Yards Patents (Class 114/95)
  • Publication number: 20120111254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a profile sail boom for a boat having a batten mainsail, which is configured to be flexible in the horizontal direction and has a vertical spar with cords laminated in at the uppermost and lowermost points in the center of the cross-section, transverse webs separated by wedge-shaped spacer joints extending from said spar on the lowermost site in the horizontal direction, wherein guiding tubes for cords are present on the outer edges of said webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kurt Waldhauser, Volker Waldhauser
  • Patent number: 5236378
    Abstract: A system for storing and installing horizontally-placed photovoltaic arrays on a ship. The prior art is improved by holding the arrays steady in a four-sided frame. The arrays are placed parallel to the keel, strung between two succeeding yards and rolled up by rotating guides placed near two succeeding masts, and lowered to the deck to reduce windage. The procedure may be reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Edwin Newman
  • Patent number: 5131341
    Abstract: A system for producing and distributing electric power on a sailing ship, using arrays of photovoltaic cells covering the ships sails and rigging to generate electric power during daylight for the purpose of driving a ships screw. The solar array electric power output is processed by a voltage regulator which charges a large capacity storage battery and energizes an electric motor to drive the ships screw. An AC inverter is also provided to convert the DC power for the AC loads. To increase the area normally available on sailing ships for solar arrays, wing-booms which extend the lengths of the yards, and rolling booms above the yards are proposed for addition to the ships superstructure. The invention should make it possible for sailing ships to resume transportation of cargo without the need for auxiliary gas or oil-burning engines and a fuel supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin Newman
  • Patent number: 4831950
    Abstract: A sail propelled vehicle for land or sea in which a triangular yoke is pivotally attached at two of the corners thereof on two pontoons, skis, or skateboards at the forward ends thereof. The mast for carrying the sail is mounted vertically on the yoke at the third corner thereof. The operator is carried on the two pontoons, skis, or skateboards and by exerting force thereon through his feet and legs, the operator can pivot the yoke to position the sail on either side of the pontoons, skis, or skateboards to achieve improved stability, maneuverability and control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Stanley E. Allured
  • Patent number: 4388888
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adjustable airfoil which in one embodiment includes a pivotal mast having laterally extending spaced upper and lower arms. Between the arms is a vane which is rotatably mounted on the mast and has a luff slot at its aft end for receiving the forward end of spaced battens connected to flexible sail panels. The panels are provided with inserts at their forward ends sewed in such a manner as to cause the panels to fold in accordion fashion when they are lowered. The sail is raised and lowered by a halyard which may be either in the form of an endless loop mounted adjacent a positioning cable extending between the aft ends of the arms or it may extend forwardly and down through the mast and back to a control station, such as the helm of a sailboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Fred W. Gushurst, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4263861
    Abstract: In a sailing craft, in which the foot of a sail is attached to a yard pivoted on a boom, itself pivoted on the mast, this sail, provided to be of single or double-thickness, preferably comprising a sectioned front edge, restraints are provided for selectively blocking either the yard with respect to the boom, or the boom with respect to the hull of the craft, so that the sail may pivot either on itself or about the mast, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventor: Pierre G. Vicard