Inflatable, opaque sails for ships

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inflatable sail [2], which is formed by a barrier cover sail [20] that becomes concave by incorporating a forming device. The forming device allows the inner surface [201] of the barrier cover [20] to face the outer surface [202] and bend. The outer surface [202] is connected to the inner surface [201] via a number of connectors, so that both sides are connected. The barrier cover [20] defines a range of internal volume [VI] whose boundaries are defined by the inner surfaces of the back [24] and ventral surface [23] of the inflatable sail [2]. This internal volume [VI] is located outside the barrier cover [20]. Thanks to such a barrier cover [20], it is possible to inflate it with air and determine the aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail [2] in a very sophisticated and effective way.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention deals with the technology of sails for ship fitting, particularly the technology of sails that use wind power as the driving force. More precisely, it is an invention related to an expandable sail (hereinafter referred to as "inflatable sail") in the form of a non-permeable cover (hereinafter referred to as "barrier cover").

Background Art

[0002] Regarding the technical aspect, it is known to use an inflatable sail as the sail fitting of a ship that utilizes wind power. Such an inflatable sail consists of two membranes and has an aerodynamic profile (airfoil) similar to that of an aircraft wing. In a known inflatable sail, the sail defines the boundary of a cavity between two walls, one forming the ventral surface and the other forming the dorsal surface. The inner cavity is inflated by overpressure to maintain the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail, and its bulge is maintained.

[0003] Thus, the inflatable sail is vertically supported by a single mast, which is located inside the cavity of the inflatable sail, that is, between the partitions formed by the two membranes. Thanks to the pneumatic system, it becomes possible to control the amount of air injected into the known inflatable sail, enabling reliable overpressure of this inflatable sail.

[0004] Particularly, the document FR3008382A1 regarding an apparatus for practicalizing a sail with an aerodynamic profile, self-supporting, and capable of 360° direction change is also known. This sail consists of a front part and a rear part, each of which forms a part of a predetermined aerodynamic profile. The front part and the rear part can be respectively oriented relative to a single vertical axis. The sail becomes inflatable by creating a double partition, pressure is applied, and each partition is connected to the other by a plurality of strings woven simultaneously on the opposite double partitions.

[0005] A known drawback of such inflatable sails is the need for continuous use of an air pump to maintain sufficient pressure for the sail to function.

[0006] In addition, another known drawback is that the mast supporting the sail is positioned to penetrate the internal cavity, which complicates, firstly, the interaction between the sail and the mast, and secondly, the maintenance of the aforementioned strong pressure.

[0007] Furthermore, there is also document FR3123308A1 relating to a sail rig equipped with a non-barrier inflatable sail supported by a single mast. The inflatable sail consists of two opposing surfaces that form a closed cavity around the mast. The rig is further equipped with an air pipe located between the inside and outside of the sail cavity and a device for injecting air into this cavity. When the sail is inflated in this way, it exhibits a certain aerodynamic profile.

[0008] The drawback of this sail rig is that, because the inflatable sail is non-barrier, air must constantly be blown into the cavity to maintain its shape. In addition, the loss of air outside the cavity prevents the surface tension of the inflatable sail from increasing sufficiently, causing its aerodynamic profile to deform under wind pressure. This situation is undesirable because it reduces the performance of the rigged sail, particularly its lift. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] French Patent Application Publication No. 3008382 [Patent Document 2] French Patent Application Publication No. 3123308 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a new inflatable sail that addresses at least many of the existing problems and also offers additional advantages.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to simplify the use of such inflatable sails. Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the development and production costs of such inflatable sails.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the amount of electricity consumed (and more broadly, the overall energy consumption) when using an inflatable sail.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a more robust aerodynamic profile under normal operating conditions.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to improve the lift of such an inflatable sail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] One of the features of this invention is that at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved using an inflatable sail for ships. This inflatable sail is fitted with a three-dimensional barrier cover, the inflatability of which is determined by the following elements.

[0016] - The outer surface and the inner surface opposite the outer surface. The outer surface and the inner surface are connected to each other by multiple connectors located between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[0017] - The upper surface that connects the outer surface to the inner surface at the upper edge of the barrier sail.

[0018] - A bottom surface that connects the outer surface to the inner surface at the bottom edge of the barrier cover.

[0019] The rear surface connects the outer surface to the inner surface at the position of the trailing edge of the barrier cover.

[0020] The barrier cover is folded back at the leading edge of the inflatable sail, encircling the extension axis, thereby including a ventral and aft side of the inflatable sail, which face each other and are located on either side of the extension axis. The leading edge, ventral, and aft sides define the internal volume of the inflatable sail using the inner surface of the barrier cover, and these ventral and aft sides present a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail using the outer surface of the barrier sail.

[0021] In this invention, an inflatable sail is a sail used for navigation on a ship. Unlike traditional sails, an inflatable sail is a sail with volume, and this volume defines the boundary of an internal cavity (barrier cover in this invention), which is typically shaped such that the first inner wall surface of the membrane forms the ventral surface and the second inner wall surface of the membrane forms the ventral surface. The internal cavity expands and is kept under excess pressure to maintain the shape of the inflatable sail. This inflatable sail possesses the first feature of this invention and is designed to generate aerodynamic lift for the rig on which the sail is to be installed. It should be noted here that in this invention, lift is a component of the force acting on a body (inflatable sail) moving in a fluid (air) (wind blowing on the inflatable sail), and the lift acts perpendicular to the direction of motion of the body.

[0022] In this invention, a barrier cover forms an internal cavity in the inflatable sail. That is, air is blown into the inside of the sail to form the inflatable sail. Particularly advantageous is the invention of a barrier internal cover in the inflatable sail. For example, when the inflatable sail is inflated by blowing air into the barrier cover, the injected air can no longer freely escape from the barrier cover. In other words, the barrier cover is a closed cover, leak-free, and when a gas is injected into it, the air does not leak uncontrollably. In particular, in this invention, the impermeability of the barrier cover is tested at a pressure lower than 500 mbar (millibars, hPa). This pressure is preferably lower than 150 mbar, and is effective if it is lower than 100 mbar. In the practical method recommended in this invention, the barrier cover is impermeable to gas when the internal pressure of the inflatable sail is 80 mbar or higher. Thus, at this pressure, the air blown into the barrier cover remains, and there is no need to inject new air to maintain the shape of the barrier cover, and consequently the shape of the inflatable sail. This configuration is extremely advantageous because it facilitates the operation of the inflatable sail and allows for the use of an exhaust device, which maintains a sufficient pressure in the inflatable sail to reliably maintain the state of the inflatable sail according to the present invention, to be limited to a certain extent.

[0023] In the present invention, the barrier cover is folded around the extension axis and has a shape with a single volume, which is delimited in particular by a bottom surface and a top surface located respectively at one end and the other end of the extension axis. Thus, the bottom surface encloses the inflatable volume of the barrier cover at a position of the proximal side from the deck of the ship equipped with the inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention, and the top surface encloses the inflatable volume of the barrier cover at a position of the distal side from the deck of the same ship, that is, at the uppermost end of the mast used to set up the inflatable sail. In the first practical variant, the barrier cover consists of a single volume located between the inner surface, the outer surface, the bottom surface and the top surface. As an alternative, in the second practical variant, the barrier cover is divided into a plurality of internal spaces between the inner surface, the outer surface, the bottom surface and the top surface, and these spaces are connected so that fluid can flow between them, or each space is in an insulated state.

[0024] In the present invention, the inner surface and the outer surface of the barrier cover face each other, and both surfaces are connected by the top surface and the bottom surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are spaced apart from each other via a plurality of connectors, and these connectors are arranged between the inner surface and the outer surface in the inflatable volume of the barrier cover. Thus, the barrier cover has a structure with a non-zero thickness when measured between the inner surface and the outer surface of the barrier cover. It is desirable that the inner surface and the outer surface are arranged parallel to each other, in which case the barrier cover has a constant and uniform thickness as a whole. Or, when the inner surface and the outer surface are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane, the barrier cover has a non-uniform thickness. That is, the thickness of the barrier cover measured at two different points of the barrier cover shows a difference of 10% to 30%. Conversely, due to the geometric structure provided by the barrier cover, the inflatable sail shows an aerodynamic profile that is more rigid than that of the barrier inflatable sail. That is, this aerodynamic profile remains unchanged or substantially unchanged under normal use conditions. As a non-limiting example, the air pressure injected into this cover is approximately 10 times higher than the air pressure in the non-barrier inflatable sail.

[0025] In the present invention, the plurality of connectors are made of the same material as the inner and / or outer surfaces of the barrier cover, or are attached to the inner and / or outer surfaces and fixed so as not to separate from these surfaces. By these connectors, when the barrier cover is pressurized, it is possible to prevent the inner and outer surfaces from moving away from each other. In particular, when the barrier cover expands, the connectors are pulled to maintain the distance between the inner and outer surfaces. The connectors preferably do not stretch under the pressure applied to the inflatable sail during normal use and under the pressure for the aforementioned expansion. The connectors can be of various shapes. As a non-limiting example, the connectors are in the form of filaments and / or partitions and / or diaphragms and are arranged between the inner and outer surfaces. A preferred method is that the barrier cover is made of a material containing polyester, and the same applies to the filaments forming the connectors of the aforementioned barrier cover.

[0026] A particularly recommended and effective shape of the present invention is that the barrier cover has a "drop stitch" structure. This drop stitch is known in other technical fields such as in the areas related to inflatable boats (rubber boats) and paddle boards (known as paddles in English). It has never been used before in making inflatable sails, especially inflatable barrier sails. Usually, this technology is based on the principle of three-dimensional fabrics that allow subsequent air injection. This fabric is shaped by injecting air inside the peripheral membrane of the fabric (the inner, outer, upper, and lower surfaces in the inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention) and by filaments (connectors) connecting the opposite parts of the cover. Thus, a bulging structure composed of multiple planes is created in an instant. That is, in the "drop stitch" structure, the entire side is closed and tightly closed so as to be called barrier. If the density of the filaments (like the connectors in the inflatable sail according to the present invention) is higher, the three-dimensional structure (like the barrier cover of the inflatable sail according to the present invention) shows higher rigidity and robustness.

[0027] In this invention, the barrier cover is constructed to form a single complex structure that can define the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail. This aerodynamic profile is defined by the leading edge, ventral surface, dorsal surface, and trailing edge of the inflatable sail, which themselves are formed by the fold-over of the barrier cover around the extension axis of the inflatable sail.

[0028] In this invention, the leading edge of the inflatable sail is the front part of the sail, from which the incoming airflow on the sail splits into two, which then settle into the ventral and aft surfaces of the sail. The trailing edge corresponds to the rear part of the sail. This trailing edge faces the leading edge. The ventral surface of the inflatable sail is the side of the sail facing the wind. The aft surface of the inflatable sail is the side of the sail facing downwind. This aft surface faces the ventral surface. The ventral and aft surfaces unfold from the leading edge of the inflatable sail. The ventral surface, aft surface, leading edge, and trailing edge are all made of the same material. In other words, the ventral surface, aft surface, leading edge, and trailing edge are all made solely of a barrier cover, and the barrier cover is formed so that each of these elements is maintained. Each leading edge, each ventral surface, each aft surface, and each trailing edge are defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover. Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the shape and / or size of the inflatable sail and barrier cover.

[0029] In this invention, a barrier cover is formed to define the internal volume enclosed by the ventral and posterior surfaces. Therefore, the barrier cover is folded around the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself, with portions of the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover located on one side of the extension axis, forming the ventral surface of the inflatable sail, and the other portions of the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover located on the other side of the extension axis, forming the posterior surface of the inflatable sail. This configuration is highly advantageous because it allows for the utilization of the properties of a three-dimensional structure whose shape is maintained by connectors, while simultaneously shaping the inflatable sail to create an aerodynamic profile in a precise, robust, and reliable manner.

[0030] In this invention, the extension shaft corresponds to the direction of the mast that is linked to the inflatable sail.

[0031] An inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention has the advantage of including at least one of the following improvements, and its technical properties include these improvements, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0032] - The inner and / or outer and / or top and / or bottom surfaces of the barrier cover are all fixed together by an impermeable fastening means. In a non-limiting example, such an impermeable fastening means may be welded and / or adhesive.

[0033] - The aerodynamic profile determined by the ventral and aft surfaces of the inflatable sail passing through the outer surface of the barrier cover is of the NACA profile type. In other words, the outer surface of the barrier cover, viewed from the ventral, leading edge, and aft positions of the inflatable sail, forms an aerodynamic profile that is a single airfoil, complete or incomplete, according to the NACA profile. In this invention, the shape of the NACA profile is represented by a series of numbers, which allow for the description (by equation) of one cross-section of the profile and the identification of its attributes. These numbers correspond here to a single magnitude value given according to the length of the chord between the leading and trailing edges of the inflatable sail. A practical method recommended but not limited by this invention is that an inflatable sail having the first feature of this invention exhibits a 0021 type NACA profile in whole or in part. A highly advantageous method is that an inflatable sail having the first feature of this invention is integrated into a rig. In this case, the first portion along the chord from its leading edge is formed by the inflatable sail according to the present invention and exhibits the characteristics of a NACA profile. Complementarily, the second part of the rig, beyond the first part, consists of a rotating panel, which will be described later. A recommended approach is for the first part to account for 60% to 85% of the total length of the inflatable sail, excluding the rotating panel. That is, it occupies 60% to 85% of the symmetrical and complete NACA aerodynamic profile, while the second part accounts for 15% to 40% of the total length of the inflatable sail. In other words, the NACA aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail is interrupted at 60% to 85% of the symmetrical and complete NACA aerodynamic profile, starting from the leading edge, and the second part, which reaches the trailing edge of the symmetrical and complete NACA aerodynamic profile, is replaced by the rotating panel. More desirable is for the inflatable sail to reach 75% of the symmetrical and complete NACA aerodynamic profile, with the rotating panel accounting for the remaining 25% of the symmetrical and complete NACA aerodynamic profile. This rotating panel allows for improved adjustment and adaptation of the rig to wind conditions at the position of the second portion of the inflatable sail, thereby increasing the lift of the rig.

[0034] - Typically, NACA can take any form. In particular, it can be asymmetrical or symmetrical with respect to the chord of the inflatable sail, which is located between the trailing and leading edges of the inflatable sail.

[0035] - The distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover is preferably the same at all points on the barrier surface. In alternatives, the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover may differ at one or more points on the barrier surface. In particular, the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover is preferably between 5 cm and 20 cm, and preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm. It is known that the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover is determined by the lengths of several connectors. However, the connectors may all be the same length, or their lengths may differ at some points to match the desired result and the desired thickness of the barrier cover. Preferably, the distance between the inner and outer surfaces at the leading edge of the inflatable sail, determined by the ventral and / or aft surfaces of the inflatable sail, is greater than the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the inflatable sail obtained between the ventral and aft surfaces at the trailing edge of the inflatable sail.

[0036] - The inner surface of the barrier cover is equipped with a device for shaping the inner surface, which bends the barrier cover when the inflatable sail is inflated. This forming device makes it possible to easily shape the barrier cover when the barrier cover is folded around the extension axis. In other words, this forming device makes it possible to flex the barrier cover around the extension axis. Thanks to the forming device, the barrier cover is formed autonomously by the barrier sail without relying on an external device for the inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention. This forming device makes it possible to maintain a constant and uniform distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover, particularly at the curved zone of the inflatable sail (e.g., at the leading edge), compared to the uncurved or less flexed parts of the inflatable sail (e.g., the distance between the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover at the ventral or dorsal side).

[0037] - In particular, the apparatus for forming the inner surface of the barrier cover is equipped with at least one forming clip for the inner surface of the barrier cover, and each forming clip makes it possible to (i) connect a portion of the inner surface near the first side of the extension axis parallel to the extension axis of the forming clip, i.e., the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself, and (ii) connect a portion of the inner surface near the second side opposite the first side with respect to the extension axis. In other words, on the inner surface of the barrier cover, these forming clips are positioned corresponding to the extension axis of the inflatable sail, thereby making it possible to reduce the distance between the two portions of the inner surface of the barrier cover with respect to the perpendicular direction of the extension axis. Each forming clip has one mediating function, namely, mechanically processing and / or cutting and / or connecting two portions that are in contact with both sides of the zone to be brought together on the inner surface. In this way, the forming clips make it possible to reduce a certain area on the inner surface of the barrier cover, and the barrier cover is formed simply and easily when the inflatable sail flexes around the extension axis. In particular, this configuration ultimately allows the inflatable sail to be shaped as desired by the simple inflation force of the barrier cover, without any subsequent interactions or external constraints or tensions on the inflatable sail. In this way, the barrier cover

[20] is adjusted; that is, it is deformed from its initial uncurved state. This is ultimately to obtain the desired aerodynamic profile.

[0038] - In some cases, if the barrier cover is equipped with multiple forming clips, these forming clips are positioned on both sides of the leading edge of the inflatable sail. However, if the profile required for the inflatable sail is a symmetrical aerodynamic profile, it is desirable that the forming clips be positioned symmetrically.

[0039] - Typically, all forming clips are positioned near the leading edge of the inflatable sail. In practice, at the leading edge, the barrier cover curves around the extension axis of the inflatable sail. As a result, the appropriate position for the forming clips is near the leading edge, which ensures that the inner and outer surfaces of the barrier cover have radii of curvature determined by the aforementioned difference in surface area between the inner and outer surfaces.

[0040] - The forming clips can take on various forms. In the first practical method, the forming apparatus is equipped with at least one forming clip, each forming clip having at least one fold on the surface of the inner surface of the barrier cover, the fold being formed between two parts to be brought together on the inner surface of the inflatable cover. At least one surface fold remains folded over on the inner surface. In this invention, the excess portion of the surface fold is folded over on the inner surface of the barrier cover, and the inner surface is compressed due to the presence of the surface fold. Subsequently, at least one surface fold is retained in shape on the inner surface by some method to maintain the opacity of the barrier cover, such as welding and / or bonding. In some cases, as an alternative or supplementary method, at least one surface fold may be retained in shape on the inner surface by sewing. In this case, the sewing is treated to be opaque in order to maintain the opacity of the barrier cover. For example, by impregnating the seams with a gel or a certain material, the multiple holes formed on the inner surface by the sewing are sealed with an impermeable material. Each fold on the surface is formed by the overlapping of one or more layers on the inner surface of the barrier cover, which allows a certain area of ​​the inner surface to shrink (compared to the outer surface before the folds were formed). Each layer of the inner surface overlaps, increasing the thickness of the inner surface.

[0041] - In a second practical method recommended by the present invention, the forming apparatus is equipped with at least one forming clip, each forming clip equipped with a patch that connects to two parts of the barrier cover to be brought together, and the inner surface has a cutting zone between the two parts to be brought together, located beneath the patch. In this practical method, the two parts to be brought together are separated from each other by a single free edge created by a portion of the inner surface that is cut and removed (which becomes the cutting zone), making it possible to bring the two parts of the inner surface to be brought together. This patch is preferably made of the same material as the barrier cover. The patch is then kept inseparable from the two parts to be brought together and is simultaneously on the inner surface, and the opacity of the barrier cover is maintained by some method such as welding and / or bonding. In some cases, as an alternative or supplementary method, at least one fold on a surface is formed on the inner surface by sewing. In this case, the sewing is treated to be opaque in order to maintain the opacity of the barrier cover. For example, by impregnating the seam with a gel or a certain material, the multiple holes formed on the inner surface by the sewing are sealed with a barrier material.

[0042] - In the third practical method, the forming apparatus is equipped with at least one forming clip, each forming clip includes at least one three-dimensional fold on the inner surface of the barrier cover. This fold is formed when two parts that should come together toward the outer surface of the barrier cover come together. At least one three-dimensional fold is held in place on the inner surface by welding and / or bonding. In this invention, the three-dimensional fold is located inside the barrier cover, between the inner and outer surfaces. In this case, the three-dimensional fold is formed when both parts that should come together toward the inner surface of the barrier cover come together, so that both parts fit into the gap created by the inner and outer surfaces. A connector is placed inside the gap to connect the inner and outer surfaces to each other. Thus, the three-dimensional fold is located inside the barrier cover. Alternatively, in this third practical method of the invention, the three-dimensional fold may be located outside the zone defined by the inner and outer surfaces, and further beyond the outer surface relative to the inner surface. The three-dimensional fold is formed when both parts of the inner surface of the barrier cover that should be brought closer together come closer together, resulting in a single projection at the end of the outer surface. Thus, in this alternative of the third method of the present invention, the three-dimensional fold extends outward from the barrier cover.

[0043] - In the fourth practical method, the forming device is equipped with at least one forming flat strip, positioned to intersect with the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself. This forming flat strip consists of a first region fixed to the inner surface of the barrier cover and, alternately, a second region not connected to the inner surface. Each of the forming flat strips, of which at least one, includes a tensioner connected to the first and second regions. This causes the first regions to move closer together when the tensioner is in a state of tension. Thus, each forming flat strip makes it possible to create folds on the inner surface of the inflatable sail while the outer surface maintains its original state. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the inner surface of the barrier cover, thereby causing the inner surfaces of the ventral and dorsal sides of the inflatable sail to have a similar shape to the outer surface. In this practical method, it is desirable that each forming flat strip be perpendicular to the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself, for example, between the ventral and dorsal sides, or between the trailing and leading edges measured separately on each ventral and dorsal side. Each forming cord is preferably made of the same material as the barrier cover. Furthermore, the first region of each forming cord is kept in place from the inner surface and adjacent portions by some means that maintains the impermeability of the barrier cover. Examples of such methods include welding and / or bonding. In some cases, as an alternative or supplementary method, the first region of each forming cord maintains its shape on the inner surface by sewing. In this case, the sewing is treated to be impermeable in order to maintain the impermeability of the barrier cover. For example, the sewing area may be impregnated with a gel or some material to seal the multiple holes formed on the inner surface by the sewing with an impermeable material.

[0044] - The inflatable sail is equipped with a control device for the airflow into or out of the barrier cover. This control device controls the volume and / or flow rate and / or pressure of the fluid injected into the barrier cover to inflate the inflatable sail. It should be noted that, due to the nature of the inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention, the control device does not need to adjust the pressure of the inflatable sail while it is in operation. This is because, in the present invention, the impermeability of the barrier cover to the applied pressure maintains the volume of air injected into the barrier cover. In other words, the control device is designed to inject a predetermined volume of fluid into the barrier cover to inflate the inflatable sail and to discharge a predetermined amount of fluid out of the barrier cover to deflate the inflatable sail. When the inflatable sail is inflated, the control device does not operate thanks to the impermeability of the barrier cover. In the present invention, the fluid injected into the sail is a gas, preferably air.

[0045] - The control system for controlling the airflow into or out of the barrier cover is equipped with one pump and at least one fluid pipe that fluidly connects to the expandable capacity of the barrier cover. Here, the pump injects air into the barrier cover and, if necessary, discharges air outside the barrier cover.

[0046] - A more desirable method would be for the inflatable sail to be equipped with a control unit for the airflow into or out of the barrier cover, and the control unit for the airflow into or out of the barrier cover would be equipped with a pump and at least one fluid pipe connected to the inflatable capacity of the barrier cover with fluid.

[0047] - This fluid piping is located at the bottom of the barrier cover and is fluidly connected to the inflatable capacity of the barrier cover. This advantageous configuration facilitates the inflation and deflation of the inflatable sail by allowing air to be easily injected into each barrier cover and easily vented out of each barrier cover.

[0048] - In this invention, the inflatable sail is inflated by air supplied to a barrier cover via an airflow control device, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the barrier cover to 500 mbar, preferably below 250 mbar. More preferably, this pressure remains between 50 mbar and 150 mbar, with a particularly recommended pressure of 80 mbar. These pressures allow the inflatable sail to exhibit a sufficiently robust and reliable aerodynamic profile, enabling it to tow vessels equipped with such inflatable sails. In other words, the impermeable nature of the barrier cover allows the pressure to be maintained within the cover. For example, during normal use, the surface tension of the inflatable sail exposed to wind pressure becomes strong enough to become rigid and virtually undeformable against wind pressure. A supplementary advantage is that the use of a barrier cover allows for reduced power consumption once the inflatable sail is inflated, in conjunction with the operation of the control device.

[0049] - The inflatable sail is fitted with multiple fasteners that connect the underside and back of the sail at the trailing edge. These fasteners connect the underside of the inflatable sail to the back at the trailing edge. This advantageous configuration allows for the creation of a desired aerodynamic profile, in addition to the shape of the barrier cover itself, which is determined particularly by the inner and outer surfaces. Furthermore, these multiple fasteners maintain the overall shape of the inflatable sail, preventing deformation under wind pressure.

[0050] - A recommended method involves arranging the fasteners regularly along the extension axis of the inflatable sail. For example, the fasteners are placed every 60 cm along the extension axis between the bottom and top surfaces of the barrier cover. The advantage of this configuration is that it ensures a regular aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail along the extension axis.

[0051] Therefore, each fastener has a belt attached to it, with one end connected to the front and / or back, and the other end connected to the back and front, respectively.

[0052] - Each belt is fitted with an adjustment device at the first and / or other end positions to adjust the tension of the belt between the ventral and ventral sides of the inflatable sail. This belt tension adjustment device may have, for example, a connecting hook attached to one of several holes in the belt itself, and by selecting the hole to which the connecting hook is attached, it is possible to select several different tensions. In one practical method recommended by the present invention, the belt tension adjuster is equipped with one connecting hook, the belt is inserted inside the hook and held in a predetermined position by friction.

[0053] Each belt is fitted with a tensioner to increase the rigidity of the belt between the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the inflatable sail, and is used to maintain a constant distance between these two free surfaces. The tensioner also prevents the belt from bending when a certain tensile force is applied to it.

[0054] - The tensioner is installed on the corresponding belt. Alternatively, the tensioner can be made from the same material as the corresponding belt. The tensioner is rib-shaped and installed between one end and the other end of the corresponding belt. The tensioner is made from a mixture of materials. The material of the tensioner may include carbon fiber additives and / or glass fiber additives.

[0055] - Ideally, the inflatable sail should have multiple fasteners connecting its underside and back at the trailing edge, with each fastener having a belt attached, one end of which connects to the underside of the sail and the other end to the back of the sail. Each belt should also be fitted with a tensioner to increase the rigidity of the belt between the underside and back of the inflatable sail.

[0056] - In inflatable sails, a rubber or polyurethane coating is applied to the barrier cover. The rubber or polyurethane coating improves or ensures the impermeability of the barrier cover. Alternatively, a polyurethane coating is applied to the barrier cover of the inflatable sail. Alternatively, an elastic thermoplastic coating is applied to the barrier cover of the inflatable sail.

[0057] - As a second feature of the present invention, a sail rig for a ship equipped with the following is proposed.

[0058] - One mast.

[0059] - An inflatable sail having either the first feature of the present invention or an improvement thereof. The inflatable sail is fixed to a mast so as not to detach, and the mast is positioned parallel to the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself.

[0060] The sail rig having the second feature of the present invention can be equipped on any type of vessel.

[0061] In a sail rig having the second feature of the present invention, the inflatable sail is connected to the mast, and therefore, external pressure acting on the inflatable sail, such as wind pressure on the underside of the inflatable sail or suction force on the back, is transmitted to the mast.

[0062] The mast is positioned parallel to the extension axis of the inflatable sail itself. It can be seen that the barrier cover of the inflatable sail rotates around an axis parallel to the mast.

[0063] A sail rig having the second feature of the present invention preferably includes at least one of the following improvements, and its technical characteristics consist of these improvements, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0064] - The mast is located between the ventral and aft surfaces of the inflatable sail's internal volume. This configuration, which offers significant advantages, is actually made possible by the specific shape of the inflatable sail. In fact, unlike known inflatable sails, the inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention is not a three-dimensional inflated structure in which the mast is located inside. On the contrary, in the rig having the first feature of the present invention, the mast is located outside the inflatable sail, which clearly simplifies the mechanical interaction between the mast and the inflatable sail for transmitting sail force (lift). In the present invention, internal volume is an open space whose region is defined by the inner surfaces of the barrier cover, on the one hand on the ventral surface of the inflatable sail and on the other hand on the aft surface of the inflatable sail. Thus, in the present invention, the internal volume in which the mast of the rig is located is distinguished from the inflatable volume of the internal cover of the sail itself.

[0065] - The mast is telescopic, which facilitates the inflation and deflation of the inflatable sail, and consequently allows for adjustment of the sail's reduced length.

[0066] - The mast should be positioned at a distance of 20% to 25% of the total length of the inflatable sail between its leading and trailing edges, calculated from the leading edge, relative to the chord (wing length) extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. However, if possible, the mast should be positioned at a distance of 22% of the chord (wing length) of the inflatable sail, calculated from the leading edge.

[0067] - The sail rig is equipped with multiple fixing frames, which extend from the mast. Each fixing frame is positioned along the mast, i.e., at a different position relative to the extension axis. The inflatable sail is attached to each of the fixing frames. In this invention, each fixing frame is an element that transmits force (lift) from the inflatable sail toward the mast when the inflatable sail is caught in the wind.

[0068] - Each fixing frame is positioned laterally to the internal volume defined by the ventral and posterior surfaces of the inflatable sail, and the inner surface of the barrier cover contacts the outer edge of the fixing frame. Each fixing frame is shaped similarly to the fixing device on the inner surface of the barrier cover, which is to optimize the fixation of the inflatable sail around the mast.

[0069] - Each fixing frame is on a plane perpendicular to the mast, and the inner surface of the barrier cover is fixed to each fixing frame by a fixing device. This fixing device can take any shape in the present invention. In particular, in one method of the present invention, each fixing device is accompanied by: (i) one eyelet for fixing to the inner surface of the barrier cover; (ii) one supplementary opening provided on the fixing frame; and (iii) one end connecting the eyelet and the opening.

[0070] A third feature of the present invention is the proposed vessel equipped with the following:

[0071] - It must have at least one hull.

[0072] - The present invention comprises at least one sail rig having the second characteristic or satisfying any one of the improvements thereof, wherein the mast is fixed inseparably to one of the hulls, of which at least one exists, and is rotatable.

[0073] The vessel may be either a single-hull or multi-hull type. In particular, one practical application recommended by this invention is a catamaran-type vessel.

[0074] The vessel is either wind-powered or a hybrid, equipped with an engine-powered auxiliary propulsion system on at least one sail. The engine-powered auxiliary propulsion system may include, for example, one thermal engine (internal combustion engine) or one electric engine (electric engine).

[0075] Various practical applications are envisioned for this invention, and the various selectable properties described in this book can be combined through the possible combinations of these applications.

[0076] Other features and advantages of the present invention are described below, and several practical examples are shown in the accompanying drawings as non-limiting reference examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0077] [Figure 1] A practical example of an inflatable sail having the first feature of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a detailed view of the upper front of the inflatable sail. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a detailed view of the rear upper part of the inflatable sail. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the inflatable sail shown. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of the first practical modification of a step in forming an inflatable sail according to the present invention via a first forming clip. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the first practical modification of a step in forming an inflatable sail according to the present invention via a second forming clip. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of the first practical modification of one step in forming an inflatable sail according to the present invention via a third forming clip. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating a practical example of a sail rig having the second feature of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating a practical example of a vessel possessing the third feature of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] Naturally, in this invention, practical properties, variations, and various shapes can be combined in diverse ways, except in cases where they are incompatible or incompatible with each other. In particular, one might imagine that in the variations of this invention, one can only select a given property once, and as a result, if a technical advantage is achieved or the difference between this invention and prior art becomes clear, other properties presented must be discarded; however, this is not the case.

[0079] In particular, all the variations and practical methods presented can be combined, provided there are no technical design issues with their combination.

[0080] In all figures, elements common to multiple figures are indicated with the same reference number.

[0081] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the present invention proposes an inflatable sail [2] for a ship [8]. The inflatable sail [2] includes a three-dimensional barrier cover

[20] which has an inflatable capacity defined by the following elements:

[0082] - The outer surface

[0202] and the inner surface

[0201] facing the outer surface. The inner surface

[0201] faces the outer surface

[0202] , and the outer surface

[0202] and the inner surface

[0201] are connected to each other by multiple connectors

[0206] . The connectors

[0206] are positioned between the inner surface

[0201] and the outer surface

[0202] (detailed and cross-sectional views are shown in Figure 4).

[0083] - Top surface

[0203] . This top surface connects the outer surface

[0202] to the inner surface

[0201] at the position of the upper edge

[35] of the barrier cover

[20] .

[0084] - Bottom surface

[0204] . This bottom surface connects the outer surface

[0202] to the inner surface

[0201] at the bottom edge

[36] of the barrier cover

[20] .

[0085] - Rear surface

[0205] . This rear surface

[0205] connects the outer surface

[0202] to the inner surface

[0201] at the position of the trailing edge

[21] of the barrier cover

[20] .

[0086] - A particularly advantageous method is that the inflatable sail[2] has a single complex shape. That is, the barrier cover

[20] is folded back at the leading edge

[22] of the inflatable sail[2] so as to surround the extension axis[O1] of the inflatable sail[2]. This incorporates a ventral surface

[23] and a dorsal surface

[24] that are opposite each other and located on either side of the extension axis[O1] into the inflatable sail[2]. The leading edge

[22] , ventral surface

[23] , and dorsal surface

[24] (using the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] ) limit the internal volume[VI] of the inflatable sail[2] that they surround. The aforementioned ventral surface

[23] and dorsal surface

[24] (using the outer surface

[0202] of the barrier cover

[20] ) provide a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail[2].

[0087] Thus, the inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention achieves an effective, robust, and durable aerodynamic profile thanks to the fold of the barrier cover

[20] . In fact, as can be seen in Figures 1-3, the shape of the barrier cover

[20] is what causes the ventral surface

[23] and the ventral surface

[24] to face each other and be separated by a distance. This configuration is very advantageous in determining the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail [2].

[0088] As described above, the barrier cover[2] has a single, enclosed volume and is impermeable to internal pressures such as those used in the field of navigation. It is intended for use with sails[1] fitted to all types of ships[8].

[0089] The aerodynamic profile applied to the sail[2] varies depending on the desired outcome. Typically, this profile is expressed by the NACA standard, which is known and used in the aviation field to describe the shape and size of an aircraft wing. The aerodynamic profile of the practical example shown in the figure is the recommended NACA0021 type. In fact, there are several advantages to using a barrier cover

[20] in forming such an aerodynamic profile. First, the barrier cover

[20] is usually in the form of a parallelepiped, and this cover is shaped to fold back around the extension axis[O1] at the leading edge of the inflatable sail[2] and roll up into a circle. The method of implementing such a fold is described in detail in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

[0090] The aerodynamic profile of such an inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention is concave near the leading edge

[22] and exhibits a ventral surface

[23] and a dorsal surface

[24] on either side of the extension axis [O1], defining the internal volume [VI] of the inflatable wing that can be installed inside the mast [7] of the rig [1] between the ventral surface

[23] and the dorsal surface

[24] , as seen in Figure 8. The ventral surface

[23] and the dorsal surface

[24] are arranged to converge toward the trailing edge

[21] , as seen in Figure 3, and are joined at the trailing edge

[21] . In the practical examples shown in Figures 1-3, the ventral surface

[23] and the dorsal surface

[24] are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central midline plane passing through the chord [O2] line of the inflatable sail [2]. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the ventral surface

[23] and the dorsal surface

[24] may be asymmetrical in shape.

[0091] Such a barrier cover

[20] allows any shape to be given to the inflatable sail [2] according to the invention, and in particular, it can take any shape that is not represented by the aerodynamic profile according to the NACA standard. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 8, in the drawing determined by the chord [O2] line and the extension axis [O1], the ventral surface

[23] and the dorsal surface

[24] are in the shape of a single ordinary trapezoid. Thus, with respect to the direction along the chord [O2] of the inflatable sail [2], the bottom surface

[0204] is longer than the outer surface

[0202] of the barrier cover

[20] . In addition, with respect to the extension axis [O1], the trailing edge

[21] is inclined toward the leading edge

[22] while moving toward the upper surface, and the angle is greater than the inclination of the leading edge

[22] toward the trailing edge

[21] .

[0092] The area of ​​the ventral

[23] or dorsal

[24] surface varies depending on the required practical use and, in particular, the size of the vessel [8] equipped with such an inflatable sail [2]. In non-limiting examples, such an area can range from tens to hundreds of square meters when used on a leisure vessel, and reach hundreds of square meters when used on a merchant ship.

[0093] Thus, the barrier cover

[20] of the inflatable sail [2] has a single enclosed volume, and there is a certain thickness between the inner surface

[0201] and the outer surface of the barrier cover. This thickness is measured perpendicular to the outer surface

[0202] and the inner surface

[0201] at a predetermined point. On all surfaces of an inflatable sail [2] conforming to the norms of the present invention, it is possible to define a permanent thickness of the barrier cover

[20] , or, as required, different thicknesses in particular between the leading edge

[22] and trailing edge

[21] of the inflatable sail [2]. In the practical example shown in the figure, the thickness of the inflatable sail [2] is between 150 mm and 250 mm. This thickness is, for example, thicker near the leading edge

[22] of the inflatable sail [2] and thinner near the trailing edge

[21] .

[0094] A recommended method is that the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] is parallel to the outer surface

[0202] , thereby defining the aerodynamic profile of the inner surface

[0201] at the location of the internal volume [VI] of the inflatable sail [2]. The shape of this aerodynamic profile is similar to and analogous to the profile presented by the ventral surface

[23] , leading edge

[22] and dorsal surface

[24] at the location of the outer surface

[0202] of the barrier cover

[20] .

[0095] The inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention proposes an internal volume [VI] that is unaffected by wind when the inflatable sail [2] is in use. Conversely, the internal volume [VI] is an empty space in which several devices are installed and arranged (not shown in Figures 1-3). These devices then maintain and / or raise or deflate the inflatable sail [2]. Examples of devices include, for example, a potentially retractable mast [7] (shown in Figure 8) and a fixing round frame. This fixing round frame connects the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] to the aforementioned mast [7], thereby transmitting wind-induced lift to the inflatable sail to the mast [7]. The geometrically sophisticated inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention facilitates interaction between the inflatable sail [2] and these devices. These devices are installed in the zone outside the barrier cover, i.e., in the internal volume [VI] between the inner surface

[0201] and outer surface

[0202] of the barrier cover

[20] . This makes it easier, for example, to reliably maintain the sails during a voyage.

[0096] In Figure 3, the ventral side

[23] and the aft side

[24] are connected to each other by a number of fasteners [5] at the trailing edge

[21] of the inflatable sail. The fasteners [5] thus maintain the ventral side

[23] and the aft side

[24] of the inflatable sail [2] relative to each other at the trailing edge

[21] , preventing one and / or the other from swaying in the wind. This is because swaying of these sides would change the aerodynamic profile, reduce lift, and consequently reduce the effect of the pulling force on the vessel [8].

[0097] The fasteners [5] are arranged regularly along the trailing edges

[21] of the ventral

[23] and dorsal

[24] sides, respectively. For example, along the trailing edge

[21] of the inflatable sail [2], adjacent fasteners are spaced 60 cm apart.

[0098] In particular, each fastener [5] includes the following:

[0099] - A belt

[50] , one end of which is attached to the ventral side

[23] and the other end to the dorsal side

[24] . This belt

[50] is, for example, made of woven cloth or a rope.

[0100] - A single adjustment device

[51] for adjusting the tension of the belt

[50] located on the ventral side

[23] . This first adjustment device

[51] is, for example, a hook that connects to a hole made above one end of the belt

[50] , or a friction-tightening hook that the belt

[50] is folded inward and held in place.

[0101] - Another adjustment device

[51] for adjusting the tension of the belt

[50] located on the back

[24] . This second adjustment device

[51] is, for example, shaped like a hook and connected to a hole opened above the other end of the belt

[50] .

[0102] In a sophisticated method of combining the inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention with a rotating panel [3] described later, the leading edge

[21] of the inflatable sail [2], more precisely, all the belts of the fastener [5] with tensioner

[52] increase the rigidity of the belt

[50] between its ends. In this case, the rotating panel [3] is supported through its own support side by a support surface formed by the trailing edge

[21] and / or the multiple belts of the fastener [5]. When tensile force is applied to the belt

[50] when the rotating panel [3] is in use, in particular when the rotating panel [3] is rotated to adjust the lift generated by the inflatable sail [2] according to the aerodynamic profile and the conditions under which it is exposed to wind, the tensioner

[52] can prevent the belt

[50] from sagging.

[0103] The tensioner

[52] is made of a composite material, for example, the material may include carbon fiber additives and / or glass fiber additives.

[0104] Figures 4–7 provide further details regarding the properties of the barrier cover

[20] . A particularly interesting result is that the inflatable sail [2] is impermeable thanks to the barrier cover

[20] . Thus, once a predetermined volume of gas is injected into the barrier cover

[20] , that volume is permanently maintained, and there is no need to add gas later. In this way, the barrier cover

[20] can be easily inflated to a predetermined pressure, thereby allowing the inflatable sail [2] to exhibit a single aerodynamic profile and clearly sufficient rigidity, generating a lift force that induces a pulling force on the vessel (on the ventral

[23] and ventral

[24] sides) to which the inflatable sail [2] should be fitted.

[0105] Thus, an inflatable sail[2] is a three-dimensional sail[2], because the shape of the sail when in use is obtained not by the bulging caused by wind pressure on the underside

[23] , but rather by the expansion of the inside of the sail. For this reason, the barrier cover

[20] of such an inflatable sail[2] is usually of the “drop stitch” type. This drop stitch is known in other technical fields such as inflatable boats (rubber boats) and paddles. Such a barrier cover is a type of three-dimensional fabric that can be inflated afterward.

[0106] The barrier cover

[20] , which is a three-dimensional woven fabric, has a single geometric shape conditioned by the shape and size of its inner surface

[0201] and outer surface

[0202] . The inner surface

[0201] and outer surface

[0202] are connected to each other by connectors

[0206] . In the method recommended by the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, the connectors

[0206] are in the shape of filaments and are connected at both ends to the inner surface

[0201] and outer surface

[0202] of the barrier cover, respectively. These multiple connectors

[0206] keep the inner surface

[0201] facing the outer surface

[0202] , and the geometric structure and curvature of the inner surface

[0201] and outer surface

[0202] are determined according to the length of the aforementioned connectors

[0206] .

[0107] Furthermore, if all connectors

[0206] are the same length, the inner surface

[0201] may be parallel to the outer surface

[0202] . In addition, by adjusting the length of the inner surface

[0201] to match the length of the outer surface

[0202] , it is possible to partially bend the barrier cover.

[0108] Generally, the inflatable sail [2] according to the present invention is equipped with one or more inner surface forming devices [OMF]. Each forming device [OMF] bends the barrier cover

[20] (near the forming device [OMF]) when the inflatable sail [2] is inflated. As a result, the position of the forming device [OMF] on the barrier cover

[20] and / or the degree of extension of the forming device [OMF] along the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] and / or the density of the forming device [OMF] on the barrier cover

[20] makes it possible to form the inflatable sail [2] without using other force-based means. In other words, one or more forming devices [OMF] installed directly on the barrier cover

[20] (more precisely, at the inner surface

[0201] position) make it possible to determine the desired aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail [2] solely by these devices.

[0109] In particular, the forming apparatus [OMF] makes it possible to fold back the barrier cover

[20] at the leading edge

[22] so as to surround the extension axis [O1] of the inflatable sail [2]. In the practical examples shown in all figures, the barrier cover

[20] consists of a single part, that is, a single volume without any attachments. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this design, and it is easy to imagine that multiple barrier covers could be combined and joined together, added one after another, thereby forming an inflatable sail [2] that is entirely different in shape from the sail shown in all figures.

[0110] The forming apparatus [OMF] for the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] is equipped with at least one forming clip [PMF] for the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] , and the following are connected by each forming clip [PMF].

[0111] - The first part

[2011] to be brought close to the inner surface

[0201] . This part is located on the first side of the forming clip [PMF].

[0112] - Another portion

[2012] to be brought close to the inner surface

[0201] . This portion is located on the other side opposite the first side of the forming clip [PMF].

[0113] Thus, the barrier cover

[20] is modified; that is, it is deformed from its initial unbent state. This is to obtain the ultimately desired aerodynamic profile. Typically, each forming clip [PMF] mechanically processes and / or cuts and / or connects two opposing portions [2011, 2012] on either side of the portion

[2013] to be removed from the inner surface

[0201] , thereby concave the aforementioned inner surface

[0201] .

[0114] Typically, all forming clips [PMF] are positioned near the leading edge

[22] of the inflatable sail [2] and at a distance from the trailing edge

[21] . This is because the recess of the barrier cover

[20] is largest at the leading edge

[22] of the inflatable sail [2].

[0115] Figures 5-7 show several forming devices [OMF]. In each of these, the left side illustrates a portion of the barrier cover

[20] before the forming device [OMF] that facilitates the formation of the barrier cover

[20] is incorporated. In the initial state, that portion of the barrier cover

[20] is straight, the inner surface

[0201] is flat and is positioned parallel to the equally flat outer surface

[0202] . On the right side, the problematic portion of the barrier cover

[20] after the forming device [OMF] has been attached to the same portion of the barrier cover

[20] is illustrated. In the final state, the problematic portion of the barrier cover

[20] is warped due to the attachment of the forming device. The inner surface

[0201] is warped and is aligned parallel to the equally warped outer surface

[0202] . Thus, in the following figures,

[0116] - Figure 5 shows the first practical method, in which each forming clip [PMF] is fitted with a patch that connects to both parts [2011, 2012] of the barrier cover

[20] to be brought together, and the inner surface

[0201] has a cutting zone

[2014] which determines the area of ​​the part to be removed

[2013] that is sandwiched between the two parts to be brought together [2011, 2012]. After removing the part to be removed

[2013] from the inner surface

[0201] , the two parts to be brought together [2011, 2012] move closer to each other and the respective cutting zones

[2014] of both parts are joined. Finally, the patch

[2015] is attached. In other words, the patch

[2015] is fixed to both parts [2011, 2012] that should be brought together on the inner surface

[0201] in some way that the opacity of the barrier cover

[20] is maintained, and is not separated from them. This method may include, for example, welding and / or bonding and / or sewing, in which case the sewing portion is treated to be opaque.

[0117] - Figure 6 illustrates a second practical method, in which each forming clip [PMF] has at least one fold

[2017] on the surface of the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] . This surface fold

[2017] is formed between two parts [2011, 2012] of the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] that are to be brought together. At least one surface fold

[2017] is folded back on the aforementioned inner surface

[0201] . As the surface fold

[2017] is folded on the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] , the folded area

[2016] located between the two parts [2011, 2012] that are to be brought together bends on the last folded part. The surface folds

[2017] are fixed to the inner surface

[0201] in some way such that the opacity of the barrier cover

[20] is maintained. This method may include, for example, welding and / or bonding and / or sewing, in which case the sewing portion is treated to be opaque.

[0118] - Figure 7 illustrates a third practical example in which each forming clip [PMF] has at least one three-dimensional fold

[2018] on the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] . This three-dimensional fold

[2018] is formed between two portions [2011, 2012] of the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] that should be brought close together. At least one three-dimensional fold

[2018] is folded back so as to protrude onto the aforementioned inner surface

[0201] , and the direction of the fold is either towards the outer surface

[0202] or towards the internal volume [VI] of the inflatable sail [2] as seen in Figure 7. The three-dimensional fold

[2018] is a bump-like shape on the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] , so that the folded region

[2016] located between the two parts to be brought together [2011, 2012] ultimately flexes on that region and is fixed in that state. The three-dimensional fold

[2018] is fixed to the inner surface

[0201] in some way such that the opacity of the barrier cover

[20] is maintained. Such methods include, for example, welding and / or bonding and / or sewing, in which case the sewn portion is treated to be opaque.

[0119] Figure 8 shows the rigging [1], which includes a mast [7] and the aforementioned inflatable sail [2]. The inflatable sail [2] is fixed to the mast [7] in some way so that it does not detach. The mast [7] is positioned parallel to the extension axis [O1] of the inflatable sail [2].

[0120] Riggings [1] can be fitted to any type of vessel, particularly recreational vessels, whether single-hull or multi-hull, for recreation or commercial transport, or for transporting goods or people.

[0121] As a refined method, the mast[7] is positioned within the internal volume[VI] of the inflatable sail[2], between the ventral

[23] and dorsal

[24] sides. Thus, the mast[7] is positioned outside the barrier cover

[20] of the inflatable sail[2], which clearly facilitates the mechanical interaction between the mast[7] and the inflatable sail[2] for transmitting the force (lift) of the inflatable sail[2]. This configuration allows the mast[7] to be positioned considerably forward of the inflatable sail[2], in particular, at a distance between 20% and 25% of the length of the chord[O2] of the inflatable sail[2], measured from the leading edge

[22] .

[0122] As shown in Figure 1, the sail rig [1] according to the present invention may include a rotating panel [3] combined with an inflatable sail [2]. The advantage of this configuration is that the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail [2] can be adjusted to match the force and direction of the wind on the inflatable sail [2]. This is achieved by adjusting the angular direction of the rotating panel [3] with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotating panel [3].

[0123] The rotating panel[3] may be inflatable or rigid. If the rotating panel[3] is inflatable, it includes an inflatable cavity

[30] which is filled with gas (preferably air) in a manner similar to that of an inflatable sail[2], thereby allowing the rotating panel[3] to be shaped according to a predetermined profile. A beneficial method is that the rotating panel[3] is of the impermeable type; that is, the pressure inside the gas-filled cavity is maintained without loss or leakage of the gas injected into the inflatable cavity

[30] . If the rotating panel[3] is of the rigid type, it is equipped with one rigid frame or one or more (indeformable under normal use) panels.

[0124] The rotating panel [3] has a pyramidal structure, with a triangular base. Naturally, the present invention does not limit the rotating panel [3] to a single shape. The example shown in Figure 1 is merely a practical example provided for non-limiting explanation. The rotating panel [3] is positioned along the extension axis [O1] and between its front edge

[31] and rear edge

[32] . The rotating panel [3] is bounded by its two sides [33, 34], each side of which lies on the ventral

[23] and aft

[24] extensions of one sail [2] of the rigging [1]. Thus, when the rotating panel [3] is in a neutral angular position, the aerodynamic profile of the sail [2] is extended by the rotating panel [3]. Conversely, if the rotating panel [3] changes orientation relative to the axis of rotation, the aerodynamic profile of the sail [2] is altered by the rotating panel [3].

[0125] Each side of the rotating panel [3] is in the shape of a regular trapezoid, similar to the structure of an inflatable sail [2].

[0126] The rotating panel [3] is bounded at the front by its front edge

[31] and at the rear by its rear edge

[32] . With respect to the extension axis [O1], the rotating panel [3] is bounded at the bottom by its base edge

[36] and at the top by its top edge

[35] . It is desirable that the size of the rotating panel [3] measured from the extension axis [O1] is the same as the size of the inflatable sail [2].

[0127] To rotate the rotating panel [3] around its axis of rotation, the rotating panel [3] is further equipped with a rotating device [4], the axis of rotation of which is located along the support edge of the rotating panel [3]. This rotating device [4] makes it possible to orient the rotating panel [3] in a direction different from the orientation of the sail [2] of the fitted rig [1]. The orientation of the sail [2] is determined by the orientation of the mast [7] to which it is attached. Thus, the rotating panel [3] provides an additional adjustment means for matching the wind conditions on the rig [1]. The range of adjustment angles provided by such a rotating device [4] is, for example, between +45° and -45° compared to the neutral position, in which case the rotating panel [3] is aligned with the inflatable sail [2].

[0128] In the practical example shown in Figure 1, the support edge [31A] of the rotating panel [3] is the front edge

[31] of the rotating panel [3]. In this way, the rotating panel is positioned behind the inflatable sail [2]. However, in another practical modification not shown in the accompanying diagram, the support edge of the rotating panel [3] is the rear edge

[32] of the rotating panel [3]. In this case, the rotating panel [3] is positioned in front of the inflatable sail [2].

[0129] In addition, in one of the variations mentioned in this book, the rotating panel [3] is positioned on the extension of the inflatable sail [2], and the support edges of the rotating panel [3] are in direct contact with the support surface of the inflatable sail [2], and the rotating device [4] on this support surface is linked when in operation. Alternatively, the rotating panel [3] is installed at a distance from the inflatable sail [2] and is separated, for example, by a mast [7] that forms the support edge of the rotating device [4].

[0130] A highly advantageous method is for the rotating device [4] to be of the type that utilizes air pressure. For example, the rotating device [4] is equipped with at least one expandable bag (hereinafter referred to as "airbag") (preferably two airbags adjacent to each other and in contact with the support edge of the rotating panel [3] (not shown in the figure)), and at least one control device (not shown in the figure) for the amount of air injected into each airbag. Each airbag is in the shape of an air tube and is connected to the control device through a fluid, making it possible to control the size of the airbag. Each airbag forms a closed pocket, the size of which changes depending on the amount of air injected into the airbag. Therefore, the size of each airbag is used to apply pressure to the support edge of the rotating panel [3] and the support surface in contact with that support edge, causing the rotating panel [3] to rotate in a predetermined direction. Each airbag is preferably impermeable, so that it is not necessary to constantly inject air into the airbag to maintain a predetermined shape and volume.

[0131] The control device is of the pneumatic type. The control device makes it possible to individually control the amount of air injected into or present in each airbag. In the practical example shown in Figure 1, the rotating device [4] is equipped with a first airbag and a second airbag.

[0132] - The first pressure value of the first airbag and the other pressure value of the second airbag correspond to the first volume of the first airbag and the other volume of the second airbag, respectively, and these values ​​guide the rotating panel [3] to its initial angular position relative to the axis of rotation.

[0133] - The third pressure value of the first airbag and the fourth pressure value of the second airbag correspond to the third volume of the first airbag and the fourth volume of the second airbag, respectively, and these values ​​guide the rotating panel [3] to a second angular position relative to the axis of rotation.

[0134] The rotating panel [3] is secured to the support surface using a single linkage so as not to move away from it. This linkage allows the rotating panel [3] to rotate while simultaneously preventing it from moving away from the support surface and the cords [O2] of the sail [1]. For this purpose, the rotating device [4] includes a restraining system for the rotating panel [3] (particularly a restraining system for the inflatable cavity

[30] in the case of an inflatable type of rotating panel [3]), and using the support surface, the restraining system rotates the rotating panel [3] around the axis of rotation, preventing it from moving away from the support surface.

[0135] The restraint system is equipped with several straps, one end of which is tied to a support edge of the rotating panel [3] and the other end of which is tied to a support surface that contacts the said support edge. Each strap makes it possible to keep the position of the support edge of the rotating panel [3] near the support surface that contacts the leading edge

[22] as the rotating panel [3] rotates. The straps of the restraint system intersect between the support edges and support surfaces of the rotating panel [3]. This “intersection” means that the straps as a whole form an X shape on the plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating panel [3]. In particular, all the straps pass between the support edges and support surfaces and form a single axis parallel to the rotation axis. In particular, between the top edge

[35] and bottom edge

[36] of the rotating panel [3], the straps each intersect alternately, with the first strap extending from the center of the support edge toward the support surface on one side

[33] of the rotating panel [3]. The other strap follows the first strap and extends from the center of the support edge toward the support surface near the other side

[34] of the rotating panel [3]. In this invention, the central portion of the support edge is considered to be the portion near the midline plane of the support edge.

[0136] In the example shown in Figure 1, the rotating panel [3] is in direct contact with the inflatable sail [2], and preferably, the second end of the straps forming a restraining system is secured to the fasteners [5] of the inflatable sail [2], in particular to the belt

[50] connecting the underside

[23] of the inflatable sail [2] to the back

[24] .

[0137] The last figure shows a vessel [8], which is equipped with at least one hull

[81] and at least one sail [1]. As described above, the mast [7] of the sail [1], of which there is at least one, is fixed in a rotatable and inseparable manner to one of the hulls

[81] or to the deck

[82] (connecting the two hulls) of the vessel [8].

[0138] In the practical example shown in the figure, the vessel [8] is a leisure vessel, and is in particular a catamaran type. Such a catamaran is equipped with, for example, two sets of sails [1] as described above, and each sail [1] is fixed to the deck

[82] (connecting the two hulls) of the vessel [8] near one side of one of the two hulls

[81] .

[0139] In summary, the present invention relates to an inflatable sail [2] whose shape is determined by a barrier cover

[20] that becomes concave by incorporating a forming device [OMF]. The forming device forms the inner surface

[0201] of the barrier cover

[20] so as to bend opposite the outer surface

[0202] . The outer surface is connected to the aforementioned inner surface via connectors

[0206] . The barrier cover

[20] defines an internal volume [VI], the boundary of which is defined by the inner surfaces of the back

[24] and ventral surface

[23] of the inflatable sail [2], except that this internal volume [VI] is in a different region from the barrier cover

[20] . Thanks to such a barrier cover

[20] , the sail inflates using air, and it is possible to set the aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail [2] in a very sophisticated and efficient way.

[0140] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above, and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without going beyond the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various characteristics, shapes, variations, and methods of use of the present invention can be combined in various ways, except in cases where they are incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all of the aforementioned variations and methods of use are combinable.

Claims

1. An inflatable sail [2] for a ship [8]. This inflatable sail [2] is equipped with a three-dimensional barrier cover [20], the boundary of which is defined by the following elements: - One outer surface [202] and one inner surface [201]. The inner surface [201] faces the outer surface [202], and the outer surface [202] and the inner surface [201] are connected to each other by multiple connectors [206]. The connectors [206] are located between the inner surface [201] and the outer surface [202]. - The top surface [203] connects the outer surface [202] to the inner surface [201] at the position of the top edge [35] of the barrier cover [20]. - One base surface [204]. The base surface [204] connects the outer surface [202] to the inner surface [201] at the bottom edge [36] of the barrier cover [20]. - Rear surface [205]. The rear surface [205] connects the outer surface [202] to the inner surface [201] at the position of the trailing edge [21] of the barrier cover [20]. The barrier cover [20] is folded back at the leading edge [22] of the inflatable sail [2] so as to surround the extension axis [O1] of the inflatable sail [2]. This causes the inflatable sail [2] to include a ventral surface [23] and a dorsal surface [24] that are opposite each other and located on either side of the extension axis [O1]. The leading edge [22], ventral surface [23], and dorsal surface [24] limit the internal volume [VI] of the inflatable sail [2] that is surrounded by them (using the inner surface [201] of the barrier cover [20]). The aforementioned ventral surface [23] and dorsal surface [24] provide a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail [2] (using the outer surface [202] of the barrier cover [20].

2. In the inflatable sail [2] as described above, the aerodynamic profile formed by the ventral surface [23] and dorsal surface [24] of the inflatable sail [2] using the outer surface [202] of the barrier cover [20] is of the NACA profile type.

3. An inflatable sail [2] according to any of the above claims, wherein the inner surface [201] of the barrier cover [20] includes an inner surface [201] forming device [OMF] which is capable of loosening the barrier cover [20] when the inflatable sail [2] is inflated.

4. An inflatable sail [2] according to claim 3 above, wherein the forming apparatus [OMF] is accompanied by at least one forming clip [PMF]. Each forming clip [PMF] has at least one fold [2017] on the inner surface of the barrier cover [20] and is formed between two portions [2011, 2012] to be brought together on the inner surface [201] of the barrier cover [20]. At least one of these folds [2017] on a surface remains folded directly onto the aforementioned inner surface [201].

5. An inflatable sail [2] according to claim 3 above, wherein the forming apparatus [OMF] is accompanied by at least one forming clip [PMF]. Each forming clip [PMF] has a patch [2015] which is bonded or welded to both parts [2011, 2012] of the barrier cover [20] to be brought together. On the inner surface [201], there is a cutting zone [2014] between the two parts [2011, 2012] to be brought together and below the patch [2015].

6. An inflatable sail [2] according to claim 3 above, wherein the forming apparatus [OMF] is accompanied by at least one forming clip [PMF]. Each forming clip [PMF] is formed toward the outer surface [202] of the barrier cover [20] by bringing together two parts to be brought together, which have at least one three-dimensional fold [2018] on the inner surface [201] of the barrier cover [20]. At least one three-dimensional fold [2018] remains folded on the aforementioned inner surface [201] by welding and / or bonding.

7. An inflatable sail [2] according to any of the above claims, the inflatable sail [2] includes one control device for controlling the airflow to the inside or outside of a barrier cover [20], the control device for controlling the airflow to the inside or outside of the barrier [20] is equipped with one pump and one fluid pipe, and is connected to the inflatable capacity of the barrier cover [20] by fluid.

8. An inflatable sail [2] according to any of the above claims, the inflatable sail [2] is equipped with one or more fasteners [5] for the ventral [23] and dorsal [24] sides of the inflatable sail [2] at the position of the trailing edge [21]. Each fastener is fitted with a belt [50], one end of which is tied to the ventral [23] and the second end to the dorsal [24] side. Each belt [50] is fitted with a tensioner [52] which stiffens the belt [50] between the ventral [23] and dorsal [24] sides of the inflatable sail [2].

9. A sail rig for a ship [8], which is equipped with the following: - A single mast [7]. - A single inflatable sail [2] according to any one of the above claims, the inflatable sail [2] being fixed to the mast [7] inseparably. The mast [7] is positioned parallel to the extension axis [O1] of the inflatable sail [2].

10. The rigging [1] in accordance with the above claim is fitted with several fixing frames, which extend from the mast [7]. Each of the mounting frames is positioned at a different location on the mast [7] and at a different location relative to the extension axis [O1]. The inflatable sail [2] is attached to each of the mounting frames.

11. The ship [8] shall be equipped with the following: - At least one hull [81]. - At least one sailing rig [1] according to any one of the above claims or claim 10, the mast [7] being rotatable and fixed in place to at least one of the hulls [81].

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