Downhauling apparatus and method for using same
US5511503A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H8/25
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for downhauling a sail movably attached to a mast assembly including a mast base having a gripping assembly are disclosed. The sail is coupled to the gripping assembly by a downhaul line adapted to be held at varying points along its length by the gripping assembly to maintain a degree of tension on the sail. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a system base adapted to be removably secured to the mast base. A lever arm including a first portion coupled to the system base and adapted to be pivotably moveable to the system base and a second portion coupled to the first portion so that the lever arm has a relaxed configuration and an activated configuration is provided. With the lever arm in the relaxed configuration, the downhaul line passes between the first and second portions. With the lever arm in the activated configuration, the downhaul line located between the first and second portions is prevented from movement relative to the lever arm. By manipulating the lever arm between the relaxed configuration and the activated configuration and moving the lever arm the amount of tension on the sail can be varied to obtain the desired degree of tension on the sail.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.