A composite mast base universal joint comprises a plurality of fibres and a flexible section 6. The top and bottom surfaces of the flexible section 6 are attached to solid ends 5, 7 that allow the joint to be attached to a sailboard and mast, and anchor the fibres that are placed inside the flexible section 6 which run from one solid end to the other. The flexible section allows the joint to bend and rotate and the bundle of fibres provide multiple load paths that share the loads placed on the joint during use and assist in preventing catastrophic failure of the joint. Preferably the fibres from two symmetrical conical structure 8.1, 8.2 where the tip of each cone meet where fibres cross each other or are weaved together 11, the formation of the fibres allows the translation and rotational stiffness of the joint to be tailored. Preferably the flexible section has an axis-symmetric body made from elastomeric material, and the solid ends 5, 7 made from resin material that anchors the ends of the fibres and embed an interface screw or insert 3, 4, for attaching the universal joint directly or indirectly to the sailboard and mast.
Composite mast base joint for a sailboard
2020-07-01
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B63B Schiffe oder sonstige Wasserfahrzeuge , SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS |
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