US3810440A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering mechanism for sailboats and the like
Assignee: SHERMAN C JOHNSON CO Inc
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Filing: 1972-01-17
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Granted: 1974-05-14
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Expires: 1992-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A steering mechanism for a sailboat is formed by a tiltable, vertically mounted steering post which connects through the tiller to the boat rudder. The steering post is mounted to the deck or other portion of the boat by a universal joint which permits the post to be tilted relative to the vertical axis of the boat. A pivot joint connects the tiller to the steering post at a point midway between the ends of the post so that the tiller is moved by the tilting motions of the post. With the tiller connected to the post in this manner and the post mounted forward of the rudder along the center line of the boat, lateral tilting motions of the post swing the tiller and turn the rudder.
Inventors
- 👤 C Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 23:14
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H25/00; B63H25/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
A steering mechanism for sailboats and the like having a rudder pivoted by a tiller comprising: a manually engaged and tiltable steering post having a generally upright operating position in the boat; first pivot means connected to the lower end of the steering post for mounting the steering post in the boat in the upright position and comprised of a universal joint having one pivot axis extending in the fore and aft direction when the handle is mounted in the upright position in the boat to permit the post to be tilted laterally toward one side or the other of the boat and another pivot axis extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the fore and aft direction; and second pivot means connected to the steering post at a point between the ends of the post for fastening the tiller directly to the post whereby tilting motions of the post toward one side or the other of the boat cause the tiller to correspondingly swing toward the one side or the other and thereby turn the rudder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
A steering mechanism for sailboats and the like having a rudder pivoted by a tiller comprising: a manually engaged and tiltable steering post having a generally upright operating position in the boat; first pivot means connected to the lower end of the steering post for mounting the steering post in the boat in the upright position and comprised of a universal joint having one pivot axis extending in the fore and aft direction when the handle is mounted in the upright position in the boat to permit the post to be tilted laterally toward one side or the other of the boat and another pivot axis extending in the lateral direction perpendicular to the fore and aft direction; and second pivot means connected to the steering post at a point between the ends of the post for fastening the tiller directly to the post whereby tilting motions of the post toward one side or the other of the boat cause the tiller to correspondingly swing toward the one side or the other and thereby turn the rudder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A steering mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein: the lower end of the steering post and the universal joint have a rotatable connection with a rotational axis colinear with the post axis for rotating the post relative to the universal joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A steering mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein: the second pivot means comprises a tiller engaging member and a pivot pin extending transversely of the steering post and connecting the engaging member pivotally to the post.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
A steering mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein: a steering bar is connected to the upper end of the steering post in generally perpendicular relationship to the post; and two handles are connected respectively to the opposite ends of the steering bar at the upper end of the steering post.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A steering mechanism as defined in claim 1 including: a hiking stick; and third pivot means connecting the hiking stick to the steering post adjacent the upper end of the post.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A steering mechanism as defined in claim 5 wherein: the third pivot means comprises a universal joint having two rotational degrees of freedom permitting the hiking stick to be held horizontally as the upright steering post is tilted laterally in the boat.
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) | 1977-05-13 | 1977-11-12 | 1978-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-13 | 1981-11-12 | 1982-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-13 | 1985-11-12 | 1986-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |