Retractable manually supported traction wing

Abstract

The retractable manual grip traction wing is an autonomous wing that allows you to move thanks to the force of the wind by using in addition a gliding device, controlled by the lower limbs, such as hydrofoil, stand-up paddle, skateboard, snowboard, ice skate and many others. Thanks to a rigid and articulated structure, the wing has the particularity of being quickly foldable to pass from an open configuration, to benefit from the traction effect of the wind, to a closed configuration, to free itself from the effects of the wind and the bulk of a wing. An intermediate configuration can also be available to benefit from reduced traction by reducing the sail area. The invention allows you to make configuration changes while continuing to evolve on the chosen gliding device. In hydrofoil you can alternate without interruption, gliding using the wind force and gliding carried only by the waves. Figure for short: [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Retractable manually supported traction wing

[0001] The present invention relates to a traction wing supported and controlled by the hands which allows the wind to be used for propulsion on different maritime or terrestrial supports. These supports can be varied: mainly devices controllable with the user's lower limbs. For example, on land, skateboards or roller skates; or, nautical navigation boards such as stand-up paddle boards or hydrofoils; or, on snow or ice, by means of ice skates, skis, snowboards and other sliding devices.

[0002] The invention is distinguished by the possibility of deploying and folding at will easily and quickly while leaving the user the freedom to move around on his sliding support.

[0003] Unlike a sail on a boat, a windsurf board, or even a kitesurf, the wing is not connected by a fixed connection requiring an attachment operation to the gliding support or to the operator, but it is held by hand by the user; the wing is said to be autonomous. However, it remains possible, outside of maneuvering, thanks to a flexible end temporarily connected to the user, to relieve the arms of part of the traction force exerted by the wing. The state of the art

[0004] The family of user-supported, but non-retractable, self-supporting traction wings has seen many implementations. Traces of this type of hand-held rigid wing can be found around a hundred years ago, used on ice, using ice skates, known as "skate sailing". Patent US1859178A from 1932 is a good example. More recently, in 1981, this type of wing was addressed in patent FR2501618 and further developed in 1993 in patent WO 95 / 05973.

[0005] The hand-held wing suffers from a size that reduces its maximum usable surface area, the discipline did not experience a great boom in the nautical world until the democratization of the hydrofoil. In hydrofoil, in the "flight" phases, only the airplane part of the hydrofoil is submerged, connected by a mast to the board which is therefore out of the water with the user. The airplane part offers little resistance to the water to move forward, which by definition reduces drag and therefore requires a lower traction force. The hydrofoil has thus made it possible to use hand-held wings on the water for a much wider wind range than previous nautical supports.

[0006] Inflatable type wings, replacing the rigid frame with inflated tubes have helped to democratize the practice. They are presented in patents DE 102019101656 and another improvement WO 2022 / 218921. This discipline is now known as “wing” or “wingfoil”.

[0007] The constant evolution of hydrofoils, particularly the gain in performance at low speed, has allowed the opening of new disciplines such as "surfoil" or "paddlefoil" which allow you to "fly" on the water thanks to the force of the waves. This gave rise to the practical "downwind" which consists of exploiting the swell over several kilometers or even "pumping foil" which consists of propelling yourself solely thanks to the physical power of the operator.

[0008] These new practices still require specific conditions and significant physical strength to initially put the foil in flight.

[0009] The manual traction wing is a perfect tool for this, which allows the wind to be used to start, but it remains a hindrance once the operator is propelled by another means. Current wings, often inflatable, allow, by grabbing a handle at the front of the wing, to largely abstract oneself from the power of the wind to surf, but there remain several negative points: a. The wing blocks a large part of the field of vision, making it difficult to read the water and therefore plan the trajectory. b. The weight and drag of the wing greatly affect the user's balance. c. It requires significant user management during turns to make it follow without being hindered by managing the wing's swing, and requires changing hands according to the direction of the relative wind. d. If you are moving in the direction of the wind: the apparent wind on the wing is cancelled out or even reversed, which further increases the size and discomfort caused to the wing during the surfing phases. e. If you are flying into the wind, you are subject to significant drag due to the wingspan of the wing and the thickness of the leading edge, which counters the force of the wave. The leading edge is the front part of the wing.

[0010] These different constraints make it difficult to move on the waves and can, moreover, cause falls, degrading the surfing or pumping experience.

[0011] In patent US4382417A or WO 90 / 02683 the concept of folding is addressed for a non-autonomous sail, connected by a mast to the gliding support, but is not sufficiently developed to allow rapid folding while sailing. It includes complex systems which lead to a heaviness, a span and a size which is not acceptable for the applications mentioned above. Uses and characteristics

[0012] The object of the patent is therefore to use the traction wing when one wishes to take advantage of the wind force to evolve, then to be able to fold it efficiently and quickly in evolution to change propulsion mode without being hindered by the wing. It can be redeployed at any time to navigate again thanks to the wind.

[0013] As discussed previously, the invention, accompanied by a hydrofoil, allows you to go surfing the waves or pumping in complete freedom. It also addresses the problems of "downwind" by allowing you to be propelled on the swell, but also to go upwind to position yourself at the start of the race without having to leave the water and in an effective manner, greatly reducing the logistical problems inherent in this discipline.

[0014] The application of this concept can be extended beyond the hydrofoil with the stand-up paddle for surfing or for moving on the sea, river or lake. The invention makes it possible to exploit the wind with the different sailing speeds. When folded, it allows for more conventional paddling in the event of a drop in the wind or for going upwind.

[0015] The invention can also be used in cooperation with another person who controls the gliding device such as a small boat originally rowed or motorized, to complement or replace the original propulsion mode when conditions allow. It allows for very simple and compact implementation and storage without requiring transformation of the boat.

[0016] The invention can also be used for land-based means of locomotion, such as skateboarding or rollerblading. It allows the use of wind traction when the environment allows it and, thanks to the possibility of folding the wing, to resume a classic evolution when desired, such as in the case of wind disturbed by an obstacle, an unfavorable direction or a place too cramped to deploy the wing.

[0017] This system allows a considerable saving of time in the phase of preparation and storage of the equipment compared to inflatable "wings" (inflation, deflation, folding) as well as traditional rigid "wings" which require laborious assembly, tensioning and disassembly to be able to fit into a vehicle.

[0018] When folding, the device can be quickly positioned on the operator's back, held over the shoulder, or placed on the navigation support if the latter allows it (stand-up paddle board).

[0019] In addition to the quick and easy folding, the invention is characterized by its ability, when deployed, to provide sufficient surface area while limiting the wing span. This allows the operator to remain unobstructed, preventing the wing tip from touching the water or the ground, while generating enough power at low speed for starting and allowing the board to be lifted off the water to get on the foil, for example. All this is made possible by a leading edge composed of several sections that add chord to the wing tips.

[0020] When folded, the invention is compact to reduce drag and bulk so as not to hinder the operator.

[0021] Brief description of the figures to aid understanding: [Fig.l] Perspective view of a wing implementation in accordance with the invention with two leading edge sections, in open configuration. [Fig.2] the wing of [Fig.l] seen from below, open configuration. [Fig.3] the wing of [Fig.l] front view, open configuration. [Fig.4] the wing of [Fig.l] side view, open configuration. [Fig.5] the wing of [Fig.l] seen in perspective, in closed configuration. [Fig.6] the wing of [Fig.l] seen from below, in intermediate configuration: second section of the leading edge folded. [Fig.7] the wing of [Fig.l] seen from below, in reduced sail area, second section of the leading edge removed.

[0022] In addition, the invention, thanks to its folding strategy, makes it possible to use an intermediate wing surface area [Fig.6]. This change in sail surface area can be achieved while sailing. The intermediate configuration makes it possible to gain in sailing comfort because it limits the size and makes it possible to adapt to the support used and, above all, to drastically extend the wind range, offering greater safety to the user in the event of a rapid increase in wind strength. The intermediate configuration differs from the open configuration in that the sections at the ends of the leading edge are folded against the first section to reduce the surface area and span of the wing.With a hydrofoil support, this surface reduction mechanism is very interesting: depending on the wind strength, the entire sail area is needed to lift the board off the water, then, once in flight, the reduced surface area is sufficient and offers easier navigation as well as even faster open / closed configuration changes.

[0023] The invention provides an interesting modularity option since the leading edge of each articulated half-wing can be dismantled, the ends of the leading edge removed, the wing can then be replaced by a wing of reduced surface area to adapt to the conditions or supports without having to replace the entire wing structure. This provides a gain in weight and performance compared to the intermediate wing configuration described previously [Fig.7]. Technical description

[0024] The present invention relates to a hand-folding wing which consists of a sail, symmetrical along a plane. Each half wing consists of a sail limited by a rigid structure which forms the leading edge, articulated at the center of the wing (aBA). On the plane of symmetry, a frame (W) connects the leading edge (aBA) to the trailing edge of the wing. This frame (W) behaves like a windsurfing wishbone. allowing the flexible fabric-type sail to be stretched. The operator can grasp the wishbone (W) by placing his hands along this frame to control the wing. The two half wings are oriented upwards in a V shape, thus creating a positive dihedral angle (ô)[Fig.4] which allows the sail to be hollowed out and provides power and stability.

[0025] The leading edge of each half wing can be divided into two articulated frames, the first section (BA) is extended by the frame (L) by means of a pivot (aL). This makes it possible to increase the chord of the wing in the vicinity of the ends and therefore to provide more power while limiting the span.

[0026] To fold the wing and ensure the proper maintenance of the leading edge, a mechanism composed of a slide (aG) along the wishbone (W) is connected using pivots to two frames (C) connected by a pivot (aC) to the leading edge (BA). These mechanisms allow the entire wing to be unfolded and folded symmetrically along the wishbone (W). The frames (L) connected via a pivot (aL) to (BA) fold along the leading edge (BA) from the outside of the wing in the closed [Fig.5] or intermediate [Fig.6] position, while a stop will constrain the optimal angular position (0) of (L) with (BA) in the open position [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4], to ensure the tension of the wing around the trailing edge.

[0027] The parts (aBA) and (aG) are those which give the angle of the dihedral (ô)[Fig.4] of the wing by constraining the axis of the pivots with this same angle.

[0028] The maximum angle of the wing nose (a) is defined by the shape of the wing when under tension.

[0029] The frames that make up the wing can be made with different materials such as aluminum or composite materials, with different types of section: a tube made of fiberglass is a good example of frames. The frames can, depending on the option, benefit from a different shape to give more flexibility, to help with the tension of the wing as well as to modify its behavior according to the intended application. The frames (L) can be a flexible tube of small diameter or a simple slat with a rectangular profile. Conversely, for (W) we will look for a more rigid frame such as a carbon tube. It will be necessary to choose the sizing of the frames according to the size of the wing and the application to find the right balance between solidity, flexibility and weight.

[0030] The joints (aBA, aC, aL, aG) can be made of plastic via 3D printing or injection, in composite molding or even in aluminum machining.

[0031] The combination of all these articulations offers a wing with 3 main configurations: closed [Fig.5], open [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4] or intermediate [Fig.6].

[0032] To allow easy folding of the sail, a number of details must be respected: The wing is connected to the leading edge while having the necessary freedom to slide along (BA) on its axis. For this, a sheath can be used which must be clear around the joints (aC) and (aL) to allow the wing to fold and unfold. The clearance must cover the position of the joints when the wing is in the open configuration and must continue towards the center of the wing by a sufficient distance to allow the frame (L) to pass in alignment with (BA), i.e. the length (BA) plus the length (L) minus the distance from the center of the wing (aBA) to the end of (L) in the open configuration. Let there be a clearance equal to the slip of the wing, given by the formula:

[0033] [Math.l] (BA) + (L) - \](BA) 2 + (L) 2 ~2(BA) x (L)xcos(iï)

[0034] The wing is fixed to the end of each extremity of the leading edge and along the latter by sheaths or by adjustment straps. A system of elastics returns the wing towards the center of the leading edge (aBA) to ensure the proper functioning of the opening and closing of the wing. The elastics are connected to the center of the structure towards (aBA) and on each side to the wing close to the leading edge at a sufficient distance so that the maximum elasticity allows the position where (L) is aligned with (BA), see previous formula for sliding of the wing [Math 1],

[0035] To simplify the folding of the wing, when the first section of the leading edge (BA) is folded by the user towards the wishbone (W), the ends (L) will meet and begin their unlocking. To compensate for any play in the joints and the flexibility of the frames, fins, placed at the end of the slats (eL), ensure the two ends meet correctly by providing more contact surface in the plane parallel to the plane of symmetry of the wing. In addition, a part placed towards the end of the wishbone (eW) thanks to a sufficient span in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the sail, allows the section (L) to intersect during the folding of the wing. The intersection plane is sufficiently far from (W) to allow the section (L) to be moved away when (BA) is closed to its maximum against (W) and to cause the alignment of (L) with (BA) to be exceeded and therefore (L) to pass towards the outside of the sail.At this point, the wing is no longer taut, the elastic system

[31] or gravity then takes over to finish folding (L) against (BA) and therefore towards the wishbone (W), see [Fig.5]. This sequence allows all sections of the wing to be folded in a single movement. To quickly fold the wing, the operator adjusts to fold the first section of the leading edge (BA) along the wishbone (W).

[0036] Parts (eW) and (eL) can, optionally, combine the tensioning function of the wing by including, for example, a system for tightening straps sewn to the relevant ends of the wing. The parts (eW) and (eL) can be made using the same manufacturing methods as the joints, namely, in plastic via 3D printing or injection, in composite molding or even in aluminum machining.

[0037] The operator, at this time, if he wishes, can place the wing on his back using a rope or strap, which can be coupled with an elastic band, attached around each of the ends of (W) which will be passed over the shoulder. This same end can be used in navigation in combination with a hook attached to the belt or other harness to partially rest the arms from the traction of the wing.

[0038] To ensure the wing is locked in the open position, it is sufficient to lock the slide (aG) which slides along the wishbone (W). This can be achieved by: a. A spring-loaded locking mechanism with a lug, which, automatically engaging in a corresponding cavity, secures (W) to (aG) like umbrella locking systems or removable paddles. b. A quick-release clamp system attached to the slide (aG) which compresses the wishbone (W) to increase friction and secure it, as for adjusting bicycle saddles or connecting the wishbone and mast of a windsurf board.

[0039] In the closed position [Fig.5], the slide tightening system can be used, but it will be preferable to use an elastic band to surround the wing, depending on the use. For use with the wing closed and worn on the back, the elastic band surrounds the operator and the wing in order to secure the system and avoid any hindrance in movements and to keep the wing well closed. The elastic band, which is attached either to the operator's belt or harness, or to the wing's shoulder strap, is passed around the back, encompassing the wing and is clipped on the other side onto the shoulder strap using a system such as a light carabiner.

[0040] For navigation in intermediate configuration [Fig.6], it is important to connect the wing at the joint (aL) to ensure the tension of the wing on the axis (BA). This improves the performance of the wing in both intermediate and open configurations.

[0041] To ensure good profile resistance to deformations, it is interesting to add, in the center of the sail, in its plane of symmetry, a fabric sewn to the car, with the desired profile, which will connect in tension to the two ends of the wishbone (W) and which can extend towards the center in places where it does not interfere with the operation of the slide or the positioning of the hands. This significantly increases the performance of the wing, especially in strong winds. To add to this rigidity, it is also possible to add a batten to stiffen the sail on the central chord of the wing as we can regularly see on windsurfing sails for example.

[0042] The sail can be made of more or less flexible fabric currently used in the water sports industry. It will be necessary to reinforce the sail at the sleeves and the tension points of the trailing edge (eL, eW) for sail implementations in flexible fabrics.

[0043] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, but "those skilled in the art" will be able to make any variation in accordance with its spirit.

Claims

Claims

1. Autonomous, manually controlled traction wing, intended to be used with a gliding device controllable with the lower limbs. The wing is limited by a set of articulated rigid frames, at least two frames which create a leading edge, and the frame (W) which creates the central attachment point of the trailing edge of the wing and which allows the gripping and manual control of said wing. The wing is symmetrical with respect to the perpendicular plane passing through the frame (W). The wing is characterized in that the leading edge of each half-wing is articulated by pivots at their junction (aBA) which is secured to the wishbone (W). On each half-wing, at the first section of the leading edge (BA), a pivot (aC) connects a frame (C) to the slide (aG) which slides on the wishbone (W). The wing, thanks to these joints, can fold symmetrically by folding the leading edge along the wishbone (W).The user can then choose whether or not to be assisted by the traction wing without interrupting their gliding activity.

2. Wing according to claim 1, characterized in that the leading edge of each half wing can be extended by a frame (L). Thanks to a pivot (aL) which connects (L) to the first segment of the leading edge (BA), (L) can pivot towards the outside of the wing to come and place itself against (BA) in closed or intermediate wing configuration. (L) meets, in the other direction, a stop, towards the plane of symmetry of the wing, coming to constrain a closed angle (0) with (BA) and thus keep the car in tension in open configuration.

3. A wing according to claim 2, characterized in that the wing is adapted at the hinges (aL) and (aC) to allow passage through the position where (L) is aligned with the first segment of the leading edge (BA). This requires the wing to be moved back from the tip (aBA) along (BA) when changing the open / closed configuration of the wing. The necessary setback distance will be cut into the wing around (BA) at the hinges (aL) and (aC) towards the center of the wing for the open configuration of the wing.

4. Wing according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by two symmetrical elastic systems connected in the vicinity of the nose of the wing (aBA) and symmetrically connected to each half wing on the wing near the leading edge, at a sufficient distance from the nose (aBA) to allow the sail to slide when (BA) and (L) are aligned.

5. Wing according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that, on at least one of the two half-wings, at the ends of (L), a part (eL) which, thanks to a sufficient span in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the wing, allows the two frames (L) to meet without fail when the wing is folded. This part (eL) can, as an option, be fused to the wing attachment system. A part (eW), placed at the end of (W), thanks to a sufficient span in the plane perpendicular to the plane of the wing to intersect the section (L) during the folding of the wing. The intersection plane is sufficiently far from (W) to allow the section (L) to be moved away from (BA) against (W) at maximum closure and to cause the angle where (L) is aligned with (BA) to be exceeded, thereby causing (L) to move towards the outside of the sail for full closure.Optionally, (eW) can be fused to the wing attachment system at this point.

6. Wing according to claims 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the wing is connected to the rigid structure close to the pivot axis of the leading edge (aL) to ensure the tension of the wing up to this point in the open configuration, but also in the intermediate configuration when the frame (L) is folded along (BA).

7. Wing according to claim 2, 3, 4, or 5, characterized in that the end of the leading edge (L) is removable at the pivot (eL) to adapt another type of wing with reduced surface area limited by this new leading edge.

8. A wing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a strap, optionally lined with elastic, is attached in the vicinity of the ends of the wishbone (W) with a size sufficient to hold the wing on the user's back with the strap slung over the shoulder. Optionally, an elastic band surrounds the user and the wing to lock the assembly.

9. Wing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (aG) can be locked on (W) in the closed and / or open configuration by means of a spring system with a lug, which, automatically engaging in a corresponding cavity, comes to secure in the desired positions (aG) on (W) like the systems present on umbrellas. Or again, by means of a collar system quick clamp attached to the slide (aG) which allows it to be attached to the wishbone (W) by friction in any desired position, as for adjusting bicycle saddles.

10. A wing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central structure (W) is connected, in the vicinity of its ends, by means of a section of flexible fabric-type material, to the plane of symmetry of the sail. This section can extend over the entire chord of the sail to stiffen its profile while keeping sufficient space with (W) for the slide and the location of the hands.

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