System for preventing the deformation of sails, such as jibs, which are mounted on reels

Abstract

A system for preventing the deformation of sails, such as jibs, which are mounted on reels. The inventive system includes elements ( 14; 20 ) which are designed to produce a complementary volume at the centre of the reel. The sail which is mounted on the reel cannot be deformed by compression around the reel and parallel to the hoist thereof. The sail is made from a fabric having transverse and longitudinal fibres ( 18, 18 ′), which is resistant to compression and to local buckling. The fabric is disposed between two films ( 17, 17 ′) of tight weave fabric and the assembly is subsequently glued.

1 . A system for preventing the deformation of sails, such as jibs in particular, which are mounted on reels, comprising means ( 14 ;  20 ) designed to fashion an additional volume in the central part of the reel, characterized in that the sail mounted on said reel is non-deformable in compression around the reel and parallel to its hoist side, and in that it is produced from a fabric comprising transverse and longitudinal fibers ( 18 ,  18 ′) resistive to compression and local buckling, this fabric being incorporated between two films ( 17 ,  17 ′) of fine fabric, the whole then being bonded.  
   
   
       2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that said films ( 17 ,  17 ′) of fine fabric are films of ethylene glycol polyterephthalate.  
   
   
       3 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the means designed to fashion an additional volume in the central part of the reel consists of a biconical reel ( 14 ), possibly reinforced for torsion.  
   
   
       4 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the sail comprises slats ( 16 ) stitched into it, parallel to its hoist side.  
   
   
       5 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that said reel is protected by a fairing ( 22 ) forming an aerofoil.  
   
   
       6 . The system as claimed in  claim 5 , characterized in that this fairing ( 22 ) may be of cylindrical, conical or biconical shape.  
   
   
       7 . The system as claimed in  claim 5 , characterized in that said fairing ( 22 ) comprises, on its inside, a protruding part in the form of a spoiler ( 23 ) which presses against the sail ( 21 ).  
   
   
       8 . The system as claimed in  claim 6 , characterized in that said fairing ( 22 ) comprises, on its inside, a protruding part in the form of a spoiler ( 23 ) which presses against the sail ( 21 ).