AU2006201818B2 - Rudder Steering System - Google Patents

Description

RUDDER STEERING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rudder steering system, and in particular to a rudder steering system for a kayak. However, it is to be understood that the invention is 5 not to be limited as such. Moreover, because the invention may have many other applications, the prior art and possible applications of the invention discussed below are given by way of example only. BACKGROUND ART In conventional rudder steering systems such as for a kayak, a rudder assembly is 10 mounted on the stern of the craft so as to be turnable for steering, and so as to enable a rudder blade to pivot up for stowing or down for use. In general the rudder assembly comprises a support member with the rudder blade pivotally supported between inside faces of the support member, and the support member is mounted on the stem of the kayak using a gudgeon pin type hinge to enable steering. 15 Operation of the rudder steering systems is generally by means of cords extending from the rudder assembly to the cockpit. One or more cords which are cleated in the vicinity of the cockpit are used for raising and lowering the rudder blade, and two cords connected to foot pedals in the cockpit are used for steering the rudder blade. 20 In the case of a rudder assembly for a kayak or similar long craft, since this is fitted at the extreme end of the craft and cannot be easily removed due to the steering cords and the like, it can be easily damaged when handling the craft out of water. Also when the craft is used in rough seas or surf, there are times when the rudder blade comes out of the water, so that steering is lost. 25 Moreover, with a stern mounted rudder configuration where the rudder assembly is mounted using a gudgeon pin type hinge, this must generally be pivoted about the front edge of the rudder blade, and hence it is difficult to design the steering for optimal balance. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

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It is an object of the present invention to provide a rudder steering system which addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of conventional rudder steering systems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rudder 5 steering system for a water craft comprising; a rudder member having a rudder blade, and a rudder mounting device adapted to pivotally mount the rudder member; a support member formed with a planar side face adapted to slide against the side wall of a well formed in a water craft, and having a pivot support device for 10 pivotally supporting the support member relative to the side wall, and a bearing device adapted to support the rudder mounting device such that a plane of the rudder blade can be inclined relative to the planar side face of the support member; a first actuating device for pivoting the support member about the pivot support device; and 15 a second actuating device for inclining the rudder blade relative to the planar side face. With such a construction, the rudder member having the rudder blade, can be pivotally mounted for steering on the support member, which can be accommodated in a well formed in the water craft. Hence the rudder can be mounted away from the stem of 20 the water craft. Moreover it can be stowed inside the well by pivotally moving the support member inside the well. Hence the rudder can be positioned away from the stern to prevent it coming out of the water, and can be safely accommodated inside the well, and thus protected when not in use. The rudder mounting device may comprise any suitable means whereby the 25 rudder member can be pivotally mounted in the bearing device such that a plane of the rudder blade can be inclined relative to the planar side face of the support member. For example this may comprise a hinge, or a rod member connected to the rudder member. Preferably the rudder mounting device comprises a rod member fixed to the rudder blade and extending parallel to and in substantially the same plane as a central -2major plane of the rudder blade, and the bearing device comprises an elongate cavity in the support member adapted to accommodate the rod member. With such a construction, the rudder member can be fitted to the support member by simply inserting the rod member into the cavity in the support member, with 5 the support member mounted in the well of the water craft. Moreover, the rudder member can be easily removed for repair, or different shaped rudder members can be optionally fitted as required or desired. Furthermore, in this configuration where the rudder blade is supported on the rod member, the position and angle of the rudder blade relative to the support member 10 can be freely designed, to enable better balanced steering. The support member may comprise any suitable means whereby the rudder can be pivotally mounted relative thereto, and which can be moved inside a well of a water craft. For example this may comprise a flat plate which can be pivoted relative to the walls of the well. 15 Preferably the support member, comprises two planar members adapted to be clamped together so as to form the elongate cavity thereinside. With such a construction in the case where the support member is molded from plastics, the elongate cavity can be easily formed using a simple open die for each planar member, rather than a more complicated die which would be necessary in the 20 case of a support member molded in one piece and with an internal bore. The pivot support device may comprise any suitable means whereby the support member can be pivotally mounted relative to the side wall. For example this may comprise peripheral surfaces which slide relative to members formed on the side wall, or a cylindrical member projecting from the support member and adapted to be 25 accommodated in a receptacle in the side wall. Preferably the pivot support device comprises means for mounting a pivot pin perpendicular to the side face. -3- With such a construction the support member can be easily fitted into the well by sliding in from a bottom opening of the well, and then inserting the pivot pin through a hole in the support member. The position of the pivot support may be easily adjusted by providing the hole in 5 a desired position, and one or more holes may be provided as required or desired. The first actuation device may comprise any suitable means whereby the support member can be pivoted about the pivot support device. For example this may comprise levers, linkages, gears or cords separately or in combination. Preferably the first actuation device comprises: a groove formed around the 10 periphery of the support member for accommodating a cord, an attaching device adapted to anchor an end of the cord; and a cord wrapped around the groove and attached to the attaching device, the arrangement and construction being such that in use, the support member can be pivoted about the pivot support device by pulling on the cord. With such a construction the first actuation device can be easily constructed, and 15 adjusted by simply adjusting the length of the cord, and the attachment position of the cord. Moreover, in the case of a molded support member, the groove can be easily formed, particularly in the case where the support member is of a two piece construction. The attaching device may be any suitable device for anchoring the cord. For example this may be a notch formed in the wall of the groove, for catching on a 20 knotted end of the cord. One cord may be used for pivoting the support member in one direction and a rubber cord or spring used for pivoting the support member in the other direction. Alternatively two cords may be used, one for pivoting in each direction respectively. The other ends of the cord or cords are preferably located near the cockpit of the water craft, so as to be easily operated by the occupant. A cleat or similar device 25 may be provided for securing the end of the appropriate cord when the rudder is stowed or extended. The second actuation device may comprise any suitable device whereby the rudder blade can be inclined relative to the planar side face. For example this may comprise levers, linkages, gears or cords separately or in combination. 30 Preferably the second actuation device comprises; -4an arm adapted to be secured to the rudder blade via the rudder mounting device; a foot pedal adapted to be pivotally mounted on the hull of the water craft; and a cord for connecting between the arm and the foot pedal such that in use, by pivoting the foot pedal, a force is applied through the cord to the arm to turn the rudder 5 blade. In the case where the rudder mounting device comprises the rod member fixed to the rudder blade, the arm may be secured to the rod member at the end away from the rudder blade. Preferably the arm is detachably secured, to enable the rudder member to be removed from the support member. For example the arm may be formed with a 10 cross member and a hollow cylinder member at the centre of the cross member and perpendicular thereto. The arm can then be removably attached to the end of the rod member by inserting the end of the rod member into the hollow cylinder member, and securing with a pin. The end may also be formed with a flat corresponding to a flat formed in the hollow cylinder member, to provide a more secure connection. 15 The foot pedal may be of any suitable design whereby the cord connected thereto can be pulled by pressing on a foot pad side of the foot pedal. For example this may be a plate adapted to be pivotally mounted to the hull by a hinge or the like. Preferably the pivotal mounting for the foot pedal comprises; protrusions extending to either side of a planar section of the foot pedal, the 20 protrusions having a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface with at least one flat formed on one side; and two rail members each formed with through holes at predetermined spacing therealong, and with openings to the through holes on one edge, the diameter of the through holes being slightly larger that the diameter of the semi-cylindrical peripheral 25 surface, and a width of the openings being such as to allow the at least one flat of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface to pass therethrough; and the alignment of the at least one flat relative to a plane of the foot pedal is such that with the foot pedal positioned for use, the protrusions cannot be removed through the openings. -5- With such a construction the position of the foot pedal can be easily adjusted by selecting the appropriate through holes, aligning the foot pedal so that the flat or flats of the protrusions can fit into the openings, inserting the protrusions through the openings into the through holes, and then turning the foot pedal to the operating position. In the 5 operating position the flat or flats are inclined away from the openings, so that the protrusions cannot come out of the openings. Moreover the foot pedal may further comprise a detent device for limiting a stroke of the foot pedal. By providing a detent device, the stroke can be adjusted for comfort and operation to suit the occupant. 10 This invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set 15 forth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 20 FIG. I is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rudder steering system according to the invention, being a cut away side view showing the main components of the rudder steering system installed in a kayak, with a rudder blade in a stowed position; FIG. 2 is a similar diagram to FIG. I showing the rudder blade in an extended 25 operational position; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a support member of the rudder steering system of FIG. 1, with one side plate shown in cross-section; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an actuating device for steering the rudder blade; and -6- FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram illustrating a foot pedal and an adjustable mounting used for the rudder steering system. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a rudder 5 steering system according to the invention, generally indicated by arrow 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rudder steering system 1 comprises: a rudder member 2 having a rudder blade 4 and a rudder mounting device 6 adapted to pivotally mount the rudder member 4; a support member 8 formed with a planar side face 10 (FIG. 3) adapted to slide against a side wall 12 of a well 14 formed in a hull 16 of a kayak; a pivot support 10 device 18 for pivotally supporting the support member 8 relative to the side wall 12; and a bearing device 20 adapted to support the rudder mounting device 6 such that a plane of the rudder blade 4 can be inclined relative to the planar side face 10 of the support member 8. Moreover there is provided; a first actuating device 22 for pivoting the support member 8 about the pivot support device 18, and a second actuating device 24 15 as more clearly shown in FIG. 4, for inclining the rudder blade 4 relative to the planar side face 10. In this embodiment the rudder mounting device 6 is in the form of a rod member 26 fixed to the rudder blade 4 and extending parallel to and in substantially the same plane as a central major plane of the rudder blade 4, and the bearing device 20 comprises an elongate 20 bore 28 (FIG. 3) in the support member 8 adapted to accommodate the rod member 26. Here the rudder member 2 is fitted to the support member 8 by simply inserting the rod member 26 into the bore 28 in the support member 8, with the support member 8 mounted in the well 14. Moreover, the rudder member 2 can be easily removed for repair, or different shaped rudder members 2 can be optionally fitted as required or 25 desired. The well 14 has an opening at the bottom and at the top. The top opening is covered by a hatch cover 29, suitable secured with bungee cords. In this embodiment, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the support member 8 comprises two planar members 30 adapted to be clamped together by screws 31 so as to form the elongate bore 28 thereinside. Here the support member 8 is molded from 30 plastics, and hence with this two piece construction the elongate bore 28 can be easily formed using a simple open die for each planar member 30. -7- Moreover, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3, the pivot device 18 comprises one of four protrusions 32 on the side face of the planar members 30 with a hole passing therethrough for mounting a pivot pin 34 perpendicular to the side face 10. With such a construction the support member 8 can be easily fitted into the well 5 14 by sliding in from the bottom or top opening of the well 14, and then inserting the pivot pin 34 through the hole in the protrusion 32 and into the side walls 12 of the well 14. As shown in FIGS. I and 2, four protrusions 32 are formed on the side face of the planar members 30, so that an optional pivot positions can be selected. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a pivot position towards the top right of the support 10 member 8 is chosen. However an other position may be chosen depending on requirements. In this embodiment, the first actuation device 22 comprises; a groove 36 (FIG. 3) formed around the periphery of the support member 8 for accommodating a cord, an attaching device 40 adapted to anchor an end of the cord; and two cords 38 wrapped 15 around the groove 36 and attached to the attaching device 40. With such an arrangement the support member 8 can be pivoted about the pivot pin 34 by pulling on either of the cords 38, and the position of the support member 8 can be easily adjusted by simply adjusting the length of the cords 38, and the attachment position of the cords 38. In this embodiment where the support member 8 is of a molded two piece 20 construction, the groove 36 can be easily formed as two parts which become one groove when the planar members 30 are assembled together. Here the attaching device 40 is in the form of two notches 41 formed in the wall of the groove 36, for catching on knotted ends 42 of the cords 38. In this embodiment two cords 38 are used for pivoting the support member 8 in 25 each direction respectively. However, an arrangement may be possible where only one cord 38 is used for pivoting the support member 8 in one direction and a rubber cord or spring is used for pivoting the support member 8 in the other direction. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4. the other ends 44 of the cords 38 are located near the cockpit of the kayak, so as to be easily operated by the occupant. A cleat 46 is provided for securing 30 the end 44 of the appropriate cord 38 when the rudder blade 4 is stowed or extended. In this embodiment, as more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the second actuation device 24 comprises; an arm 48 secured to the rudder blade 4 via the rudder mounting -8device 6 (rod member 26); two foot pedals 50 pivotally mounted on the hull 16 of the kayak; and cords 52 connecting between the arm 48 and the foot pedals 50 such that in use, by pivoting the foot pedals 50, a force is applied through the cords 52 to the arm 48 to turn the rudder blade 4. 5 In this embodiment the rudder mounting device 6 comprises the rod member 26 fixed to the rudder blade 4, and the arm 48 is secured to the rod member 26 at the end away from the rudder blade 4. The arm 48 is detachably secured, to enable the rudder member 2 to be removed from the support member 8. Here the arm 48 is formed with a cross member 54 and a hollow cylinder member 56 at the centre of the cross member 54 10 and perpendicular thereto. The arm 48 is removably attached to the end of the rod member 26 by inserting the end of the rod member 26 into a bore of the hollow cylinder member 56, and securing with a pin 58. Moreover, while not shown in the drawings, the end of the rod member 26 is also be formed with a flat corresponding to a flat formed in the hollow cylinder member 56, to provide a more secure connection. 15 The foot pedal 50 is in the form or a plate pivotally mounted on the hull 16 of the kayak. The pivotal mounting comprises: protrusions 60 extending to either side of a planar section 62 of the foot pedal 50. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 5, the protrusions 60 having a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface with flats 64 formed on opposite sides. Moreover, the pivotal mounting comprises two rail members 66 each formed with 20 through holes 68 at predetermined spacing therealong and with openings 70 to the through holes 68 on one edge. The diameter of the through holes 68 is slightly larger that the diameter of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface of the protrusions 60, and a width of the openings 70 is such as to allow the flats 64 of the semi-cylindrical peripheral surface to pass through. The alignment of the flats 64 relative to a plane of 25 the foot pedal 50 is such that with the foot pedal 50 positioned for use as shown in FIG. 5, the protrusions 60 cannot be removed through the openings 70. With this construction the position of the foot pedal 50 can be easily adjusted by selecting the appropriate through holes 68, aligning the foot pedal 50 so that the flats 64 of the protrusions 60 can fit into the openings 70 (i.e. aligning the planar section 62 30 parallel with the rail members 66), inserting the protrusions 60 through the openings 70 into the through holes 68. and then turning the foot pedal 50 to the operating position as -9shown in FIG. 5. In the operating position, the flats 64 are inclined away from the openings 70, so that the protrusions 60 cannot come out of the openings 70. Moreover as shown in FIG. 5, the foot pedal 50 further comprise a detent device 72 for limiting the stroke of the foot pedal 50. The detent device 72, enables the stroke 5 of the foot pedal 50 to be adjusted for comfort and operation to suit the occupant. In this embodiment, the detent device 72 comprises a main member 74 formed with cylindrical protrusions 76 extending to either side and having a diameter to allow fitting into the through holes 68, and an attachment device 78 for attaching the main member 74 to the foot pedal 50 on an opposite side to a foot pad side. Here the attachment 10 device 78 comprises saddles 80 attached to the back of the foot pedal 50 with a predetermined opening length so as to allow movement of a cross bar 82 of the main member 74 relative to the foot pedal between predetermined detent positions. For adjusting the stroke and angle of the foot pedal 50, the main member 74 is fitted to optional through holes 68 by sliding to one and the other side to remove and insert the 15 cylindrical protrusions 76 from and into the through holes 68. Moreover, the foot pedal 50 also comprises a cord adjustment device in the form of ajam cleat 84 for attaching the cord 52 to the foot pedal 50 at different positions on the cord 52. This enables appropriate adjustment of the cord length after the foot pedals 50 are moved to a desired position. Similar jamb cleats may also be used for the cleat 20 46 for securing the cord 38 used for raising and lowering the rudder as mentioned before. In the embodiment, the support member is shown as a circular disk. However the invention is not limited to this shape, and the support member may comprise any suitable means whereby the rudder can be pivotally mounted relative thereto, and which 25 can be moved inside a well of a water craft. For example this may comprise a flat rectangular or segment shape plate which can be pivoted relative to the walls of the well. Moreover, in the embodiment, the pivot support device comprises a hole passing through a protrusions on the side face of the planar members, and a pivot pin passing 30 therethrough and into the side walls of the well. However the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the pivot support device may comprise any suitable means whereby the support member can be pivotally mounted relative to the side wall. For -10example this may comprise peripheral surfaces which slide relative to members formed on the side wall, or a cylindrical member projecting from the support member and adapted to be accommodated in a receptacle in the side wall. Furthermore, in the embodiment the protrusions of the pivotal mounting are 5 shown with two flats. However the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the function to enable the protrusion to be inserted into the through hole and prevent removal, may be achieved with only one flat, or some other shape. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention offers the following advantages in industrial application, however 10 it should be appreciated that all such advantages may not be realised on all embodiments of the invention and the following list is given by way of example only as being indicative of potential advantages of the present invention. Furthermore it is not intended that the advantages of the present invention be restricted to those of the list which follows: 15 (a) By providing a construction whereby the rudder can be accommodated in a well formed in a water craft, the rudder can be mounted away from the stem of the water craft, and can be stowed inside the well. Hence the rudder can be positioned away from the stern to prevent it coming out of the water, and can be safely accommodated inside the well, and thus protected when not in use, this overcoming the problems with 20 conventional rudder configurations where the rudder is mounted on the stern. (b) By having a configuration where the rudder blade is supported on a rod member, then compared to a stem rudder configuration, there is more freedom of design for the position and angle of the rudder blade relative to the support member, to enable better balanced steering. 25 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. -11-

Claims (14)

1. A rudder steering system for a water craft comprising; a rudder member having a rudder blade, and rudder mounting means adapted to pivotally mount said rudder member; 5 a support member formed with a planar side face adapted to slide against the side wall of a well formed in the hull of a water craft, and having pivot support means for pivotally supporting said support member relative to said side wall, and bearing means adapted to support said rudder mounting means such that a plane of said rudder blade can be inclined relative to said planar side face of said support member; 10 first actuating means for pivoting said support member about said pivotal support means, and second actuating means for inclining said rudder blade relative to said planar side face.

2. A rudder steering system according to claim 1, wherein said rudder mounting 15 means comprises a rod member fixed to said rudder blade and extending parallel to and in substantially the same plane as a central major plane of said rudder blade, and said bearing means comprises an elongate cavity in said support member adapted to accommodate said rod member.

3. A rudder steering system according to either one of claim I and claim 2, wherein 20 said support member comprises two planar members adapted to be clamped together so as to form said elongate cavity thereinside.

4. A rudder steering system according to any one of claim 1 through claim 3, wherein said pivot support means comprises means for mounting a pivot pin perpendicular to said side face. 25 5. A rudder steering system according to any one of claim I and claim 4, wherein said first actuation means comprises: a groove formed around the periphery of said support member for accommodating a cord, -12- attaching means adapted to anchor an end of the cord; and a cord wrapped around said groove and attached to said attaching means, the arrangement and construction being such that in use, said support member can be pivoted about said pivot support means by pulling on said cord.

5 5. A rudder steering system according to any one of claim 1 and claim 4, wherein said second actuation means comprises; an arm adapted to be secured to said rudder blade via said rudder mounting means; a foot pedal adapted to be pivotally mounted on the hull of said water craft; and 10 a cord for connecting between said arm and said foot pedal such that in use, by pivoting said foot pedal, a force is applied through said cord to said arm to turn said rudder blade.

6. A rudder steering system according to claim 5, wherein the pivotal mounting for said foot pedal comprises; 15 protrusions extending to either side of a planar section of said foot pedal, said protrusions having a semi-cylindrical peripheral surface with at least one flat formed on one side; and two rail members each formed with through holes at predetermined spacing therealong and with openings to said through holes on one edge, the diameter of said 20 through holes being slightly larger that the diameter of said semi-cylindrical peripheral surface, and a width of said openings being such as to allow said at least one flat of said semi-cylindrical peripheral surface to pass therethrough; and the alignment of said at least one flat relative to a plane of said foot pedal is such that with said foot pedal positioned for use, said protrusions cannot be removed 25 through said openings.

7. A rudder steering system according to either one of claim 5 and claim 6, wherein said foot pedal further comprises detent means for limiting a stroke of said foot pedal. -13-

8. A rudder steering system according to claim 7, wherein said detent means comprises a main member formed with cylindrical protrusions extending to either side and having a diameter to allow fitting into said through holes, and attachment means for attaching said main member to said foot pedal on an opposite side to a foot pad side, 5 said attachment means being such as to allow movement of said main member relative to said foot pedal between predetermined detent positions.

9. A rudder steering system according to any one of claim 5 through claim 8, wherein said foot pedal further comprises cord adjustment means for attaching said cord to said foot pedal at different positions on said cord.

10 10. A support member for a rudder steering system according to any one of claim I through claim 9, formed with a planar side face adapted to slide against the side wall of a well formed in a water craft; and having bearing means adapted to support rudder mounting means of a rudder blade.

11. A support member according to claim 10, further comprising pivot support 15 means for pivotally supporting said support member relative to said side wall.

12. A support member according to claim 11, wherein said pivot support means comprises means for mounting a pivot pin perpendicular to said side face.

13. A rudder steering system for a water craft substantially as described herein with reference to the appended drawings. 20

14. A support member for a rudder steering system for a water craft substantially as described herein with reference to the appended drawings. Michael Hebden Bennett 25 by his Attorneys M. J. SERVICE & ASSOCIATES -14-