US3728983A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tiller and rudder assembly
Assignee: Richmond Marine Ltd
•
Filing: 1971-02-08
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Granted: 1973-04-24
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Expires: 1991-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A marine craft steering assembly including a steering tiller and a rudder blade which are interconnected so that the rudder blade can be raised and lowered by longitudinal movement of the tiller the rudder blade being pivoted to a rudder stock in which the steering tiller is supported and can slide.
Inventors
- 👤 M Ingham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:28
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H25/00; B63H25/06; B63H25/38; B63H25/382; B63H2025/384; B63H2025/385
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A marine craft steering assembly comprising: a steering tiller; rudder blade; a rudder stock; means hinging said blade to said stock for rotation of said blade with respect to said stock in a vertical plane; said stock having a portion supporting said tiller and allowing said tiller to slide in said supporting portion in only horizontal linear translation with respect to said stock; means connecting said tiller to said blade; said connecting means being operable to pivot so as to rotate in a vertical plane with respect to said blade and said tiller; said blade being operable to be raised and lowered responsive to horizontal linear translation of said tiller with respect to said stock.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A marine craft steering assembly comprising: a steering tiller; rudder blade; a rudder stock; means hinging said blade to said stock for rotation of said blade with respect to said stock in a vertical plane; said stock having a portion supporting said tiller and allowing said tiller to slide in said supporting portion in only horizontal linear translation with respect to said stock; means connecting said tiller to said blade; said connecting means being operable to pivot so as to rotate in a vertical plane with respect to said blade and said tiller; said blade being operable to be raised and lowered responsive to horizontal linear translation of said tiller with respect to said stock.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A steering assembly As claimed in claim 1 in which said connecting means includes a flexible connecting member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 2 in which said flexible connecting member is provided by a loop or length of line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said steering tiller is restricted in its movement only with respect to said stock to horizontal translation only by means of a guide groove in said supporting portion of said stock.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 4 in which said steering tiller can be moved in said groove to a position above said rudder blade; and an aperture in said groove allowing said blade to pass through said aperture into contact with said tiller in said position; said tiller in said position engaging said blade and limiting the movement of said blade from moving from a predetermined lowered position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which said rudder blade is provided with an abutment at its upper end which is engageable by said steering tiller; said tiller operable to engage said abutment and by camming against said abutment forces said blade to move downwards when said tiller translates in a linear horizontal movement with respect to said stock past a predetermined longitudinal position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 6 in which said rudder stock is made from a material which de-forms to allow said steering tiller when in the position in which it limits the upward travel of said rudder blade in said lowered position, to move upwardly under a predetermined applied upward force.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 7 in which said rudder stock is made from a plastic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which said rudder stock is pivoted to the hull of the craft by releasible means which are locked in position by said steering tiller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 9 in which said rudder stock is provided with upper and lower extensions which are relatively vertically displaced and which are releasibly located on relatively vertically displaced upper and lower pivot members on the hull, said steering tiller extending along at least a part of the upper extension.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 10 in which said upper and lower extensions are provided with axially aligned circular openings which are located on said pivot members, said circular opening in said upper extension having an open gap at one side to allow the said upper pivot member to pass into said circular opening and said tiller locking said upper pivot member into its associated opening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
67 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 11 in which said upper pivot member is provided by a boss having an enlarged head the thickness of said boss below said head being slightly less than the width of the open gap in the side of the opening in said upper extension and said tiller when in position acting, to locate said upper extension on said enlarged head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A steering assembly as claimed in claim 10 in which said pivot members are located on the top and bottom of the hull of the craft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-23 | 1976-10-23 | 1977-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-23 | 1980-10-23 | 1981-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-23 | 1984-10-23 | 1985-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |