It is frequently required to take down the mast of a sailboat, for trailering the sailboat or for passing the sailboat underneath a low bridge. Waterproof housing It is to be understood that, while a specific collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat has been shown and described as preferred, other configurations could be utilized, in addition to those already mentioned, without departing from the principles of the invention. Alternatively, it could be supported at an intermediate position by use of another cable supported by the connector 42, analogous to the cable 50. A hydraulic fluid pump may be used to power the collapsible mast. Hydraulic power pack provided with a 3kW three-phase motor and a 21l/min pump.
In the last vido it compares to a normal laser. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative mast ring according to the invention, illustrating a manner of attaching the sail of the sailboat thereto. Pre preg epoxy carbon fibre. Preferably, the base section and at least one of the telescopic sections have associated cable guides depending therefrom at a predetermined azimuth, the rigging further comprising a cable adapted for passage through the cable guides to substantially prevent relative azimuthal rotation of the base section and the at least one telescopic section. Both features are pretty innovative and under patent approval. The foot 13 is shown as a flat plate for mounting to a flat, level surface, but it should be understood that the foot 13 could have any configuration or orientation appropriate for anchoring the mast to the sailboat. 2 is an isometric view of the mast of FIG. 1 shown attached to a cut-away portion of the mast of FIG. Hydraulically actuated. 1. In a small sailboat that is about 14 feet in length, the mast is about 20 feet in height when fully extended; but the sailboat may be of any size, and the mast may be of any height. Electrically actuated version (patent pending) available on request. We have the experience and expertise to create bespoke equipment solutions. Status signals reported on wheelhouse Multiflex RR 181 cable. We produce carbon fiber masts, installed flush with the bridge inside a waterproof housing and integrated into the structure. FIG. Electrical cable A latch 27 of a sail-attachment portion 26a as shown in FIG. It is to be understood that this summary is provided as a means of generally determining what follows in the drawings and detailed description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
A sailboat is also disclosed having a collapsible mast mounted thereto, the collapsible mast having a base section and one or more telescopic sections, wherein the telescopic sections have cylindrically shaped exterior surfaces. So it is important that the mast ring 24 not damage the sliding surfaces around which it is fitted. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow. Compact and concealed storage means it is flush to the deck when retracted, which frees up valuable space when the light mast isnt needed. Operating system With the mast in its extended configuration, the connector 43 is normally supported by the junction between two adjacent mast sections, e.g., where the connector 43 is fitted around the mast section 143, it is supported by the ledge defined by the larger diameter mast section 142 immediately below. Various lighting configurations are available, including Lopolight and Aqua Signal. FIG. The present invention relates to collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. The diameters of the base and telescopic sections 14 are exaggerated for illustrative purposes. Preferably, the mast sections are cylindrical in shape, to allow for the rotation of a mast ring structure as discussed below, and preferably they are also hollow, to minimize weight. Sub Carbon Surfer Masts on Cat or Dinghy. *Prices are pre-tax. 2004-2022 FreePatentsOnline.com. Flush use on heli-decks
2, the base section of any mast 12 according to the invention typically has a foot 13 to which the base section is attached. 
This is a difficult task requiring above average skill. 
CQuips telescoping two and three stage light masts are the ultimate solution for yachts which are 50 metres or longer. FIG. The Forum is a free service, and much like the "free" content on Public Radio, we hope you will support WoodenBoat by subscribing to this fabulous magazine. check out the FAQ. Prices are indicative only and may vary by country, with changes to the cost of raw materials and exchange rates. Since the base section is mounted to the sailboat, the telescoping sections are thereby likewise constrained to remain at a substantially fixed azimuthal orientation relative to the boat. The foot 13 is preferably formed of a strong corrosion resistant metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, and where the mast is also formed of metal, the foot 13 is preferably formed of the same metal to avoid creating a galvanic potential. The electrical cable is completely hidden inside t he system (patent pending). 1. Control system The mast 12 has a fixed base section 141 and one or more telescopic sections 14n (the minimum value of n being 2) supported by the base section. The mast sections are preferably formed of a corrosion resistant material. No stays needed. They exclude delivery charges and customs duties and do not include additional charges for installation or activation options. 9 and 10 show the mast 12 in the fully extended configuration so as to highlight a rotational control feature of the invention. 1 is an isometric view of a sailboat with a collapsible mast and rigging according to the invention, including a telescopic mast and a plurality of mast rings for connecting a sail to the mast. 400kg with Aluminium housing and actuator. FIG. 6 is side elevation of the sail of FIG. A plurality of mast rings are also provided, each mast ring having a sail attachment portion for attaching the mast ring to the sail of the sailboat, and a ring-shaped portion for fitting around a selected one of the telescopic sections and, thus fitted, sliding on the outer surface thereof. Referring back to FIG. A patent pending stiffening system makes the mast rigid once completely open. In a small sailboat, such as where the mast may be about 20 feet or less in length when fully extended, the mast will generally be light enough that it can be raised, section by section, by hand, even considering the weight of the sail and the tension of the rigging. Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by yipster, Apr 25, 2012. No need to register unless you would like to participate, although some images will only show if you are registered/logged-in. Telescopic masts are supplied as ready-to-use products, with an electrical panel and a hydraulic unit. & Terms of Use. AMS hydraulically operated light masts quickly deploy or retreat at the touch of a button. FIG. The electrical cable is completely hidden inside the system (patent pending). Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand. Thus the four mast rings referenced as 241 can be caused to slide vertically upwardly by the user independently of the remaining mast rings 242-244 sliding vertically downwardly as a result of the collapse of the mast. On the other hand, the loose fitting mast rings allow the sail to rotate about the mast, and this is believed to be desirable to allow the leading edge of the sail to better align itself with the wind-stream than the current methods for mounting a sale to a mast, by which the leading edge of the sail is installed as a tongue into a groove in the mast, allows. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post. AMS designs each telescopic mast tailored to the yacht dimensions, features and needs. 3, for example. http://inflatedwingsails.com/en/category/video-en/, Tools / Materials / Techniques / Products. As will be readily appreciated, it is not essential that the entire interior surface area 25a be covered by bearing material. Alternatively, as noted previously, it may be desirable to fit the base section into the keel, and as will be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary mechanical skill, there are many ways this could be done. Carbon fibre stages
Mast open, mast closed, waterproof box flooded. from the on-board batteries) in order to keep the mast status signals active when the yacht is laid up. 4 is an isometric view of one of the mast rings of FIG. The mast rings collapse until they are stopped by the projecting tabs 36 of the telescopic section to which the mast rings are fitted, and the tabs 36 of the mast section immediately below. The system is totally sealed. An electrically driven version has been designed and is available on request. Telescopic stages material 4 shows a typical mast ring 24 according to the invention, for attaching a sail 28 to the mast 12, and FIG. Aluminum or stainless steel are some examples of preferred metal materials, and plastic materials could be used. Typically, there are three such telescopic sections (i.e., n=2, 3, and 4) 142, 143, and 144. An unstayed fully retractable design gives you more positioning options, making it a feature that complements your yachts lines. Smart design features require minimal attachment points to the deck and hull structure allowing flexibility with your configuration and available space. Power supply Quickly deployed at the touch of a button, they extend to a height of up to 10 metres. The mast ring has a ring-shaped portion 25 for surrounding the mast section, and a sail-attachment portion 26 for attaching to the sail. Suitable for any yacht up to 100m LOA. 9 is front elevation of the mast of FIG. 9. A collapsible mast is provided having a base section and one or more telescopic sections. You'll find answers to the frequently asked questions as well as basic rules. FIG. Preferably, the telescopic sections have cylindrically shaped exterior surfaces, and each mast ring has a circularly shaped portion for fitting around the cylindrically shaped exterior surface of the selected telescopic section. All rights reserved. If this is your first visit, be sure to
For example, the user may first pin the section 14a4 to the section 14a3 with the pin 153; next the user may pin the section 14a3 to the section 14a2 with the pin 152; and finally the user may pin the section 14a2 to the section 14a1 with the pin 151. 11 shows a sail support cable 50 attached to the connector 42 at 46 and to the sail 28 at 48, to support the sail and allow it to pivot about the mast, as the mast rings are preferably loosely fitted enough to the mast sections that they will not be able to provide this support. 8 is an isometric view of the mast ring of FIG. To advertise, take a look at WoodenBoat Advertising, or use your Google Adwords account if you want to advertise on the Forum. As shown in FIG. Lights orientation As one prior art solution to this problem, U.S. Pat.
No cable winder. The extended configuration may be maintained by closing a valve 21 between the outlet of the pump and the entry port 201. FIG. Each mast ring has a sail attachment portion for attaching the mast ring to the sail of the sailboat, and a ring-shaped portion for fitting around a selected one of the telescopic sections and, thus fitted, sliding on the outer surface thereof. Hydraulic with a programmable logic controller, Clear coat carbon fibre or yacht colour scheme, Filament-wound carbon fibre tubes and 316 stainless steel components. A cable guide which may be in the form of a pair of spaced apart, vertically oriented tabs 36 is preferably provided at or near the top of each of the mast sections, for guiding therebetween a cable 37 that extends from the top of the top-most mast section (here 144) down to a winch 40, which may be located at the bottom of the base section 141, or which may be located remote from the mast by use of a suitably provided pulley system. 6,000,354 proposes a telescoping mast, having a base or trunk portion supporting a telescoping portion. Click here for fast response from your local sales representative. The top-most mast section, here 144, is preferably hollow as shown to minimize weight, but this is not essential. Preferably, respective interior surfaces of the circularly shaped portions of the mast rings each have a polymeric bearing material for making contact with the selected telescopic section. Returning to FIG. 6 shows a sail 28 that has been provided with grommets 30 according to the invention. The use of carbon fiber makes them light, with a modern and pleasant design. IP55 electric switchboard for local operation provided with programmable logic controller and configured for remote operation from the wheelhouse or other location. No. A patent pending stiffening system makes the mast rigid once completely open. 1. 1. AMS telescopic lightmast Stages anti-rotational system installed inside the mast to prevent stages rotation, hence lights rotation.
The simple interface with its computer controlled hydraulic system allows for easy installation and maintenance. You will need to register 3, in a larger sailboat where manual raising of the mast is not desirable or practical, the telescopic sections are preferably raised to adopt an extended configuration of the mast 12 according to the invention by pressurized hydraulic fluid (not shown). The telescopic light masts designed and built by AMS are unique in both functionality and aesthetics to match with a 50m+ luxury yacht exterior design. However, the mast rings could be secured more tightly to the mast sections so that they would be able to support the sail if desired. With reference to FIG. It is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. FIG. Disclosed is collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. 3 is cross-sectional view of the mast of FIG. With push-button deployment, the telescopic light mast is easy to extend or retract. 1 erected manually into an extended configuration with the use of pins. 2 shows such a mast 12a, with a base mast section 14a1 and three telescopic mast sections 14a1 14a4 pinned, respectively, by use of pins 151-153, to the adjacent mast section therebeneath, which the user manually inserts through corresponding holes in the mast sections. The cable is tightened when the mast is fully extended and prevents the mast sections from rotating azimuthally relative to each other. FIG. 7 is spring-biased to remain closed and thereby retain the sail via the grommet 30 as shown in FIG. For use as a mast and rigging for a sailboat, a collapsible mast is provided having a base section and one or more telescopic sections, along with a plurality of mast rings. It is advantageous to use oil as the hydraulic fluid and allow for some leakage, however, so that the sliding surfaces that are exposed to the elements when the mast is in its extended configuration have a light coating of oil to help resist corrosion. 7 showing the sail of the sailboat attached thereto. The WoodenBoat Forum is sponsored by WoodenBoat Publications, publisher of WoodenBoat magazine. AMS mast can withstand any weather condition without stays thanks to an internal stiffening system. The loose fitting nature of the mast rings allows the telescopic sections to collapse, by allowing the mast rings to become stacked one on top of the other as shown in FIG. FIG. Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. For example, where the sailboat is formed of fiberglass, the foot 13 may be fastened to a flat metal plate originally embedded in the fiberglass or glassed in later. 8. No stays needed. 1 with the mast in a collapsed configuration. 1 combined with a schematic view of a fluid holding and pumping system for extending and collapsing the mast. Each AMS telescopic light mast is completely designed and tailored to meet the customers requirements. The connector 42 may be rigidly attached at the top of the top-most telescopic section 14an, but the connector 43 has a ring-shaped portion like the that of the mast rings 24, so that it can be attached to its mast section in like manner and therefore so that it can slide on the mast section the same as a mast ring. Standard version weight 1, for the purpose of maximally collapsing the sail 28, to facilitate wrapping it in a shroud for road transport. 5 is an isometric view of one of the mast rings of FIG. No catalogs are available for this product. before you can post: click the red register link or the register tab, above, right. FIGS.
From the waterproof box, installed on the mast bottom, through a sealed cable transit device, ready to be connected to the on-board supply. 7 and 8 show an alternative mast ring 24a and its manner of attachment to the sail 28. Among the peculiarities of our masts there is a spring loaded system which stiffens the mast once 1 shows a sailboat 10 with an elongate, collapsible mast 12 according to the invention defining an elongate axis L that is oriented substantially vertically. 10 is a side elevation of the mast of FIG. When closed, the mast remains completely hidden under the level of the bridge, while when open it can withstand any weather condition without the use of stays. To get WoodenBoat delivered to your door or computer, mobile device of choice, etc, click WB Subscriptions. FIG. The trunk portion also pivots about an axle so that the mast is lowered as a result of being brought more nearly in alignment with the deck of the sailboat at the same time that it is collapsing in length. For reasons to be discussed below, the mast ring 24 is loosely fitted to a mast section so that the mast ring can rotate about the mast section, and so that it can slide up and down on the mast section. Navigation lights Many alternative configurations of the cable guide could be used. Clear carbon look glossy or matt, or painted in a RAL or custom colour. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, and preferably a fluid holding tank is provided in fluid communication with the inlet. Go to the Advanced Mechanical Solutions website for more information, See all of Advanced Mechanical Solutionss catalogs, See all Advanced Mechanical Solutions products. A ring-shaped portion 25a may be formed of steel rod that is dipped in a lubricious coating material. Privacy Policy Finally, FIG.
Selling/self promotion postings are verboten on the Forum. Paint finish completely open and the electrical cable, that is completely hidden inside the system, eliminating the external cable winder. 750kg with AISI 316 stainless steel housing and actuator. 5 shows the mast ring in place around one of the mast sections 14. FIG. As is standard practice in the art of hydraulics, the exterior surfaces of the telescopic sections are cylindrical, as are the interior surfaces of the base section and each of the telescopic sections that supports another telescopic section; that is, all sliding surfaces are cylindrical. The mast can be fully retracted into its compact housing for flush use on a heli-deck, or alternative deck configurations are available.
1, a connector 42 for guy cables 40 is preferably provided at the top-most telescopic section 14n for anchoring the mast against bending forces in the standard manner; and a connector 43 for guy cables 41 is provided at about half-mast. The telescoping portion can be raised sufficiently by pulling on a flexible line or cable to unseat a spring-biased fork that supports the telescoping portion in a raised position, allowing the telescoping portion to be lowered under its own weight into the trunk portion. FIG. FIG. FIGS. Privacy Policy 11 is a side elevation of the mast and mast rings of FIG. 11 also shows an optional upward adjustment of the boom 44 relative to its position in FIG. but basic study on telescopic masts is now completed it say's.. http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/harryproa/photos/album/1947136348/pic/list?order=ordinal, http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/harryproa/?yguid=312404726, (You must log in or sign up to reply here.). generation, <- Previous Patent (Methods and systems ). 39 Vestey Drive, Mt. The material preferably has a low density but it should also be sufficiently strong to withstand internal fluid pressures of 30-60 psi (for example, if a mast section diameter is 3 inches (area about equal to 28 square inches) and the weight the mast section must support (with the sail and all rigging attached) is 1000 pounds, the fluid pressure would need to be about 35 psi, the required fluid pressure being greater for decreasing mast section diameters. Hand pump for emergency operation included. 11, when the mast is collapsed, the connector 43 collapses with the mast rings, and the guy cables 40 and 41 become slackened, along with the sail. One problem with the rigging proposed in the '354 patent is that the sail remains extended in the lowered position and so remains capable of being blown about when that is not desired. Expertly designed for maximum strength with minimum weight for easy handling. Referring back to FIG. & Terms of Use. Each AMS telescopic light mast is completely designed and tailored to meet the customer's requirements. In that case, the base section and the one or more telescopic sections each have internal cavities in fluid communication with each other and with said pump, the cavities being adapted so that fluid pressure therein produced by the pump causes the one or more telescopic sections to telescope apart, thereby causing the collapsible mast to adopt an extended configuration. Preferably, mineral oil is used as the hydraulic fluid so that leakage poses minimal risk of environmental harm; however, any non-compressible, lubricious fluid may be used as the hydraulic fluid. The foot 13 may be welded, bolted, or otherwise fastened directly to a suitably strong, metal surface of the sailboat such as the deck or hull, or it may be fastened to plates or brackets attached to the sailboat. Each mast section is closely toleranced to mate with seals (not shown) incorporated into the mast section into which it is received to prevent leakage of the hydraulic fluid such as might otherwise occur at the interface between the sections 141 and 142 indicated as A in FIG. KEY ADVANTAGES Hydraulic telescopic poles which can secure tenders up to 10 tonnes. The hydraulic fluid is initially stored in a fluid holding tank 16, and is pumped into respective interior cavities 18n of all but the top-most section, through corresponding fluid entry ports 20n therein, by a hydraulic pump 22 which is typically battery powered. The bearing material may be applied to the surface 25a as a coating or attached thereto as a preform by use of inset fasteners or adhesives. 5, the grommets 30 provide through-holes to be captured between tabs 32 (32a, 32b) of the sail-attachment portion 26 of the mast ring 24 that, preferably, have corresponding holes so that a bolt 33 and lock-nut 34 can be used to fasten the sail to the mast ring. For powering the collapsible mast, a hydraulic fluid pump may be provided. 114/90, 114/108, 114/11, 114/112, 114/113, 114/111, Click for automatic bibliography Operating voltage: 400Vac, 50Hz. Weather conditions Designed to withstand, without stays, any sea condition the yacht is designed for. The integration of both the signal and the anchor lights allow compliant navigation. Internal stiffening system (patent pending) If the sailboat has a deep keel, it may be desirable to build the non-collapsible base section 141 into the keel to allow for a maximum degree of lowering of the mast. If required, the switchboard can be provided with a configuration for a 24Vdc auxiliary power supply (e.g. They are composed by three carbon fibre stages and, when not in use, they can be fully retracted into a compact, watertight housing, disappearing into the deck for flush use on a helideck or aesthetic reasons. A collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. 11. FIG. However, many alternative mounting arrangements can be used. FIG. Lights height from deck Hydraulic power unit The following additional features may be provided in any suitable combination. Light version weight (on request) Preferably, there are a plurality of mast rings, each mast ring has a sail attachment portion for attaching the mast ring to the sail of the sailboat, and a ring-shaped portion for fitting around a selected one of the telescopic sections and, thus fitted, sliding on the outer surface thereof, and each mast ring has a circularly shaped portion for fitting around the cylindrically shaped exterior surface of the selected telescopic section. To collapse the telescopic sections and thereby lower the mast, with the pump turned off, a valve 23 which was previously closed is either manually or automatically opened to allow the hydraulic fluid 15 to drain back into the holding tank 16, the fluid being forced out of the cavities 18, by the weight of the telescopic sections.