METHOD FOR OPERATING A PULLING DEVICE WITH A KITE FOR A FLOATING VESSEL

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method of operating a traction device. The invention further relates to a traction device comprising elements for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a floating craft or land vehicle comprising such a traction device. Finally, the invention relates to a computer program product for implementing such an operating method. The invention further relates to a data storage medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention further relates to a signal from a data storage medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention further relates to the use of a blocker during such an operating method. Prior art

[0002] A traction kite for a floating craft, such as for example a boat or ship, as known for example from document FR 2 941 436 A1, is difficult to control when launching it from a deck of the floating craft, when recovering it on the deck, but also in flight.

[0003] Consequently, there is a significant risk of the kite being damaged at sea or by contact with the boat or the ground during maneuvers. The traditional launching of this type of kite requires fully extending the lines that mechanically attach it to the boat. This is possible on land but much more difficult at sea. One solution is to let the kite drift on the surface of the water and launch it once the lines are extended. Another solution is to use a specialized boat to launch it in the wind and, even more importantly, to retrieve it. Such solutions are not satisfactory. Presentation of the invention

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide a method for operating a kite traction device that overcomes the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention makes it possible to automate the launching of a kite, its flight to tow a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, and its retrieval. Summary of the invention

[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a method of operating a traction device for a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, comprising a kite including: a wing equipped with a leading edge, a throwing line, at least one front line equipped with a jammer, and rear lines, The process includes the following steps: a step of gaining altitude of the wing by holding it only by the sending line, the front and rear lines remaining loose, followed, once an altitude has been reached, in particular once a target altitude has been reached, by a step of locking at least one front line by activating the blocker allowing to mechanically link the at least one front line to the floating craft or to the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, and a step of releasing and holding loose the sending line.

[0006] The process may include, simultaneously or after the locking step, a step of tensioning the back lines so as to use them to steer the wing.

[0007] The process may include a preliminary step of inflating the leading edge of the wing, in particular a step of inflating the wing by putting the wing into the wind, before the step of gaining altitude.

[0008] The altitude gain stage may include a stage of hoisting the wing along a mast of the floating craft or rolling and / or sliding land vehicle.

[0009] The process may include a step of automatically orienting the wing relative to the wind, in particular by means of a gantry articulated relative to such a mast.

[0010] The altitude gain stage may include a stage of releasing the wing from such a mast, then a stage of gaining altitude with the wing released from such a mast.

[0011] The locking stage, in particular the locking stage, the tensioning stage and the release and loose holding stage, may be followed by a piloting stage by control of the back lines to pilot the wing into a wing flight mode, in particular by means of at least one geared motor of a piloting device.

[0012] Following the piloting stage, we can proceed to: a tensioning step of the sending line, and a loosening and holding step of the front and rear lines, including winding the sending line and / or unwinding the front and rear lines.

[0013] The sending line can be wound so as to bring the wing back onto the floating craft or onto the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle.

[0014] The invention also relates to a traction device for a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle comprising a set of actuators, in particular of the geared motor and / or locking type, the device comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the process as defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the process as defined above, and / or the device comprising means to implement the process as defined above.

[0015] The invention also relates to a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle comprising a traction device as defined above.

[0016] The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium to implement the steps of the process as defined above when said program is running on a computer or a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, the program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the computer to implement the process as defined above.

[0017] The invention further relates to a computer-readable data recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the process as defined above, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the process as defined above.

[0018] The invention further relates to a signal from a data carrier carrying the computer program product as defined above.

[0019] The invention further relates to the use of a blocker of the type forming a braided sheath surrounding a line to hold a wing of a traction kite from a boat or land vehicle, in particular to hold a wing of a traction kite from a boat or land vehicle in the method as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0020] Other advantages and characteristics will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment of a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle and of an execution method for operating a traction device, and the accompanying drawings, in which: There figure 1 is a partial schematic view of a floating craft according to one embodiment. figure 2 is a schematic view of a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle according to a given embodiment. figure 3 is a schematic view of a traction device for a floating craft or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle according to one embodiment. figure 4 is a perspective view of a plate of the traction device according to one embodiment. figure 5is a front view of a mast of the traction device according to one embodiment. figure 6 is a detailed view of the mast according to the embodiment. figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of a mast base according to a particular embodiment. figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the traction device according to the embodiment. figure 9 is a top view of an open housing of a traction device according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0021] The direction in which a floating vessel moves in a straight line, in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water, is defined as the longitudinal direction. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, lying in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water, is called the transverse direction. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction.

[0022] There figure 1 schematically illustrates a floating vessel 1. Such a floating vessel 1 is for example a boat or a ship.

[0023] There figure 2 schematically illustrates a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Such a vehicle is for example a vehicle intended to be used on a frozen body of water and / or on sand and / or on snow and / or on grass and / or on earth.

[0024] The floating craft 1, or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2, includes a traction device 3.

[0025] The traction device 3 includes a kite 4. The kite 4 includes, or comprises, a wing 5. The wing 5 is provided with a leading edge 6 or includes a leading edge 6.

[0026] As illustrated on the figure 3Kite 4 includes a launch line 11. Preferably, the launch line 11 is a central line allowing for the wing's launch, recovery, and, if necessary, securing the wing. Kite 4 also includes at least one front line 10. Preferably, kite 4 includes two front lines 10. Kite 4 also includes at least one rear line 12. Preferably, kite 4 includes two rear lines 12.

[0027] Alternatively, kite 4 includes at least three front lines 10 and at least three rear lines 12.

[0028] At least one forward line 10 includes or is equipped with a rope clutch 50. The rope clutch 50 is, for example, a model marketed under the registered trademark CONSTRICTOR by the company COUSIN TRESTEC. The rope clutch 50 includes a sleeve 52 or a tube made of braided material that encircles the forward line 10. The rope clutch 50 also includes a control 51, such as a cord. Pulling on the cord 51 releases the rope clutch, i.e., unblocks the forward line containing the rope clutch. The rope clutch 50 also includes a fastener 53 intended to be attached to a fixed, or at least temporarily fixed, point on the floating craft or land-based vehicle. Alternatively, the rope clutch 50 is of the cam and / or pinch and / or buttress type. The blocker is attached to a ring 46 mounted on a plate 45 fixed to the boat or craft, as illustrated in the figures 3, 4 And 8 .

[0029] Advantageously, the floating vessel 1 comprises a deck 8 and a mast 18 arranged on deck 8.

[0030] Advantageously, the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2 comprises a chassis and a mast 18. For example, the mast 18 is arranged at the chassis, preferably at the front of the land vehicle.

[0031] As illustrated on the figure 3 Preferably, at least one shroud 19 secures the mast 18 and / or allows the mast 18 to be oriented relative to a base 17 supporting the mast. Preferably, as illustrated in the figures 5 and 7In particular, the base 17 includes a ball-joint type connection, or substantially ball-joint type, with respect to the mast 18. For example, the base 17 includes a clevis 15 having a pivot axis A, and the mast includes a ball-joint type end 18L on the side of the base 17. The base 17 is advantageously fixed to the deck 8 of the floating craft 1 or the chassis of the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures 1, 2 , 3 And 5 The mast 18 includes a gantry 180. The gantry 180 pivots around the mast 18, that is, it is orientable. Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 5The boom 180 can still slide along the mast 18, notably by means of a retaining means surrounding the mast section. Such a retaining means includes, for example, an upper link 181 and a lower link 182. Preferably, the boom 180 includes a support 183 and a reinforcement 184. For example, the reinforcement 184 extends obliquely between the support 183 and the boom 180.

[0032] As illustrated in particular on the figures 3 And 6The top 16 of the mast 18 includes a sliding means 25 for a connection, in particular a halyard-type connection 27. The halyard 27 allows the steerable boom 180 to be hoisted along the mast 18. Note that the boom 180 holds the wing 5 by means of a disconnection means 26. The pivoting of the boom 180 relative to the mast 18 allows it to follow the wind like a weather vane facing the wind. The sliding means 25 is, for example, a pulley. Preferably, a fastening means 24 secures the pulley 25 relative to the top 16 of the mast 18. The fastening means 24 is, for example, a ring of sufficiently large diameter to be arranged around the cross-section of the mast. Advantageously, the ring 24 is held to the mast by a fastening means, for example, a hook 23 ( figure 3), so as to allow several degrees of freedom between the ring 24 and the mast 18. Advantageously, the end of the boom 180 arranged on the wing side 5 and / or the disconnection means 26 include a damping means to protect the leading edge 6 in case of movements of the kite 5 towards that end. Advantageously, the damping means 220, or protection or bumper, is made of flexible material. For example, the damping means envelops the disconnection means 26. Alternatively, the damping means is interposed between the wing and the disconnection means. For example, the damping means is inflatable.

[0033] In summary, the 180 swiveling (and possibly length-adjustable) boom is hoisted to the top of the mast 18 using the halyard 27. The 180 boom maintains the wing 5 at its flight angle via the launch line 11. The rotation or pivoting of the 180 boom around the mast 18 ensures that the wing 5 remains always facing the wind and at the correct flight angle regardless of variations in the relative wind direction.

[0034] For example, the disconnection means 26 is a quick-release carabiner between the boom 180 and the wing 5. For example, a lanyard 22 is arranged between the wing 5 and the disconnection means 26. Advantageously, a control means 28 for disconnecting the disconnection means 26 is provided. The control means 28 is, for example, a messenger line, that is, a rope or flexible link allowing the quick-release carabiner 26 to be pulled remotely so as to disconnect the boom 180 from the wing 5, via the disconnection with the lanyard 22.

[0035] Thus, during the hoisting of wing 5 along the mast 18 by means of the free-rotating boom 180, the wing 5 naturally aligns itself with the wind. This results in flight stability for wing 5, which is maintained in tethered flight between the snap hook 26 and the launch line 11. In the event of residual relative movements, shocks, or contact between the leading edge 6 and the steerable boom 180, these are advantageously dampened by the bumper 220.

[0036] The traction device 3 further includes a housing 35 comprising actuators, for example, geared motors or winches or electric winches 30, 31, 32A, 32B. The housing 35 is advantageously fixed to the deck 8 of the floating craft 1 or the chassis of the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Optionally, the housing 35 is movable between at least two distinct positions. For example, the housing 35, through which the traction forces of the wing 5 are transmitted, is positioned optimally according to the configuration of the towed floating craft or the towed land vehicle. Thus, for example, the housing 35 is positioned differently depending on the configuration of the floating craft, for example, in terms of the volume and / or weight of any cargo and / or the location of the cargo.

[0037] Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 9The housing 35 comprises four geared motors. Each geared motor includes, or drives in rotation, a means for winding / unwinding at least one line. Preferably, the winding / unwinding means is of the drum type. Thus, preferably, geared motor 30 comprises a drum 60 and / or geared motor 31 comprises a drum 61 and / or geared motor 32A comprises a drum 62A and / or geared motor 32B comprises a drum 62B. More specifically, geared motor 32A is used to control one back line, in particular by winding or unwinding it. Preferably, another geared motor 32B is used to control another back line, in particular by winding or unwinding it. As a reminder, the actions (winding or unwinding) on ​​the back lines allow the wing 5 to be controlled.Thus, rotating geared motor 32A in one direction to wind or in the opposite direction to unwind the corresponding rear line allows the wing 5 to be operated without human intervention on the rear line in question. Rotating the other geared motor 32B in one direction to wind or in the opposite direction to unwind the other rear line allows the wing 5 to be operated without human intervention on the other rear line. Each geared motor can be operated in one direction of rotation or in the opposite direction independently of the other geared motor.

[0038] Advantageously, to limit the energy consumption required for the operation of each geared motor, a connection, in particular mechanical or hydraulic, is provided between the geared motors 32A, 32B. For example, the connection is engaged when the geared motors operate in opposite directions of rotation.

[0039] Furthermore, a geared motor 30 is used to control the forward lines 10 simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, specifically by winding or unwinding them. In the case of two forward lines 10, both lines are operated together, i.e., simultaneously. Thus, the rotation of the geared motor 30, in one direction to wind or in the opposite direction to unwind the forward lines, allows the wing 5 to be controlled without human intervention on the forward lines. Finally, a geared motor 31 is used to control the throw line. 11, in particular by winding or unwinding it. Thus, the rotational actuation of the geared motor 31, in one direction to wind or in the opposite direction to unwind the sending line, makes it possible to manage the takeoff, recovery and securing of the wing 5 without human action on the sending line 11.

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 3, 4 And 8The traction device 3 also includes the plate 45. The plate 45 is preferably fixed relative to the deck 8 of the craft 1 or the chassis of the craft 2. The plate 45 is equipped with means 40, 42 for passing lines, for example, of the pulley, diabolo, or fixed guide type with a low coefficient of friction. The plate 45 allows the lines between the geared motors to be arranged substantially parallel to the deck 8 of the floating craft. In other words, the plate 45 allows the portions of the lines extending towards the wing 5 to be offset from the housing 35, in particular so that the lines do not interfere with the housing 35. A means 13 for holding the sending line 11 near the mast, for example, of the pulley or diabolo type, or an element designed to allow sliding with little friction, is provided.

[0041] Preferably, the plate 45 includes electronic traction sensors necessary for control and / or at least one inertial measurement unit, and / or electronic traction sensors and / or at least one inertial measurement unit are arranged in specific and strategic areas near the plate 45.

[0042] Alternatively, the 45 turntable is movable relative to the 8 bridge or chassis, specifically to maximize performance.

[0043] As illustrated on the figures 1 and 2 , the floating craft or land craft includes a computer program product 100 comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium, and / or a computer-readable data recording medium 101, and / or a signal 102 from a data medium.

[0044] The traction device also includes all the hardware and / or software elements enabling the implementation of the process of the invention, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the process of the invention and / or the device includes means of implementing the process of the invention as described below.

[0045] An execution method for an operating procedure will now be described. This procedure is advantageously an automatic operating procedure for the traction device as described previously.

[0046] Preferably, the first step involves inflating the leading edge 6 of wing 5. For this, for example, wing 5 is placed in the wind. Alternatively, the wing can be inflated with compressed air.

[0047] A step is performed to gain altitude for wing 5. During this step, wing 5 is held only by the sending line 11. More precisely, the geared motor 31 unwinds the sending line 11 by driving the drum 61 in the unwinding direction. As illustrated in the figure 3 The launch line 11 is kept taut during the climb phase. During this climb phase, the forward line(s) 10 and the rear line(s) 12 remain slack. It should be noted that this climb is possible and facilitated by the wing 5, which positions and orients itself with low drag, allowing it to fly without pulling, or with very little pulling. Indeed, when the wing is held only by the launch line, it enters a stable flight configuration, placing minimal stress on the launch line.

[0048] For example, the altitude gain stage includes a stage of hoisting wing 5 along mast 18 ( figure 3(in particular). As a reminder, a wing line 22, fixed for example to the leading edge 6 of the wing 5, is connected, via the quick-release fitting 26, to the halyard 27. Thus, as the outhaul line 11 is lengthened while being kept taut, the halyard 27 is shortened. Indeed, as a reminder, the halyard 27 works in conjunction with the pulley 25, which is held relative to the top of the mast by the fitting 24. Thus, at the beginning of the wing 5's ascent, the halyard 27 is approximately twice the height of the mast (in the case where the pulley 25 is positioned at the top of the mast). Advantageously, the pulley 25 is arranged at a distance from the top 16 of the mast 18 so as to prevent the fastening means 24 and / or the leading edge 6 from passing over the top 16, or even getting stuck during the launching stage, due to turbulence or movements of the boat 1 or the craft 2.

[0049] To gain altitude, only the sending line 11 is gradually unrolled while being kept taut, via the geared motor 31. As a reminder, the front and rear lines remain loose.

[0050] In the case of an altitude gain along the mast 18, the next step is to release the wing 5 from the mast 18. Preferably, the wing 5 is positioned at or very near the level of the apex 16. To achieve this release, the quick-release fastening 26 is activated, for example by pulling on the messenger line 28 (connected to the snap hook 26), which opens the snap hook 26 if necessary. As a result, the wing 5 is disconnected from the mast. Advantageously, the altitude gain of the wing 5, now free from the mast, can be continued by extending the launch line 11 while keeping it taut, with the wing 5 remaining in flight.

[0051] Once the altitude is reached, for example, once a predetermined target altitude is reached, a step is taken to lock the front line 10. This locking of the front line 10 is preferably achieved by activating the blocker 50. As a reminder, activating the blocker 50 allows the front line 10, equipped with the blocker 50, to be mechanically linked to the floating craft 1 or to the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2, for example, to the deck 8 of the floating craft or to the chassis of the land vehicle 2 via the plate 45. To do this, the front line 10 is locked in the attachment 53. Preferably simultaneously or almost simultaneously, a step is taken to release and loosen the towing line 11 so that the towing line no longer has any effect on the kite wing. In other words, to remove the tension on the sending line 11, the geared motor 31 is activated, for example over a given angular portion, in the direction of unwinding.The majority of the forces acting on the wing are transferred to plate 45 via the front line and the clutch. This allows the boat or land vehicle to be towed. The clutch prevents the geared motor that winds the front line from being stressed.

[0052] Simultaneously, or after the locking step, a tensioning step is performed on the rear lines 12. This tensioning step is carried out by the geared motors 32A and 32B, which are driven to wind the rear lines 12 onto the drums 62A and 62B, for example, over a given angular section. Once the rear lines 12 are tensioned, they are used to control the wing 5. In other words, the geared motors 32A and 32B are used to control the wing 5 by winding and / or unwinding the drums 62A and 62B, while maintaining the rear lines under tension so that they are not slack. Advantageously, the geared motor 30 is used to wind / unwind the front lines, while maintaining them under tension so that they are not slack.Unlike the flight during the altitude gain phase in which only the sending line 11 is taut and the drag is substantially zero, the use of the front and rear lines allows the wing 5 to be piloted and the desired traction forces to be collected.

[0053] Next, the rear lines 12 are controlled to pilot wing 5 in wing 5 flight mode. This is done as illustrated on the... figures 3 And 8 The front and rear lines 10, 12 extend into the housing 35. As mentioned, the geared motor(s) 30, 31, 32A, 32B of the control device allow the lines to be wound or unwound, possibly simultaneously. This allows the flight pattern to be controlled according to what is most appropriate for the navigation of the floating vessel or land craft.

[0054] After the kite wing has flown, particularly for towing the floating craft 1 or the land vehicle 2, the kite wing is retrieved. Initially, the towing line 11 is tensioned. The geared motor 31 in the gearbox 35 rotates the drum 61 to automatically wind the towing line, specifically until it is under tension. Simultaneously, a release and loosening step is carried out on the front and rear lines 10, 12. This release and loosening step is achieved by unwinding the front and rear lines 10, 12 via the geared motors 30, 32A, 32B of the box 35. Note that to release the front line 10, it is sufficient to pull on the release cord 51 of the blocker 50, which has the effect of allowing the front line to slide relative to the fixing 53.In a second step, the sending line 11 is wound by means of the geared motor 31 which allows the line 11 to be wound onto the drum 61. As a reminder, the sending line 11 rubs or slides or cooperates with the pulley 13. Thus, as the sending line is wound. 11, the wing moves closer to pulley 13 ( figures 3 And 8 ). The pulley 13 being arranged preferably near the foot of the mast 18, the winding of the sending line brings the wing 5 back to the level of the floating craft 1 or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2.

[0055] The invention also relates to the use of a stopper 50 of the type forming a braided sheath surrounding a line, in particular a front line, to retain a wing 5 of a traction kite 4 for the boat or land vehicle. This use is made, for example, within the framework of the operating method described above.

[0056] As a reminder, the traction device 3 is preferably intended to tow a floating craft 1, or to move a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2.

[0057] In summary, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of providing a method for operating a kite traction device, particularly intended for towing a floating craft, improving the take-off, flight and recovery of the kite and offers the following advantages: It is economical; it is easy to install on a boat or land vehicle.

Claims

1. Method for operating a towing device (3) of a floating vessel (1) or of a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), comprising a kite (4) including: - a sail (5) provided with a leading edge (6), - a flying line (11), - at least one front line (10) equipped with a clutch (50), and - rear lines (12), the method comprising the following steps: - a step of making the sail (5) gain altitude, holding it only by the flying line (11), the front (10) and rear (12) lines remaining slack, followed, once an altitude has been reached, notably once a target altitude has been reached, by - a step of locking the at least one front line (10) by activation of the clutch (50) making it possible to mechanically connect the at least one front line (10) to the floating vessel (1) or to the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), and a step of releasing the flying line (11) and keeping it slack.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises, simultaneously with or after the locking step, a step of tensioning the rear lines (12) so as to use them to control the sail (5).

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a prior step of inflating the leading edge (6) of the sail (5), notably a step of inflating the sail by turning the sail (5) into the wind, prior to the step of gaining altitude.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of gaining altitude comprises a step of hoisting the sail (5) along a mast (18) of the floating vessel (1) or of the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the method comprises a step of automatically orienting the sail (5) with respect to the wind, notably by way of a boom (180) articulated with respect to such a mast (18).

6. Method according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the step of gaining altitude comprises a step of freeing the sail (5) with respect to such a mast (18), then a step of making the sail (5) freed from such a mast (18) gain altitude.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking step, in particular the locking step, the tensioning step and the step of releasing and keeping slack, are followed by a control step through control of the rear lines (12) in order to control the sail (5) in a flight mode of the sail (5), notably by way of at least one geared motor (31) of a control device (30).

8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, subsequent to the control step, the following is carried out: - a step of tensioning the flying line (11), and - a step of releasing the front (10) and rear (12) lines and keeping them slack, notably by winding in the flying line (11) and / or unwinding the front (10) and rear (12) lines.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flying line (11) is wound in so as to bring the sail (5) back onto the floating vessel (1) or onto the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

10. Towing device (3) of a floating vessel (1) or of a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), comprising a set of actuators, notably of the geared motor and / or clutch type, characterized in that it comprises hardware and / or software elements implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, notably hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to one of the preceding claims, and / or the device comprising means for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Floating vessel (1) or rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), characterized in that it comprises a towing device (3) according to the preceding claim.

12. Computer program product that is downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium that is readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, characterized in that it comprises instructions that, when the program is executed by the computer, lead the latter to implement the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

13. Computer-readable data recording medium (101) on which a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method according to one of Claims 1 to 9 is recorded, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions that, when they are executed by a computer, lead the latter to implement the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

14. Signal (102) of a data medium, carrying the computer program product (100) according to Claim 12.

15. Use of a clutch (50) of the type forming a braided sleeve surrounding a line for holding a sail (5) of a kite (4) for towing of a vessel or of a land vehicle in the method according to one of Claims 1 to 9.