Background of the Invention
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a method wherein a Helmsman, who pilots a large sailboat can utilize wide angle mirrors which remain vertical when the ship is heeling. Prefabricated brackets hold the mirrors on the bow rails of large sailboats thus enabling the Helmsman to see both forward and obstacles in the water, primarily hidden by the Foresails.
The traditional method is to send a crew member forward for observation during races.
A more complete understanding can be derived from the descriptive reference characters in FIG. 1 FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of this invention, where Helmsman uses mirrors.
FIG. 2 illustrates large sailboat with mast and sail removed, so that the mechanical attached mirrors to the bow rails can be best understood and observed.
FIG. 3, is a perspective view embodying the mirror assemblies attached to bow rail while boat is heeling.
Turning now to FIG. 1, we see the stern of a large sailboat moving away from us. The boat has a hull 10 and the boom 11 on which the main sail 12 is mounted. Now a Helmsman can see under a boom 11 and mainsail 12 since they are usually about a foot above the raised deck 19.
13 designates the Wheel or tiller as used on some crafts.
14 designates the Foresails. This could be a jib or genoa sail 14. Now these sails attach very close to the deck on the bow, and because of this, when you're on a port or starboard tack, or running you can only see half of the horizon in front.
15 designates the Bow rails: It's upon this rail that we mount the adjustable prefabricated bracket 16. This bracket holds the Wide angle mirror 18.
This view of drawing shows mast 20, from which main sail 12, and jib or genoa sail 14 are connected.
FIG. 2 - The drawing illustrates a hull 10 with mast 20 and sails 12 and 14 removed. Here it becomes apparent why brackets 16 and 17 are of different lengths. In case they are mounted too close to the bow, one won't focus into the other. Hence giving a better view forward. The bow rail 15 serves as a rugged base upon which the brackets 16 and 17 are mounted. This perspective view illustrates the hull 10, and raised deck 19.
FIG. 3 - The bow rail 15 is leaning towards Port since the ship is heeling. Bracket 17, which is somewhat similar to bracket 16 in FIG. 2 is securely bolted to bow rail 15. The mirror 18, is allowed to pivot on pins 22. The weight 21 holds mirror 18 vertically, so we always see the horizon, rather then just water. Sun Shield 23, reduces glare.
Since obvious changes may be made in the specific embodiment of the invention described herein, such modifications being within the spirit and scope of the invention claimed, it is indicated that all matter contained herein is intended as illustrative and not as limited in scope.