GB2462246A

GB2462246A - Small sailboat trapeze system with quick release loop

Info

Publication number: GB2462246A
Application number: GB0813695A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Peter Maw
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-26
Filing date: 2008-07-26
Publication date: 2010-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-26
Also published as: GB0813695D0; GB2462246B

Abstract

A new form of trapeze loop is installed in a small sailboat trapeze system 3 and 4 to replace the conventional loop (1, Fig 2) and allow quick release from a trapeze hook (6, Fig 3) under load. In normal use, the loop works in exactly the same way as the conventional loop, with the trapeze hook being attached at (10, Fig 4). In a first embodiment, should the sailor need to release the trapeze hook rapidly and under load, squeezing together at (11, Fig 4) will open the jaws at (12, Fig 4), allowing the hook to fall free. The new trapeze loop 13 is shown assembled into a typical small boat trapeze arrangement. Other embodiments of the loop include one that is opened by means of a lever (Fig 6), one that is rotated to release the hook (Fig 7 and 8) and one in which the loop elongates to release the hook (Fig 9).

Description

Safety improvement for use in small sailboat trapeze systems This invention relates to a safety device for preventing the user of a small sailboat trapeze system, such as is used on dinghies, sailboards and catamarans, from being unable to release from the trapeze under load.

Small boat trapeze systems generally consist of a hook attached to a harness and a loop attached to the boat. After a number of drownings involving the trapeze hook becoming caught up on the boat during a capsize, quick-release trapeze hooks have become increasingly common.

However, operating a quick-release hook generally leads to the loss of the trapeze hook or to some re-assembly being required. This tends to limit its operation to life-threatening situations. A need remains for a means of disconnecting rapidly from the trapeze system under load where the hazard is less, to allow the sailor to continue sailing / racing.

When the wind shifts suddenly, or when an unexpected tack is called for (such as during racing) it is easy for the sailor to be caught on the wrong side of the boat with the sailor unable to lift sufficiently off the deck to disengage the trapeze hook from the ioop. This is likely to result in a capsize, although the trapeze should disengage once the sailor is supported by the water.

If the boat is overpowered and is blown over, the inability to disengage the trapeze may be more serious. Whereas the sailor could conceivably stay on the side of the boat and move onto the centreboard to right the boat, the trapeze will tend to drag the sailor off the side of the boat and into the mast! boom or sail. This can cause injuly or damage and is a particular problem with boats that sit high in the water when on their side, such as catamarans.

To overcome these problems, the present invention proposes a new type of trapeze loop. This ioop is used in the sameway as a conventional trapeze ioop in normal use.

However, if an emergency release is required, the sides of the loop are squeezed together and the hook is released.

The loop is preferably designed to have a similar target' area for the trapeze hook to current designs of ioop, to make its use intuitive to existing sailors.

The ioop is preferably designed so that the force required to release is sufficient to avoid accidental release but within the capabilities of the sailor. This could mean that different tensions would be required for adults and children. A version using a recessed lever to release could be appropriate for those with limited hand grip.

The invention will now be described solely by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a simple conventional trapeze loop, Figure 2 shows a typical trapeze arrangement, Figure 3 shows a typical trapeze hook, as mounted on a trapeze harness, Figure 4 shows one possible design of quick-release trapeze loop, Figure 5 shows this design assembled in a typical trapeze arrangement, Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment using a release lever, Figures 7 and 8 show the front and plan views of an alternative embodiment which releases when twisted, Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment which can extend to allow the trapeze hook to be released.

In figure 1, a typical conventional trapeze loop is shown. The sailor wears a trapeze harness and engages the trapeze hook at point 2, allowing the sailor to lean out of the boat as far as possible to increase righting moment.

In figure 2, a typical trapeze installation is shown. The loop 1 is supported through an adjustable rope purchase 3 to a wire 4 which attaches at its other end to the boat's mast. Elastic 5 is attached between the loop and the boat's deck, to stop the trapeze loop from swinging wildly during boat manoeuvres.

In figure 3, a typical trapeze hook arrangement is shown. The hook 6 is mounted on a plate 7 and attached to the trapeze harness using webbing attached to loops 8. A rubber keeper' 9 is fitted to some books when new but these are generally removed as they prevent the trapeze loop from dropping away cleanly from the trapeze hook when tacking.

In figure 4, a new form of trapeze loop is shown. The new loop is installed in the trapeze system as is the conventional loop in figure 2. In normal use, the loop works in exactly the same way as the conventional loop, with the trapeze hook being attached at 10. Should the sailor need to release the trapeze hook rapidly and under load, squeezing together at 11 will open the jaws at 12, allowing the hook to fall free.

In figure 5, this new loop 13 is shown assembled, for comparison with figure 2.

Operation is simple and instinctive, even for those just learning to trapeze in small boats.

In figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the trapeze loop is shown. in normal use, the trapeze hook rests at point 14 with the loop supported at 15. If quick-release is required, lever 16 is raised, opening piston 17, which is held closed by spring 18 (internal).

In figure 7, another alternative is shown. This is supported at 19 with the trapeze hook resting at 20. Elastic to the deck is attached at 21. Weight on the hook tends to centre it at point 20; however twisting the entire loop by about 45° causes the hook to fall clear. This arrangement is shown in plan view in figure 8.

In figure 9, a further alternative is supported at 22 with the trapeze hook resting at 23.

If quick-release is required, handles 24 are squeezed together and pushed downwards, moving the un-shaded section downwards with respect to the fixed (shaded) part..

Assuming that the sailor can support him or herself on the boat, this elongation of the loop removes the load from the trapeze hook and allows it to be disengaged. When the handles are released, springs 25 return the lower section to the normal position.

Claims

Claims 1. A quick-release replacement for a trapeze loop carried on a small sailing craft, to allow rapid disconnection of the trapeze hook under load.
2. A quick-release replacement according to claim 1 in which the trapeze loop opens to release the trapeze hook.
3. A quick-release replacement according to claims I and 2 in which the trapeze ioop is opened by squeezing together two parts of the loop.
4. A quick-release replacement according to claims 1 and 2 in which the trapeze loop is opened by means of a lever.
5. A quick-release replacement according to claim 1 in which the trapeze ioop is rotated to release the trapeze hook.
6. A quick-release replacement according to claim 1 in which the trapeze ioop elongates to release the trapeze hook,