Ships – Sail or control means therefor – Spinnaker pole
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-01-30
Avila, Stephen (Department: 3617)
Ships
Sail or control means therefor
Spinnaker pole
C114S102300, C114S104000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178906
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sailboats that are fitted with a jib generally carry a whisker pole to keep the jib out when going down wind. Such a pole is fastened to the mast much like a spinnaker pole, but the whisker pole is of much lighter construction. The outboard end of the whisker pole is generally connected to a point adjacent the clew of the jib. This rig enables a sailboat when sailing from a beam reach to down wind to make the jib work rather than flap or collapsing from being blanketed by the mainsail. There is a need for a whisker pole or spar that can be easily handled by a cruising sailor with minimum effort. In a similar vein, the handling of spinnakers and particularly the smaller versions called cruising spinnakers is very difficult for the average sailor. There is therefore a need for a pole or spar that can be easily used that will enable the spinnaker to draw property in a balanced configuration. To enhance the performance of furled headsails, a sleeve that presents minimum wind resistance is desirable. This sleeve will also contain and protect the sail and spar.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a pole that is easily handled by the simple expedient of setting it with one line.
A further object of the invention is t o provide a pole that can be easily slowed within a furling jib or spinnaker.
A sailboat having the features of the present invention may comprise a mast and a jib fastened to the mast with a luff and clew, a single spar means has one end coupled to the luff of the jib while the other end has means coupling it adjacent the clew. A bungee cord fastened between the end of the pole and the head of the jib maintains the spar in a position parallel to the luff for stowage.
A further feature of the invention is the use of a cloth sleeve, which in its extended form will form a high aspect ratio foil. When the sleeve is allowed to rotate freely, the sleeve will present minimum wind resistance. Within the sleeve will be a folded sail and an attached spar that will be held substantially parallel to the headstay.
Therefore, the principal object of the invention is to provide a spar that is pivotally attached to the clew of a sail. In its folded or furled condition, the spar is held substantially vertical by the tension of a bungee cord that is connected to the head of the sail. To activate the spar to its vanging configuration, a downhaul line overpowers the bungee cord and pulls the spar firmly down into active position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 413046 (1889-10-01), Gevalt
patent: 757474 (1904-04-01), Lowry
patent: 3464379 (1969-09-01), Lawson
patent: 3861343 (1975-01-01), Fretwell, Jr.
patent: 4101289 (1978-07-01), Ebbeson et al.
patent: 4817549 (1989-04-01), Beatman
patent: 5347945 (1994-09-01), McAlpine
Avila Stephen
Barlow Josephs & Holmes, Ltd.
LandOfFree
Spar for a sailboat does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Spar for a sailboat, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spar for a sailboat will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2517286