Kite for controlling a kite

Abstract

Kitebar (1) for controlling a kite, with a pole-like bar (1a), to the end sections (5a, 5b) of which control lines for the kite to be controlled are attached or can be attached in an axial direction and on which a display (2) for displaying driving and / or location and / or personal information is provided in the manner of a cockpit, preferably but possibly removable.

Description

[0001] A bar, also called a kite bar, is the "steering bar" of a kite and is primarily used to transmit the kitesurfer's steering commands to the kite via lines connected to the kite bar. The kitesurfer pulls on one end of the kite bar, bending the kite by pulling on the steering lines attached to the axial end sections of the kite bar, causing the kite to fly in that direction.

[0002] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "kite" is used synonymously with "kite" used for the utilization and steering of wind propulsion in certain sports.

[0003] The kite bar, as the "steering bar" of the kite, comprises a pole-like "bar shaft" to whose end sections in the axial direction the control lines for the kite to be controlled are attached or are to be attached, so that by pulling and pushing the bar shaft on one side the position and direction of flight of the kite can be changed.

[0004] Depending on its use in the respective sport, the kite bar includes further functional components such as a so-called "chicken loop" (a connection between the kite and a harness worn by the kitesurfer), a "quick release" (which serves to quickly and safely disconnect the direct connection between the kitesurfer and the kite in certain situations), and a "depower line" (which is attached above the quick release, runs through one or more cutouts in the kite bar and ends below an adjuster - moving the kite bar along the depower line changes the angle of attack of the kite to the wind and thus the resulting power).

[0005] The present invention relates to an improvement on the bar end of the kite bar, such that the aforementioned further functional components are provided, but may be designed according to the prior art and are not discussed further here in a manner specific to the invention.

[0006] To access ride-related and / or location-related and / or personal information such as speed, acceleration, direction or course, jump height, position, temperature, time, heart rate, etc., kitesurfers can currently wear a smartwatch on their wrist. This device is essentially a small computer equipped with or connected to various sensors (temperature sensor, GPS receiver, pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) to record, process, calculate, or combine the respective physical parameters and display the resulting data on the smartwatch's screen. However, the wrist position is not ideal for reading the information while riding, and changing the arm position to view the display may trigger unintentional steering movements on the kite bar.Operating the device is also relatively difficult without triggering unintentional control movements.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a kite bar for controlling a kite, which, in addition to the pure control function, also has other functions.

[0008] The invention proposes a kite bar with the features of claim 1 as a solution. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention therefore relates in particular to a kite bar for controlling a kite, with a pole-like bar section, to the end sections of which control lines for the kite to be controlled are attached or can be attached in an axial direction, and on which a display for showing driving and / or location and / or personal information (for example speed, acceleration, distance traveled, angle of inclination, direction of travel or course, altitude, position, temperature, time, and / or pulse rate and / or information derived therefrom) is provided in the manner of a cockpit, preferably but possibly removable.

[0010] The integration of the display allows for the presentation of information and prefers operation within the immediate field of vision of the kitesurfer when holding the kite bar - typically on both sides of the display - and enables easy reading at any time without changing the arm position or grip position and thus without the risk of losing control over the kite.

[0011] Preferably, the display housing of the kite bar is located in a central section of the bar-like shaft, preferably in the area of ​​a longitudinal position of the shaft in the axial direction, where a depower line is guided through a recess in the shaft. This ensures that the handling and gripping of the kite bar on both sides of the display, as well as the movement of the kite bar along the depower line, is not impaired.

[0012] Preferably, the kite bar has an integrated computer with sensors arranged in or on the bar section, preferably being installed in the housing of the display or in an interior space of the bar section. The computer is configured to acquire, process, and display the data on the screen. For this purpose, the computer can be equipped with or connected to appropriate sensors (temperature sensor, GPS receiver, pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) to acquire, calculate, or combine the respective physical parameters. The sensors and electronic circuits or software functions required for this are known per se in the prior art and are merely used, but not substantially modified, within the scope of the invention.

[0013] With its integrated computer, the kitebar is independent of an external device (computer) and can independently collect and process the aforementioned ride, location, and / or personal information during use. The term "computer" is used generally in the context of this disclosure and refers to a computing and control unit for signal and data processing and for operating the respective functions, for example, controlling a (later described) battery charging process (charge controller function), input and output of commands and data (communication function), and controlling the display (display function). These functional blocks can be integrated on a common circuit board or in integrated circuits, or distributed across several interconnected circuit boards.

[0014] In another variant, the computer and sensors are not located in or on the bar, but are preferably housed in a separate casing independent of the kite bar. This allows it to be positioned outside the kite bar, for example, on a mount on the kitesurfer's arm, a belt, or the harness. In any case, the computer is designed to collect and display data wirelessly (e.g., via Wi-Fi / Bluetooth). An advantage of this variant is that the computer can be easily handled independently of the kite bar, for example, for data analysis and battery charging. Furthermore, it offers more space for the computer's functions and facilitates waterproofing.In this case, the display is the only electronic functional unit integrated into the kite bar (besides a power supply / energy source), separate from the computer, and therefore requires less power because it only has a limited range of functions to power.

[0015] Preferably, the computer can be configured to store recorded data in memory (RAM) and make it available for later retrieval for the purpose of evaluating the journey and / or transmitting it wirelessly. In this case, the wireless data transmission can also include an emergency call function, which involves sending an alarm signal and location data (GPS coordinates).

[0016] In yet another variation, the computer used for data acquisition and processing is not part of the kitebar itself. Instead, a familiar device with the appropriate functionality (such as a mobile phone / smartphone or a GPS device) is used. For this, the kitebar's display only needs to have limited functionality to wirelessly receive and display data from this external computer (e.g., via Wi-Fi / Bluetooth or other protocols). In this version, the kitebar can be configured cost-effectively and, due to the reduced number of electronic components, can also be powered by a smaller energy source. The kitebar thus functions as an external display or output unit and can include an electronic circuit or function that can be controlled according to established protocols.

[0017] The kite bar can have an integrated power source for the display or its electronic circuitry and, if present, the computer, preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery housed inside the bar. This allows the battery and any electronics required for charging to be protected from water, dust, and shock without increasing the overall size of the kite bar.

[0018] For easier assembly and maintenance, the power source (the battery) and preferably, if present, the computer can be arranged on a removable, slide-like mounting bracket inside the frame. In this configuration, the battery (and, if applicable, the computer) can be pre-assembled as a unit and inserted into the frame as a single module, then removed again as a unit for maintenance. The mounting bracket can also have appropriate dimensions, spacers, and / or damping elements to ensure secure, form-fit and / or friction-fit fixation of the unit inside.

[0019] The energy source (the battery) can be charged via a connector provided on the bar or an end piece thereof, and / or via solar cells attached to the bar, and / or contactlessly inductively via a coil arranged in the bar. All three charging variants are known per se, whereby charging via solar cells enables autonomous use, the inductive charging variant allows for simpler sealing of the interior against water, and the connector variant, preferably designed according to the USB-C standard, represents the technically simplest solution but requires a waterproof seal of the connector.

[0020] For this purpose, the connector can be sealed watertight, in particular with a cover that can be selectively opened to release the connector, preferably by pivoting around a hinge.

[0021] Preferably, the bar section of the kite bar is divided or subdividable into at least one central section, which contains the central portion of the rod-like bar section with the display, and at least one end section, preferably two end sections, in an axial direction of the bar section. The central section and the end section(s) are connected to each other in a watertight manner with respect to the interior of the bar section, preferably detachably, to allow access to the interior. This division facilitates the installation of components such as the power source and the computer. Furthermore, the division allows for different widths of the kite bar by symmetrically mounting tube-like intermediate sections of varying lengths between the end sections and the central section. Alternatively, the bar section can also be cast, with the components being correspondingly tightly enclosed.

[0022] The display can be accessed from the outside via a cover that is detachably and waterproofly connected to the housing and is at least partially transparent. This allows easy access to the display, for example for installation and maintenance.

[0023] In further preferred embodiments, the kite bar can have input devices for controlling the display and / or, if present, the computer. Preferably, such input devices are arranged in the area of ​​the display so that they do not interfere with gripping the bar and can be operated with the thumbs. More preferably, the input devices can be in the form of a touch-sensitive display, although one or more waterproof buttons or switches are also possible, optionally in conjunction with a serial switching function through a sequence of menu options to reduce the number of buttons to, for example, one.

[0024] Finally, the kite bar can also be equipped with an output device for acoustic output (a transducer) of information that is available for visual display, preferably in the area of ​​the display, and / or an output device for wireless output of a signal (e.g., Wi-Fi / Bluetooth) for playback via external headphones. With this option, information, which may also include instructions for specific maneuvers or warning signals when certain driving, location, and / or personal data exceeds predefined limits during a ride, can be transmitted to the kitesurfer in addition to the visual display, without the need for the kitesurfer to take their hands off the kite bar.

[0025] Furthermore, the bar end of the kite bar can be provided with an EVA coating in a manner known per se to improve grip and to achieve additional sealing of joints, particularly when the kite bar is divided into several segments (e.g. middle section and end pieces and possibly intermediate pieces) against water, wherein the EVA coating preferably also extends over at least a part of the housing of the display, so that the risk of water ingress is further reduced there as well.

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a kite bar according to an exemplary embodiment, in which only the bar shaft is shown and other components are omitted; Fig. 2 a detailed representation of the components of the kite bar from Fig. 1 in side view, with the tubular intermediate pieces omitted; Fig. 3 a detailed representation of the components of the kite bar from Fig. 2 in the top view, with the tubular intermediate pieces omitted here as well; and Fig. 4 An external view of an end piece of the kite bar, where a USB-C connector is provided as a charging port (on the left in an accessible position and on the right closed by a cover).

[0027] The exemplary kite bar 1 shown in the drawing for controlling a kite has a pole-like bar 1a, to whose end sections 5a,5b control lines for the kite to be controlled are attached or can be attached in an axial direction in a manner known per se.

[0028] According to the invention, a digital display 2 for displaying riding and / or location and / or personal information is permanently provided or attached to the bar 1a of the kite bar 1 in the manner of a cockpit. The data to be displayed on the screen during kitesurfing can include, for example, speed, acceleration, distance traveled, angle of inclination, direction of travel or course, altitude (jump height), position (GPS coordinates), temperature, time, and / or pulse rate, as well as data derived therefrom. This list is not exhaustive, and any combination of this data or information is possible. The display can be segmented into data fields, as is known per se, with both the arrangement and size of the data fields and the assignment of data to the data fields typically being configurable via software.It is also possible to define multiple levels that can be switched through and selected by using an input device.

[0029] While the display 2 or a housing 7 thereof is in any case firmly attached to the bar 1a, it may also be designed to be removable with or without tools.

[0030] The housing 7 of the display 2 is provided in a central region of the rod-like bar 1a, preferably in the region of a longitudinal position of the bar 1a in the axial direction, where a (not shown) depower line is passed through a recess 3 in the bar 1a. While this symmetrical arrangement, as in the illustrated embodiment, is preferred because it does not impair the gripping of the bar 1a from both sides, the term "region of a longitudinal position" is not limited to a symmetrical, central position, and the display can also be arranged offset from the center.

[0031] The data intended for display on Display 2 is provided by a computer, which may be equipped with or connected to appropriate sensors (temperature sensor, GPS receiver, pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope) to acquire, calculate, or combine the respective physical parameters and make them available for display on Display 2. The term "computer" is used generally in the context of this disclosure and refers to a computing and control unit for signal and data processing and for operating the respective functions, for example, controlling a (later described) battery charging process (charge controller function), inputting and outputting commands and data (communication function), and controlling the display.

[0032] The computer can also be configured to temporarily store acquired data in memory (ROM), possibly in conjunction with an assignment to manually defined measurement points, and to make this data available for retrieval and / or wireless transmission. The information transmitted externally by the computer can also include an emergency call function, in which an alarm signal and GPS coordinates are automatically or manually transmitted wirelessly to rescue services. The transmission of this data over longer distances can be achieved directly via an integrated cellular function or indirectly via short-range transmission (WLAN / Bluetooth) to a nearby smartphone, which then forwards the data via the mobile network. Alternatively, transmission can be carried out directly to rescue services using ground waves / LoRa (ISM / SRD band).

[0033] With the installed sensors and, if necessary, the addition of a Hall sensor on the quick-release mechanism, the exact position of the bar post (angle and bar travel) can be measured. This opens up the possibility of future expansion with further functions that serve to improve athletic performance. Display of the maximum steering angle, use of the maximum baniveg, evaluation of steering behavior in the app to optimize movement sequences, for example for learning the sport or special maneuvers.

[0034] In a possible extension, vibration generators could be provided in the right and left bar handles, for example to convey steering movements pre-programmed by teachers or professionals to the user via vibration signals on the respective hand.

[0035] These computer functional blocks can be integrated on a common circuit board 9, as in the exemplary embodiment, or in one or more integrated circuits, or distributed across several interconnected circuit boards. The aforementioned sensors can also be integrated on the main board or arranged on sub-boards.

[0036] The computer can be arranged in or on the bar 1a, preferably being installed in the housing 7 of the display or in an interior space of the bar 1a. In another embodiment, the computer is arranged outside the kite bar 1, preferably in a separate housing independent of the kite bar 1, and is also configured to acquire data for display on the display 2, provide it for display on the display 2, and transmit it wirelessly (e.g., via WLAN / Bluetooth) to the display 2. In this embodiment, only the functions required for operating the display and receiving data, as well as the function for charging a power source 11 (charge controller function) described later, are needed on the circuit board 9.This variant can also be implemented in such a way that even the computer for providing the data to be displayed is not part of the Kitebar system, but is a device known in itself, such as a smartphone or GPS computer, while the Kitebar is equipped with the display to receive and display data for display on the display 2 from such an external computer wirelessly in a standardized protocol (e.g. via WLAN / Bluetooth), like an external display.

[0037] The kite bar 1 then comprises the power source 11 for the display 2 and, if present, the computer (the circuit board 9), preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery (for example, a lithium-ion battery), which is housed inside the bar section 1a. The power source 11 is connected to the main circuit board 9 via a cable, and a charge controller function may be located on the circuit board 9 or in the area of ​​the power source 11. The respective connecting cables are not shown in the drawing.

[0038] For example, in Fig. 2 / 3 In the kite bar 1 shown, the bar section 1a is divided into several segments and comprises a central section 8, which contains the central area of ​​the rod-like bar section 1a with the display 2, and two end sections 4a, 4b at opposite ends in an axial direction of the bar section 1a. The central section 8 and the end sections 4a, 4b are connected to each other in a watertight manner with respect to an interior space within the bar section 1a, preferably detachably, to allow access to the interior space. In this example, round-tube-shaped intermediate pieces 6a, 6b are provided for connecting the end sections 4a, 4b and the central section 8. Fig. 1 are shown, but in the representation of the Fig. 2 und 3 omitted.

[0039] These round, tubular intermediate pieces 6a, 6b, which serve here as the actual handles of the kite bar 1, are made, for example, of carbon or aluminum tubes and are fitted onto matching tube sockets 4c, 4d on the end pieces 4a, 4b and onto tube sockets 8c, 8d on the opposite sides of the middle section 8. Each of these sockets has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the intermediate pieces and is mechanically secured, for example, by cotter pins or screws that extend through aligned holes 4e, 4f and 8e, 8f, respectively. Alternatively, a screw connection or an adhesive connection can be used, or the end pieces 4a, 4b and the middle section 8 can be directly connected to each other without the intermediate pieces if tubular sections of the appropriate length are molded onto them to form the handles of the bar 1a in the desired width.

[0040] In this embodiment, the mainboard 9 (computer) is positioned as the central control element in the left bar section. The mainboard 9 is held in place by a plug-in device in the tube socket 8c of the center section 8. The display 2 is centrally mounted in the center section 8 by being inserted into a recessed recess 2a in the housing 7 and sealed all around by a cover 2b, which is attached to the center section 8 from the outside and screwed to it. At least the area of ​​the cover 2b that covers the display 2 is transparent, while a surrounding edge may be opaque. The display 2 is thus centrally located in the center section 8 in front of the line guide 3 and, when the kite bar is in use, is positioned directly in front of the kitesurfer between their hands.

[0041] Display 2 is connected to the mainboard 9 by cables. The cable entry from the recessed recess 2a into the interior of the central part 8 or the pipe fitting 8c is achieved by means of a milled slot or a bore. A seal (not shown) is located in this cable entry.

[0042] In this example, the power source 11 (the battery) is arranged on a removable, sled-like mounting bracket 10, which is dimensioned and shaped to fit into the interior of the bar frame 1a (here, the intermediate piece 6a) and be securely held in place. A cable connection runs from the mainboard 9 to the battery contacts in the battery mounting bracket 10. It is also conceivable to arrange the mainboard 9 (the computer) on the sled-like mounting bracket 10 and insert it, along with the battery, as a modular unit into the bar frame 1a. In this example, all functional components of the computer and the power source are located on the left side of the bar frame 1a, leaving the interior space on the right side unused. However, it is also possible to distribute the components on both sides to achieve a degree of mass balance and a symmetrical mass distribution.This can also be achieved by using a counterweight.

[0043] The power source 11 is electrically connected and rechargeable via a cable connection from a charge controller on the mainboard 9 to a connector 12 provided on the bar 1a or – as shown – on the end piece 4a. This connector 12 is preferably a charging port according to the USB-C standard and is mounted on the outer end face of the end piece 4a, as shown in Fig. 4This connector 12, which serves as a charging port, is sealed watertight by a cover 13 that can be selectively opened to release the connector 12. The connector 12 is surrounded by an O-ring 14, which acts as a seal, in a recess against which the cover 13 is pre-tensioned in the closed state and fits tightly all around. The cover 13 is movably mounted on the end piece 4a, for example by pivoting about a hinge, and is secured in the closed position by a manually released locking mechanism 15 or a locking screw.

[0044] By appropriately wiring it to the computer and connecting the contacts of the USB-C connector 12, it can be used not only to charge the power source 11, but also to exchange data with the computer, for example to install programs and updates, as well as to read stored, recorded data.

[0045] In further functional extensions, the kitebar may also include (not shown) input means for controlling the display and / or, if present, the computer 9, which are preferably arranged in the area of ​​the display 2 for better accessibility and the possibility of operation during use without repositioning the hand. A particularly preferred embodiment of such input means is a touch-sensitive display 2.

[0046] Finally, the Kitebar can also include, in further functional extensions, an output means (not shown) for the acoustic output of information (speech output) that is available for visual display on the display 2, preferably also in the area of ​​the display 2 or in the housing 7 thereof in the form of a sound transducer and / or as an output means for a wireless output signal (e.g. WLAN / Bluetooth) for playback by means of an external earphone.

[0047] The bar 1a can further be provided with an EVA coating, which preferably also extends over the connection points between the intermediate pieces 6a,6b and the end pieces 4a,4b or the middle part 8 and further preferably at least over a partial area of ​​the housing 7 of the display 2 in order to improve the grip on the bar and a seal against water.

Claims

1. Kite bar (1) for controlling a kite, with a pole-like bar section (1a), to the end sections (5a, 5b) of which control lines for the kite to be controlled are attached or can be attached in an axial direction and on which a display (2) for displaying driving and / or location and / or personal information is provided in the manner of a cockpit, preferably but possibly removable.

2. Kitebar (1) according to claim 1, wherein a housing (7) of the display (2) is provided in a central area of ​​the rod-like bar section (1a), preferably in the area of ​​a longitudinal position of the bar section (1a) in the axial direction, where a depower line is passed through a recess (3) in the bar section (1a).

3. Kitebar (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a computer (9) with sensors arranged in or on the bar section (1a), preferably being installed in a / the housing (7) of the display or in an interior of the bar section (1a), and configured to acquire the data for display on the display (2) and to make it available for display on the display (2).

4. Kitebar (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a computer with sensors, which is to be arranged outside the kitebar (1), preferably in its own housing independent of the kitebar (1), and which is configured to acquire the data for display on the display (2) and to provide it for display on the display (2) and to transmit it wirelessly (WLAN / Bluetooth) to the display (2).

5. Kitebar (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the computer (9) is configured to store captured data and make it available for retrieval and / or to transmit it wirelessly, preferably including an emergency call function.

6. Kitebar (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display (2) is configured to receive data for display on the display (2) wirelessly from an external computer.

7. Kitebar (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an energy source (11) for the display (2) and, if present, the computer (9), preferably in the form of a rechargeable battery, is included inside the bar shaft (1a).

8. Kitebar (1) according to claim 7, wherein the power source (11) and preferably, if present, the computer (9) is / are arranged on a removable (sled-like) mounting carrier (10) in an / the interior of the bar frame (1a).

9. Kitebar (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the energy source (11) can be charged via a connector (12) provided on the bar section (1a) or an end piece (4a) thereof and / or via solar cells attached to the bar section (1a) and / or contactlessly inductively via a coil arranged in the bar section (1a).

10. Kitebar (1) according to claim 9, wherein the connector (12) is sealed in a watertight manner with a cover (13) which can be selectively opened to release the connector (12), preferably by pivoting about a hinge.

11. Kitebar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bar section (1a) is divided into at least one middle section (8) which includes a / the middle section of the pole-like bar section (1a) with the display (2), and at least one / the end section (4a), preferably two end sections (4a, 4b), in an axial direction of the bar section (1a), wherein the middle section (8) and the end section (4a) or the end sections (4a, 4b) are connected to each other in a watertight manner with respect to an interior space in the bar section (1a), preferably detachably, in order to gain access to the interior space.

12. Kitebar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display (2) is accessible from the outside via a cover (2b) which is detachably and waterproof connected to a / the housing (7) and is at least partially transparent.

13. Kitebar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein input means for controlling the display and / or, if present, the computer (9) are provided on the kitebar (1), preferably in the area of ​​the display (2) and further preferably in the form of a touch-sensitive display.

14. Kitebar (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein an output means for acoustic output of information available for visual display on the display (2) is provided on the kitebar, preferably in the area of ​​the display (2), and / or an output means for an output signal for playback by means of an external earphone.

15. Kitebar (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the bar shaft (1a) is provided with an EVA coating which preferably also extends over at least a partial area of ​​one / the housing (7) of the display.

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