Abstract: Magnet-assisted automatic locking mechanisms for use on a sailboat are disclosed herein. One such mechanism includes: a housing having an internal space and configured to receive a slug that moves along a path through the housing, the slug being operably connected to the halyard, the housing including a first housing side and a second housing side coupled to one another; first and second flippers rotatably disposed in the housing, the first and second flippers configured to rotate between at least a cocked position in which the slug is inserted into the housing, a locked position in which a surface of the first and second flippers receive the slug and impede the slug from exiting the housing along the path, wherein the halyard is tensioned in the locked position, and a neutral position in which the first and second flippers allow movement of the slug; and a magnet assembly configured to effect rotation of the first and second flippers.

Abstract: A kit contains mast modules that may be erected and connected in a variety of configurations to provide a barrier to accomplish any one or more of the following: guide traffic, protect and rope off an accident or crime scene, warn pedestrians and motorists of dangerous conditions, and shelter an area and/or first responders from sun and precipitation. Masts, coupling sleeves, coupling slots, slits and bases are interconnected to form a barrier.

Abstract: A shaft mount sail device that may have a sail made of a lightweight, flexible material that is capable of being tightly wound about the shaft of a paddle, push-pole or other shaft, a mechanism for attaching the sail to the shaft, and a clamping member coupled to the sail and configured to releasably clamp onto the shaft. The sail may be rolled tightly about the shaft and the clamping member fit over the shaft to secure the sail in the stowed position. The clamping member in the stowed position may serve as the handle by which a user grasps and operates the shaft. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a mechanized device for rigging a sail of a ship that includes: a mast, a boom and a gaff secured to the mast by the respective front ends thereof, a guiding element linking the two rear ends of the boom and the gaff, and delimiting a frame together with the mast, a rectangular sail, secured to the boom by the edge thereof, and equipped on the hoist and leech thereof with a means for guiding respectively along the mast and along the guiding element, a mechanized means for hoisting and lowering the sail in the frame, while keeping the hoist and the leech thereof respectively guided along the mast and along the guiding element.

Abstract: An improved system for rigging a sail to a spar consists of a slot and a gateway plate. The slot is disposed on the spar to selectively enable the sail slugs to engage an internal channel. The gateway plate is adapted to selectively cover the slot and can be removed so the slugs can be inserted to or removed from the channel. The gateway plate consists of a plate body having a first and second oppositely disposed plate-hole, the plate holes having a predetermined alignment with receiving-holes on the spar, the gateway plate further includes a channel-engaging edge, an oppositely disposed handle end, and a predetermined length of elastic cord, which couples to the spar and provides positive engagement of the gateway plate against the spar when in the closed position. The gateway plate can be mounted internally or externally relative to the spar channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically coupling and decoupling the luff of a battened mainsail and stackable luff holders as the connecting link between the sail luff and mast guiding slides, thereby allowing the now free sail luff to be reefed up by means of an in-boom furling boom and allowing the battened mainsail to be hoisted and reefed by means of mast guiding slides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sectionalized mast track that solves problems associated with furling and reefing sails on yachts, particularly large yachts. The inventive mast track includes mast track sections that are secured to a mast with hinges. Securing pins connect the sections to each other such that all the sections pivot together along the centerline defined by hinges. The securing mechanisms also make it possible to remove a single mast track section at a time. Embodiments of the inventive mast track have a cross section that absorbs wind-generated compressive forces exerted by battens, reducing chafing, and eliminates the need for sail slides, which would otherwise lock the sail in place during furling and reefing. The inventive mast track may also be configured to couple to an articulating sail feeder that bends and rotates freely, but limits the axial twist of the sail as during furling and reefing.

Abstract: Disclosed are luff extrusions that solve problems of batten chafing and friction locking. The inventive luff extrusions provide batten end receptacles with channels for headboard cars. The luff extrusions absorb the wind-generated compressive forces exerted by the battens on the batten pockets and eliminate the need for sail slides.

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: A semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including at least one discontinuous shroud and one continuous shroud. The discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud are coupled at their end portions to attachment points on a sailboat or other structure by terminal coupling devices. The continuous shroud is further coupled to the sailboat at one or more intermediate locations between its first end portion and its second end portion. These intermediate locations are coupled to the boat by non-terminal coupling devices. A hybrid coupling device may be used in place of a terminal and a non-terminal coupling device at one or more attachment points on the sailboat. The semi-continuous rigging system provides for achieving a desired balance of certain performance characteristics of a sailboat by utilizing a combination of discontinuous shrouds, continuous shrouds, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminal coupling devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically coupling and decoupling the luff of a battened mainsail and stackable luff holders as the connecting link between the sail luff and mast guiding slides, thereby allowing the now free sail luff to be reefed up by means of an in-boom furling boom and allowing the battened mainsail to be hoisted and reefed by means of mast guiding slides.

Abstract: The device lubricates a sail edge channel, such as a luff channel in a luff channel extrusion fitted to a forestay of a sloop. The device comprises a slide arranged for insertion into and for sliding along the channel and a reservoir for containing a lubricant. A web connects the slide to the reservoir and extends from the slide out of the sail edge channel so that the slide can slide in the channel with the reservoir outside the sail edge channel. A passageway extends from the reservoir and through the web to at least two outlets from the slide arranged at different angular positions around the slide. The lubricant can be expelled from the reservoir into the passageway so that the lubricant is expelled from the outlets into the sail edge channel.

Abstract: A membrane connector (1) has a generally annular body (2) having an interior region (8). An elongate projection (10) projects from the body into the interior region (8). In use, the body (2) is attached to a membrane (14) such as a yacht sail and allows a fastener such as a rope to be attached to the membrane, via the connector (1), to control or secure the membrane. The fastener typically comprises a loop of flexible material (18, 24) which may be easily placed over the projection (10) so that force can be applied to the membrane in a direction that is generally coincident with a longitudinal axis of the projection. The connector (1) allows membranes such as sails to be easily and quickly taken down and reset and has no moving parts so it is not prone to failure.

Abstract: A flexible mast track extension for use on sail boat mast permitting the luff of a sail bent to the mast to deflect from the line of the mast and facilitate the extension or retraction of a sail from a furling apparatus.

Abstract: A sail furler with a recirculating halyard includes a foil having a longitudinal halyard channel and a longitudinal recirculating halyard channel formed within; and a halyard, having a first and second end, the halyard affixed at its first end to a slider, the slider affixed to head of the sail, the halyard rising to an upper end of the foil, leading through a top cap, and then descending downwards through the halyard channel to an exit of the halyard channel in proximity to a lower end of the foil, then ascending through the recirculating halyard channel, and terminating at its second end to the slider, so that the distance between the second halyard end and the head of the sail remains constant whether the sail is raised or lowered.

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: A headsail for a sailing boat includes a luff rope having a core of parallel filaments of high-tenacity polyester and a tightly braided polyester cover, affixed in proximity to the headsail's luff. An upper marine eye is affixed to an upper end of the luff rope, while a lower marine eye affixed to a lower end of the luff rope. A length of shrink-wrap tubing is disposed about a shank of each marine eye, and is firmly shrunk about both the shank of the corresponding marine eye, and about the luff rope in proximity to the shank. A drum affixed to the lower marine eye includes a bearing assembly having an upper race, and is disposed within the drum body which contains a lower race, the bearing assembly suspended between a plurality of lower balls disposed between the upper race and the lower race, and a single upper ball. Means for restricting an excursion of the upper race relative to the lower race prevents the lower balls from distortion beyond their breaking point.

Abstract: A composite tension rod is received in the sleeve portion of a shank that forms part of a terminal fitting, and is spaced from the shank sleeve and connected thereto by a potting resin. The shank sleeve wall tapers out from thin at its distal end to thick at the bury depth of the rod. The rod is tapered outwardly from a point of minimum diameter at its inner end to its full diameter a given distance from the end. The shank sleeve and rod have complementary dual tapering along said length such that as the diameter of the rod along said distance increases, the wall thickness of the shank sleeve decreases. The resin layer and the rod are secured to each other against relative longitudinal movement, as are the resin layer and the shank sleeve. In another aspect of the invention, a tension rod sleeve is fixed to the tension rod and extends over the distal end of the shank sleeve and along all or a majority of the length of the shank sleeve.

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: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: Sailing craft having a hull, a seat disposed toward the rear of the hull and largely outboard of the hull, a mast affixed directly to the seat so that heeling forces applied to the mast are counterbalanced by the weight of a sailor primarily through the seat and not through the hull, a rotatably mounted stay extending between the top of the mast and a forward portion of the hull, a boom affixed to the stay, a sail mounted on the stay, and a rigid control rod connected to the boom for swinging the sail about the axis of the stay.

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 arrangement for a sail for sailing boats to connect the sail to a mast (4) on the sailing boat by means of a number of mast track slides (6) distributed along one edge of the sail, which are so arranged as to be connected by means of rolling devices to a track extending along the mast. The rolling devices are accommodated jointly in a channel-shaped track (9) integrated with the mast (4), with the edges (18,19;21,28;22,29) of which the aforementioned rolling devices are so arranged as to interact. A channel-shaped opening (16) extends along the aforementioned track (9) to permit the track slides (6) to extend out from the aforementioned track (9) with a narrower part for attachment to the sail with a broader part.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus and a locking mechanism for the same. The shackle is of a thimble type design and includes a locking mechanism for locking the shackle open and closed. The shackle apparatus allows for secure locking, easier operation, higher strength and less susceptible to problems of wear. The locking mechanism includes a plunger pin connected to a knob that mates with the shackle body to prevent the plunger pin from rotating and/or retracting, and the shackle from opening. This design prevents the plunger from both rotational as well as translational movement during extreme flogging, dragging and impact to prevent accidental opening. The shackle can be operated with one hand for the inside surface of the hook is “proud” above the surface of the clevis. This arrangement transforms any force applied to the latching side of the shackle into a moment which helps the hook close and allows the plunger pin to be snapped closed with the use of one hand.

Abstract: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus and a locking mechanism for the same. The shackle is of a thimble type design and includes a locking mechanism for locking the shackle open and closed. The shackle apparatus allows for secure locking, easier operation, higher strength and less susceptible to problems of wear. The locking mechanism includes a plunger pin connected to a knob that mates with the shackle body to prevent the plunger pin from rotating and/or retracting, and the shackle from opening. This design prevents the plunger from both rotational as well as translational movement during extreme flogging, dragging and impact to prevent accidental opening. The shackle can be operated with one hand for the inside surface of the hook is “proud” above the surface of the clevis. This arrangement transforms any force applied to the latching side of the shackle into a moment which helps the hook close and allows the plunger pin to be snapped closed with the use of one hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the detachable locking of a line (2) which is led out through an opening in, for example, a mast (55) on a sailing boat (6) in question and for enabling the line (2) to be led further to an existing winch on board. In accordance with the invention, a tension release device (1A) and a ferrule (1B) for the line (2) are formed by a common component. Each part of this common component (1) can be situated to either side (A and B respectively) of the wall (12) in the mast (5) and or a cockpit, through which a lead-in (11) for the line (2) extends.

Abstract: A roller furling system for sailing yachts contains a rotating mandrel mounted within a boom of the vessel, and furls or reefs the sail within the boom. The furler includes the hollow boom which has a slot on the upper surface to permit the sail to enter, foot first. A rotating mandrel is mounted within the boom and a drum, attached to the after end of the boom and concentric with the mandrel, provides means to rotate the mandrel. A winding line is wound around the drum and is redirected by a series of pulleys out of the forward end of the boom. The boom is mounted on, and above a gooseneck fitting attached to the mast, thereby providing full access to the mast end of the boom slot. A sail feeder provides easy entry of the sail into the boom slot, and prevents jamming, particularly jamming caused by the forward end of the sail battens. The feeder has two sides along the boom slot, and an end piece, which prevents the batten ends from jamming above the end of the boom slot.

Abstract: A furling sail system for rotatably dispensing and retrieving a furling sail has a rotating swivel and drum for attachment to the sail. Each of the drum and swivel have a body with a perimeter, with cordage attachment means on the body for attaching the furling sail with a length of cordage. The cordage attachment means have a pair of cooperating passages for guiding a length of cordage about at least 40% of the respective body perimeter.

Abstract: A sail banding device for preventing a furled sail, in particular a spinnaker, from filling until the sail is fully hoisted. The sail banding device includes a pair of flexible elongate anchor straps coupled together. The anchor straps each have a plurality of flexible binding straps coupled thereto. Each of the binding straps is looped around the associated anchor strap in a generally U-shaped configuration such that the ends of each binding strap outwardly extends in a generally common direction from the associated anchor strap. The ends of each binding strap is detachably attached together.

Abstract: A sailboard utilizing a dual-hook/loop connector is provided for attaching a sail 35 to a sailboard. The sailboard includes a hull, a base unit attached to the hull, a boom attached to the base unit, a sail 35 having a first side 40 and a second side 45 opposed the first side 40, with an edge 50 therebetween, and further having at least a first means for receiving 55 attached to the first side 40 and a second means for receiving 60 attached to the second side 45 opposed the first means for receiving 55, and a device for attaching the sail 35 to the hull, base unit, or boom including at least a first hook 115 and a second hook 120 opposed the first hook 115, where the first hook 115 and the second hook 120 are operable to engage the first means for receiving 55 and the second means for receiving 60, respectively, and further including a mechanism operable to engage a line from the hull, base unit, or boom.

Abstract: A trimming gear on the mast top of a windsurfing rig having an adjusting element that can be connected to the sail top and fixed relative to the mast is arranged on the mast top. The adjusting element is actuated by a reducing gear and can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the mast. Since the adjusting element is actuated by a reducing gear, it is possible to precisely adjust or trim the sail top with a relatively low expenditure of force, namely also in the tensioned state.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus that introduces improvements to the basic shackle design to allow for easy attachment to the corner of a flexible membrane such as a sail. The releasable shackle comprises of a body, hook, internal trigger, and mounting lugs. The mounting lugs are located on the shackle body such that the shackle can be attached to the corner of a sail using standard webbing and eliminates the need to install an additional grommet or ring onto the sail. The lugs are oriented such as to position the pivot point of the shackle hook at the projected comer of the sail, or alternatively slightly below the bottom edge of the sail to prevent the foot of the sail from dragging over the deck when connected to a standard deck fitting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mast and boom coupled thereto by means of a coupling means for a sailing boat, which includes: an elongate structure which bounds a cavity extending in a longitudinal direction; a slotted hole extending on the top side thereof in the longitudinal direction; and a winding member rotatably drivable by drive means and extending in the cavity in the longitudinal direction for winding up and unwinding a sail movable through the slotted hole.

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: An adjustable sail head tensioning device for tensioning the head and upper leech of a windsurfing sail. The device allows the head and upper leech to twist off in strong winds; provides more power in light winds; and makes the sail easier to handle in strong winds. The head and upper leech is supported partially by an elastic member. When the sail is unloaded, the elastic tensions the upper leech by pulling the leech into the mast. When the sail is exposed to strong winds, the elastic stretches and permits the upper leech to spill off wind, which makes the sail more controllable.

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 tensioner for drawing a point on a flexible wing's surface toward its leading edge. The wing's camber is thereby increased and maintained even at high airflow velocities and low angles of attack. The provision of a tensioner length adjustment system allows the wing's camber to be optimized for a particular set of conditions. The fitment of a plurality of such tensioners along the wing's chordlines and along its span allows the wing's shape to be fine-tuned both in terms of camber as well as twist.

Abstract: A snatch block which may be opened to receive a line has a sheave assembly and a pair of sideplates on the sides of the sheave assembly, as well as a head connecting the sideplates. One of the sideplates and sheave is hinged from the head and can pivot toward and away from the other sideplate. A spring loaded plunger is carried by the sheave and engages an aperture in the other sideplate to lock the assembly. The plunger is pushed by a lever in the other direction to open the block.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing battens mounted on a sail and for adjusting the tension of the battens is disclosed, the apparatus having track slide members which are slidably connected for movement along a mast, a fitting device is used to connect the sail to respective track slide members and to secure a respective batten in a predetermined position on the sail so that a portion of the device is fixed in the lateral direction with respect to a respective track slide member when the sail is forced toward the mast, and the same portion of the fitting device is free to move in all directions with respect to the respective track slide member when the sail is forced away from the mast. Additionally, the battens are mounted and secured along the sail so that the tension can be simply and effectively adjusted.

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: 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.

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: Catamaran sailboats have their user support platforms improved to prevent the trampoline from disengaging from its support tubes by interposing a plurality of small plastic retainers having a hook-like cross-section spaced apart along the inboard side of the tube slots of the pair of support tubes located approximately at the beam of the sailboat by which the trampoline is supported.

Abstract: A device for automatically securing in the hoist position the head of a sail of a sailing vessel on the mast of a vessel. The device comprises a body, one end of which is fitted with a device for securing the sail and the other end of which has passing through it a rod on which is fixed the halyard for handling the sail. In the body a hook is articulated, one arm of the hook projecting outwardly. A piston integrally formed with the rod is forced by a spring against the hook. When the piston is resting against the hook, the hook is locked, while in the opposite case the hook may pivot freely.

Abstract: A device for furling a sail comprising; a support structure, means for mounting the support structure to a boom of a sailboat; a retaining structure fixed to the support structure; and an elongated sail furling guide structure removably secured in the retaining structure and positioned for guiding a sail to a furled condition on the boom when the support structure is fixed to the boom and the sail furling guide structure is inserted in the retaining structure.

Abstract: A batten receptacle for surrounding and firmly holding a batten and sail. The receptacle is adapted to be connected to a slide member by means of a rigid multiaxis of rotation joint. This unique joint allows for the required rotational movement while at the same time preventing harmful linear movement between the batten and the mast.

Abstract: A tether anchorage is provided for supporting barrier planks of free standing posts of portable barrier systems wherein an elongated plug with a head, flat intermediate tongue and body has a tether secured to one end of the plug and with the head of the plug being receivable in a slot and apertures in the wall of the post to suspend the plank by the tether.

Abstract: A line securing or fastening device having a base, a neck tapering upwardly from the base and a generally arcuate knob portion on top of the neck and two transverse wedge-shaped channel openings through the principal axis passing through the device and the channels separating the neck and knob into plural segments or posts open at the top and adapted to be firmly secured to a structure such as a hull or deck so as to provide an easy means of adjustably securing lines, such as mooring lines and admitting of quick release from the fastening device.

Abstract: A pulley block system for releasable attachment to a sheet end and requiring no overhang beyond the sheet end. There is a first pulley block assembly having planar, parallel, spaced side portions and including a first pulley roller rotatably mounted between the side portions of the first pulley block assembly so that a line can pass over the first pulley roller. There is also a second pulley block assembly having planar, parallel, spaced side portions and including a second pulley roller rotatably mounted between the side portions of the second pulley block assembly so that a line can pass over the second pulley roller; and, interlocking apparatus for passing through the sheet to releasably interconnect the first and second pulley block assemblies with the sheet attached to and between the first and second pulley block assemblies.