Wing rig

Abstract

Disclosed is a hand-supported wing rig, which is preferably designed with an inflatable leading edge, which is designed to widen upwards (away from the surfer) in the direction of flow in an approximately V-shape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hand-supported wing rig for wind-powered sports, for example foil surfing (wing foil), according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Such a wing rig is described online under the name "Slingwing." It is essentially a kite with a leading edge and a single inflatable strut. The center strut and the leading edge each have straps that allow the user to hold the inflatable wing rig during use, for example, when foiling, ice skating, or skiing.

[0003] This inflatable wing rig, which is adapted to the aerodynamics of kites, is severely deformed during use, especially at the high speeds reached during foiling, thus worsening the aerodynamics.

[0004] US 4,563,969 shows a rigid wing rig in which the leading edge and boom are formed by a complex tubular structure supporting a canopy. The leading edge is curved in a plan view. The boom is supported by a plurality of struts at the leading edge. These struts are designed to give the leading edge, viewed from the front—that is, in the direction of the wing rig's airflow—a concave structure, according to which the end sections (tips) of the wing rig flare upward from a central apex of the leading edge.

[0005] A disadvantage of this solution is that the complex structure of the boom and leading edge results in a very high overall weight of the wing rig, making its use in water sports only possible with appropriate buoyancy aids. Another disadvantage is that setting up and dismantling the wing rig is time-consuming due to the complex tubular structure. This hard tubular structure of the leading edge and boom also poses a significant risk of injury to the user in the event of a catastrophic fall.

[0006] A similar rigid wing rig is shown in WO 95 / 05973 A1. In this solution, the leading edge and boom are also formed by a complex tubular structure. The design exhibits the same disadvantages as the wing rig according to the above-discussed US Pat. No. 4,563,969.

[0007] DE 31 40 685 A1 describes a rigid wing rig in which the leading edge is formed by two V-shaped masts connected by a central boom and support struts. This wing rig is also extremely heavy due to its tubular structure, which makes handling significantly more difficult, especially during water sports.

[0008] The document US 5,448,961 describes a flat wing rig with a closed frame structure - such a solution is also unusable for water sports due to the high weight, the time-consuming assembly / disassembly and the risk of injury.

[0009] From US 4 742 977 A another rigid wing rig with a support frame is known, on which a sailcloth is stretched, the profile of which is angular.

[0010] DE 34 06 040 A1 shows a sail propulsion system for flying with a sailboard in which two kite sails are connected to each other at the side corners.

[0011] GB 2 203 113 A shows an inflatable wing structure with a triangular inflatable guide structure within which a sailcloth is stretched.

[0012] In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a hand-supported wing rig that allows for simple assembly and maintains an aerodynamically optimized profile even at high speeds.

[0013] This object is achieved by a hand-supported wing rig having the features of patent claim 1.

[0014] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0015] The hand-supported wing rig according to the invention is suitable for wind-powered sports, for example foil surfing and the associated high speeds. The wing rig has an inflatable leading edge from which a boom extends, with the leading edge and boom stretching a sailcloth. The wing rig is held in place by the boom during use. The leading edge is curved in a top view, from a boom connection to the leech (trailing edge) of the sailcloth, in an approximately arched, delta-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped manner. Furthermore, when viewed from the front in the direction of upstream flow, the leading edge is approximately V-shaped when not exposed to airflow or under no load, with this profile converging towards the boom. In other words, the profile opens upwards, away from the rider, during use.Surprisingly, it was found that such a pronounced V- or U-shaped profile and the curved, delta-shaped, U-shaped, or C-shaped design of the leading edge (seen from above) results in an aerodynamically optimized profile even at high wind and speeds. This profile opens automatically in gusts, thus reducing the resulting pressure required by the user, and also generates low aerodynamic drag even at high speeds. By adjusting the wing rig accordingly, depending on the direction of the wind, a maximum speed or maximum lift for jumps or similar maneuvers can be generated.

[0016] The boom is preferably designed as a rigid, non-inflatable component. The term "rigid component" refers to a structure made of a largely rigid material, but this can be easily disassembled or even telescopic. The boom is designed to simplify the support of the wing rig during use.

[0017] The tree is preferably designed with a sheath that improves the grip / friction.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the approximately V-shaped profile extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the sailcloth. This means that the entire wing rig profile is profiled to open upwards when viewed from the front (in the direction of flow).

[0019] The efficiency of the wing rig is further improved when the V-angle is maximum in the boom connection area and decreases towards the end sections. It is preferred if the angle of inclination to the horizontal (parallel to the connecting line through the end sections) in the apex area is between 10° and 30°, preferably more than 15°, and particularly preferably approximately 20°. The "angle of inclination" is understood to be the angle that the respective area of ​​the leading edge assumes when the wing rig is positioned parallel to the water surface / usable surface, i.e., to the horizontal. The opening angle between the mutually inclined leading edge areas then corresponds to the difference between 180° and twice the angle of inclination (supplementary angle to 180°). The trailing edge (leech) is designed with a corresponding profile angle.

[0020] The aerodynamics are further improved if the inclination angle in the tip area is between 0° and 20°, preferably more than 1°, preferably about 5°.

[0021] In a variant of the invention, the wing rig is designed such that the average angle of inclination, ie the angle from the apex of the leading edge to the respective end section, is 5° to 20°, preferably about 10°.

[0022] To accommodate multiple wing rig sizes, the boom can be telescopic or made up of several interchangeable sections.

[0023] The technical effort required is particularly minimal if the boom is attached to the leading and trailing edges using a bracket that can be replaced. This allows a single boom to be used for multiple wing rigs.

[0024] To minimize weight, it is advantageous to make the tree tubular.

[0025] The flight stability of the wing rig is further improved if the boom support is designed in such a way that it prevents rotation of the leading edge around its longitudinal axis.

[0026] It is particularly preferred if the holder encompasses the front edge in sections and thus prevents rotation.

[0027] An alternative solution is to have the bracket extend through the front edge. In this case, appropriate receptacles for the bracket or boom must be provided on the front edge. Furthermore, a channel should be provided into which the bracket or boom can be inserted.

[0028] In a particularly preferred variant of the wing rig, the boom is unbraced. This solution is both weight-optimized and allows the user to adjust the boom and thus the wing rig to suit the maneuver and the environmental conditions.

[0029] According to the invention, the center of gravity (center of the sailcloth) is at least more than 40 percent of the distance between the apex of the leading edge and the trailing edge (leech) from the leading edge.

[0030] To further optimize the flow profile, the leading edge and / or the sailcloth can be stiffened using stiffening elements, such as sail battens.

[0031] These sail battens can in turn be curved and / or tapered to profile the wing profile.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sail batten extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge, said sail batten being positioned such that it lies in a vertical plane with the boom (when the wing rig is aligned horizontally).

[0033] To simplify handling, a handle can be provided in the connection area of ​​the tree, preferably at the front edge.

[0034] To prevent separation from the user in the event of a fall, the wing rig is equipped with a safety leash.

[0035] The bracket for connecting the boom to the front edge can, for example, be formed by a profile piece that encompasses the front edge in sections and is attached to the front edge using suitable fasteners. The boom is then inserted into the profile piece or connected to it in some other way.

[0036] An alternative solution involves a boom support at the front edge using profiled parts or canvas. These profiled parts, in turn, enclose the front edge in sections, preventing rotation of the front edge during use.

[0037] The boom preferably extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge, without being directly or rigidly connected to the sailcloth in the intermediate areas, so that virtually the entire boom length is available as a gripping area. This ensures that the wing rig can be optimally held according to the user's preferences during any maneuver. Furthermore, the profile depth can be adjusted by adjusting the boom length.

[0038] The structure of the wing rig is designed such that, when exposed to airflow, the opening angle in the trailing edge area is reduced. This means that the angle of inclination α of the trailing edge areas to the horizontal increases during use. Accordingly, the profile depth can also increase when exposed to airflow. The change in the opening angle can be greater in the trailing edge area than in the leading edge area.

[0039] The boom is preferably attached to the area facing away from the sailcloth at the apex of the leading edge.

[0040] The attachment is such that a lateral pivoting / adjustment of the wing rig is possible by rotating the boom around its longitudinal axis - this would not be possible with loops (handles), as these are not rigid and therefore no torque can be applied.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a wing rig used to drive a foil board; Figure 2 a plan view of a wing rig according to Figure 1 ; Figure 3 a side view of the wing rig according to the Figures 1 and 2 ; Figure 4 a front view of a wing rig according to the Figures 1 to 3 ; Figure 5 a side view of another embodiment of a wing rig; Figure 6 a detailed representation of the wing rig according to Figure 5 ; Figure 7 a partial view of a third embodiment of a wing rig and Figure 8 a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a wing rig according to the invention.

[0042] In Figure 1The use of a wing rig 1 according to the invention for propelling a foil board 2 is shown. A surfer 4 holds the wing rig 1 only with his hands and adjusts it with respect to the wind depending on the desired direction of travel (upwind, half wind, downwind) or the lift to be set, for example when jumping or adjusting the ride height.

[0043] The wing rig 1 has an inflatable leading edge 6, which in plan view (from above into the Figures 1 and 2 ) is approximately arched, preferably approximately delta-, C- or U-shaped, and extends with its tips 8, 10 up to a trailing edge 12 of a sailcloth 14 of the wing rig 1. As explained below, this sailcloth 14 is supported on the one hand by the leading edge 6 and on the other hand by a boom 16 (see Figure 3 ). The surfer 4 holds the wing rig 1 only by the boom 16, which is pointing downwards (view from Figure 1 ). The boom 16 is preferably provided with a covering that simplifies / optimizes gripping and holding. As explained below, the front edge 6 is projecting both in plan view ( Figure 2 ) as well as in a front view - seen in the direction of flow - (see Figure 4 ) V-shaped, with the V / U widening upwards in the front view, ie, away from the surfer. Figure 1 can be seen, the rear edge 12 and thus the entire canopy surface 14 is V- (or U-) shaped in the front view.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a top view of the wing rig 1 according to Figure 1. In this illustration, one can see the leading edge 6, which is approximately arched or delta-shaped, in the broadest sense approximately U-shaped or C-shaped, and which extends to the trailing edge 12 of the sailcloth 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the leading edge 6 is formed in the manner of a kite by a front tube in which a bladder is accommodated, which is inflated via a valve, the pressure being selected such that the structure of the wing rig 1 is guaranteed even at high wind speeds and speeds.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the leading edge 6 is formed by a plurality of tube segments 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e (for the sake of simplicity, only one half of the trailing edge 12 is provided with reference numerals), the angle of attack α of which to the horizontal in Figure 2(i.e., for example, to a connecting line between the two end sections 8, 10) increases from a vertex 20 to the end sections 8, 10. This angle of attack α is shown as an example for the tube segment 18a. The center of gravity (center of the sailcloth) is designated by reference numeral 22. This center of gravity 22 is offset from the vertex 20 by at least 40 percent of the distance between the vertex 20 and the corresponding vertex 24 of the trailing edge 12. The distance between the vertices 20, 24 is in Figure 2 marked with the reference symbol a. Accordingly, the distance b between the vertex 20 and the centroid 22 is at least 40 percent of the distance a.

[0046] This center of gravity 22 is selected so that the surfer 4 can optimally grasp the boom 16, which will be explained in more detail below, and thus support the acting wind forces in order, for example, to sail an optimal upwind course.

[0047] To stiffen the wing profile, a central center batten 23 and two battens 27a, 27b are provided, which are offset towards the end sections 8, 10 and extend between the leading edge 4 and the trailing edge 12 and are inserted into corresponding batten pockets of the sailcloth 14. This insertion takes place in a conventional manner with a certain pre-tension, which is selected according to the desired profile or can be changed in order to adapt the profile to different wind strengths. The reference numeral 29 denotes Figure 2Seams of the sailcloth 14 are also shown, which is composed of several panels. It may also be sufficient to design the panels in such a way that they are sewn only in the area of ​​the sail battens, for example, or run continuously from tip 8 to tip 10.

[0048] In the side view according to Figure 3 you can see the front edge 6 with the Figure 2left tip 10 and the boom 16 engaging in the area of ​​the apex 20 on the leading edge 6. As explained, the tube forming the leading edge 10, together with the boom 16 and the sail battens 23, 27, stretches the sailcloth 14, whereby the boom 16 also engages the apex 24 of the trailing edge 12 of the sailcloth 14 and is preferably not connected to the sailcloth 14 in between. The center sail batten 23 extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the boom 16 between the leading edge 6 and the trailing edge 12. Accordingly, this sail batten 23 also engages on the one hand in the apex 20 of the leading edge 6 and on the other hand in the apex 24 of the trailing edge 12. The boom 16 and the center sail batten 23 thus lie in the same vertical plane, which in Figure 2 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and in Figure 3is in the plane of the drawing. The space between the boom and the sail batten 23 / sailcloth 14 is thus free, allowing the surfer to freely choose his grip position depending on the maneuver / course.

[0049] How further Figure 3 the front edge 6 is also perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Figure 2 Specifically, the front edge 6 is V-shaped from the apex 20 to the end sections 8, 10, with the V (also called opening angle δ) - as in Figure 1 shown - upwards, ie, away from the boom 16. This V-profile is also formed accordingly in the area of ​​the sailcloth 14. This is achieved, among other things, by the boom 16 reaching the apex 24 in the illustration according to Figure 3downwards, i.e., away from the end sections 8, 10, thus forming the V-shape determined by the opening angle δ. According to the invention, the structure of the wing rig 1 is designed such that this opening angle δ decreases when exposed to the flow, since the end sections 8, 10 deflect upwards (away from the surfer 4) due to the load. The boom 16 engages the area of ​​the apex 20 of the leading edge 6 that is spaced apart from the sailcloth 14 (the lower area).

[0050] The V-shape is particularly evident in the front view according to Figure 4 visible. In this illustration, the front edge 6 formed by the tube is positioned facing the viewer. The sailcloth 14 is accordingly V-shaped. As in Figure 4As shown, the angle of inclination β of the leading edge 6 is a maximum of 20° in the region of the apex. In the illustrated embodiment, this angle of inclination β, i.e. the angle between the horizontal (parallel to the connecting line of the end sections 8, 10) and the tube segment 18a, is approximately 20°, for example. The next tube segment 18b is then somewhat flatter, so that the angle is, for example, 15°. The angle of inclination of the following segments 18c, 18d, 18e is then again flatter, whereby the angle of inclination β in the region of segment 18c can be, for example, 5°. The "average" angle of inclination γ seen over the entire wing rig 1 is, for example, 10°, so that the "average" opening angle is then approximately 160°.

[0051] In all described embodiments, the boom 16 is designed without braces—this is a significant difference from the complex constructions described above, in which the boom is designed with a multitude of transverse and diagonal braces. In the solution according to the invention, the boom 16 can be releasably attached to the apex 20 of the leading edge 6 via a bracket 25.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 25 has a support bracket 26, which is configured to correspond to the outer contour of the apex 20 and encompasses it in sections. This encompassing action occurs in such a way that, at comparatively high wind pressure, rotation of the tube, i.e., the tube segments 18a forming the apex 20, in the direction of the arrow, and thus twisting of the profile, is reliably prevented.

[0053] Adjacent to the support bracket 26 in the direction of the boom 16 is a receptacle 28 into which the boom 16 is inserted. The end sections of the support bracket 26 and the receptacle 28 are connected via an arcuate handle 30, which makes it easier for the surfer 4 to handle the wing rig 1 before and after use. For example, when not in use, the wing rig 1 can be held by the handle 30 to allow it to blow away in the wind. The bracket 25 and the boom 16 are preferably made of a lightweight material, for example aluminum, fiber-reinforced plastic, carbon fiber materials, or other high-strength lightweight materials. Due to the simple structure of the boom 16, it has a negligible impact on the overall weight of the wing rig 1.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a side view of a variant of the previously described embodiment of a wing rig 1. The view corresponds approximately to that of Figure 3. That is, in this view the end section 10 is visible with the V-shaped front edge 6, which has its lowest point in the area of ​​the apex 20. The apex 24 of the rear edge 12 is guided downwards by the boom 16 (view from Figure 5 The holder 25 of the tree 16 in turn has a receptacle 28 into which the tree 16 is inserted or which is otherwise connected to the tree 16. The apex 20 is supported according to Figure 6at the top of the receptacle 28. A lightweight, approximately U-shaped handle 32 extends away from the receptacle 28, the end section of which engages the apex 20 formed by the tube segments 18a at a distance from the support of the apex 20 on the receptacle 28, i.e., offset towards the sailcloth 14. By spacing the support of the apex 20 on the receptacle 28 on the one hand and on the end section 34 of the handle 32 on the other hand, the above-described rotation of the front edge 6 (front tube) is also prevented.

[0055] Due to the U-structure of the handle 32, the wing rig 1 can be easily held for blowing out. As particularly shown in Figure 6As shown, the handle 32 is designed as a truss structure. The connection of the receptacle 28 and the end section 34 to the apex can be achieved via suitable fixing elements on the tube segments 18a. These fixing elements are preferably designed such that the handle 30 is detachably connected to the front edge 6 (front tube).

[0056] Instead of the handle 30, the handle 32, which is more or less integrated into the tree structure, this can also be designed as a loop on the upstream side of the leading edge 6, so that the surfer can let the wing rig 1 blow out while holding it in his hand, for example, while surfing.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the holder 25 is designed as a flat body which is designed to encompass the rear edge 6 or the tube segments 18a in sections.

[0058] This flat holder can, for example, be designed as a molded body. In a particularly simple embodiment, the holder 25 is made of canvas, which is connected to the apex 20 of the leading edge 6 and, if necessary, stabilized by suitable stiffening elements. The boom 16 can then be inserted into this holder 25. In this embodiment, the holder 25 is also designed such that rotation of the tube (leading edge 6) in the direction of the arrow is prevented by the support provided by the boom 16.

[0059] In the previously described embodiments, the front tube is designed with a continuous bladder, as explained. In the example according to Figure 8 , which does not fall under the scope of protection of the patent claims, a separate bladder is used for each wing rig half, whereby between these two bladders as shown in Figure 8a support channel 36 remains into which the boom 16 is inserted. This creates a two-chamber system that ensures sufficient lift even if a bladder is damaged, so that the wing rig 1 does not sink. This support channel 36 can, for example, be formed by a piece of pipe that passes diametrically through the front tube. This support channel 36 is formed between the two bladders of the two wing rig halves (left, right). For further stabilization, a bearing ring 40 is formed on an outer shell 38 of the front tube (leading edge 6), which runs as an extension of the support channel 36 and through which the boom 16 passes. This bearing ring 40 absorbs the compression forces and is designed similarly to the support rings of the commonly used kite valves.

[0060] A similar support ring 42 is provided opposite the bearing ring 40 on the inside of the outer shell 38, on which the Figure 8The left end section of the boom 16 is supported. This means that the boom 16 is connected to the outer shell 38 in a force-locking and form-locking manner, so that the apex 20 and thus the front tube are prevented from twisting in the direction of the arrow. As explained, the tubular support channel 36 is connected to the bearing ring 40 on the one hand and the support ring 42 on the other, so that the boom 16 is reliably fixed in position.

[0061] Such a solution has the advantage that the bearing rings 40 and the support rings 42 can be used for virtually any front tube diameter—only the length of the support channel 36 needs to be adjusted. With such a solution, the boom 16 is very stably supported, so that the holding forces introduced by the surfer 4 and the compression forces transmitted by the front tube are reliably absorbed without excessively deforming the boom 16. The support channel 36 and the rings 40, 42 are preferably designed as plastic injection-molded parts.

[0062] In all of the above-described embodiments, the sailcloth 14 can be stabilized using sail battens or the like. These sail battens can be conical or profiled to optimize the airflow profile of the sailcloth 14. Similarly, the leading edge 16 can also be stiffened using suitable stiffening elements, so that the wing rig 1 maintains the illustrated aerodynamically optimized shape even under high loads.

[0063] These sail battens or stiffening elements can also be designed as carbon fiber tubes or the like.

[0064] In one embodiment, the sail battens are profiled such that they are first adapted to the diameter of the leading edge 6 (front tube) and then support the sailcloth 14. Of course, additional or alternative sail battens can be inserted into the sailcloth 14 from the trailing edge 12.

[0065] In order to prevent the wing rig 1 from drifting away in the event of a fall, it is connected to the surfer 4, in particular to his arm, via a safety leash 44.

[0066] Disclosed is a hand-supported wing rig, which is preferably designed with an inflatable leading edge, which is designed to widen upwards (away from the surfer) in the direction of flow in an approximately V-shape. List of reference symbols:

[0067] 1 Wing rig 2 Foilboard 4 Surfer 6 Leading edge / front tube 8 End section 10 End section 12 Trailing edge 14 Sailcloth 16 Boom 18 Tube segment 20 Leading edge apex 22 Center of gravity 23 Center batten 24 Trailing edge apex 25 Bracket 26 Support bracket 27 Batten 28 Mount 29 Seam 30 Handle 32 Grab handle 34 End section 36 Support channel 38 Outer hull 40 Bearing ring 42 Support ring 44 Safety leash α Angle of attack β Angle of inclination γ Angle of inclination to the end sections δ Opening angle (180°-2β)

Claims

1. A hand-supported wing rig for wing foiling, which is designed to be held by a surfer standing on a foil board only with the hands and to be adjusted with respect to the wind depending on the desired direction of travel of the foil board, with an inflatable leading edge (6) along which a sailcloth (14) extends to a trailing edge (12), characterized in that- a continuous bladder which can be inflatable via a valve is arranged in the leading edge (6), - a center of gravity (22) of the sailcloth (14) is at least 40% of a distance (a) between a vertex (20) of the leading edge (6) and a vertex (24) of the trailing edge (12), and - the leading edge (6), when not exposed to airflow / unloaded, is approximately V-shaped in the direction of airflow, converging towards the boom (16) and "opening" upwards, away from the surfer, and the wing rig is designed such that, in the exposed / loaded state, an angle of inclination of the V-shape which the two sections of the leading edge each enclose with the horizontal (β, γ) from the vertex (20) to the end sections (8, 10) increases compared to the non-exposed / unloaded state.

2. Hand-supported wing rig according to claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination (β) to the horizontal in the apex region is between 10° and 30°, preferably more than 15°, particularly preferably about 20°.

3. Hand-supported wing rig according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the angle of inclination (β) is maximum in the apex region of the leading edge (6) and decreases towards the two ends (8, 10) of the leading edge (6).

4. Hand-supported wing rig according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an average angle of inclination (γ) from the apex (20) to the end sections (8, 10) is approximately 5° to 20°, preferably approximately 10°.

5. Hand-supported wing rig according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the approximately V-shaped profile extends to the trailing edge (12) of the sailcloth (14).

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