A running rigging (boom VANG) for connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat

Abstract

A running rigging (1) for connecting a boom (B) to a mast (A) of a sailing boat; the rigging comprising a first elongated portion (10) and a second elongated portion (20) coupled telescopically; the first portion (10) being delimited longitudinally by a first eyelet (12) and the second portion (20) being delimited by a second eyelet (22); a safety device (30) being designed to indicate when in use the first eyelet (12) and the second eyelet (22) are placed at a first given distance and when they are placed at a second given distance.

Description

[0001] A RUNNING RIGGING (BOOM VANG) FOR CONNECTING A BOOM TO A MAST OF A SAILING BOAT

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a rigging for a sailing boat . In particular, the present invention refers to a running rigging for connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat . More in detail , the present invention refers to a running rigging for telescopically connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat .

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

[0005] In sailing boats provided with a mainsail it is known to connect the boom to the mast heel through a running rigging called "vang" , the function of which is to adj ust the operating angle of the boom / sail system with respect to the mast in the di f ferent points of sail through a variation of the distance between the respective points of application : the mast heel and a lacing eye carried underneath by the boom .

[0006] Each vang is constructed to meet speci fic di f ferent operating conditions : in smaller boats , where the loads on the mainsail are of limited intensity, the vang is tubular and comprises a f irst body and a second body of di f ferent diameter and longitudinally coupled telescopically to delimit an inner chamber containing a spring and a manually operated pulley . The spring tends to lengthen the vang and allow the boom to be supported, i f suitably si zed, while the pulley allows fine adj ustment of the extension of the vang to optimi ze regulation of the mainsail in the di f ferent points of sail . To facilitate fine adj ustment of the distance between the eyelets carried by the first body and by the second body in respective end positions , the body of smaller diameter has on the respective outer sides graduated scales that allow an operator positioned in the cockpit at the side of the vang to keep the relative position of the f irst body with respect to the second body under control .

[0007] In larger boats , the boom is regulated with the use of a hydraulically powered vang structured as a linear actuator provided with an armature , which is provided with an end provided with an eyelet and delimits an inner cylindrical space divided into two chambers for oil by a piston, which is provided with a rod that also ends with an eyelet and is moved by the displacement of the piston caused by the di f ference in pressure in the two chambers . In these cases , the oil is pressuri zed by a hydraulic system comprising a tank containing the oil , a pump ( generally electric and powered by a battery or by an internal combustion generator ) , a mani fold that supplies oil to the two chambers of the vang and to a plurality of users through a circuit comprising a plurality of pipes supplied selectively through the interposition of electrically operated valves .

[0008] The use of hydraulically operated vangs is required when the weights and forces acting on the vang / boom / sail are particularly high, in particular on sailing boats of over 15- 18m .

[0009] Moreover, it should be taken into consideration that hydraulic systems may operate using a technical fluid that is polluting and di f ficult to contain within the respective circuit , which hence produces leaks that are di f ficult to control without constant maintenance . Further, hydraulic systems have a particularly large footprint , are heavy, energy-consuming and noisy . Therefore , each time a hydraulic vang is chosen it must be borne in mind that it is necessary to accept a considerable decrease in the spaces available on board, a substantial increase in tonnage and a worsening of the energy balance of the boat . To overcome the drawbacks listed above , and in particular the decrease in the overall energy ef ficiency of the mechanical device due to the need to deliver energy in the form of mechanical energy, an electric drive has been used, as described in the patent for utility model DE 20216347U . From the above description, it is easy to understand that the precision of the regulation of the extension of the manual vang with pulley and spring or according to the patent DE ' 347U depends on the perception of the operator . Moreover, both in the case of the tubular vang with pulley, and in that of a vang constructed according to the teachings of the patent DE ' 347 , equipping the outer faces of the body of smaller diameter with graduated scales means that the conditions of use must be constantly monitored by the operator, who must remain constantly below deck at the side of the vang above all in the case of particularly critical weather conditions , putting the safety of the operator at risk and, when this occurs , it is particularly important to minimi ze the operator' s reaction times to avoid, for example , but without limitation, excessive peak loads , which could cause collapse of the vang, or excessive traction on the lacing eye of the boom which could determine its failure due to excessive bending stress . Naturally, in these cases , paying continuous attention to remaining at a di stance from critical operating and safety conditions creates in operators in charge of the vang a mental tension which, with a limited crew, can become a non-negligible risk factor . Moreover, in these conditions it may be necessary to support other members of the crew in their duties and, in order to do so , abandon one ' s position and hence temporarily interrupt monitoring of the operating condition of the vang . For the reasons above , the problem of providing a vang which is practical to use , has a smaller footprint and does not require the interposing of a system to convert electrical energy into hydraulic energy, which i s always easy to control even in critical operating conditions to prevent conditions of collapse of the vang or failure of the boom without requiring particular muscular or mental ef fort and, ultimately, without endangering the safety of the operators , i s currently unsolved and represents an interesting challenge for the applicant .

[0010] It may be useful that the present invention may be applied in a plurality of applications in which it is neces sary to regulate the distance between two points of members hinged or coupled linearly, such as , but without limitation, each time it is necessary to handle hatches on motor yachts , ships or in other contexts and where monitoring and safety of the operations are indispensable factors . In consideration of the situation described above , it would be desirable to provide a vang which, besides limiting and possibly overcoming the drawbacks of the state of the art illustrated above , defines a new standard for these types of running riggings for sailing boats .

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a rigging for a sailing boat . In particular, the present invention refers to a running rigging for connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat . More in detail , the present invention refers to a running rigging for telescopically connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat .

[0013] The aforesaid drawbacks are solved by the present invention according to at least one of the appended claims .

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a running rigging for connecting a boom to a mast of a sailing boat , in a lacing eye of said boom and in a heel of said mast , respectively; said rigging comprising a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion coupled telescopically; said first portion being delimited longitudinally by a first eyelet and said second portion being delimited by a second eyelet ; safety means being designed to indicate when in use said first eyelet and second eyelet are placed at a first given distance and when they are placed at a second given distance .

[0015] According to an embodiment as described above , the rigging comprises handling means to vary at will a relative axial position of said first portion and second portion and regulate at will a distance between said first eyelet and second eyelet ; measuring means being provided to continuously monitor relative positions of said first portion and second portion .

[0016] According to an embodiment as described above , the rigging comprises programmable control means electronically connected to said safety means , to said handling means , and to said measuring means to continuously implement given operating modes .

[0017] According to an embodiment as described above , said second portion is coupled to said first portion in an axially free and angularly fixed way; said first distance and said second distance being minimum and maximum operating limit distances between said first eyelet and second eyelet .

[0018] According to an embodiment as described above , said first eyelet is equipped with a load cell pin for coupling with said lacing eye ; said load cell pin being of electronic type and electronically connected to said control means to continuously monitor an operating condition of said boom . According to an embodiment as described above , said handling means are of the type with electrical or hybrid mechanical-electrical drive .

[0019] According to an embodiment as described above , said handling means comprise an electrically powered rotary actuator carried by said first portion and a drive device provided with a screw connected to said actuator and to said second portion through a helical coupling to move it longitudinally with respect to said first portion; a transmission member being arranged between said actuator and said screw to connect them in a mechanically rigid manner through the interposition of a rotary j oint ; manual emergency means being associated with said actuator .

[0020] According to an embodiment as described above , said second portion comprises a rod provided with a longitudinal housing for said screw and with a lead screw carried on the opposite side to said second eyelet to couple helically with said screw .

[0021] According to an embodiment as described above , said safety means comprise a first maximum extension sensor and a second minimum extension sensor arranged at a free end of said first portion and between said j oint and said lead screw, respectively .

[0022] According to an embodiment as described above , said control means comprise a respective drive device and a remote control designed to control said drive device via cable or wirelessly through a respective antenna .

[0023] Any further embodiments of the present invention are defined by the claims .

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Further features and advantages of the rigging according to the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, provided with reference to the accompanying figures , which illustrate at least one example of non-limiting embodiment thereof , in which identical or corresponding parts of the rigging are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular:

[0026] - Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rigging according to the present invention in two conditions of use ;

[0027] - Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the rigging of Fig. 1 in enlarged scale in a first position;

[0028] - Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of Fig. 2 in a flipped position;

[0029] - Fig. 4 is a side elevation view in enlarged scale of a first end portion of Fig. 2;

[0030] - Fig. 5 is a side elevation view in enlarged scale of a second end portion of Fig. 2;

[0031] Fig. 6 is a section view according to the plane identified by the line VI-VI of Fig. 8;

[0032] - Fig. 7 is a side view of Fig. 2; and

[0033] - Fig. 8 is a section view of Fig. 7 according to the plane identified by the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] Before describing in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention, or details thereof, it is useful to specify that the relevant scope of protection is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereunder. The disclosure and the description in the present document are illustrative and explicative of one or more currently preferred embodiments and variants, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the design, organization, operating order, operating means, structures of the equipment and position, to the methodology and use of mechanical equivalents without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0036] Moreover, it must be understood that the accompanying figures have the object of clearly illustrating and disclosing currently preferred embodiments to a person skilled in the art , but are not drawings illustrating how these embodiments should be executed in reality or true representations of final products ; on the contrary, these figures may comprise conceptual views simpli fied to facilitate understanding or to allow a simpler and quicker explanation to be provided . Moreover, the dimensions and the relative arrangement of the components may di f fer from those shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention .

[0037] Further, it will be understood that various directions , such as "upper" , " lower" , " left" , " right" , " front" , "back" and so forth, are executed only with respect to the explanation in combination with the drawings and that the components can be oriented di f ferently, for example during transport and production, as well as during operation . As many di f ferent and distinct embodiments may be implemented within the scope of the concepts taught herein, and as there are many modi fications that may be made to the embodiments described herein, it must be understood that the details provided hereunder are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting of the spirit of the invention .

[0038] In Fig . 1 , the reference number 1 indicates , as a whole , a running rigging 1 , the function of which is to connect a boom B to a mast A of a sai ling boat . According to sailing terminology riggings of this type are called "vangs" , and therefore for practicality the term "rigging" and the term "vang" will be used synonymously in the description below and will be indicated with the same reference number . The vang 1 comprises a first elongated portion 10 and a second elongated portion 20 coupled telescopically to each other in an axially free and angularly fixed way . The first portion 10 is delimited longitudinally by a first eyelet 12 and the second portion 20 is delimited by a second eyelet 22 . The first eyelet 12 is used for connecting the vang 1 to a lacing eye C carried underneath by the boom B at a smaller distance from the gooseneck T of the mast generally, but without limitation, based on how the structure of the boom B has been designed . The second eyelet 22 is used for connecting the vang to a heel P of the mast A.

[0039] According to Fig . 8 , the first portion 10 is internally hollow and the second portion 20 comprises a rod 24 provided with a longitudinal housing and carries a lead screw 200 on the opposite side to second eyelet 22 , where the lead screw 200 is coupled to the first portion 10 in an axially free and angularly fixed way through ribs 100 which extend radially from an inner shell of the first portion 10 . For economy of drawing only one of the ribs 100 is represented in Fig . 8 .

[0040] The first portion 10 internally houses a handling device 40 designed to vary at will a relative axial position of the first portion 10 and second portion 20 and regulate at will a distance between the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 .

[0041] The handling device 40 comprises an electrically powered rotary actuator 42 carried internally by the first portion 10 and is provided with a screw 460 coupled rotatably to the second portion 20 and connected to a drive shaft 420 of the actuator 42 in an axially free and angularly fixed way through the interposition of a transmission member, in particular a planetary gearbox 46 , without limiting the scope of the present invention .

[0042] With particular reference to Figs . 6 and 8 , the actuator 42 is further provided with an emergency device 400 carried by the first portion 10 , coupled to the screw 460 through a screw-lead screw connection and provided with a rotary mechanical interface 402 , in turn provided with a hexagonal interface to be operated through a manually or electrically operated rotary element , in the first case , for example , but without limitation, a Hall wrench or a crank provided with an end shaped similarly to the hexagonal prism, in the second case a screwdriver provided with a tool that ends with the relevant hexagonal insert .

[0043] Again according to Fig . 8 , a rotary j oint 48 is arranged between the actuator 42 and the screw 460 to connect them in a mechanically rigid manner and the lead screw 200 couples helically with the screw 460 to define a drive device 46 , which makes the second portion 20 able to move longitudinally with respect to the first portion 10 .

[0044] Again with reference to Fig . 8 , the vang 1 comprises safety members 30 designed to indicate when in use the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 are placed at a first given distance and when they are placed at a second given distance which are , respectively, a minimum operating limit distance and a maximum operating limit distance between the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 , to which the " stroke end" conditions correspond .

[0045] In particular, the safety members 30 comprise a first maximum extension sensor 32 of the vang 1 , hence designed to indicate a maximum operating limit distance between the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 , and a second minimum extension sensor 34 of the vang 1 , hence designed to indicate the minimum operating limit distance between the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 . In particular, the first sensor 32 is arranged at a free end 11 of and inside the first portion 10 and the second sensor 34 is arranged between the j oint 48 and the lead screw 200 , again inside the first portion 10 , against the j oint 48 .

[0046] Again with reference to Fig . 8 , the vang 1 comprises a measuring device 50 provided to continuously monitor relative positions of the first portion 10 and of the second portion 20 . This measuring device comprises a flexible metal member 52 carried inside a spring winding device 54 arranged behind the actuator 42 , without limiting the scope of the present invention . The metal member 52 is connected to the lead screw 200 so that its relative position with respect to the first portion 10 is constantly monitored and, consequently, also the distance between the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet , hence the running extension of the vang 1 and, naturally, the angle of inclination of the boom B with respect to the mast A.

[0047] According to Figs . 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 and 7 , the first eyelet 12 is equipped with a load cell pin 120 for coupling with the lacing eye C ; the load cell pin 120 is of electronic type and is designed to be electronically connected to a control device to continuously monitor an operating condition of the boom B, hence respective axial compression loads that exceed the maximum admissible loads established in the design phase or conditions of excessive localized load on the boom around the lacing eye C, which could lead to the failure of said boom B .

[0048] Naturally, the decision to couple the load cell pin 120 to the lacing eye C is functionally equivalent to the solution of coupling the load cell pin 120 to the second eyelet 22 at the interface with the mast heel P, and falls within the scope of protection of the present invention .

[0049] For the purpose of clarity, it is speci fied that , for economy of drawing, it was decided not to represent the electrical connections between the electrical and electronic components already mentioned above and those that will be described below .

[0050] According to Fig . 1 , the vang 1 comprises a programmable control unit 60 electronically connected to the safety members 30 , to the handling members 40 , to the measuring device 50 and to the load cell pin 120 to continuously implement given operating modes of the vang 1 , for example , but without limitation, to emit light and / or acoustic signals when the first eyelet 12 and the second eyelet 22 are at the minimum or at the maximum distance or in the immediate vicinity of this distance with the tendency to be positioned at these distances , when the load on the boom B is excessive or the vang 1 risks collapsing due to excessive peak load, or to control a movement of the actuator 42 in the opposite direction ( to increase or decrease the longitudinal extension) to return the vang to conditions of safety .

[0051] The control unit 60 further comprises a drive device 62 and a remote control 64 designed to control the drive device 62 via cable 66 or wirelessly through a respective antenna 68 .

[0052] In Fig . 1 the control unit 60 has been represented above a deck of the sailing boat ; however, it should be considered that it can be carried rigidly by the boat in any position deemed useful for construction or control needs without influencing the breadth of the present invention .

[0053] Use of the vang 1 is easily understood from the description above and does not require further explanation .

[0054] Finally, it is clear that modi fications and variations can be made to the vang 1 described and illustrated herein, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention . Based on the above description, it is easily understood that the vang 1 is practical to use , easily controllable in critical operating conditions to prevent conditions of collapse of said vang 1 or failure of the boom without requiring particular muscular or mental effort , also being designed to continuously implement the given operating modes of the vang 1 and, therefore , guaranteeing the safety of operators .

[0055] In the claims , any reference sign placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim . The word " comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed in a claim . Moreover, the term " a" or " an" , as used in this context , is defined as one or more than one . Moreover, the use of introductory expressions such as " at least one" and "one or more" in the claims shall not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element identi fied using the indefinite article "a" or " an" limits any particular claim in which this claim element appears singularly, even when thi s claim comprises the introductory phrases "one or more" or " at least one" and the indefinite article " a" or " an" . The same applies to the use of the definite article . Unless otherwise stated, terms such as " first" and " second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements these terms describe . Therefore , these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioriti zation of these elements . The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually di f ferent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A running rigging (1) for connecting a boom (B) to a mast (A) of a sailing boat, in a lacing eye (C) of said boom (B) and in a heel (P) of said mast (A) , respectively; said rigging comprising a first elongated portion (10) and a second elongated portion (20) coupled telescopically; said first portion (10) being delimited longitudinally by a first eyelet (12) and said second portion (20) being delimited by a second eyelet (22) ; handling means (40) being provided to vary at will a relative axial position of said first portion (10) and second portion (20) and regulate at will a distance between said first eyelet (12) and second eyelet (22) ; characterized in that said handling means (40) comprise an electrically powered rotary actuator (42) carried by said first portion (10) and a drive device (46) provided with a screw (460) connected to said actuator (42) and to said second portion (20) through a helical coupling to move it longitudinally with respect to said first portion (10) ; said actuator (42) being provided with emergency means (400) carried by said first portion (10) , coupled to said screw (460) through a screw- lead screw connection and provided with a rotary interface (402) structured to be operated through a manually or electrically operated rotary element.

2. The rigging according to claim 1, characterized in that said first eyelet (12) is equipped with a load cell pin (120) for coupling with said lacing eye (C) ; said load cell pin (120) being of electronic type and programmablecontrol means (60) electronically connected to said load cell pin (120) to continuously monitor an operating condition of said boom (B) .

3. The rigging according to claim 1, characterized by comprising measuring means (50) to continuously monitor relative positions of said first portion (10) and second portion (20) ; safety means (30) designed to indicate when in use said first eyelet (12) and second eyelet (22) are placed at a first given distance and when they are placed at a second given distance; said control means (60) being electronically connected to said safety means (30) , to said handling means (40) , and to said measuring means (50) to continuously implement given operating modes of said second portion (20) with respect to said first portion (10) , and vice versa.

4. The rigging according to claim 3, characterized in that said second portion is coupled to said first portion (10) in an axially free and angularly fixed way; said first distance and said second distance being minimum and maximum operating limit distances between said first eyelet (12) and second eyelet (22) .

5. The rigging according to claim 4, characterized in that said second portion (20) comprises a rod (24) provided with a longitudinal housing for said screw (460) and with a lead screw (200) carried on the opposite side to said second eyelet (22) to couple helically with said screw (460) .

6. The rigging according to any one of claims 3-5,characterized in that said safety means (30) comprise a first maximum extension sensor (32) and a second minimum extension sensor (34) arranged at a free end (11) of said first portion (10) and between said joint (48) and said lead screw (200) , respectively.

7. The rigging according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that said control means (60) comprise a respective drive device (62) and a remote control (64) designed to control said drive device (62) via cable (66) or wirelessly through a respective antenna (68) .

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