Patent ID: 6173668
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
A roller furling apparatus for a sailboat having a stay and comprising:a) a bearing device configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the stay;b) a furler housing having an opening into which the stay extends, the furler housing having an end portion rotatably mounted on the bearing device such that the furler housing is rotatable with respect to the stay and the bearing device, the furler housing further having a drive portion;c) first and second drum flanges mounted on the furler housing so as to rotate therewith, the first and second drum flanges being spaced apart and located at opposite ends of the drive portion of the furler housing;d) a line guard slidably mounted on and extending between the first and second spaced apart drum flanges, the line guard extending around a major portion of peripheries of the first and second drum flanges; and,e) at least one support member connected to the line guard and to the bearing device whereby the line guard remains stationary when the furler housing and drum flanges rotate.