Inflatable craft, in particular of the canoe type, and method for manufacturing said craft

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention lies in the technical field of shipbuilding and more particularly in the manufacture of inflatable boats and vessels.

[0002] The process can be used for the production of boats that can be used for various applications, for example in the military, civil security, fishing, recreational boating and sporting fields. State of the art

[0003] Numerous examples of inflatable boats are known to date. The manufacturing technique essentially consists of cutting and assembling pieces of fabric, notably by gluing or ultrasonic welding, to create the floats, which ensure the boat's buoyancy.

[0004] These floats are then connected by a hull, which can be inflatable or rigid. This manufacturing technique allows for the construction of robust boats, however, it has several drawbacks.

[0005] On the one hand, the fabric used for making the floats or buoys must meet many characteristics because the layer of fabric must have both waterproofing properties and mechanical and chemical resistance.

[0006] Mechanically, the fabric layer must withstand impacts during navigation, as well as abrasion, punctures, and cuts. Chemically, the fabric layer must withstand the specific conditions of marine use, including resistance to seawater, hydrocarbons, and ultraviolet radiation.

[0007] In practice, this is achieved by using a fabric layer that includes at least one thick elastomer layer, over 400 microns thick, the surface of which is treated or coated with another protective layer, such as a coating. The entire assembly is relatively heavy and, even when deflated, occupies a significant volume. For example, a standard inflatable boat, approximately 4.5 to 5 meters long, weighs between 120 kg and 140 kg.

[0008] On the other hand, this type of boat requires specific expertise and tools for repairs in case of damage to an inflatable part, particularly if a float is torn. In the event of significant damage, it may be necessary to completely replace the inflatable section, which means the boat will be out of service during the repairs.

[0009] Furthermore, this type of manufacturing allows for limited variety of shapes, particularly given the complexity of assembling the layers together to obtain angles or profile variations.

[0010] Finally, the structure of these boats also features floats placed very high relative to the bottom of the boat, making transshipment operations difficult.

[0011] Examples of inflatable boats are described in the following patent applications and patents: FR 2 243 861 A1; US ​​5 601 461 A; US 4 660 497 A; FR 2 462 333 A1; US ​​2015 / 059635 A1; FR 2 464 178 A1; US ​​2016 / 200406 A1; EP 0 060 409 B1; DE 29 41 175 A1. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to eliminate these aforementioned disadvantages and to propose an inflatable boat whose inflatable part is relatively light, easy to replace and allowing the production of boats that are mechanically resistant, particularly to tearing, and can have various profiles.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention is defined by the following claims, in particular the main claim.

[0014] According to the invention, the inflatable boat comprises at least one float, which includes at least one inflatable part providing buoyancy and a textile cover. This textile cover is configured to receive the at least one inflatable part and to provide the shape and mechanical strength of the float. In one embodiment, only one inflatable part is housed within the textile cover. However, variations are possible with two or even more inflatable parts housed within the textile cover, depending on the overall shape of the float. Those skilled in the art will understand that the textile cover is a flexible sleeve that can be deformed to reduce its size when packed but is not extensible, or possibly slightly extensible in one or more areas, with one or more inflatable parts inserted into this flexible sleeve.During inflation, the inflatable part(s) increase in volume and press against the inner wall of the non-stretchable sleeve, giving the float its shape.

[0015] Depending on the design of the vessel, it is classified as a canoe. Other types of vessels are possible, however, such as decked boats with or without a mast that can be propelled by oars, motor, or sail, or even inflatable buoys with or without a bottom, or floating inflatable mattresses.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the float is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms, the textile envelope receiving the inflatable portion and connecting the two longitudinal arms via a central linkage. Other float shapes are possible according to the invention, for example, a torus shape having a central opening closed by a base whose periphery is connected to said torus.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the textile envelope is made from a straight, three-dimensional (3D) warp and weft knit. Other types of knitting could be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the textile envelope includes at least one area of ​​expansion to allow for a local increase in the diameter of the inflatable section, thereby creating a float profile with a larger cross-section. However, a textile envelope with a uniform cross-section along its entire length can also be considered.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the bow of the boat includes an enhanced zone for improved seakeeping at the bow. The textile envelope has a mesh size increased by 2% to 20% in this enhanced zone. In other words, the mesh size at the bow of the boat is increased by 2% to 20% compared to the mesh size outside the bow.

[0020] Depending on the inflatable boat, the textile envelope includes at least one area of ​​section reduction with a reduction in the number of meshes per row of between 1% and 20% allowing a float profile of lower section.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the fabric envelope includes at least one flexible zone, at at least one front and / or rear end of the boat, where the fabric is made from a low-tenacity elastic yarn to limit overpressure due to thermal expansion. This eliminates the need for pressure relief screws on the inflatable section. Preferably, the low-tenacity elastic yarn has an elasticity allowing for elongation between 5% and 15%.

[0022] According to the inflatable boat, the central connection zone includes means for receiving a floor. In one embodiment, a floor apron is mounted on a pivot, the float having means for locking the apron in a substantially vertical position to ensure the reception of a support and tilting system for a drive part of an engine.

[0023] Depending on the inflatable craft, the textile envelope includes means for inserting and removing the inflatable section. This facilitates placing the inflatable section inside the textile envelope and, conversely, removing it, for example, when it needs to be replaced. In one embodiment, the insertion and removal means include at least two openings, each with a cover and a pull cord to allow the inflatable section to be drawn through the textile envelope.

[0024] According to one design of the inflatable boat, it includes at least one skeg mounted removablely on the float. Removing the skeg will facilitate storage of the boat when deflated, in the form of a bag.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the craft, the float is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms and a central connecting zone linking the two longitudinal arms. Furthermore, this central connecting zone is raised relative to one lower side of the float and has means on its underside for receiving a propulsion unit. This allows a propulsion unit to be attached beneath the float while keeping it out of the water.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the inflatable boat, the float is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms and includes a lower side. Furthermore, at least one reinforcing rib is arranged on the textile cover in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal arms, on said lower side and on each of said two longitudinal arms. Such longitudinal ribs on the lower side of each longitudinal arm of the float allow the boat to be dragged over irregular, hard, and / or rough surfaces, reducing direct contact with said textile cover, thereby limiting its degradation. According to a preferred embodiment of this design, the textile cover is produced by knitting, said at least one rib on each of said longitudinal arms being directly knitted into said textile cover.Thus, the ribs are formed directly onto the textile cover during the knitting process, with the textile cover and ribs forming a single piece. This avoids the need to attach ribs to the textile cover using glue, welds, or stitching, and therefore offers greater tear resistance.

[0027] The inflatable boat may implement various embodiment variants including all or part of the characteristics described above, while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an inflatable boat, said method essentially comprising a step of manufacturing a seamless textile envelope by integral knitting with picked stitches, a step of manufacturing an inflatable part in the form of a cylinder closed at the ends, and a step of inserting the inflatable part into l'enveloppe textiles. Obviously, the inflation of l'embarcation An inflatable section can be inflated after the boat's manufacture, during its use, by inflating the inflatable part within the textile section. This will allow the inflatable and the textile envelope to deploy until the latter is under tension. An initial inflation during manufacturing can also be performed to check the boat's conformity. Benefits provided

[0029] A first objective of the present invention is to solve all or part of the technical problems related to the aforementioned prior art.

[0030] Another objective of the present invention is to propose an inflatable boat whose profile exhibits complex variations in cross-section by using an inflatable part with a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

[0031] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable boat whose inflatable part can be easily replaced and / or repaired.

[0032] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable boat with a low weight and storage volume, on the order of 40 kg and 50 liters (or dm3) for a boat that can reach up to 5m in length.

[0033] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable boat in which the inflatable part is protected from the external environment and in particular from the risks of perforation or ultraviolet radiation.

[0034] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an inflatable boat in which the float is more resistant to stress when said boat is dragged over an irregular, hard and / or rough surface, for example when landing on a rocky or stony surface at the seaside.

[0035] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a method for manufacturing a boat that avoids the need to cut and glue the different layers of fabric to produce the inflatable part.

[0036] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a method for manufacturing a boat that reduces labor and whose textile envelope can be made without sewing on a 3D loom with picked stitches. Brief description of the figures

[0037] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below with reference to the accompanying figures illustrating a plurality of embodiments, which are not exhaustive and on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a side view of an example of an embodiment of an inflatable boat according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a top view of the inflatable boat shown in the figure 1 , [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a view from below of the inflatable boat shown in figures 1 et 2 , [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents a detail of the construction of the inflatable boat's floor, [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a detail of representation noted A on the figure 2 , according to a first configuration, [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents a detail of representation noted A on the figure 2 , according to a second configuration, [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 represents a detail of representation noted A on the figure 2 , according to a third configuration, [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents in zoomed view a detail of representation marked B on the figure 2 , according to a first configuration, [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 represents in zoomed view a detail of representation marked B on the figure 2 , according to a second configuration, [ Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 represents in zoomed view a detail of representation marked B on the figure 2 , according to a third configuration, [ Fig.11 ] There figure 11 illustrates the presence of longitudinal ribs implemented on the textile envelope, under the longitudinal arms of the boat's float, [ Fig. 12 ] There figure 12 schematically represents a cross-section of the lower part of a longitudinal arm of the boat's float. Detailed description

[0038] The present invention aims to protect an inflatable boat 1, particularly a canoe. Referring to the figure 1 We see an example of the realization of this canoe. However, vessel 1 is not limited to a canoe, namely a small boat without a deck, and it will indeed also be possible to make boats, conforming to the invention, decked with or without a mast and capable of being propelled by oars, by motor or even by sail.

[0039] According to one inventive aspect of the invention, the craft 1 comprises at least one float 2, said float 2 having an inflatable part 3 providing buoyancy and a textile cover 4. The textile cover 4 has a geometry enabling it to receive the inflatable part 3; this textile cover 4 provides the shape and mechanical resistance of said float 2. On the figures 1 à 3 , the inflatable part 3 is shown in dotted lines and is slightly detached from the inner wall of the textile envelope 4, solely for the purpose of visualizing this inflatable part 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that in reality the inflatable part 3 is pressed against the inner wall of the textile envelope 4 once inflated.

[0040] In the example of the embodiment of the attached figures, the float 2 is substantially in the shape of a V or a U with two longitudinal arms 5, the said textile envelope 4 ensuring the reception of the inflatable part 3 and the connection between the two longitudinal arms 5 by means of a central connection zone 6. One could consider variants of closed floats, having for example an O shape or an oval shape, for example a life raft, a canoe or a kayak.

[0041] According to the implementation of figures 1 à 10 , only one inflatable part 3 is provided and also has the shape of a V or U, forming two longitudinal branches 31, 32, so as to fit into the textile envelope 4. However, a variant could be provided with two inflatable parts fitting into the textile envelope 4, respectively in the two symmetrical parts of the V or U shape of the float 2.

[0042] In other types of configuration the textile envelope 4 may be limited to receiving the inflatable part 3, the connection between the longitudinal arms 5 being ensured by other means and for example by a hull, a bridge or another textile or non-textile part.

[0043] By referring to the figure 2 representing a top view of boat 1, or possibly at the figure 3 representing a view from below of the boat 1, we see that the central connection area 6 is also advantageously linked to the top 7 of the float 2 constituting the bow of the boat 1 and connecting the two longitudinal arms 5.

[0044] For the production of the textile envelope 4, flatbed knitting machines are advantageously used, allowing the textile envelope 4 to be produced without seams. The textile envelope 4, produced from a flatbed knitting, 3D warp and weft, makes it possible to give complex profile shapes to the float 2 of the boat 1 from a simple shape, particularly cylindrical, of the inflatable part 3. This knitting is preferably carried out using a high tenacity polyester yarn.

[0045] Indeed, the inflation of the inflatable part 3, previously inserted into the textile envelope 4, takes place until the textile envelope 4 is under tension. The inflatable part 3 thus relaxes locally according to the space allowed by the textile envelope 4. To this end, it is provided that the inflatable part 3 is made of a material allowing an expansion between 100% and 300%.

[0046] To allow a variation in the profile of the float 2, areas of increase 8 and reduction 9 are provided, allowing respectively an enlargement or a reduction of the section 10 of the float 2.

[0047] Referring again to the figure 1 The knit 11 of the textile envelope 4 includes at least one increase zone 8 which locally increases the diameter of the inflatable part 3 at the apex 7 and the forward sections of the longitudinal arms 5 of the float 2, so as to create a float profile 2 with a cross-section 10 greater than that defined at the aft sections of said longitudinal arms 5. Preferably, this at least one increase zone 8 is implemented by a method of loosening the knit. The presence of an increase zone 8 at the bow of the craft 1 provides better stability during navigation.

[0048] According to a first embodiment, at least one increase zone 8 is obtained by increasing the stitch size, by adding the length of yarn absorbed per stitch. This technique can be used, in particular, in sections requiring a small increase in cross-section 10.

[0049] In particular, an increase zone 8 is planned for seakeeping at the bow of vessel 1, in which the increase in mesh size is between 2% and 20% of the mesh.

[0050] According to a second embodiment, at least one expansion zone 8 is obtained by creating additional mesh columns for each new row. Each additional column allows a local increase in the dimensions of the textile envelope 4, thus enabling greater expansion of the inflatable part 3 and consequently an increase in the cross-section 10 of the float 2 within said expansion zone 8. An expansion zone 8 is thus provided at the bow of the craft 1.

[0051] Similar to the aforementioned at least one increase zone 8, the knit 11 of the textile envelope 4 includes at least one reduction zone 9 of the section 10 which extends rearward from the longitudinal arm 5. To this end, a reduction of between 1% and 20% is made in the number of stitches per row, allowing a float profile 2 with a section 10 smaller than that defined at the rear sections of said longitudinal arms 5. A reduction zone 9 is thus provided at the rear ends 13 of the longitudinal arms 5. In particular, from a number of chain stitches in the cylinder between 500 and 600, a reduction of 100 and 120 respectively can be made.

[0052] With these augmentation and reduction techniques, it is relatively possible to propose a float profile 2 presenting successions of increasing, constant or decreasing sections and to propose boats 1 presenting varied profiles from inflatable parts 3 of simple and standardized shapes.

[0053] The boats 1 may be subjected to significant temperature variations, depending on the conditions of use. In order to avoid the use of pressure relief screws, the knit 11 of the textile envelope 4 includes at least one flexible zone 14, for example on the bow and / or stern side of the boat 1.

[0054] In particular, at at least one front and / or rear end of the boat 1, the knit 11 is to be made from a low tenacity elastic yarn to allow the limitation of overpressures due to thermal expansion.

[0055] Advantageously, the flexible zone(s) 14 can be combined with the augmentation zone(s) 8 or reduction zone(s) 9 in order to enhance the elasticity and flexibility effects.

[0056] Advantageously, the elastic yarn exhibits an elasticity allowing an elongation of between 5% and 15%, and advantageously 10%. The yarn may, in particular, be made of low-tenacity polyester.

[0057] By referring to the figure 4 We see that the central connection zone 6 of the textile envelope 4 includes receiving means 15 for a floor 16.

[0058] In view of the figures 1 à 3 , boat 1 includes two 400 fin keels (only one visible on the figure 1 ) which are removably mounted on the central connection zone 6, at the stern of the boat 1 and respectively near the two longitudinal arms 5 of the textile envelope 4. Their removability reduces the size of the boat 1 when it is packed. To this end, the central connection zone 6 includes two slots 61, 62 which respectively receive the two fins 400 by snapping them into place. The two fins 400 are inserted into the slots 61, 62 from the upper face of the central connection zone 6 before the floor 16 is put in place.

[0059] In relation to the figure 3 The lower face 63 of the central connection zone 6 includes a mounting element 64 which will allow a missile-type propulsion unit (not shown) to be attached to this lower face 63. This unit will remain above water thanks to the upward offset of the central connection zone 6 relative to the lower side 2b of the float 2. This will allow for very rapid movement of the craft 1, for example, to quickly intervene at a location or to escape rapidly in case of danger, as part of a rescue mission. The propulsion unit can be fueled from the fuel tank (not shown) of the engine 200, thanks to a bypass device allowing the fuel supply to be switched between the engine 200 and the propulsion unit.

[0060] In the example of implementation of the figure 4 , the floor 16 is placed between the longitudinal arms 5 of the float 2 and rests on the central connection area 6. The tension exerted by the textile envelope 4 between the longitudinal arms 5 on the one hand and the dimensions of the floor 16 on the other hand are sufficient to maintain the latter.

[0061] However, in alternative embodiments, means of securing to the central connection zone 6 are provided at floor level 16, in particular by hook / loop type fastening strips more commonly known as Velcro ®< strip.

[0062] Other means of solidarity within the reach of a person in the profession can of course also be considered.

[0063] The floor 16 is deformable, allowing the entire craft 1 to be packed into a package or bag (not shown) when the inflatable section 3 is deflated. This will make the package or bag easy to carry and will be equipped with straps, handles, and / or shoulder straps for carrying by hand, over the shoulder, or on the back. Preferably, the floor 16 has a flexible textile layer 160 on its upper surface, preferably resistant to high temperatures, and longitudinal reinforcing elements 161 arranged transversely and evenly distributed along the length of the textile layer 160, as illustrated, for example, by the figure 2 , in order to stiffen the floor 16 in addition to the central connection zone 6 which is stretched between the two longitudinal arms 5. These long reinforcing elements 161 are preferably rods made of composite material or other materials.

[0064] Under this textile layer 160 is placed an inner tube 162 illustrated in lines drawn on the figure 4 , the inflation valve (not illustrated) of this inner tube 162 being accessible from a cap 163 arranged on the textile layer 160 on the bow side of the boat 1, as shown in the figure 2 . The inflation of this air chamber 162 can be carried out during the inflation of the boat 1 for its combined use with the float 2, or even if necessary when the inflatable part 3 of the float 2 is punctured, in order to transform the punctured boat 1 into a raft thanks to the inflated floor 16.

[0065] The floor 16 includes a deck 17 made, for example, of wood or composite material. The rear portion 164 of the textile layer 160 is integral with the deck 17, the junction edge 18 between said rear portion 164 and the deck 17 forming a hinge allowing the deck 17 to pivot relative to the textile layer 160, as shown in the figures 6 And 7 .

[0066] By referring to figures 5 à 7 Several possible configurations are shown for the deck 17, which, according to this embodiment, is hinged around the hinged junction edge 18. The deck 17 is composed of two parts 171, 172 hinged together by a hinge 173, in order to position them in the same plane as illustrated in the diagram. figures 5 et 6 or to fold them against each other as illustrated on the figure 7 and to double the thickness of the apron 17 on a portion 17a intended to receive the clamp presses of a support and tilting system (not illustrated) of a driving part 201 of a motor 200.

[0067] As illustrated by point 1 figures 2 And 5 à 7, two stop rails 23, 24 are arranged opposite each other on the inner sides 5a, 5b of the longitudinal arms 4, these two stop rails 23, 24 preferably having an L-shaped cross-section and being positioned at the level of the reduction zone 9. These two stop rails 23, 24 are extended towards the front of the boat 1 by two guide rails 25, 26 preferably having a C-shaped cross-section forming a groove, these guide rails 25, 26 allowing the sliding reception of the lateral edges 164a, 164b of the rear part 164 of the textile layer 160 and / or the lateral edges 17a, 17b of the deck 17 when its two parts 171, 172 are arranged flat in the same horizontal plane, bearing against the stop rails 23, 24.The sliding of the apron 17 arranged flat in the two guide rails 25, 26 is possible thanks to the flexibility of the textile layer 160 which allows its deformation during the movement of said apron 17 in said guide rails 25, 26 towards the bow of the boat 1.

[0068] On the figure 5 , the apron 17 is slid into the two guide rails 25, 26, thus leaving a gap 300 between the ends of the longitudinal edges 5, at the level of the reduction zone 9, this gap 300 making it easier for swimmers to board from the rear.

[0069] On the figure 6 , the apron 17 is this time in the unfolded position flat and supported against the stop rails 23, 24 which allows a maximum floor area 16 to be obtained, particularly useful for loading equipment from the quay or the loading pontoon into the boat 1.

[0070] On the figure 7 The apron 17 has its two parts 171, 173 folded one over the other at the hinge 173, and said apron 17 is folded upwards relative to the rear part 164 of the textile layer 160, so as to bring this apron 17 into a vertical position for the attachment of the motor 200. The rear ends of the two guide rails 25, 26 also act as stops to prevent the apron 17 from pivoting forward beyond its vertical position. Additional stop elements could be provided, attached to the rear ends of the two guide rails 25, 26, and designed to limit this forward pivoting of the apron 17 beyond its vertical position. Locking means allow the apron 17 to be held in a substantially vertical position, this configuration ensuring the reception of the support and tilting system (not shown) of the drive part 201 of the motor 200.Another advantage of this configuration is to allow the engine to be positioned closer to the center of gravity of vessel 1 in order to improve the stability of vessel 1 and, in particular, to avoid excessive straightening of the bow when starting the engine or during accelerations while underway.

[0071] According to one possible, but not limiting, embodiment, these blocking means comprise ridges implemented on the textile cover 4, on the inner sides 5a, 5b of the longitudinal arms 5, these ridges constituting blocking elements 27, 28 (see figures 5 à 7 ) of the apron 17 when it is in a vertical position with its two parts 171, 172 folded against each other. On the figure 7 , the apron 17 pivots forward in the direction of arrow 29 and is about to pass through the two blocking members 27, 28, the passing being able to be done by force thanks to the possible retraction of the blocking members 27, 28, by deformation of the textile envelope 4, which then returns to normal position once the apron 17 is placed vertically, the blocking members 27, 28 then being behind the rear face 171a of the first part 171 of said apron 17.

[0072] Referring this time to figures 8 à 10 , we see represented means for inserting and removing 19 of the inflatable part 3. These means for inserting and removing 19 include at least two openings 20, one on each longitudinal arm 5, for the passage of the inflatable part 3 into the textile envelope 4. The openings 20 each include a cover 21 associated with a link 22 allowing the pulling and movement of the inflatable part 3 in the textile envelope 4.

[0073] More specifically, each link 22 connects the respective cover 21 to a cap 12 arranged at the front end 2a of the float 2 so that when the two longitudinal arms 31, 32 of the inflatable part 3 are respectively attached to the two links 22, it is sufficient to pull on the latter to draw said longitudinal arms 31, 32 of the inflatable part 3 into the longitudinal arms 5 of the textile envelope 4. Once the inflatable part 3 is positioned in the textile envelope 4, the links 22 are slid into the longitudinal arms 5 of the textile envelope 4 and the covers 21 are closed.Then an inflation valve 33 of the inflatable part 3 is placed at the level of an opening 40 on the textile envelope 4, said opening allowing the introduction of the inflatable part 3 into the textile envelope 4 by the front end 2a of the float 2, and the cap 12 is screwed onto the inflation valve 33 to ensure its closure and to hold said inflation valve 33 in place at said opening 40.

[0074] To perform the extraction, simply open the cap 12 and pull the inflation valve 33 outwards through the opening 40 of the textile envelope 4. This allows each longitudinal arm 31, 33 to be extracted from the inflatable part 3. Extracting the longitudinal arms 31, 33 allows the ties 22 to be pulled back to the opening 40 at the front end 2a of the float 2 and attached to the ends 31a, 32a of the longitudinal arms 31, 32 of a new inflatable part 3. These ties 22 are then pulled again through the two respective openings 20 to insert the new inflatable part 3 into the textile envelope 4. Thus, it is possible to replace a damaged inflatable part 3 with another very quickly and to repair the damaged inflatable part without immobilizing the boat 1.

[0075] Variants of craft 1 could include more than two orifices 20 and covers 21 and more than two links 22, in order to have more than one inflatable part 3 in the textile envelope 4.

[0076] In the present case of figures 1 à 10 In a variant with a single inflatable part 3, the plug 12 is connected to the two covers 21 by means of the two links 22 housed respectively in the two longitudinal arms 5 of the textile envelope 4. In a variant with two inflatable parts housed respectively in the two longitudinal arms 5 of the textile envelope 4, it would be necessary to provide two plugs similar to the plug 12 and connected respectively to the two covers 21 by means of the two respective links 22, these plugs then closing two inflation valves similar to the inflation valve 33, arranged respectively on the two inflatable parts and positioned respectively at the level of two openings similar to the opening 40, arranged on the textile envelope 4 at the level of the front end 2a of the float 2.

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated opposite the figures 11 et 12 The craft 1 comprises ribs 34 arranged longitudinally along the float 2, on its lower side 2b and on each of its two longitudinal arms 5. Preferably, three ribs 341, 342, 343 are arranged on each of the two longitudinal arms 5, but this number could be different; for example, one, two, four, or five ribs could be present on each longitudinal arm 5. These ribs 34 are incorporated by knitting directly onto the textile cover 4 during the knitting process described above. This provides high strength to the ribs 34, which are subjected to significant stress when the craft 1 is towed or rapidly lands on a rocky or stony shore. Thus, the presence of the ribs 34 prevents premature wear of the textile envelope 4 during the use of the vessel, particularly during sea rescue operations. On the figure 12, the inflatable part 3 is intentionally shown in dotted lines to distinguish it from the textile envelope 4 against which it is pressed once inflated.

[0078] The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an inflatable boat 1 as mentioned above.

[0079] The manufacturing process essentially consists of the following steps: a manufacturing step by integral knitting with picked stitches of a seamless textile envelope 4 at the level of the general structure of the textile envelope 4, a manufacturing step of an inflatable part 3 in the form of a cylinder closed at the ends, a step of inserting the inflatable part 3 into the textile envelope 4.

[0080] An inflation step for the inflatable part 3, located within the textile part 4, may be included during the manufacturing of the craft 1 to check the design. However, this inflation may also be performed during the first use of the craft 1. This inflation will ensure the shape and mechanical structure of the float 2.

[0081] Of course, other features of the invention could also have been considered without going outside the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An inflatable craft (1) including at least one float (2) which comprises at least one inflatable portion (3) providing flotation and a textile envelope (4), said textile envelope (4) being configured to receive said at least one inflatable portion (3) and to provide the shape and the mechanical strength of said float (2), characterized in that the textile envelope (4) comprises means for inserting and removing (19) the inflatable portion (3) which include at least two orifices (20) each including a cover (21) associated with a connection (22) allowing traction for the passage of the inflatable portion (3) into the textile envelope (4).

2. The craft (1) according to claim 1, wherein the float (2) is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms (5), said textile envelope (4) providing the reception of the inflatable portion (3) and the connection between the two longitudinal arms (5) by a central connection area (6).

3. The craft (1) according to either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the textile envelope (4) is made from straight, warp and weft knitting in 3D.

4. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a knitted fabric of the textile envelope (4) includes at least one increase area (8) to locally allow an increase in the diameter of the inflatable portion (3) so as to produce a float profile of greater section (10).

5. The craft (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a bow of the craft comprises an increase area (8) for seakeeping, at the bow of the craft and wherein the increase in the size of the mesh is comprised between 2% and 20% of the mesh.

6. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a knitted fabric of the textile envelope (4) includes at least one reduction area (9) of the section (10) with a reduction in the number of meshes per row comprised between 1% and 20% allowing a float profile of lower section (10).

7. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a knitted fabric of the textile envelope (4) includes at least one flexible area (14), at least at one front and / or rear end of the craft, wherein the knitted fabric is made from a low tenacity elastic yarn to allow the limitation of overpressures due to thermal expansion.

8. The craft (1) according to claim 7, wherein the low tenacity elastic yarn has an elasticity allowing an elongation comprised between 5% and 15%.

9. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float (2) is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms (5) and a central connection area (6) connecting the two longitudinal arms (5), said central connection area (6) comprising means for receiving (15) a floor (16).

10. The craft (1) according to claim 9 wherein a dock (17) of the floor (16) is mounted on a pivot, the float (2) including means for blocking the dock (17) in a substantially vertical position to provide reception of a support and inclination system for a drive portion (201) of an engine (200).

11. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one fin (400) removably mounted on the float (2).

12. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float (2) is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms (5) and a central connection area (6) connecting the two longitudinal arms (5), said central connection area (6) being raised relative to a lower side (2b) of the float (2) and including on its lower face (63) means for receiving a propulsion machine.

13. The craft (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float (2) is substantially V- or U-shaped with two longitudinal arms (5) and comprises a lower side (2b), at least one reinforcing rib (34) being arranged on the textile envelope (4) in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal arms (5), on said lower side (2b) and on each of said two longitudinal arms (5).

14. The craft (1) according to claim 13, wherein the textile envelope (4) is implemented by knitting, said at least one rib (34) on each of said longitudinal arms (5) being implemented directly by knitting said textile envelope (4).