Rudderless sailboat
US5410977A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 2, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2035/009
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rudderless sailboat having a mast keel assembly which can be pivoted fore or aft to generate a moment of force to effect easy precise sailboat steering. In one embodiment including a catamaran, the keel is integral to the mast and thus pivots correspondingly but in an opposite direction from vertical as the mast is pivoted fore or aft. In yet another embodiment, a monohull is provided wherein a frame extends laterally over each side rail of the hull and downwardly to a respective keel, wherein the mast extends upwardly therefrom. The frame is secured in an oar lock on each side rail. Thus, as the sail and mast is pivoted forwardly, each keel disposed lateral of the side rails is pivoted rearwardly. In still yet another embodiment, a slope-rigged sailboat is disclosed wherein the mast can be pivoted fore or aft by adjusting the length of the forestay and backstay. The keel is stationary, and a winch is used to adjust and secure the position of the mast.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.