US3844243A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering system for canoes and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-02-15
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-02-15
Abstract
Abstract A steering system for a boat such as a canoe wherein the system includes an easily detachable frame that is secured to the boat''s existing structure without the alteration thereof. The frame has a rudder assembly pivotally secured thereto with the assembly including at least one. A spring serves to bias the rudder assembly downwardly in an operative position but permits an upward yielding of the assembly into an inoperative position when an obstruction or obstacle is met beneath the surface of the water. The steering system is controlled by either a set of foot pedals or a manually operated tiller from a position in the canoe remote from the rudder assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 D Caton
- 👤 J Ralph
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:40
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H25/00; B63H25/06; B63H25/38; B63H25/382
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
A steering system for a boat such as a canoe or the like having an eyelet at one end thereof wherein such system may be attached to and removed from the boat without the physical alteration thereof, which system comprises, in combination: a. a substantially rectangular-shaped frame, b. means for detachably securing the frame substantially horizontally across the top of the boat wherein a portion of the frame is freely supported on the side rails thereof, said means including a removable shaft passing through the eyelet of the boat and extending laterally from either side of the eyelet for a total length equal to approximately one-half the width of the boat taken at its widest portion with the ends of the shaft being supported by the sides of the frame, c. latching means associated with the frame for securing the shaft against accidental removal, d. a rudder assembly pivotally secured to the frame for movement between a downward operative position and an upward inoperative position, e. resilient means connecting the rudder assembly to the frame for biasing the rudder assembly in the downward operative position, and f. a rudder assembly control means detachably secured to the boat and connected to the rudder assembly for steering the boat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A steering system for a boat such as a canoe or the like having an eyelet at one end thereof wherein such system may be attached to and removed from the boat without the physical alteration thereof, which system comprises, in combination: a. a substantially rectangular-shaped frame, b. means for detachably securing the frame substantially horizontally across the top of the boat wherein a portion of the frame is freely supported on the side rails thereof, said means including a removable shaft passing through the eyelet of the boat and extending laterally from either side of the eyelet for a total length equal to approximately one-half the width of the boat taken at its widest portion with the ends of the shaft being supported by the sides of the frame, c. latching means associated with the frame for securing the shaft against accidental removal, d. a rudder assembly pivotally secured to the frame for movement between a downward operative position and an upward inoperative position, e. resilient means connecting the rudder assembly to the frame for biasing the rudder assembly in the downward operative position, and f. a rudder assembly control means detachably secured to the boat and connected to the rudder assembly for steering the boat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The steering system of claim 1 wherein the latching means is a magnetic latch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
The steering system of claim 1 wherein the rudder assembly includes: a. a pair of rudder shafts having two rudders secured at their lower ends, b. a pair of shaft housings supporting the rudder shafts for rotational movement, c. a pair of steering arms secured to the upper ends of the rudder shafts, d. a first means for joining the shaft housings together for spacing and stabilizing the housings, and e. a second means for joining the rudder shafts together for controlling the rotational movement of the shafts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The steering system of claim 3 wherein the resilient means includes a pair of coil springs connected at one of their ends to the shaft housings and connected at the other of their ends to the frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
The steering system of claim 3 wherein the rudder assembly control means includes: a. a pair of pivotal pedals, b. bracket means for detachably securing the pivotal pedals adjacent the floor of the boat, and c. cable means joining the pivotal pedals to the steering arms such that alternate pivoting of the pedals causes correspoding pivotal movement of the steering arms, thereby imparting rotational movement to the rudder shafts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The steering system of claim 3 wherein the lower portion of the shaft housings include stop means for limiting the rotational movement of the rudder shafts within an arcuate range of approximately 0*-120*.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |