AU594837B2 - Sail systems with adjustable sail area - Google Patents

Description

594837 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR OFFICE USE Form Short Title: Int. Cl: Application Numbe Lodged: Complete Specification-Lodged: Accepted: Lapsed: Published: Priority: S Related Art: f11i document catains Me nmantaueats mad4 isada 8ct4ea 49.

Ad is 0r0"t for pt'katkg.

f I a, '1 TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: RANDALL H. REYNOLDS Address of Applicant: 506 35th Street, Newport Beach, CALIFORNIA 92663, U.S.A.

Actual Inventor: Randall H. Reynolds Address for Service: GRIFFITH HASSEL FRAZER 71 YORK STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000

AUSTRALIA

Complete Specification for the invention entitled: SAIL SYSTEMS WITH ADJUSTABLE SAIL AREA The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:s I) I The present invention relates, generally, to the field of sails and sail and mast assemblies for sailing vessels.

More specifically, the invention relates to a sail or a sail and mast assembly of the type commonly found on sailboards and small sail boats, in which the sail area needs to be easily adjustable to suit various wind conditions and sailing skills.

The popularity of sail-driven surf boards, frequently termed "sailboards" has been increasing in recent years.

Briefly described, a sailboard comprises a bouyant elongated platform or board having a tapered "bow", on which a mast carrying a sail is mounted. The mast is mounted to the board by means of a universal joint, allowing the mast to be S turned and twisted, by means of a internally-extending boom, *5 to adjust the attitude of the sail with respect to the wind, S thereby controlling the speed and course of the board.

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r iati-«^- S' Docket No. L-10824 The sail on sailboards usually has a fixed, nonadjustable area. The area of the typical sailboard sail approximately 60 to 64 square feet) reflects a compromise between a larger sail suitable for light wind conditions (a "light air" sail) and a smaller one adapted for heavier wind conditions (a "heavy air" sail). Thus, the typical sail is an attempt to optimize performance in average wind conditions, and is, therefore, not suited for optimal performance in light or heavy wind conditions.

Enthusiasts who seek optimum performance and handling at all times therefore resort to the use of different size sails for differing wind conditions. Aside from the expense involved in purchasing two or three different sails, there is the inconvenience of changing sails as wind conditions change, which necessitates the beaching of the board.

It has also been found that those who are inexperienced in the use of a sailboard find it easier to learn the necessary skills with a smaller sail, such as a heavy air sail. Thus, if a sailboard is to be used by both a novice and an experienced user, an additional sail must be purchased.

The use of a separate heavy air sail has a further disadvantage, in that the leading edge ("luff") of the sail starts two or three feet from the top of the mast. This results in compromised sail handling, due to the carrying of unnecessary weight aloft.

It has been proposed to adjust the area of a fixed sail by removing sections of the sail from its trailing edge, or leech. While this procedure allows the use of a fixed- -2r .B S. i 1' length mast, a disadvantage exists in the rather drastic change in sail shape which results. Specifically, the leech is moved closer to the line of maximum sail curvature (the "draft line"), and this can degrade the optimal sail shape, in which the draft line is located approximately one-third to one-half of the distance from the luff to the leech.

Thus, there exists a long-felt, but unsatisfied need for a sail and mast assembly, for sailboards and the like, which allows adjustment of the total sail area without degrading the aerodynamic characteristics of the sail, or its handling qualities. Moreover, it would be advantageous for such an assembly to provide for ease and convenience in adjusting the sail area, while being capable for i incorporation into existing sailboard designs.

In one aspect the invention is found in a sail for use with a mast and boom in a sail system.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a sail and mast assembly in which sail area is adjusted by means of at least one removable section or panel attached along the bottom edge, or "foot," of the sail, and in which the height of the mast is adjustable as a sail panel is removed or added.

More specifically, the sail comprises a main sail section, the foot of which includes fastening means which 25 allows the removable attachment of a transverse section or panel. The panel increases the length of the sail's luff and leech, thereby also increasing the overall area of the S sail. Two or more such panels can be used, if desired, in which case the panels will include attachment means on their upper and

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3 5608S/HM Docket No. L-10824 lower edges. (The attachment means can, of course, be omitted from the lower edge of the lowest panel.) The mast is adjustable in height, as mentioned above, to accommodate changes in the length of sail luff, as panels are added or removed. Mast height is adjustable by means of telescoping upper and lower mast sections or as one alternative, the mast can include one or more removable mast segments serially attached to the top or bottom of the mast, with each mast segment having a length approximately equal to the length of luff added by a corresponding sail panel. Thus, with either the telescoping mast or the segmented mast, the mast height can be adjusted, as sail panels are added or removed, to maintain the same proportion of mast height to sail luff.

In a first preferred embodiment, the sail sections are joined along their adjacent edges by means of-a zipper or a series of snap fasteners or the like. In this embodiment, the panels can be configured so that each panel can provide an additional amount of seam shape to the sail. In this manner, the fullness of the sail can be increased and decreased as panels are added and removed, respectively, thereby enhancing the sail's adjustability to varying wind conditions. The sail area is easily and quickly adjusted to suit wind conditions 9* varying from light air to heavy air. Moreover, when used on a sailboard, the invention allows the same board to be used by both a novice and an experienced enthusiast without completely changing the entire sail. Furthermore, the changes in sail area are accompanied by appropriate changes in mast height, hereby maintaining the proper relationship between mast height -4- L. _Y ~i u~ I1 r Docket No. L-10824 0 and sail luff, and avoiding the problem, mentioned above, of excess weight aloft in heavy air. In addition, the draft of the sail can be maintained at its optimum position regardless of the sail area selected, since all sail area is added or removed from the foot, rather than the leech.

The sail system of the present invention includes a load strap arrangement which transfers force from one panel to another without placing appreciable pressure on the joinedtogether sections of the sail.

The sail system of the present invention also includes segmented battens insertable in the separate removable sail panels.

The sail system of the present invention further includes a batten which is selectively insertable in the batten pockets of different sail panels.

As will be appreciated from the detailed description which follows, these and other advantages are provided by a sail and mast assembly, in accordance with the invention, which is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and readily adaptable for use with both sailboards and small sail boats, as well as other types of wind-driven craft.

*O SO 1 SDocket No. L-10824 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a sailboard incorporating a sail and mast assembly in accordance with a first preferred embodiment t t FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the sail and mast assembly of FIG. 1, showing a preferred means of attaching the sail sections used in the first preferred embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mast and an attached sail section, showing the placement of a zipper used to attach the sail section; *99999 FIG. 4 is a 3ide-elevational view of the sail and S mast assembly, similar to the view of FIG. 1, but showing the 9 sail sections in an unattached relationship; FIGS. 5 and 6 are detailed elevational views of portions of the mast used in the first preferred embodiment 0 -f h- as incorporated into the said board of FIG.

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FIG. 7 is a side-elevational view of a second form of sail and mast assembly embodying the present invention; FIG. 8 is a broken view in enlarged scale showing the lower portion of the sail and mast assembly of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken in enlarged scale along line 9-9 of FIG. 81 FIG. 10 is a vertically Inclined sectional view taken in enlarged scale along line 10-10 of FIG. 7; -6-

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FIG. 11 is an inclined sectional view taken in enlarged scale along lines 11-11 of FIG. 7; FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a broken side elevational view showing the lower portion of another form of sail and mast assembly embodying the present invention; and FIG. 14 is a broken side elevational view showing the lower portion of yet another form of sail and mast assembly embodying the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the detailed description of the invention which follows, the invention will be described in conjunction with a sailboard. Although the invention may find its principal 0 utility when used with a sailboard, it should be noted at the outset that, with minor modifications which would be 20 apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts, the o* invention can be incorporated into small sail boats of varying configurations, as well as other types of wind-driven craft.

SReferring first to Figures 1-6, a sailboard is 25 illustrated and has a sail formed in sections which by adaptation can incorporate batten pockets and battens so as to provide a first embodiment of the invention. The batten 0 pockets and battens may be of the type described below and illustrated in Fig. 8, Fig. 13 or Fig. 14. As shown in Fig. 1 the sailboard 10 comprises board 12 on which a person stands, a mast 14 mounted on the board 12 by means of a universal joint 16, and a fore-and-aft rigged sail 18 carried on the mast 14. A boom 20 extends horizontally rearwardly from the mast 14, and is used to rotate the mast on 7 -7- 5608S/HM i i i~ j Docket No. L-10824 the universal joint 16 to change the attitude of the sail 18 with respect to the wind, thereby to navigate.

The sail has a leading edge or "luff" 22 part of which forms a sleeve 24 Into which is inserted the upper part of the mast. Below the sleeve 24, the luff 22 is attached to the mast by one or more straps 26. The sail 18 has a bottom edge or "foot" 28 extending from the luff 22 to the sail's trailing edge or "leech" 30, which extends distally from the mast. At the juncture between the foot and the luff, or "tack", is a tack patch 32, and at the juncture between the foot and leech, or "clew", is a clew patch 34. A downhaul line 36 is connected between the tack patch 32 and the universal joint 16, in a manner to be described below. An outhaul line 38 connects the boom 20 to the clew patch 34. The outhaul line 38 thus connects the sail 18 to the boom 20 so that navigation s" can be accomplished, as mentioned above.

So far there has been described the important features of a conventional sailboard, by way of setting forth an exemplary environment for the present invention. lenceforth, the features of the present invention will be described in detail.

As will be seen shortly, a key feature of the Invention is that the sail area is adjustable by the addition and removal of sections or panels along the sail's foot, and that the height of the mast is adjustable in accordance with the changes in the legnth of the luff resulting from the addition and removal of the sail panels. In accordance with this concept, the sail 18 is divided into a main sail section and two panels 42 and 44 removably attached to the bottom -8- F bock~t No. L-10824 edge of thie main section 40. More specifically, the first panel 42 Is attachable along its' upper edge to the bottom edge, or "foot", of the main section 40, while the second, or lowermost panel 44 is attachable along its upper edge to the lower edge, or "foot", of thie first panel 42. Each of the panels 42 and 44 has a luff edge alignable with the luff edge of the main sail section 40. As best shown in Figtire 4, the panels 42 and 44 are separately attachable and removable, s0 that the sail 18 can be rigged with both of the panbls, or just one, or none (using the main section 40 alone).

As best shown In Figures 2 and 4, the preferred means for removably attaching adjacent sail sections Is a zipper 46, two of which are used In the illustrated embodi- OV 0: ment. As will be described in greater detail below, the zipper 46 provide seams along which adjacent sail sections are joined together, with the two sides of each zipper 46 being sewn into either side of each of these seams. For reinforcement along the seams defined by the zippers 46, fore and aft straps 48a and 48b, respectively, are provided at the 2 upper corners of each of the removable panels 42 and 44. 'Tl ie load straps 48a and 40b pass through grommets 50 in the tack patch 32 and clew patch 34 of the adjacent sail section, looping around the zipper 46 between the two sections, and are fastened by means such snap fasteners 52 or the like.

The zippers 46 extend forward beyond the lufF as shown In Figure 2, so that they can be wrapped around the mnast and tucked under the forward load straps 48a, as shown In Figure 3. The free end of the zipper can then be fastened to the side of the sails section by a suitable fastener 54, which may be a snap or a VELCRO fastener.

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Docket No. L-10824 It should be noted at this point that, although zippers are shown as the preferred means of attaching adjacent sail sections, other means can be used. For example, snap fasteners or self-adhesive strips (such as VELCRO) may be iused as alternatives.

The structure of the mast 14 is best shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. As shown, the mast has a "telescoping" structure to allow adjustment of its height. Accordingly, the mast comprises a lower tubular section 56 attached to the universal joint 16, and an upper tubular section 58 which slldably fits into the open upper end of the lower section 56.

The upper section 58 is provided with a plurality of holes S* which are each registerable with a hole (not shown) near the eg top of the lower mast section 56. A pin 64 is insertable into the registered holes to fix the mast at the desired height.

0..0: The number of holes 60 may advantageously correspond to the number of sail sections, with the spacing between the holes corresponding, at least approximately, to the length of lull or each of the removable sail sections.

As previously mentioned, the downhaul line 36 is connected between the tack patch 32 and the universal joint 16. This connection provides the proper downward tensioning of the sail 18, and is accomplished (as shown in Figure pair of hooks 66 insertable into a tack patch grommet 68 and an eyelet 70 on the universal joint 16.

The operation of a preferred embodiment may now be described. In light air, it is desirable to maximize sail area. Therefore, all three sail sections 40, 42 and 44 are employed, a shown in Figure 1. The mast 14 is extended to its L~ Docket No. L-10824 full height and fixed in this position by the insertion of the pin 64 into the lowermost of the holes 60 In the extendable upper mast section. The downhaul line 36 is attached to the tack patch 32 of the lowermost sail section or panel 44, while the outhaul line 38 is attached to the clew patch 34 of the same panel.

In "medium" or moderate air, it may be desirable to have slightly less sail area hoisted. Therefore, the lowermost sail panel 44 can be removed, by means of the zipper 46, and the mast correspondingly shortened by telescoping the upper mast section 58 Into the lower mast section 56 until the middle one of the holes 60 is in registration with the hole in the lower mast section, with the pin 64 then being inserted e therethrough. The outhaul and downhaul lines are connected to the clew and tack patches, respectively, of the middle sail panel 42.

In heavy air (or when the sailboard is to be used by a novice) the minimum sail area is desired. In this situation, both ppnels 42 and 44 will be unzipped from the main sail section 40, and the mast 14 will be shortened to its minimum height by sliding the upper mast section 58 into the S lower mast section 56 until the uppermost of the holes registers with the hole in the lower mast section and then inserting the pin 64, as described above. The outhaul line and the downhaul line will then be attached to the clew patch and tack patch, respectively, of the main sail section.

It will be appreciated that sail area can be increased by re-attaching the panel 42 alone, or both of the panels 42 and 44, while correspondingly increasing the mast height.

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Docket No. L-10824 From the foregoing description, several features of the invention may be noted. First, since Bail area is added to, or removed from, the foot of the sail, the position of the draft line with respect to the luff and the leech will not change as sail area is adjusted. Moreover, the mast height Is aiwasy adjusted proportionately with the changes in the length of the sail's luff as panels ae added or removed. 'rhis avoidi the problem of excessive weight aloft, as would occur with a fixed-height mast. Thus, no compromise In handling occurs In moderate and heavy air conditions due to excess mast height and weight.

S Another advantage of the Invention can be appreciated by reference to Figure 4. Here it can be seen that the de~tachable seams between the sail sections 40, 42 and 44 formed by the zipper 46 can be advantageously located so :hat each of the removable panels 42 and 44 ad~ds a, predetermiie] amount of aerodynamic curvature to the sail. This curvature *.Is known as "seam shape", and the degree of curvature I e. the amount of seam shape) Is termed the "fullness" of the sail. The seam shape Is provided by a curvature formed along the upper edge 72 of each of the removable panels 42 and 44, whereas the lower edge 74 of each of the sail se'ctions 40 and 642 Is substantially straight. Thus, in order to join a panel to the sail section above It, the sail must be bowed out, thereby adding "fullness".

in this manner, full, or medium full, fullness Is provided wheri both panels 42 and 44 are attached. hits degree of fullness Is optimum for light air conditions. With the lower panel 44 removed, fullness Is reduced, preferably to -12- I r Docket 'f10. L.-10024 to mediulm Hil nenn, n" it; pteferred In1 meiuim wind coiicitifit.

Witht both paneln 42 and 44 removed, the nalt if; only ntliqhtly (tull dtie to the removal of all or IIIC nenm slinpo ptovlided by these panels. Thin slightly fill sail Is optimal for heavy sit conditions.

Thtis, i1: can tie Appreciate~d that thle preferred emhodiiment de ncr ibed above pr ov idenq opt I rn.tm nal andi mi.n t con figuiration over a wide range of witid conditions, withi eine of adjuistability of the nail and mast: configuiration to accoinmnodnte chi~tiyes In wind condliins. Tlhere in no compromrise III the handi(-ng quatlites of the satilbonrd as a resuilt of tile .':adjuistability of Lhe sailt and] mast.

B C fReferring now to FIGS. 7 tHrougli 14, there In shtown another form of sailt and mast assembly emb~odyinug tite preserti C i0 nvepn (:ti mounted onl a salboard Tie mat, generally de.1inated 14' supports a b.ootn 20' As Indicated par tictiar ly inI FIG. 10, the mant 14' incttides a ma in nect ion 100 wi zli te lescopica Illy r emovai)ly nkippor tm an lipper nectI itl 02.

.tipper sect ion 112 inciudes n stubt 013 whtich In snutgly received within a socket 04 formed In the uipper end of maiii mast snection 80. Thle lower end of mast: 14' In telescopically coninected to a sleeve 05 having vertically spaced aperttures thatremovably receive a locator pin 06. With thin; arratigement lithe hreight of mast 14' may be AdIjusted from either the Ltp or bottom potion thereof.

The mast and boom carry a sail 18' which io divided into a main sail sectin 88 and two Panels 90 and 92 removably attach to the bottom edge of the main section oni by zippers 94 and 96. A plurality of battens 99, 99, lo0 -13- Oof;kek L-10024 are provided for the main sail section 99. A single downwnrdly and rearwardly extending batten member, generally designated 102, extends downwardly and rearwardly from tite lower most bntten 98 through the lower front portion of the main sail section 89 through panel 90 and through panel 92.

A downtauit.-line 103 seciiren thle lower fronit Por tin of "ail 10 and its aittaiched panlels 90 nd 92 to a cnvenitionll ainchoring member 104 nectred to tile rear of thle mast toll below the, lower paniel. 92.

Thie front- i: Ord of t m 1ain 1 nipne.l0in formedl witit sleeve 105 for telescopic engagement with mast t4'. Th nsleeve 105 Is open "It area 106 to permit the front end of Ooom 20' toi be na~~hud t iemn narnetlnlmne neferring to 10 0, tile lower front portion of Cte min nal section 130 in provided withi a grommett 1.00. The lower frot .portion or sai painel. 90 is providedI withl a slmiilar 9rommet 11.0, while thle lower front Iportiot) of thle tower nail panel, 92 In also providedI wVih a similar grommet 112. A [,irnt vertircal ft tf f. lad strap 114 In secured to thle tipper removahIbe -Anl. pannet an isconct(l a its upper end( to a sncip hocok 1,.1.6 n~howi particularly In 7. An Indicated Ill thle latter figutre, the snap hook 1.1.4 In remOvahulY .y inett within grfmmet 0? of the main sat. Panel 90. A nimiltor loadl strap 119 Is n(ecurle at its lower end adjacent thle fronit edg;e of lower rpmovabte nil].1 panel 92. ~ictla ta nprovidled w ithaoo 21 simliajr to thle htook 116. Ihook .1.21) in re(movaly njgah with: grommet 1.1.0 Of the 1iPper removnb~le sail Panl 91). It: will be neen thint thle lontl strapsl 114 and 11.0 transfer n Lihe force from tile upper removnable Panel. 90 to tile lower (ronlt flocket flo. U-10024 edge of main sail paniel 81j, white tower tond strAP Ito tronsfern thie force from Elie front n~le of lower rr ,viblr s.l1 panel 92 to thle lower front edge of the tirper removMble snit panel 90. With this arrangement, thle presnuren applied to thle removable panel., 90 and 92 are not transmitted throuigh zippers 94 and 96 to thereby prevent damalige thereto. Thle hooks 1.16 and 120 are readily attaca1,1.e to and detachable fron their respectIve grommets. Preferably, horizontal straps .124 and 126 extend f(rom grommets I10 and 1.12, rnspectively, to encircle thle most 14 so as to removabl1y attach the lower tront portions of the removable sail panels to the mast.

continued reference to FIG;. 0, and addittonaly **:referring to FICS. 11. and 12, batten member 102 consists of an tiupper section 130 disposed within batten pocket 1.32 formed in thle lower front portion of main saill section O8l, on Intermediate section 134 carried In a batten pocket .136 formed in the intermediate portion of uipper removable'sail, panel 20 and a lower section 130 removably carried In a l1ower hatten pocket 140 formed in thie Intermediate portion of lower removable sail painel. 92. As Indicated In FICS. 11 .,ind 12 the adjoining batten sections ate telescopically Joined by itke pin and socket connections 144. The rear end or batten 130 is removably secured within its batten pocket 1.40 by a retainer loop :150 having its front portion secured to tile rear edge of removable lower panel 92 in a conventional manner.

In the ute of the nail. and1 mast assembly of FtmS.

1-12, when lower sail. panel. 92 In removed from tipper sail panel 90 by means of zipper 96, thle lower batten section 138 will be detached from intermediate batten section 1.34 and thie retainer loop 150 of panel 90 wil. 1e engaged with thie lower t0ocket N1o. b-10024 rend of intermptilale batten 134. ILond "trap .110 wIll be detached". from grommnet 110 and ntrap 126 will be dis~engaged from mast 14'. When nail panel. 90 In detached from main sail section 00 by zipper 94, Intermedite batten 134 will. be de tached from thle lower end of tipper batten 1.30 anid tile retainer loop 150 of the upper sail section will be engaged with tile lower end of batten 130. L~oad strap 114 will be, disengaged from grommet 108 and strap 1.24 will be disqengaged from mst 14'.

J.O Referring now to FIG. 1.3, there Is shown another form of sail and mast assembly embodying tile present Invention. in this form of thle Invenlton a sing batn s.0i ba t t.c selectively Insertable within a lower batten pocket 162 fo rme d In lower remnovahle sail panel 92, an i;-ntermediat.e batten 0 0 pocket 164 formed In upper removable sail panel 90 or an upper atten pocket 166 formed in the lowt'r portion of mali sail section 08. A retainer loop 1.50 of the type descr ibed hereinabove In provided at the rear portion of each bat~ten [locket: for releaseahly securing a batten with in one of the pockets.

Thle remaining elements of thle nail1 and mast assembly of FIG.

13 are similar to those shown I.n FICS. I through .12, it betig understood that tile embodiment of FIG. 1.3 utilizeq only thle single batten 160, rather than the segmented batteni 102 of Flo. U. in the use of thle system shown, in FIG. 13 batten .160 will b~e disposed withti batten pncket 1.62 until such time an the l~ower gail section 92 is removed. Thle batten 160 will then be withdrawn from batten pocket 162 and( inserted in batten pocket 164. When sail panel 90 i.9 removed, thle b~atten 160 will be withdrawn from batten pocket 164 and Inserted within batten pocket 166.

-1.6- .1 I_ ___llii I.LII*-1II.ILII.(..__ i I Docket No. U-10824 Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown of form of sail and mast assembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 7-12 except that two three-piece battens, generally designated 170 and 172. are utilized In place of the single segmented batten 102. In all other respects the parts of the sail and mast assembly of FIG. 12 correspond to those disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the use of the sail and mast assembly shown in FIGS. 7-14, the assembly is arranged In the maximum sail area position. Should wind velocity increase, the height of the mast 14' is adjusted downwardly either by removing the stub 83 or by lowering the mast relative to its supporting sleeve Lower sail panel 92 is then unzipped from the upper removable sail panel 90. If wind velocity increases still further, the mast 14' will be again shortened in height and upper removal sail panel 90 will be unzipped from the bottom of the main sail section 88.

The embodiments described above should be considered exemplary, as there are numerous modifications which may suggest themselves to those skilled In the pertinent arts.

For example, as alluded to above, the invention is readily adaptable to wind-driven craft other than sailboards. Thus, modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may be necessary to adapt the invention for use on such craft as sail boats, ice boats, and land sailers (sailboards with wheels). Moreover, as previously mentioned, the attachment between adjacent sail panels can be accomplished by any number of means, such as self-adhesive strips VELCRO) and snap fasteners, for example. Furthermore, while the use of two L.jP i;*cC VL.yL Docket No. L-10824 removable sail panels Is preferred, anywhere from one to three, and possible more, removable' panels may be employed, depending upon the particular application. in addition, other equivalent means may be devised for adjustingj the mast height.

These and other modifications should be considered within the spirit and scope of the Invention, as defined in the claims which follow.

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Claims (12)

1. A sail system for a wind-driven craft having a mast and a boom, said sail system comprising: an upper sail section having a luff securable adjacent the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between said luff and said leech, a tack at the juncture between said luff and said foot and a clew at the juncture between said leech and said foot; a lower sail section having a luff securable adjacent S" the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between the luff and the leech, a head at the top of the lower sail section and extending between the luff and the leech, upper and lower tacks respectively at the junctures between the luff and head and the luff and foot, and upper and lower clews respectively at the junctures between the leech and the head and the leech and the foot; 20 readily removable attachment means to continuously seam the upper edge of said lower sail section to the lower edge of said upper sail section from said tacks to said clews; means for adjusting the effective height of the mast between a first extended height when the lower sail section 25 is attached to the upper sail section and a second height when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, said second height being lower than said first height by an amount approximately equal to the length of the luff edge of said lower sail section; the free end of the boom secured to the lower clew of the lower sail section when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and with the free end of the boom being secured to the clew of the upper sail section when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, and also with the lower tack of the lower sail section being downhauled adjacent the lower portion of the 19 5608S/HM mast when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section, and the tack of the upper sail section being downhauled to the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section; first batten pocket means formed on the upper sail section; second batten pocket means formed on the lower sail section in alignment with said first batten pocket means; first batten means insertable in said first batten pocket means; second batten means insertable in said second batten pocket means, the lower end of said first batten means being removably engageable with the upper end of said second batten means; and retainer means on said sail sections to removably secure the batten means within their respective batten pockets. 0 g 20 *6 SO

2. A sail system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a zipper.

3. The sail system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lower and upper edges of the sail sections are provided with different curvatures whereby the attachment of said edges 0* 25 provides a preselected amount of sail shape to the joined-together sail sections,

4. A sail system as set forth in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lower front ends of the upper and lower sail sections are both provided with a grommet, the lower section is formed with a vertical load strap attached at its upper end to a hook that is releasably engageable with the grommet of the upper sail section, and a horizontal strap extends from each of said grommets around the mast.

A sail system for a wind-driven craft having a mast and a boom, said sail system comprising: 20 5608S/HM i f an upper sail section having a luff securable adjacent the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between said luff and said leech, a tack at the juncture between said luff and said foot and a clew at the juncture between said leech and said foot; a lower sail section having a luff securable adjacent the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between the luff and the leech, a head at the top of the lower sail section and extending between the luff and the leech, upper and lower tacks respectively at the junctures between the luff and head and the luff and foot, and upper and lower clews respectively at the junctures between the leech and the head and the leech .15 and the foot; readily removable attachment means to continuously seam S.r the upper edge of said lower sail section to the lower edge of said upper sail section from said respective tacks to said respective claws; means for adjusting the height of the mast between a first extended height when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and a second height when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail e S section, said second height being lower than said first 25 height by an amount approximately equal to the length of the luff edge of said lower sail section; the free end of the boom being secured to the lower clew of the lower sail section when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and with the free end of the boom being secured to the clew of the upper sail section when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, and also with the lower tack of the lower sail section being downhauled adjacent the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and the tack of the upper sail section being downhauled to the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, and the sail further comprising: 21 5608S/HM L~ SI first batten pocket means formed on the upper sail section; second batten pocket means formed on the lower sail section a single batten that is selectively removably inserted within either said first or second batten pocket; and retainer means on said sail sections to removably secure said batten within either said first or second batten pocket.

6. A sail system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said attachment means is a zipper.

7. A sail system as set forth in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the lower and upper edges of the sail sections are provided with different curvatures whereby the attachments of said edges provides a preselected amount of sail shape to the joined-together sail sections. oeo 20

8. A sail system as set forth in Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the lower front ends of the upper and lower sail sections are both provided with a grommet, the lower section is formed with a vertical load strap attached at its upper end to a hook that is releasably engageable with the grommet S 25 of the upper sail section and a horizontal strap extends from each of said grommets around the mast. goof o: 0

9. A sail system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5 and wherein the sail section's mast and boom are substantially 30 as herein described with reference to figures 1 to 6 and the Dome sail sections include respective first and second batten pocket means and the sail system includes said first and second batten means.

10. A sail system for mounting on a hull and substantially as herein described with reference to figures 7 to 12 of the accompanying drawings or according to the modification of VXIAN either figure 13 or 14 as applied to the sail system of Sfigures 1 to 6 or 7 to 12. STEH 22 5608S/HM

11. A sail for use with a mast and boom in a wind driven craft, the sail comprising: an upper sail section having a luff securable adjacent the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between said luff and said leech, a tack at the juncture between said luff and said foot and a clew at the juncture between said leech and said foot; a lower sail section having a luff securable adjacent the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between the luff and the leech, S a head at the top of the lower sail section and extending between the luff and the leech, upper and lower tacks respectively at the junctures between the luff and head and .15 the luff and foot, and upper and lower clews respectively at the junctures between the leech and the head and the leech and the foot; readily removable attachment means to continuously seam f. the upper edge of said lower sail section to the lower edge *20 of said upper sail section from said tacks to said clews; the sail being adapted to be used with said mast in which there is means for adjusting the effective height of the mast between a first extended height when the lower sail S" section is attached to the upper sail section and a second 06 25 height when the lower sail section is removed from the upper S sail section, said second height being lower than said first height by an amount approximately equal to the length of the luff edge of said lower sail section; the sail being adapted for use with said boom and wherein the free end of the boom remote from the mast is arranged to be secured to the lower clew of the lower sail section when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and with the free end of the boom being secured to the clew of the upper sail section when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, and also with the lower tack of the lower sail section being downhauled adjacent the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section, 23 5608S/HM L C 1 -L-Llf-I- L ffr and the tack of the upper sail section being downhauled to the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, and the sail further comprising: first batten pocket means formed on the upper sail section for receiving a first batten means; second batten pocket means formed on the lower sail section in alignment with said first batten pocket means whereby when second batten means are inserted in said second batten pocket means, the lower end of said first batten means is removably engageable with the upper end of said S« second batten means; and .retainer means on said sail sections to removably secure the batten means within their respective batten pockets. too

12. A sail for use with a mast and a boom in a wind driven craft, the sail comprising: an upper sail section having a luff securable adjacent 20 the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between said luff and said leech, a tack at the juncture between said leech and said foot; a lower sail section having a luff securable adjacent 25 the mast, a leech extended distally from the mast, a foot at the bottom thereof extending between the luff and the leech, a head at the top of the lower sail section and extending between the luff and the leech, upper and lower tacks respectivel! at the junctures between the luff and head and the luff and foot, and upper and lower clews respectively at the junctures between the leech and the head and the leech and the foot; readily removable attachment means to continuously seam the upper edge of said lower sail section to the lower edge of said upper sail section from said respective tacks to said respective clews; 24 5608S/HM lower panel 44 removed, fullness Is reduced, preferably to -12- the sail being adapted for use with said mast which has means for adjusting the height of the mast between a first extended height when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and a second height when the lower sail section is removed from the upper sail section, said second height being lower than said first height by an amount approximately equal to the length of the luff edge of said lower sail section; the sail being adapted for use with said boom wherein the free end of the boom is arranged to be secured to the clew of the lower sail section when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and with the free end of the boom being secured to the clew of the upper sail section when the lower sail section is removed from the 09:15 upper sail section, and also with the tack of the lower sail section being downhauled adjacent the lower portion of the mast when the lower sail section is attached to the upper sail section and the tack of the upper sail section being downhauled to the lower portion of the mast when the lower a* 20 sail section is removed from the upper sail section; a first batten pocket formed on the lower portion of (Poo** the upper sail section; a second batten pocket formed on the lower sail section; the sail being adapted for use with a single batten 25 that is selectively removably inserted within either said first or second batten pocket; and retainer means on said sail sections to removably secure said batten within either said first or second batten pocket. DATED this 16th day of November, 1987 RANDALL H. REYNOLDS By his Patent Attornes GRIFFITH HASSEL F ZE 25 5608S/HM L 'I irl*--_L LL; Y i i 1