Abstract: A sailing boat includes at least one mast with at least one first and one second section projecting upwards with respect to the hull and arranged facing each other in the orthogonal direction to the advancement direction for supporting a mainsail in two mutually specular and alternative operating positions, where the sections are connected and spaced out from each other by at least one overturning section of the mainsail placed at the top of them to allow the passage from one specular position to the other. The three sections of mast define for that purpose a first sliding guide for the whole mainsail that extends substantially along the whole extension length of the mast and the mast includes a second sliding guide positioned substantially at the top thereof and placed aft with respect to the overturning section.

Abstract: A linear guide 10 includes: a track rail 20 having a ball rolling groove 22; a movable block 30 having a loaded ball rolling groove 33 opposing the ball rolling groove 22, an unloaded ball rolling groove 34 extending in parallel with the direction in which the ball rolling groove 22 extends, and a direction change guide groove 35 connecting the loaded ball rolling groove 33 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 34; and a plurality of balls 40 arrayed on an endless circulating path including a loaded ball rolling path 50, an unloaded ball rolling path 60, and a direction change path 70 formed by the track rail 20 and the movable block 30. The direction change path 70 has a plurality of change points where the track changes. By having this configuration, it is possible to provide a linear guide which does not require an end plate.

Abstract: An accessory mounting track provides quick and easy removable attachment and positioning of various devices. The method of attachment of devices to the accessory mounting track may be compatible with the attachment of these devices to other mounting systems, allowing the accessory mounting track to be used interchangeably with those systems.

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: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a crewmember with the ability to retrieve the halyard and shackle at the head of a mast of a contemporary sailing vessel from the deck. A clamshell device containing a magnetized component is pre-installed on the halyard shackle and a related magnetically active cylinder is attached to a companion non-loaded halyard running just beside the loaded halyard. The clamshell is attached at the top of the shackle just below the halyard that is attached to the shackle.

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: 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: 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 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: A clamp member is provided with numerous lightening holes which comprise cavities and depressions formed on an inner surface of the clamp member. Bolt holes are provided through upper and lower surfaces of the clamp member and extend through the cavities. A reduced volume of the clamp member allows it to be manufactured from materials that are generally heavier than aluminum, but less susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: As one non-limiting example, a foldable mast assembly for a sailing vessel is provided. The foldable mast assembly includes a lower mast section; an intermediate mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the lower mast section; an upper mast section having a lower end foldably coupled to an upper end of the intermediate mast section; and a boom coupled to the lower mast section. A locking device internal the mast assembly is also provided to inhibit folding of the mast assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking a sail having a tack, clew and head, the sail being mounted to batten or sail cars above a boom when the 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. Cars adjacent the boom and tack of the sail may be slidably mounted on at least two of the lower tracks, and carrying the sail between the at least two of the lower tracks. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

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: 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: For use with a computer system having an intelligent mass storage disk array subsystem, including a microprocessor controller, a method for the distribution of data within the disk array based upon logical commands issued by the computer system. The disk controller reads a logical command and translates the commands into multiple drive specific commands, including drive physical parameter information such as head, sector and cylinder selection. The calculation of these physical parameters is based upon a number of factors including the operating system installed in the computer system, the type of interleave scheme, if any, specified by the computer system configuration, and disk specific parameters. The physical drive requests are then placed in a queue and executed by the microprocessor controller.

Abstract: The guiding device of the invention introduces, close to the entrance of the groove in which the sail hoist rope is engaged, two guiding elements having on the side opposite the groove external guiding edges. In addition, the sail includes at least one protuberance situated at a distance from the hoist rope and is intended to take support and be guided by said external edges. The invention can be applied in particular to battened sails.

Abstract: The invention provides various improved sailboats and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment, a sailboat comprises a hull and a deck that is operably attached to the hull. The deck has a longitudinal axis extending along its center. A mast is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a luff cable is coupled to the mast and the deck. The luff cable is movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Further, a foresail is coupled to the luff cable such that at least a portion of the foresail is movable relative to the longitudinal axis upon movement of the luff cable.

Abstract: A traveler comprises a car slideably held on a track, and is useful for applications including trimming a sailboat mast or sail. The car has two side portions each with a race with an open portion. Ball bearings are contained in each race that are rotatably engaged between the race open portions and the grooves on the sidewalls of the track. The car further has retaining means for holding the ball bearings in place along the open portion of the race when the car is removed from the track. The retaining means are movably received by the track groove, and otherwise allow for free rotational engagement of the groove by the bearings.

Abstract: The invention provides various improved sailboats and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment, a sailboat comprises a hull and a deck that is operably attached to the hull. The deck has a longitudinal axis extending along its center. A mast is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a luff cable is coupled to the mast and the deck. The luff cable is movable relative to the longitudinal axis. Further, a foresail is coupled to the luff cable such that at least a portion of the foresail is movable relative to the longitudinal axis upon movement of the luff cable.

Abstract: A pole support is adapted for use in a mast assembly of a sail craft to selectively adjust tension of a sail. The mast assembly comprises an elongated and rigid tubular member having a central longitudinal axis and a surrounding sidewall defining an interior therefor. The tubular member has a base portion adapted to engage a mast foot and an upper portion sized to slidably engage a mast pole. A selectively actual drive mechanism includes a lift structure which is operative to support the mast pole and upon actuation of the drive mechanism to adjustably vary the effective length of the mast assembly by moving the mast pole further from and closer to the base portion, thereby to respectively increase and decrease tension of the sail when the tack is secured to the mast foot. The lift structure may also include a collar slidably disposed thereon, which collar has a neck to provide a first protective spacer between the mast pole and the tubular member.

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 track system for fastening at the groove (2) of a mast (1) includes a profiled track (4) and a plurality of slide members (5). The track (4) is formed to receive cars (12) in an axially slidable manner and is provided with transverse openings (17) for receiving the screws (38). The slide members (5) are adapted to be slidably arranged, however, the sliders are prevented from rotating in the groove (2) via a base (28) being engaged in the interior of the groove in the mounted state of the slide members (5) and a shaft extending through the slot (3) of the groove. The slide members include a threaded hole (36) adapted to coact with the thread (37) of a screw (38) when the thread has been inserted through the corresponding transverse opening (17) in the track (4) for fastening the track (4) to the mast (1). On the surface (34) adapted to face the groove (2) the track is provided with recesses (22) coaxially arranged with the transverse openings (17).

Abstract: A slider assembly useful as a working part on a sailing vessel includes a track and a slider mounted on the track. The slider includes a pair of U-shaped end pieces held in a spaced relationship by side pins and a central pin. Tubular bushings are mounted on the side pins and in sliding engagement with the grooves of the track.

Abstract: A track and slide assembly for a sailboat having a mast and a boom, the track being attached to the mast and the slides which ride along the track being each coupled to the luff of a sail. Hence, when the sail is raised on the mast, the slides ride up the track, and when lowered, the slides then ride down the track. Formed in the track along its full length is a slot which extends below the outer face of the track and has a cruciform cross section defining a major channel and a minor channel that intersects the major channel at a point below the face of the track and is at right angles to the major channel.

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: With reference to FIG. 2, a mast (10) for a sailing vessel is provided with a guide (25) for guiding halyards (19) along the mast and for maintaining the halyards in spaced apart relationship.The guide (25) comprises a track (13) for sail slides and batten cams, extending longitudinally of the mast (10), a track support (11) of elongate form located between the track (13) and the mast (10), and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart guides (14) located between the track (13) and the mast (10), the guides each being provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures (17) through which the halyards (19) extend.

Abstract: A batten end fitting includes a coupling having slots therein for securely receiving slides mounted for movement in a mast track formed longitudinally in a mast and rollers rotatably mounted thereon for movement along the mast in response to movement of the slides. A socket or pivot is formed in the coupling, and a ball is defined on the forward end of a batten holder for rotatable engagement with the socket when the batten holder is flexibly secured to the coupling. The batten holder includes a pair of plates for receiving therebetween a luff end of a mainsail, and a positioner is slidably mounted between the plates for receiving a forward end of a batten sewn into a pocket in the mainsail. The positioner selectively positions the batten relative to the plates and thereby selectively tensions the batten within the batten pocket.

Abstract: A traveler track is provided for supporting the sail of a sailboat, and is itself supported by a plurality of lugs which are received in a rearwardly facing groove in the mast, which would normally receive the boltrope of the sail. The lugs are slidable in the groove during installation, and are loosely secured by threaded fasteners at spaced locations to the track sections. Successive sections are installed by pushing up previous sections loosely installed in the groove. After all sections have been installed, the threaded fasteners are tightened to place tension between the track and the portion of the lug engaged in the groove.

Abstract: A track-to-track adaptor system is mounted to an elongated first track fixedly mounted to and extending longitudinally or transversely along a sailing yacht. The adaptor system includes a lead car system having a relatively short length second track with a car slidably mounted thereon for moving longitudinally of the second track. A control system includes at least a portion mounted to the second track for adjusting the longitudinal position of the car on the second track. A sheave block is mounted on the car for movement therewith and receives a line connected to a movable portion of the yacht sail. A plurality of slides or adaptors including at least one locking slide are fixedly mounted to the bottom of the second track and in longitudinal alignment and at spaced longitudinal positions along the second track. The slides are engaged to the first track.

Abstract: A hatch cover system including an ellipitcal port opening (12) in a housing (10) and an elliptical cover member (18) supported centrally by a rotational bearing (53) for rotation about a rotational axis (54) normal to the cover member and by pivot pins (57,62) in a gimbal member (24) for pivotal movement about axes (56 and 58) perpendicular to the rotational axis. Arm members (26,28) support the gimbal member (24) pivotally by pivot members (30,31) so that upon rotation and manipulation the cover member (18) can be articulately moved from a closed position on the port opening to an out of the way position with a minimum of volume sweep by the cover member (18).

Abstract: A traveller assembly for use on sailcraft, said traveller assembly comprising a track way, a traveller car adapted to move to and fro along said track way, the traveller car provided with an engaging element; and a stop member secured to said track way, the stop member provided with an element for receiving and locking said engaging element thereby providing a convenient arrangement for remotely controlling the positioning of the traveller car and concomitantly an efficient system for tacking a sailcraft.

Abstract: A traveler assembly for a boat includes a rigid track defining a pair of spaced-apart channels on opposite sides of the track. A car with side wheels rides on the track with its wheels engaging in the channels. The car wheels have rounded peripheral cross sections which ride on conforming upper and lower rails formed by the channels to provide maximum surface engagement and minimum parts wear as the car rolls back and forth along the track. Resultantly, the car travels readily and quietly even when subjected to high vertical and lateral loads.

Abstract: A sailing craft having a mast mounted therein is provided with a track on the mast for supporting the vertical edge of a sail. To support the upper portion of the sail, an L-shaped gaff is provided having two legs, one leg being substantially parallel to the mast and contained against the mast by track slides or bolt ropes, while the other leg extends at an angle to the mast and supports the upper edge of the sail. The gaff is supported in an elevated position by a halyard that extends through a block at the upper tip of the mast, and a traveler is provided to change the position of the halyard along the gaff on the leg portion that extends away from the mast.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for attaching a sail to the mast of a sailing vessel, which will allow the sail luff to move laterally and forwardly of the stern side of the mast for improved air flow past the mast and sail. The device includes a follower for mounting on a vertical guide of a standard mast and provides in mast-mounted position a substantially horizontal track having a mid-portion at the stern side of the mast. The track is formed for reciprocation of a luff-attaching shackle between its opposite ends. The track opposite ends are positioned forwardly of the mid-portion and laterally of the mast in mast-mounted position.

Abstract: A traveler assembly for a sailboat or other sailcraft comprises a car slotted to ride in the traveler track and having a pair of transverse major holes in the middle thereof and a transverse minor hole on each end. A sheet for a sail of the sailcraft is bent to one of the major holes and reeved via the sail through the other major hole. Lines bent to the minor holes permit positioning of the car along the track to be instantly controlled from a position on the sailcraft remote from the traveler, e.g., if the sail is a jib sheeted down on the leeward side, the traveler position may be controlled from the windward side of the sailcraft.

Abstract: A device comprising, on the one hand, a slide closed at its ends and, on the other hand, a traveller able to slide in the slide, this traveller not being able to be pulled out of the slide in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. The traveller comprises at least two separate elements 12a, 12b meant to be placed back to back and able to slide in relation to each other; removable lockings V are provided for maintaining the two elements 12a, 12b in position; when the two elements are assembled, it is not possible to disengage the traveller in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. Application is to sheet rail travellers for controlling a sail of a sailing boat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved deck cleat of the type that is mounted on a slide for repositioning along a slide track and wherein the improved construction is characterized by (1) a positioning lock such as a set screw, being placed between the legs of the cleat and (2) by the use of rigid threaded sleeves welded to the slide and serving to receive fasteners, such as screws, which fix the main structure of the deck cleat to the slide. This construction avoids stress being placed upon the fasteners during use of the cleat when stress is applied at the union of the cleat and its slide mechanism.

Abstract: Sail is leewardly positioned with respect to the mast by flexible panels attached at, and extending aftwardly from a point approximately at the greatest width of the mast. Sail is guided by transverse stiff members mounted on the panels at their aft edges, to a predetermined, aerodynamically efficient stopped position.

Abstract: A sailboat traveler apparatus with bearings having a circular cross section at their pivots which are received in a track with a circular cross section with the traveler carriage being pivotal about the centerline of the track so that pivoting forces on the carriage remain transferred to the bearing surfaces of the bearings and track without binding. The bearings may be spherical or cylindrical depending upon the desired friction between bearing and track.

Abstract: A traveller device for positioning a sail and having a carrier that is moveable on rollers along a guide track. The rollers project on opposite sides of the carrier and are arranged in spaced-apart relation along the length thereof to engage with rolling contact, longitudinally extending surfaces of the guide track.