US2065715A - Convertible mast construction - Google Patents

Description

P. F. LEON 2,065,715

CONVERTIBLE MAST CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 9, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 29, 1936.

Inventor A Homey F Leal/1 3 w Km ,u a 0o. 7/ wa a Dec. 29, 1936. P, .Q LEON 2,065,715

CONVERTIBLE MAST CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 9, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor Bym'ozn A Homey Dec. 29, 1936.` R F, LEON 2,065,715

CONVERTIBLE MAST CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 9, 1935 4 Sl'leeiLs-SheieI 5 .l 25 ZJ O l' O Z0 Z/ Z0 [9 25 0 0 o s /2 o o 6/ /JJ O 0 Inventor o /5 H y /2 Peaf ff lem &

Ailomey 29, P, F, LEON 2,065,715

CONVERTIBLE MAST CONSTRUCTION Filed Deo. 9, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Inventor A tlorny Patented Dec. 29, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Peter F. Leon, Oranjestad, Aruba, Dutch West Indies Application December 9,'1935, Serial No. 53,525`

3 Claims.

This invention relates to an unique mast structure or assemblage which, due to its convertible and versatile characteristics it is referred to in generic language as a convertible mast construction.

By way of introduction, and inasmuch as the inventive conception involves diversied ideas, I would say that We will hereinafter be concerned with structural means involving individual but nevertheless properly coordinated embodiments. One embodiment of thel invention has to d0 with a more or lesssimple mastl structure-wherein the upper portion is hingedly mounted to permit -it to be folded down to an out of the way restful position. A similar embodiment of the invention has reference to the sectional or foldable mast structure having incorporated therein a telescoping mast pole with appropriate means for raising and lowering it.

Closely allied with the foregoing adaptations however, is the more or less basic idea which is common to the complete assemblageand which involves the use of a mast construction whose lower section is a rigidly mounted tube, this being adaptable f or use under certain conditions for aerating and Ventilating the bilge of the craft, serving also .as a receptable for the telescopically mounted pole when completely lowered and "further as a special adapter for muiiier equipped exhaust means, as Well as in other ways'to be hereinafter described.

In keeping with my idea to provide a structure susceptible of meeting the requirements of engineering statistics as well as navalarchitects specifications, I have found it expedient and practicable to accomplish what I have done through the use of more or less simple andeconomical easily procurable parts attainable in the open market, such as for example standardized pipes, couplings and similar accessories, whereby to accomplish my primary aim to generally improve upon similar prior art devices by the adoption of a comparatively simple and economical arrangement.

It goes without saying that one of the primary objects of the invention is to prvide a foldable mast susceptible of adequate use on small boats such as are used to navigate a channel under bridges, such an arrangement being advantageus when motor-sailers must proceed under power only-with folded sails, under which conditions the sails are collapsed to lower the center of gravity to overcome excessive rocking of the cra Other features and 4advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the views? i.

Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly in elevation showing the essential sections or portions of the simple foldable mast structure with the stationary lower part connected with the keel and deck respectively.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of one of the coupling collars, that is the one xedly attached to the lower stationary tubular section ofthe structure.

shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the upper relatively movable or hingedly mounted coupling collar connectable with the lower portion of the swingable section of the mast.

Figure 5 is an edge view thereof.

Figure 6 is a detail view of an air intake funnel used in connection with my improved ventilating arrangement.

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view ofthe attaching 25 collar or ring therefor.

Figure 8 is a cross section on the line 8--8 of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a view showing a modication or different embodiment of the invention wherein 30 the rack and pinion operated xtelescoping form of the invention is shown.

' Figure 10 is a view of Figure 9 observing it in a direction from right to left, the view being turned around at right angles. 35

Figure 11 is a view ,in section and elevation showing a convertible phase of the invention wherein the lower tube section of the mast is usable, if and when necessary, as a special adapter for a muiiler equipped exhaust set-up.

By way of introduction to the detailed descrip-- tion'I deem it advisable to point out that the invention is applicable to boats either ofthe single or double-masted type. By using this duplex mast arrangement it is possible to employ they 45,

nature, I will in placing the reference characters Figure 3 is an edge view of the construction 15y on the gures use the same numerals throughout whether the mast be at the fore or aft portion of the boat. Proceeding with this in mind I call attention first to Figure 1 wherein the motor compartment or bilge is denoted by the numeral I2.1 The keel or bottom of the bottom is indicated at I3 and the deck, which is of vsuitable form is indicated at I4. In all forms of the invention the relatively fixed tubular lower sec- 1 tion of the mast construction is denoted by the numeral I5 and this comprises a tube of suitable proportion and height, the same being fixed as indicated at I6 at its bottom and extending through and beyond the deck and stabilized u through the instrumentality of a collar or ring I1 on the deck. In some instances that portion of the tube within the compartment I2 is formed with a multiplicity of Ventilating holes I8 which function, in a manner hereinafter made clear. On the upper end of the tube is a suitable detachable collar I9 having an appropriate flange 20, the flange being formed" on one side with ears 2'I between which a clamping bolt 22 is hingedly mounted.. The clamping bolt is provided with a nut, that is a ring nut or thumb nut as indicated at 23. Diametrically opposite to these features is the hinge lug 24, this being straddled by companion hinging lugs on the collar unit or coupling 21. 'I'hecollar 21 is provided with keeper ears 28 to accommodate the Abolt and nut so as to clamp the two couplingsv or collars together. in superimposed relationship u as shown in the drawings when the mast is set up for use. In each instance the swingable c ollar 21 is provided with a socket 29. The socket' description thus far covers the simple foldable mast arrangement depicted in Figurefl. As bel 5 fore stated this arrangement however isconvertv iblef That is to say without changing the structure it is possible to use the tube. I5 as ventilata ing means for the compartment I2. To accompiish this all that is necessary is -tc attach the .55 air inlet funnel 3|, by. wayof itsapertured collar 'l2 tothe apertures 33 of the fixed ange 20l on the collar I9. .f In other words referring to Figure landswinging the foidable .section ofthe mastv ,down it is possible to attach the funnel to the '00 flange 20 so that when 'the boat'4 is operating. under .rnotor-v power the incoming airv will'pass .'fintothe compartment I2 byway of the .ports I iav for eqective. Ventilating purposes. The advantage vofhavingVentilating 'meanson saill boatsA 65 is evident --beyond doubt, 4and to utilize a -partN of'a mast structure to accomplish this. is-an'innovation, itis-believed. Y. Referring now` to the telescoping mast construction emphasized^ in Figures 9 and 10 it lwill than the one indicated at 29 and is pro'vided at its upper end with a slotto accommodate af pinion 34 mounted on a shaftcarried by a bracket 35 secured to the socket, said -shaftbeing oper- "l5 ated bya hand crank 36.- The' pinion is mani-V ange 25 of the relatively movable or swingablel `be observed that the socket 29a is slightly longer festly cooperable with rack teeth or slots 31 in the ferrule or sleeve 38 on the wooden pole 39. With this arrangement it is possible to telescope the pole completely down-to the bottom of the boat to cause it to bridge the hinged joint be- 5 tween the socket and part I5. 'Ihis will employ i the pole as a reinforcing core or( filler for these otherwise seemingly fragile tubular parts. Moreover in many instances there will be sufficient height in the combined features I5 and 29a to 10 allow the pole'ctorbe dropped down sufficiently for bridge clearance purposes. It is evident however, that the pole can be lowered into the socket 29a. to the point of the hinge connection between the parts 29a and I5 and then swung down 15- on the deck to a folded position by simply releasing the clamping means.

Coming now to Figure 11`I have found it expedient and practical to also give the part I5 additional utility. In other Words by putting a .20 plug 40 in the lower portion thereof and loading it or charging the portion above it with an asbestos filler 4I it then becomes a special adapter to accommodate the engine exhaust means. 'I'he engine is indicated at 42 and the valved ex- 25 haust branch 43 passes through an opening drilled or otherwise formed in the part I5 where it connects with a perpendicular discharge pipe 44 extending up throughv and beyond the filler.

If desired the arrangement may include a 30 muffler 45 having exhaust orifices 46 and internal baffles 41. The muiller is secured in place by an attaching. pipe 48 connectible to the upper threaded end of the outlet pipe 44 and provided with a closing base or di'sk 49 fitting into 35 the-upper end of the stationary mast tube I5. The idea here is that in most instances the boat will be provided with' fore and aft mast .constructions. Sometimes it will be necessary to Auseonly the' rear mast-and rather than keep the 40 forward one idle it is possible to simply charge it with asbestos and use it as a speciall adapter and mounting for the' mufiler equipped vexhaust means. 'I'hisadded utility for the part I5 without interfering with the upper hinged .structure 45` is believed to be withinl the rangeof'the single inventive conception.

Not only does the .stationary part I5 serve as an lexhaust pipe adapter as a Ventilating tube Iand mounting for the foidame section or' the .sol

mast, butv it can bev employed under emergency l,conditions as a cylinder for removing water from c the compartments.. In'other words by utilizing4 'a makeshlft'plunger (not shown) and reciprocating it in the apertured tube I5 as s hown in A55 Figure 1 an emergency or makeshift pump canlbe` provided. :g

. By `way of brief summation I would call atten- -tion first to the simple foldable mast structurev illustrated in Figure l'which has practical utilityo within itself in thejmanner and for the pur..` poses heretofore described. Secondly I call at- I tention to the adaptability of the apertured tube4 I5- to accommodate Vthe funnel 3i to 4serve as a ventilator f or themotor compartment I2, this be-.V gli!v 'v ing vcapable of accomplishment lbygsimfply swing-V ingvthe relatively. hinged section.` of ai structure fto the 'dotted line position. .-'I'hird' the same basic principle illustrated in Figures 9`a'nd 10permit the adoption and use of la telescoping'mast ar- 70 i rangement. With this arrangement the ventilator or anyvof theother special adaptations could be employed.v `This is also evident from the advantageous set-up shown in Figure 11 wherein byjsimply swinging the upper part down on the deck and adding the filler and other details it is possible to employ the part I as a special mounting and adapter for the muiiier construction. Incidentally in this arrangement the valved branch 43 permits the exhaust to be carried on up through the muiiier or be exhausted out in the Water whichever is required by city regulations. Finally,`

as before indicated the tube I5 is used as a temporary part for emergency conditions, that is as the cylinder of the pump.l

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after considering the description in connection with the drawings. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size, and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is:

1. A foldable mast for a boat comprising a lower stationary tubular section, an upper relatively movable section hingedly connected to the upper end of said tubular section, fastening means for holding the two sections together in vertical alinement, said upper section including a socket having a crank operated pinion, a pole having a rack equipped sleeve fitted telescopically in said socket and cooperable with said pinion, said pole being adapted to pass down through the socket and into said tubular section to reinforce the parts collectively and to at the same time lower the pole to a predetermined position.

2. In a foldable mast for a boat, a lower relatively fixed tubular 'section provided with venting openings, an upper companion relatively movable section hingedly connected to the upper end of said stationary tubular section, fastening means for holding the two sections together in verti.

cal alignment, said upper section including a socket, a pole receiving section i'ltting in said socket and said lower tubular section bridging the hinged joint between the sections, and manually controlled mechanical means for raising and lowering said pole receiving sectionfsaid means being carried by said upper section.

3. A combination mast and Ventilating structure for a boat having a bottom, a deck and an intervening motor compartment; a relatively fixed 'tube secured at its lower end to said bottom and extending up through said compartment and through the deck and beyond the deck, said tube having ventilation apertures therethrough below said deck, a'collar secured to the upper end of said tube, a mast accommodating socket disposed in normal vertical alignment with said tube, a second collar secured to said socket, said collars being provided with complementa] outstanding abutment and stabilizing iianges hingedly connected together on one side and separately connected together on a diametrically opposite side to -a1low the socket and its collar to be swung at substantial right angles to said tube to ex- 1 pose the ange on said first-named collar and leave a ventilation duct to the motor compartment, said iirst-named collar being provided with means whereby a ventilation cowl may be secured thereto when said second-named collar is swung as recited.

` PETER F. LEON.

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