Title: A line management system and a paramotor comprising the same Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a line management apparatus, in particular to a line management apparatus for use with the lines of a flexible or semi- flexible wing. The present invention further relates to a paramotor comprising the line management apparatus.

Background of the invention

Powered air vehicles using soft/flexible wings made of fabric, generally known as paramotors, are used for leisure activities and surveillance, and occasionally for air delivery. Such vehicles may also be referred to as motorised or powered parachutes, paraplanes or PPCs, powered paragliders or PPGs. A conventional paramotor wing comprises a canopy and a line system, wherein the line system is used to attach the canopy to a vehicle. The fabric of the canopy is prone to degradation over time. It is particularly prone to damage when the paramotor is on the ground. In light of this, it is desirable to protectively store the canopy when it is not in use.

In preparation for take-off, the canopy must be unfurled from its stored state and laid out behind the vehicle, so as to be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Lines of the line system must be laid out between the canopy and the vehicle. They cannot be tangled. A problem arises that the lines can become tangled during storage of the canopy, wherein significant time and effort can be involved in untangling the lines to allow for take-off. A problem can also arise with the lines becoming tangled during flight, such as in the case of a canopy collapse or crash landing.

The present invention arose in a bid to provide a solution to the problem of tangled lines. Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a line management apparatus for a flexible or semi-flexible wing, which comprises a canopy and a line system comprising one or more lines for connecting the canopy to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a gathering device, which is collapsible, wherein, in use, a plurality of the lines pass through the gathering device, a first end of the gathering device is attached proximal to the vehicle, and a second end of the gathering device is movable relative to the first end. It is to be noted that the first end of the gathering device is preferably not permanently attached. It is preferably detachable. References in the application to attachment of any elements cover arrangements that are detachable. Moreover, elements may be arranged to provide a “poka yoke” fitment. That is, any elements that are attached to one another may be arranged to attach in a single correct orientation only. In particular, an attachment means for the first end of the gathering device may be configured in this manner.

The line management apparatus of the first aspect may be provided with a canopy cover. The canopy cover may be attached to the gathering device. Most preferably the canopy cover is provided adjacent to the second end of the gathering device.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a line management apparatus for a flexible or semi-flexible wing, which comprises a canopy and a line system comprising one or more lines for connecting the canopy to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a gathering device, which is collapsible, wherein, in use, a plurality of the lines pass through the gathering device, wherein a canopy cover is attached to the gathering device.

According to the second aspect, the gathering device preferably has a first end and a second end, with the second end movable relative to the first end. The cover may be provided adjacent to the second end. The first end may be attached proximal the vehicle.

Further, preferable, features of the first and second aspects include the following, which may be taken in isolation or in any combination:

The gathering device may be attached at its first end to the vehicle, to a mounting structure of the line system or to a riser of the line system.

The second end of the gathering device may comprise an attachment means for attachment to the canopy or to one or more of the lines proximal to the canopy.

The gathering device may be substantially tubular. The gathering device may be configured to concertina or telescope. The gathering device may comprise a plurality of interconnected rings or loops. The gathering device may comprise a coil. The canopy cover may extend over substantially the entire length of the gathering device. The canopy cover may be longer than the gathering device. The canopy cover may comprise a sheet or a bag. The canopy cover may define a folding guide for the canopy. The canopy cover may comprise one or more flaps and/or one or more closure elements.

The line management apparatus may comprise a pair of the gathering devices. The gathering devices may be joined to one another. The gathering devices may both be attached to the canopy cover.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a paramotor comprising a flexible or semi-flexible wing, which comprises a canopy and a line system, and a vehicle, which is attached to the canopy by the line system, the paramotor comprising an apparatus as defined in any of the statements above.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non limiting examples only, with reference to the Figures in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a paramotor comprising a flexible wing of a form that is suited to use with line management apparatuses according to embodiments; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a line management apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 3a shows a perspective view of a line management apparatus according to an alternative embodiment in an extended state whilst Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the line management apparatus of Figure 3a in a collapsed state;

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c each show alternatively configured line gathering devices for use in embodiments; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a line management apparatus according to an embodiment in a stowed state following collapse.

Detailed description

Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide a line management apparatus for a flexible wing.

With reference to figure 1 , there is shown an exemplary paramotor 10 comprising a flexible wing. It is to be noted that whilst the line management apparatus is suited for use with the flexible wing of the paramotor 10, it may equally be used with flexible wings of different form, or with semi-flexible wings. The line management apparatus of the present invention is not restricted to use with the flexible wing shown, or any other particular form of wing. The paramotor 10 and its line system are described here only to aid in the understanding of the function of the line management apparatus of the present invention.

The paramotor 10 consists of a canopy 1 and a ground vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 may be a tricycle, or take other forms. The vehicle 2 consists of a vehicle body and carries a propulsion unit 3 (which may comprise, for example, a propeller, jet or rockets). The vehicle further comprises an undercarriage 4 (e.g. skids, tracks or wheels), and the pilot and/or control system. In flight, the vehicle 2 is suspended from the canopy 1 by a network of lines 7 known as a line system 6, wherein the canopy 1 and line system 6 can together be considered to comprise a wing. Conventionally, the vehicle 2 is suspended at a pair of attachment points (left and right) on the vehicle 2, or any number of attachment points. The line system 6 then branches up to the canopy 1. Conventionally, the lines 7 attach to the canopy 1 underside at attachment points arranged in rows across the span, from the leading edge 8A towards the trailing edge 8B. These attached points are often called A, B, C rows, indicated as A, B, C on Figure 1. An A, B or C line is one of the lines 7 in the respective A, B or C row. This arrangement allows the angle of attack and camber of the canopy 1 to be adjusted by changing the length of the lines 7 attached to one or more rows of lines. To facilitate this control the branching pattern of the lines 7 is arranged so that the lines 7 originating at one row are brought together into a single line (called a “riser” 9) near the base of the line system 6 and close to the vehicle 2 where it can be adjusted.

Conventionally, the line branching pattern of the line system 6 is arranged so that all the lines 7 from all the rows on the left side of the canopy 1 meet in the left set of risers 9, and all those from the right side meet in the right set of risers 9, allowing steering control by adjusting the lengths of the left and right sets of lines 7 asymmetrically. References herein to the line system 6 are generally referring to a system comprising both lines 7 and risers 9.

The rearmost set of lines 7 (those connected to row C) is conventionally attached at or near the trailing edge 8B of the canopy 1 and are used to control the canopy 1 by distorting the canopy 1 by pulling down the trailing edge 8B, which slows the canopy 1 (and these lines 7 are therefore called brakes). To turn, the brakes are applied asymmetrically and the paramotor vehicle 2 rolls and yaws towards the brake that is pulled down.

Prior to take-off, as part of a launch phase, the canopy 1 must first be inflated and rotated into a position substantially above the vehicle 2 so as to create lift. As the vehicle 1 is propelled forward by the propulsion unit 3, the flow of air over the canopy 1 creates lift and causes the vehicle 2 to become airborne. Initially, the uninflated canopy 1 is laid out behind the aerial vehicle 2, so as to be generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerial vehicle 2. There must be no tangling of the lines 7. As the source of thrust (propulsion unit 3) is initiated, the wash from the source of thrust 3 causes the canopy to begin to inflate, and for the at least one canopy line 7 securing the canopy to the aerial vehicle 1 to become taut. As the aerial vehicle 1 begins to move forwards and as the source of thrust 6 generates a wash over the wing, the wing experiences an airflow that causes it to inflate and experience aerodynamic forces such as lift and drag. As the canopy is further inflated and creates a pressurised wing, the canopy starts to rise towards a position where it is generally over the aerial vehicle 1. The phase during which the canopy rises from the ground to being generally above the vehicle 1 may be referred to as the “rotation” phase. With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a line management apparatus. Figures 3a and 3b show an alternative embodiment. Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show different configurations of gathering devices, which may be used in line management apparatuses according to embodiments. Figure 5 shows a line management apparatus in a stowed state.

Common to all embodiments is the provision of a gathering device 11 , which is collapsible and arranged so that a plurality of the lines 7 of a flexible wing 1 , such as that discussed above with respect to Figure 1 , or otherwise configured, may pass through the gathering device 11.

A first end 11a of the gathering device 11 may be arranged so that it may be attached proximal to a vehicle 2 that comprises the flexible wing 10. It must be noted, however, that arrangements are possible where this is not the case, as recognised in the summary of invention section above. A second end 11b of the gathering device 11 is movable relative to the first end 11 a. The benefit of the attachment of the first end 11a, proximal to the vehicle 2 is that the first end 11a can be substantially fixed against movement in a length direction of the lines. At least its movement along the lines in a direction away from the vehicle will be limited. The second end 11b may be moved back and forth, relative to the first end 11a, in a length direction of the lines 7 that pass through the gathering device, (as exemplarily indicated by the block arrow in Figure 2). Movement of the second end 11 b towards the first end 11 a will lead to a collapse of the gathering device 11 and an ungathering of the wires 7. Movement of the second end 11b away from the first end 11a will lead to a gathering of the wires 7, as the gathering device 11 is drawn along the lengths of the wires 7. As discussed below, the gathering device is preferably attached to a canopy cover 13. It must be noted, however, that arrangements are possible where this is not the case, as recognised in the summary of invention section above.

The canopy cover 13 may comprise a sheet or bag and may comprise flaps or closure members, and may define a folding guide for the canopy, particularly when it comprises a sheet. The canopy cover may be provided adjacent the second end 11 b.

The line management apparatus will typically comprise more than one of the gathering devices 11. The arrangements of Figures 2 and 3a, for example, each comprise two of the gathering devices 11 and are thereby suited to, although not limited to, use with the wing 1 shown in Figure 1 , wherein lines 7 branching out from the right hand riser 9 may be gathered by a first of the gathering devices 11 and lines 7 branching out from the left hand riser 9 may be gathered by a second of the gathering devices 11. It should be appreciated, however, that arrangements may be provided having more than two of the gathering devices 11 or only a single gathering device 11. The configuration of the line management apparatus may be tailored to suit different wing arrangements, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The line management apparatus, as mentioned, preferably comprises a folding template, which, with two gathering devices 11 , is operable to neatly package the left and right sides of the canopy as two separate columns through which the lines 7 gather/spiral, thereby reducing the risk of line tangling and reducing the time taken to pack and unpack the canopy 1. With the provision of a suitable canopy cover 13, as is preferred, the canopy may be sealed in a connected two-column shape within the canopy cover 13, which can maintain the canopy’s shape. The canopy cover 13 may take various forms as discussed. Any excess line remaining between a substantially rigid riser structure 9 and the packaged canopy 1 can be grouped together and may, for example, be attached to the back of the canopy back with some form of rigid or elastic tie to create a tightly packaged structure, eliminate line movement, and thereby eliminate line tangling. Upon unpacking, the canopy 1 and associated lines 7 then easily unfurl with minimal set-up time required.

When the wing is in use, the line management apparatus, including the line gathering device(s) 11 and the canopy cover 13 (when present) can be collapsed/folded down and stored at the vehicle 1.

The, or each, line gathering device 11 may be attached at its first end 11a to a mounting structure of the line system 6 or to a riser 9 of the line system 6. The point of attachment will depend on the structure of the flexible wing and its line system. The attachment point and/or means is not critical. The aim of the attachment is to restrain the first end 11a against significant movement along the lines 7 during movement of the second end 11b, i.e. during extension or collapse of the line management apparatus. The attachment may be direct or via another element. It may be via another part of the line management apparatus, such as the canopy cover 13 if this extends as far as the first end 1 1 a.

In the exemplary arrangement of Figures 2, the canopy cover 13 extends as far as the first ends 11a of the gathering devices and is attached adjacent to the first ends 11a by looped attachment elements 12 to a cross member that extends between the risers 9. The embodiment of Figure 2 is not to be limited to this means of attachment, however, particularly in the event the canopy cover 13 does not extend to this point, as may be the case in alternative arrangements.

In the arrangement of Figures 3a and 3b, the risers are attached to a crossbar 18, which is attachable to/detachable from the vehicle 2 for mounting/de mounting the wing from the vehicle 2. Such an arrangement, particularly in combination with the line management apparatus, allows for the straightforward detachment of the wing for storage. Either the canopy cover 13 or the gathering devices 11 themselves are attached to the crossbar 18 in this arrangement. The line management apparatus is shown in Figure 3b in a compressed/storage state for adoption during flight. It should be appreciated that in alternative arrangements the mounting member need not comprise a crossbar but could take another form allowing suitable attachment/detachment from a corresponding mounting arrangement on the vehicle.

In the arrangements of Figures 4a to 4c, the gathering devices themselves are attached adjacent their first ends 11a to the risers 9 by attachment means 12, which may take any suitable form, including but not limited to clips, hooks, stitching, or otherwise. Any suitable attachment means may be implemented, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. As discussed, in alternative arrangements they may not be attached at their first ends. The second end of the gathering device(s) 11 b may comprise an attachment means 15 for attachment to the canopy or to one or more of the lines proximal the canopy. Otherwise, a canopy cover 13 could be used with the gathering devices 11 , which could be attached to the second ends of the gathering devices 11. In the arrangements of Figures 4a to 4c, the second ends 11b of the gathering devices 11 are provided with attachment means 15 for attachment to the canopy, which may take any suitable form, including but not limited to clips, rings, hooks, or otherwise.

The, or each, gathering device 11 may be substantially tubular in form and may be of substantially open or closed form. The gathering devices of Figures 1 and 2 take the form of concertina sleeves that are substantially closed. Neither embodiment is limited in this respect. In alternative arrangements telescoping sleeves could be provided, for example. In either case these could be open rather than closed. In further alternative arrangements, constructions such as those shown in Figures 4a to 4c could be adopted instead. With reference to Figure 4a, there is shown a gathering device 11 , which comprises a plurality of interconnected rings 16. The rings are attached to a plurality of threads/lines 17, as shown. The maximum spacing between adjacent rings 16 may be set by their attachment to the threads, whilst the threads allow for collapse with the rings bunched up.

With reference to Figure 4b, there is shown a gathering device 11 , which is of similar construction to Figure 4a but comprises loops 16 instead of rings. The loops 16 are attached to a spline line. The loops 16 may be Dyneema® loops. With reference to Figure 4c, there is shown a gathering device 11 , which comprises a coil 16. The coil may be formed from metal, plastic or otherwise. As discussed, any arrangement discussed herein may be provided with a canopy cover 13. Figures 2, 3a and 3b, and 5 show different exemplary canopy covers 13. It is preferable, as is the case in all of these arrangements, that the canopy cover is attached to the gathering device (s) 11. This need not be the case, however.

The canopy cover 13 may be provided adjacent to the second ends 11 b of the gathering device(s) 11 or may extend over substantially the entire length of the gathering device. In the arrangements of Figures 2 and 3a, the canopy covers 13 are longer than the gathering devices 11. They extend along the entire lengths of the gathering devices 11 and beyond the second ends 11 b of the gathering devices 11. The canopy cover 13 may comprise a sheet or a bag. In the arrangements of Figures 2 and 3a and 3b it comprises a sheet. In the arrangement of Figure 5 it comprises a bag. It may take the form of a stuff bag.

The form of the canopy cover is not to be restricted. It preferably at least partially covers the canopy when the canopy is in a folded state. It may encapsulate it but it need not do so. It preferably aids in the folding of the canopy, by acting as a guide.

The canopy cover 13 may comprise one or more flaps 13a and/or one or more closure elements, to allow it to wrap around the canopy and remain wrapped. Flaps 13a are present in the arrangements of Figures 2 and 3a and 3b. The flaps 13a may be provided with closure means, such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners, poppers or otherwise. In Figure 5, a closure element is provided in the form of a zip 14. This could be replaced with hook and loop fasteners, poppers or otherwise. When, as is preferred, the apparatus comprises a pair of the gathering devices 11 , they may be joined to one another. They may be joined via the canopy cover 13, as is the case in the arrangement of Figures 2 and 2a and 3b. Exemplary use of the apparatus will now be considered briefly on the basis of the apparatus of either Figure 2 or 3a and 3b.

At the outset, the uninflated canopy 1 is packaged in the canopy cover 13. The canopy cover can be pulled out behind the vehicle 2, with the gathering devices 11 stretched out and the lines 7 gathered by and running through the gathering devices 11 to the canopy 1 that is within the canopy cover 13. The canopy cover 13 will be opened, the canopy 1 will be removed from the canopy cover 13 and the gathering devices 11 will be collapsed along the lines 7 with the canopy cover compressed/folded/closed/attached adjacent the vehicle 2 with the collapsed gathering devices 11. The canopy can then be opened up. Take-off may occur.

Upon landing the operation of the apparatus may be reversed. The canopy 1 may be laid out behind the vehicle 2. The gathering devices 11 can be extended by drawing them along the lines. This will gather the lines. The canopy cover 13 can be laid out on the ground with the canopy 1 placed on the canopy cover 13 and folded up/compressed using the canopy cover 13 as a folding guide/stuff bag or otherwise, with the lines 7 suitably gathered and guided by the gathering devices 11.

As will be appreciated, the apparatus will effectively avoid entanglement of the lines 7 and greatly simplify management of the canopy 1 and the lines 7 at take-off and landing. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.