WO2005005243A1

WO2005005243A1 - Sideways turnable mast for sailboat

Info

Publication number: WO2005005243A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/001107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard Olsson
Original assignee: Gerhard Olsson
Priority date: 2003-07-10
Filing date: 2004-07-07
Publication date: 2005-01-20
Also published as: SE523943C2; SE0302044L; SE0302044D0

Abstract

A movable mast (4) is attached to a boat's (1) inner bottom hull via a sideways movable step (12). The mast (4) stretches upward through the deck or cabin if such exists and reaches upward approximately just as far as current technology allows a traditional mast (4) to reach. Sideways mobility with the step (12) as origin, provides an arclike glide and roll track (15). The mast (4) has wire-like cords from the bow (6) and the stern (9), which run over the top (8) of the mast (4) through pulleys (24, 25) down to weights (26, 27). There purpose is to balance the mast (4). The mast (4) has even another wire-like cord (20), which is attached to a bracket (21) on the slider (16) at the mast's (4) lower part. The cord (20) runs from the bracket (21) between two horizontally laid pulleys (22', 22'), which means that the cord (20) always lies in the same entry position irrespective of how far the mast moves to the left (18') or the right (18'). The cord runs from these pulleys (22', 22') to another pulley (23) that angles the cord (20) down to the weight (24), which balances the mast (4). It is the wind and the weights that regulate the position of the mast (4) and in this way provide the boat (1) with a more correct horizontal position. The procedure, according to the invention, for utilization of the invention begins by freeing the mast (4), which can then with the aid of the wind automatically regulate itself to different angles. The sailor has the possibility to alternately sail in a traditional manner with a statically fixed mast (4) or to free the mast (4) making it sideways (18', 18') moveable. Requirements expounding the need for genuine sailing knowledge are diminished by this new technology, in that it is the wind in itself that adjusts the mast (4) to the correct angle. In the manner mentioned above the boat retains an optimal horizontal position. As a consequence this gives a significantly higher level of comfort while sailing.

Description

Designation of the Invention

Sideways tamable mast for sailboat

Field of the Invention

Mast for boat or boat-like floating device in which the mast is, from a sideways tamable mounting in the boat's inner bottom hull, freely moveable along a fixed track which allows the mast to be angled in a sideways direction while the boat itself can remain in a virtually horizontal position.

Boats and other floating devices often have sails, which permit the harnessing of wind as an energy source. This places large demands on the sailor, not only for choosing the right coarse in regards to the wind, but also for using optimal sail area with the boat in the best sailing position. New technology is required that adjusts the mast's position in regards to the wind. This technical solution intends to present such a new technique.

General Description of the Invention

Prior AΛ Modem boats with sail have one or more masts. These masts are statically fixed to the boat's superstructure and often to the cabin's rooftop. In some cases the mast reaches all the way down to the inner bottom hull of the boat and is statically fixed to both the bottom structure and to the top of the boat's superstructure. During, so called remasting the mast is lifted up, usually by a crane or equivalent and the mast is then fitted to an attachment preferably in the boat's superstructure. Remasting and demasting is necessary before and after the boating season. In regards to the masting of boats where the mast reaches all the way down to the bottom of the hull it is a question of more permanently fitted masts, where the masts are not removed before winter storage. In this case the mast is fixed to the boat without the ability to move. The only mobility present is the mast's own elasticity, which allows the greatest flexibility at the top portion of the mast. This is quite normal because the mast has, toward the top, the least cross sectional diameter. In addition there is the so called boom, the jib and the spinnaker, that the sailor himself regulates. Sailing procedure requires hoisting the necessary sails for the type of boat to be sailed. Thereafter the boat must be maneuvered into an angel in which the sails are filled with wind. The most important thing is that optimal negative pressure is simultaneously created on the opposite side of the sail. This provides forward movement for the boat. Several procedures are needed to accomplish this. Because the mast is statically fixed to the boat, the boat must frequently be tilted to the side in order to harness the wind in the correct manner. The boat's position in the water when heeled towards the side is also determined by whether the boat is round bottomed, has a so called keel or other weight or has another bottom design that, for example the optimist pram has. The use of lead as a weight is not environmentally sound. But lead is often used because there is no alternative material or technique available. Sailors have problems avoiding deep lateral heeling. They hang on the outer side of the boat in an attempt to recreate balance and return rotation. Sometimes the sideways heel is too great causing the sail to dip into the water, thereby forcing the boat on its side, stopping further sailing. But with the right amount of sail and the correct angle of the boat, the boat can nevertheless be sailed and experience from this area can be gleaned from more than 1000 years of past experience. In order to gain greater sail area for the wind, the boom's adjustability is used. By angling the boom the sail area receives more wind. The so called roller-furling jib, a sail that rolls down when it is needed, is used by many when sailing, but not by all. There are factors that limit the use of the roll-jib, which will be presented further on in this patent application. From a technical aspect the Swedish Patent and Registration Office in Stockholm have conducted a technical search for the inventor, resulting in the procurement of the following documents:

USA 6,085,679 presents a control system for a sailboat's boom. Here we find stay wires that run to and from the side edges of the boat for the purpose of increasing the possibilities for sailors to use them.

USA 5,231,943 puts forward a method for sailing where the sail's boom is able to rotate 360 degrees and where the boom's end avoids contact with at least one mast.

Sweden 9203862-9 presents a sailboat with a mast hinged to the upper part of the boat's superstructure.

DE 4301765 puts forward a security clamp or clasp-like unit for sailboats. Europe 83105332.7 presents a hydraulic and pneumatic control of a boom for up to 90 degrees of rotation. The system is placed in the boat's superstructure.

Sweden 8503754-7 puts forward a mast that is hinged to the boat's superstructure and where control of the mast is accomplished with the aid of springs.

WO 01/04000 and

PCT/ES00/00235 presents a system for sailing where the boom rotates in combination with the boat's other equipment. The boom rotates in conjunction with the rest of the boat's systems in the horizontal plane. Stretching of the sails is accomplished via vertical movements.

A self-conducted search has also been carried out in conjunction with the above stated technical search, and here it can be mentioned that even sailing methods such as windsurfing have been examined, where the mast, moveable to all sides, is fixed to the board's bottom part. A hand held radially bent handle is used here to control the sail. Releasing hold of the handle means that the sail will fall down and lie on the board.

Open motorboats and rowboats are sometimes equipped with masts. Motor sailboats are found on the market. The sail stabilizes the boat in the correct position so propeller propulsion will be as optimal as possible. Here it is found that current technology supplies statically attached masts with sail. The surface of and the angle of the sail provides power and an improved boat position.

Today's sailboats are equipped with masts that are usually fitted to the cabin roof. The mast is equipped with support lines from both sides of the boat and from the bow and stem. The sailor has many factors to consider during his sailing procedure. Nothing is accomplished on its own. The sailor must prepare ahead in order to achieve a state of reaginess. This requires the utmost attention and the boat's task as, for example, an aid for excursions has definite shortcomings in comfort.

The technical problem

This invention aims to solve the problem of poor comfort that sailing entails. The invention's pivotal aspect is that the wind itself should be the force that regulates the position of the sails and mast. Families and even other persons with minimal boating experience will often want to try there hand at and practice sailing. But the demands on the sailor that he or she should have knowledge about and actively be able to adjust sails and boat position for all sailing conditions has resulted in fewer people learning to sail. Thus the market demands new technology for sailboats. A need has been voiced that sailboats should contain more automatic solutions, whereby the sailboat under operation is able to adjust itself after the situation. With todays ever increasing energy prizes this is a societal problem that must be solved. Besides savings in energy and less demanding technology, we would at the same time be able to retain cultural knowledge regarding sailing that is continually disappearing. The main technical problem is to provide a technical solution where the wind regulates the sail and the position of the mast. Today the sailor himself to a large extent regulates this. The time required to learn this skill does not exist and as mentioned above the market demands new solutions to current technical problems. Another problem associated with the main problem is the question of which routines the sailor should have in order to use this technology. Current technology requires a large amount of know-how and a long period of learning with training to develop the abilities necessary to master the skills sailing requires. It is known that it is only those who sail often and receive the best instructions that become skillful sailors. A new technology would in a substantial way influence the development of sailing in a greatly positive manner. The technical problem within this invention should therefore be solved by technical solutions and procedures thereof.

Solutions to the technical problems

The solution to the technical problem is comprised of the mast reaching all the way down to the boat's (1) inner bottom hull. There the mast (4), capable of sideways movement (18', 18"), is fitted (12) and this movement is regulated via a track (15) in the boat's (1) superstructure. In this superstructure or over edge area the before named track (15) is placed, which allows the mast (4) sideways movement (18', 18"), preferably with the aid of a glide and roll track (15). It is also feasible to imagine other similar technical solutions for this and for the same reason. But the description of the invention will reveal that it still is the limiting technical factors, which provide this unique technical effect. The glide and roll track (15) has at least two surfaces against which the mast's glide or roller bearings, preferably comprised of wheel-type rolls (17', 17"), regulate the mast's (4) sideways movement. These two surfaces can in exceptional cases be comprised of only one track with a corresponding wheel on each side. This will be presented in the special description. The track's technical solution can therefore be comprised of one, two or more tracks (15). With the mast's (4) lower end attached (12) to the boat's (1) bottom hull as an origin, the glide and roll track (15) stretches like part of a circle's circumference from one of the boat's side edges (13) to the opposite (14) side edge with approximately the same radius. Variations can be found here and these will be presented in the special description. It is preferable however to take security measures and at least to some extent cover the exposed glide and roll track (15) from the one side edge (13) to the opposite side edge (14). Here it is possible to use a strip-like device of rubber, polymer or other suitable material. This strip or strips follows the mast's (4) sideways movement and opens as well as closes the opening that arises in order to make room for the mast (4). The so called support stays from the boat's sides are removed by this technical solution. Only support stays from the bow (6) and the stem (9) are present. The mast (4) is instead extended from the cabin roof to a mast step (12) in the hull's inner bottom area, which is described in several places in the text of this patent application. The wind's regulation of the mast's (4) position is guided by at least two very strong wire-like cords (6, 9). One of these (6) runs from the bow to a pulley at the top of the mast and one (9) runs from the stern to another pulley at the top of the mast (4). The pulleys placed at the top (8) of the mast which angle the cords (6, 9) downward are preferably attached to a holding fixture (28). These pulleys or wheels are separated from and work independent of each other and are structurally very strong. Of coarse there are for example even other pulleys for sails. The wire-like cords (6, 9) then run from the pulleys in the mast's top along the mast, preferably in protective pipe-like devices (25', 25"), down to separate weights (26, 27) for each cord, which provides support for the mast (4) and also prolongs the time-wise length of the mast's (4) movement. This in itself reduces strain on the mast (4) and the boat (1) according to the known "force times time" equation. In this way the mast (4) can not be broken which is very important. The before named weights (26, 27) are preferably placed in vertical movement under the glide and roll track (15). The very strong wire-like cords (6, 9) from the bow (7) and the stern (10) support the mast (4) and work indirectly in conjunction with weight (24). The slider (16), which is mounted to the mast's (4) lower part under the boom (29) at the same level as the so called track (15), that is the glide and roll track (15), also has a wire-like cord (20) that runs from this slider (16) to the named weight (24).

Because of the mast's sideways movement in the glide and roll track, the wire-like cord (20) must run over at least two oppositely faced in the horizontal plane lying guided pulley-like wheels (22', 22"). This is due to the fact that the mast (4) moves in both directions (18', 18"). This wire-like cord (20) always leaves the mast's (4) movement track (15) at the same point, this is between the so called guided pulley-like wheels (22', 22"). From the guided pulleylike wheels (22', 22") the wire-like cord (20) runs over another pulley (23) down to the hanging weight (24). This weight (24) counterbalances both of the mast's (4) sideways movements (18', 18") in the track (15) and in contact with the glide or roll track (15). The weight's (24) movement is almost entirely vertical. The invention's technical novelty lies in that it is the wind in itself that regulates the sail and mast position. This gives the sailor more time to engage in other elements. Currently it is the sailor himself that for the most part regulates this. It is therefore possible to define the routines of the sailor as follows. The sailor hoists the sail and can thereafter either sail with a stationary mast, which today's technology provides or alternatively sail according to this new invention by freeing the mast (4) so it can move sideways. The sailor can of coarse during sailing alternate freely between these alternatives. In this case the freed mast (4) moves in a track in contact with the glide or roll track (15) and adjusts itself after wind conditions. Wire-like cords (6, 9) from the bow (7) and the stern (10) run over the pulleys at the top (8) of the mast and then run along the mast (4), preferably in the before named protective pipe-like devices (25', 25"), down to the mast's (4) lower end where the wire-like cords (6, 9) receive aid from their respective weights (26, 27), called balancing weights (26, 27) for the purpose of balancing the mast's (4) position. With the wind's assistance in adjusting the mast (4) and these weights (26, 27), self conducted tests have shown that it is easier to keep the sail (5', 5") area stretched, which provides for optimal wind area and thereby high efficiency. The mast's (4) vertical position changes in this way by the wind and weights. During hard winds the mast (4) will lean from the wind in the track (15) and the weight (24) will be lifted upward, which lengthens the time-wise movement resulting in lower strain. The slider (16) with its glide and wheel type rolls (17', 17") runs along the track (15) represented by the glide or roll track (15).

Tests have shown that it is often possible to keep the boat (1) close to 90 percent of the time in a horizontal position and that other movement needs are absorbed by the moveable mast (4). When the boat (1) is sailed the wind regulates the mast (4) and the sail (5', 5") in order to gain optimal sail area. This while keeping the boat (1) in such a horizontal position as the technology will allow. In contrast to current technology this gives considerably better comfort while still keeping virtually all efficiency effects intact. The Inventions novelty in relation to existing technology

In relationship to existing technology this invention provides a technique where the wind regulates the sail (5', 5") and mast position. Currently it is the sailor himself that for the most part regulates this. This is achieved through the use of a sideways shiftable (18', 18") movement track (15) for the mast (4). This may lead one to believe that the movement track (15) will be very large. But if it is taken into consideration that the mast (4) will be pivotally moveably attached and mounted (12) to the boat's (1) inner bottom structure, the angular deflection will be limited. But the technical effect will still be great. The mast (4) stretches from its sideways moveable step (12) in the boat's inner bottom hull up toward and through the boat's superstructure. In this superstructure is placed a movement track (15) called the glide or roll track (15), that reaches from one side of the boat (18') to the other side of the boat (18"). The distance from the mast's (4) step in the hull's bottom (12) to the boat's sides (18', 18"), that is the glide or roll track's (15) outer edges (18', 18"), implies that from a central vertical plane the angular deflection will be less than 45 degrees, preferably 25-35 degrees. The mast (4) then continues up to its full length. Even open boats (1) without or with limited superstructures will be discussed in this document's special description area. Here the movement track (15), that is the glide or roll track (15), is placed freely between the boat edges (18', 18"). This track can of coarse be built into a bracket or protected by strip-like or other similar devices. The market that offers many types of smaller boats such as rowboats, motorboats, motor sailboats, etc. demands improved optional equipment for these boats so they can be operated as sailboats. This technology provides this. The advantages of a sideways moveable mast (4) mounted to a step (12) implies, in summary, the below;

to freely be able to choose between traditional sailing or sailing with the aid of this technique. allowing the wind to automatically regulate sailing. sailing the boat (1) in a more correct horizontal position resulting in better comfort, for example for families. In other words this invention presents a boat for the whole family. Both young and old that currently have difficulty sailing due to the boat's abrupt and steep heeling can with this design continue sailing. Even during strong winds this invention makes it is possible to consume meals relatively undisturbed by wind and heeling. prevents the mast (4) from breaking off. that the so called heel, when the boat (1) is thrown to the side by the wind is at the least reduced. It is often this occurrence that causes persons to be injured or thrown overboard, in other words increased safety. that the keel (11) comprised of environmentally hazardous lead can be removed or at the least be radically reduced, that remasting and demasting of the boat can be accomplished manually, that the mast (4), the sail (5', 5"), the boom (29) and the fore- as well as the backstay (6, 9) are found above deck. The weights (24, 26, 27) and their wire-like cords are adjusted depending on the boat type (1), mast length (4), sail or similar. Bruises and contusions are prevented by the weights (24, 26, 27) being placed under deck, even to be able to offer the market a semi-finished product which allows the sailor himself to overhaul an existing boat in accordance with this invention's technique. that the named semi-finished product integrates a pedagogical model, a method, for learning to sail.

A secondary effect of this technology is for example that it can be utilized, as mentioned above, for remasting of boats (1). Today cranes are used to lift the mast into place. This technology makes it possible to manually remast a boat from a quay birth thanks to the mast's (4) and the boat's sideways mobility. This also allows for the repair of masts (4) and the replacement of pulleys and the like in a safe manner from a quay birth. For example, it is not necessary to climb up onto the mast or to use a crane.

The wire-like cords from the bow and the stern (6, 9) are held stretched by the wind. During strong winds the weights (26, 27) attached to the ends of the wire-like cords (6, 9) near the mast's lower end are lifted. During light winds the weights (26, 27) will rest in a lower position. This is accomplished automatically. If known technology is studied, no technical solution can be found that puts forward something similar in which the wind automatically regulates sailing. An important thing to mention is that the mast's (4) sideways movement (18\ 18") minimally encroaches on the boat's (1) inner space. In larger boats there is space enough to pass by the angular deflection that the mast (1) creates when the wind blows. In smaller boats it is easy to pass by the mast just as it is done today by passing when it leans toward the other direction 18' or 18". Special Description of the Invention

The invention, moveable mast, will be specially described below with the aid of the following figures, where some of the details in the figures have been enlarged somewhat in order to specifically describe the invention:

Fig. 1 Depicts a sailboat (1) of traditional design with a so called hull (2), a superstructure with or without a cabin (3), a mast (4), a sail (5) or (5', 5") in optional numbers, a cord (6) from the boat's (1) bow (7) to the mast's (4) top (8) and another cord (9) from the boat's (1) stem (10) also to the mast's (4) top (8). The sailboat (1) is equipped with a traditional keel (11) that often contains copious amounts of lead. There is even a rudder (30). A further presentation of the figure' s content will come later in the text.

Fig. 2 Depicts the sailboat (1) from the rear with the mast's (4) sideways moveable step (12), which allows the mast (4) to lean to the right (13) or to the left (14) along a track (15) also called the glide and roll track (15). A further presentation of the figure's content will come later in the text. Fig. 3 Depicts the sailboat's (1) mast (4) from the side in a cutaway seen from the sailboat's (1) left side. The mast (4) is equipped with a slider (16) that has glide surfaces or strip-like devices (17', 17"). This slider's (16) glide and roll-like devices (17', 17") and therewith the mast (4) with its attached devices, for example the sail (5', 5"), moves along the glide and roll track (15) from one side (18') of the boat to the other side (18") of the boat. In this design example the roll-like devices (17) are in contact with two strips, which constitute the glide and roll track (15). But in figure 5a + b there can be found examples of alternative glide and roll tracks (15) that put forth other designs. Figure 5a shows a traditional design with the mast in the middle onto which a slider (16) is attached and where roll-like devices (17^s, 17"), preferably wheels (17' 17"), rest against the glide and roll track (15). Figure 5b shows that only one track (15', 15") is actually needed. It is of coarse feasible within the invention's paradigm to use unlimited numbers of strips (15', 15"). It is perfectly reasonable to imagine many different design solutions encompassing variations of the proposed solutions and with the same technical purpose. In figure 3 we even see the boom (29) with its mounting (19) in the mast (4). The slider (16) is preferably always placed under the boom (29). A further presentation of the figure's content will come later in the text.

Fig. 4 Depicts how the mast (4) holds a wire-like cord (20) which derives from an attachment (21) in the slider (16) on the mast (4) and then runs between the two permanently positioned pulleys (22', 22") or so called breaker pulley (22', 22"), which provides the possibility for the mast (4) to move itself from the boat's vertical centerline both to the left (14) and to the right (13) and still pull the wire-like cord (20). The wire-like cord (20) passes over the pulley (23) and then down to a weight (24) that does not fix in place the mast (4) but instead balances it. A further presentation of the figure's content will come later in the text. Fig. 5 Depicts an example of alternative glide and roll tracks (15). Figure 5a shows a traditional placement where the roll-like devices (17', 17") are located on the inside of the glide and roll track (15) parts (15', 15") and the roll-like devices (17', 17") are placed outward in contact with the glide and roll track (15', 15"). Here it is possible to conceive that two oppositely facing roll-like devices (17', 17") on each side of every track (15') or (15") in the glide track (15), for example a roll-like device (17') on each side of the track (15') allowing among other things higher structural integrity and a safer glide and roll movement of the mast (4). Figure 5b illustrates an alternative placement of the glide and roll track (15', 15"). Both parts of the glide and roll track (15', 15") are located on the same side of the mast (4). As mentioned earlier it is perfectly reasonable via known technology to find many different design solutions encompassing variations of the presented techniques for this and with the same technical purpose. It can be mentioned here that related technology not only in the vertical plane uses an arc-like track (15), that is a glide and roll track (15', 15"), but also in the horizontal plane or plane there between, uses the glide and roll track (15) which form other movement tracks for the mast (4).

Fig. 6 Depicts an example of two semi-fabricated elements that compliment the before mentioned components within the invention and which can be mounted in the boat (1) forming a moveable mast.

A movable mast (4) according to the invention is comprised of the installment of a sideways moveable step (12) in the boat's (1) inner bottom hull allowing a mast (4) to be mounted in such a way that it becomes moveable in a sideways manner in both directions, that is both to the right (13) and left (14) in a sailboat (1), the equivalent or in a motorboat with extra sail (1). A pipe-like sideways moveable step (12) into which the mast (4) can be mounted during so called remasting should preferably be used.

In the boat's (1) superstructure or in the cabin's (3) top opens a track (15), which stretches in a virtually even radius from the step (12) across the boat, from one side (18') to the other side (18"). The optimal solution for the invention is that the track (15) follows an even radius along the entire track (15) from the one side (18') to the other side (18"). But for certain types of superstructures especially boats with concave and curved superstructures it can be imagined that the mast (4) stretches itself at least a virtually even radius. But some deviation either forward or backward allowing for variations in the superstructure's side profile, but still retaining at least in the closest a virtually similar radius. In any case this problem can of coarse be solved by know technology so that the mast (4) always runs straight over the superstructure (3). But this technical possibility can in a few cases be positive due to the fact that the technical solution provides larger alternatively smaller sail area behind respectively in front of the mast (4). This happens because the boom (29) with this technique is regulated, that is follows with the mast's (4) movement not only to the side but also adjusts its position even vertically. In order to balance this mast (4) a wire-like cord (6) runs from the boat's (1) bow (7) to the top (8) of the mast (4). There exists a pulley (31) around which a cord (6) changes its direction and follows the mast (4) down to a weight (26), which stretches this cord (6) regardless of which way the mast (4) is angled. In order to further balance the mast (4) there exists another wire-like cord (9), which in this case runs from the boat's stem (10) to the top (8) of the mast (4). Here exists another pulley (32), which changes the direction of the cord (9) and then follows the mast (4) down to its own weight (27), which stretches this cord (9) regardless of which way the mast (4) is angled. Thus, there exist two cords (6, 9), one from the bow and one from the stern. The so called side cords are removed from this design because they serve no purpose. This does not mean that it is prohibited to use these cords so long as they do not disturb the invention's technical purpose. At the top (8) of the mast (4) also exist other pulleys than the named pulleys (31, 32). Among other things these pulleys are intended for the sails (5', 5"). The mast (4) is regulated by yet another weight (24), which is controlled as described below. The mast (4) has a slider (16) that guides the mast's (4) movement. On this slider (16) exists a bracket (21) in which the wire-like cord is (20) is attached. This cord (20) then runs between the pulleys (22', 22") allowing the mast (4) to move sideways both to the right and left, but also pull the wire-like cord (20). The wire-like cord (20) runs from the slider's (16) bracket (21) and then continues between the pulleys (22', 22") to a pulley (23), which angles the cord (20) down to a weight (24). This weight (24) is of great importance to the mast's (4) movement and decelerates powerful movements. This results in the mast (4) being virtually unbreakable. When the boat (1) is ready to set sail it starts with the mast (4) secured in a vertical position. This boat (1) is sailable in a traditional manner in accordance with current technology. But if it is so desired the invention can be utilized by freeing the mast (4) and after that letting the wind regulate the mast and sail. Of coarse it is still possible to manipulate sailing via choice of sail and the use of the boom, spinnaker and the so called roll jib. But when it comes to the boat's position this boat (1) by means of this invention will travel considerably more in the horizontal plane in comparison to current technology. This is accomplished with the aid of the wind. A procedure could in one aspect of many possible alternatives be carried out as follows: First it is necessary to decide whether to utilize the invention or not. If the invention is to be used the mast (4) must be freed and the mast (4) can thereafter swing to both the right (18") and left (18'). The boat (1) will immediately take a more horizontal position. Sailing may begin. The desired amount of sail (5', 5") is released. The sails catch the wind and the mast (4) leans to the side (18', 18"), which automatically fills the sails with optimal wind. If the wind's speed and direction change, this system will automatically position itself so optimal air and wind fill the sails (5', 5").

Figure 2 illustrates that the mast (4) can lean toward either side up to approximately 45 degrees, preferably 25-35 degrees. This favors the boat's (1) position when strong winds press against the sails. The boat (1) remains in the correct sailing position where it has been determined that the hull has its least amount of drag during forward movement. This applies especially to motor sailboats and smaller motorboats that can be equipped with the invention. But even sailboats sail with higher efficiency by utilizing this technical solution. Even in open boats (1) such as motorboats, rowboats etc. it is possible to place a prefabricated track of alternative designs, see figure 5a+b, so even these boats can utilize this technique. Motor sailboats can be fitted with glide and roll tracks (15) of appropriate design. Because these boats (1) often lack a superstructure the glide and roll tracks (15) can be placed in the open area between the boat's (1) side edges. A moveable step (12) can be placed on the bottom onto which a mast (4) can be attached. In this way the mast (4) will be able to pivot sideways with a similar angular deflection as other boats (1) using the invention. Even in this design the mast (4) will regulate itself after the wind. Even here the sailor will be able to lock the mast (4) in a vertical position and sail in a traditional manner. This brings with it an advantage because approved racing sailboats can in this way be refurbished. They can then be used for both the family and for competition. During tests of the invention on rowboats and motorboats it was found to be advantageous to manufacture the glide and roll track (15) with vertical side supports (33', 33") in the sides in an appropriate amount. The normal side structures of these boats are not intended for sailing and reinforcement is needed. The vertical side supports' (33', 33") lower part next to the bottom area can be connected with the moveable step (12), via an appropriate bottom plate (34) which provides a coherent design (15, 33', 33", 34). It can of coarse be imagined that the bottom plate (34) be both a part of the moveable step (12) or constitute a component to the moveable step (12). It is also possible to imagine that the bottom plate (34) be entirely free from the moveable step (12), but still convey a structurally sound support for the step (12). This provides both strength and elasticity and relieves strain on the boat's stracture, which is often not designed for such stress.

Even other tests of for example braces on the boat's side edges, which are connected via armlike designs to the moveable step (12), have been carried out and these tests support and verify the invention's concept. Brace-like fasteners can then even hold the glide and roll track (15) forming in the same manner at least in the closest around the boat's (1) mid-sectional cross section a coherent design. The invention has in the general and the special description as well as the abstract been presented and will in the following patent claims be more clearly defined. As a result of this text and the technology it presents, it is of coarse feasible to find additional closely related solutions in combination with the given solutions.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. Moveable mast (4), intended for sail (5', 5") where the moveable mast (4), is movably attached to the boat's inner bottom hull via a step (12) and where the mast (4) has a slider (16) attached to it at a predetermined height above the step (12) characterized in that the mast (4) stretches upward past a arc-like glide and roll track (15) in which track (15) mast (4) has slider (16) that guides and stabilizes the mast (4) in its angular deflection towards one of the sides (18', 18") with step (12) as origin.

2. Moveable mast (4), according to claim 1, characterized in that the mast (4) movement, when the mast (4) is equipped with sail or sail-like surfaces, towards the sides (18', 18") arise with the aid of the wind.

3. Moveable mast (4), according to claim 2, characterized in that the wind's influence on the mast (4) is reduced by at least one of the weights (24, 26 or 27) via the cord (20, 6 or 9) of which at least one of these cords (20, 6 or 9) is in its path securely placed within a pipe-like device (25', 25") or other pipe-like design.

4. Moveable mast, according to claims 1-3, characterized in that the mast (4) has at least three cords (20, 6 or 9) in which each cord independent of the others is attached to a weight (24, 26 or 27) in which each cord independent of the others provides resistance for the mast (4) in its movement toward the side (18', 18").

5. Moveable mast, according to claim 1, characterized in that the glide and roll track (15) along its course from the boat's (1) one side (18') to the other side (18") and with the mast (4) step (12) as origin, has the same or nearly the same radius along the whole arc-like glide and roll track (15).

6. Moveable mast, according to claim 5, characterized in that if the radius varies in the glide and roll track's (15) course from the one side (18') to the other side (18") the slider (16) is moveably attached to the mast (4).

7. Moveable mast, according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the slider (16) is statically fastened to the mast (4) and within its design, preferably via the wheel-like devices (17', 17"), moveable allowing changes in the radius.

8. Moveable mast, according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the mast (4) has a slider (16) from which a cord (20) extends and passes by at least two relatively horizontally placed pulleys (22', 22") between which cord (20) passes allowing the mast (4) to move both to the right and the left but still strain the pulley (20) from the same direction and therefore also influence weight (24) from the same direction.

9. Moveable mast, according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the mast (4) movement from step (12) and a vertical position toward a maximum angle toward the side (18', 18") is less than 45 degrees, preferably 25-35 degrees.

10. Moveable mast, according to claim 1, characterized in that the boat's (1) mast (4) can in its vertical position be statically secured allowing the boat (1) to be sailed in a traditional manner according to current technology.