FR2598380A1 - Automated, variable-geometry float device for a sailboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated device making it possible to adjust the curvature of the rear end of a sailboard float while sailing. It consists of a control box 10 having a button 2 and containing a control circuit 1 driving an electric motor 4 which drives a pump 5 actuating a jack 6 fixed onto the lower flexible part 8 of the rear of the float on the one hand and onto the upper rigid part 7 on the other hand. The device is powered by an energy source 3 integrated into the float. When the user exerts pressure on the button 2 the curvature of the rear lower end 8 is changed by the jack 6 until one of the positions programmed in the control circuit 1 is obtained. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for sailboard floats.

Description

 The present invention relates to an automated float device with variable geometry for windsurfing. This device makes it possible to modify, during navigation, the curvature of the rear end of a windsurfing float.

 Traditionally the profile of a float has a curvature determined during its manufacture; said curvature can no longer be modified.

 However, the curvature of the float has a direct influence on the maneuverability and the speed of the windsurfing board.

 In optimum conditions of use - in competition for example it is useful to be able to benefit from a board that is both fast and manageable. A mechanical system allowing to modify the rear curvature of the float has already been developed, allowing its adaptation to the desired conditions of use. In this system, the rear of the float has two superimposed tails a few centimeters apart.

The lower tail is flexible and can be brought closer to the upper tail which is rigid, using a screw adjustable manually by the user which thus modifies the curvature of the rear profile of the float.

However, the major drawback of this manual system is that the windsurfer is forced to stop to make the desired adjustment.

 The device according to the invention overcomes this drawback by automating the adjustment of the curvature of the rear lower part of a windsurfing float. I1 indeed has a control unit integrated into the float having on its upper face a button large enough to be maneuverable by the foot of the windsurfer. This control unit contains a programmed control circuit where programmable according to the wishes of the user to memorize different positions of the lower part of the tail of the float.

This control circuit therefore controls the stroke of a jack which tends to distance or bring the flexible lower part closer to the rigid upper part of the tail of the float. When the user presses the control button, the control circuit drives an electric motor which drives a pump actuating a jack modifying the curvature of the rear lower end until the desired position is obtained. The power supply to the entire device is integrated into the float
Figures 1 and 2 show the invention.

 Figure 1 shows, in section, the device according to the invention, in the low position.

 2 shows, in section, the device according to the invention, in the raised position.

 A control unit (10) will actuate a jack (6) which will move the flexible lower part towards or away from the rear of the float (8) from the rigid upper part (7). This box, integrated into the deck of the float, has on its upper part a button (2) prominent and large enough to be actuated by the foot of the windsurfer. Inside this waterproof case, there is a control circuit (1) which can be programmed or programmable, to memorize a certain number of positions of the lower part of the tail of the float. This control circuit <I) will receive the orders given by the windsurfer, by means of the button (2). As soon as an order is received, the circuit sets in motion an electric motor (4). The electric motor (4) drives a hydraulic pump (5) which actuates a jack (6). This cylinder is fixed on the one hand on the rigid upper part (7) of the float and on the other hand on the flexible lower part (8). Under the action of the jack, the flexible lower part of the float will rise or lower. The curvature of the rear lower end is thus modified until the desired position is obtained. This system is powered by a source of electrical energy (3) which can be a battery or any other source of electrical energy integrated in the float.

 According to a variant, the flexible lower part (8) is removable so that the user can choose the form: symmetrical or asymmetrical.

 According to another variant, the cylinder is actuated directly by a water / oil turbine which is controlled by the control circuit.

 The device according to the invention is particularly intended for windsurfing floats.

Claims (8)

 1) An automated float device with variable geometry for windsurfing, characterized in that it comprises a control box (10) having a button (2) on its upper face and containing a control circuit (1) driving an electric motor. (4) which drives a pump (5) actuating a jack (6) fixed on the lower part: flexible (8) of the rear end of the float on the one hand and on the rigid upper part (7) on the other hand . The device is supplied by an energy source (3) integrated into the float.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a control unit (10) is integrated into the float.  3) Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the control unit (10) contains a control circuit (1) programmed or programmable according to the wishes of the user.  4) Device according to claims 1 or 3 characterized in that the control circuit (1) stores different positions of the flexible lower part (8) of the rear end of the float.  5) Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized in that the control unit (10) has on its upper face a button (2) operable by the foot of the windsurfer.  6) Device according to claims 1,3 or 4 characterized in that the control circuit (1) controls the operation of a jack (8).  7) Device according to claims 1 or 6 characterized in that a cylinder (6) tends to move away or bring the flexible lower part (8) of the rear end of the float of the upper rigid part (7o) of the float.  8) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it automates the modification of the curvature of the rear lower end of a windsurfing float.