Harness end adjustment system operable while sailing

Abstract

A one-handed windsurfing harness line adjustment device, or similar device, comprising three main functions: a sliding module (2) that moves along the boom tube (1) with contact points at its ends, a longitudinal locking system (5), and a harness line (6) for hanging that attaches to grooves (3, 4) at the ends of the sliding module. This minimalist system can be supplemented by a pulley and cleat system (9) capable of adjusting the length of the harness line (6) and a stiffener to prevent the system from flapping in apparent wind. Figure to be published for the abstract: [Fig 6A]

Description

Title of the invention: Harness end adjustment system operable while sailing

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the attachment points of a harness buckle for windsurfing boards or the like. State of the art

[0002] A windsurf board consists of a board and a sail. The sail's mast is mounted on a joint attached to the board and includes a wishbone (similar to a masthead on a sailboat). The wishbone is made up of two curved tubes that meet at the front at the handle, which connects to the mast. At the rear, the two tubes fit into a telescopic U-shaped piece. This mechanism allows the length of the wishbone to be adjusted to accommodate larger or smaller sails. The rear tubes may have a larger diameter to increase the overall rigidity. A rope called a harness line is attached to each tube of the wishbone. The harness line is loosely connected to two attachment points on the wishbone tube to form a loop.The harness is a device worn by the user like a belt, which includes a hook allowing them to attach themselves to the sail with the loop formed by the end of the harness attached to the boom. In this way, the user can counteract the sail's thrust with their weight suspended from the boom.

[0003] To optimize the setup, the user aims to adjust the harness attachment points on the boom on either side of the sail's center of effort, ensuring that each attachment point is equidistant from the center of effort. This is generally done before leaving the shore, but while windsurfing on the water, the user may wish to refine or modify this setting because it is not optimal. Indeed, an incorrect centering of the sail's center of effort relative to the harness attachment points will require additional pulling from the user's front or back arm, depending on the imbalance. This situation proves to be inefficient, uncomfortable, and potentially cause muscle spasms.However, with current harness end devices connected by "VELCRO" type fasteners (a registered trademark) to the wishbone, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to move them while sailing with one hand, especially if the user remains attached to the wishbone using their harness.

[0004] Prior patents (e.g., FR2676206A1, GB2255540A, US5215023A, FR3080087A1) attempted to solve this problem; however, their excessive complexity and the difficulty of installing the device on the wishbone without professional tools and without having to dismantle the telescopic rear section hindered their development. industrialization. Description of the invention

[0005] The invention comprises a device for easily adjusting the harness end while sailing, while remaining attached to the boom by the harness. This device allows for easy correction of the initial setting with one hand. Furthermore, this device also allows, thanks to a cam cleat, for varying the length of the harness end. This device is inspired by the "ring" device of patent FR3080087, but simplified and optimized to allow for easy installation on the boom by hand without disassembly and without specialized tools. Moreover, the design of the device is extremely simplified with three main parts, without bearings or complex pulley systems.An additional advantage of this new design is the ability to adapt a sliding harness end adjustment system for wishbones whose ends have a wider cross-section than the middle of the tube, thus achieving greater rigidity of the overall wishbone structure. These aspects, advantages, and alternatives, as well as others, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, with reference, where applicable, to the attached drawings. Detailed description

[0006] The minimalist solution of the system comprises three functions or parts represented in side view [Fig.1A] or oblique view [Fig.1B]: a. A part called the "moving module" (2) which has no other point of contact with the wishbone (1) than its two ends along a contact surface of the "half-bearing" type. In mechanics, a bearing describes a mechanism of two cylinders nested one inside the other, allowing optimal sliding along a longitudinal axis. In this case, the internal surface of the end of the moving module (2) is indeed a half-cylinder, which can be adapted to wishbone tubes with a cylindrical cross-section, as well as to wishbone tubes (1) with an octagonal or more flattened oblong cross-section, for certain ergonomic wishbones. The moving module (2) also has anchoring elements (3 and 4) or grooves on its outer surface at its ends, which can accommodate the ends of the harness line; thus, the distance between the two attachment points of the harness line (6) is predetermined by the length of the moving module (2).The mobile module (2) has a half-cylinder in its center, which allows it to be mounted on the wishbone (1) by manually pressing the mobile module (2) towards the axis of the wishbone tube (1) as if to "clip" it on, see assembly diagram [Fig.7] which will be described in more detail later. b. a rope or "harness end" (6) which is attached to housings provided for this purpose: the anchoring elements (3 and 4) mentioned previously at both ends of the mobile module (2). Several methods of attaching the rope to the mobile module will be described later. c. A locking system (5) with two positions: unlocked OR locked, which can respectively allow the movable module (2) to slide longitudinally or lock it on the axis of the wishbone tube (1). A proposed kinematic diagram of the locking piece (5) is shown in [Fig. 4]. When the lever is activated, the circular arc closes to tighten the wishbone tube. Furthermore, the locking system (5) is anchored in the movable module (2). As described in detail in section BB of [Fig. 3], this longitudinal anchor can be a recess or notch (10) machined into the movable module (2) with a width identical to that of the locking system. Once the locking system is tightened, the movable module (2) can no longer move longitudinally on the wishbone (1), although it may retain a slight radial rotational deflection.

[0007] It should be noted that the mobile module (2) could also be combined with the locking system (5) (not shown) to group the two parts into one, or the two parts could be assembled to integrate both functions (transverse sliding and locking) into a single block of parts. However, such an assembly must not impair the ease of installation of the mobile module (2) onto the tube (1), so in the following explanations, the approach taken is to consider that the two functions are carried out by two independent parts.

[0008] This minimalist system can be improved to meet additional needs beyond those already stated in the description of the general operating principle: a. As shown in [Fig. 2], a stiffening element (7 or 11) of the loop allows the harness end (6) to be encapsulated in the groove (3 or 4) of the moving module (2). This both secures the rope in place and makes the harness end (6) more rigid, thus reducing flapping in the wind. The stiffening element (7) of the loop maintains the starting point of the plastic tube (12) that surrounds the harness end (6) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the moving module (2). This tube (12) is a standard design feature of all current harness ends to increase the rigidity of the loop. However, the addition of the stiffening element (7) to the harness end (6) is a new feature and further reduces the flapping of the harness end (6) in apparent wind compared to conventional harness end solutions with a registered trademark "VELCRO" type fastening. b. As shown in [Fig.2], the rear part of the harness end (6) canIt is advantageous to be equipped with a pulley with a cam cleat (9) (also called a "CLAMCLEAT" pulley, a registered trademark of sailing professionals) to allow easy adjustment of the harness line length (6). Several solutions are possible for securing the pulley with a cam cleat (9) to the groove installed on the moving module (2). A flexible textile shackle (8) can be used, but there are other technical solutions for attaching it to one of the anchoring elements of the moving module (2). The shackle (8) has the advantage of allowing very quick assembly / disassembly of the pulley's mounting bracket with a cam cleat (9), and the pulley with a cam cleat (9) can also move along the shackle (8) according to the angle of inclination of the boom (1) without putting stress on the moving module (2), which is locked in position. The shackle is also encapsulated in its housing by a cover (11).The fastening system for at least one end of the rope forming the end of the harness (6) consists of a flexible shackle (8) or equivalent, which is mounted on the tube (l), which is held in a groove (3, 4) of the movable module (2) and which retains a pulley system equipped with a jam cleat (9) which allows the length of the end of the harness (6) to be adjusted. c. The mobile module (2) may be composed of several interlocking elements (not shown), with a first component to accommodate a harness end anchoring element (6), a final component at the other end accommodating a second harness end anchoring element (6), and between the two one or more spacer-type components not in contact with the tube (1) whose function is to easily vary the length of the mobile module (2) by multiples of a standard length. This spacer component includes a housing for installing a longitudinal locking element. d. As shown in the cross-sectional view [Fig. 3], the movable module (2) can take the form of a truncated barrel so that the points of contact with the tube (1) are limited to the ends (functioning as mechanical bearings). This truncated barrel shape, along a plane parallel to its axis of revolution, allows the movable module (2) to slide on a bent tube (1) with minimal friction and also allows the movable module (2) to be held on the wishbone tube, provided that the width of the opening left by the truncation is very slightly less than the diameter of the tube. Finally, a second retention system on the tube will be achieved by the loop surrounding the tube (1) and fitting into the grooves (3 and 4) at the two ends of the mobile module (2). e. As shown on the left in [Fig.3], the mobile module (2) can be perforated; the main function of these openings is to more easily allow water to pass into the mechanism and thus clean the inside which can accumulate particles or grains of sand when passing over the shore. f. Several solutions are possible for attaching the harness end (6) to the mobile module (2). One solution consists of using a rope with a spliced ​​loop (6a or 6b) at its end, with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wishbone tube (1) (see [Fig. IB]). This spliced ​​loop (6a or 6b) can then be threaded through the end of the tube (1) before being installed in the groove (3 or 4) provided for this purpose on the mobile module (2). In a variation of this first solution, the loop can also open and close on the tube with a stop system to hold it in place, a system also called a strop in nautical terms. In this first solution, the attachment system for at least one end of the rope forming the harness end (6) consists of a loop (6a) mounted on the tube (1) and held in a groove (3) or (4) formed in one end of the mobile module (2).A second embodiment consists of attaching to the end of the harness end (6) a Y-shaped connecting piece (7a) (or an equivalent shape allowing the connection of 3 textile interfaces) and then tying together with a textile piece (7b) (a strap or a band of type "VELCRO" registered trademark or similar) the two ends of the Y by passing around the mobile module (2) and installing said textile in the groove (3 or 4); this embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B] and explained in more detail below.In this second embodiment, at least one end of the rope forming the harness end (6) is attached to a Y-type connecting piece (7a) which connects to a textile piece (7b) that wraps around the mobile module (2) via one of its grooves (3) or (4). Alternatively, a third embodiment consists of separating the end of the harness end (6) into two strands and attaching them to the two sides of the mobile module (2) as if anchoring the two arms of a Y (not shown), with the possibility of adding a stiffening element. In this third embodiment, at least one end of the rope of the harness end (6) terminates in two Y-shaped strands, each of these strands being mechanically anchored to each side of the mobile module (2). g. The locking system (5) can quite simply consist of a flexible or articulated ring which can be mounted on the wishbone tube (1) with a closing lever having a screw adjustment to modulate the diameter of the ring. This type of device is known for adjusting the length of a stand-up paddleboard paddle; it is shown in [Fig. 4]. Another, more rudimentary way to achieve the locking mechanism is to use a band of the type "VELCRO," a registered trademark, would be used to encircle the mobile module (2) and secure it to the wishbone tube (1). Other technical possibilities exist for implementing this locking / unlocking function. In summary, the longitudinal locking / unlocking element (5) is a ring with a device allowing its diameter to be reduced (lever effect or by means of a "VELCRO" type strip, registered trademark or similar). h. To adjust the movable module (2) to different wishbone tube (1) diameters, two solutions are considered: adapting a shim system (13, 14) to both ends of the movable module (2) to reduce the diameter of the half-bearing, as shown in the bottom view [Fig. 5], and / or adding thickness to the wishbone tube by covering it with heat-shrink tubing (not shown). Note that the shims (13, 14) can be cylindrical, or even semi-cylindrical, to fit precisely into the cross-section of the movable module (2). i. A millimeter adjustment knob (not shown) can be added by mounting it on the moving module (2) and making contact with the wishbone tube (1). This knob can be operated with the thumb to better adjust the sliding motion of the moving module (2) and ensure a more precise adjustment (similar to the millimeter knob on a caliper).

[0009] Figures [Fig. A] and [Fig. B], respectively perspective and side views, illustrate the proposed attachment of the harness end (6) using a rigid Y-shaped connecting piece (7a). The connecting piece (7a) includes an internal channel with a diameter slightly larger than that of the harness end, through which the harness end (6) can be inserted and pass. The end of the harness end (6) is either burned to create a protrusion or secured by a clamping piece (such as a cable stop); a knot can also be tied. Finally, the two upper ends of the Y-shaped connecting piece (7a) each have a groove that can accommodate a textile webbing (7b) with a bulge at its end (the bulge can be created by adding a carbon fiber rod sewn transversely to the webbing).The strap can be slid into its housing perpendicular to the connecting piece (7a), the bulge acting as a friction element preventing the textile strap (7b) from disengaging from the connection (7a) when the harness end (6) is under load. Furthermore, the textile strap (7b) goes around the moving module (2) through the groove (3 or 4) designed to hold it. Ultimately, this simple fastening system allows the harness end (6) to be mounted on the wishbone (1) without having to disassemble the telescopic rear section. wishbone. The assembly consisting of the strap (7b) coupled with the Y piece (7a) provides rigidity to the assembly which can be further reinforced by adding an additional stiffening element (7) (as in [Fig.2]) which slides like a sleeve over the joining piece (7a). Summary of the invention

[0010] Following the first installation step illustrated in [Fig. 7], the flexible or articulated locking system (5) is first mounted on the wishbone tube (1). Next, the mobile module (2) is mounted on the wishbone tube (1) "straddling" the locking system (5) by placing it in its notch. A textile piece (7b) is tied on either side of the Y-shaped connecting piece (7a), passing around the mobile module (2). The harness end (6), one end of which is secured in the Y-shaped connecting piece (7a), passes on the other side through a pulley system with a jam cleat held by the shackle that passes around the mobile module, via the groove (4) provided for this purpose. This installation process can be easily carried out without tools by the end customer or a salesperson in a shop. It does not require dismantling the wishbone.

[0011] Regarding the use of the device: a. A first approximate adjustment of the position of the mobile module (2) on the wishbone (1) is made on the beach to try to balance the forces exerted on the harness end (6) on either side of the center of pressure of the sail b. Once underway, simply unlock the locking system (5) of the mobile module (2), slide the mobile module (2) lengthwise along the boom (1) with one hand until you feel that the balance at the end of the harness (6) allows you to hang from the sail without having to compensate with your arms. Once optimally adjusted at the center of effort of the sail, you can close the locking system of the mobile module (2). c. In addition, at any time the length of the harness end (6) can be adjusted by pulling / releasing the end of the rope which is held by the pulley with a jam cleat (9). d. Depending on the user's position and the resulting wishbone angle, the movable module (2) and the harness end attachment system (6) can rotate around the axis of the wishbone tube (1). However, since the locking system (5) is independent of the movable module (2), it experiences very little radial force; this limits abrasion of the wishbone tube by the locking system.

[0012] Finally, the mobile module (2) is designed to be a part with a low coefficient of friction (this could be achieved by POM or PTFE plastic injection or equivalent, or aluminium) and the installation kit (mobile module, rope, locking system) can be made economically with very little manpower, unlike the predominantly market-branded "VELCRO" type tape system which is manufactured mainly in Asia, because the manpower to make the seams would not be profitable in Europe.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for adjusting the harness loop on the boom tube (1) of a windsurf board or the like, comprising a movable module (2) which is slidably mounted on the boom tube (1), a rope called the harness end (6) fixed between the ends of the movable module (2) and a flexible or articulated locking element (5) surrounding the tube (1); characterized in that the movable module (2) has no other point of contact with the boom (1) than its two ends along a half-bearing type contact surface and is constrained along the longitudinal axis by the locking element (5)

2. Device according to the

1. , characterized in that the fastening system for at least one of the ends of the rope forming the end of the harness (6) consists of a loop (6a) mounted on the tube (1) and held in a groove (3, 4) provided in one end of the mobile module (2).

3. Device according to the

1. , characterized in that the fastening system for at least one of the ends of the rope forming the end of the harness (6) consists of a flexible shackle (8), which is held in a groove (3, 4) of the movable module (2) and which retains a pulley system equipped with a jam cleat (9) which allows the length of the end of the harness (6) to be adjusted

4. Device following the

1. , characterized in that at least one end of the rope forming the end of the harness (6) is fixed to a Y-type connecting piece (7a) ensuring the connection with a textile piece (7b) which surrounds the mobile module (2) by passing through a groove (3 or 4) provided in the mobile module.

5. Device following the

1. , characterized in that at least one end of the harness end rope (6) terminates in two Y-shaped strands, each of these strands being anchored on each of the sides of the mobile module (2)

6. Device according to one of the [Claims 2, 4 or 5], characterized in that a stiffening element (7) maintains the start of a plastic tube (12) which surrounds the rope of the end of the harness (6) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mobile module (2)

7. Device following the

1. , characterized in that the locking element (5) is a flexible or articulated ring with a device for reducing its diameter by lever action or by a band of the type "VELCRO" registered trademark

8. Device following the

7. characterized in that the movable module (2) takes the form of a truncated barrel along a plane parallel to its axis of revolution and is openwork and also includes a housing or notch (10) for the locking element (5), and in that the movable module (2) retains a slight radial rotational deflection even when the locking element (5) is actuated.

9. Device following the

1. , characterized in that the mobile module (2) is composed of several interlocking elements with at each end an anchoring element for the end of the harness (6) and, between the ends, one or more "spacer" elements without contact with the tube allowing the length of the mobile module (2) to be varied; and characterized in that the spacer element has a housing for installing a longitudinal locking element (5).

10. Device following the

1. , characterized in that the movable module (2) has a millimeter adjustment wheel in contact with the wishbone tube (1). This wheel can be operated with the thumb to better adjust the sliding of the movable module (2) and ensure a better adjustment

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