FR2593763A1 - Wind-propelled vehicle which is steered like a sailboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle of the <<upright>> sand yacht type which makes it possible to practise the sport of sailboarding on beaches and on areas which are far away from the sea. It consists of a chassis 1 and 2 bearing on three points 3 and 4 forming a load-bearing structure. A central board 5 resting on two return blocks 6 oscillates along the longitudinal spindle; the board being connected to the sheath 7 via a link rod 8. The pilot, upright on the board, may manoeuvre the front wheel 4; by pressing on the right hand edge he swerves to the right and vice versa. In order to brake or stop the machine, the pilot acts on the floor 9 which controls the brakes placed on the rear wheels 3 or comes directly into contact with the ground. (This device remains optional: it must be matched both to the terrain and to the pilot). The vehicle according to the invention is intended in particular to teach sailboarding.

Description

Vehicle propelled by the wind governing itself like a sailboard, by the combined action of a board and a rig.

The need to practice this sport in places close to home, has guided research towards a secure design of a load-bearing structure based on three widely spaced points.

In the known devices, the wheels are arranged in pairs, joined by axles, one at the front, the other at the rear.

These sailing trolleys, an extension of Fun on land, which operate according to the principle of skates, do not prevent the pilot from falling. On the other hand, the truclcs which support the axles, elements consisting of silent-blocks on one side and an inclined axis on the other, have the drawback of limiting both the width of the carriage and the diameter of the wheels.

In this type of device, the pilot, if he wants to counter the action of the wind, must weigh all his weight on one side and thus gain speed in unstable equilibrium.

This position exposes to the risks of being suddenly winded, of skidding of the rear wheels, of seeing its trajectory deviated by the accidents of the ground or of colliding with an unforeseen obstacle.

Thus, for safety reasons, this type of vehicle is limited, in practice, to areas of hard sand along the coast.

The vehicle, according to the present invention, has drawbacks, by providing more reliability in the maneuvers and by ensuring the protection of the pilot.

Indeed, the sport of windsurfing, limited to lakes and stretches of beach, can now be practiced on new development areas located inland.

To respond to these problems, an architecture has been redesigned, providing the technical solutions illustrated by the accompanying drawing.

The rigid axle (1) supporting the rear wheels (3) allows better heading and the side members (2) curved in arches are designed to receive the body of the pilot. These raised poles on the front have the advantage of deflecting or overcoming the obstacle. The direction obtained by the oscillation of the board (5) is less dependent on variations in terrain. It acts on the fork (7) to rotate the front wheel (4).

The sailing vehicle, object of the invention, operates as follows: The pilot standing on the board (5) holds the boom (10). So he can swing the board and maneuver his rig. Weighing on the right edge of the board, he veers to the right and vice versa.

Tests were carried out on a former airfield with a prototype of the "sailing tricycle" type. This one with a rear track width of 1.70 M and a total wheelbase of 2.30 M behaved as follows:
The pilot wishing to get closer to the wind must lean towards the outside of the machine. If, during this maneuver, his wing is unvented, the pilot can rest on the spar (2). He can even stay there in support if he wishes. In this case, the rear wheels (3) play the role of anti-drift while preventing the machine from tipping.

The pilot changes his course to navigate in crosswinds. While keeping his foot in the aft cleat, he just tried to release the pressure exerted on the board and then maneuver his rigging together so as to bring down his sail.

By letting his board return to a horizontal position, the return blocks (6) being provided for this purpose, the pilot comes downwind. If he wants to ensure his stability, he puts one foot on the side member (2).

To brake or stop the machine, the pilot acts on the floor (9). This articulated floor and fitted with recalls then commonder the brakes placed on the rear wheels or, in other versions, it may come directly into contact with the ground (sand).

Depending on the variants, the three support points can be fitted with wheels, skis or runners (fitted with floats, it could be the subject of a future project).

The sensitivity of the steering (8) and the hardness of the reminders (6) are adjustable.

Possibly, the installation of a suspension system will be an additional advantage.

In all cases, the machine is easily transportable.

The side members (2) are articulated at the front point (7). Once separated from the axle (1) their ends close on the plonche. In its shape and size, the machine thus folded is no more cumbersome than a boom.

Based on the structure and behavior of this sailing vehicle, its marketing should meet the learning needs of beginners.

The specific characteristics mentioned above should attract fun board initiates and various associations which can organize sporting events in a new category.

This product, which can be produced by ordinary means of modern industry, is expected to appeal to a large number of users who wish to practice outdoor sports.

Claims (6)

10) Vehicle propelled by the wind composed of a frame (1 and 2) resting on three points (3 and 4) which can be wheels, skis, skates or floats, depending on the variants. A central board fitted with a sailboard rig (5 and 10) and a safety floor (9). 20) Vehicle according to claim 10 characterized in that the frame, thus consisting of an axle (1) and two side members (2), forms a supporting structure. 30) vehicle according to claim 20, characterized in that the two rear support points (3) are fixed and secured by an axle (1) 40) Vehicle according to claim 20, characterized in that the front fulcrum (4) is pivotally mounted in a sleeve (7). 50) Vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the central board (5) suspended from two return blocks (6) one attached to the middle of the rear axle and the other to the front point, returns to 'itself to its initial position. 6) Vehicle according to claim 50 characterized in that this board oscillates in the longitudinal axis to control the steering system (8). 70) Vehicle according to claim 20 characterized in that the side members (2) attached to the rear support points (3) are curved to form an ogive which is articulated at its front end on the sleeve (7). 80 Vehicle according to claim 10 characterized in that the interior space is filled with a floor. This ensures the braking and the protection of the pilot.