Abstract: A laminate (1) delimited by at least a protective skin (30) and provided internally with reinforcing means (10) comprising a plurality of traction members (12, 20) arranged according to lines (L) traced in a given manner; at least one plastic matrix (M) shaped so as to stably embody each traction member (12, 20) to maintain it, under load, stably arranged point to point just as the corresponding line (L).

Abstract: An apparatus for furling and unfurling a sail includes a housing with an upper end adapted for connection with an upper end of a sailboat mast and a lower end including a swivel, rotatable relative to the housing upper end and adapted for connection with an upper corner of a sail. Within the housing there is a motor with a clutch attached to it. When the housing upper and lower ends are connected to the top of a mast and sail, respectively, the motor rotates the swivel in a first direction to furl a sail, and when the clutch is released, the swivel is free to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction to unfurl the sail. The housing can further include a stop mechanism which prevents the housing upper end from rotating when the swivel is rotated.

Abstract: A sail assembly using slugs and flakers is presented. The sail slug has a plurality of rollers positioned along an inner edge that are received within a groove of a mast. The outer edge of the sail slug has a swivel platform that attaches to straps positioned on a sail. The flaker has a pair of leaves having a first end, a longitudinal section, and a second end with a bracket. The brackets of the leaves have openings that align to receive a torsion spring and an axle to hingedly connect the pair of leaves.

Abstract: A sail assembly using slugs and flakers is presented. The sail slug has a plurality of rollers positioned along an inner edge that are received within a groove of a mast. The outer edge of the sail slug has a swivel platform that attaches to straps positioned on a sail. The flaker has a pair of leaves having a first end, a longitudinal section, and a second end with a bracket. The brackets of the leaves have openings that align to receive a torsion spring and an axle to hingedly connect the pair of leaves.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for stowing a sail of a sail boat. The system may include a furling stick, and ribs extending therefrom, for gathering the sail upon lowering of the sail. The system may further include leech sticks mounted on the sail for defining segments at which the sail folds upon stowing of the sail against the furling stick.

Abstract: A mechanism to raise and lower the sail of a boat includes a headcar movably secured to a mast of the boat and a headboard affixed to the sail. A pulling force applied to a halyard raises the sail and causes the headboard to engage the headcar. When the sail is lowered, the headboard disengages from the headcar so that the sail furls flat on the boom.

Abstract: An asymmetric sail furling and unfurling device comprises a tubular outer foil and an inner stay foil, the inner and outer foils providing a foil assembly adapted to transmit a torque for furling an unhoisted sail, which is furled on a sheath foil fitted on the outer foil, with the assembly of the foils and sheath being flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating sail feeder that solves problems associated with furling and reefing sails on yachts, particularly large yachts. The inventive sail feeder includes hinge tracks arranged in articulating column that bends and rotates freely, but limits the axial twist of the sail as during furling and reefing. The inventive hinge tracks have a cross section that includes a batten end receptacle with channels for headboard cars. Hinge tracks with the inventive cross section absorb the wind-generated compressive forces exerted by the battens on the batten pockets, reducing chafing, and eliminate the need for sail slides, which would otherwise lock the sail in place during furling and reefing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for guiding the bolt rope of a sail. The inventive device (6) comprises two curved jaws (9, 10) which are fixed to one another around a pivot point (11). The first jaw (9) is equipped with an inward-facing extension (12) comprising a flat portion (13) and a recess (14). The second jaw comprises a U-shaped locking buckle which is mounted such that the ends thereof can pivot around a position of equilibrium. According to the invention, when the device is in the closed position, the middle portion of the buckle is engaged in the recess so that the jaws are held together and, when the device is in the open position, the middle portion of the buckle rests on the flat portion of the extension so that the jaws are kept at a distance from one another.

Abstract: A mainsail reefing system comprises: a drum assembly including first and second coaxial drums for collecting luff-end and leech-end reefing lines, respectively; a drive mechanism for rotating the drum assembly; and a levelwind mechanism including a cam shaft configured to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion, and first and second line guides mechanically coupled to the cam shaft, where the line guides are configured to move in a reciprocating motion across the width of the first and second drums, respectively, for guiding the reefing lines onto their respective drums. The levelwind mechanism is mechanically coupled to the reefing mechanism for coordination of movement of the line guides with rotation of the drum assembly. A preferred drive assembly comprises a third drum attached coaxially to the first and second drums, and a larger diameter threaded disc coaxially attached to an end of the third drum.

Abstract: An asymmetric sail furling and unfurling device comprises a tubular outer foil and an inner stay foil, the inner and outer foils providing a foil assembly adapted to transmit a torque for furling an unhoisted sail, which is furled on a sheath foil fitted on the outer foil, with the assembly of the foils and sheath being flexible.

Abstract: A sail flaking system, comprising attachment points for receiving resilient band or elastic cord material. The attachment points are to be affixed in sets to a boat sail, the sets alternating from side to side on the sail. Each set of attachment points can then be joined by elastic cord/resilient band material, the elastic cord/resilient band material preferably sized to be under tension when the sail is raised. As the sail is lowered, the action of the resilient band/elastic cord material will pull on each set of attachment points creating a fold in the sail on the opposite side. The side-to-side alternation of these folds result in a flaked sail when the sail is fully doused.

Abstract: A foil for the headsail of a sailboat for use with a headstay has an aerodynamic shape. It includes a headstay channel for containing the headstay, which may be snapped into place in the channel. The foil has a first and second sidewall, a forward wall, and two or more tabs on the back of the forward wall, which engage the headstay. A forward luff channel is bounded one side by the first side wall and on an other side by a forward channel inner wall. An aft luff channel isbounded on one side by the second side wall and on an other side by an aft channel inner wall. Fairing tabs are affixed to an end of the first side wall, to an end of the second side wall, and to an end of an aft channel inner wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking batten or sail cars above a boom when a very tall sail is stowed, furled or fully lowered. More specifically, most of the cars are compacted or stacked by diverting cars onto several lower tracks, such that the height of the stacked cars is approximately halved. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast, or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail. The apparatus and method of the present invention can reduce the time required to hoist a sail and may be performed by a single crewmember.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast, or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail. The apparatus and method of the present invention can reduce the time required to hoist a sail and may be performed by a single crewmember.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track on the forestay and helps guide a the luff portion of a jib sail into the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a sail while it is being hoisted on a sail-powered marine vessel are disclosed. The apparatus is a pre-feeder or feeder for use on a forestay, mast or foremast; the apparatus having two oppositely-facing members that are movable in relationship to each other thereby forming an adjustable opening for receiving and partially encircling the luff portion of a sail. The two members are movable about a hinge and a locking mechanism prevents the members from separating inadvertently. For use with a forestay, the pre-feeder is attached near the bow of the boat or directly to the forestay below the grooved track on the forestay and helps guide a the luff portion of a jib sail into the grooved track. The method of using the pre-feeder includes gripping the two members and pulling them apart, inserting the luff, closing the two members, and pulling on a halyard attached to the sail.

Abstract: A track slide intended to be moved along a track, particularly a mast or boom, having a groove with an enlarged inner portion and a narrow slot defined by two opposite walls of the track. The slide comprises a central profiled member having an enlarged inner portion for being received in the enlarged inner portion of the groove and a shaft portion for extending through the slot. Furthermore the slide comprises a roller member for coacting with the outer face of the opposite side walls on each side of the groove. The roller member is formed of a plurality of roller bodies arranged to rotate freely in a circumferential continuous path with an outwardly open, longitudinal slot and a return passage on each side of the central profiled member. The use of freely rotating roller bodies ensures a relatively small rolling resistance in all situations, even if the slide should tilt in a relation to the track.

Abstract: A single-handed reefing system for a sailboat including a sail, halyard, reefing line and winch mechanism. The reefing line is secured to the leach of a flexible sail approximately half the distance between the head and foot and passes alternately through rows of grommets spaced generally horizontally on the sail and fairleads secured on the boom and a turning block on the mast to a winch located at the cockpit. A sail halyard is secured to the head of the sail and passes upward through a turning block located at the upper end of the mast and then downward to a turning block on the mast and then to the winch which has two drums, each with an appropriate circumference to allow the halyard wrapped in one direction on the first drum to lower the upper portion of the sail a distance and rate generally coincident with the lowering and reefing of the lower portion of the sail by the reefing line wrapped in the opposite direction on the second drum.

Abstract: A sailing rig (20) has a sail cloth (26) adjustable in area by folding of the aft corner of sail (26), a clew sail (38). Sail cloth (26) is redesigned so clew sail (38) is not a structural part of rig (20) so it can be reefed without altering the remainder of rig (20).

Abstract: Epitaxial layers of II-VI semiconductor compounds having low incidence of lattice defects such as stacking faults are produced by first depositing a fraction of a monolayer of the cation species of the compound, followed by depositing a thin layer of the compound by migration enhanced epitaxy (MEE). Growth of the remainder of the layer by MBE results in much lower defects than if the entire layer had been grown by MBE. Layers are useful in devices such as LEDs and injection lasers.

Abstract: A system for gathering cloth, intended for but not limited to sails. A web of vein lines (11) are connected a piece of flexible material in strategic positions depending on the size and cut of the cloth. These vein lines (11) are then lead through the belly button device (18) and joined to the stem line (12). The stem line can be lead to a position where a person will pull it in whenever they want the cloth to be gathered. To gather the cloth the person will pull on the stem line (12) which will pull the vein lines (11) through the belly button device (18) which in turn will pull the cloth connected to the ends of the vein lines (11) towards the belly button device (18). This collects the cloth into a smaller, central location and assists the individual in gathering the material.

Abstract: Sail support device comprising a plurality of slides (1) adapted to be retained to a sail (21) by webbing (8A). The slides (1) are accommodated in a groove (3) of a track member adapted for mounting on a stay (23). Each slide (1) has an elongate hollow body (2) with a longitudinal aperture through the wall thereof enabling an eye (20) formed by the webbing (8A) to be inserted into the body (2). A pin (9A) is insertable into the body (2) and through the eye (20) and locates in the body (2) to anchor the webbing (8A) thereto. A gate section (22) of the track member is rotatable about a connector joining sections (4A, 4B) of the track member together to expose open ends of grooves (3) enabling the slides (1) to be slid thereinto. With alignment of the grooves (3) of the gate section (22) with those of the track member, the sail (21) can be raised with slides (1) travelling up the full length of the track member.

Abstract: A dropped sail is gathered along a boom extending generally horizontally from a mast upon which the sail can be raised during sailing, the mast being supported by a lateral stays. On each side of the boom, a first line, when tensioned, extends from the free end of the boom to a point on a respective lateral stay above the boom. A second line, when slackened, extends from a point adjacent the proximal end of the boom to a self-determining point on the first line. Lacing line means are provided for forming a web-like gathering structure between the boom and the first line means when tensioned. Tensioning of the second line when the first line is slackened draws the first line toward the boom for collapsing the gathering structure.

Abstract: A furling foil rotatably mounted on a stay of a sailing vessel carries the forward edge of the sail, and the foil is rotated to furl the sail. The foil is of composite construction and has an inner reinforcing braided layer of high tensile filaments extending helically in both directions to substantially increase the torsion resistance of the foil while allowing the foil to be bent or coiled along its length for easy transportation and storage.

Abstract: A spinnaker halyard turret is affixed to a sail boat's masthead permitting a spinnaker halyard to be lead from within the mast through an exit tube at the top of the mast; then over a pair of sheaves aligned one forward of the other to a point on an arc beyond the perimeter of the mast. The turret has a crane which pivots freely in response to the load and direction of pull established by the sail on the halyard. The halyard maintains a fair lead over the sheaves to the head of the spinnaker sail. The arc through which the crane pivots in normal operation is controlled by limit stops to prevent twisting the halyards internally within the mast. The crane is mounted to a plate which pivots about the halyard exit tube. The plate and the exit tube are supported by bearing surfaces that minimize friction. With a second set of sheaves set adjacent and parallel to those described above, a second spinnaker halyard may be used to set a second spinnaker before the first spinnaker has been doused.

Abstract: A device for keeping a lowered sail on the boom, preventing it from falling to the deck, the device being so constructed that it can be deployed for use when lowering the sail, and retracted to lie along the boom when sailing or when the sail cover is to be applied. The retractability of the device is achieved by precise determination of lengths of sail restraining lines, and choice of their points of attachment to the boom, so that they lie along the boom when in the retracted position, without coming in contact with the sail.

Abstract: A wingsail structure wherein the sail comprises a plurality of ribs encircling the mast and is guided slidably along the mast. A fabric skin is wrapped around the ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the mast is provided with at least two opposed, parallel longitudinal grooves forming respective guides for running carts attached to the ribs and is formed by a pair of parallel slats interconnected by cross-beams, said slats having an airfoil shaped cross-section.

Abstract: Airfoil sail for a sailboat of which the length-adjustable mast consists of several telescoping pipes 12, 18, 20 holding individually raised or reefed sail crossbeams 44, 48, 52 with sail coverings spanning the vertical spacings between said crossbeams. Each crossbeam comprises several horizontal crossbeam sections connected to each other by vertical hinge shafts and jointly corresponding to a symmetric airfoil, which are pivotable for each crossbeam, by a motor adjustment drive, to curvatures optimally matching the wind conditions.

Abstract: A sail magazine and rigging device for automatically rigging and stowing a stay sail, comprising a elongated flat member having a spear-shaped blade section for catching and opening sail hanks and removing them from the stay. When used on a properly configured vessel, the sail magazine allows the prerigging and interchangeable use of two stay sails without the assistance of additional crew members. The sail magazine includes a sail storage section providing for the retention of sails on the magazine and allowing the use of multiple magazines to facilitate quick exchange of sails and orderly stowing of unused sails.

Abstract: A device for gathering in and folding the mainsail on the boom of a sailboat. Four battens are inserted into the slots of the batten holders, which are secured to the boom with fasteners, forming a cradle projecting out at 45.degree. from vertical on both sides of the boom, that holds the mainsail in place when raising or lowering.

Abstract: The specification discloses a sail handling system having a series of lines interwoven through a sail, and lines passing through grommets on the sail to prevent the sail from falling freely down the mast and to stack the sail. The sail handling system has particular application for the safe hauling down and stacking of a main sail above the boom, or in the case of a jib sail, upon the deck of a sailboat. Application of tension down one or more hauldown stacking lines interwoven through a series of grommets installed in the body of the sail enables the sail to be hauled down and stacked safely.

Abstract: An improved mainsail construction having a barrier extending laterally outward from the mainsail and the mainsail boom to prevent flow of air from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of the sail and thus improve efficiency thereof. The barrier is detachably securable with respect to the mainsail and the mainsail boom such as being capable of being removed and oriented to act as a sail cover or weather protection device.

Abstract: A sail changing system wherein the sail is controlled by slides which are attached to the lufftape by short cords, which slide along beside the lufftape in a grooved track on the foil when the sail is raised, and which feed into a cartridge when the sail is lowered.

Abstract: A marine sail having a pocket, or double ply section, at the luff and a plurality of elongated battens which are attached to the sail at the leech and which extend forwardly along the sail and project through openings at the trailing edge of the double ply section so that the forward end portions of the battens are enclosed within the double ply section. The sail is furled into, and bagged within, the double ply section, and lines are provided within the double ply section for progressively pivoting the battens and moving them upwardly along the pocket during furling so that, when furling is completed, all of the battens are disposed in generally upright positions within the bag formed by the double ply section.

Abstract: A mast for a sailboat includes a plurality of spaced parallel bars arranged as a polygon in cross-section wherein the bars are of a size to permit air flow therebetween and being oriented such that one of the bars is disposed nearer the aft of the boat than the remaining bars. Bracing members are secured between the bars and means are provided for securing a luff edge of a sail to the one bar to thereby attach the sail to the sailboat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sailboat in which the hull is defined by cross-sections forming equilateral triangles standing on one tip with convex sides and which continuously decrease in size toward the bow and stern so that the keel line and the side edges coincide there and a substantially symmetrical ellipsoid is formed. The ellipsoid includes an extended bow cockpit and downwardly and outwardly slanting adjustable rudder vanes simultaneously forming rest feet. A central seat in the hull receives an adjustable mast of a profiled sail corresponding to a symmetrical airfoil profile having an adjustable airfoil cap at its front end. Several beams at the mast can be pulled up over each other and sail segments mounted in between can be reefed.

Abstract: A sail cover apparatus and method for completely covering a sail that is slidably supported on the mast and boom of a sailboat wherein a pair of elongated flexible cover halves are provided having mating lower edges for detachable securement along the foot of the sail, and upper edges for closure over the sail. The lower edges of the cover halves are secured adjacent to the foot of the sail disposed along the boom. The cover halves are raised and lowered by lift lines secured adjacent to the sail on both sides along its full length and substantially parallel to both sides of the sail. Thus, a sail receiving pocket is formed, permitting the sail to be lowered into the space between the sail cover halves. The upper edges of said cover halves are closed to encircle the sail after the sail has been lowered. The cover is thus collapsed and compacted around the enclosed sail.

Abstract: System for controlling a boat sail as it is dropped, the sail being made of flexible material and being folded to lie when it is a mainsail, for example, on top of the boom of the boat. One or more control lines run parallel to the mast from the boom to a topping lift. The control lines run through grommets in the sail, the grommets being disposed in horizontal alignment with respective sliding fastening means by which the sail is attached to the mast. Equidistant between each pair of successive horizontal rows of grommets and the respective sail fastening means aligned therewith there is a batten which extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the sail. The control lines run through successive vertically aligned grommets so as to lie alternately on one side and then the other side of the sail.

Abstract: A body sail device mountable around the body of a user for propelling the user through the water. The body sail includes an upstanding mast and a mounting member attachable on the body of the user for mounting the mast on the user. An outwardly extending boom is attached to the mast. At least one and preferably two sails are attached to the boom mast. A guide assembly is pivotally attached to one of the sail for controlling the trim of the sail with respect to the boom and mast.

Abstract: The roller furling element of this invention is formed by a single piece profiled member extruded from aluminum and includes:two concentric cylindrical tubes, the internal one being adapted to accommodate a stay, and the external one having two longitudinal slots each allowing a sail to pass through, the bolt rope of which may be held between the two tubes; andlongitudinal walls distributed within the annular space between the tubes and uniting the tubes to one another.

Abstract: Sailboat luff system including a longitudinal one-piece extruded luff member, a feeder secured about the luff member, a spacer, and a prefeeder all positioned from top to bottom along a forestay or a headstay of a sailboat. The longitudinal extruded luff member includes two channels or grooves encompassing a third channel or groove, the two channels wrapping around to form the third channel where the third channel is supported by the forestay or the headstay of the sailboat. The extruded luff member is of a material to maintain memory of the channels with respect to each other and snaps around the forestay or headstay with a flick of the fingers. The feeder includes slots leading to the tapered holes or grooves, beveled edges and a headstay groove for securing the feeder about the luff member and feeds the sail tape through slots and grooves, respectively, towards the extruded luff member.

Abstract: Apparatus for reefing sails on a boat and specially-designed boom including such an apparatus. The hollow boom extrusion houses at least one traveler block with two pulley wheels, over which pass the reefing leech line and the reefing luff line. The apparatus makes it possible to take one or more reefs in the sail simply by pulling on the free end of the reefing luff line which leads to the cockpit of the boat.

Abstract: A sail is reefed by a single continuous reefing line which passes from the boom through a leech cringle then down parallel to the boom and then upwardly through a block affixed to a luff cringle. The reefing line then leads through a turning block near the gooseneck of the boom so that when a downward pull is placed on the line and the halyard is simultaneously released, the luff will first be moved downwardly to the foot of the sail and then the leech will be moved downwardly creating a reef.

Abstract: Working sails are simultaneously furled and bagged by providing at the head of the sail a collapsed bag which is open at its foot end and has two forward edges each slidably attached to, e.g., a bolt rope on a different side of the luff, and by remote operations pulling the bag downwardly to furl the sail from leech to luff and to enclose the furled sail.

Abstract: Sail handling apparatus that includes a pair of aligned generally triangular panels secured along a boom and to a portion of the mast above the boom. The panels normally straddle the boom to define an open-topped, sail-receiving pocket. The sail can be lowered into the pocket and the top of the panels overlapped to cover the sail.

Abstract: A winding arrangement suitable for sheeting in a sail of a yacht comprising a winch drum and a piston cylinder assembly having a double-acting piston which is reciprocable within a cylinder. A rack member, coupled to the piston, produces unidirectional rotation of the winch drum through a particular clutch and gear system. A manually operated pump is arranged to supply fluid under pressure to the piston-cylinder assembly through supply pipes and a valve which directs the fluid supplied by the pump to opposite ends of the cylinder alternately, thereby to reciprocate the piston and rotate the winch drum.

Abstract: Apparatus useful in combination with a sailboat boom for forming a basket-like structure positioned to catch a sail as it is being lowered. More particularly, the sail catching apparatus disclosed comprises two arm pairs pivotally mounted to the boom, the arms of each arm pair being on opposite sides of the boom. The arms on each side of the boom are interconnected by the flexible line segments and pivot outwardly from the boom to a predetermined angle. The end of each arm closest to the outer end of the boom is connected to a securing line which, when tension is applied thereto, causes each arm to pivot outwardly to the predetermined angle defined by a stop, this arm then drawing the other arm out to its associated stop. The securing lines are then tied to cleats provided on the boom. The outwardly extending arms and their associated line segments form a basket for catching a sail as it is lowered.

Abstract: A double-groove headstay for sailboats, the grooves adapted to receive and retain jib boltropes so that a second jibsail can be hoisted while the first is still set. The second sail can be set and the first sail taken down, thus permitting continued drive while changing sails. The stays can be in lieu of conventional stays or provided with holes and clipped or threaded onto existing forestays.