Foldable self-propelled traction wing

Abstract

A foldable, self-supporting traction wing comprising: a foldable structure having at least three tubular branches (1, 2) connected at one of their ends, two outer branches (1) and a central branch (2) forming the boom, said outer branches (1) being movable relative to the boom (2) between at least two stable positions, a first deployed position in which the outer branches (1) are oriented in line with each other to form the leading edge, and a second folded position in which the outer branches (1) are retracted close to the boom (2): a flexible sail attached to the three branches (1,2).The wing comprises a central connecting piece (3) for the arms (1, 2), including a hinge mechanism for one end of each outer arm (1). This central piece (3) includes means for locking and unlocking the outer arms (1) in at least two positions: deployed and folded. It also includes means for guiding the outer arms (1) between the first deployed position and the second folded position, in which the outer arms (1) are oriented substantially parallel to the central arm (2). The illustration in the abstract is Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Foldable autonomous traction wing

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sliding sports equipment, more particularly to water sports. It concerns a wind-powered system, and more specifically a self-contained traction wing, intended to be used by a user in combination with a support board on any type of surface, water, snow, ice, asphalt, etc.

[0002] In a typical configuration, such a wind-powered gliding system comprises a fabric surface arranged in the form of a wing or sail which, by interacting with the wind, allows a user whose feet rest on a board to move. The traction wing that is the subject of the invention does not have a mechanical connection—in the sense of a connection presenting a form of fastening requiring an attachment operation—either with the board or with the user. In this respect, it is a very different configuration from that used, for example, for a windsurfing sail, which has a mast mechanically attached to the board, or for a kitesurfing wing, which is attached to the user's torso by means of a harness that covers the body.

[0003] This traction method, consisting of a self-propelled wing, is particularly well-suited to hydrofoiling or foiling because it allows for good power management and safety. Indeed, deploying and controlling the power of a self-propelled wing is easier than the corresponding operations for a kitesurfing wing. This practice of traction using a "self-propelled wing carried by the pilot" on a board is experiencing promising development under the names "wing surfing" or "wing foiling," depending on the support and location. This sport is practiced mainly on water today, but it is conceivable to use it on land or snow with the appropriate equipment. It has also been practiced on icy surfaces such as frozen lakes.

[0004] The wing of the invention is described as autonomous because it is not structurally attached to the rest of the harness. In practice, it is simply held by the user via hand grips, generally handles placed on a post. The connection between the user and the instrument (the wing) therefore requires physical effort to grip the wing on the one hand, and to control it in space on the other, in wind conditions that can generate significant stress. In some cases, a harness with a line connecting the user to the wing temporarily relieves the strain on the arms, but in most cases, the wing is completely autonomous.

[0005] It is therefore understandable that, in order to limit the weight and consequently the maneuverability of such a wing, current versions of these wings are mostly based on an inflatable structure. This also allows for increased buoyancy in the event of an unexpected release, and also facilitates the storage of deflated wings. A wing with an inflatable structure has the particularity of maintaining its shape throughout the session on the water, which is important and necessary to ensure proper navigation when propelled by the wing, but can also be seen as a disadvantage in certain phases of navigation.

[0006] Thus, while it is clear that the wing must be deployed and active when sailing upwind, the deployed wing surface can be a hindrance when sailing downwind, an action during which no aerodynamic propulsion is expected or required. Some users practice "freefly" (the downwind phase), which consists of holding the sail in a neutral position to glide over a swell, wave, or chop without any aerodynamic propulsion. During such a movement of the foil, the wing is not used and even becomes a hindrance, since the rider moves forward solely on the base of the foil and does not use the wind. Therefore, it is necessary, as much as possible, to try to "deactivate" any sail area that could catch the wind.With a sail that maintains its surface area during such a downwind movement, practitioners seek to overcome the undesirable effects of the wing and, in practice, constantly move it to try to mitigate these effects, which is particularly restrictive.

[0007] To benefit from a high-performance upwind wing that doesn't hinder downwind sailing, foldable wings have been proposed, which the rider can adapt to the current phase of sailing. Such a wing can be configured between an deployed position for upwind sailing and a folded position, retracting the deployed volume, for downwind sailing when the rider relies solely on the foil's lift. Folding the open wing must, of course, be quick and smooth, requiring few movements and ease, so that the transition from one state to the other is as natural and almost instantaneous as possible.

[0008] For these purposes, the foldable, self-propelled traction wing of the invention comprises, in a known manner:

[0009] - a foldable structure having at least three tubular branches connected to the at one of their extremities, two outer branches and a central branch forming the leading edge, said outer branches being movable relative to the leading edge between at least two stable positions, a first deployed position in which the outer branches are oriented in line with each other to form the leading edge, and a second folded position in which the outer branches are retracted close to the leading edge; and

[0010] - a flexible sail attached to the three arms.

[0011] According to the invention, it is such that it comprises a central connecting piece for the branches including an articulation mechanism for one end of each outer branch, said central piece comprising means for locking and unlocking the outer branches in at least two positions respectively deployed and folded and means for guiding the outer branches between the first deployed position and the second folded position in which the outer branches are oriented substantially parallel to the central branch.

[0012] The existence of these several branches, mechanically independent of each other along their entire length except for their connection at the end, indicates a design devoid of intermediate rods or links between the three main branches, characterizing an umbrella-type operation. In the latter case, there is a separation of functions: the management of the rotation of the branches, on the one hand, at their ends, and the management of the relative movements of the branches, on the other, achieved by intermediate links that control the locking / unlocking at the level of the branches, and in particular at the central branch or terminal. In the solution of the invention, on the contrary, there is a unification of functions; the mechanical connection is exclusively controlled by the central piece, which manages the relative movements of the three branches with respect to each other and their locking / unlocking, in the absence of any intermediate rod or link between them..

[0013] Preferably, the central part comprises a housing having means for rotationally connecting the end portions of the outer branches and means for immobilizing the central branch. The means for guiding the rotation of the outer branches have, on either side of the central branch, at least one bearing surface on which the branch moves between the folded position, in which the axes of the three branches connected to the housing are parallel, and the deployed position. The movement bearing surfaces define half-planes positioned symmetrically with respect to the central branch. Preferably, the bearing surfaces are inclined, with the half-planes positioned symmetrically with respect to the central branch defining a dihedral angle.

[0014] In the folded position, the three arms are oriented parallel or almost parallel so as to occupy only a minimal volume. In the deployed position, the sail is taut, and it presents two symmetrical surfaces, unfolding on either side of the central or end arm, forming, for example, a dihedral angle between them, or a straight angle in the absence of a dihedral angle.

[0015] According to one possible configuration, the housing of the central part may have three recesses, a central recess for the terminal and two lateral recesses for the outer arms, said recesses opening onto the outside of the housing. via openings for the branches. The central recess conforms to the outer shape of the bollard to immobilize it; the lateral recesses each have an oblong opening as well as means for rotating the end portions of the outer branches to the housing, and an internal volume comprising the inclined surface(s). The lateral recesses guide the rotation of said end portions between two positions abutting one end of the oblong openings and / or a wall of the recess.

[0016] In short, the central piece manages the rotation of the adjacent ends of the outer branches and, moreover, guides them between their stable retracted position (i.e., folded) and their deployed position, which together form the leading edge, potentially giving the self-propelled wing a dihedral angle. When the branches and the terminal are folded, they are practically in contact with each other, sometimes only by the thickness of the fabric. The fabric surfaces connecting them are then loose, flapping and offering no resistance to the wind. The parallelism of the three sections ensures minimal bulk, facilitates handling—possibly with one hand—of the folded wing, and, above all, takes little obstruction from the user who is balanced on the foil. In short, when not in use, the folded wing is practically no longer a hindrance.

[0017] According to one possibility, each lateral recess in the housing of the central part has at least one boss projecting from an inclined surface and separating, within the internal volume of the recess, locations provided for the end portions of the outer arms when they are in their extended position. In the central part, the outer arms therefore have two stable locations corresponding to the deployed and retracted positions, the transition from one to the other requiring an action. Locking means hold them in these positions.

[0018] According to a first embodiment, the locking means may consist, for each outer arm, of a bracket rotatably connected to the housing and equipped with a gripping ring external to the housing. The bracket is removable from the housing in a release position and retracted into the housing in a closed position by means of return. The closed position is capable of trapping the outer arm inside the bracket's arch in contact with one end of the oblong opening in one of its positions, and of locking it outside the arch in contact with the other end of the oblong opening in the other of its positions. Preferably, the bracket is rotatably connected to the housing along an axis parallel to a bearing surface for the movement of said outer arm, said surface being further inclined.

[0019] Each stirrup can, for example, be manipulated from outside the housing by means of a ring attached to it, the two stirrups controlling the two outer arms protruding from one face of said housing. The outer arms are also in This configuration is manually manipulated by the user to change their position. The position change of the two branches is again sequential.

[0020] To facilitate changes of position, the respective configurations of the outer face of the caliper hoop and the outer face of the outer arm in their facing portion when the arm is placed outside the hoop preferably form a contact zone not perpendicular to the bearing surface of the arm in the housing, said contact zone being capable of generating a contact pressure between them having a component of appearance perpendicular to the bearing surface contributing to raising the caliper towards its release position when the arm is moved towards its deployed position.

[0021] Similarly, the respective shapes of the inner face of the stirrup arch and the outer face of the outer branch in their opposite portion when the branch is trapped inside the arch constitute on the side of the axis of rotation a contact zone with an appearance perpendicular to the bearing surface of the branch in the housing, said contact zone being capable of generating a contact pressure between them having a component with an appearance perpendicular to the bearing surface contributing to pushing said branch back when the stirrup is actuated towards its release position.

[0022] In both cases, the transition from the deployed to the folded position of the wing of the invention is made easier since there is a mechanical incentive to facilitate the initiated movement, provided by the cam-like action of the external profiles of the contacting components. In fact, the pairs of opposing external faces, for each movement, act somewhat like cams, the movement of one under the action of the user inducing a movement of the other in contact with it. Simply initiating the movement of a leg from its folded to its deployed position causes the automatic opening of the bracket, which automatically closes at the end of the movement due to the action of the return means. Conversely, when the opening of a bracket begins towards its release position, the shapes of the contacting faces initiate the movement of the leg from its deployed to its folded position.

[0023] According to a particular configuration, the stirrup can be designed to cooperate in compression with an element of the housing, so as to allow the load to be transferred at the outer area of ​​the stirrup acting as a cam by compression on the housing, as will be described in more detail later. Thus, the stirrup can, for example, have at its free end a beak whose distal outer face, extending from the axis of rotation and extending from the outer face, is configured to cooperate in compression with a surface opposite, for example, a projecting wall of the arm's travel surface. To further improve the dynamic management of the In compression contacts, the caliper may have an elongated slot for receiving the axis of rotation of the caliper, which is then free to move according to a travel following the elongation of said slot.

[0024] According to another design variant, also to facilitate the user's task, the central part may include means for synchronously controlling the movements of the outer branches. In other words, a single action on a single element forming these control means results in a synchronous change of position of the two outer branches relative to the central branch, through a symmetrical movement relative to the central branch.

[0025] Thus, according to an example of a configuration allowing this synchronization, a cord can be attached to the end portion of each outer branch, each cord being guided in a part of the housing comprising a lateral recess by a pulley system internal to the housing towards an exit window of the free end of each cord made in said housing, a cleat for immobilizing the free ends of the two cords being attached to the housing near the window, a pull on the free ends of the cords released from the cleat allowing the two outer branches to be moved simultaneously in one direction, the reverse movement being done by direct action on said outer branches.

[0026] In other words, the free ends of the cords protruding from one face of the central part's housing serve as the control element for the simultaneous movement of the outer limbs, at least in one direction. These free ends are preferably secured to each other at the housing's exit point by a connecting and gripping element located downstream of the locking tab. The user applies a pull away from the housing to, for example, deploy the wing and orient the outer limbs into their leading-edge configuration. Once this operation is completed, the two ends of the cords are locked by the locking tab, which holds them in the position reached, and consequently maintains the outer limbs in the deployed configuration. The operation of unfolding and deploying the wing of the invention is then easy and very quick.

[0027] Conversely, simply releasing these free ends of the locking cleat unlocks the outer arms, which can then begin moving towards the folded position of the wing, particularly by gravity, and can be assisted in this movement by the user who brings them parallel to and in contact with – or in close proximity to – the central arm. The folding process is then very smooth and very quick.

[0028] According to one possible configuration, at least part of the outer branches and / or the central branch can be made of an inflatable tube. Such an inflatable tube This could therefore constitute the fixed central arm, or the deployable lateral outer arms, or both, so that the entire deployable and foldable structure then comprises inflatable elements. The arms, whether outer or central, do not necessarily have to be made of a permanently rigid material, as defined in the present invention. The rigidity required for use is then provided by the inflation pressure. It should be noted that the ends of the arms that interact with the central piece must, for reasons of mechanical joint operation, retain characteristics of permanent rigidity that make them compatible with such operation. They therefore extend beyond the inflatable structure, which may encompass all or part of the rest of the arm body.

[0029] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the more detailed description that follows, relating to embodiments that are given only by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples of the invention. Understanding this description will be facilitated in particular by reference to the figures attached hereto, for which:

[0030] [Fig.1] represents a schematic view of a wing according to the invention in the deployed position;

[0031] [Fig.2] shows a view of the three branches connected at the central piece and in folded position;

[0032] [Fig.3] shows views of a first variant of the central piece shown with the end portions of the three branches, said views showing the respectively folded and deployed positions of the branches in said central piece, as well as an intermediate position during deployment, in each case in perspective and in longitudinal section at the level of the stirrup;

[0033] [Fig.4] represents a perspective view of the variant of [Fig.3] at the beginning of the folding, also in perspective view and in section at the level of the stirrup;

[0034] [Fig. 5] shows views of a caliper configuration cooperating in compression with the casing in the respectively open and closed positions;

[0035] [Fig.6] represents three perspective views of a first variant of the central part to means of synchronized control of the movement of the outer branches, said views showing the two positions respectively deployed and folded of the branches, with two partial views showing the interior of the central piece; and

[0036] [Fig.7] represents the same three perspective views as the previous figure for a second variant of the central part with synchronized control means for the movement of the outer branches.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the self-propelled traction wing A has a foldable structure composed of two outer arms 1 and a central arm 2 connected by means of a central piece 3. In [Fig. 1], in the deployed position of the folding structure of wing A, the two outermost branches 1 are doubled for illustrative purposes: the outermost branches 1 illustrate the stable deployed position, locked in the central piece 3, while the immediately adjacent branches, slightly inward, illustrate the almost deployed position before locking. A flexible fabric constituting the sail connects the branches 1, 2, forming – on each side of the central branch 2 – two triangular-shaped panels whose vertices meet at the central piece 3.

[0038] The directions of movement of the two outer arms 1 are illustrated by the double arrows R. In the stable deployed position, the two outer arms 1 are in line with each other to form the leading edge of the wing A. This extension is not axial; a deflection a (for example, of approximately 20°) results, for each outer arm, from the structure as deployed. In three dimensions, the outer arms 1 and the central arm 2 also form a dihedral angle, which can, for example, be approximately 12°. In the folded position, as shown in [Fig. 2], the three arms 1, 2 are substantially parallel, one of their axial ends being occupied by the central connecting piece of arms 1, 2. This folded position represents a state of minimal bulk, practical for carrying the structure, a state that does not generate propulsion due to wind.The user can simply, when descending downwind, carry it, for example, almost vertically and close to the body, in any case in the most comfortable way for them. These limbs 1, 2 can be made of a material that is inherently rigid and non-deformable, or take the form of inflatable tubes whose inflation pressure gives them sufficient rigidity for use with the wing and which are flexible when deflated.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 3], whose three views concern the same version of the central part 3, this part consists of two shells 31, 32 assembled into a housing 30. This housing 30 has three recesses 32, 33, 35 to accommodate and connect the end of each of the branches 1, 2. Thus, a central recess 33 is provided for the central terminal or branch 2, and two lateral recesses 34, 35 accommodate the two outer branches 1. These recesses 33, 34, 35 open onto the exterior of the housing 30, very roughly in the direction of orientation of the central branch 2, via openings 36, 37, 38 oriented perpendicularly to the half-planes or surfaces supporting the movements of the outer branches 1. The central recess 33 immobilizes the outer shape of the terminal 2 inserted into it. by tight fitting of shapes, and secured for example by pins. The lateral recesses 34, 35 each have an elongated opening 37, 38, oblong in shape, of which in particular... the ends act as stops during the movement of the outer branches 1 between the folded position and the deployed position.

[0040] Each lateral recess 34, 35 includes a rotational connection to the housing 30 of the end portions of the outer branches 1. This connection may be located at the level of inserts, for example, made of carbon, formed into sleeves attached to the branches 1, 2 and optimizing the transfer of forces. Each of these sleeves has an orifice that aligns with corresponding orifices in the two shells 31, 32 for the passage of a rotation shaft 39. The internal volume of the lateral recesses 34, 35, the outline of which is shown more precisely in [Fig. 4], has opposing semi-cylindrical walls that extend inward from the rounded ends of the openings 37, 38. These rounded walls allow the tubular branch 1 to be received in a snug fit in two opposing positions, abutting them and the ends of the oblong openings. 37, 38.The inclined surfaces, parallel to the half-plane of movement of each branch 1, and which participate in guiding the branches 1, are the two other long sides of the recesses 34, 35. Their symmetrical inclinations with respect to a plane passing through the axis of the central branch 2 create the dihedral of the deployed wing.

[0041] The recesses 34, 35 guide the end portions of the branches 1, and consequently direct the movement of said branches 1 between their stable positions. To maintain the abutment positions, a boss 40 (see [Fig. 4]) is provided on at least one of the inclined surfaces of the recess 34, 35. The ends of this boss 40 are shaped to maintain the end portion of the branch 1 tube in stable contact with the semi-cylindrical walls of the recesses 34, 35. They extend the cylindrical outer surface of said walls inwards towards the recess 34, 35 to achieve radial locking of the tubular portion of the branch 1 located at this level.

[0042] In the two stable end positions, a locking mechanism can be achieved by means which, for each outer arm 1, consist of a rotating bracket 50 in the housing 30 along an axis 52 parallel to the half-plane of movement, the rotation being organized in the vicinity of one of the sides of the housing 30 opposite to the sides into which the recesses 34, 35 open via the openings 37, 38. The bracket 50 is in fact controllable between two extreme positions by a gripping ring 51 external to the housing 30. It can be extended, or extracted, from the housing 30 according to a release position of the outer arm 1 which is shown in the middle view, and it is preferably returned inside the housing by return means (in this case an elastic link 53) to a closed position blocking said arm 1.This latter position is shown in the top and bottom views, respectively in the folded position of the wing structure and in its deployed position. In both. In this case, there is a blockage of the outer branch 1, either inside the arch 55 of the stirrup 50 as can be seen in the bottom view (deployed position), or between an external face of the stirrup 50 and the stop formed by the semi-cylindrical wall of the recess 34, 35 and, in its extension, of the end of the oblong orifice 37, 38 (folded position).

[0043] Arrows A, B, and C in Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the dynamics at play during changes in the positioning of the outer arms 1. They occur in their alphabetical order: first A, then B, and finally—if applicable—C (during deployment). A indicates the initial movement initiated by the user, on the outer arms 1 at the start of deployment (at the top of [Fig. 3]) or on the stirrup 50 at the start of folding (at the top of [Fig. 4]). B then indicates the movement that is mechanically triggered by this initial action A. C represents the clipping resulting from the elastic closure of the stirrup 50 under the effect of the return means 53 during deployment.

[0044] More specifically, with reference to [Fig. 3], which relates to deployment, the outer face 54 of the bracket 55 of the stirrup 50 and the outer face 11 of the opposing outer arm 1 constitute a contact area not perpendicular to the bearing surface of the arm 1 in the housing 30. When a contact action along arrow A occurs in this inclined contact area, as the arm 1 is moved towards its deployed position, the resulting force has a component perpendicular to the bearing surface, which contributes to raising the stirrup 50 along arrow B towards its release position, against the restoring force of the elastic link 53. The face 54 is shaped such that when the deployment movement of the arm 1 continues, its circular outer face 11 pushes upwards, like a cam, the slightly rounded and inclined outer face 54, until it passes under the end beak. 57 of the 50 caliper.When it passes it, the retraction means 53 close the stirrup 50 according to arrow C with a click, which signals the end of the deployment operation of the outer branch 1.

[0045] Conversely, during the folding of the arms 1, more particularly shown in [Fig. 4], the contact area located between the inner face 56 of the bracket 55 proximal to the axis 52 and the outer face 11 of the outer arm 1 in their opposite portion when the arm 1 is trapped inside the bracket 55 also functions in a cam-type manner. This area is also not perpendicular to the bearing surface of the arm 1 in the housing 30. The contact force exerted by the inner face 56 in the arc of the bracket 50 against the outer face 11 of the arm 1, causing the diameter at the contact area to increase when the bracket 50 is raised along arrow A, pushes said arm 1 along arrow B towards its folded position, obtained by continuing the movement in this direction B.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a stirrup 50 configuration very similar to that described with reference to the figures, but in which the end beak 57 is configured so as to be able to exert pressure against a correspondingly shaped wall 300 projecting from the travel surface of the arm 1, positioned on each of the surfaces parallel to the half-plane of travel of each arm 1 that contribute to guiding the arms 1. The end beak has a flat surface perpendicular to the travel surface of the arm 1 in the closed position of the stirrup 50, capable of bearing pressure on a surface opposite the wall 300. Furthermore, the axis 52 is movable in an elongated slot 58 comprising two non-coaxially oriented sections, so that when the stirrup 50 is open along arrow A, the rotation axis 52 is positioned at the lower end of the slot 58, centrally with respect to the radius of curvature of the inner face 56.At closing, the rotation axis 52 is positioned at the upper end of said opening 52, facilitating the positioning of the spout 57 in contact with the compression wall 300, so as to allow a load to be taken up by the housing 30. .

[0047] In fact, this elongated slot 58, which allows for movement of the axis 52 relative to the bracket 50, enables the contact areas to adapt during the relative movements of the bracket 50 with respect to the wall 300, thus improving the dynamic management of the compression contacts. This slot 58 effectively allows for combined movements of the inner face 56 in an arc of the bracket 50 and the outer face 11 of the arm 1, as well as of the outer face 54 and the friction element 300, enabling locking with multiple points of support, and consequently a better distribution of forces during the cam-type operation mentioned above.

[0048] The configuration of [Fig. 6] incorporates the technical basics (housing 30, openings of the lateral recesses 34, 35) of the two previous configurations, with one addition, namely a mechanism for the simultaneous and synchronized control of the movements of the outer arms 1 of the folding wing structure. Cords 6 are used for this purpose. One of their ends is fixed to the outer face of a portion of the end of each arm 1, in or near the housing 30, and then guided via pulleys 61, 62, 63 to a window 7 made in a wall of the shell 31 of the housing 30. Near the window 7, a cleat 8 is secured to a long side of the shell 31 of the housing 30, allowing the two cords 6 extending from the two lateral recesses 34, 35 to be fixed in the two stable states of the outer arms 1.As in previous configurations, the recesses 34, 35 have walls and openings 37, 38 which serve as stops in the stable positions of the branches 1. These recesses 34, 35 also have, in the part of the distal bottom of the openings 37, 38, a rounded cavity which guides the end of the branches 1. rotating between these stable positions. The rotating shaft connecting to the housing 30 is located in this rounded cavity.

[0049] When the outer arms 1 are folded against the central arm 2, as shown in the top and middle views of [Fig. 5], the outer terminal portion of the cords 6, which are grouped at the exit of the window 7 and have a gripping element 9 at their free end, has a minimum length. When the user, in order to unfold and deploy the wing of the invention, pulls on said gripping element 9, the resulting displacement of the other end of each cord 6, which is attached to the arms 1, causes the latter to move, changing its position. The length of the portions of the cords protruding from the window 7 increases. When the cords 6 are taut, they are secured in the cleat 8.

[0050] The configuration of [Fig. 7] is similar to that of [Fig. 6], with the ends of the cords 6 fixed to the inner face of an end portion of each arm 1, in the recesses 34, 35 of the housing 30. The pulleys 61, 62, 63 trace another path to the window 7 made in the wall of one long side of the shell 31 of the housing 30. The cleat 8 fixed near the window 7 plays the same role of fixing the cords grouped at the exit of said window 7, to hold them in the two stable positions of the outer arms 1. The shape of the recesses 34, 35 is different, with a bottom in the form of a wide arc of a circle, allowing the guidance of end portions of the arms 1, whose rotational connection with the housing 30 is closer to the openings 37, 38 of the recesses 34, 35. In one of the stable positions (see the top and middle views of [Fig.6]), a wall of the recess 34, 35 serves as a stop.In the other stable position of the branches 1, the stop is provided by the end of the opening 37, 38 which terminates the wall that formed a stop in the previous stable position. The two stops are therefore located on the same side.

[0051] To ensure that the stop positions are maintained, the boss 40 already mentioned in other configurations is provided on one of the inclined surfaces of the recess 34, 35 parallel to the half-plane of displacement provided for each branch 1. This boss 40 is in the shape of an arc of a circle, parallel to the bottom wall of the lateral recesses 34, 35, and its ends are shaped to maintain the end portion of the tube of the branch 1 in stable contact with the stops provided in the recesses 34, 35 of this configuration.

[0052] In any event, the examples shown in the figures should not be considered exhaustive of the invention, which on the contrary encompasses all variants and versions which fall within the ordinary knowledge of a person skilled in the art, for example with regard to the shape of the recesses 34, 35, or concerning that of the housing 30 etc.

Claims

Demands

1. A self-supporting folding traction wing, comprising: - a folding structure having at least three tubular arms (1,2) connected at one of their ends, two outer arms (1) and a central arm (2) constituting the leading edge, said outer arms (1) being movable relative to the leading edge (2) between at least two stable positions, a first deployed position in which the outer arms (1) are oriented in line with each other to form the leading edge, and a second folded position in which the outer arms (1) are retracted close to the leading edge (2): - a flexible sail attached to the three arms (1,2);characterized in that it comprises a central piece (3) for connecting the branches (1,2) including a mechanism for articulating one end of each outer branch (1), said central piece (3) comprising means for locking and unlocking the outer branches (1) in at least two positions respectively deployed and folded and means for guiding the outer branches (1) between the first deployed position and the second folded position in which the outer branches (1) are oriented substantially parallel to the central branch (2).

2. A self-supporting folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central part (3) comprises a housing (30) having means for rotationally connecting the end portions of the outer branches (1) and means for immobilizing the central branch (2), the means for guiding the rotation of the outer branches (1) comprising, on either side of the central branch (2), at least one support surface on which the outer branch (1) moves between the folded position in which the axes of the three branches (1,2) connected to the housing (30) are parallel and the deployed position, the movement support surfaces delimiting half-planes placed symmetrically with respect to the central branch (2).

3. Self-supporting folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support surfaces are inclined, the half-planes placed symmetrically with respect to the central branch (2) defining a dihedral.

4. A self-contained, foldable traction wing according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the housing (30) of the central part (3) has three recesses (34, 35, 36), a central recess (36) for the terminal (2) and two lateral recesses (34, 35) for the outer arms (1), said recesses (34, 35) opening onto the outside of the housing via openings (37, 38) for the passage of the arms (1, 2), the central recess (36) conforming to the outer shape of the terminal (2) in order to immobilize it, the lateral recesses (34, 35) each having an oblong opening (37, 38) as well as the means for rotationally connecting the end portions of the outer arms (1) to the housing (30) and an internal volume comprising the inclined surface(s), said lateral recesses (34, 35) guiding the rotation of said end portions between two positions against one end of the oblong openings (37,38) and / or a wall of the recess (34,35).

5. Self-supporting folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each lateral recess (34,35) of the housing (30) of the central part (3) has at least one boss (40) protruding from an inclined surface and separating in the internal volume of the recess (34,35) locations provided for the end portions of the outer arms (1) when they are in abutment.

6. A self-supporting folding traction wing according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the locking means consist, for each outer arm (1), of a stirrup (50) rotationally connected to the housing (30) having a gripping ring (51) external to the housing (30), the stirrup (50) being extractable from the housing (30) in a release position and recalled inside the housing (30) in a closed position by recall means, the closed position being able to trap inside the hoop (55) of the stirrup (50) the outer arm (1) in contact with one of the ends of the oblong opening (37,38) in one of its positions, and to lock it outside the hoop in contact with the other end of the oblong opening (37,38) in the other of its positions.

7. Self-supporting folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stirrup (50) is rotationally connected to the housing (30) along an axis (52) parallel to a displacement support surface of said outer arm (1).

8. A self-supporting folding traction wing according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the respective configurations of the outer face (54) of the hoop (55) of the stirrup (50) and of the outer face (11) of the outer arm (1) in their facing portion when the arm (1) is placed outside the hoop (55) form a contact zone not perpendicular to the bearing surface of the arm (1) in the housing (30), said contact zone being capable of generating a contact pressure between them having a component perpendicular to the bearing surface which helps to raise the stirrup (50) towards its release position when the arm (1) is moved towards its deployed position.

9. Self-supporting folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stirrup (50) has at its free end a beak (57) of which a distal external face of the axis of rotation (52) extending the external face (54) is configured to cooperate in compression with a surface opposite a wall (300) projecting from the movement surface of the arm (1).

10. Self-contained folding traction wing according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the stirrup (50) has an elongated slot (58) for receiving the axis (52) of rotation of the stirrup.

11. A self-supporting folding traction wing according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the respective shapes of the inner face (56) of the hoop (55) of the stirrup (50) and of the outer face (11) of the outer arm (1) in their opposite portion when the arm (1) is trapped inside the hoop (55) constitute on the side of the axis of rotation a contact zone with an aspect perpendicular to the bearing surface of the arm (1) in the housing (30), said contact zone being capable of generating a contact pressure between them having a component with an aspect perpendicular to the bearing surface contributing to pushing said arm (1) back when the stirrup (50) is actuated towards its release position.

12. A foldable, self-propelled traction wing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the central part (3) comprises means of synchronized control of the movements of the outer branches (1).

13. A self-propelled folding traction wing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a cord (6) is attached to the end portion of each outer arm (1), each cord (6) being guided in a part of the housing (30) comprising a lateral recess (34,35) by a pulley system (61,62,63) internal to the housing (30) towards an exit window (7) of the free end of each cord (6) made in said housing (30), a cleat (8) for immobilizing the free ends of the two cords (6) being attached to the housing (30) near the window (7), a pull on the free ends of the cords (6) released from the cleat (8) allowing the two outer arms (1) to move simultaneously in one direction, the reverse movement being made by direct action on said outer arms (1).

14. A self-supporting folding traction wing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the outer branches (1) and / or the central branch (2) is made of inflatable material.

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