Pipe for use in an aquatic environment

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe system (4) which comprises a pipe (16), a storage unit (21) for winding the pipe onto an axis (X11), and means (22) for reversibly flattening the pipe before winding it onto the storage unit, the pipe further comprising a ballast (28), the thickness (E28) of which does not exceed the maximum thickness (M16) of the flattened pipe.

Description

Hose for use in aquatic environments

[0001] The present invention relates particularly to the field of aquatic activities, especially to activities using a hose, in particular a hose to form a bubble curtain, but not exclusively.

[0002] Particularly when an air-filled hose is used in an aquatic environment, it can be difficult to control its buoyancy and shape, which can reduce the expected performance of its use.

[0003] The aim of the invention is to propose a pipe system that addresses the above drawbacks.

[0004] According to the invention, a pipe system comprising a pipe, a storage device for winding the pipe around an axis in a storage position, and means for reversibly flattening the pipe before winding it onto the storage device. The pipe further comprises a ballast whose thickness does not exceed the maximum thickness of the flattened pipe. In a working position, the ballast advantageously extends radially from a generatrix of the pipe. Preferably, the ballast is fixed to the pipe along a generatrix of the pipe.

[0005] The ballast can be a strip of metal. The means for flattening may include two pressure rollers between which the pipe passes.

[0006] Several embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0007] is a schematic longitudinal and elevational view of a boat using a fishing technique employing a pipe system according to the invention;

[0008] is a schematic enlarged perspective view from above of the pipe system; and,

[0009] is a schematic enlarged perspective view from below of the pipe system in the figure.

[0010] The illustration shows a small fishing boat 1 using a fishing system 2. The fishing system 2 is moored and towed behind the boat by means of a rope 3. The fishing system includes: - a supporting structure 11; - a lamparo 12 constituting means for attracting fish or other swimming animals; - a spinnaker pole 13, equipped with a suspension line 14 for the lamparo; - a bubble tube 16; - a suction tube 17; - an arm 18 equipped with a suspension line 19, for the supporting structure 11; - floats 20, only one of which is shown in the figures; and - a storage device 21 for the tube 16.

[0011] A pipe system 4 according to the invention, adapted to the fishing system, includes in particular pipe 16 and storage 21.

[0012] In the position of use shown in the figures, the supporting structure 11 is immersed and suspended from the arm 18 by means of the corresponding suspension 19.

[0013] In the position shown in the figures, the lamparo 12 is submerged, suspended from the outrigger pole 13 by the corresponding line 14. Its depth can be adjusted according to the angler's preference. In its typical position, illustrated in the figure, it shines upwards, that is, towards the water's surface S. Its light attracts fish and keeps them within its halo 12H.

[0014] The flexible tube 16 has multiple holes 16T. The holes are formed along an upper generatrix G1 of the tube; that is, the generatrix along which the holes are drilled is intended to be in the upper part of the tube in the operating position illustrated in Figure 1. In this operating position, the tube 16 is immersed at an approximate depth denoted P16. Air supplied to the tube by a supply 29 ensures its expansion, inflation, and contributes to its buoyancy; the air supplied by the supply 29 escapes from the tube through the multiple holes 16T and, rising towards the surface S, forms a curtain of bubbles 27.

[0015] We will describe the pipe system 4, in particular the storage unit 21, referred to as storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 is supported by the supporting structure. It has the form of a motorized coil, rotating around a vertical axis X11 of the supporting structure 11. In Figures 2 and 3, the supporting structure 11 is not visible; only its axis X11 is shown for clarity.

[0016] The storage unit 21 is designed to wind and store the hose 16. The hose system 4 includes two pressure rollers 22 designed to crush and flatten the hose 16 during winding. As the hose 16 is wound, it passes between the rollers 22, and the air is expelled, reducing the hose's footprint on the storage unit 21. One end 16B of the hose is fixed to the storage unit, so that rotation of the storage unit around the axis X11 drives the end 16B, causing the hose 16, thus previously flattened, to wind.

[0017] The illustrated pipe system 4 further includes a motor 23, a drive belt 24 for transmitting the motion from the motor 23 to the storage unit 21, and a timing belt 26 for synchronizing, as far as possible, the movement of the rollers 22 with the winding speed of the pipe 16. The system further includes an idler roller 30, intended to ensure correct tension of the drive belt 24.

[0018] As particularly illustrated in figures 2 and 3, pipe 16 includes a ballast 28.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the ballast 28 extends linearly along the entire length of the pipe 16. It is made of a strip of metal. In the position shown in the figures, it extends vertically downwards from a lower generatrix G2 of the pipe 16, diametrically opposite the upper generatrix G1. The ballast has a constant height H28. It has a thickness E28 that does not exceed a maximum thickness M16 of the pipe 16 when flattened. Furthermore, the ballast is sufficiently flexible to be wound around the storage unit 21.

[0020] In addition, the ballast 28 being a strip, it has a certain longitudinal stiffness in a vertical plane, so that a reduced number of floats 20 allows the pipe 16 to maintain a certain horizontality, sufficient for its intended use.

[0021] Thanks to these arrangements, in the illustrated usage position, the upper generator G1, so that the holes 16T are always oriented upwards, which facilitates the formation of the bubble curtain 27.

[0022] The illustrated storage unit is coil-shaped, meaning it comprises a cylindrical hub 32 around the axis X11 and two flanges 32. Each flange is positioned at a respective axial end of the hub. The axial length L31, i.e., the distance between the flanges, is approximately equal to the height H16 of the pipe 16 and its ballast 28, when the pipe has been flattened by the rollers 22.

[0023] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described. On the contrary, the invention is defined by the claims that follow.

[0024] It will indeed become apparent to the man of the art that various modifications can be made to the methods of implementation described above, in the light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0025] Thus, the metal strip forming the ballast can be replaced by chainmail. The ballast can also include or be made of a metal cable extending along the lower generatrix.

[0026] Alternatively, the strapping can be laid horizontally, meaning it extends horizontally on either side of a generatrix of the pipe. This provides the pipe with rigidity in the horizontal plane. In this case, it is advantageous to wind the pipe around a horizontal axis.

[0027] Such a weighted pipe can also be used in applications other than that described with reference to the figures, whenever the orientation or stiffness of the pipe needs to be controlled.

Claims

System (4) of hose for use in a fishing system (3), characterized in that it comprises: - a flexible hose (16) pierced with multiple holes (16T) formed along an upper generatrix (G1) of said hose; - a spool (21) for winding said hose around an axis (X11) in a storage position; - means (22) for reversibly flattening said hose before winding it onto said spool; said hose further comprising a weight (28) of which a thickness (E28) does not exceed a maximum thickness (M16) of said flattened hose. System according to claim 1, characterized in that in a working position the ballast (28) extends radially from a generatrix (G2) of said pipe. System according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the ballast is a strip. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means for flattening comprise two pressure rollers (28) between which the pipe passes. Fishing system (3) characterized in that it comprises a pipe system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims. Fishing system according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of a lamparo (12) and a float (20) to support the pipe (16). Fishing method characterized in that a bubble curtain is formed using a fishing system (3) according to one of claims 5 or 6 and in that to store the pipe is flattened said pipe and then wound said pipe onto the storer (21).

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