Abstract: The present invention entails a canting sailboat sail rig. Mast support struts are attached at one end to the outer edges or railings of the hull(s), to the stern of the mast, and the mast struts attach at the other end to the lower sections of the mast. The mast foot base is attached to a circular track that runs from the centerline of the sailboat outward, toward the edges of the hulls, and upward the bow(s). When the mast foot move outward and upward toward the railing and bow(s) the upper section of the sail tilts or cants in the opposite direction from the mast foot outward direction, creating forward thrust, lift and reduced heeling. A jib can be attached to the head of the mast and the combination canting mainsail and jib can create force, lift and less heeling.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing or eliminating heeling in sailboats of any hull design by allowing the mast and sail assembly to heel in a significant wind while the hull remains flat relative to the water. This system and method requires a mast able to rotate 360 degrees making it easy to dump wind when under sail and when docking and mooring. This allows the deck of a sailboat to be uncluttered by mast stays, sheets and halyards requiring only a single sheet to control point of sail. By reducing or eliminating heeling, this sailing system and method increases safety compared to traditional systems and makes it easier to learn to sail.

Abstract: A method of operating a sailing boat is provided, comprising detecting a force of a mast of a sailing boat on a mast step of a hull of the sailing boat, while the sailing boat is sailing across a body of water, and providing a reading of the force.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements to a composite member that has a plurality of plies. The improved composite member has (1) an interior ply which functions to dampen or resist sudden forces exerted on the composite member, (2) an intermediate load-carrying ply, and (3) an exterior abrasion-resistant ply. These plies have multiple, often intertwined fiber components disposed or imbedded with a matrix material, preferably Nylon-6 thermoplastic, to inhibit sharp edges during breakage. One or more of the plies typically has "bi-axial" or "tri-axially" braided fiber geometries wherein one or more fibers are helically wound about the circumference of the member. The helically oriented fibers are oriented at a selectively variable angle which influences the overall bending strength of the composite material.

Abstract: A sealing and supporting member for filling the gap between a keel mounted mast and the deck of a sailboat is produced by introducing a sealing compound in a fluidic state into the gap and allowing the sealing compound to cure and create the sealing and supporting member which sealingly engages both the mast and the deck.

Abstract: The sailboard (1) adapted to receive on its upper surface a mast (2) adapted to support a sail and fixed by a mast foot (3) on the board (1), and foot supports (4) adapted to retain the feet of a user of the board (1) and located rearwardly of the board (1) relative to the mast foot (3). It also comprises flexible elements (6) to support the mast foot (3) cantilevered above the board (1) and to transmit to the board (1) in a region situated rearwardly of the mast foot (3) the forces transmitted by this latter. Used particularly to control the vibrations of the board during its movement on water.

Abstract: A motorized sail tensioner gives the sailor the ability to change the sail shape while sailing, permitting constant adjustment of the sail with only the touch of a switch, to adjust for wind gusts and lulls. It accomplishes this by using a small DC-battery powered motor, assisted by two methods of gear reduction, using a planetary gear and screw. The motor is activated by a remote RF wireless transmitter, worn on the sailors wrist, and activated by a switch, worn on the sailor's index finger. The sail tension is changed by moving the mast position by the action of moving a nut up and down a screw attached to the motor.

Abstract: A mast track clutch assembly allows the longitudinal position of the mast of a windsurfing sailing board to be adjusted by means of a foot pedal. The mast is attached to the clutch assembly, which is movable in a longitudinal track on the sailing board. The clutch assembly includes a pressure plate that is biased to retain the assembly at one position on the track. A foot pedal is operable to move the pressure plate against the bias, allowing the longitudinal position of the mast on the board to be adjusted by the board user while the board is in motion.

Abstract: A mast-climbing assembly for enabling a person to climb a mast includes a pair of step-leg units, a plurality of hook brackets each securable to the mast, and a pair of hand hangers. Each of the step-leg units includes a step member and a leg member that engage a foot and leg, respectively, of the climber. The assembly of the present invention allows a person to easily and safely climb a mast of a sailboat or other elongate vertical member.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.

Abstract: A convertible mast assembly (10) for employing a windsurfing sail assembly (200) on a sailboat (100) having a drop-in mast receptacle (101); wherein, the mast assembly (10) comprises a receptacle unit (11) which fits in said drop-in mast receptacle (101); and, an adaptor unit (11) having one end (31) dimensioned to be received in the receptacle unit (11) and having the other end (33) dimensioned to be received in the mast (201) of the windsurfing sail assembly (200).

Abstract: A pontoon and mast rigging assembly for a sailboard. Four pontoons are arranged laterally about the sailboard hull and attached thereto by means of individual outriggers. Individual elastic straps interconnect each pontoon with a mast top mounted above and around the mast head.

Abstract: A portable collapsible boat comprises a body formed of a bottom and a pair of sides which are integrally molded with the bottom. The sides are elastically flexible so as to be foldable to horizontal positions overlying the bottom, and unfoldable to upright positions. A bow support plate and a stern support plate can be inserted generally horizontally between upper portions of the sides to retain the sides in their unfolded state. The support plates are pivotably connected to the sides so as to be automatically lowered to positions inside of the boat when the sides are folded, and automatically raised to positions adjacent upper edges of the sides when the sides are unfolded.

Abstract: The adjustable windmobile allows the mobilist to maintain a stable center of gravity by manually adjusting both the seat and mast to their respective opposite sides when the direction of motion of the windmobile is reversed. Both the seat and mast base are encased in crosspieces, that are part of the frame, that allow the seat and mast to be slid to the opposite sides. There are four mast halyards, a fore halyard, a stern halyard, and two midships halyards. Under sail only three halyards are taut while the fourth, a midships halyard hangs loose. When readjusting the mast to the other side, the halyards do not have to be readjusted.

Abstract: A mast boot includes a flexible cover for encircling a mast mounted in a mast collar in a deck opening on a sailboat having a lower edge to be positioned around the mast collar and an upper edge to be positioned around the mast above the mast collar and opposing side edges provided with fastener strips therealong for continuously securing the side edges together to position the upper and lower edges tightly against the mast and the mast collar, respectively. Upper and lower clamps for sealing the upper and lower edges include bands to be tightened around the mast to compress the upper and lower edges, respectively, against the mast and the mast collar. Upper and lower edge seals positionable to encircle the mast include strips having fasteners thereon permitting the strips to be positioned to cover the upper and lower clamps, respectively.

Abstract: A wind propelled apparatus in which a mast is mounted on a craft and supports an arcuate boom and a sail therebetween. The position of the mast and sail is controllable and maintained directly by the user and the movement of the mast during use, is confined by pivotal mast support mounted directly to the surface of the craft to only two degrees of freedom, rotation of the mast about its axis and pivotally in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation.

Abstract: The foot of the mast of a sailboat is secured to a heel component which, in turn, is swingably mounted in a base component. The base component is stationarily mounted on the sailboat hull such that the mast is swingable between a generally horizontal position and an erect position. Mechanism is provided to latch the mast in its erect position automatically. Such latching mechanism is automatically releasable by pulling the mast toward its horizontal position. One sailor can step the mast by swinging it upward to latch it in erect position and thereafter fasten the conventional lines to secure the mast. Similarly, one sailor can unstep the mast by first unfastening the securing lines and thereafter pulling the mast downward to release the latching means. The force of the latching means can be adjusted.

Abstract: An aquatic board construction for sail boards, surf boards and the like has shaped upper and lower sections which are joined together with a generally hollow interior. Each section has a sandwich construction with high strength outer and inner skins, and a core formed from a filler material sandwiched between the two skins. The skins are preferably formed from multiple layers of a thermosetting resin impregnated into a fabric material. The outer skins extend beyond the sandwich construction of each section, with the two sections joined together along the extended portions of their outer skins. Receivers for accessories such as a fin, mast and the like are formed integrally with the board structure. The receivers have transverse flanges which are lodged between the inner and outer skins to retain the receivers in place. Structural webs having a similar sandwich construction to the board sections may be provided through the hollow interior of the board. The completed board is high strength yet light weight.

Abstract: A sailboard has a force responsive device connected to its mast for providing first and second output signals corresponding to the shearing forces acting between the mast and the sailboard in the longitudinal direction of the sailboard and in the transverse direction of the sailboard, with an indicator responsive to the first and second output signals for providing visual indications representing the shearing forces to enable improved operation of the sailboard.

Abstract: A sail boat mast deck sealing assembly to provide a watertight seal between the mast and the boat deck is described. The assembly comprises a rigid flange member or collar formed in the same shape as the mast which is usually non-circular. The flange member has a triangular groove between the inner portion of the flange member and the mast. A triangular resilient member is placed in the triangular groove with the base portion protruding above the upper surface of the flange. A rigid cap ring is fastened to the flange and, with pressure, forces the triangular resilient member in the triangular groove thereby forming a watertight seal between the flange member and the mast.

Abstract: A mast foot assembly for adjustably and releasably holding a mast to a mast track disposed on a surface of a sailing device. A base member is disposed on the upper surface of the mast track and has a pair of first bores at respective ends thereof disposed over the slot. It also has a central mounting portion between the first bores with a second bore therethrough normal to the upper and lower surfaces and having a first slot communicating between a side of the base member and the second bore. There is a retaining key member sized to slidably fit within the first slot in the base member and having a second slot communicating with an inner end thereof. A pair of nut members each having a treaded bore therein are disposed under the lower surface of the mast track. A pair of threaded members are carried by the base member and pass through respective ones of the first bores in threaded engagement with respective ones of the nut members.

Abstract: A readily detachable and fully rotatable coupling between a mast and sailboard is described, comprising a male portion with a circumferential groove, and a female portion with a recess to receive the male portion, and spring-biased tongues extending into the recess for engagement with the circumferential groove. The tongues are manually retractable for purposes of either engagement or disengagement of the mast from the sailboard.

Abstract: A quick-connect mast step assembly has a round main body bolted to the surface of a sail board wherein the upper surface of the body has a T-slot for receiving a mast shoulder bolt and a plug associated with the T-slot which, when rotated, prevents disengagement of the shoulder bolt from the T-slot, the body being bolted to a fin box in the upper surface of the sail board which allows easy adjustment of the position of the assembly.

Abstract: A sailing vessel is disclosed in which a mast is pivotally connected to the hull at the lower end thereof and an athwartship structure is provided in the form of a support rigidly mounted to the hull and transverse thereto to guide the mast athwartship. The mast may be held in an upstanding attitute or an angular attitude by mechanical devices of lines or other adjusting means. Bringing the mast and the sail mounted thereon to a vertical attitude reduces the heeling moment that affects the vessel.

Abstract: A sailboard assembly is disclosed which has a body on which the user stands, a mast, boom and sail assembly for propulsion of the board. The mast-boom-sail assembly is mounted to the board by a mast mounting assembly which permits limited angular displacement of the mast about a generally normal orientation to the board for maneuvering of the center of pressure of the sail and yet provides support of the mast above the board upon release of the boom. The sailboard assembly also preferably includes a steering assembly having a rudder and foot-operated turntables that are used to turn the rudder.

Abstract: A collapsible mast assembly for a sailboat includes a mast support which is mounted on the boat deck for supporting the lower end of the mast. The support includes upstanding side walls and a lower rear wall to which the boom is attached. A mast plate is mounted within the mast support at the bottom thereof and is adapted to fit within the open lower end of the tubular mast. The mast is lowered by loosening its stays and then lifting the same until its bottom is above the level of the mast plate. At that point the mast can be tilted backward toward a horizontal position where it rests and pivots on the top of the rear wall as the bottom of the mast pivots upwardly through the open front of the mast support. In the horizontal position, the mast can be moved rearwardly or forwardly as desired. The boom is secured to the rear of the mast support so that movement of the mast is independent of the boom.

Abstract: Sailboard comprising a sail assembly and a floatboard (2) supporting the sail assembly. The sail assembly comprises two wings (4, 5) in relatively displaced relation to each other, the two wings having substantially parallel leading edges (6, 7), the two wings being connected together by a rigid supporting frame ensuring a constant relative positioning of the wings. One (7) of those leading edges has an end (7a) which is removably and pivotably laid upon the floatboard (2), thus permitting the user to move the sail assembly during navigation between a position where the end (7a) of that one leading edge is pivotably laid upon the floatboard and a position where the sail assembly is dissociated from the floatboard and maintained by the user in a substantially horizontal position to produce a sustentation effect.

Abstract: A device for the erection of the mast of a sailing board adapted for use in the sport of windsurfing includes an articulated joint in which separate members are kept coupled together by means of a system comprising a flexible rope and a spring, where a displacement of the mast from the vertical attitude causes the loading of the spring thus creating a force tending to bring the mast back to a vertical attitude. The device may be assembled on a track that allows a change in the position of the foot of the mast through the operation of a pedal.

Abstract: A mast step is mounted on a traveler having two parallel linear bearings which ride in lateral grooves on a central track. The central track has downward enlarged vertical holes on 2-inch centers which hold detent balls. The detent balls are locked in their upper active position with a contact and lock the traveler in a preselected position. Depressing an operator pedal moves a slider bar within the track to align detent receivers with the openings in the track. As the detent balls drop into the receivers in the slider bar, the platform is released to move toward a new location. When the pedal is released, a spring tends to return the slider bar to misalign the receivers with the track openings. The detent balls are ramped upward out of the receivers into their upper operative position in contact with the downward opening locking recesses in the traveler.

Abstract: A mast supporting structure for an inflatable dinghy including a pair of stringers for connection to the floor of the dinghy, a mast receiving tube adapted to receive the lower end of a mast, a transverse support member resting on the floor of the dinghy and which supports the lower end of the mast receiving tube, and a plurality of struts. The transverse support member is connected to one of the stringers at each of its ends and each strut being connected at one end to the mast supporting tube and at the other end to one of the stringers. The mast supporting structure may be connected together in articulated fashion so that it may be collapsed into a neat package in which all the parts lie alongside one another for transport and storage. When erected the mast supporting structure is connected to the floor of an inflatable dinghy and provides a rigid support for a sail carrying mast.

Abstract: A quick-connect mast step assembly has a round main body bolted to the surface of a sail board wherein the upper surface of the body has a T-slot for receiving a mast shoulder bolt and a plug associated with the T-slot which, when rotated, prevents disengagement of the shoulder bolt from the T-slot, the body being bolted to a fin box in the upper surface of the sail board which allows easy adjustment of the position of the assembly.

Abstract: Sailboard comprising a sail assembly and a floatboard (2) supporting the sail assembly. The sail assembly comprises two wings (4, 5) in relatively displaced relation to each other, the two wings having substantially parallel leading edges (6, 7), the two wings being connected together by a rigid supporting frame ensuring a constant relative positioning of the wings. One (7) of those leading edges has an end (7a) which is removably and pivotably fixed to the floatboard (2), thus permitting the user to move the sail assembly during navigation between a position where the end (7a) of that one leading edge is pivotably fixed to the floatboard and a position where the sail assembly is dissociated from the floatboard and maintained by the user in a substantially horizontal position to produce a sustentation effect.

Abstract: A mast step is mounted on a traveler having two parallel linear bearings which ride in lateral grooves on a central track. The central track has downward enlarged vertical holes on 2-inch centers which hold detent balls. The detent balls are locked in their upper active position with a contact and lock the traveler in a preselected position. Depressing an operator pedal moves a slider bar within the track to align detent receivers with the openings in the track. As the detent balls drop into the receivers in the slider bar, the platform is released to move toward a new location. When the pedal is released, a spring tends to return the slider bar to misalign the receivers with the track openings. The detent balls are ramped upward out of the receivers into their upper operative position in contact with the downward opening locking recesses in the traveler.

Abstract: The invention refers to a mast base structure for a sailboard including a connecting member located below a mast base lower section supporting a universal joint. The connecting member forms the connection between the mast and the sailboard. This connecting member is movable in a pinned down condition parallel to the deck surface of the sailboard by a rail and can be locked at any chosen position along the rail by a coupler. This coupler is provided according to a preferred embodiment with an operating member located in the height of the forked boom. A cable line provided with a gripping member for the control thereof is connected to said coupler and the connection therebetween is located within the mast.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a wing sail on a vessel, comprising a rotatable frame at the base of the mast and hydraulic cylinders connected between the frame and the ship's structure to cause rotation of the frame in either direction through a limited angle, and a brake is provided on the frame for transmitting rotation of the frame to the mast when the frame is rotating in a direction that it is desired for the mast to rotate, and a brake is provided for preventing rotation of the mast when the frame rotates in the opposite direction, whereby the mast may be rotated through a desired angle by oscillatory movement of the rotatable frame.

Abstract: A radar loaded, hollow yacht mast is disclosed which is pivoted at the bottom to the deck by a tri-sectioned elastomeric torsion spring hinge assembly in which the torsion is produced by relative rotation between the inner section and the two outer sections. The torsional resistance of the hinge assembly prevents the mast from falling when the bolts and stays are removed and the restoring force in the spring elastomer when the mast is pivoted flat to the deck assists in raising the mast back into its upright position. A hollow, flanged mounting connecting the hollow mast to the movable section of the hinge assembly prevents sea water from entering the hollows. Provisions are provided for pre-loading the hinge spring with a torsional stress in either direction when the hinge is closed.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the construction of the sailboard portion of windsurfers wherein the usual hard-foam slab hull typical of surfboard construction is replaced by a slab of soft foam, the only rigid structure of the entire board being a pair of closely spaced fiberglass stringers longitudinally extended along the midline of the board, and mounts for the mast, daggerboard and fin, which mounts are sandwiched between the two longitudinal stringers which are embedded centrally in the soft foam slab.

Abstract: A mast collar system for securement to a surface at the location where the mast extends down through the surface includes a rigid collar which loosely encircles the mast. Positioned in the gap between the mast and the collar is a resilient ring. An annular groove extends down into the ring and a spline is pressed down into the groove so that a fluid-tight gasket is formed between the mast and the collar. The ring or spline also includes a fin which resiliently engages the mast directly above the annular line of sealing engagement between the mast and the ring per se.

Abstract: A composite member (10) features a unique ply geometry which contributes to improved bending strength. The composite is constructed of a plurality of plies, each comprising a fiber component disposed within a polymer matrix. An inner ply (16) has a fiber component (18) which has fibers which are circumferentially extending. An intermediate ply (22) has first axially extending fibers (24) which are disposed about the circumference of the composite, as well as second axial fibers (30) which are interwoven with helically oriented fibers (36) and embedded in a polymer matrix (14). An outer layer (38) is similar to the inner layer as it features circumferentially extending fibers (40) which are embedded in a polymer matrix.The composite materials may be used to manufacture a wide range of items which require light weight combined with high strength.