5090 Leverkusen Schaake Verbindungsdeck od. dgl. insbesondere fuer die verbindung von zwei gleichen und parallel angeordneten sogenannten surf-boards als wassersportgeraet

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3016859A (en) * 1960-12-06 1962-01-16 Robert Mark Johnson Sail boat safety device
US4401047A (en) * 1981-01-19 1983-08-30 Auras Alain G Wind-propelled craft
FR2510509A1 (fr) * 1981-07-30 1983-02-04 Tauszig Dominique Engin de navigation
DE3230795A1 (de) * 1982-08-19 1984-02-23 Robert Thoma GmbH Rotho Kunststoffwerke, 7800 Freiburg Segelsurfbrett
DE3341996A1 (de) * 1983-11-22 1985-05-30 Dieter 5090 Leverkusen Schaake Verbindungsdeck od. dgl. insbesondere fuer die verbindung von zwei gleichen und parallel angeordneten sogenannten surf-boards als wassersportgeraet

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6302042B1 (en) 1999-01-22 2001-10-16 Harris Kayot, Inc. Deck support bracket for pontoon craft
FR2898862A1 (fr) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-28 Francois Naslin Engin nautiquehybride planche a voile / deriveur de sport pourvu d'un mat haubane inclinable simultanement dans le plan transversal et le plan longitudinal.
EP2042424A1 (fr) 2007-09-27 2009-04-01 François Naslin Engin nautique hybride planche à voile/dériveur de sport pourvu d'un mât haubané inclinable simultanément dans le plan transversal et le plan longitudinal

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