Method of operating a tensioning device with a kite for a floating vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a towing device (3) of a floating vessel (1), the towing device (3) comprising a kite (4) including a blade (5) provided with a leading edge (6), a flight line, at least one foreline equipped with a clutch, and a rear line, the method comprising the steps of: raising the altitude of the blade (5) so that the blade (5) is held only by the flight line, with the foreline and the rear line remaining slack; then, after reaching the altitude, locking the at least one foreline by activating the clutch, allowing the at least one foreline to be mechanically connected to the floating vessel (1); and releasing the flight line and maintaining it in the slack state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a tensioning device. The invention also relates to a tensioning device comprising elements for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a floating vessel or land vehicle comprising such a tensioning device. The invention finally relates to a computer program product for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a data recording medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a signal on the data medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to the use of a clutch during such an operating method. [Background technology]

[0002] Kites for towing floating vessels such as boats or ships are difficult to control during take-off from the deck of the floating vessel, during recovery to the deck, and also in flight.

[0003] There is therefore a considerable risk that the kite will be damaged during operation at sea or by contact with a floating vessel or the ground. The conventional launch of this type of kite requires the complete payout of a line intended to mechanically connect said kite to the floating vessel. This is possible on land, but much more difficult at sea. One solution consists in leaving the kite drifting on the water surface and lifting off after the line has been paid out. Another solution consists in lifting the kite in the wind and using a special vessel to recover it. Such a solution is not satisfactory. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a kite-based pulling device that remedies the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular the invention makes it possible to automate the launch of the kite, its flight for pulling a pontoon vessel or a wheeled and / or gliding land vehicle, and the recovery of the kite. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To this end, the present invention relates to a method of operating a pulling device of a floating vessel or a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle, the pulling device comprising a kite, the kite comprising: - a sail having a leading edge; - A flying rope, - at least one front rope equipped with a clutch; - including the posterior class, This method, - raising the sail to altitude and holding it only by the flight ropes, with the fore and aft ropes slack, followed by the step of: after reaching altitude, in particular after reaching the target altitude, - locking at least one front line by activating a clutch to enable mechanical connection of the at least one front line to a floating vessel or a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle, and releasing and maintaining the flight lines in a slack state.

[0006] The method may include tensioning the rear rope simultaneously with the lockstep or after the lockstep to use the rear rope to control the sail.

[0007] The method may include, prior to the step of gaining altitude, a preliminary step of inflating the leading edge of the sail, in particular by pointing the sail into the wind.

[0008] The step of increasing altitude may include hoisting a sail along the mast of a pontoon vessel or a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle.

[0009] The method may include the step of automatically directing the sail into the wind, in particular by means of a spur connected to such a mast.

[0010] The step of raising the altitude may include the steps of releasing a sail against such mast and then raising the altitude of the sail released from such mast.

[0011] The lockstep, in particular the lockstep, tensioning and releasing and maintaining in a slack state steps, can be followed by a control step by controlling the rear rope to control the sail in the sail flight mode, in particular by at least one geared motor of the control device.

[0012] After the control step, - tensioning the flight line; - releasing and maintaining the front and rear lines in a slack state, in particular by reeling in the flight lines and / or letting out the front and rear lines, may be carried out.

[0013] The flight line can be reeled in to return the sail to the floating vessel or wheeled and / or planing land vehicle.

[0014] The invention also relates to a traction device for a floating vessel or for a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle, comprising a set of actuators, in particular of the geared motor and / or clutch type, and comprising hardware and / or software elements implementing the method defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method defined above, and / or means for implementing the method defined above.

[0015] The invention also relates to a floating vessel or a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle equipped with a towing device as defined above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer readable medium for performing the steps of the method defined above, when the program is executed on a computer, or a computer program product downloadable from a communications network and / or recorded on a computer readable and / or computer executable data medium, which comprises instructions causing a computer to perform the method defined above, when the program is executed by a computer.

[0017] The invention also relates to a computer readable data storage medium having recorded thereon a computer program comprising program code instructions for carrying out the method defined above, or a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a computer to carry out the method defined above.

[0018] The invention also relates to a data carrier signal carrying a computer program product as defined above.

[0019] The invention also relates in particular to the use of a clutch of the type forming a braided sleeve surrounding a rope for holding a kite sail for pulling a ship or land vehicle in the manner defined above.

[0020] Further advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of one embodiment of the floating vessel or wheeled and / or planing land vehicle and one mode of carrying out the method of operating the pulling device, as well as from the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial schematic diagram of a pontoon vessel according to one embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wheeled and / or gliding land vehicle according to one embodiment; [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pulling device for a floating vessel or a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plate of a tensioning device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a front view of a mast of a tensioning device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the mast according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the base of the mast according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a tensioning device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view of an open housing of a tensioning device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The direction in which a pontoon vessel moves in a straight line in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water is defined as the longitudinal direction. By convention, the direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction and lying in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water is called the transverse direction. The third direction perpendicular to these two other directions is called the vertical direction.

[0023] Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a floating vessel 1. Such a floating vessel 1 is for example a boat or a ship.

[0024] Figure 2 shows diagrammatically a wheeled and / or gliding land vehicle 2. Such a vehicle is for example intended to be used on frozen water, and / or on sand, and / or on snow, and / or on grass and / or on ground.

[0025] The floating vessel 1 or the wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2 is equipped with a pulling device 3 .

[0026] The pulling device 3 comprises a kite 4. The kite 4 comprises or includes a sail 5. The sail 5 is provided with or comprises a leading edge 6.

[0027] As shown in figure 3, the kite 4 comprises a flight rope 11. Preferably, the flight rope 11 is a central rope for lifting off the sail, recovering the sail and, if necessary, fixing the sail. The kite 4 also comprises at least one front rope 10. Preferably, the kite 4 comprises two front ropes 10. The kite 4 also comprises at least one rear rope 12. Preferably, the kite 4 comprises two rear ropes 12.

[0028] Alternatively, the kite 4 comprises at least three front ropes 10 and at least three rear ropes 12 .

[0029] At least one fore rope 10 is provided with or equipped with a clutch 50, for example a model sold by COUSIN TRESTEC under the trademark CONSTRICTOR. The clutch 50 comprises a sock 52 or a tube made of braided material that surrounds the fore rope 10. The clutch 50 also comprises a control 51, for example of the cord type. Pulling the cord 51 releases the clutch, i.e. the fore rope that comprises this clutch. The clutch 50 also comprises a fastener 53 intended to be fastened to a fixed or at least temporarily fixed point of a floating vessel or a land vehicle. Alternatively, the clutch 50 is of the cam and / or pinch and / or brace type. The clutch is fastened to a wheel 46 attached to a plate 45 fastened to the vessel or vehicle, as shown in figures 3, 4 and 8.

[0030] Advantageously, the floating vessel 1 comprises a deck 8 and a mast 18 arranged on the deck 8 .

[0031] Advantageously, the wheeled and / or gliding land vehicle 2 comprises a housing and a mast 18. For example, the mast 18 is arranged on the housing, preferably at the front of the land vehicle.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, preferably at least one stay rope 19 ensures the retention of the mast 18 and / or allows it to be oriented towards the base 17 which supports it. Preferably, as shown in particular in FIGS. 5 and 7, the base 17 comprises a ball joint type connection or substantially a ball joint type connection to the mast 18. For example, the base 17 comprises a yoke 15 with a pivot axis A, and the mast comprises, at the side of the base 17, an end 18L of ball joint linkage type. The base 17 is advantageously fastened to the deck 8 of the floating vessel 1 or to the housing of the wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2. Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5, the mast 18 comprises a rafter 180 which is pivotable, i.e. can be turned, around the mast 18. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5, the rafter 180 can also slide along the mast 18, in particular by means of a retention means which surrounds that part of the mast. Such retaining means for example comprise an upper connector 181 and a lower connector 182. Preferably, the steer 180 comprises a support 183 and a stiffener 184. For example, the stiffener 184 extends obliquely between the support 183 and the steer 180.

[0033] As shown in particular in figures 3 and 6, the top 16 of the mast 18 is provided with sliding means 25 for a link, in particular of the halyard 27 type. The halyard 27 allows a deflectable spur 180 to be hoisted along the mast 18. It should be noted that the spur 180 holds the sail 5 by means of a release means 26. The spur 180 can be pivoted relative to the mast 18 to allow the mast 18 to follow the wind so that the wind vane faces the wind. The sliding means 25 is for example a pulley. Preferably, a fastening means 24 ensures the holding of the pulley 25 to the top 16 of the mast 18. The fastening means 24 is for example a ring of a diameter large enough to be placed around that part of the mast. Advantageously, the ring 24 is held at the mast by fastening means, for example a hook 23 (figure 3), so as to allow several degrees of freedom between the ring 24 and the mast 18. Advantageously, the end of the spar 180 arranged towards the sail 5 and / or the release means 26 is provided with a damping means for protecting the leading edge 6 if the kite 5 moves towards this end. Advantageously, the damping or protection or shock absorbing means 220 is made of a flexible material. For example, the damping means envelops the release means 26. Alternatively, the damping means is interposed between the sail and the release means. For example, the damping means is inflatable.

[0034] In summary, a steerable soffit 180 (possibly with adjustable length) is hoisted onto the mast 18 by means of a halyard 27. The soffit 180 holds the sail 5 at a flight angle of attack by means of flight tethers 11. Rotating or pivoting the soffit 180 around the mast 18 makes it possible to always maintain the sail 5 facing into the wind and at a good flight angle of attack, regardless of variations in the relative wind direction.

[0035] For example, the releasing means 26 is of the releasable snap hook type between the yard 180 and the sail 5. For example, a pendant 22 is arranged between the sail 5 and the releasing means 26. Furthermore, advantageously, a control means 28 is provided for releasing the releasing means 26. The control means 28 is for example of the auxiliary line type, i.e. a flexible rope or tie, which, via the release by the pendant 22, allows the releasable snap hook 26 to be pulled remotely to release the yard 180 from the sail 5.

[0036] Thus, with the spar 180 freely rotating about the mast axis, the sail 5 naturally faces the wind when hoisting it along the mast 18. As a result, the flight stability of the sail 5 is maintained in tethered flight between the snap hook 26 and the flight line 11. Any remaining relative movements or shocks or contacts between the leading edge 6 and the deflectable spar 180 are advantageously damped by the shock absorbers 220.

[0037] The tensioning device 3 also comprises a housing 35, which comprises actuators 30, 31, 32A, 32B, for example of the geared motor or winch or electric winch type. The housing 35 is advantageously fastened to the deck 8 of the floating vessel 1 or to the housing of the wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2. Possibly, the housing 35 is movable between at least two distinct positions. For example, the housing 35, through which the tension of the sail 5 passes, is placed in an optimal location according to the configuration of the floating vessel being towed or the land vehicle being towed. Thus, for example, the housing 35 is positioned in different locations according to the configuration of the floating vessel, for example with respect to the volume and / or weight of the load, if appropriate, and / or for example with respect to the location of the load.

[0038] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 9, the housing 35 comprises four geared motors. Each geared motor comprises or drives in rotation means for winding / releasing at least one line. Preferably, the winding / releasing means are of the drum type. Thus, preferably, the geared motor 30 comprises a drum 60, and / or the geared motor 31 comprises a drum 61, and / or the geared motor 32A comprises a drum 62A, and / or the geared motor 32B comprises a drum 62B. More specifically, the geared motor 32A serves to control the rear line, in particular by winding it up or letting it out. Preferably, another geared motor 32B serves to control another rear line, in particular by winding it up or letting it out. It is to be recalled that these actions on the rear lines (winding or letting out) make it possible to control the sail 5. Thus, by operating the geared motor 32A in a direction for hoisting the corresponding rear line or in the opposite direction for letting out the corresponding rear line, it is possible to act on the sail 5 without any human action on that rear line. By operating the other geared motor 32B in a direction for hoisting the other rear line or in the opposite direction for letting out the other rear line, it is possible to act on the sail 5 without any human action on the other rear line. Each geared motor can be operated in one direction of rotation or in the opposite direction of rotation, regardless of the other geared motors.

[0039] Advantageously, a connection, in particular a mechanical or hydraulic connection, is provided between the geared motors 32A, 32B in order to limit the energy consumption required for the operation of each geared motor, for example this connection being activated when the geared motors are operated in opposite directions of rotation.

[0040] Furthermore, the geared motor 30 serves to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously control the fore ropes 10, in particular by reeling them in or letting them out. In the case of two fore ropes 10, the two ropes are actuated together, i.e. simultaneously. Activating the rotation of the geared motor 30 in the direction for reeling them in or in the opposite direction for letting them out makes it possible to act on the sails 5 without any human action on these fore ropes. Finally, the geared motor 31 serves to control the flight ropes 11, in particular by reeling them in or letting them out. Activating the rotation of the geared motor 31 in the direction for reeling them in or in the opposite direction for letting them out makes it possible to deal with the lift-off, recovery and fixing of the sails 5 without any human action on the flight ropes 11.

[0041] As shown in figures 3, 4 and 8, the tensioning device 3 also comprises a plate 45, which is preferably fixed relative to the deck 8 of the ship 1 or to the housing of the vehicle 2. The plate 45 is equipped with passage means 40, 42 for the line, for example of the pulley or diabolo type, or even of the fixed deflection type with a low coefficient of friction. The plate 45 allows the line to be arranged between the geared motors substantially parallel to the deck 8 of the pontoon vessel. In other words, the plate 45 allows the part of the line extending in the direction of the sail 5 to be offset at a distance from the housing 35, in particular so that the line does not interfere with the housing 35. A holding means 13, for example of the pulley or diabolo type, for holding the flight line 11 in the vicinity of the mast, or an element intended to allow an almost frictionless sliding, is provided.

[0042] Preferably, the plate 45 is equipped with electronic tension sensors required for the control and / or at least one inertial unit, and / or the electronic tension sensors and / or at least one inertial unit are positioned in specific strategic areas near the plate 45.

[0043] Alternatively, the plate 45 is movable relative to the deck 8 or the housing, particularly to maximize performance.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the floating vessel or land vehicle comprises a computer program product 100 comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer readable medium, and / or a computer readable data recording medium 101, and / or a data medium signal 102.

[0045] The tensioning device also comprises all the hardware and / or software elements making it possible to carry out the methods forming the subject of the present invention, as described below, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to carry out the methods that are the subject of the present invention, and / or the device comprises means for carrying out the methods that are the subject of the present invention.

[0046] A mode of implementation of the operating method will now be described, which is advantageously a method for automatically operating the tensioning device described above.

[0047] Preferably, in a first step the leading edge 6 of the sail 5 is inflated. For this purpose, for example, the sail 5 is pointed towards the wind. In an alternative, the sail is inflated by compressed air.

[0048] A step of raising the height of the sail 5 is performed. During this raising step, the sail 5 is held only by the flight line 11. More specifically, the geared motor 31 pays out the flight line 11 by driving the drum 61 in the payout direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the flight line 11 is maintained taut during the raising step. During this raising step, the front line(s) 10 and the rear line(s) 12 remain slack. It is noted that this raising is made possible and facilitated by the sail 5 being positioned and oriented with low resistance to fly without or substantially without pulling. Specifically, when the sail is held by a single flight line, the sail is in a stable flying configuration and places little stress on the flight line.

[0049] For example, the step of raising the altitude includes the step of hoisting the sail 5 along the mast 18 (in particular FIG. 3). It is to be recalled that the pendants 22, for example fastened to the leading edge 6 of the sail 5, are connected to the halyards 27 by means of releasable fasteners 26. Thus, as the flight lines 11 lengthen while remaining taut, the halyards 27 shorten. In particular, it is to be recalled that the halyards 27 cooperate with pulleys 25, which are held against the top of the mast by fastening means 24. Thus, as the sail 5 starts to rise, the halyards 27 are approximately twice the height of the mast (if the pulleys 25 are placed at the top of the mast). Advantageously, the pulleys 25 are placed at a distance from the top 16 of the mast 18 to prevent the fastening means 24 and / or the leading edge 6 from passing the top 16 or even becoming stuck after turbulence or a movement of the ship 1 or vehicle 2 during the launching step.

[0050] To gain altitude, only the flight rope 11 is gradually paid out, remaining taut, via the geared motor 31. Recall that the front and rear ropes remain slack.

[0051] When ascending along the mast 18, a step of releasing the sail 5 relative to the mast 18 is carried out. Preferably, the sail 5 is located at or substantially located at the apex 16. To achieve this release, the releasable fastener 26 is actuated, for example by pulling the auxiliary line 28 (connected to the snap hook 26) as required, thus opening the snap hook 26. This results in the sail 5 being detached from the mast. Advantageously, it is possible to continue ascending the sail 5 released from the mast by paying out the flight line 11 while keeping it taut, while the sail 5 continues to fly.

[0052] After reaching the altitude, for example after reaching a predefined target altitude, a step of locking the fore rope 10 is carried out. This locking of the fore rope 10 is preferably carried out by activating the clutch 50. It is recalled that the activation of the clutch 50 allows the fore rope 10 provided with the clutch 50 to be mechanically connected via the plate 45 to the floating vessel 1 or to the wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2, for example to the deck 8 of the floating vessel or to the housing of the land vehicle 2. For this purpose, the fore rope 10 is locked in the fastener 53. Preferably at the same time or substantially at the same time, a step of releasing and keeping the flight rope 11 in a slack state is carried out, so that it no longer acts on the sail of the kite. In other words, in order to remove the tension on the flight rope 11, the geared motor 31 is actuated in the payout direction, for example over a given angular portion. Most of the force being applied to the sail is exerted on the plate 45 via the fore rope and the clutch. This makes it possible to pull the vessel or land vehicle. The clutch allows the front rope to be hoisted without stressing the geared motor.

[0053] Simultaneously with or after the lock step, a step of tensioning the rear rope 12 is carried out. This tensioning step is carried out, for example, by the geared motors 32A, 32B, which are actuated to wind the rear rope 12 on the drums 62A, 62B over a given angular portion. After the rear rope 12 is tensioned, the rear rope is used to control the sail 5. In other words, the geared motors 32A, 32B are used to control the sail 5 through the winding and / or unwinding action of the drums 62A, 62B, while keeping the rear rope at a certain degree of tension so that the rear rope does not slacken. Advantageously, the geared motor 30 is used to wind / unwind the front rope, while keeping the front rope at a certain degree of tension so that the front rope does not slacken. Unlike the flight during the altitude gain phase, where only the flight rope 11 is taut and the resistance is practically zero, the use of the front and rear ropes makes it possible to control the sail 5 and obtain the desired tension.

[0054] The rear rope 12 is then controlled to control the sail 5 in its flight mode. For this purpose, as shown in figures 3 and 8, the front rope 10 and the rear rope 12 extend into a housing 35. As mentioned above, one or more geared motors 30, 31, 32A, 32B of the control device make it possible to winch or unwind the rope, possibly simultaneously. The type of flight is thus controlled according to the one most appropriate for the navigation of the floating vessel or land vehicle.

[0055] After the flight of the kite sail, the kite sail is retrieved, in particular to pull the floating vessel 1 or the land vehicle 2. First, a step of tensioning the flight line 11 is performed. The geared motor 31 in the box 35 causes the rotation of the drum 61, which automatically winds up the flight line, in particular until the flight line is tensioned. At the same time, a step of releasing and keeping the front line 10 and the rear line 12 in a slack state is performed. This step of releasing and keeping them in a slack state is carried out by unwinding the front line 10 and the rear line 12 by the geared motors 30, 32A, 32B in the box 35. It should be noted that in order to release the front line 10, it is sufficient to pull the cord 51 in order to release the clutch 50, which has the effect of allowing the front line to slide against the fastener 53. Secondly, the flight line 11 is wound up by the geared motor 31, which allows the line 11 to be wound up on the drum 61. Recall that the flight line 11 rubs against or slides or cooperates with the pulley 13. Thus, as the flight line 11 is furled, the sail moves closer to the pulley 13 (FIGS. 3 and 8). The pulley 13 is preferably located near the end of the mast 18 so that furling the flight line moves the sail 5 back to the pontoon vessel 1 or wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2.

[0056] The invention also relates to the use of a clutch 50 of the type forming a braided sleeve surrounding a line, in particular a foreline, for holding a sail 5 of a kite 4 to pull a ship or land vehicle, for example in the context of the operating method described above.

[0057] It should be recalled that the pulling device 3 is preferably intended to pull a floating vessel 1 or to move a wheeled and / or planing land vehicle 2 .

[0058] This solution therefore achieves the desired objective of providing a method of operating a kite-based pulling device, in particular intended for pulling floating vessels, which improves the take-off, flight and recovery of the kite, - Economical It is noted that this has the advantage that it is easy to install on a ship or land vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for operating a towing device (3) of a floating vessel (1) or a wheeled and / or sliding land vehicle (2), wherein the towing device (3) is equipped with a kite (4), and the kite (4) - A sail (5) with a leading edge (6), - Flight rope (11), - At least one front rope (10) equipped with a clutch (50), - Including the rear rope (12), The method described above is - A step of raising the altitude of the sail (5) and holding the sail (5) by the flight line (11) alone, with the foreline (10) and aftline (12) remaining slack, and subsequently, after reaching altitude, particularly after reaching target altitude, A method comprising the steps of: locking the at least one fore rope (10) by activating the clutch (50) to enable mechanical connection of the at least one fore rope (10) to the floating vessel (1) or the wheeled and / or gliding land vehicle (2); and releasing the flight rope (11) and keeping it loose.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, simultaneously with or after the locking step, the step includes applying tension to the aft rope (12) to control the sail (5) using the aft rope (12).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, prior to the step of increasing altitude, it includes a preliminary step of inflating the leading edge (6) of the sail (5), particularly a step of inflating the sail by turning the sail (5) towards the wind.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of raising the altitude includes the step of raising the sail (5) along the mast (18) of the floating vessel (1) or the wheeled and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a step of automatically turning the sail (5) into the wind by a yardarm (180) connected to the mast (18).

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of raising the altitude includes the step of releasing the sail (5) from the mast (18), and then raising the altitude of the sail (5) that has been released from the mast (18).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, after the locking step, particularly the locking step, the tensioning step, and the release and maintaining a slack state, a control step is followed, particularly by controlling the tailline (12) to control the sail (5) in the flight mode of the sail (5) by at least one geared motor (31) of the control device (30).

8. After the control step, - A step of applying tension to the aforementioned flight line (11), The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the steps of winding up the flight line (11) and / or releasing the front line (10) and rear line (12) to release and maintain the front line (10) and rear line (12) in a slack state are performed.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the flight line (11) is wound up to return the sail (5) to the floating vessel (1) or the wheeled and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

10. A pulling device (3) for a floating vessel (1) or a wheeled and / or sliding land vehicle (2), characterized in that it comprises a device comprising a geared motor and / or a clutch-type set of actuators, hardware and / or software elements for carrying out the method described in any of claims 1 to 9, hardware and / or software elements designed to carry out the method described in any of claims 1 to 9, and / or means for carrying out the method described in claim 1.

11. A floating vessel (1) or a wheeled and / or sliding land vehicle (2) characterized by comprising the pulling device (3) described in claim 10.

12. A computer program product (100) which, when the program is executed on a computer, includes program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium for carrying out the steps of the method described in claim 1, or a computer program product (100) which is downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data medium that is computer-readable and / or computer-executable, and which, when the program is executed by the computer, includes instructions that cause the computer to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A computer-readable data recording medium (101) on which a computer program including program code instructions for carrying out the method described in claim 1 is recorded, or a computer-readable recording medium including instructions for causing a computer to carry out the method described in claim 1 when executed by a computer.

14. A signal (102) of a data medium that carries the computer program product (100) according to claim 12.

15. In particular, the use of a type of clutch (50) that forms a braided sleeve surrounding a rope for holding the sail (5) of a kite (4) for towing a ship or land vehicle, in the manner of claim 1.

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