Stowable semi-rigid wing sail system

Abstract

A wing sail for wind powered craft and of the type having semi rigid panels (10) which communicate at their base with an airfoil shaped boom (21). The semi rigid panels (10) of the wing sail can be bent along folding grooves (20) that are parallel to the boom (21). In addition, the semi rigid panels (10), and boom (21) of the wing sail are made of flexible materials so that they can be repeatedly bent without fracturing, perpendicular to the boom.

Description

[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 191,854, filed Mar. 24, 2000.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The invention herein referred to by its trademark name a "Sto-Wing", relates to sails, specifically wing sails for wind powered craft.[0004] 1. Description of the Prior Art[0005] Designers and manufacturers of wind powered craft, supply consumers with a number of custom sails for a specific sailing craft. Sail designers and sailmakers provide the most efficient designs possible for the current technology. Racing and cruising sailors are the impetus for product development, toward more power, simplicity of use, and safety.[0006] Sails with the most power are not easy to use, and are not safe to use with possible[0007] Designers and manufacturers of wind powered craft, supply consumers with a number of custom sails for specific sailing craft. Sail designers and sailmakers provide the most efficient designs possible for the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Sails with the most power are not easy to use, and are not safe to use with possible

Sails with the most power are not easy to use, and are not safe to use with possible high winds.

The most common sails are not easy to use, and suffer a loss of efficient use of the winds power of up to thirty seven percent.

Even in the hands of professionals, sail trim requires a lot of attention, and handling to keep the power of the wind working for the craft.

However, solid wings come short of this claim.

These wings require a substantial amount of adjustment.

Solid wings are not flexible enough to change draft, or flatten the windward panel automatically.

Rigid wings have a substantial reduction of useful efficiency, as they cannot be stowed, and the whole wing must be hauled out for possible high wind speeds.

Additional sails are required for all useable wind conditions, and the craft cannot stow away a spare wing.

However, safety for the craft is compromised by storm winds, and by the increased weight affecting the righting moment.

Also, as with standard sails, the airfoil shape is not automatic, and is complex to adjust.

With wind applied to the soft sail, the sail jams the sail between the frames when reefing.

Also, this soft sail is not an efficient rigid wing sail.

When reefed, the rolled up dual panels become the same as a standard single sail panel, which is an inefficient airfoil shape.

The boom is an improvement, but the airfoil remains as inefficient as standard soft sails.

Like the "Bluey Rig" above, this sail is also soft, and inefficient.

The battens make it difficult to adjust the airfoil shape from head to foot.

Airfoils of single panel sailcloth suffer a substantial loss of efficient use of the winds power.

These sails are inefficient, and are not safe to use, because they are not easy to change.

Rapidly degrading weather can ruin the sails, and inflict serious injury to persons handling them.

However, the sails made for roller reefing systems are soft, and do not hold their airfoil shape sufficiently.

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