Headsail roller-furling boom

Abstract

The present invention relates to a movable stay connected between a boom and the mast, capable of furling a sail, such as a headsail or jib. The furling and deployment movements should be proportional so the sail angle remains constant throughout use. By furling sails toward the mast and deck, the center of gravity for the sailboat is lowered. During a capsize or just harsh weather conditions, lower center of gravity helps in righting a ship or preventing it from capsizing in the first place. Other embodiments will allow for automatic detection of an anticipated capsize and an immediate automated furling of sails.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a nonprovisional application and does not claim priority to any application.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus capable of raising and lowering sails.BACKGROUND AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sailing is an activity many partake in for both leisure and sport. One concern universal among all sailors is safety. A sailor must be prepared for the possibility of the boat capsizing anytime the ship is in open water. A ship may capsize for a variety of reasons, but it typically occurs from strong winds and large waves hitting the hull and sails at the proper angle to push the boat past its tipping point. One way to increase the stability of a boat is to lower its center of gravity. With a lower center of gravity, the ship becomes less susceptible to capsizing in dangerous conditions and has the ability to return to an upright position much easier.[0004]One way to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a system for furling and unfurling a headsail on a sailboat. The invention allows the headsail to roll and furl downward towards the deck of the ship. This is achieved by using a movable stay that maintains the same angle and tension as the headsail furls. The stay is connected to a mast and the hull of the boat. The invention helps keep the boat's center of gravity at its lowest point, making it easier to right a ship when knocked down in a storm or capsized. It also allows for a lower center of gravity while still allowing some wind to contact the sail. The invention may be used in combination with an emergency storm triangle sail to provide better safety and control. The system uses a ratchet and pawl gear system to incrementally raise and lower the sail, and an automatic furling system to prevent the sail from being blown too far out.

Problems solved by technology

Lowering the sails not only limits the effect the wind can have on a ship but also shifts weight towards the hull resulting in a lower center of gravity.

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