Patent Publication Number: US-6990916-B1

Title: Sailboat mast stepping system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable to this application. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to mast raising aids and more specifically it relates to a sailboat mast stepping system for efficiently using mechanical aids to raise or lower the mast of a sailboat. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Mast raising aids have been in use for years. Typically, sailboats would be of a larger variety that would stay in the water for an entire season or even years at a time without having to remove them from the water and trailer them to storage. Because these larger boats would stay in the water for long periods of time and could be stored next to the water easily, stepping down a mast was rarely done. 
   In recent years, trailerable cruising sailboats became more common. These types of boats allowed for a person to go sailing on many different lakes or parts of bodies of water that were inaccessible before due to the logistics of moving a sailboat. The difficulty with using these trailerable cruising sailboats was that they are not trailerable without stepping down the mast. Unstepping a mast was a multiple person job and a large chore for a one day sailing excursion. 
   Another problem aside from trailering was trying to pass under a low bridge while sailing. With the mast stepped up, it was difficult to step the mast down and then step the mast up on the other side of the bridge again. 
   In these respects, the sailboat mast stepping system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of efficiently using mechanical aids to raise or lower the mast of a sailboat. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of mast raising aids now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sailboat mast stepping system construction wherein the same can be utilized for efficiently using mechanical aids to raise or lower the mast of a sailboat. 
   The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new sailboat mast stepping system that has many of the advantages of the mast raising aids mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new sailboat mast stepping system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art mast raising aids, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base, a support member substantially housed within the base, a catch member positionable at the end of the support member opposite the base and an actuator. Activating the actuator manipulates the support member with respect to the base. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   A primary object of the present invention is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. 
   A second object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system for efficiently using mechanical aids to raise or lower the mast of a sailboat. 
   Another object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that provides support to the mast while it is in a lowered position. 
   An additional object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that is removably attachable to the sailboat. 
   A further object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that is capable of raising and lowering the mast in a relatively short period of time. 
   Another object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that may be stepped and unstepped by a single person. 
   Yet another object is to provide a sailboat mast stepping system that uses an actuator to aid in raising and lowering a mast. 
   Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. 
   To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention illustrating a fully extended support member. 
       FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the present invention illustrating a fully retracted support member. 
       FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the present invention illustrating a fully retracted support member. 
       FIG. 4   a  is a side view of the present invention illustrating a mast fully erected and the support member fully retracted. 
       FIG. 4   b  is a side view of the present invention illustrating a mast fully stepped up and the support member fully extended prior to unstepping. 
       FIG. 4   c  is a side view of the present invention illustrating a mast partially unstepped. 
       FIG. 4   d  is a side view of the present invention illustrating a mast engaging the catch member in a partially unstepped position. 
       FIG. 4   e  is a side view of the present invention illustrating the mast engaging the catch member in a fully unstepped position. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the present invention illustrating the platform handles. 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of the present invention illustrating the catch member and catch fingers as unengaged by a mast in an stepped down position. 
       FIG. 7  is a rear view of the present invention illustrating the catch member and catch fingers engaged by a mast in a partially stepped up position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Overview 
   Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 7  illustrate a sailboat mast stepping system  10 , which comprises a base  20 , a support member  40  housed substantially within the base  20 , a catch member  42  positionable at the end of support member  40  opposite the base  20  and an actuator for raising the support member  40  in a telescoping fashion from the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   a . Activating the actuator  48  manipulates the support member  40  with respect to the base  20 . 
   A. Base 
   The base  20  is a hollow structure that protrudes substantially transverse to a platform  23 . The platform  23  is preferably unsecuredly positioned on the deck of a sailboat as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . A rigid structure is used to construct the base  20 . A plurality of handles  25  are positionable around the edges of the platform  23  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   The base  20  preferably has leg supports  24  extending from the base  20  to the platform  23 . Reinforcement arms  22  protrude from the base  20  at the intersection of the base  20  and the platform  23  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The reinforcement arms  23  are preferably secured to the platform  23  along the entire length of each reinforcement arm  23  that protrudes from the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The base  20  preferably houses the support member  26 . The base  20  preferably comes in a variety of lengths and widths thereby providing extra height and/or support when supporting a mast  12  of substantial length or weight. 
   The support member  40  is positionable within the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Activation of the actuator  47  manipulates the support member  40  within the base  20 . Other structures positionable on the base  20  preferably include the actuator  47 , the securing rollers  68  and one end of the first cable  50 . 
   B. Support Member 
   The width of the support member  40  is sufficiently small enough to fit within the base  20  as show in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The support member  40  is constructed of a rigid material capable of supporting the weight of a mast  12 . The support member  40  is preferably constructed of various lengths and widths to support a mast  12  of larger length and/or weight. 
   The actuator  47  manipulates the support member  40  between a fully extended or fully retracted state. The catch member  42  is positionable on an end of the support member  40  opposite the end protruding from the base  20  in a fully extended position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 ,  4   b  through  4   d ,  6  and  7 . A locking strap  49  is preferably attachable to the end of the support member  40  positioned within the base  20  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The locking strap  49  is capable of retaining an actuator cable  47  between the locking strap  49  and the support member  40  if the actuator  48  requires an actuator cable  47 . The support member  40  may also include a roller positioned between the support member and the actuator cable  47  to ensure a smooth movement of the actuator cable  47  over the end of the support member  40 . 
   C. Catch Member 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4   e ,  6  and  7 , the catch member  42  is positionable on the end of the support member  40  opposite the base  20 . The catch member  42  is preferably constructed of a rigid material. The catch member  42  is preferably U-shaped as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   Catch fingers  44  are attachable to each of the corners nearest the open end of the U-shaped catch member  42  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . A roller  48  extends between the two arms that run substantially parallel within the U-shape. The roller  46  is preferably positionable nearest the end of the catch member  42  opposite of where the catch fingers  44  are positioned. 
   D. Catch Fingers 
   The catch members  44  preferably each have one substantially flat surface which is used to engage the mast  12  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . These substantially flat surfaces preferably include a barb that protrudes at an angle toward opening that receives the mast  12  and positionable on the distal end of the catch fingers  44  opposite where the catch fingers  44  are attachable to the catch member  42  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
   The catch fingers  44  are attachable to the catch members  42  through apertures positionable on the inner edge of the substantially flat side of the catch fingers  44  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The catch fingers  44  are each positionable on the catch member  42  such that each catch finger  44  aligns itself in an open position as shown in  FIG. 6 . One end of each respective catch finger  44  is in contact with the corresponding end of the opposing catch finger  44 , thereby forming a V-shape with an open end of the V-shape for receiving the mast  12  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The opening of the V-shape is positionable in the same direction as the opening of the preferable U-shape of the catch member  42  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
   E. First Cable 
   The first cable  60  is preferably made of a material that is flexible, yet able to withstand large pushing and pulling forces exerted upon it. The first cable  60  is also preferably capable of being adjustable along a slidable attachment device  62  without becoming susceptible to snapping or fraying the cable  60 . 
   The first cable  60  is preferably securely attached to a stanchion  66  positionable near the bow of the sailboat as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4   e . The first cable  60  is thereby extended from the stanchion  66  and slidably attached to a pulley  64  preferably located near the top of the mast  12  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . From the pulley  64 , the first cable  60  is extended to a slidable attachment device  62  on a stanchion  66  positionable near the bow of the sailboat and from the slidable attachment device  62  to securing rollers  68  preferably positionable on a leg support  24  of the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
   The slidable attachment device  62  may include, without limitation, items such as an eyelet or a pulley. The securing rollers  68  are preferably two rollers that receive the first cable  60  between the rollers, whereby each of the securing rollers  68  have a bias force that secures the first cable  60  as it passes between the securing rollers  68 . Manipulating the first cable  60  out of the securing rollers  68  allows the first cable  60  to be slidably released through the pulley  64  and slidable attachment device  62 , thereby lowering the mast  12 . 
   F. Side Supports 
   The side supports  30  are preferably positionable on the sides of a sailboat nearest the end opposite the bow, and preferably adjacent to the base  20  and platform  23  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The side supports  30  are preferably attachable to the sailboat so that a support strap  32  may be received by the side supports  30 . 
   The support straps  32  are also attachable to the support legs  24  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Because the platform  23  is preferably not attached to the sailboat, attaching the side supports  30  to the support legs  24  via the support straps  32  gives the entire sailboat mast stepping system  10  a higher degree of lateral support to prevent the base  20  from tipping over. 
   G. Actuator 
   An actuator  48  is preferably mounted to one of the support legs  24  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the actuator  48  as a winch, but it can be appreciated that any other actuating means (e.g. hydraulic cylinder, electric actuator, etc.) might be used in place of the winch illustrated. 
   In  FIG. 6 , the actuator  48  manipulates an actuator cable  47 . The actuator cable  47  is positioned around the end of the support member  40  positioned within the base  20 . When a winch is used as an actuator  48 , the actuator cable  47  would preferably pass over the end of the support member  40 , within the base and out the side of the support member  40  opposite the winch, whereby the actuator cable  47  would be secured back on the base  20 . 
   The actuator  48  preferably manipulates the support member  40  out from within the base  20  or a retraction of the support member  40  back into the base  20 . This retraction into or manipulation out of the support member  40  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  as using an actuator cable  47  is for the purposes of illustration, but it can be appreciated that any other actuation means may be used to manipulate the support member  40 . 
   H. Stabilizing Line 
   The stabilizing line  50  is preferably a cable or wire made of a material that is flexible, yet able to withstand large pushing and pulling forces exerted upon it. The stabilizing line  50  preferably also is not susceptible to fraying easily. 
   The stabilizing line  50  is preferably attachable to a securing roller  68  positionable on a support leg  24  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The stabilizing line  50  is then slidably attachable at the mast pivot  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The stabilizing line  50  is thereby preferably attachable to the support member  40  as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4   e.    
   The stabilizing line  50  retains the base  20  and the support member  40  in an upright position as the mast  12  is lowered into the catch member  44 . The mast  12  is capable of causing the platform  23  to tip over due to the weight and downward pressure associated with receiving the mast  12 , thus the stabilizing line  50  provides support to the base  20  with respect to the pivoting force of the mast  12 . 
   I. Operation of Invention 
   In use, a user desiring to raise the mast  12  from a lowered position begins by making certain all of the cables  16 ,  60  and lines  50  are attached to their corresponding parts before starting to raise the mast  12  as shown in  FIGS. 4   a  through  4   e . The user activates the actuator  48  to begin the process of raising or stepping up the mast  12 . The actuator  48  manipulates the support member  40  to emerge from within the base  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 7 . 
   As the support member  40  protrudes from the base  20 , the mast  12  begins to pivot about a pivot point  14 , and the mast  12  pivots toward being transversely positioned with respect to the deck of the sailboat. The user then pulls the first cable  60  through the securing rollers  68 , thereby pivoting the mast  12  about its pivot point  14  to a substantially upright position as shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . When the mast  12  has reached a substantially upright position, the second cable  16  prevents the mast from falling forward. The forestay  18  is then attached from the mast  12  to the front of the sailboat, thereby preventing the mast  12  from falling back into the catch member  42  and providing extra support to hold the mast upright  12  as shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b.    
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4   a , the user may then retain the sailboat mast stepping system  10  in the same position for subsequent stepping down of the mast  12 , or the user may disassemble the sailboat stepping system  10  and remove it from the deck of the sailboat. 
   If the user desired to step down the mast  12 , the user would start by loosening the second cable  16  to release any tension in the forestay  18 . The user would then detach the forestay  18  from the front of the sailboat. Upon detaching the forestay  18 , the user manipulates the first cable  60  out of the securing rollers  68  to release the first cable  60  from the bias force of the securing rollers  68 . Releasing a portion of the first cable  60  causes the mast  12  to pivot toward the catch member  42  as shown in  FIG. 4   c . The user then lowers the mast  12  slowly into the opening between the catch fingers  44  and down to the roller  46  of the catch member  42  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The actuator  48  is then activated to retract the support member  40  back into the base  20  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   e . The rotation of the roller  46  as the mast  12  is stepped down causes the mast  12  to be slidably moved about the roller  46 , thereby preventing the catch member  42  from stripping paint off of the mast  12 . As the support member  40  becomes fully retracted within the base  20 , the user may then remove the side supports  30  and side straps  32  and remove the sailboat mast stepping system  10  from beneath the mast  12 . The user may also leave sailboat mast stepping system  10  attached to the sailboat underneath the stepped down mast  12  for future use in stepping up the mast  12  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4   e.    
   What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.