IMPROVED WATER SPORTS PACKAGE

Abstract

IMPROVED WATER SPORTING EQUIPMENT Water sports equipment (E) comprising a pair of floats (1, 2), each float (1, 2) predominantly extending along a longitudinal direction (II, II-II) between a front end (1a, 2a) and a rear end (1b, 2b), each float (1, 2) comprising a top surface (1c, 2c) having engagement means (3) for the engagement of a user's foot. Each float (1, 2) comprises a rear internal cavity (1e, 2e) extending along the longitudinal direction (II, II-II) from the rear end (1b, 2b) towards the front end (1a, 2a), and opening at the rear end (1b, 2b). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED NAUTICAL SET FOR SPORTS PRACTICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sports and leisure activities and more particularly to a nautical set for practicing sports.

[0002] Document WO 2009 / 155672 A2 describes a nautical assembly for practicing the sport, comprising a pair of floats, each float extending substantially along a plane by predominantly lengthening along a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end. Each float comprises an upper surface having means for engaging a user's foot, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. These floats are each equipped on their lower surface with a hinged flap that pivots freely about a transverse axis substantially parallel to the upper surface. These flaps serve as means for limiting the backward movement of one float on the water when the user pushes off that float to propel the other float forward. The user can thus perform a movement on the water similar to walking or classic cross-country skiing.

[0003] In this document, the flap must return to a vertical position in order to offer resistance to recoil in the water. Before reaching this vertical position, the free pivoting of the flap offers virtually no resistance to recoil in the water, so a significant recoil of the float can occur.

[0004] US patent 4,915,659 A describes a similar assembly, in which the recoil-limiting means consist of a plurality of flexible pockets arranged under the floats. These flexible pockets resist the recoil of the float by inflating with water and empty when the float moves forward. These recoil-limiting means allow the user to slide on firm ground without damaging the recoil-limiting means.

[0005] In this document, the pockets must fill with enough water to offer resistance to recoil in the water. Before this filling, the pockets offer virtually no resistance to recoil in the water, so a significant recoil of the float can occur.

[0006] Thus, a drawback of the means of limiting the recoil of these prior nautical assemblies is that a certain degree of recoil movement of the float is necessary before these means become effective. This results in unpleasant sensations for the user, with the resistance to recoil of the floats varying too much. during the movement.

[0007] In document FR 3 089 945 A1 filed on behalf of the applicant, floats were proposed, each equipped with a flexible, oblique blade protruding from the underside of the floats. Despite their flexibility, the oblique blades generate significant resistance to the forward movement of the floats.

[0008] In addition, all the means of limiting recoil proposed by prior documents (flaps, flexible pockets, flexible blades, etc.) are complex and highly subject to degradation during the handling or transport of the floats. Description of the invention

[0009] One problem proposed by the present invention is to design a nautical assembly that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, allowing the practice of a movement on the water similar to that of classic cross-country skiing and even closer to the movement of classic cross-country skiing thanks to a faster limitation of the retreat of the floats without harming the advance of the floats.

[0010] Simultaneously, the present invention aims to design a nautical assembly comprising means for limiting the recoil of the floats which are effective, simple and not prone to degradation during the handling or transport of the floats.

[0011] To achieve these and other objectives, the invention proposes a nautical set for the practice of sport comprising a pair of floats, each float extending substantially along a plane by predominantly lengthening along a longitudinal direction between an anterior end and a posterior end, each float comprising an upper surface having means for engaging a user's foot and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, in which each float comprises a posterior internal cavity lengthening along the longitudinal direction from the posterior end and towards the anterior end, and opening at the posterior end.

[0012] When the user prepares to move the first float forward relative to the second, they generally shift most of their weight onto the second float. The second float, momentarily bearing more weight, thus tends to sink further into the water: a flow of water then enters the rear internal cavity of the second float, moving forward and striking the anterior end of the rear internal cavity. This creates an almost immediate resistance against the second float moving backward, as the water enters the rear internal cavity of the second float. This allows the user to move the first float forward more easily, since they are now only bearing a small portion of their weight on it.

[0013] During the advance of the first float, the posterior internal cavity of the first float offers no resistance to the movement caused by the user.

[0014] During the next "step", it is the flow of water entering the posterior internal cavity of the first float that will oppose an almost immediate resistance against a recoil of the first float, and allow the user to advance the second float with even greater ease, on which he now only puts a small part of his weight.

[0015] Preferably, the posterior internal cavities of the floats can be substantially cylindrical. Such a shape allows for unobstructed flow and reflux of water in the posterior internal cavities.

[0016] Advantageously, the posterior internal cavities can extend longitudinally to a length of between 30 and 60 cm, and / or to a length of between 10% and 30% of the total length of the float. Such a length of the posterior internal cavities has proven to be a good compromise for ensuring both satisfactory buoyancy of the floats and effective resistance to float recoil during alternating use.

[0017] Advantageously, each float may include a vent hole extending from its upper surface to its respective rear internal cavity. Such a vent hole allows air to escape, facilitating the flow of water into the rear internal cavity when the float bears most of the user's weight, particularly when the float tends to become almost completely submerged under the increased weight it must support. The vent hole also facilitates air intake for water to flow out of the rear internal cavity when the user moves the float forward.

[0018] Preferably, for increased efficiency, the vent hole can be located near an anterior bottom of the posterior internal cavity.

[0019] Advantageously, each float may include a fin projecting from its lower surface, said fin generally extending in a plane perpendicular to the lower surface and parallel to the longitudinal direction. The fins help maintain a constant lateral separation between the two floats and limit the risk of an unexpected large frontal separation.

[0020] Preferably, the fin can extend substantially in a median longitudinal plane of the float.

[0021] Advantageously, the posterior internal cavity of each float can extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the perpendicular plane along which the float's fin extends. Such symmetry promotes balanced float behavior during use.

[0022] Preferably, each float may include a single fin located at Weighting of the means of engagement according to the longitudinal direction. By positioning themselves in the longitudinal direction, the fins do not hinder the user when they orient their floats in a horizontal plane on the water, particularly to change the direction of their progress.

[0023] Advantageously, the means for engaging each float may include a recess formed in the upper surface of the float. The recess allows the user's foot to be positioned closer to the lower surface of the float. This limits the risk of the user losing their balance in the event of slight rotation of the float around its longitudinal direction. Such a recess also allows the foot to be braced against the float in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0024] Preferably, each float may include means for receiving and retaining a user's foot, capable of at least partially covering the instep of said foot. These means allow the float to move forward effectively using the user's foot. Such means may be in the form of a simple strap covering the instep of the foot. However, means may also be provided in the form of a sock-like cover that encircles the front (instep) and back of the foot.

[0025] Advantageously, to help the user stabilize their balance, the nautical equipment may include a pair of poles extending from a proximal end, provided with a grip, to a distal end. The poles have a cross-section that increases towards their distal end to provide a wider support surface on the water. In particular, the poles may include a support surface forming a cavity opening away from the proximal end of the pole. Such poles are described, for example, in documents WO 2009 / 155672 A2, US 4,915,659 A and FR 3 089 945 AL. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a nautical assembly according to the invention, comprising a pair of floats;

[0028] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a top view of the floats of the whole of the [Fig.1];

[0029] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a side view of the floats of the whole of the [Fig.1]. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0030] When identical numerical references are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these numerical references designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a particular embodiment of a nautical assembly E according to the invention for the practice of sport.

[0032] This nautical assembly E comprises a pair of floats 1, 2. The [Fig.3] is a side view of a single float which can be either float 1 or float 2.

[0033] Each float 1, 2 extends substantially along a respective plane PI, P2, predominantly lengthening along a respective longitudinal direction LI, II-II between an anterior end la, 2a and a posterior end 1b, 2b. Each float 1, 2 comprises an upper surface le, 2c having engagement means 3 for the engagement of a user's foot, and a lower surface Id, 2d opposite the upper surface le, 2c.

[0034] Each float 1, 2 comprises a posterior internal cavity le, 2e extending along its respective longitudinal direction II or II-II from the posterior end 1b, 2b and towards the anterior end la, 2a, open at the posterior end 1b, 2b, and closed by a peripheral wall and an anterior bottom If, 2f.

[0035] The posterior internal cavities of the 1st, 2nd of the floats 1, 2 are substantially cylindrical.

[0036] The posterior internal cavities le, 2e extend along the longitudinal direction II or ILII with a length Lie, L2e between 30 and 60 cm, and / or with a length Lie, L2e between 10% and 30% of the total length Ll, L2 of the float 1,2.

[0037] Each float 1, 2 includes a vent hole 1g, 2g provided from its upper surface le, 2c to its respective posterior internal cavity le, 2e.

[0038] The vent hole 1g, 2g is located near the anterior bottom If, 2f of the posterior internal cavity le, 2e.

[0039] Each float includes a fin Ih, 2h projecting on the lower surface Id, 2d, said fin Ih, 2h extending generally along a plane P3, P4 perpendicular to the lower surface Id, 2d and parallel to the longitudinal direction II or IL. The planes P3 and P4 are also the respective median longitudinal planes of the floats 1,2.

[0040] It can be seen more particularly on [Fig.2] that the posterior internal cavity le, 2e of each float 1, 2 extends in a substantially symmetrical way on either side of the perpendicular planes P3, P4 along which the fins Ih, 2h of the floats 1,2 extend.

[0041] More precisely, each float 1, 2 comprises a single fin Ih, 2h which is located in correspondence with the engagement means 3 along the longitudinal direction I- I or ILII.

[0042] The engagement means 3 of each float 1, 2 comprise a hollow housing 4 provided in the upper surface le, 2c of the float 1, 2.

[0043] Each float 1, 2 includes receiving and retaining means 5 of a user's foot 6, capable of coming into at least partial coverage of the instep of said foot 6.

[0044] When using the nautical assembly E, the user can start a forward movement on the water in the manner of what is practiced in cross-country skiing by inducing a forward movement of the float 1 (for example).

[0045] On this occasion, the user shifts most of their weight onto the float 2, which then tends to submerge further. A flow of water enters the posterior internal cavity 2e of the float 2, moving forward, and strikes the anterior bottom 2f of the posterior internal cavity 2e. The penetration of water into the posterior internal cavity 2e is facilitated by the vent hole 2g. The flow of water entering the posterior internal cavity 2e of the float 2 thus provides almost immediate resistance against the float 2 moving backward. This allows the user to easily move the float 1 forward, on which they now only transfer a small portion of their weight.

[0046] During its advance, the float 1 carries a lesser portion of the user's weight and thus tends to emerge. The water contained in its posterior internal cavity tends to flow through its opening at the posterior end 1b (which is further facilitated by the vent hole 1g).

[0047] After the advance of the float 1, the user induces with his legs an advance movement of the float 2.

[0048] On this occasion, the user shifts most of their weight onto the float 1, which then tends to submerge further. A flow of water enters the posterior internal cavity of the float 1 and strikes the anterior bottom If of the posterior internal cavity. The penetration of water into the posterior internal cavity is facilitated by the vent hole 1g. The flow of water entering the posterior internal cavity of the float 1 thus provides almost immediate resistance against the float 1 moving backward. This allows the user to easily move the float 2 forward, on which they now only transfer a small portion of their weight.

[0049] During its forward movement, the float 2 carries a smaller proportion of the user's weight (compared to the forward movement of the float 1) and thus tends to re-emerge. The water contained in its posterior internal cavity 2e tends to flow through its opening at the posterior end 2b (which is further facilitated by the vent hole 2g).

[0050] The user then continues this sequence of alternating movements.

[0051] During its movements, the user can use sticks to balance on the water by pressing the enlarged distal ends of the sticks against the surface of the water.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Nautical assembly (E) for the practice of the sport comprising a pair of floats (1,2), each float (1,2) extending substantially along a plane (PI, P2) by predominantly elongating along a longitudinal direction (II, II-II) between an anterior extremity (la, 2a) and a posterior extremity (1b, 2b), each float (1,2) comprising an upper surface (le, 2c) having engagement means (3) for the engagement of a foot (6) of a user and a lower surface (Id, 2d) opposite the upper surface (le, 2c), in which each float (1, 2) comprises a posterior internal cavity (le, 2e) elongating along the longitudinal direction (II, II-II) from the posterior extremity (1b, 2b) and towards the anterior extremity (la, 2a), and opening at the posterior extremity (1b, 2b), characterized in that each float (1, 2) comprises a vent hole (1g, 2g) formed from its upper surface (the,2c) up to its respective posterior internal cavity (the, 2nd).

2. Nautical assembly (E) according to claim 1, characterized in that the posterior internal cavities (1e, 2e) of the floats (1,2) are substantially cylindrical.

3. Nautical assembly (E) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the posterior internal cavities (l1, l2e) extend along the longitudinal direction (II, II-II) by a length (L1, L2e) of between 30 and 60 cm, and / or by a length (L1, L2e) of between 10% and 30% of the total length (L1, L2) of the float (l1,

4. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vent hole (1g, 2g) is located near an anterior bottom (If, 2f) of the posterior internal cavity (le, 2e).

5. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each float (1,2) has a fin (Ih, 2h) projecting from the lower surface (Id, 2d), said fin (Ih, 2h) generally extending along a plane (P3, P4) perpendicular to the lower surface (Id, 2d) and parallel to the longitudinal direction (II, II-II).

6. Nautical assembly (E) according to claim 5, characterized in that the fin (Ih, 2h) extends substantially in a median longitudinal plane (P3, P4) of the float (1,2).

7. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the posterior internal cavity (the, 2) of each float (1, 2) extends substantially symmetrically on either side of the perpendicular plane (P3, P4) along which the fin (Ih, 2h) of the float (1,2) extends.

8. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each float (1,2) comprises a single fin (Ih, 2h) located in correspondence with the engagement means (3) along the longitudinal direction (II, II-II).

9. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the engagement means (3) of each float comprise a hollow housing (4) provided in the upper surface (1e, 2c) of the float (1,2).

10. Nautical assembly (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each float (1,2) comprises means for receiving and retaining (5) a user's foot (6), capable of coming into at least partial coverage of the instep of said foot (6).

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