US4365570A — Sail system for sailboards

Claim 1

Independent Claim 273 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator rides the board in standing position, and manipulates a sail system in order to effect propulsion of the board, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted at its lower end to be mounted on a sailboard, (b) a boom connected at one end to said mast at a region intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) upper and lower sails each having its luff connected to said mast and its leech connected to said boom at the end of said boom remote from said mast, said upper sail being generally above said boom, said lower sail being generally below said boom, said sails and boom being such that said boom may be grasped by the operator regardless of which side of said sails said operator is standing on, and (d) means to effect a lapped, sealing relationship between the lower edge of said upper sail and the upper edge of said lower sail, said sealing relationship being such that said lower edge of said upper sail is, regardless of the tack said sailboard is on, on the upwind side of said upper edge of said lower sail, said sail system being such that said sails operate like a single sail which is aerodynamically unconstrained by any boom and therefore assumes a single efficient sailing shape characterized by the absence of a crease, said sail system being further characterized by the absence of substantial leakage of air between said sails, which leakage would reduce the efficiency of the sail system.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 273 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator rides the board in standing position, and manipulates a sail system in order to effect propulsion of the board, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted at its lower end to be mounted on a sailboard, (b) a boom connected at one end to said mast at a region intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) upper and lower sails each having its luff connected to said mast and its leech connected to said boom at the end of said boom remote from said mast, said upper sail being generally above said boom, said lower sail being generally below said boom, said sails and boom being such that said boom may be grasped by the operator regardless of which side of said sails said operator is standing on, and (d) means to effect a lapped, sealing relationship between the lower edge of said upper sail and the upper edge of said lower sail, said sealing relationship being such that said lower edge of said upper sail is, regardless of the tack said sailboard is on, on the upwind side of said upper edge of said lower sail, said sail system being such that said sails operate like a single sail which is aerodynamically unconstrained by any boom and therefore assumes a single efficient sailing shape characterized by the absence of a crease, said sail system being further characterized by the absence of substantial leakage of air between said sails, which leakage would reduce the efficiency of the sail system.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which said sails are so shaped and mounted that said lapped edges are in surface engagement with each other at substantially all times except when the sailboard is coming out.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 42 words

The invention as claimed in claim 2, in which there is no physical connection between said lapped edges at regions intermediate said mast and said boom end remote from said mast, said lapped and engaged relationship being effected by wind power only.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 29 words

The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which the lapped edges of said upper and lower sails are on the upwind side of said boom on either tack.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 36 words

The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which neither of the lapped edges is connected to said boom except (a) near or by said mast, and (b) at said bottom end remote from said mast.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 43 words

The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which means are provided to effect loose connection between said lower edge of said upper sail, and said boom, at at least one region intermediate said mast and said boom end remote from said mast.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention as claimed in claim 6, in which said loose connection is effected by elongated strap means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 296 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboats of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulstion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being, at regions intermediate the luffs and leeches of said sails, on the downward side of said boom on either tack and spaced away from said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that means are provided to effect an air seal between said lower edges, on either tack, so as to prevent substantial air leakage therebetween.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 296 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboats of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulstion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being, at regions intermediate the luffs and leeches of said sails, on the downward side of said boom on either tack and spaced away from said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that means are provided to effect an air seal between said lower edges, on either tack, so as to prevent substantial air leakage therebetween.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invention as claimed in claim 8, in which said sealing means operate in the absence of any connection between said upper and lower edges, except at said mast and at the bottom end remote from said mast.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 31 words

The invention as claimed in claim 9, in which said upper and lower edges are lapped relative to each other, on either tack, and are in surface engagement with each other.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 58 words

The invention as claimed in claim 9, in which said boom is rotatable about an axis extending transverse to said mast, and in which said rotatable boom further constitutes manually-operated means to effect, automatically, a condition such that such lower edge of said upper sail is, on either tack, upwind of said upper edge of said lower sail.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 247 words

A sail system for sailboats, characterized by the presence of a single boom which is rotated through the sail means, during coming about, so that the boom is on the upwind side of the sail means on either tack and is readily grasped by an operator standing on the board upwind of both the boom and the sail means, and so that the sail means never engages any boom element, except during coming about, and therefore can assme an efficient, uncreased, aerodynamic shape, said said system comprising: (a) a mast, (b) a single boom, (c) sail means extending above and below said boom, the luff of said sail means being connected to said mast, and the leech of said sail means being connected to said boom at the boom end remote from said mast, (d) means to rotatably connect one end of said boom to said mast at an intermediate portion thereof, and to rotatably connect the other end of said boom to said sail means at a region remote from said mast, whereby said boom may be rotated about an axis which is generally parallel to a line extending through the ends of said boom, said boom and said sail means being so constructed that regions of said boom intermediate said boom ends may pass through said sail means when said boom is rotated about said axis while the sailboard is coming about, and (e) means for preventing substantial leakage of air through said sail means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 247 words

A sail system for sailboats, characterized by the presence of a single boom which is rotated through the sail means, during coming about, so that the boom is on the upwind side of the sail means on either tack and is readily grasped by an operator standing on the board upwind of both the boom and the sail means, and so that the sail means never engages any boom element, except during coming about, and therefore can assme an efficient, uncreased, aerodynamic shape, said said system comprising: (a) a mast, (b) a single boom, (c) sail means extending above and below said boom, the luff of said sail means being connected to said mast, and the leech of said sail means being connected to said boom at the boom end remote from said mast, (d) means to rotatably connect one end of said boom to said mast at an intermediate portion thereof, and to rotatably connect the other end of said boom to said sail means at a region remote from said mast, whereby said boom may be rotated about an axis which is generally parallel to a line extending through the ends of said boom, said boom and said sail means being so constructed that regions of said boom intermediate said boom ends may pass through said sail means when said boom is rotated about said axis while the sailboard is coming about, and (e) means for preventing substantial leakage of air through said sail means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 32 words

The invention as claimed in claim 12, in which said sail means comprise two sails one of which is generally above said boom and the other of which is generally below it.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 28 words

The invention as claimed in claim 13, in which means are provided to prevent leakage of air between said sail means except when the sailboard is coming about.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 13 words

The invention as claimed in claim 12, in which said boom is curved.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as claimed in claim 12, in which said boom is arcuate near the mast, as relatively straight remote therefrom.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention as claimed in claim 16, in which said boom is generally arcuate for at least a substantial portion of its length.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 68 words

The invention as defined in any one of claims 1 through 17, in which said sail system is combined with a board, and in which the lower end of said mast is pivotally connected to said board for pivotal movement in substantially any direction, so that when the operator does not manually support said mast said sail system will fall over and movement of the sailboard will stop.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 331 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having its mast pivotally connected to the board for pivotal movement in substantially any direction, and having a curved boom one end of which is rotatably connected to said mast for rotation of the boom about an axis extending generally through the ends of said boom, and having upper and lower sail portions the luffs of which are connected to said mast respectively above and below said boom, and the leeches of which are connected to said boom at a point remote from said mast, said sail portions being so shaped that the adjacent edges of said upper and lower sail portions overlap each other, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack, with the upper edge of said lower sail portion on the starboard side of the lower edge of said upper sail portion, with said boom on the port side of both of said edges, with the operator on the port side of said boom, and with said mast inclined toward the operator whereby wind moves down said upper sail portion and then onto said lower sail portion without leaking between said sail portions, (c) commencing a coming-about operation by manipulating said boom to cause said board to turn to port, into the wind, (d) rotating said boom upwardly and at least 180° degrees about said axis, and substantially simultaneously walking around said mast forwardly of said boom, said boom rotation causing said boom to rotate between said upper and lower sail portions, while said boom simultaneously pushes on said lower edge of said upper sail portion, and while said upper edge of said lower sail portion blows below said lower edge, (e) grasping said boom after said walking around said mast and then beginning to sail said board on a starboard tack, the operator then standing on the starboard side of said boom, and said upper edge being on the port side of said lower edge.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 331 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having its mast pivotally connected to the board for pivotal movement in substantially any direction, and having a curved boom one end of which is rotatably connected to said mast for rotation of the boom about an axis extending generally through the ends of said boom, and having upper and lower sail portions the luffs of which are connected to said mast respectively above and below said boom, and the leeches of which are connected to said boom at a point remote from said mast, said sail portions being so shaped that the adjacent edges of said upper and lower sail portions overlap each other, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack, with the upper edge of said lower sail portion on the starboard side of the lower edge of said upper sail portion, with said boom on the port side of both of said edges, with the operator on the port side of said boom, and with said mast inclined toward the operator whereby wind moves down said upper sail portion and then onto said lower sail portion without leaking between said sail portions, (c) commencing a coming-about operation by manipulating said boom to cause said board to turn to port, into the wind, (d) rotating said boom upwardly and at least 180° degrees about said axis, and substantially simultaneously walking around said mast forwardly of said boom, said boom rotation causing said boom to rotate between said upper and lower sail portions, while said boom simultaneously pushes on said lower edge of said upper sail portion, and while said upper edge of said lower sail portion blows below said lower edge, (e) grasping said boom after said walking around said mast and then beginning to sail said board on a starboard tack, the operator then standing on the starboard side of said boom, and said upper edge being on the port side of said lower edge.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invention as claimed in claim 19, in which said boom is thus rotated about 270 degrees, and then is rotated in the reverse direction about 90 degrees to thereby achieve a net rotation of about 180 degrees.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 210 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having upper and lower sail portions, the lower edge of said upper sail portion and the upper edge of said lower portion being lapped, and having a boom adapted to be grasped by the operator regardless of which tack the sailboard is on, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack with said sail edges in such relationship to each other that said lower edge is on the port side of said upper edge whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges, (c) turning said sailboard to port, into the wind, (d) walking around the mast of said sailboard and also grasping said boom from the side of the board opposite the one said boom was originally grasped from, and (e) reversing the lapped relationship of said edges whereby the lower edge of said upper sail portion is on the starbard side of said upper edge of said lower sail portion, and (f) sailing said boat on the starbord tack whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 210 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having upper and lower sail portions, the lower edge of said upper sail portion and the upper edge of said lower portion being lapped, and having a boom adapted to be grasped by the operator regardless of which tack the sailboard is on, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack with said sail edges in such relationship to each other that said lower edge is on the port side of said upper edge whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges, (c) turning said sailboard to port, into the wind, (d) walking around the mast of said sailboard and also grasping said boom from the side of the board opposite the one said boom was originally grasped from, and (e) reversing the lapped relationship of said edges whereby the lower edge of said upper sail portion is on the starbard side of said upper edge of said lower sail portion, and (f) sailing said boat on the starbord tack whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention as claimed in claim 21, in which said edges of said sail portions are in surface engagement with each other while the sailboard is sailing on either tack.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 269 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator sails in standing position, and manipulates a sail system in order to effect propulsion of the sailboard by the wind, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted to be associated with a board in such relationship that the mast may pivot downwardly into the water when the sail is dropped by the operator, (b) a boom extending outwardly from said mast, (c) an upper sail disposed generally above said boom, the luff of said upper sail being associated with said mast and the leech of said upper sail being connected to the end portion of said boom, (d) a lower sail disposed generally beneath said boom, the luff of said lower sail being associated with said mast and the leech of said lower sail being connected to said end portion of said boom, and (e) means to loose-connect an edge portion of at least one of said upper and lower sails, at an edge thereof relatively adjacent said boom, to said boom in such manner that when the boom is manipulated to change from one tack to the other a predetermined desired orientation will be achieved between the edges of said sails which are relatively adjacent said boom, said edges at regions intermediate the luffs and leeches at said sails being spaced from said boom on either tack, said predetermined desired orientation being such that the lower edge of the upper sail is always upwind of the upper edge of said lower sail, the two edges being in lapped contacting relationship relative to each other.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 269 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator sails in standing position, and manipulates a sail system in order to effect propulsion of the sailboard by the wind, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted to be associated with a board in such relationship that the mast may pivot downwardly into the water when the sail is dropped by the operator, (b) a boom extending outwardly from said mast, (c) an upper sail disposed generally above said boom, the luff of said upper sail being associated with said mast and the leech of said upper sail being connected to the end portion of said boom, (d) a lower sail disposed generally beneath said boom, the luff of said lower sail being associated with said mast and the leech of said lower sail being connected to said end portion of said boom, and (e) means to loose-connect an edge portion of at least one of said upper and lower sails, at an edge thereof relatively adjacent said boom, to said boom in such manner that when the boom is manipulated to change from one tack to the other a predetermined desired orientation will be achieved between the edges of said sails which are relatively adjacent said boom, said edges at regions intermediate the luffs and leeches at said sails being spaced from said boom on either tack, said predetermined desired orientation being such that the lower edge of the upper sail is always upwind of the upper edge of said lower sail, the two edges being in lapped contacting relationship relative to each other.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 14 words

The invention as claimed in claim 23, in which said connecting means are straps.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 24 words

The invention as claimed in claim 23, in which said connecting means connect only the lower edge of said upper sail to said boom.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 206 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator rides the board in standing position, and manipulates the sail system in order to effect wind propulsion of the board, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted at its lower end to be mounted on a sailboard, (b) a generally bowed boom extending transversely from said mast at an intermediate portion thereof, one end of said boom being rotatably associated with said mast, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom and the leech of which is connected to the end of said boom remote from said mast, said upper sail having a curved lower edge which curves downwardly in a direction away from said mast and then curves upwardly in a direction toward the end of said boom remote from said mast, (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom and the leech of which is connected to said end of said boom remote from said mast, and said lower sail having an upper edge disposed at a sufficiently high elevation to be in lapped relationship to said curved lower edge of said upper sail.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 206 words

A sail system for a sailboard of the type in which an operator rides the board in standing position, and manipulates the sail system in order to effect wind propulsion of the board, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast adapted at its lower end to be mounted on a sailboard, (b) a generally bowed boom extending transversely from said mast at an intermediate portion thereof, one end of said boom being rotatably associated with said mast, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom and the leech of which is connected to the end of said boom remote from said mast, said upper sail having a curved lower edge which curves downwardly in a direction away from said mast and then curves upwardly in a direction toward the end of said boom remote from said mast, (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom and the leech of which is connected to said end of said boom remote from said mast, and said lower sail having an upper edge disposed at a sufficiently high elevation to be in lapped relationship to said curved lower edge of said upper sail.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 48 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which the curvature of said bowed boom is greater than that of said lower edge of said upper sail, whereby when said bowed boom is pivoted to a downward position it will clear said lower edge of said upper sail.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which at least one of said edges of said sail adjacent said boom is provided with stiffening means.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which means are provided to effect loose connection between said boom and the adjacent edge of said upper sail.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 46 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which said curved lower edge curves downwardly sufficiently far that such edge would flap if not supported by the lower sail, whereby the lower edge region of said upper sail blows against the lower sail and seals therewith.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 50 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which means are provided to effect a sealing relationship between the end of said boom relatively adjacent said mast and the sail regions at areas adjacent said boom and also said mast, whereby to prevent leakage between the sails at said region.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 57 words

The invention as claimed in claim 26, in which said sail system is combined with a sailboard, there being a pivotal connection between the lower end of said mast and a region of said board such that when the operator drops the sail system it falls into the water and causes propulsion of the sailboard to cease.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 301 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom, and spaced from said boom, on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and upper edge are in lapped relationship to each other, and are adjacent each other, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 301 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom, and spaced from said boom, on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and upper edge are in lapped relationship to each other, and are adjacent each other, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as claimed in claim 33, in which neither of said edges is connected, at all, to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as claimed in either of claims 33 and 34, in which said sail system is combined with a sailboard.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 213 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having upper and lower sail portions, the lower edge of said upper sail portion and the upper edge of sail lower portion being lapped, and having a boom adapted to be grasped by the operator regardless of which tack the sailboard is on, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack with said sail edges in such relationship to each other that said lower edge is on the port side of said upper edge whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges, (c) turning said sailboard to port, into the wind, (d) preventing said upper sail portion from being blown past said boom until after said lower portion has blown therepast, thus causing said lower edge to be on the starboard side of said upper edge, (e) walking around the mast of said sailboard and also grasping said boom from the side of the board opposite the one said boom was originally grasped from, and (f) sailing said boat on the starboard tack whereby wind moving down said upper portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount in between said lapped edges.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 213 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having upper and lower sail portions, the lower edge of said upper sail portion and the upper edge of sail lower portion being lapped, and having a boom adapted to be grasped by the operator regardless of which tack the sailboard is on, (b) sailing said sailboard on a port tack with said sail edges in such relationship to each other that said lower edge is on the port side of said upper edge whereby wind moving down said upper sail portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount between said lapped edges, (c) turning said sailboard to port, into the wind, (d) preventing said upper sail portion from being blown past said boom until after said lower portion has blown therepast, thus causing said lower edge to be on the starboard side of said upper edge, (e) walking around the mast of said sailboard and also grasping said boom from the side of the board opposite the one said boom was originally grasped from, and (f) sailing said boat on the starboard tack whereby wind moving down said upper portion flows onto said lower sail portion without passing in substantial amount in between said lapped edges.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 42 words

The invention as claimed in claim 36, in which said prevention of blowing of said upper sail portion past said boom until said lower sail portion has blown therepast is effected by causing said upper sail portion to drag on said boom.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 279 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the said system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, and (e) means provided in said lower sail to maintain the upper edge thereof in lapped relationship to the lower edge of said upper sail even under light-wind conditions.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 279 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the said system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, and (e) means provided in said lower sail to maintain the upper edge thereof in lapped relationship to the lower edge of said upper sail even under light-wind conditions.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention as claimed in claim 38, in which said means is a batten provided in said lower sail and extending upwardly to the vicinity of the upper edge thereof.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as claimed in either of claims 38 and 39, in which said sail system is combined with a sailboard.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 342 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower and upper edges of said sails being lapped relative to each other, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind said of said boom, and (e) differential outhaul means provided at the outer end of said boom and providing the means by which the leeches of said upper sail and lower sail are connected to said outer end of said boom, said differential outhaul means being adapted to permit independent adjustment of the tensions on said upper sail and lower sail whereby to cause the lapped edges thereof to be in surface engagement with each other for achievement of an effective seal.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 342 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower and upper edges of said sails being lapped relative to each other, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind said of said boom, and (e) differential outhaul means provided at the outer end of said boom and providing the means by which the leeches of said upper sail and lower sail are connected to said outer end of said boom, said differential outhaul means being adapted to permit independent adjustment of the tensions on said upper sail and lower sail whereby to cause the lapped edges thereof to be in surface engagement with each other for achievement of an effective seal.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 54 words

The invention as claimed in claim 41, in which said differential outhaul includes a single element adapted to be shifted to different portions of the end of said boom, and maintain at such positions, and further comprises independently-adjustable means to connect such element to the leeches of said upper sail and said lower sail.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 300 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, said boom being straight, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and upper edge are in lapped relationship to each other, and are adjacent each other, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 300 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, said boom being straight, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and upper edge are in lapped relationship to each other, and are adjacent each other, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as claimed in claim 43, in which neither of said edges is connected, at all, to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as claimed in either of claims 43 and 44, in which said sail system is combined with a sailboard.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 104 words

The invention as claimed in claim 43, in which the lower edge of said upper sail extends downwardly a distance sufficiently far that said lower edge will drag on said boom when the sailboard is coming about, and in which the upper edge of said lower sail does not extend upwardly sufficiently far to cause substantial dragging on said upper edge on said boom, whereby said lower sail will blow beneath said boom before said upper sail blows thereabove, the result being that the lower edge of said upper sail will be on the upwind side of the upper edge of sail lower sail.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 297 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the said system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and said upper edge are lapped relative to each other, and are spaced from said boom, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom at regions intermediate said luffs and leeches.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 297 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the said system to effect wind propulsion of the board, said single-boom sail system having two separate sails which are caused to operate as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, the simulated single sail thus assuming a highly efficient aerodynamic shape, said sail system comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper sail having a lower edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, and (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said lower sail having an upper edge the elevation of which is generally the same as that of said boom, said lower edge and said upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, whereby the operator may readily grasp said boom, on either tack, while standing on the upwind side of said boom, (e) characterized in that said lower edge and said upper edge are lapped relative to each other, and are spaced from said boom, on either tack, and further characterized in that neither of said edges is close-connected to said boom at regions intermediate said luffs and leeches.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as claimed in claim 47, in which neither of said edges is connected, at all, to said boom except at the ends of said edges.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as claimed in either of claims 47 and 48, in which said sail system is combined with a sailboard.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 209 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper and lower sails having, respectively, lower and upper edges in lapped relationship to each other, said lapped lower edge and upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, (e) characterized in that said lower sail and upper sail, including the lapped edges thereof, are so shaped and disposed as to operate substantially as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, to achieve advantages including enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 209 words

A single-boom sail system for sailboards of the type in which an operator stands on the board and manually manipulates the sail system to effect wind propulsion of the board, comprising: (a) a mast the lower end of which is adapted to be mounted on a board, (b) a boom one end of which is connected to an intermediate portion of said mast, said boom extending away from said mast transversely thereof, (c) an upper sail the luff of which is connected to said mast above said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, (d) a lower sail the luff of which is connected to said mast below said boom, and the leech of which is connected to the outer end of said boom, said upper and lower sails having, respectively, lower and upper edges in lapped relationship to each other, said lapped lower edge and upper edge being on the downwind side of said boom on either tack, (e) characterized in that said lower sail and upper sail, including the lapped edges thereof, are so shaped and disposed as to operate substantially as a single sail unconstrained or creased by any boom element, to achieve advantages including enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 60 words

The invention as claimed in claim 50, in which said boom is curved and is rotatably connected to said mast for rotation about a generally horizontal axis, and in which said boom and said sail edges are so shaped and mounted that intermediate portions of said boom can be manually rotated between said sail edges when the sailboard comes about.

Claim 66

Independent Claim 296 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having its mast pivotally connected to the board for pivotal movement in substantially any direction, and having a boom so shaped that upon rotation of said boom, about an axis generally parallel thereto, at least a substantial portion of the boom will shift laterally a substantial distance, and having first and second sails respectively above and below said boom, the luffs of said sails being connected to said mast and the leeches of said sails being connected to said boom at a point remote from said mast, (b) causing the lower edge of said first sail, and the upper edge of said second sail, to be in lapped relationship to each other, so that said sails cooperate with each other to simulate a single large sail, (c) sailing said sailboard on a port tack, with said substantial portion of said boom on the port side of and spaced from said sail means, while standing on the board at the port side of said substantial portion of said boom, (d) commencing a coming-about operation by manipulating said boom to cause said board to turn to port, into the wind, (e) rotating said boom about said axis generally parallel thereto, in such manner that said substantial portion of said boom shifts laterally, between said edges of said first and second sails, (f) substantially simultaneously moving to the starboard side of said substantial portion of said boom, and (g) grasping said substantial portion of said boom and beginning to sail said sailboard on a starboard tack, while standing at the starboard side of said substantial portion of said boom, said sails then being on the port side of, and spaced from, said substantial portion of said boom.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 296 words

A method of sailing a sailboard, which comprises: (a) providing a sailboard having its mast pivotally connected to the board for pivotal movement in substantially any direction, and having a boom so shaped that upon rotation of said boom, about an axis generally parallel thereto, at least a substantial portion of the boom will shift laterally a substantial distance, and having first and second sails respectively above and below said boom, the luffs of said sails being connected to said mast and the leeches of said sails being connected to said boom at a point remote from said mast, (b) causing the lower edge of said first sail, and the upper edge of said second sail, to be in lapped relationship to each other, so that said sails cooperate with each other to simulate a single large sail, (c) sailing said sailboard on a port tack, with said substantial portion of said boom on the port side of and spaced from said sail means, while standing on the board at the port side of said substantial portion of said boom, (d) commencing a coming-about operation by manipulating said boom to cause said board to turn to port, into the wind, (e) rotating said boom about said axis generally parallel thereto, in such manner that said substantial portion of said boom shifts laterally, between said edges of said first and second sails, (f) substantially simultaneously moving to the starboard side of said substantial portion of said boom, and (g) grasping said substantial portion of said boom and beginning to sail said sailboard on a starboard tack, while standing at the starboard side of said substantial portion of said boom, said sails then being on the port side of, and spaced from, said substantial portion of said boom.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 37 words

The invention as claimed in claim 52, in which said step of rotating said boom is so effected as to cause, on both tacks, said lower edge to be on the windward side of said upper edge.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1985-12-27	1986-06-28	1986-12-28	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1989-12-27	1990-06-28	1990-12-28	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1993-12-27	1994-06-28	1994-12-28	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Sail system for sailboards

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag