US4090461A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sail boat mast containing sail furling device with swivel haul-up means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-05-25
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Granted: 1978-05-23
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Expires: 1997-05-25
Abstract
Abstract A hollow mast having a longitudinal slot in the aft end thereof contains a stationary tension member supporting a rotatable rod having at least one C-shaped groove longitudinally disposed therein parallel to the tension member. The C-shaped groove is adapted to retain a bead located in the luff of a sail. A swivel surrounding the rod provides a rotatable part for hoisting the sail and a non-rotatable part for attachment of a sail hoisting halyard. A rotator is provided for rotating the rotatable member whereby the sail is furled about the rotatable member protected within the mast.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony Rusich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:06
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B15/00; B63B15/0083; B63H; B63H9/00; B63H9/04; B63H9/08; B63H9/10; B63H9/1021; B63H9/1035
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
In a sailboat mast of the type having a cavity therein for holding a sail which has a bead in its luff, the improvement comprising: (a) a tension means having first and second ends in said cavity parallel to the axis of said mast; (b) means for supporting the first and second ends of said tension member and for applying tension thereto; (c) a rod surrounding said tension means; (d) said rod being rotatable on said tension means; (e) a C-shaped groove in said rod for retaining said bead; (f) a swivel having first and second parts slidably disposed on said rod; (g) means for attaching a sail-hoisting halyard to said swivel first part; (h) means for attaching the head of said sail to said swivel second part; (i) means for attaching a sail tack to said rod; (j) a longitudinal slot in the aft of said mast at least along the entire length of the luff of the sail; (k) means for rotating said rod upon said tension means whereby said sail is furled upon said rod within said mast; (l) the swivel second part rotating with the rod and the sail; and (m) the swivel first part being held substantially non-rotating.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
In a sailboat mast of the type having a cavity therein for holding a sail which has a bead in its luff, the improvement comprising: (a) a tension means having first and second ends in said cavity parallel to the axis of said mast; (b) means for supporting the first and second ends of said tension member and for applying tension thereto; (c) a rod surrounding said tension means; (d) said rod being rotatable on said tension means; (e) a C-shaped groove in said rod for retaining said bead; (f) a swivel having first and second parts slidably disposed on said rod; (g) means for attaching a sail-hoisting halyard to said swivel first part; (h) means for attaching the head of said sail to said swivel second part; (i) means for attaching a sail tack to said rod; (j) a longitudinal slot in the aft of said mast at least along the entire length of the luff of the sail; (k) means for rotating said rod upon said tension means whereby said sail is furled upon said rod within said mast; (l) the swivel second part rotating with the rod and the sail; and (m) the swivel first part being held substantially non-rotating.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 1 further comprising a sail feeder which comprises: (a) a longitudinal enlargement in a portion of said C-shaped groove whereby the C shape is changed to approximately a U shape; (b) first and second feeder fingers attached to said rod; and (c) the tips of said first and second fingers being opposed and spaced apart over the longitudinal centerline of said longitudinal enlargement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one bearing attached to said mast, said rod being disposed within said at least one bearing whereby said bearing supports said rod against lateral force.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 3 wherein said at least one bearing comprises a first bearing located above the top of the head of the fully hoisted sail and a second bearing below the tack of a sail.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises a sheave attached to said rod and a cable wound upon said sheave.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 2 further comprising a hand access opening in said mast adjacent to said sail feeder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 1 wherein said rod has a cylindrical outside shape.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sailboat mast recited in claim 1 wherein said tension means comprises a cable.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-22 | 1981-11-21 | 1982-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-22 | 1985-11-21 | 1986-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-22 | 1989-11-21 | 1990-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |