Sailing cradle
OwnerHenry A. Nicolinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sailing frame is disclosed which, in the preferred embodiment, is adapted to mount on an inflatable boat. The frame can be disassembled and/or folded into a small package for storage, compatible with the deflated boat. The frame assembles into a rigid configuration which mounts on the gunwales of the inflatable boat. Mounting members for a collapsible mast and sails are provided. The frame can include a mounting for a rudder. The sailing frame includes a pair of vertically extending dagger or bilge boards which, in the water, provide fore and aft stability to the boat and resist lateral forces. In alternative embodiments, the frame can be mounted on any other small boat or dinghy, and, when not in use, can be disassembled and stowed.
Claims14
For use in combination with a boat having gunwales, a sailing cradle adapted to be supported by the boat, said sailing cradle comprising:
- (a) a first frame member adapted to mount over a first gunwale;
- (b) a second frame member adapted to mount over a second gunwale, substantially opposite the first gunwale;
- (c) first and second athwartship, connecting members, one being adapted to ride at the floor of the boat athwartship, both joining said first and second frame members;
- (d) mast receiving means in said first and second connecting members;
- and
- (e) at least one board member affixed to said first frame member outboard the gunwale and extending substantially below the water line to provide resistance to lateral motion of the boat, the cradle providing the structural rigidity to the combination necessary for sailing, with the boat merely furnishing the necessary buoyancy to the combination.
For use in combination with an inflatable boat having buoyancy tubes and motor mounting beckets, a sailing cradle comprising:
- (a) first and second frame members adapted to partially enclose the buoyancy tubes forming the sides of the boat;
- said frame members being secured in place when the buoyancy tubes are inflated;
- (b) first and second forward cross members rigidly interconnecting said first and second frame members athwartship;
- (c) mast receiving means in said forward cross members;
- and
- (d) at least one board fastened to a frame member outboard said buoyancy tubes and adapted to extend below the water line to provide resistance to lateral movement of the boat, said cradle providing structural rigidity to the combination adequate for sailing.
A kit of disassembled components adapted when assembled to form a sailing combination for an inflatable boat having buoyancy tubes, comprising:
- (a) a forward cradle member including port and starboard buoyance tube enclosing elements and upper and lower athwartships cross members having mast receiving means;
- (b) port and starboard strut members positioned to ride at the floor of the boat and adapted to connect said forward cradle member in a sailing cradle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.