EP3668784B1 - Anti-splash device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the general field of devices aimed at considerably reducing the noise of choppy waves on the hulls of boats at quayside or at anchor.

Prior art

In the field of pleasure boating, it is known that when a boat is at the quay or at anchor, water ripples strike the hull of said boat, which generates a particularly unpleasant noise especially at night, because it prevents many boaters sleep peacefully.

To fight against this phenomenon, some boaters put slightly thick tarpaulins or even pieces of carpet suspended along the hull of their boat or devices such as those described, for example, in patent applications. US 2005/229835 , WO 2001/81167 or NL 1 027 875 .

These devices, to say the least, are difficult to implement and are not very effective.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing an effective anti-chop device, easy to implement and allowing at least partial protection of the hull of the boat on which it is installed.

In this regard, the present invention relates to an anti-splash device comprising at least one element comprising at least one float in the overall shape of a cylinder, a flap fixed along one of its longitudinal edges under said float and provided with one ballast along its other longitudinal edge so that, when the float floats on the surface of the water, said flap extends under the assembly of said float and is kept taut vertically by said ballast, said element being arranged to be secured by halyards to a boat, the float floating on the surface of the water and pressed against the hull of said boat, said anti-chop device being remarkable in that each element comprises two mud flaps each connecting the ballast and the or one of the floats of so that the flaps form an assembly whose cross section has a general V shape and in that each element has an additional float of smaller diameter and of the same length as the float (s), connected to a float by a link flexible and arranged to be disposed between the hull of the boat and said element when the anti-chop device is placed around said boat.

Advantageously, each element comprises two identical floats, in the overall shape of a cylinder and joined longitudinally.

The flap (s) and ballast of each element are advantageously flexible.

According to a second variant embodiment, the anti-chop device comprises a mattress formed by a plurality of complementary floats joined together longitudinally, arranged to be placed under and against the inclined transom and held by halyards.

Each of the float (s) and / or additional float is preferably inflatable.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique de côté d'un dispositif anti-clapot conforme à l'invention équipant partiellement un bateau ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique de dessus du bateau de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'un mode de réalisation préféré d'un élément du dispositif anti-clapot conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'une variante de réalisation d'un élément du dispositif anti-clapot conforme à l'invention, lorsqu'il est contre la coque d'un bateau ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale de l'élément du dispositif anti-clapot de la figure 4, lorsqu'il est éloigné de la coque d'un bateau ;
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'un mode de réalisation extrême d'un élément du dispositif anti-clapot conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique de côté partielle d'une deuxième variante de réalisation du dispositif anti-clapot munie d'éléments de poupe complémentaires pour équiper un autre type de bateau ;
• la figure 8 une vue schématique de coupe transversale de l'arrière du bateau de la figure 9 ;
• les figures 9 à 12 sont des vues schématiques en coupe transversale d'autres modes de réalisation d'un élément du dispositif anti-clapot conforme à l'invention.

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge better from the description which follows, of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting illustration, of an anti-splash device in accordance with the invention, with reference to the appended figures in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic side view of an anti-chop device according to the invention partially fitted to a boat;
• the figure 2 is a schematic top view of the boat from the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an element of the anti-splash device according to the invention;
• the figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an element of the anti-churn device according to the invention, when it is against the hull of a boat;
• the figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the element of the anti-splash device of the figure 4 , when it is away from the hull of a boat;
• the figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an extreme embodiment of an element of the anti-splash device according to the invention;
• the figure 7 is a schematic partial side view of a second variant embodiment of the anti-chop device provided with complementary stern elements to equip another type of boat;
• the figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of the stern of the boat from the figure 9 ;
• the figures 9 to 12 are schematic cross-sectional views of other embodiments of an element of the anti-splash device according to the invention.

Best way to carry out the technical invention

With reference to figures 1 to 6 and in accordance with the invention, there is schematically shown an anti-chop device 1 partially fitted to the hull 2 of a boat 3 for pleasure boating.

Said anti-splash device 1 comprises at least one element 4 comprising at least one float 5 in the overall shape of a cylinder, a flap 6 fixed along a 61 of its longitudinal edges 61, 62 under said float 5 and provided with a ballast 7 along its other longitudinal edge 62 so that, when the float 5 floats on the surface of the water 8, said flap 6 extends below the surface of the water 8 and is kept taut vertically by said ballast 7 (Cf. figure 3 ).

In the present description, the surface of the water 8 is assumed to be generally flat and horizontal, it will be understood that said surface of the water 8 may be more or less inclined, due in particular to the swell, terms such as, for example, example, horizontal, vertical, higher or lower will then have to be adapted.

Likewise, the term “cylinder” is here to be taken in the broad sense, that is to say a solid formed by a straight line which moves parallel to itself by resting on a plane curve.

The float 5 of each element 4 of the anti-chop device 1 prevents water ripples from hitting the hull 2 of the boat 3 and therefore reduces noise pollution inside said hull 3.

Furthermore, due to its position on the surface of the water 8, the float 5 of each element 4 also makes it possible to protect the waterline from hydrocarbon-type dirt which is regularly found in ports, but also from any other soiling such as greasy waste water, water laden with silt, scum, etc ...

The flap 6 of the element 4 of the anti-splash device 1 which serves as ballast for the stability of the latter, not only contributes to the reduction of noise but also acts as a screen against the radiation of the sun on the beginning of the waves. lively works of the boat 3 making it possible to considerably limit the phenomenon of photosynthesis responsible for the development of algae.

With reference to figures 1 and 2 , the anti-ripple device 1 comprises a plurality of elements 4 floating on the surface of the water 8, arranged one after the other against at least part of the hull 2 of the boat 3. The elements 4 of the device anti-choppy waves 1 are held in place relative to the boat 3 by means of halyards. Thus, a first halyard 9 attached to the bow of the latter secures the anti-chop device 1 to the boat 3, and at least a second halyard 10 stretches the anti-chop device 1 along each side of the hull 2 of the boat 3 in order to keep the elements 4 together and pressed against said shell 2.

On the figures 1 and 2 , there is shown a boat 3 with elements 4 of the anti-chop device 1 arranged along only the front part of its hull 2, part conventionally accommodating the cabins of boaters. However, for perfect acoustic comfort and protection of the hull 2, the elements 4 of the anti-chop device 1 may be placed along the entire hull 2 of the boat 3.

With reference to figures 3 to 5 , according to a preferred embodiment, each element 4 of the anti-splash device 1 comprises two floats 5, 5 'in the overall shape of a cylinder, advantageously identical and contiguous longitudinally, said floats 5, 5' being advantageously joined together by at least an upper wall 11 extending longitudinally and interconnecting the upper parts of the two floats 5.5 ′.

It will be understood that the two floats 5, 5 'may be of different diameter (Cf. figure 9 ), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Said upper wall 11 may be replaced by any suitable means having the same function such as, for example, a plurality of ties of the cord, chain or similar type or even glue, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, each element 4 comprises two flaps 6.6 'each connecting the ballast 7 to one of the floats 5.5' so that the flaps 6.6 'form an assembly whose cross section has a general shape. by V.

This configuration of two 6.6 'V-shaped mud flaps allows water to enter between said 6.6' mud flaps and acts as a counterweight preventing the 5.5 'floats from following the wave without affecting the buoyancy of the boat. anti-splash device 1 as a conventional ballast could do.

In addition, a conventional ballast would weigh heavy out of the water, whereas with this configuration of two 6.6 'V-shaped mud flaps, the water will be evacuated by simple gravity when the user raises the anti- chop 1 out of the water.

In the case of an element 4 of an anti-splash device 1 with a single float 5, it will be understood that the two flaps 6 each connect the ballast 7 to one of the longitudinal edges of said float 5.

With reference to figures 4 and 5 , according to an alternative embodiment, each element 4 ′ of the anti-splash device 1 is similar to the element 4 previously described and further comprises an additional float 12 of smaller diameter and advantageously of the same length as the floats 5.5 ′ , connected to one of the floats 5.5 'of each element 4' by a flexible link 13 and arranged to be disposed between the hull of the boat 3 and said element 4 'when the anti-chop device 1 is placed around of said boat 3. Under normal conditions of use of the anti-chop device 1, the additional float 12 is therefore placed in the water under the 5.5 'floats since they are resting against the hull 2 (Cf. figure 4 ).

Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the additional float 12 may not be of the same length as the floats 5.5. Thus, it will advantageously be shorter at the level of the bow of the boat 3 to allow the anti-chop device 1 to be put in place easily and without forcing against the hull 2 of the boat 3.

In the same way as for the 5.5 'floats, it will be understood that each element 4' of the anti-choppy device 1 may include more than one additional float 12 and, for example, two additional floats 12, 12 'advantageously side by side. , said additional float 12 'being similar to the additional float 12 described above (Cf. figure 10 ).

However, when the boat 3 is anchored and not moored to a quay, the boat 3 can avoid around the anchor which has the consequence of lifting off a few centimeters the 5.5 'floats of each element 4' of the hull 2 of the boat 3, this additional float 12 then plays the role of a "valve". Thus, in such a case, the additional float 12, which is smaller, emerges and rises to the surface naturally to fill the space between the floats 5.5 'of each element 4' and the hull 2 of the boat 3 and thus avoid residual choppy water (Cf. figure 5 ). When the boat 3 returns to the anti-chop device 1, the additional float 12 is naturally repositioned under the water (Cf. figure 4 ).

With reference to the figure 6 , according to an "extreme" embodiment, each element 4 "of the anti-splash device 1 comprises two floats 5, 5 'in the overall shape of a cylinder, advantageously identical and contiguous longitudinally, said floats 5, 5' being advantageously joined together. by a wall upper 11 and a lower wall 14 extending longitudinally and respectively interconnecting the tops and bottoms of the two floats 5.5 '.

In addition, each element 4 "of the anti-splash device 1 comprises only a flap 6 fixed along a 61 of its longitudinal edges 61, 62 under the lower wall 14 and provided with a ballast 7 along its other. longitudinal edge 62.

It will be understood that this "extreme" embodiment is economical and that it may be sufficient for uses in a port without current.

Furthermore, it is also understood that this "extreme" embodiment can also be provided with an additional float similar to the additional float 12 described above.

For obvious reasons of weight and bulk during storage, the float or floats 5.5 ′ of each element 4.4′4 ″ of the anti-splash device 1 are advantageously inflatable. Thus, a single person can easily put in. place the anti-splash device 1, but also remove it.

For the same reasons, the flap (s) 6,6 ′ and ballast 7 of each element 4 are flexible.

To install the anti-chop device 1 around at least part of the hull 2 of the boat 3, the elements 4 are butted one after the other. For this, each element 4 comprises at each of its longitudinal ends quick coupling members, not shown in the figures, comprising a first part, for example male, and / or a second part, for example female, able to cooperate with a second part, for example female, and / or a first part, for example male, of an adjacent element 4 on which it abuts.

The quick couplers are, for example, of the press stud type, turnstile assembly - eyelet, Velcro® strip or similar.

To facilitate the joining of the elements 4 together, the upper wall 11 of certain elements 4 extends longitudinally beyond the floats 5.5 'so as to cover one of the ends of the adjacent element 4 on which they come abut.

Likewise, it will be understood that the end of certain elements 4 will advantageously be bevelled, in particular at the level of the bow and the stem of the boat 3, to allow the anti-choppy device 1 to match the shape of its shell 2 and increase its efficiency.

With reference to figures 7 and 8 , some boats 15 have a stern 16 having an inclined transom 17. With such a configuration, the stern 16 of these boats 15 often pose noise problems linked to the waves forming a chop under the transom 17, this phenomenon being amplified with the swell.

In this case, according to a second variant embodiment, the anti-chop device 1 comprises a mattress 18 formed by a plurality of complementary floats 19 contiguous longitudinally and advantageously inflatable, arranged to be placed under and against the transom 17 inclined and held by halyards 20. Depending on the shape and dimensions of the hull of the boat 15, the mattress 18 will have more or less additional floats 19.

Said additional floats 19 are similar to the floats 5.5 ′ previously described and are also preferably inflatable.

Description of other embodiments

It will be understood that, even if the configuration with a single ballast 7 is advantageous, the anti-chop device 1 may include more than one ballast 7, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Thus, according to an alternative embodiment shown in figure 11 , the anti-splash device 1 comprises elements 4 '''comprising three flaps 6,6', 6 "each connecting two ballasts 7.7 'to each other and to the floats 5.5' so that said flaps 6, 6 ', 6 "form an assembly whose cross section has a general U shape.

Likewise, according to a last variant embodiment shown in figure 12 , the anti-splash device 1 comprises elements 4 "" comprising four flaps 6,6 ', 6 ", 6''' each connecting three weights 7,7 ', 7" to each other and to the floats 5.5' so that said flaps 6,6 ', 6 ", 6""form an assembly, the cross section of which has the general shape of a pointed U. Those skilled in the art will understand that these general shapes of U and of a pointed U are technically equivalent to a V shape because they also allow water to enter between said mud flaps and act as a counterweight preventing the 5.5 'floats from following the wave without affecting the buoyancy of the anti-chop device 1 as could a conventional ballast.

Finally, the elements 4 "", 4 "" can obviously be associated with at least one additional float.

Possibility of industrial application

It will be understood that the anti-chop device 1 in accordance with the invention is preferably used for pleasure boating boats 3. However, it is obvious that this anti-chop device 1 can be adapted and used for other types of boats.

Finally, it goes without saying that the examples of anti-splash device 1 in accordance with the invention which have just been described are only specific illustrations, in no way limiting the invention.

Claims (5)

1. An anti-splash device (1) including at least one element (4, 4', 4") comprising at least one substantially cylindrical float (5, 5'), a flap (6, 6'), one longitudinal edge (61) of the longitudinal edges (61,62) of which is attached under said float (5) and the other longitudinal edge (62) of which is provided with a ballast (7) such that, when the float (5, 5') is floating on the water surface (8), said flap (6, 6') extends under the entire said float (5, 5') and is kept vertically tensioned by said ballast (7), said element (4) being arranged to be secured by halyards (9, 10) to a watercraft (3), the float (5, 5') floating on the water surface (8) in such a way that it is pressed against the hull (2) of said watercraft (3), said anti-splash device (1) being characterised in that each element (4, 4', 4") comprises two flaps (6, 6') each connecting the ballast (7) and the or one of the floats (5, 5') so that the flaps (6, 6') form an assembly, the cross section of which has a general V shape and in that each element (4') includes an additional float (12) of smaller diameter and of the same length as the float(s) (5, 5'), connected to a float (5, 5') by a flexible link (13) and arranged to be disposed between the hull of the watercraft (3) and said element (4') when the anti-splash device (1) is placed around said watercraft (3).
2. The anti-splash device (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that each element (4, 4', 4") includes two identical floats (5, 5') which are substantially cylindrical and longitudinally contiguous.
3. The anti-splash device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the flap(s) (6, 6') and ballast (7) of each element (4) are flexible.
4. The anti-splash device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that it includes a mattress (18) formed by a plurality of complementary floats (19) longitudinally contiguous, arranged to be disposed under and against the transom (17) tilted and held by halyards (20).
5. The anti-splash device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each of the float(s) (5, 5') and/or complementary float (19) is inflatable.

Images