Tiller for controlling at least one operating characteristic of marine drive and tiller for marine drive

Abstract

A tiller for controlling at least one operating characteristic of a marine drive and a tiller for a marine drive. The tiller comprises a tiller shaft and a spring-loaded return device, the tiller shaft can rotate away from the original position in the first direction and can rotate away from the original position in the second direction different from the first direction, and the spring-loaded return device biases the tiller shaft towards the original position when the tiller shaft rotates in the first direction. When the tiller shaft rotates in the second direction, the tiller shaft is biased towards the return original position. The spring-loaded return device includes a torsion spring and is configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction tightens the torsion spring in the same torsion direction as the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rudder for controlling the operating characteristics of a marine drive. Background Technology

[0002] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0257092, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a rudder handle for controlling a marine drive. The rudder handle has a base support assembly and a rudder handle arm extending outwardly from the base support assembly. The base support assembly is configured to facilitate yaw adjustment of the rudder handle arm relative to the base support assembly at various yaw positions and between various yaw positions. The rudder handle arm has a gripping restraint located at the bottom of the middle portion of the rudder handle arm and manually accessible from both sides of the rudder handle arm. The gripping restraint is specifically configured to selectively restrict rotation of a grip on the outer end of the rudder handle arm. The rudder handle arm also has a tilting mechanism that facilitates tilting the rudder handle arm relative to the base support assembly to various tilting positions and between various tilting positions. Utility Model Content

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts further described below in the detailed embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, a rudder handle is used to control at least one operating characteristic of a marine drive. The rudder handle includes a rudder shaft and a spring-loaded return mechanism, the rudder shaft being rotatable away from its original position in a first direction and also rotatable away from its original position in a second direction different from the first direction. The spring-loaded return mechanism biases the rudder shaft toward its original position when it rotates in the first direction and also biases it toward its original position when it rotates in the second direction. The spring-loaded return mechanism includes a torsion spring and is configured such that rotation of the rudder shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to tighten in the same torsional direction as rotation of the rudder shaft in the second direction.

[0005] In its independent aspect, the torsion spring has a first end and a second end, and the torsion spring is configured such that the rotation of the rudder shaft in the first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end, thereby tightening the torsion spring in the same torsional direction, and is configured such that the rotation of the rudder shaft in the second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end, thereby tightening the torsion spring in the same torsional direction.

[0006] In the independent aspect, rotation of the rudder shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to bias the rudder shaft toward its original position, and rotation of the rudder shaft in the second direction causes the torsion spring to bias the rudder shaft toward its original position.

[0007] A torsion spring may include a helical spring. The helical spring may be wound around a rudder stem. The helical spring may have a first end and a second end, and is configured such that rotation of the rudder stem in a first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end, thereby tightening the helical spring; and is configured such that rotation of the rudder stem in a second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end, thereby tightening the helical spring. Rotation of the rudder stem in the first direction may cause the helical spring to bias the rudder stem towards its original position, and rotation of the rudder stem in the second direction may cause the helical spring to bias the rudder stem towards its original position.

[0008] In its independent aspect, the spring-loaded return mechanism also includes a bracket assembly connecting the torsion spring to the rudder shaft. The torsion spring and bracket assembly can be disposed on the rudder shaft. The bracket assembly can include a first bracket and a second bracket, the second bracket being radially opposite to the first bracket when the rudder shaft is in its original position. The bracket assembly can include a first bracket operably connected to a first end of the torsion spring and a second bracket operably connected to an opposite second end of the torsion spring, wherein the first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket to compress the torsion spring, and wherein the second bracket is rotatable relative to the first bracket to compress the torsion spring. The first bracket prevents rotation of the first end of the torsion spring when the rudder shaft rotates in a second direction, and the second bracket prevents rotation of the second end of the torsion spring when the rudder shaft rotates in a first direction. Rotation of the rudder shaft in the first direction causes the first bracket to rotate relative to the second bracket in the first direction to compress the torsion spring, and rotation of the rudder shaft in the second direction causes the second bracket to rotate relative to the first bracket in the second direction to compress the torsion spring. The bracket assembly can include a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are rotatable relative to each other when the rudder shaft rotates. The rudder shaft may include engagement fingers, wherein the engagement fingers are configured to rotate one of the first support and the second support when the rudder shaft is rotated.

[0009] In its independent aspect, the rudder includes a selector, wherein the selector is movable to a first position that restricts the rudder shaft from rotating in the second direction and a second position that restricts the rudder shaft from rotating in the first direction.

[0010] In the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, the rudder is used for a marine drive. The rudder includes a rudder shaft and a helical spring, the rudder shaft being rotatable away from its original position in a first direction and rotatable away from its original position in a second direction other than the first direction, the helical spring biasing the rudder shaft toward its original position in both the first and second directions.

[0011] In its independent aspect, the helical spring has a first end and a second end, and the helical spring is configured such that rotation of the rudder shaft in a first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end, thereby tightening the helical spring, and is configured such that rotation of the rudder shaft in a second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end, thereby tightening the helical spring.

[0012] In the independent aspect, rotation of the rudder shaft in a first direction causes a helical spring to bias the rudder shaft toward its original position, and rotation of the rudder shaft in a second direction causes a helical spring to bias the rudder shaft axially toward its original position. In the independent aspect, a bracket assembly connects the helical spring to the rudder shaft, wherein the helical spring is preloaded within the bracket assembly when the rudder shaft is in its original position. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The embodiments are described with reference to the following figures. The same numbers are always used to refer to similar features and components.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example rudder based on this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the rudder arm, partially shown in dashed lines, illustrating the spring-loaded return mechanism used to return the rudder arm to its original position.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the rudder.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the rudder arm and the spring-loaded return mechanism.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a top view of the spring-loaded return mechanism.

[0019] Figures 6-8 yes Figure 2 The cross-sectional view in section 6-6 shows a series of operational states of the rudder arm and the spring-loaded return mechanism.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the torsion spring of the spring-loaded return device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1A rudder 100 for controlling a marine drive (not shown), such as, but not limited to, an outboard motor, a trawling engine, or any other type of marine drive, is shown. The rudder 100 has a base support assembly 102 and a rudder arm 104, the base support assembly being configured to be fixedly attached to the marine drive, and the rudder arm being connected to and extending from the base support assembly 102. As further described below, the rudder 100 is configured for use with both hands, including in a right-handed mode where the rudder 100 is operated with the right hand of a user located beside the rudder 100 and facing forward toward the bow of the marine vessel, and in a left-handed mode where the rudder 100 is operated with the left hand of a user located beside the rudder 100 and facing forward toward the bow of the marine vessel.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 The base support assembly 102 includes a yaw bracket 114, which is pivotally coupled to a steering bracket 116. The yaw bracket 114 is configured to be fixed to the steering arm of a marine drive such that steering of the rudder 100 causes the marine drive to turn. The yaw bracket 114 is a rigid member having an upper surface on which the steering bracket 116 is mounted. A fastener 295 extends through the steering bracket 116 and through a central portion of the upper surface, defining a yaw axis 152 about which the steering bracket 116 and the rudder arm 104 are pivotable relative to the yaw bracket 114, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0257092. The steering bracket 116 is a rigid member coupled to the rudder arm 104 via a tilting mechanism 297 configured to tilt the rudder arm 104 vertically relative to the steering bracket 116, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0257092. However, this example is not intended to be limiting. Further description of a suitable tilting mechanism, such as that shown in the figures, is provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0257092, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The yaw arm 104 and the steering bracket 116 together are pivotable about a yaw axis 152 relative to the yaw bracket 114 into and between various yaw positions. A yaw lock 154 is configured to lock the yaw arm 104 and the steering bracket 116 in each of the various yaw positions. A shift lever 299 is pivotally coupled to the yaw arm 104 along a lateral pivot axis 400 for changing the direction of the propulsion force applied to the marine vessel by the marine drive. The yaw lock 154 and the shift lever 299 are not particularly relevant to this disclosure, and these features are further described in incorporated U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0257092. The examples shown with respect to all these features are not intended to be limiting, and the nature of the yaw arm 100, including the yaw lock 154 and the shift lever 299, may differ from those shown and described.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 The rudder arm 104 extends from its inner end 200 to its outer end 202 in the longitudinal direction LO, from its top 204 to its bottom 206 in the axial direction AX perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO, and from its starboard side 208 to its port side 210 opposite to the starboard side 208 in the transverse direction LA perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction LO and the axial direction AX. The rudder arm 104 has a chassis 212 that extends in the longitudinal direction LO. The chassis 212 is located below and supports various components associated with the rudder arm 104, several of which will be further described below. A cover 214 is mounted on top of the chassis 212 to enclose the various components inside the rudder arm 104.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 2 The rudder shaft 216 protrudes from the rudder arm 104 at the front of the chassis 212 and cover 214. The rudder arm 104 has a front end 218 providing a manual operating member, which in the illustrated embodiment is a grip 220 with a grip cover 224. Rotating the grip 220 about the longitudinal axis 800 causes the rudder shaft 216 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 800.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 3 The rudder shaft 216 has a rear end 226 and a shaft extension 228. A sensor (not shown) is configured to sense rotation of a magnet 237 on the shaft extension 228. A controller associated with the rudder and / or marine drive is configured to interpret the sensed rotation of the magnet as a user request for changes in the operating characteristics of the marine drive, such as a change in the amount of thrust generated by the marine drive, thereby changing the associated speed of the marine vessel in the water. This type of arrangement, including a sensor that senses the rotation of the magnet as the rudder shaft rotates, and a controller that affects the operating characteristics of the marine drive based on this sensed rotation, is conventional and therefore will not be described further herein. Reference is also made to the above-incorporated U.S. Patent Application No. 2023 / 0257092.

[0027] like Figure 6 As depicted, the grip 220 and the rudder shaft 216 are rotatable in opposite directions away from their original positions, as shown in the non-limiting illustrated example, which is the top-dead centerrotational position of the rudder shaft 216. Figure 7The rotation of the rudder shaft 216 in the left-hand mode is depicted, wherein the grip 220 is rotated away from its original position in a first direction 234 to alter the operating characteristics of the marine drive, as described above. In a non-limiting example, rotation of the grip 220 away from its original position in the first direction 234 causes the controller to increase the thrust provided by the marine drive. Reverse rotation of the grip 220 toward its original position causes the controller to decrease the thrust provided by the marine drive. Conversely, Figure 8 The rotation of the rudder shaft in the right-hand mode is depicted, wherein the grip 220 is rotated away from its original position in the opposite second direction 236 to alter the operating characteristics of the marine drive, as described above. In a non-limiting example, rotation of the grip 220 in the second direction 236 causes the controller to increase the thrust provided by the marine drive. Reverse rotation of the grip 220 toward its original position causes the controller to decrease the thrust provided by the marine drive.

[0028] refer to Figure 4 The rudder shaft 216 has a rear end portion 226 with radially opposing holes 217 configured to securely engage with a shaft extension 228 via a retaining screw 232. The shaft extension 228 has a cylindrical body 227 in which the rear end portion 226 of the rudder shaft 216 is seated. The cylindrical body 227 extends between a head 235 and a semi-annular rib 230. The cylindrical body 227 has a threaded hole 229 aligned with the hole 217 of the rudder shaft 216. To assemble the rudder shaft 216 and the shaft extension 228, the rear end portion 226 of the rudder shaft 216 is inserted into the shaft extension 228 until the hole 217 and the threaded hole 229 are aligned. The retaining screw 232 is then threaded through the threaded hole 229 and engages with the hole 217. As described above, the head 235 of the shaft extension 228 supports a magnet 237, which is caused to rotate with the head 235 when the grip 220 and the rudder shaft 216 rotate. The semi-annular rib 230 has a first stop surface 231 and an opposite second stop surface 233, both configured to operably engage with a selector 239 for selecting a right-hand or left-hand mode of the rudder 100, as will be further described below. Engagement fingers 302 extend longitudinally forward from the shaft extension 228. Engagement fingers 302 have a first surface 304 and an opposite second surface 306.

[0029] refer to Figure 3 The chassis 212 has a U-shaped bracket 241 supporting the shaft extension 228. A cover 243 extends above the cylindrical body 227 of the shaft extension 228 and is fixed to the opposite side of the U-shaped bracket 241. A stop block 305 protrudes upward from the bottom of the chassis 212. (Brief Reference) Figure 6The stop block 305 is axially positioned below the engagement finger 302 when the rudder shaft 216 is in its original position. The stop block 305 has a first stop surface 307 and a second stop surface 309 facing laterally opposite to it. The stop block 305 can be integrally formed with the chassis 212 or can be a separate component.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 4 Selector 239 allows the user to select the left-hand or right-hand mode of the rudder arm 104. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A left-handed mode is depicted, in which selector 239 prevents grip 220 from rotating away from its original position in a second direction 236. More specifically, in left-handed mode, grip 220 is only rotatable away from its original position in a first direction 234 before returning to its original position. Figure 8 A right-handed mode is depicted, in which selector 239 prevents grip 220 from rotating away from its original position in a first direction. More specifically, grip 220 is only rotatable away from its original position in a second direction before returning to its original position.

[0031] Selector 239 has opposing first engagement protrusions 245 and second engagement protrusions 247, both projecting radially outward from the rudder arm 104. The first engagement protrusion 245 has an upward-facing engagement surface 249 and a laterally outward end 253, while the second engagement protrusion 247 has an upward-facing engagement surface 251 and a laterally outward end 255. Selector 239 has a semi-circular elongated member 259 extending below the rudder shaft 216 and connecting the first engagement protrusion 245 and the second engagement protrusion 247. A bottom protrusion 261 extends axially downward from the semi-circular elongated member 259. The bottom protrusion 261 has limited lateral movement relative to the chassis 212. Figures 6-8 As shown, viewed from the longitudinal direction LO, the selector 239 is generally U-shaped, with flared ends at the laterally outward ends 253, 255. The selector 239 defines a rotation region in which the shaft extension 228 is rotatable. The selector 239 is laterally movable relative to the shaft extension 228, which brings the first engagement protrusion 245 and the second engagement protrusion 247 into and out of circumferential alignment with the first stop surface 231 and the second stop surface 233, respectively.

[0032] Figure 6 The selector 239 is shown in left-hand mode, in which the user has pressed the laterally outer end 253 of the first engaging protrusion 245 inward toward the rudder shaft 216. This allows the selector 239 to... Figure 6Slide the grip 220 laterally to the left in the view. In this position, the engagement surface 249 is circumferentially aligned with the first stop surface 231 on the shaft extension 228. The engagement surface 251 of the second engagement protrusion 247 is located in a position not circumferentially aligned with the second stop surface 233 of the shaft extension 228. Therefore, a left-handed user can rotate the grip 220 downward toward the user (i.e., Figure 6 (counterclockwise direction), because the second stop surface 233 can rotate freely past the second engaging protrusion 247 and within the rotational area defined by the selector 239. However, when the grip 220 is rotated upwards and backwards away from the user ( Figure 6 (in the clockwise direction), the rudder shaft 216 rotates unrestricted until it reaches its original position, at which point the first stop surface 231 abuts against the engagement surface 249, and further rotation is prevented.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 6 To engage the right-hand mode, the user presses the outer lateral end 255 of the second engagement protrusion 247 inward against the rudder shaft 216. This allows the selector 239 to... Figure 6 In the view, it slides horizontally to the right. Similar to the above description of the left-hand mode but inversely in diameter, the engagement of the right-hand mode circumferentially aligns the engagement surface 251 with the second stop surface 233 of the shaft extension 228, and the engagement surface 249 of the first engagement protrusion 245 is located in a position not circumferentially aligned with the first stop surface 231 of the shaft extension 228. Therefore, the right-handed user will then be able to rotate the grip 220 downward toward the user (i.e., Figure 6 (clockwise direction), because the first stop surface 231 can rotate freely past the first engaging protrusion 245 and within the rotational area defined by the selector 239. However, when the grip 220 is rotated upwards and backwards away from the user (i.e., clockwise), Figure 6 (in the counterclockwise direction), the rudder shaft 216 rotates unrestricted until it reaches its original position, at which point the second stop surface 233 abuts against the engagement surface 251, and further rotation is prevented.

[0034] Now for reference Figures 2-4 The spring-loaded return mechanism 500 is advantageously configured to bias the rudder shaft 216 toward the return-to-original position whenever the grip 220 is rotated out of its original position, i.e., in both right-hand and left-hand operating modes of the rudder 100. In the illustrated example, the spring-loaded return mechanism 500 includes a torsion spring (coil spring 300 in the illustrated example) and a support assembly 310 (reference numerals in the figures) that connects the coil spring 300 to the rudder shaft 216. Figure 5(As shown in the diagram). However, this is not a limiting example. In other examples, the spring in the spring-loaded return device 500 does not necessarily need to be a single spring. Other types of spring configurations are conceivable and can be used in other implementations. As will be explained further below, the spring-loaded return device 500 is advantageously configured to bias the rudder shaft 216 toward the return-to-original position when rotated along the first direction 234, and to bias the rudder shaft 216 toward the return-to-original position when rotated along the second direction 236, particularly wherein the rotation of the rudder shaft 216 along the first direction 234 causes the torsion spring to tighten in the same torsional direction as the rotation of the rudder shaft 216 along the second direction 236. That is, the torsion spring is twisted in only one direction during the bidirectional rotation of the rudder shaft 216.

[0035] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The helical spring 300 has a helical body 308, a first end 301, and a second end 303. The helical body 308 is wound around the rudder shaft 216 and has a first turn 311 and a second turn 313 formed longitudinally and laterally opposite to the first turn 311 relative to the helical body 308. The helical spring 300 and the support assembly 310 are coaxially aligned on the longitudinal axis 800 of the rudder shaft 216. Figure 5 As shown, the first bend 311 extends radially outward from the spiral body 308 relative to the longitudinal axis 800, and then extends longitudinally forward to the first end 301. The second bend 313 extends radially outward from the spiral body 308 relative to the longitudinal axis 800, and then extends longitudinally backward to the second end 303. Both the first end 301 and the second end 303 extend longitudinally alongside the spiral body 308.

[0036] refer to Figure 4 The bracket assembly 310 includes a first bracket 320 and a second bracket 322, the second bracket 322 being in the original position when the rudder shaft 216 is in the original position (e.g., Figure 6 As shown, the first bracket 320 is radially opposite to the first bracket 320. As explained further below, the first bracket 320 and the second bracket 322 are advantageously configured to operatively engage with the first end 301 and / or the second end 303 of the helical spring 300, respectively, when the rudder shaft 216 rotates relative to its original position. This increases the tension in the helical spring 300 and creates a spring bias that tends to rotate the rudder shaft 216 back toward its original position.

[0037] The first support 320 has a first ring 323a, a second ring 323b, and a connector portion 330 and a base portion 340 extending longitudinally between the first ring 323a and the second ring 323b. The first ring 323a and the second ring 323b are disposed on the rudder shaft 216 and are coaxially aligned with each other relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The connector portion 330 and the base portion 340 are located at the outer periphery 360 of the first ring 323a and the second ring 323b. The connector portion 330 has a surface 331 that faces radially outward from the outer periphery 360 of the first ring 323a and the second ring 323b. Figure 5 As shown, the connector portion 330 has a seam portion 345 that extends longitudinally along the inner side of the surface 331 relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The seam portion 345 extends rearward from the first ring 323a and terminates at a bent end 351. (Reference) Figure 4 The base portion 340 extends from the connector portion 330 toward the driven surface 329 along the periphery of the second ring 323b, such that the driven surface 329 is offset from the surface 331.

[0038] Similar to the first support 320, the second support 322 has a first ring 327a, a second ring 327b, and a connector portion 332 and a base portion 342 extending longitudinally between the first ring 327a and the second ring 327b. The first ring 327a and the second ring 327b are disposed on the rudder shaft 216 and are coaxially aligned with each other relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The connector portion 332 and the base portion 342 are located at the outer periphery 362 of the first ring 327a and the second ring 327b. The connector portion 332 has a surface 335 that faces radially outward from the outer periphery 362 of the first ring 327a and the second ring 327b. Figure 5 As shown, the connector portion 332 has a seam portion 347 that extends longitudinally along the inner side of the surface 335 relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The seam portion 347 extends forward from the second ring 327b and terminates at a bent end 353. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The base portion 342 extends from the connector portion 332 toward the driven surface 333, which is offset from the surface 335, along the periphery of the second ring 327b.

[0039] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 9 The bracket assembly 310 is assembled by coaxially aligning the first bracket 320, the helical spring 300, and the second bracket 322, as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown, the spiral body 308 and the corresponding first rings 323a, 327a and second rings 323b, 327b are coaxial. The first rings 323a and 323b of the first bracket 320 are located between the first rings 327a and 327b of the second bracket 322. The spiral body 308 is located between the first rings 323a and 323b. The first end 301 of the spiral spring 300 is disposed on the connector portion 330 of the first bracket 320. The first bent portion 311 of the spiral spring 300 extends around the bent end 351 of the joint portion 345. The second end 303 of the spiral spring 300 is located on the connector portion 332 of the second bracket 322. The second bent portion 313 of the spiral spring 300 extends around the bent end 353 of the joint portion 347.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The assembled bracket assembly 310 is slid onto the rudder shaft 216, such that the rudder shaft 216 extends through the first ring 323a and the second ring 323b of the first bracket 320, and through the first ring 327a and the second ring 327b of the second bracket 322. The first ring 323a and the second ring 323b of the first bracket 320 and the first ring 327a and the second ring 327b of the second bracket 322 are configured to rotate smoothly on the rudder shaft 216 during rotation of the grip 220. The rudder shaft 216 is then coupled to the shaft extension 228 as described above. The attachment of the rudder shaft 216 to the shaft extension 228 positions the engagement finger 302 between the base portion 340 of the first bracket 320 and the base portion 342 of the second bracket 322, which forces the connector portion 330 of the first bracket 320 and the connector portion 332 of the second bracket 322 to rotate towards each other against the tendency of the coil spring 300 to maintain their original shape and natural bias. This causes the connector portions 330, 332 to rotate, forcing the first end 301 and the second end 303 of the helical spring 300 toward each other. This forces the helical spring 300 out of its original shape and creates tension (i.e., tightening or winding) within the helical spring 300, thereby generating pretension or "spring load" in the spring-loaded return device 500. Therefore, in Figure 6 In the original position shown, the propeller body 308 is effectively "pre-tensioned" via engagement of the first end 301 and the second end 303 with the corresponding first support 320 and second support 322. Thereafter, the rudder shaft 216, shaft extension 228, and spring-loaded return device 500 are seated in the chassis 212, and the cover 243 is attached to the U-shaped bracket 241, as described above regarding... Figure 2 As mentioned above.

[0041] refer to Figure 6In its original position, the first support 320 is oriented such that the driven surface 329 faces the first surface 304 of the engaging finger 302 and the first stop surface 307 of the stop block 305. Surface 331 maintains a spring-biased engagement with the first end 301 of the coil spring 300. The second support 322 is oriented such that the driven surface 333 is positioned to engage with the second surface 306 of the engaging finger 302 and the second stop surface 309 of the stop block 305. Surface 335 maintains a spring-biased engagement with the second end 303 of the coil spring 300.

[0042] refer to Figures 6-8 During use, the user, located on the starboard side 208 or port side 210 of the rudder arm 104, grips and rotates the handle 220 away from its original position. Figure 6 The grip 220 is rotated inward and downward toward the user's body away from its original position, in which case it is shown as a first direction 234 for left-hand use or a second direction 236 for right-hand use.

[0043] Figure 7 The use of the rudder 100 in left-hand mode is depicted, wherein, as described above, selector 239 allows the rudder shaft 216 to rotate away from its original position along a first direction 234. When the grip 220 rotates along the first direction 234, the rudder shaft 216 and shaft extension 228 rotate along the first direction 234. As the shaft extension 228 rotates, the first surface 304 of the engagement finger 302 applies a rotational force to the driven surface 329 of the first support 320, which in turn causes surface 331 to rotate. This causes the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 to rotate. Rotation of the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 generally causes a corresponding rotation of the second end 303 of the coil spring 300, except that the second end of the coil spring 300 is prevented from rotating due to the engagement of the driven surface 333 of the second support 322 with the second stop surface 309 of the stop block 305. Therefore, when the grip 220 rotates along the first direction 234, the first support 320 rotates against the bias of the coil spring 300 toward the second support 322. The first end 301 of the coil spring 300 rotates toward the second end 303 of the coil spring 300, which causes the coil spring 300 to tighten and generate a spring bias that tends to force the rudder shaft 216 and the grip 220 back to their original positions along the second direction 236. The coil spring 300 has a spring bias and is sized small enough to allow rotation away from the original position, and is sized large enough that the spring bias generated by rotating the grip 220 away from the original position is sufficient to automatically rotate the rudder shaft 216 and the grip back to their original positions once the user releases the grip 220.

[0044] Figure 8The use of the rudder 100 in right-hand mode is illustrated, wherein, as described above, selector 239 allows the rudder shaft 216 to rotate away from its original position in a second direction 236. When the grip 220 rotates in the second direction 236, the rudder shaft 216 and shaft extension 228 rotate in the second direction 236. As the shaft extension 228 rotates, the second surface 306 of the engaging finger 302 applies a rotational force to the driven surface 333 of the second bracket 322, which in turn causes surface 335 to rotate. This causes the second end 303 of the coil spring 300 to rotate. Rotation of the second end 303 of the coil spring 300 generally causes a corresponding rotation of the first end 301 of the coil spring 300, except that the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 is prevented from rotating due to the engagement of the driven surface 329 of the first bracket 320 with the first stop surface 307 of the stop block 305. Therefore, as the grip 220 rotates along the second direction 236, the second support 322 rotates against the bias of the coil spring 300 toward the first support 320. The second end 303 of the coil spring 300 rotates toward the first end 301 of the coil spring 300, which causes the coil spring 300 to tighten and create a spring bias that tends to force the rudder shaft 216 and the grip 220 back to their original positions along the first direction 234. Thus, as those skilled in the art will understand, rotation of the rudder shaft 216 along the first direction 234 causes the torsion spring to tighten in the same torsional direction as the rotation of the rudder shaft 216 along the second direction 236. That is, the torsion spring is twisted in only one direction during bidirectional rotation of the rudder shaft 216. The coil spring 300 has a spring bias and is sized small enough to allow rotation away from the original position, and is sized large enough that the spring bias generated by rotating the grip 220 away from the original position is sufficient to automatically rotate the rudder shaft 216 and the grip back to the original position once the user releases the grip 220.

[0045] Therefore, it can be seen that this disclosure provides a significantly improved rudder handle with a rudder arm and grip that can be rotated away from its original position in either direction, thereby enabling dexterous use with both hands. In particular, the helical spring (e.g., a single helical spring or other helical springs and / or similar) is combined with a novel support assembly that causes the spring to be twisted in only one direction during bidirectional rotation of the rudder arm. The inventors have found that this advantageously provides a compact return mechanism for the rudder arm compared to the prior art, with increased lifespan due to requiring the spring to be twisted in only one direction, and stability of the spring during and as a result of spring tension.

[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose this disclosure, including best practices, and to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this disclosure. Certain terms are used for the purposes of brevity, clarity, and understanding. Unnecessary limitations should not be inferred from this disclosure beyond the requirements of the prior art, as these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly interpreted. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the written language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements that are not substantially different from the written language of the claims.

Claims

1. A tiller for controlling at least one operating characteristic of a marine drive, characterized in that, The tiller comprises: a tiller shaft rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and rotatable away from the home position in a second direction different from the first direction, and a spring-loaded return device biasing the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction and biasing the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction, the spring-loaded return device comprising a torsion spring and being configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to tighten in a same torsional direction as the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction.

2. The tiller of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the torsion spring is configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end to cause the torsion spring to tighten in the same torsional direction, and is configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end to cause the torsion spring to tighten in the same torsional direction.

3. The tiller of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position, and wherein, The rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position.

4. The tiller of claim 1, wherein the torsion spring comprises a helical spring.

5. The tiller of claim 4, wherein the helical spring is wrapped around the tiller shaft.

6. The tiller of claim 4, wherein the helical spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the helical spring is configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end to cause the helical spring to tighten, and is configured such that the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end to cause the helical spring to tighten.

7. The tiller of claim 6, wherein the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position, and wherein, The rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the helical spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position.

8. The tiller of claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded return device further comprises a bracket assembly coupling the torsion spring to the tiller shaft.

9. The tiller of claim 8, wherein the torsion spring and the bracket assembly are disposed on the tiller shaft.

10. The tiller of claim 8, wherein the bracket assembly comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, the second bracket being diametrically opposed to the first bracket when the tiller shaft is in the home position.

11. The tiller of claim 8, wherein the bracket assembly includes a first bracket operably coupled to a first end of the torsion spring and a second bracket operably coupled to an opposite second end of the torsion spring, and wherein the first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket to compress the torsion spring, and wherein the second bracket is rotatable relative to the first bracket to compress the torsion spring.

12. The tiller of claim 11, wherein, the first bracket prevents rotation of the first end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the second direction, and wherein the second bracket prevents rotation of the second end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the first direction.

13. The tiller of claim 11, wherein the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the first bracket to rotate relative to the second bracket in the first direction to compress the torsion spring, and wherein the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the second bracket to rotate relative to the first bracket in the second direction to compress the torsion spring.

14. The tiller of claim 8, wherein the cradle assembly includes a first cradle and a second cradle, and wherein, the first bracket and the second bracket are rotatable relative to each other when the tiller shaft is rotated.

15. The tiller of claim 14, wherein the tiller shaft includes an engagement finger, and wherein the engagement finger is configured to rotate one of the first bracket and the second bracket when the tiller shaft is rotated.

16. The tiller of claim 1, wherein Further comprising a selector, wherein the selector is movable to a first position that limits rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction and a second position that limits rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction.

17. A tiller for a marine drive, characterized in that the tiller includes: a tiller shaft that is rotatable in a first direction away from a home position and is rotatable in a second direction different from the first direction away from the home position, and a coil spring that biases the tiller shaft toward the home position in the first direction and in the second direction.

18. The tiller of claim 17, wherein the coil spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the coil spring is configured such that rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the first end to rotate relative to the second end to tighten the coil spring, and is configured such that rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the second end to rotate relative to the first end to tighten the coil spring.

19. The tiller of claim 18, wherein, the rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position, and wherein the rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft toward returning to the home position.

20. The tiller of claim 17, wherein, Further comprising a bracket assembly that couples the coil spring to the tiller shaft, wherein the coil spring is preloaded within the bracket assembly when the tiller shaft is in the home position.

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