EP4119438A1 - Device and method for protecting a sail - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for protecting a sail (2), comprising at least one cover (20) for encasing the sail (2), the device (1) having at least one element (30) for receiving a gaseous substance with variable comprises or forms an accommodation volume (30-2), the device (1) further comprising at least one device (40) for supplying and/or removing the gaseous substance from the accommodation volume (30-2), the at least one element (30 ) is arranged or designed for receiving such that the receiving element (30) occupies an increasing part of the internal volume (70) encompassed by the at least one covering (20) when the covering (20) encloses the leaflet (2) and itself the recording volume (30-2) increases and a corresponding method.

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for protecting a sail.

Sails are used to propel sailing vehicles, such as sailing boats or sailing ships, using wind power. A sail is typically constructed as a canvas made of woven fibers and can be attached to the sailing craft along its edges, also called leeches. There are different types of sails, such as a mainsail or headsail, which are attached to the sailing craft along a mast or forestay, among other things.

When the sail is not in use it is often furled towards one of its edges, for example the headsail is furled towards a luff around the forestay. For the duration of non-use, the sail remains attached to the sailing vessel. In such a state, disadvantageous buckling or other damage to the canvas can occur, e.g. due to relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled-up canvas caused by friction. Thus, even when rolled up, the sail requires special protection against such mechanical stress on the rolled-up canvas that can result in increased wear of the sail. In order to achieve protection against mechanical stress, it makes sense to minimize or even prevent relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled-up sailcloth along the entire length of the sail.

Furthermore, when not in use, the rolled-up sail requires special protection against weather-related external stress, such as solar radiation, moisture or wind. In particular, the external stress caused by the ultraviolet light that occurs in the sun's rays can result in premature wear or optical changes to the sail. In order to achieve protection against external stress, it makes sense to cover the rolled-up sail.

Due to different cuts and shapes of sails, it can happen that a rolled-up sail has, for example, a non-cylindrical shape or a shape that tapers conically from one end to the other end, so that reaching of the required protection can be made more difficult by a changing shape of the furled sail.

Depending on how the sail is attached to the sailing craft, it is also conceivable that when furled the sail will be arranged in an upright or near upright position, such as furled along the length of the luff around the forestay, making it possible to provide protection due to the potentially Difficult accessibility to higher areas of the furled sail.

A cover, also known as a tarpaulin, is typically used to achieve the desired protection against the aforementioned influences. This is attached to the rolled-up sail and closed to form a cover enclosing the rolled-up sail. In order to achieve the aforementioned protection of the sail, in particular against the mechanical stress explained, the cover must fit snugly and firmly against the sail, which is often achieved by lashing the cover with lines, which are usually routed outside of the cover over the length of the rolled-up sail will. After the cover has been pulled up, these lines must be pulled taut by the user with considerable effort in order to compress the cover and also the sail, which is wrapped when rolled up. This can lead to the formation of folds in the cover and/or the sail, which can have a negative effect on the external appearance of the cover and/or sail and can also reduce the required protection.

From the prior art, for example, from DE 20 2004 015 026 U1 a device for protecting a sail is known, which proposes an adjustable headsail tarpaulin, which has a plurality of belts with buckles, a respective belt length being adjustable on the buckles. The belt length can be adjusted by the user so that the headsail cover can be adapted to the shape of the furled headsail. Furthermore, the device has lines for lashing, whereby these are guided crosswise along the cover through loops and must be lashed by the user in order to achieve the required protection.

The technical problem arises of creating a device and a method for protecting a sail which is more user-friendly in terms of attachment and removal and offers effective protection against the stresses mentioned at the outset.

The technical problem is solved by the subject matter with the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The purpose of the device is to protect a sail against the stresses explained at the outset, with the disadvantages identified from the prior art not occurring or being reduced. A sail can include a canvas with at least three edges, eyelets and/or lines, and a rope sewn into the edges of the canvas for attaching the sail to a sailing vessel. Also conceivable are other embodiments of a sail which is used to propel a sailing vehicle by the wind.

The device comprises at least one cover, wherein the at least one cover can be made of woven material and can be configured as a tarpaulin, for example. Furthermore, the cover can be placed in an enveloping state, in which state it has or forms an internal volume which serves to accommodate or arrange at least a part of the sail or the entire sail, in particular in the rolled-up state. Thus, when in the wrapped state, the sail may be covered by the envelope (when the envelope is in the envelope state) along part of its length or along its entire length. The interior volume can be sealed off from the external environment to such an extent that the penetration of solar radiation, moisture, wind or other external stress is at least reduced or prevented.

According to the invention, the device comprises at least one element for receiving a gaseous substance with a changeable receiving volume or forms this element for receiving.

The receiving element can be made of a plastic material, in particular an elastomeric and/or polymer material, and be designed as a single-layer or multi-layer balloon body with one or more cavities; a tubular design is also possible. Other materials are also conceivable for production, with the material being selected in such a way that the gaseous substance absorbed can escape into the environment through the element for absorption is at least slowed down. However, the element for receiving is preferably designed to be gas-tight. It is also conceivable that the sleeve at least partially encloses the receiving element in order to protect the receiving element against mechanical damage such as a puncture or external stress on the receiving element, such as can occur, for example, as a result of solar radiation.

The gaseous substance may be air which is introduced into the receiving element, for example, from the environment. However, it is also conceivable for the gaseous substance to be a gas or gas mixture other than air, such as helium, for example.

The receiving volume of the receiving element can be changed, in particular it can be enlarged by filling it with the substance, which can be made possible by the preferably elastic expandability of the receiving element. It is also conceivable that the receiving element is designed in such a way that it has a predetermined external shape when a maximum receiving volume is reached, with the maximum receiving volume and thus the predetermined shape being able to be set by supplying the gaseous substance. Furthermore, the capacity can be reduced by discharging the gaseous substance. In particular, changing the receiving volume can affect the external shape and/or dimension of the receiving element. Likewise, the device can advantageously be attached to or removed from a rolled-up sail in a simplified manner in a state in which the element for receiving has a lower receiving volume than the maximum receiving volume.

The device also includes at least one device for supplying and/or removing the gaseous substance from the receiving volume. The device for supplying and/or removing serves to control the flow of the gaseous substance into and/or out of the receiving volume. The device for supplying and/or discharging can, for example, be designed in two parts and with a cover, a first part of the device without the cover being inserted through openings in the receiving element and the casing from the inside and a second part with the cover being put on from the outside is plugged, glued, screwed or pressed into the first part of the device. In this way, the sleeve and the element can be accommodated by the device are connected to one another, preferably clamped together, for supply and/or discharge in such a way that the gaseous substance does not escape from the receiving element after closing, preferably by means of the cover, and the gaseous substance can be supplied or discharged when the cover is removed .

It is also possible for the supply and/or discharge device to include a valve, for example a non-return valve. For example, in particular one of the two parts of the device for supply and/or discharge can comprise the valve.

Of course, other forms of a device for supplying and/or discharging, or for controlling the flow of the gaseous substance into and out of the receiving volume are also conceivable.

The supply and/or removal of the gaseous substance into and/or out of the receiving element can take place, for example, via a hand pump or else an electric pump. For this purpose, the device for supplying and/or discharging can comprise a suitable connecting element or means. The connection element or means can be designed, for example, on an outward-facing side as an adapter for a pump.

The element for receiving is arranged or designed in such a way that the element for receiving takes up an increasing part of the interior volume encompassed or enclosed or enveloped by the at least one envelope when the envelope envelopes the sail, i.e. the envelope is in the enveloping state, and the recording volume increases. The inner volume encompassed by the envelope can include a volume part that is occupied by the element for receiving with the variable receiving volume, and a further volume part occupied by the sail. Furthermore, the interior volume can include a free volume part that is claimed neither by the sail nor by the receiving element.

If a gaseous substance is supplied to the element for absorption, the absorption volume increases. Increasing the accommodation volume can influence the shape of the accommodation element in such a way that the part of the volume of the interior volume encompassed by the casing that is occupied by the accommodation element increases. Next, the explained free volume part and possibly also that of the sail occupied volume part decrease, especially if the internal volume is constant. When the storage volume increases, the storage element can in particular press against the sail and compress it. In such a state, the mechanical stress explained at the outset is avoided or the risk of its occurrence is reduced.

In order to protect the sail adequately against such mechanical stresses, it is advantageous if the rolled-up sail is evenly compressed from the outside. In particular, the element for receiving can be arranged and/or designed in such a way that the shape of the element for receiving adapts uniformly to the shape of the rolled-up sail as the receiving volume increases, with the shape being adapted by the supply of the gaseous substance and not by must be actively made by a user. The gaseous substance can be fed into the storage volume until sufficient compression of the leaflet occurs or the maximum storage volume is reached. Furthermore, the gaseous substance can be discharged from the receiving element, so that the volume part of the interior volume enclosed by the envelope occupied by the receiving element decreases, thereby advantageously simplifying removal of the device from the rolled-up sail.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises means for establishing a closed state of the at least one cover. This can mean in particular that the cover is in a non-closed state before the closed state is established. For example, in the unclosed condition the envelope may have opposite ends or sides to which the means for establishing the closed condition are attached. The opposite sides are preferably two longitudinal sides of the casing, it being possible for the casing to have two longitudinal sides and two front sides in the non-closed state. The means for creating a closed state can be designed in such a way that they can be used to create a releasable closed state.

For example, these means may comprise reclosable elements which allow the two opposite ends or sides of the envelope to be connected by means of a positive and/or non-positive fit, such as elements of a zipper. This can along the opposite ends of the at least a cover sewn to or sewn into this. Of course, other means for producing a closed state are also conceivable, for example elements of a button closure. The means for establishing a closed state of the at least one sleeve advantageously increases user-friendliness compared to an embodiment without means for establishing a closed state of the at least one sleeve, since attaching and/or removing the device to and/or from the sail to be protected is simplified in a non-closed state of the envelope. In the closed state, the cover can be in the enveloping state explained, a maximum internal volume of the cover being defined in this state. By feeding the gaseous substance into the element for receiving, the receiving volume can be increased until the rolled-up sail is evenly compressed from the outside by the device--as explained above.

In a further embodiment, the at least one shell forms the at least one receiving element. The shell and the receiving element can be designed as one component, so that, for example, the shell forms at least one wall of the receiving element and at least slows down or prevents the gaseous substance that has been received from escaping into the environment. By configuring the element to be received by at least part of the shell, the overall weight of the device can be reduced since less material has to be used. For the user, the weight reduction advantageously results in increased user-friendliness when attaching and removing the device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that both components can be produced from the same material. An elastomer or polymer material, for example, can be used as the material.

In another embodiment, the at least one receiving element is attached to the shell. The attachment can be made by a material, positive or non-positive connection. The attachment of the receiving element to the case can take place by means of fastening elements which establish a connection between the receiving element and the case. A connection between the element for receiving and the shell can also be implemented by means of materially bonded welding of both components. In other words, the receiving element can be welded to the shell. Attaching the receiving element to the shell allows for more freedom in material selection, for example the shell and the element be made of different materials for receiving, whereby these materials can have different properties adapted to the stresses to be avoided. It is possible for the receiving element to have or form fastening areas or sections for fastening to the casing. These areas or can in particular be edge areas or overhanging areas. These areas can, for example, be embodied with a greater material thickness, that is to say reinforced, in comparison with other areas. It is also possible for the cover to have or form fastening areas or sections for fastening the receiving element. These areas or can in particular be edge areas, in particular on a longitudinal side and/or on a front side. These areas can, for example, be embodied with a greater material thickness, that is to say reinforced, in comparison with other areas.

The protection mentioned at the outset can advantageously be achieved more flexibly by the fastening explained. Furthermore, by attaching the receiving element to the cover, greater user-friendliness is achieved in an advantageous manner, since the cover and receiving element do not have to be attached separately to the sail by the user when they are fastened to one another and are stored fastened to one another after the device has been removed from the sail can, so that the risk of not finding a component of the device is reduced.

In a further embodiment, the receiving element is fastened to the side facing the inner volume of the at least one sleeve. This side can also be referred to as the back of the case. By fastening the receiving element on the side facing the inner volume of the envelope, the changing receiving volume of the receiving element can increase in an enveloping state of the envelope towards the rolled-up sail in such a way that the receiving element is the part of the device that facing furled sail and/or touching the furled sail. The side of the shell that faces away from the interior volume, ie the outside, can be the part of the device that faces the environment. This design of the device makes it possible in an advantageous manner to design the parts of the device mentioned in such a way that the protection against the mechanical and external stress mentioned at the outset is increased. For example, this structure can be used to make the part of the device that faces the rolled-up sail or the part of the device that touches the sail from a material that can be used during attachment and/or Removing the device and/or pressing the device onto the cusp advantageously protects the surface of the cusp from mechanical stress caused by the pressing, while the part of the device that faces outwards, i.e. that part which faces away from the inner volume, can be made of one material, which is advantageously durable to external stress.

In another embodiment, the receiving element is sewn to the shell. It is conceivable that the cover and the element for receiving are made of different materials and the selected materials are not materially connectable, so that sewing the element for receiving to the cover is an advantageous type of connection. For example, the receiving element can have edges or edge sections for attaching a seam. These are arranged and/or designed in such a way that a seam does not adversely affect the absorption of a gaseous substance. Thus, the element can be sewn to the cover along the edges or edge sections for receiving. Connecting the two components by means of a seam can enable the components to be separated without destroying the connection if the seam is separated, while there can be a comparatively increased risk of damage to the device if a materially bonded connection is separated. The sewing of the housing element to the case therefore advantageously increases the interchangeability of the case and/or the housing element. It is conceivable, for example, that the sleeve or the element for receiving it are damaged beyond repair, so that the damaged component of the device can be replaced after the seam has been separated in order to repair the device.

In a further embodiment, the receiving element is detachably attached to the shell. The releasable connection between the receiving element and the case advantageously allows the user to disconnect and/or reconnect the connection between the components as needed. For example, one of the two components can be soiled so that it can be separated from the other component for cleaning. Other reasons for a detachable connection are also conceivable, such as the separate attachment and/or removal of the components of the device to and/or from the sail. Replacing a component, for example for maintenance in the event of damage to the device, is also advantageously possible due to the detachable connection. The detachable connection may be formed by means of fasteners, for example via a button placket attached along the edges of the receiving member with associated buttonholes formed through the shell. Also conceivable is the detachable connection of the two components by elements of a zip fastener.

In a further embodiment, the at least one sleeve is designed in such a way that at least one connecting element for connecting to an actuating element or for manual actuation is arranged in at least one edge region of the sleeve, preferably a front edge region. A connecting element can be used for connection to an actuating element for power transmission to the casing, but connection to a fastening element via the connecting element is also conceivable. Also, the connecting element can be an element for actuation by a user, e.g. for power transmission to the cover. As described above, it can happen that the furled sail remains in an upright or almost upright position on the sailing craft. This can result in the user having difficulty attaching and/or removing the device due to the potentially reduced accessibility in higher areas of the furled sail. It is therefore advantageous if the device has a possibility for connection to an actuating element and/or fastening element in the edge area of the cover.

For example, the cover can be connected to a halyard via the connecting element, with the cover being able to be drawn onto the rolled-up sail by actuating the halyard. The cover can also be connected to a fastening hook via the connecting element, e.g. when pulled open.

In the enveloping state of the casing, the edge area can be arranged on a part of the casing that is accessible from the outside, for example the edge area can comprise 10% of a longitudinal extent of the casing in an enveloping state. It is conceivable, for example, for at least one connecting element to be arranged in the edge area of the casing or to be attached to the casing. For example, a tab can be sewn to the edge area of the cover, but other types of attachment are also conceivable. The connecting element can be connected to an actuating element, in particular a fall, a line coming from the mast, so that it is possible to position the device at a required height or on a to hoist a furled sail, especially when it is in an almost upright position.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connecting element is also formed by the cover or is an opening in the edge region of the cover. Such an opening can be designed, for example, as a thimble, in particular a ring thimble.

In a further embodiment, a first connecting element is arranged on a first edge area and a further connecting element is arranged on a further edge area of the casing, which is opposite the first edge area. This additional edge area can be an additional front edge area. Attaching a further connecting element in an edge area of the cover opposite the (first) edge area is advantageous in order to not only make it easier for a user to attach the device through the connecting element in the edge area and through a further connecting element in the opposite edge area, if the rolled-up sail is, for example, in an almost upright position, but in addition also to facilitate the removal of the device for the user. For example, a further tab can be attached in the opposite edge area, which can be grasped by a user. By holding the additional tab by the user, the opposite edge area and thus part of the device can be held in position during attachment and/or the entire device can be tensioned by, for example, pressing the at least one tab attached in the opposite edge area and the cover can thus be pulled taut if, for example, a force to pull the cover open is exerted on the cover via the first connecting element. Furthermore, for example by actuating the further tab, for example by pulling on the further tab, the device can be removed from the rolled-up sail in an advantageous manner in a simplified manner. Thus, mounting and also removing can be simplified.

In a further embodiment, the device for supplying and/or discharging is arranged in a lower region, for example in the lower half or the lower third of the device. When a direction of gravitational force (direction of gravity) is oriented from top to bottom, the bottom portion of the device means the portion below a remaining (top) portion of the device with respect to that direction Device is positioned when the device is positioned in an upright or near-upright orientation on a furled sail. An upright or almost upright orientation is given when a directional component of a (central) longitudinal axis of the device, in particular in the enveloping state, which is oriented parallel to the gravitational direction, is greater than zero or greater than a directional component perpendicular thereto. Such an upright or almost upright orientation is given here, for example, when covering a sail which is arranged on the luff of a ship or boat.

The lower area is in particular the area of the device that is accessible to the user even when the device is in an upright position, for example the lower 150 cm of the device along its longitudinal axis if the device has a length of 300 cm. Accordingly, the upper area is the area of the device that is difficult and/or inaccessible to the user when the device is in an upright position, for example the upper 150 cm of the device along its longitudinal axis. Placing the supply and/or discharge device in the lower part of the device is advantageous in order to facilitate the user's accessibility to the supply and/or discharge device when the device is covering a sail in an almost upright position. In particular, this can make it easier for the user, for example, to connect a pump to a suitable connection element or connection element of the device for supply and/or discharge.

In a further embodiment, the device for supplying and/or discharging is designed as a valve or comprises a valve. The design of the device for supplying and/or discharging as a valve is advantageous because the gaseous substance can be supplied and discharged easily, quickly and reliably. The flow of the gaseous substance into and/or out of the receiving element can thus be interrupted without the user having to actuate a closure part, for example a lid. For example, the user can introduce the gaseous substance into the receiving element via the valve using a pump. When the delivery of the gaseous substance is complete, the user can remove the pump from the valve, the gaseous substance being prevented from escaping from the receiving element after the pump has been removed from the valve. For example, the valve can be designed as a check valve.

In a further embodiment, the device for supplying and/or discharging extends from the outside of the casing through to the inside of the receiving element, in particular into the receiving volume. The outside of the shell designates a side facing away from the inner volume encompassed by the shell. In particular, the outside of the case is accessible from the outside by the user when the case is in the enclosing state. The inside of the receiving element is a side of the receiving element that faces the variable receiving volume. Extending the supply and/or discharge device from the outside of the sleeve to the inside of the receiving element is advantageous in order to make the supply and/or discharge device accessible to the user from the outside. For example, a pump can be connected to the supply and/or discharge device when the cover is already covering the rolled-up sail. In particular, it is conceivable that the device for supplying and/or discharging can also be used as a coupling element between the sleeve and the element for receiving, with a first part of the device for supplying and/or discharging passing through at least one opening in of the casing and at least one further opening in the element for receiving is plugged in and a second part of the device for supplying and/or removing is plugged, glued, screwed or pressed onto the first part of the device from the outside. It is also conceivable that the device for supplying and/or removing and/or the sleeve is designed in such a way that the suitable connection element or connection element of the device for supplying and/or removing can be covered if necessary. For example, the outside of the case can have or form a resealable, flexible cover that covers the supply and/or discharge device, in particular the connection element or means of this device, so that it is protected from external stress, such as that caused by solar radiation or dirt particles can, is protected. Also conceivable is a cover sewn onto the outside of the cover, which can be opened and closed by means of a Velcro strip, so that the device for supplying and/or removing the cover is accessible from the outside when the cover is open.

In another embodiment, the envelope has an ultraviolet light transmittance of between 0% and 99%. The transmittance describes the quotient between the measurable radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light behind the cover and the measurable radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light in front of the cover. Here is in particular in front of the shell as an entry point of the ultraviolet light at the To understand outside of the shell and behind the shell as an exit point on the opposite side of the shell. A transmittance of 0% means that the measurable radiation intensity behind the cover is 0% of the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light measured in front of the cover. A transmittance of 99% means that the measurable intensity behind the cover is 99% of the radiation intensity of the ultraviolet light measured in front of the cover. In order to protect the rolled-up sail from external stress from solar radiation, it is therefore advantageous to design the cover in such a way that it has a transmittance to ultraviolet light of at most 99% or preferably less than 99%, at most 0%. The material is to be selected in such a way that the required degree of transmittance is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the receiving element is tubular or bag-shaped. A tubular design can mean that in the unfilled state a length of the element is greater than a width, preferably greater than twice the width, of the element. A sack-like configuration can mean that in the unfilled state a length of the element is less than or equal to a width, preferably less than or equal to twice the width of the element.

It is further possible that the element for receiving comprises a cushioning element, which is formed, for example, by a foam layer which is attached to a surface of the sail facing side of the element for receiving, so that the risk of damage to the surface of the sail by the device is advantageously reduced.

The sleeve can be designed in such a way that it assumes a cylindrical or conical shell shape, in particular in the enveloping state and/or when the receiving volume of the element is filled with the gaseous substance. As a result, the casing and/or the device has a uniform, preferably rotationally symmetrical, outer shape, whereby the outer shape advantageously offers a smaller surface for external stresses, such as strong winds, compared to a cuboid shape, for example.

In a further embodiment, the cover is printable. Printable is to be understood in particular as meaning that the shell is designed in such a way that the outside of the shell can accommodate at least one colorant, which can be used, for example, to represent letters and symbols on the outside of the shell. It is also conceivable, for example, for letters or symbols to be represented with the aid of flock fibers by electrostatic flocking. In particular, the representation can have an information content. The representation can be used to convey the handling of the device to the user. For example, orientation information regarding the upper and lower area of the device on the sail can be conveyed by means of a representation using the letters UP for up and DOWN for down. This advantageously increases user-friendliness and also safety during use of the device.

In a further embodiment, the cover is water-repellent. A water-resistant cover is advantageous as this gives the device better protection for the furled sail from external stress such as rain. Water-repellent means in particular that the shell is designed in such a way that the outside of the shell has hydrophobic properties. However, it is also conceivable for the cover to be impervious to water, so that water applied to the outside of the cover does not penetrate from the outside of the cover through the cover to the opposite side of the cover, in particular not to the sail covered by the cover . It is also conceivable that, for example, wax or paraffin is applied to the shell in order to achieve the water-repellent property of the shell.

Also proposed is a method for protecting a cusp, wherein the cusp is encased in at least one cover, wherein a gaseous substance is supplied to and/or discharged from a variable capacity of an element for accommodating a gaseous substance, the at least one element for accommodating occupies an increasing part of an internal volume comprised by the at least one cover when the cover encloses the sail and the volume increases.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the gaseous substance is a device for supplying and / or removing the gaseous substance from the Recording volume supplied and / or discharged. The flow of the gaseous substance into and/or out of the receiving volume can thus be controlled in a user-friendly manner with the aid of the device for supplying and/or discharging.

The device according to the invention is preferably designed to carry out at least one step, particularly preferably all steps, of the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention can be carried out by means of an embodiment of the device according to the invention described in this disclosure. The technical effects and advantages mentioned in this disclosure for the device according to the invention accordingly apply to the method.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Segelboots mit Vorsegel,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Segelboots mit aufgerolltem Vorsegel und angebrachter Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels,

Fig. 3

eine vorderseitige schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem nicht geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle,

Fig. 4

eine rückseitige schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem nicht geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle, und

Fig. 5

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Schutz eines Segels in einem geschlossenen Zustand der Hülle.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The figures show:

1

a schematic representation of a sailing boat with headsail,

2

a schematic representation of a sailing boat with furled headsail and attached device for protecting a sail,

3

a front schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a sail in a non-closed state of the cover,

4

a rear schematic representation of a device according to the invention for protecting a sail in a non-closed state of the cover, and

figure 5

a schematic perspective view of a device for protecting a sail in a closed state of the cover.

In the following, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same or similar technical features.

1 shows a sailing vessel 5 with two sails 2, with a main sail 7 and a headsail 2-1 being attached to the sailing vessel 5. The headsail 2-1 is guided along a luff 6 on a forestay 8. The forestay 8 is also used to support a mast 3 of the sailing vessel 5. The direction of gravitation is indicated by g and an arrow with the arrow pointing in the direction of gravity. If the headsail 2-1 is not in use, the headsail 2-1 can be furled around the forestay 8.

2 shows a sailing vessel 5 with two sails 2 , the headsail 2 - 1 being rolled up around the forestay 8 towards the luff 6 . A device 1 encases the furled headsail 2-1. The device 1 protects the rolled-up sail 2 from mechanical stress, such as that which occurs due to friction during relative movements of the different layers of the rolled-up sail 2, and/or external stress, such as that which occurs, for example, from solar radiation. The device 1 is after 2 brought into position by means of a halyard 51-4, i.e. a line coming from the mast 3.

3 shows a device 1 in a non-closed state. The device 1 comprises a sleeve 20 with opposite longitudinal sides 20-1, to which means 20-2 for producing a closed state of the sleeve 20 are attached. The means 20-2 can be elements of a zipper or can include these. If the opposite sides 20 - 1 are releasably connected by means of the means 20 - 2 , the case 20 is in a closed state.

Furthermore, the outer side 20-4 is printed with a first and second orientation notice 61, 62, with the first orientation notice 61 showing an upper area 63 of the device 1 visible to the user by means of the letters TOP, and the second orientation notice 62 showing a lower area by means of the letters BOTTOM Area 64 of the device 1 visible to the user identifies. After 3 the transition from the upper to the lower area of the device is indicated by a dashed line 65 . The orientation instructions 61, 62 advantageously make it easier for the user to attach the device 1 to the sail 2, which is rolled up in an almost upright position. It can also be seen that a device 40 for supplying and/or discharging is fitted in the lower area 64 of the device 1, so that the supply and/or discharging of a gaseous substance is advantageously made easier for the user.

Furthermore, the device 1 in the closed, ie enveloping, state has an inner volume (not shown), which is encased by the cover 20 and which used in particular for receiving and/or arranging at least part of the rolled-up sail 2 or the complete sail 2. In the non-closed state, the device 1 can advantageously be placed around the rolled-up sail 2 in a simplified manner, the sail 2 then being enveloped by the cover 20 by producing the closed state. As a result, the device 1 offers protection against external stress on the sail 2, for example from solar radiation. In particular, the cover 20 can have an ultraviolet light transmittance between 0% and 99% and can be water-repellent.

In order to further achieve even more extensive protection against external and mechanical stress, the device 1 comprises an element for receiving a gaseous substance (not shown), which is arranged on a rear side of the shell 20, ie on a side of the shell opposite the outside 20-4 is. The receiving element is sewn to the cover 20 along part of its edges (not shown) by means of a seam 25 with a first front edge area 20-5 of the cover 20 and a further opposite edge area 20-6 of the cover 20. The first front edge area 20-5 can be referred to as the upper edge area and the further front edge area 20-6 can be referred to as the lower edge area.

By means of the device 40 for supplying and/or discharging, the receiving element can receive and/or discharge a gaseous substance (not shown) into a receiving volume formed by the receiving element. The gaseous substance can be air, which can be introduced from the environment 100 into the interior volume of the receiving element and/or discharged into the environment 100 by the supply and/or exhaust device 40 . The device 40 for supplying and/or discharging also includes a connecting element 40-1 for connecting a pump, for example, which can be a hollow-cylindrical element with an external thread and a cover with an internal thread. Furthermore, a cover 40-3 is attached to the outside 20-4 of the sleeve 20, which cover can be attached to the outside 20-4 of the sleeve 20 by means of a Velcro strip 40-4 to cover the device 40 for supplying and/or removing it . As a result, the device 40 for supplying and/or discharging is advantageously protected against external stress and contamination. After 3 If the Velcro connection between the cover 40-3 and the outside of the case 20-4 is released, the cover 40-3 can be folded over in such a way that the connecting element 40-1 is accessible to the user from the outside.

Attachment can be accomplished by wrapping the envelope 20 around the sail 2 and then placing it in a closed condition.

Alternatively, attachment may be accomplished by wrapping at least a portion of the cover 20, e.g., the portion comprising the cover's wider marginal region 20-6, around a portion of the furled sail, e.g., a lower portion of the sail. The cover 20 can then be placed in the closed state in the region of this section. Thereafter, the cover 20 can be moved along the cusp, for example up to an upper end of the cusp, further areas of the cover 20 being closed during the movement, in particular until a completely closed state is established. Alternatively, it is possible to establish the fully closed state only after reaching the end position, e.g. the upper end.

4 shows the device 1 from a perspective in which the outside 20-4 of the sleeve 20 is not visible. Instead shows 4 the inside, ie the side facing the sail 2, of the device 1 with the element 30 for receiving. The receiving element 30 has a receiving volume 30-2. The receiving volume 30-2 can be changed by supplying and/or discharging the gaseous substance; in particular, the receiving volume 30-2 increases by supplying the gaseous substance and decreases by discharging the gaseous substance. In the in the 3 and 4 In the state shown, no gaseous substance is taken up in the element 30 for uptake, so that the uptake volume 30-2 is minimized. Attachment of the device 1 to a sail 2 is advantageously simplified in such a condition.

End edges 30 - 1 of the receiving element 30 are sewn to the edge regions 20 - 5 , 20 - 6 of the sleeve 20 via a seam 25 . The edges 30-1 of the containment element 30 are not part of the containment volume 30-2, so that the containment of a gaseous substance through the seam 25 is not adversely affected. The seam 25 creates a connection between the cover 20 and the receiving element 30 so that the individual components of the device 1 (cover 20 and the receiving element 30) advantageously cannot become detached from one another.

It is possible that the longitudinal sides of the element 30 can also be taken up over a seam are sewn to the cover 20, in particular with edge areas along the longitudinal sides 20-1 of the cover 20.

figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a device 1 according to the invention, which is used to protect a sail 2 against mechanical and external stress. Is the device 1 like after figure 5 attached to a sail 2 and, in the closed state, the envelope 20 envelops a sail 2, in particular a rolled-up sail 2, and if a gaseous substance is absorbed into the element 30 for absorption, the absorption volume 30-2 increases. As a result, the receiving element 30 occupies an increasing part of the internal volume enclosed by the sleeve 20 . Furthermore, the shape of the receiving element 30 changes due to the increased receiving volume 30 - 2 , so that the receiving element 30 can press against the rolled-up sail 2 in a shape defined by the rolled-up sail 2 . As a result, the sail 2 is compressed and, as a result of compression, relative movements of the individual layers of the rolled-up sail 2 are minimized and/or prevented. By minimizing and/or preventing relative movements of the cusp 2, the device 1 offers protection against mechanical stress on the cusp 2 and premature closure of the cusp 2.

In the upper and lower edge areas 20-5, 20-6 of the cover 20, connecting elements 51, 52 are attached to the cover 20. FIG. Both connecting elements 51, 52 are designed as tabs sewn into the edge regions 20-5, 20-6. The connecting elements 51, 52 can be used, for example, to connect to an actuating element 51-3. The actuating element 51-3 can be used as in 2 shown, for example, a line coming from a mast 3, i.e. a case 51-4, which advantageously allows the user of the device 1 to use the device 1 after connecting the actuating element 51-3 to one of the connecting elements 51, 52 in a to be positioned at a height that is difficult for the user to access, in that the user actuates the device 1 by means of the actuating element 51-3, in particular by means of the case 51-4 pulling it up. Furthermore, after attachment to the sail 2, the device 1 can be advantageously positioned and pulled taut by grasping and pulling the (further) connecting element 52 on the rolled-up sail 2. The (additional) connecting element 52 can, for example, be gripped by one hand of the user of the device 1 in order to advantageously close the device 1 on the rolled-up sail 2 by pulling on the tab position and/or facilitate the removal of the device 1 from the sail 2 in an advantageous manner.

In the figure 5 illustrated embodiment of the device 1 has all the advantages and functions described in the 2 , 3 and 4 embodiments shown. In figure 5 a rolled-up sail 2 is arranged in an almost upright position. The sail 2 can assume this position, for example, if it is arranged on a forestay 8 of a sailing vessel 5 . The device 1 is shown encasing the rolled-up sail 2 .

In particular, a cover 20 of the device 1 is placed in a closed state and envelops the rolled-up sail 2 . Furthermore, by opening the cover 20 by means of the means 20-2 for producing a closed state, a non-closed state of the cover 20 can be produced in which the device 1 can be removed from the rolled-up sail 2 in an advantageous manner in a simplified manner.

Due to the closed state of the cover 20, an inner volume 70 is formed by the closed cover 20. A volume part 70-1 of the inner volume 70 is occupied by a receiving volume 30-2 of an element 30 for receiving. Another part 70 - 2 of the interior volume 70 is occupied by a forestay 8 and the sail 2 that is rolled up. A remaining free volume part (not shown) of the interior volume 70 can be occupied by air, for example, with the air being able to come from the environment 100 .

Furthermore, the element 30 decreases for absorption figure 5 by receiving a gaseous substance in the receiving volume 30-2, for example by supplying air from the environment 100 into the element 30 for receiving, takes on a shape which presses against the rolled-up canopy 2 and thus protects the canopy 2 from mechanical stress . After the containment element 30 has been filled, the casing 20 has a conical outer shape 20-8 which is advantageously streamlined.

Reference List

1

contraption

2

sail

2-1

headsail

3

mast

5

sailing vehicle

6

luff

7

main sail

8th

forestay

20

Covering

20-1

long sides

20-2

means of manufacture

20-4

outside of the shell

20-5

edge area of the shell

20-6

further edge area of the shell

20-8

outer shape of the shell

30

Item to record

30-1

Edges of the item to capture

30-2

recording volume

40

Device for supplying and/or discharging

40-1

connection element

40-3

cover

40-4

velcro tape

51

fastener

51-3

actuator

51-4

case

52

another connecting element

61

first guide

62

second orientation note

63

upper area

64

lower area

65

dashed line

70

internal volume

70-1

part by volume

70-2

another volume part

100

vicinity

G

gravity direction

Claims (15)

Device (1) for protecting a sail (2), comprising at least one cover (20) for covering the sail (2), characterized in that
the device (1) comprises or forms at least one element (30) for receiving a gaseous substance with a variable capacity (30-2), the device (1) further having at least one device (40) for supplying and/or removing the gaseous Substance from the receiving volume (30-2), wherein the at least one element (30) for receiving is arranged or designed in such a way that the element (30) for receiving an increasing part of the interior volume ( 70) claimed when the cover (20) encloses the sail (2) and the capacity (30-2) increases. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises means (20-2) for establishing a closed state of the at least one sleeve (20). Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one sleeve (20) forms the at least one element (30) for receiving and/or that the at least one element (30) for receiving on the sleeve (20) is attached. Device (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the receiving element (30) is fixed on the side facing the internal volume (70) of the at least one envelope (20). Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the receiving element (30) is sewn to the cover (20) and/or that the receiving element (30) is detachably fixed to the cover (20). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sleeve (20) is designed in such a way that in at least one edge region (20-5) of the sleeve, preferably a front edge region, at least one connecting element (51) is arranged for connection to an actuating element (51-3) or for manual actuation. Device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that a first connecting element (51) is arranged on a first edge area (20-5) and a further connecting element (52) on a further edge area (20-6) of the casing (20) is arranged opposite to the first edge region (20-5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supplying and/or removing is arranged in a lower region (64) of the device (1). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supplying and/or discharging is designed as a valve or comprises a valve. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (40) for supplying and/or discharging extends from the outside (20-4) of the envelope (20) through to the inside of the element (30) for receiving extends, in particular into the receiving volume (30-2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the envelope (20) has a transmittance of ultraviolet light of between 0% and 99%. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving element (30) is of tubular or bag-like design. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (20) can be printed on. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (20) is water-repellent. Method for protecting a sail (2), characterized in that the sail (2) is covered with at least one envelope (20), a gaseous substance being contained in a variable volume (30-2) of an element (30) for holding a gaseous substance is supplied and/or discharged therefrom, the at least one receiving element (30) occupying an increasing part of an internal volume (70) comprised by the at least one shell (20) when the shell (20) envelops the leaflet (2). and the receiving volume (30-2) increases.

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