Patent ID: 7137346
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A mast-inserted hinged-core system for facilitating removal and re-stepping of an un-stayed hollow mast having a lower end stepped into a close-fitting mating receptacle having an open upper end, built into a horizontal region of a sailboat, comprising: a lockable hinged-core, disposed and fitting closely inside a lower end of the mast, having a lower hinge member extending downwardly to a bottom panel of the receptacle and an upper hinge member extending upwardly into the lower end of the mast, the two hinge members being pivotedly attached by a hinge pin located above the horizontal region of the sailboat, and being retained in a mutually collinear relationship by the surrounding mast; and a lock piece of solid material fitting into an opening configured between the two hinge members, made and arranged to be captivated in place when surrounded by the mast, and to bear against the two hinge members in a manner to temporarily inhibit inter-pivoting thereof and to thus retain the collinear relationship even when, for purposes of stepping and un-stepping operations, the mast is elevated to a transitional condition wherein the lower end thereof is located a predetermined distance above the hinge pin with a substantial portion of the upper hinge member surrounded by a lower portion of the mast.