Rapid Sailboat Mast Raising/Lowering Method

Abstract

The present invention is an improvement in mast raising for a sailboat where a pivoting mast is raised or lowered rapidly by use of a pair of shroud struts, that are an integral part of the sailing rigging, all of which is done in a very stabilized manner.

1 . A mast lowering method for a sailboat comprising:
 a. a pivoting mast used for sailing said sailboat wherein said pivoting mast is relieved from lengthwise compression,   b. a first axis, wherein said first axis is substantially horizontal and is oriented substantially perpendicular to said sailboat's lengthwise centerline,   c. wherein said pivoting mast rotates about said first axis,   d. wherein said first axis is incorporated into said pivoting mast,   e. a plurality of shroud struts made of structural material,   f. wherein said shroud struts are attached to said sailboat,   g. wherein said shroud struts pivot primarily about a second axis,   h. wherein said second axis is substantially oriented perpendicular to said sailboats lengthwise centerline,   i. wherein said shroud struts are attached to said first axis and are used to lower said pivoting mast to a storage position, and   j. wherein said shroud struts are used as sailing rigging during normal sailing operation, whereby said pivoting mast is lowered from a sailing position to a storage position free of the use of an external lifting crane.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the rotating motion of said shroud struts is powered manually, electrically, or hydraulically. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said shroud struts incorporate a length adjustment for the purpose of aligning said pivoting mast vertically with respect to said sailboat. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said shroud struts are utilized for routing wiring into said pivoting mast. 
     
     
         5 . A mast raising method for a sailboat comprising:
 a. a plurality of shroud struts made of structural material,   b. wherein said shroud struts are attached to said sailboat,   c. wherein said shroud struts pivot about a second axis,   d. wherein said second axis is substantially oriented perpendicular to said sailboats lengthwise centerline,   i. wherein said shroud struts are attached to a first axis,   j. wherein said first axis is substantially oriented substantially perpendicular to said sailboat's lengthwise centerline,   k. wherein said first axis is attached to a pivoting mast,   l. wherein said shroud struts are used to raise said pivoting mast from a storage position,   m. wherein said shroud struts are used to raise said first axis to a substantially vertical position above said second axis, and   n. wherein said pivoting mast rotates about said first axis to a vertical position, and said pivoting mast is placed under a lengthwise compression force,   whereby said pivoting mast is raised from a storage position to a sailing position free of the use of an external lifting crane, said pivoting mast used for sailing said sailboat, and said shroud struts are used as sailing rigging during normal sailing operation.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the rotating motion of said shroud struts is powered manually, electrically, or hydraulically. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6  wherein said shroud struts incorporate a length adjustment for the purpose of aligning said pivoting mast vertically with respect to said sailboat. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein said shroud struts are utilized for routing wiring into said pivoting mast. 
     
     
         9 . An improved shroud strut useful for raising a pivoting mast in a sailboat comprising:
 a. an elongated element structure in the lengthwise direction,   b. wherein said elongated structure is made out of a structural material,   c. wherein each end of said elongated structure allows rotation of said elongated structure,   d. wherein said elongated structure is used for raising or lowering said pivoting mast by pivoting at both ends and substantially maintaining its shape,   e. wherein said elongated structure is capable of withstanding a tension force needed to stabilize said pivoting mast during sailing according to a predetermined criterion,   f. wherein said elongated structure is capable of withstanding forces during raising or lowering of said pivoting mast, and   g. wherein said shroud strut incorporates a length adjustment for the purpose of aligning said pivoting mast vertically with respect to said sailboat.   
     
     
         10 . An improved shroud strut according to  claim 9  wherein
 a. said elongated structure is attached to said sailboat at one end at a first rotating point, 
 b. said elongated structure is attached to a first linkage at a second rotating point, 
 c. said first linkage is attached to a powered actuator at a third rotating point, 
 d. a second linkage is attached to said third rotating point and said first rotating point, and 
 e. wherein said elongated structure incorporates a length adjustment, whereby said powered actuator is used to rotate said improved shroud strut.