Rigging Screws And Stretchers Patents (Class 114/109)
  • Patent number: 11643179
    Abstract: A nestable wing sail having two or more sections. Where one section is configured to nest inside the first section, and can move out of the first section to extend the effective sail area of the wing sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Fraser
  • Patent number: 7980780
    Abstract: An adjuster for use with a sailboat which permits rapid movement of a movable end with respect to an opposite fixed end. A threaded shaft extends through the adjuster and a rotating barrel in fixed to a nut engaging the shaft. A lock is positioned about a lower body of the adjuster and releasably engages the barrel. Engagement of the lock and the barrel permits barrel to be turned to change the length between the fixed and movable ends. Releasing engagement of the lock and the barrel permits the barrel to rotate freely about the shaft and permit rapid movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Harken, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg W. Hartlemeier
  • Patent number: 6848381
    Abstract: A pultruded composite tension rod of hexagonal cross section is provided, as are larger composite rods made up of assemblies of smaller, nested-together parallel hexagonal tension rods that are re-pultruded together. A manufacturing process involving assembling and re-pultruding the smaller rods is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Georg K. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6718898
    Abstract: A resilient, shock absorption assembly that mounts between available sail rigging lines and a boat hull. In one assembly, a piston is resiliently biased relative to a housing and contained spring to permit reciprocating movement. Couplers at distal ends of the piston and housing attach to suitable rigging lines and/or the boat. In other assemblies, resilient elastomer cores bias movement of a piston or cable. In another assembly fitted within a main sail boom, a cable biases the boom rigging lines. In still another construction, an “A-shape”, mast replacement framework is secured to pivot from a boat's deck. Resiliently biased cables act as a mast and support a sail boom. One or more separate resilient assemblies can be coupled to the sail. The cable mast and rigging lines are thus made resilient to counterbalance the boat against heeling with the presence of rough water and gusty winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6250242
    Abstract: The mainstay rig is an improved standing rig system for wind-powered vehicles that travel on water, snow, ice, land, or rail. Mainstay rig uses a mast at a rake and uses a vertical mainstay to support mainsail luff, which gives less disturbance of airflow at mainsail luff and greater driving force. Mainstay rig can use jib-furling mechanisms for mainsail furling. Mainstay rig eliminates backstay and gives a greater choice of mainsail shape which allows more efficient energy extraction from wind because sails can be shaped with larger roach or be shaped closer to an ideal elliptical shape. Additionally, mainstay rig can use one shroud, which reduces windage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Larry Modes
  • Patent number: 5974999
    Abstract: A mast footing having a tensioning device for the leading edge with the components which provide for a reduction of force being attached to the mast footing such that they may be detached. When the sail has been correctly trimmed, i.e., with the leading edge tensioned, the device is removed from the arrangement. Then, only a hook-shaped device of short length is attached between a loop at the neck of the sail and a hook at the mast footing, which device preferably has a constant length or, at most, may be fine-tuned within a range of a few centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Goodwell International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Reinhard Hansen, Neil Pryde
  • Patent number: 5839385
    Abstract: A device and methods to incrementally tension a line. The fixed end of the line is secured to a load and the free end is wrapped one-and-a-half times around and terminating between a pair of essentially parallel hooks that have the freedom to converge in the gap. When the line is tensioned by applying a force to the device, the hooks are pulled together arresting the movement of the line. The device is then displaced a distance which constitutes one incremental pull. The tensioned line is then cleated off or the load otherwise secured and the device can then be returned to its starting point. The hooks, now relaxed, allow for the accumulated slack to be pulled through them by tensioning the free portion of the line. The process can be repeated until the desired tension is accumulated or the load displaced the required distance. When no more incremental.pi. pulls are required and there is no tension in the line, the line can be easily slipped off the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen A. Hersh
  • Patent number: 5575229
    Abstract: Tackle is provided to enable control of sail outhaul with one hand, while holding a windsurfing sail rig with the other. To avoid the use of jam cleats, pulleys and bungies, 3:1 ring cinches are used. A 3:1 ring cinch assembly is attached to right and left booms of the rig's wishbone boom. These are then attached to the ends of a clew line, which is part of 2:1 tackle from the boomtail to the outhaul grommet at the clew of the sail. The cinch line has four parts: (1) an anchor-part for a ring and a finder tab, (2) a pull-part for increasing sail outhaul, (3) a release-part for decreasing sail outhaul and (4) a cinch-part for pinching two cinch rings against the release-part while sharing the outhaul load with the pull and release parts. Through rigging geometry, the ring cinch pinch provides a self-energizing lock on the cinch line such that no slip can occur without a positive pull on the pull-part or release part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Blackmer
  • Patent number: 5511503
    Abstract: Apparatus for downhauling a sail movably attached to a mast assembly including a mast base having a gripping assembly are disclosed. The sail is coupled to the gripping assembly by a downhaul line adapted to be held at varying points along its length by the gripping assembly to maintain a degree of tension on the sail. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system base adapted to be removably secured to the mast base. A lever arm including a first portion coupled to the system base and adapted to be pivotably moveable to the system base and a second portion coupled to the first portion so that the lever arm has a relaxed configuration and an activated configuration is provided. With the lever arm in the relaxed configuration, the downhaul line passes between the first and second portions. With the lever arm in the activated configuration, the downhaul line located between the first and second portions is prevented from movement relative to the lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: All West Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Spanier, L. Scott Leishman, Kevin J. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5239939
    Abstract: A downhaul device for tensioning a sail attached to a mast. The device includes a lever having a cleat at one end. The lever is pivotally attached to a fulcrum which can be removably mounted on the base of the mast. A downhaul sheet attached to the sail is passed through the cleat on the lever. Moving the lever in one direction causes the cleat to grip the sheet and pull it through another cleat attached to the mast and apply tension to the sail. Moving the lever in an opposite direction releases the sheet. The lever may thus be operated with a ratcheting action to incrementally apply tension to the sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin B. Purdy
  • Patent number: 4977843
    Abstract: Self locking apparatus for quick and convenient tensioning of the luff of a sail of a sailboard. In a first embodiment, the tack of the sail is attached to the mastbase close to the hull of the sailboard and the head of the sail is attached to the apparatus of the invention. The invention includes a cap for placement over and receiving the top of the sailboard mast, a lever pivotally engaging the cap; and an adjustment strap connecting the head of the sail to a cross bar on the lever. The lever brings the strap in a self locking position over center for tensioning the luff of the sail. In a second embodiment, the head of the sail is attached in conventional manner to the top of the mast and the lever is positioned by means of a sleeve to the bottom of the mast. Once again, the lever rotates to an over-center self-locking position for tensioning the luff of the sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventors: Charles F. Ewert, Joseph D. Grooms
  • Patent number: 4875424
    Abstract: A sailboard is disclosed of the type having a mast pivotally connected to a board, a boom connected at one end to the mast and a sail tensioned by out haul and down haul lines. A down haul tie down mechanism is provided for receiving and securing the down haul line at a location adjacent to the sailboard pivot. A cup with a special release mechanism is provided for releasably connecting the mast to the pivot. Release mechanisms for releasably interconnecting other sailboard components, such as boom sections and boom extensions, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Gorge Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 4815407
    Abstract: Rigging for nautical or terrestrial craft comprising a sail (1) integral with a mast hinged to the craft. According to the invention, the sail (1) is stretched onto symmetrical uprights (2) which are themselves bent by a cable (7) tensioned by a hoist (10) so as to give the sail a lenticular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Patrick Carn
  • Patent number: 4815408
    Abstract: A clamping device adapted to receive respectively in each of two linearly spaced members the distill end of a shroud line and a deck plate mount, the members being moveable along a threaded shaft to draw the distall end of the shroud line toward the deck plate member for attachment thereto; and a guage for determining precisely the linear relationship between the distill end of the shroud line and the deck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventor: Raanan Burd
  • Patent number: 4807550
    Abstract: This invention relates to a belaying clamp for releasably fixing a stretching rope to the boom or mast base of a windsurfing craft. To permit the sail to be retrimmed with a relatively small effort and while the craft is on the water, the belaying clamp (10) is directly connected to the boom (1) or mast base by means of an adjusting element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Inventor: Hannes Marker
  • Patent number: 4774901
    Abstract: A sailboard is disclosed of the type having a mast pivotally connected to a board, a boom connected at one end to the mast and a sail tensioned by out haul and down haul lines. A down haul tie down mechanism is provided for receiving and securing the down haul line at a location adjacent to the sailboard pivot. A cup with a special release mechanism is provided for releasably connecting the mast to the pivot. Release mechanisms for releasably interconnecting other sailboard components, such as boom sections and boom extensions, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Gorge Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald C. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 4773345
    Abstract: A force amplifying device for stretching sail and riggings of a sailing device. The device includes a rope drive for winding up a rope under tension arranged in an elongated housing with the axis of the rope drum directed essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension direction of the housing. An elongated crank arm is arranged outside the housing in a force transferring connection to the rope drum for turning the rope drum and winding up a rope under tension on the rope drum. At least one locking arrangement is provided for locking the crank arm in a direction which substantially coincides with the longitudinal extension direction of the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Bjorn Lilliehook
  • Patent number: 4696248
    Abstract: An outhaul boom end part for a sailboard boom assembly is molded integrally from plastic. The outhaul boom end part is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of tubular portions for attachment to the booms and a central portion. The central portion is provided with a pair of jam cleat slots which extend generally parallel to a plane which bisects the U-shaped part, and a sleeve is mounted on the central portion with its excess perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz F. Nedoluha
  • Patent number: 4694769
    Abstract: Stepping and tensioning of a pivotal mast by a single individual is effected by use of a coupling attached at one end to the hull and having structure for adjustable securing the free end of either the front or back stay thereto at selected length positions. The coupling includes a pulley adapted to receive a line releasably attached to the end of the stay, which when pulled by an individual causes the stay to step the pivotal mast to permit securing the stay to the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: J. James Sowers
  • Patent number: 4407600
    Abstract: A boot cover for turnbuckles and the like has an upper cap portion that fits around a stay, and fits snugly over an elongated central portion that covers the entire turnbuckle. Both the upper cap portion and the elongated central portion are made of resilient material and are slotted, or openable, and may be stretched apart to permit both portions to be fitted around the stay and turnbuckle assembly to cover the assembly to reduce abrasion of the sails or any cordage that must pass by the turnbuckle area. The lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate may also be covered by a lower cap portion that also fits snugly over the elongated central portion, and is also slotted to fit over the lower portion of the turnbuckle and chain plate without removing them or disconnecting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4280432
    Abstract: A quick-release fitting for tensioning and untensioning a sailboat stay that extends between the hull and a mast of the sailboat. Upper and lower barrels are connected together by a release lever that is held in place by a quick-release pin. When the pin is removed, the lever pivots away from its normal position away from the upper barrel to increase the spacing between the barrels and untension the sailboat stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Thomas F. Dessel
  • Patent number: 4230306
    Abstract: A self-tailing winch of the type having a stationary frame and a rotatable drum. The tail of the rope or sheet is held in a groove between a pair of toroidal shaped gripping diaphrams of elastomeric material. There is a free space between each diaphram and the surface behind it whereby initial feeding of the sheet deflects the diaphrams into the free spaces. As the sheet moves toward the root of the groove, the resultant filling of the groove distorts the diaphrams against a greater reactive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: Barlow Marine Limited
    Inventor: Raymond J. Porter
  • Patent number: 4224890
    Abstract: A self-contained tensioning device for adjusting the tension of a backstay cooperates with a bridle which connects the backstay to the transom of a sailboat. The device includes a pair of plates having sheaves rotatably mounted between the plates to form a passageway for the bridle cables and a block and tackle for adjusting the plates and sheaves along the bridle cables relative to the transom. By varying the position of the plates and sheaves along the bridle, the spacing between the bridle cables is decreased or increased and the tension in the backstay is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: C. Sherman Johnson Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Curtiss S. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4074892
    Abstract: A plurality of adjacent sheaves are disposed around a common shaft. Each sheave carries a plurality of ball bearings engaged between an inner race of the sheave and the shaft. The ball bearings in one sheave are exposed on one side and bear against an adjacent sheave around the shaft such that friction between a sheave and the shaft and between adjacent sheaves is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Assignee: Vanguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter O. Harken
  • Patent number: 4056072
    Abstract: A system for trimming the mast of a sailing yacht wherein the fore and aft stays of the mast are fixed to the top of the mast and extend downwardly to the hull to which they are connected by means of hydraulic cylinders, including pistons respectively connected to the stays. Trimming of the mast is achieved by simultaneously moving the stays to adjust or trim the position of the top of the mast through means of a control cylinder having a control piston which, when moved, admits hydraulic fluid into one of the stay cylinders to in effect shorten the associated stay while, at the same time, removing hydraulic fluid from the other stay cylinder to in effect lengthen the associated stay. Once the desired trim is achieved, the control piston is locked in the adjusted position. A pump and an associated hydraulic fluid supply is provided for the system together with a selector valve for connecting the fluid supply to either end of the control cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Inventor: Lars Rune Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4044702
    Abstract: A high efficiency aerodynamic sail system for boats comprises a triangular fabric sail pivotally suspended at its head from the apex of a tripod mast structure such that air impinging upon the luff of the sail is free from the turbulent wake of any upwind structure. The foot of the sail is attached only at its tack and clew ends to opposite ends of a spar which is pivotally attached at its center to a short stub mast centrally positioned in respect to the tripod mast. The sail luff and leech side deflections are caused to be identical by cables to provide a constant angle of attack of the sail to the wind along the entire sail height. A sail-shaping batten having a longitudinally varying cross section is employed along the foot of the sail. Loading of the batten by pressure generated by the wind causes the batten, and thus the sail, to assume an optimum airfoil shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1977
    Inventor: Robert S. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 3996875
    Abstract: An improvement in a steering assembly for navigating a boat, such as a sailboat, having a vertically movable centerboard and/or an adjustable backstay either or both of which are movable by a hydraulic means including a hydraulic pump whereby to raise or lower the centerboard and/or rake the mast attached to the backstay, the boat having a steering wheel connected to a hollow steering wheel shaft which shaft in turn is connected to a steering sprocket. The improvement resides in means for simultaneously either (a) raising or lowering the centerboard or (b) adjusting the tension on the backstay and steering which means comprises a hydraulic pump shaft connected to a hydraulic pump, said pump shaft disposed through the hollow steering wheel shaft, said shaft terminating at the steering wheel where it is connected to an actuating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Inventor: Martens Isenberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: D255322
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Inventor: Richard L. Ireland