Reverse gate assembly and method for steering a watercraft

Abstract

A reverse gate assembly, which is for a watercraft, includes a left gate, a right gate and at least one actuator. The left gate has a left guiding surface, and is configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft. The left gate is moveable between a first raised position and a first lowered position. The right gate is adjacent to the left gate, has a right guiding surface, and is configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft. The right gate is moveable between a second raised position and a second lowered position. The at least one actuator is operatively connected to the left and right gates. The at least one actuator is configured to selectively move the left gate between the first raised and lowered positions, and the right gate between the second raised and lowered positions. The left and right gates are movable independently from each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 750,847, filed January 29, 2025 entitled “Reverse Gate Assembly and Method for Steering a Watercraft”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present technology relates to reverse gate assemblies and methods for steering watercraft.BACKGROUND

[0003] Watercraft equipped with jet propulsion systems, including personal watercraft and boats, are steered by redirecting a water jet produced by a jet pump. This is achieved by using a steering nozzle that pivots about a steering axis. Conventionally, the steering nozzle is mechanically linked to a steering device, such as a handlebar or steering wheel, allowing an operator of the watercraft to control the pivoting of the steering nozzle and direct the watercraft in the desired direction.

[0004] However, this mechanical linkage between the steering nozzle and the steering device can present significant challenges and costs when attempting to implement autonomous control of the watercraft.

[0005] Autonomous control can enable functionalities like autonomous docking, virtual anchoring, and the execution of predetermined trolling patterns, greatly enhancing the usability and convenience of watercraft.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that mitigates these limitations and addresses at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a

[0009] According to an aspect of the present technology, there is provided a reverse gate assembly for a watercraft. The reverse gate assembly includes a left gate, a right gate and at least one actuator. The left gate has a left guiding surface and is configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft. The left gate is moveable between a first raised position and a first lowered position. The right gate is adjacent to the left gate, has a right guiding surface, and is configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft, the right gate being moveable between a second raised position and a second lowered position. The at least one actuator is operatively connected to the left gate and to the right gate. The at least one actuator being configured to selectively move the left gate between the first raised position and the first lowered position, and the right gate between the second raised position and the second lowered position. The left gate and the right gate are movable independently from each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the left gate defines a left side opening, and the right gate defines a right side opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one actuator comprises a first actuator operatively connected to the left gate, and a second actuator operatively connected to the right gate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the left gate pivots between the first raised position and the first lowered position, and the right gate pivots between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the left gate and the right gate pivot about a common pivot axis.

[0014] In some embodiments, the reverse gate assembly further includes left and right guide rails. The left guide rail is configured to connect to the watercraft, and is slidingly connected to the left gate for guiding movement of the left gate between the first raised position and the first lowered position. The right guide rail is configured to connect to the watercraft, and is slidingly connected to the right gate for guiding movement of the right gate between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the left gate has a left engaging portion, and the right gate has a right engaging portion slidingly engaged to the left engaging portion. At least part of the

[0016] left engaging portion is engaged with the right engaging portion while the left gate moves between the first raised position and the first lowered position, and while the right gate moves between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a jet propulsion system assembly comprising a jet pump propulsion system and the reverse gate assembly according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The jet pump propulsion system includes a jet pump and a steering nozzle. The jet pump is configured to be operatively connected to a motor of the watercraft. The steering nozzle is configured to be connected to the watercraft, and is pivotable relative to the jet pump. The left guiding surface of the reverse gate assembly is at least partially laterally aligned with the steering nozzle, and the right guiding surface of the reverse gate assembly is at least partially laterally aligned with the steering nozzle.

[0018] In some embodiments, with the left gate in the first raised position, the left guiding surface is vertically offset from the steering nozzle, with the left gate in the first lowered position, the left guiding surface is at least partially vertically aligned with the steering nozzle, with the right gate in the second raised position, the right guiding surface is vertically offset from the steering nozzle, and with the right gate in the second lowered position, the right guiding surface is at least partially vertically aligned with the steering nozzle.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a watercraft including a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a seat disposed on the deck, a motor supported by at least one of the hull and the deck, and the jet propulsion system assembly according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The jet pump of the jet propulsion system is operatively connected to the motor. The steering nozzle is connected to the hull. The reverse gate assembly is connected to the hull.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for steering a watercraft. The method includes actuating a jet pump to pump water. In response to receiving a signal for steering the watercraft in a first direction, the method includes moving a first gate of a reverse gate assembly to a first lowered position, a first guiding surface of the first gate directing at least part of the water pumped by the jet pump so as to generate a first steering force, and moving a second gate of the reverse gate assembly to a first raised position, the second gate being adjacent to the first gate. In response to receiving a signal for steering

[0021] the watercraft in a second direction, the method includes moving the first gate to a second raised position, and moving the second gate to a second lowered position, a second guiding surface of the second gate directing at least part of the water pumped by the jet pump so as to generate a second steering force, the second steering force being oriented opposite to the first steering force.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first steering force is oriented opposite to the first direction, and the second steering force is oriented opposite to the second direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the signal for at least one of stopping or reversing the watercraft, moving the first gate to the first lowered position, and moving the second gate to the second lowered position.

[0024] For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearward, upwardly, downwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by an operator of the vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or sub-assemblies of the vehicle, separately from the vehicle, such as a deck or hull for example, should be understood as they would be understood when these components or sub-assemblies are mounted to the vehicle, unless specified otherwise in this application.

[0025] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and / or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and / or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0026] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a personal watercraft;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a hull and a jet propulsion system assembly of the personal watercraft of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from a rear, top, left side of a reverse gate assembly of the jet propulsion system assembly of FIG. 2, with a left gate of the reverse gate assembly being in a raised position and a right gate of the reverse gate assembly being in a lowered position;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the reverse gate assembly of FIG. 3;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hull and the jet propulsion system assembly of FIG. 2 with the left gate being in the raised position and the right gate being in the lowered position;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the reverse gate assembly of FIG. 3, with the left gate being in the lowered position and the right gate being in the raised position;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the hull and the jet propulsion system assembly of FIG. 2 with the left gate being in the lowered position and the right gate being in the raised position;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the reverse gate assembly of FIG. 3 with the left gate and the right gate being in their lowered positions;

[0036] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the hull and the jet propulsion system assembly of FIG. 2 with the left gate and the right gate being in their lowered positions;

[0037] FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the reverse gate assembly of FIG. 3 with the left gate and the right gate being in their raised positions;

[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view taken from a bottom, front, right side of the left gate and the right gate of the reverse gate assembly of FIG. 3, with the left gate being in the lowered position and the right gate being in the raised position; and

[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view taken from a bottom, rear, left side of a reverse gate assembly according to another embodiment of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present technology relates to a reverse gate assembly 126, which will be described with reference to a personal watercraft 50. It is contemplated that the reverse gate assembly 126 could be used with other types of watercraft, such as, for example, pontoons.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the personal watercraft 50 has a hull 52 and a deck 54. The hull 52 and the deck 54 are made of fiberglass composite material. It is contemplated that the hull 52 and / or the deck 54 could be made of other suitable materials. The hull 52 buoyantly supports the watercraft 50 in the water. The hull 52 has a bow 56 and a stern 58. A longitudinal center plane 60 (seen in FIG. 2) extends between the bow 56 and the stern 58 and splits the personal watercraft 50 into a left longitudinal side 61 and a right longitudinal side 62. For the purpose of the following description, the components that are qualified as “left” or “right” are positioned on the corresponding left longitudinal side 61 and right longitudinal side 62 of the deck 54.

[0042] Toward the stern 58, the hull 52 has, at a bottom thereof, a ride plate 59. The ride plate 59 can assist in providing stability and enhancing control to the personal watercraft 50 during operation. In the present embodiment, the ride plate 59 is made of a metallic material, and acts as a heat exchanger for a cooling system disposed in the personal watercraft 50. Also, the ride plate 59 being made of metallic material makes it suitable to sustain higher stresses, such that some components experiencing higher loads can be connected thereto.

[0043] The deck 54 is designed to accommodate an operator referred to as a driver. The hull 52 and the deck 54 are joined together at a seam 64. The seam 64 comprises a bond line formed by an adhesive. Other known joining methods could be used to engage the parts together, including but not limited to thermal fusion, molding, or fasteners such as rivets, bolts, or screws. Bumpers 66 cover parts of the seam 64. The bumpers 66 help to prevent damage to the outer surface of the watercraft 50 when the watercraft 50 is docked, for example. The bumpers 66 extend around the bow 56 and the stern 58 or could extend around any portion or the entire seam 64.

[0044] Still referring to FIG. 1, the deck 54 has a hood 68, a helm assembly 70 rearward of the hood 68 and an instrument cluster 72 forward of the helm assembly 70. A hinge (not shown) is attached between the hood 68 and the deck 54 to allow the hood 68 to move to an open position to provide access to a storage bin (not shown). Left and right rear view mirrors

[0045] 74 (only the left one is shown in FIG. 1) are positioned on corresponding left and right sides of the hood 68 to allow the driver to see behind the watercraft 50.

[0046] The deck 54 has a centrally positioned straddle seat assembly 75 supported on top of a pedestal 78 formed by the deck 54. Accordingly, the straddle seat assembly 75 and the pedestal 78 are aligned with the longitudinal center plane 60. The straddle seat assembly 75 accommodates the driver in a straddling position. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the straddle seat assembly 75 could accommodate one or more passengers in addition to the driver. The deck 54 forms footwells 86 on either side of the pedestal 78 that provide support for the driver’s feet. A pair of generally upwardly extending walls 88 located on either side of the deck 54, known as gunwales or gunnels 88, are provided next to the footwells 86. The gunnels 88 help to reduce the entry of water in the footwells 86 of the watercraft 50, provide lateral support for the driver’s feet, and also provide buoyancy when turning the watercraft 50, since the personal watercraft 50 can roll slightly when turning. Towards the bow 56, fairings 90 extend between the gunnels 88 and the hood 68 and further help reduce the entry of water in the footwells 86. The deck 54 includes a reboarding platform 80 at a rear thereof, allowing a rider to easily reboard the watercraft 50 from the water.

[0047] The personal watercraft 50 further has a rear platform 100. The rear platform 100 is laterally centered on the deck 54. The rear platform 100 extends forward from the reboarding platform 80 to the pedestal 78. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the generally planar surface formed by the rear platform 100 and the reboarding platform 80 extends upwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the deck 54.

[0048] The personal watercraft 50 further includes a motor 110 (schematically shown in FIG. 1). The motor 110 is supported by the hull 52 and is stored in a volume defined between the hull 52 and the deck 54. This volume may be referred to as a motor compartment. It is contemplated that the motor 110 could be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. Depending on whether the motor 110 is an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, various associated elements, such as a battery or a fuel tank, are provided in the motor compartment. The motor 110 is operatively connected to a jet propulsion system assembly 120 (also schematically shown in FIG. 1).

[0049] The jet propulsion system assembly 120 pressurizes water, forming a water jet that generates thrust to propel the personal watercraft 50. The jet propulsion system assembly 120

[0050] includes a jet pump 122 (schematically shown in FIG. 1), a steering nozzle 124 (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 10) and a reverse gate assembly 126.

[0051] The jet pump 122 is operatively connected to the motor 110, such that in response to the motor 110 being actuated, water is pumped by the jet pump 122 so as to generate thrust and to form the water jet.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10, the steering nozzle 124 is pivotable relative to the jet pump 122. In the present embodiment, the steering nozzle 124 is pivotally connected to a trim ring 125 about a steering axis 130. The steering nozzle 124 is selectively pivotable about a steering axis 130 for redirecting the water jet exiting the jet pump 122, and therefore redirecting the thrust so as to steer the personal watercraft 50 in a desired direction. The trim ring 125 is pivotally connected to the ride plate 59 about a trim axis 132, which is perpendicular to the steering axis 130. By pivoting the trim ring 125 about the trim axis 132, the steering nozzle 124 can be tilted upwardly or downwardly, enabling adjustments to the pitch of the personal watercraft 50.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 11, the reverse gate assembly 126 will now be described in greater detail. The reverse gate assembly 126 includes a left rail 150, a right rail 152, a left gate 154, a right gate 156, a left actuator 158 operatively connected to the left gate 154 and a right actuator 160 operatively connected to the right gate 156. It is contemplated that the reverse gate assembly 126 may be provided with additional or fewer components. For example, the reverse gate assembly 126 could include the left and right gates 154, 156 as well as a center gate. As will be described in greater detail below, the reverse gate assembly 126 is configured to re-direct the water jet expelled from the jet pump 122 and passing through the steering nozzle 124 by selectively moving the left gate 154 and / or the right gate 156 between respective raised and lowered positions. The reverse gate assembly 126 is operable to cause steering of the personal watercraft 50, to cause the personal watercraft 50 to slow down, to cause the personal watercraft 50 to stop and / or to cause the personal watercraft 50 to move in a backward direction without requiring movement of the steering nozzle 124. In an embodiment where the reverse gate assembly 126 includes a center gate, the center gate is configured to be in the raised position when the left gate 154 and the right gate 156 are in the raised positions, and is configured to move to the lowered position if either one of the left gate 154 and the right gate 156 moves to the lowered position.

[0054] The reverse gate assembly 126 is connected to the hull 52. More specifically, the reverse gate assembly 126 is disposed at the stern 58 of the hull 52, at a lateral center thereof, such that a lateral center of the reverse gate assembly 126 is laterally aligned with the longitudinal center plane 60. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the personal watercraft 50 may be provided with two jet propulsion systems and two reverse gate assemblies 126 that are laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the left and right rails 150, 152 are connected to the hull 52. More specifically, a top of each of the left and right rails 150, 152 is connected to a rear surface of the hull 52 via an upper bracket 170 (shown in FIG. 2), and a bottom of each of the left and right rails 150, 152 is connected to a rear end of the ride plate 59 via a lower bracket 172 (shown in FIG. 10). The left and right rails 150, 152 are interconnected by cross-members 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d, 174e. It is contemplated that the number of cross-members may vary from one embodiment to another. The cross-members 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d, 174e assist in structurally reinforcing the left and right rails 150, 152. The left and right rails 150, 152, the upper and lower brackets 170, 172, and the cross-members 174a, 174b, 174c, 174d, 174e form a rail assembly.

[0056] The left gate 154 and the right gate 156 are moveably connected to the personal watercraft 50 and are adjacent to one another. More specifically, the left and right gates 154, 156 are pivotally connected to the ride plate 59 about a pivot axis 190. Each one of the left and right gates 154, 156 is independently pivotable about the pivot axis 190 between a raised position and a lowered position. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the left and right gates 154, 156 could be configured to move differently. For example, the left and / or right gates 154, 156 could be configured to move between their respective raised and lowered positions linearly.

[0057] As the left and right gates 154, 156 are mirror images of one another, only the left gate 154 will be described in detail herein. Features of the right gate 156 that are similar to features of the left gate 154 have been labelled with the same reference numerals in the accompanying Figures.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 11, the left gate 154 has an outer portion 200 and an inner portion 202.

[0059] The outer portion 200 has a rear wall 210 and a side wall 212. The rear wall 210 generally extends laterally. The side wall 212 extends generally longitudinally from a left side of the rear wall 210.

[0060] Laterally opposite to the side wall 212, a connecting arm 220 extends rearward from the rear wall 210. A deflector arm 222 further extends laterally from the connecting arm 220 to the side wall 212. An aperture 224 is defined by the rear wall 210, the connecting arm 220, the deflector arm 222 and the side wall 212. The deflector arm 222 and the aperture 224 are configured such that, when the left gate 154 is in the lowered position and the personal watercraft 50 is moving forward in a body of water, water is deflected by the deflector arm 222 and passes through the aperture 224 causing a rear of the personal watercraft 50 to be pushed downward.

[0061] The connecting arm 220 is slidingly connected to the left rail 150. This connection can assist in guiding movement of the left gate 154 between the raised and lowered positions and can also assist in providing stability to the left gate 154 when the water jet from the jet pump 122 is hitting the left gate 154. In some embodiments, the connecting arm 220 could be configured to engage with the cross-member 174b when the left gate 154 is in the raised position, and to engage with the cross-member 174c when the left gate 154 is in the lowered position. Thus, the cross-members 174b, 174c act like stoppers to stop movement of the left gate 154.

[0062] The side wall 212 defines an opening 230. As will be described below, the opening 230 is at least in part aligned with the inner portion 200 and is configured to receive at least part of the re-directed water jet therethrough. A lower end of the side wall 212 is pivotally connected to the ride plate 59 about the pivot axis 190. The side wall 212 is further pivotally connected to the left actuator 158. A point of connection between the left actuator 158 and the side wall 212 is radially spaced from the pivot axis 190. The left actuator 158 is configured such that, upon actuation, it moves between retracted and extended positions. This is oriented away from the pivot axis 190. Thus, in response to the left actuator 158 moving between the retracted and extended positions, the left gate 154 is caused to pivot about the pivot axis 190.

[0063] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 11, the inner portion 202 is connected to the outer portion 200. More specifically, the inner portion 202 is connected to a front surface of the rear wall 210. As best seen in FIG. 11, the inner portion 202 has a guiding surface 240. The

[0064] guiding surface 240 extends generally laterally across an entire width of the inner portion 202 and is aligned with the opening 230. The guiding surface 240 is shaped and oriented so as to direct at least some of the water jet from the jet pump 122 through the opening 230.

[0065] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the inner portion 202 could be integral with the outer portion 200. In some embodiments, the inner portion 202 could be omitted, and the guiding surface 240 could be defined on the front side of the rear wall 210.

[0066] The left gate 154 is moveable between the raised position (FIGS. 3 to 5, and 10) and the lowered position (FIGS. 6 to 9 and 11). The left gate 154 is also moveable to additional positions that are intermediate between the raised and lowered positions.

[0067] When the left gate 154 is in the raised position, the guiding surface 240 is fully vertically offset from the steering nozzle 124, such that the water jet from the jet pump 122 flowing through the steering nozzle 124 does not hit the left gate 154 (i.e., the water jet is not re-directed by the left gate 154).

[0068] When the left gate 154 is in the lowered position, and the steering nozzle 124 is oriented straight such that the water jet from the jet pump 122 flows rearward and generally parallel to the longitudinal center plane 60, the guiding surface 240 is at least partially vertically aligned with the steering nozzle 124, such that the part of the water jet from the jet pump 122 flowing through the steering nozzle 124 hits the guiding surface 240 of the left gate 154. The guiding surface 240 guides part of the water jet through the opening 230, and guides part of the water jet toward the front of the personal watercraft 50.

[0069] As best seen in FIG. 3, the left actuator 158 is operatively connected to the left gate 154, and the right actuator 160 is operatively connected to the right gate 156. The left and right actuators 158, 160 are electric motors. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the left and right actuators 158, 160 could be pneumatic actuators or hydraulic actuators. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, there could only be a single actuator operatively connected to the left and right gates 154, 156.

[0070] The left and right actuators 158, 160 are communicatively connected to a controller 162 (schematically shown in FIG. 1). The left and right actuators 160 could be actuated in response to a signal provided by the controller 162. The controller 162 could be controlled remotely, for example via a mobile application. The controller 162 may be connected to a

[0071] steering sensor disposed on a steering column that is connected to the helm assembly 70. The steering sensor can thus determine a position of the steering nozzle 124. In other embodiments, the controller 162 may be connected to a position sensor disposed on the steering nozzle 124 for determining a position thereof.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 12, a reverse gate assembly 126’ is shown. The reverse gate assembly 126’ is an alternative embodiment of the reverse gate assembly 126. Features of the reverse gate assembly 126’ similar to those of the reverse gate assembly 126 have been labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be re-described in detail herewith.

[0073] The reverse gate assembly 126’ notably differs from the reverse gate assembly 126 in that the left and right rails 150, 152 are omitted. Instead, the left gate 154 of the reverse gate assembly 126’ has an engaging portion 300, and the right gate 156 has an engaging portion 302. The engaging portions 300, 302 are in continuous sliding engagement regardless of the position of either one of the left gate 154 and the right gate 156 and assist in increasing structural rigidity thereof. The engaging portions 300, 302 interlock the left gate 154 to the right gate 156.

[0074] A description of the personal watercraft 50 being controlled will now be provided.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 10, when the personal watercraft is in a default state, the left gate 154 and the right gate 156 are in their raised positions, and the steering nozzle 124 is also in a default position. The default position of the steering nozzle 124 corresponds to when the helm assembly 70 is positioned to guide the personal watercraft 50 in a straight direction (i.e., the steering nozzle 124 is configured to guide the water jet from the jet pump 122 in a rearward direction). When the motor 110 is operated, the jet pump 122 generates the water jet, and the steering nozzle 124 can be pivoted about the steering axis 130 to steer the personal watercraft 50 by moving the helm assembly 70, and since the left and right gates 154, 156 are in their raised positions, the water jet does not hit the left gate 154 and / or the right gate 156.

[0076] Referring back to FIGS. 3 to 5, the controller 162 has received a signal for steering the personal watercraft 50 to the right. In some embodiments, the signal is received from a remote server instead of from the helm assembly 70 being turned. The controller 162 causes the motor 110 to be operated, which causes the jet pump 122 to generate the water jet. The water jet is guided rearward by the steering nozzle 124, which is in the default position.

[0077] The controller 162 further causes actuation of the left and right actuators 158, 160 such that the left gate 154 is in the raised position and the right gate 156 is in the lowered position. As a result, the water jet flowing out of the steering nozzle 124 hits the guiding surface 240 of the right gate 156, but the water jet does not hit the left gate 154.

[0078] The guiding surface 240 guides part of the water jet out of the opening 230 thereby generating a thrust T1 that is oriented to the right and partially to the rear. In FIG. 5, only the lateral component of the thrust T1 is shown. The thrust T1 induces a force F1. The force F1 is oriented opposite to the thrust T1, such that the force F1 is oriented to the left and partially to the front. In FIG. 5, only the lateral component of the force F1 is shown.

[0079] The guiding surface 240 also guides part of the water jet back toward the front of the personal watercraft 50, thereby generating a thrust T2 oriented toward the front of the personal watercraft 50. The thrust T2 is laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The right gate 156 also causes drag that is also laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The drag and the thrust T2 induce a force F2. The force F2 is oriented opposite to the thrust T2, such that the force F2 is oriented in the rearward direction.

[0080] Additionally, the water jet that does not hit the left gate 154 generates a thrust T3 oriented in the rearward direction. The thrust T3 is laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The thrust T3 induces a force F3. The force F3 is oriented opposite to the thrust T3, such that the force F3 is oriented in the forward direction.

[0081] The forces F1, F2, F3 all combine to cause a moment M about a center of gravity CG of the personal watercraft 50. The moment M steers the personal watercraft 50 to the right.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the controller 162 has received a signal for steering the personal watercraft 50 to the left. The controller 162 causes the motor 110 to be operated, which causes the jet pump 122 to generate the water jet. The water jet is guided rearward by the steering nozzle 124, which is in the default position.

[0083] The controller 162 further causes actuation of the left and right actuators 158, 160 such that the left gate 154 is in the lowered position and the right gate 156 is in the raised position. As a result, the water jet flowing out of the steering nozzle 124 hits the guiding surface 240 of the left gate 154, but the water jet does not hit the right gate 156.

[0084] The guiding surface 240 guides part of the water jet out of the opening 230, thereby generating a thrust T4 that is oriented to the left and partially to the rear. In FIG. 7, only the lateral component of the thrust T4 is shown. The thrust T4 induces a force F4. The force F4 is oriented opposite to the thrust T4, such that the force F4 is oriented to the right and partially to the front. In FIG. 7, only the lateral component of the force F4 is shown.

[0085] The guiding surface 240 also guides part of the water jet back toward the front of the personal watercraft 50, thereby causing a thrust T5 oriented toward the front of the personal watercraft 50. The thrust T5 is laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The right gate 156 also causes drag that is also laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The drag and the thrust T5 induce a force F5. The force F5 is oriented opposite to the thrust T5, such that the force F5 is oriented in the rearward direction.

[0086] Additionally, the water jet that does not hit the right gate 156 causes a thrust T6 oriented in the rearward direction. The thrust T6 is laterally offset from the longitudinal center plane 60. The thrust T6 induces a force F6. The force F6 is oriented opposite to the thrust T6, such that the force F6 is oriented in the forward direction.

[0087] The forces F4, F5 and F6 all combine to cause a moment M about the center of gravity CG. In this case, the moment M steers the personal watercraft 50 to the left.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the controller 162 has received a signal for slowing the personal watercraft 50 down. The controller 162 causes the motor 110 to be operated, which causes the jet pump 122 to generate the water jet. The water jet is guided rearward by the steering nozzle 124, which is in the default position.

[0089] The controller 162 causes actuation of the left and right actuators 158, 160 such that the left gate 154 and the right gate 156 are in their lowered positions. Thus, the water jet flowing out of the steering nozzle 124 hits the guiding surfaces 240 of the left and right gates 154, 156.

[0090] The guiding surfaces 240 guide some of the water jet out of the openings 230. Thus, re-direction of the water jet out of the openings 230 generates a thrust T7 to the left and to the rear and a thrust T8 to the right and to the rear. Only the lateral components of the thrusts T7, T8 are shown in FIG. 9. The thrust T7 induces a force F7 in the opposite direction thereto, and the thrust T8 induces a force F8 in the opposite direction thereto. Only the lateral components of the forces F7, F8 are shown in FIG. 9.

[0091] The guiding surfaces 240 also guide some of the water jet toward the front of the personal watercraft 50, which generates a thrust T9. The thrust T9 is generally aligned with the longitudinal center plane 60. The left and right gates 154, 156 also induce drag that is also generally aligned with the longitudinal center plane 60. The thrust T9 and the drag induce a force F9. The force F9 is oriented opposite to the thrust T9, and is laterally aligned with the longitudinal center plane 60.

[0092] The moments induced by the forces F7, F8 about the center of gravity CG essentially cancel one another out, and the force F9 does not induce any moment due to its orientation and alignment with respect to the center of gravity CG. Thus, in this case, the personal watercraft 50 does not turn. However, if the personal watercraft 50 is moving in a forward direction, the force F9 causes the personal watercraft 50 to slow down. Eventually, the personal watercraft 50 comes to a stop, and then the personal watercraft 50 begins to move in the rearward direction.

[0093] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the opening 230 could be omitted, and the guiding surface 240 could be configured to direct some of the water jet from the jet pump 122 in a direction opposite to the side wall 212. In such embodiments, the direction of generated thrusts would be in the opposite directions.

[0094] It will be appreciated that the reverse gate assembly 126 enables steering of the personal watercraft 50 without the steering nozzle 124 having to pivot about the steering axis 130. Thus, being that the steering nozzle 124 is connected to the helm assembly 70, the helm assembly 70 does not have to be manually moved either.

[0095] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiment of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reverse gate assembly for a watercraft, the reverse gate assembly comprising: a left gate having a left guiding surface, the left gate being configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft, the left gate being moveable between a first raised position and a first lowered position; a right gate adjacent to the left gate, the right gate having a right guiding surface, the right gate being configured to be moveably connected to the watercraft, the right gate being moveable between a second raised position and a second lowered position; and at least one actuator operatively connected to the left gate and to the right gate, the at least one actuator being configured to selectively move: the left gate between the first raised position and the first lowered position; and the right gate between the second raised position and the second lowered position, and the left gate and the right gate being movable independently from each other.

2. The reverse gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the left gate defines a left side opening, and the right gate defines a right side opening.

3. The reverse gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a first actuator operatively connected to the left gate, and a second actuator operatively connected to the right gate.

4. The reverse gate assembly of claim 1, wherein: the left gate pivots between the first raised position and the first lowered position; and the right gate pivots between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

5. The reverse gate assembly of claim 4, wherein the left gate and the right gate pivot about a common pivot axis.

6. The reverse gate assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a left guide rail configured to connect to the watercraft, the left guide rail being slidingly connected to the left gate for guiding movement of the left gate between the first raised position and the first lowered position; and a right guide rail configured to connect to the watercraft, the right guide rail being slidingly connected to the right gate for guiding movement of the right gate between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

7. The reverse gate assembly of claim 1, wherein: the left gate has a left engaging portion; and the right gate has a right engaging portion slidingly engaged to the left engaging portion, and at least part of the left engaging portion is engaged with the right engaging portion while the left gate moves between the first raised position and the first lowered position, and while the right gate moves between the second raised position and the second lowered position.

8. A jet propulsion system assembly comprising: a jet pump propulsion system comprising: a jet pump configured to be operatively connected to a motor of the watercraft; and a steering nozzle configured to be connected to the watercraft, the steering nozzle being pivotable relative to the jet pump; and the reverse gate assembly of claim 1, wherein the left guiding surface is at least partially laterally aligned with the steering nozzle, and the right guiding surface is at least partially laterally aligned with the steering nozzle.

9. The jet propulsion system assembly of claim 8, wherein: with the left gate in the first raised position, the left guiding surface is vertically offset from the steering nozzle, with the left gate in the first lowered position, the left guiding surface is at least partially vertically aligned with the steering nozzle; with the right gate in the second raised position, the right guiding surface is vertically offset from the steering nozzle; andwith the right gate in the second lowered position, the right guiding surface is at least partially vertically aligned with the steering nozzle.

10. A watercraft comprising: a hull; a deck disposed on the hull; a seat disposed on the deck; a motor supported by at least one of the hull and the deck; and the jet propulsion system assembly of claim 8, with: the jet pump of the jet propulsion system assembly being operatively connected to the motor; the steering nozzle being connected to the hull; and the reverse gate assembly being connected to the hull.

11. A method for steering a watercraft, the method comprising: actuating a jet pump to pump water, in response to receiving a signal for steering the watercraft in a first direction, moving a first gate of a reverse gate assembly to a first lowered position, a first guiding surface of the first gate directing at least part of the water pumped by the jet pump so as to generate a first steering force; and moving a second gate of the reverse gate assembly to a first raised position, the second gate being adjacent to the first gate; in response to receiving a signal for steering the watercraft in a second direction, moving the first gate to a second raised position; and moving the second gate to a second lowered position, a second guiding surface of the second gate directing at least part of the water pumped by the jet pump so as to generate a second steering force, the second steering force being oriented opposite to the first steering force.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the first steering force is oriented opposite to the first direction; andthe second steering force is oriented opposite to the second direction.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, in response to receiving the signal for at least one of stopping or reversing the watercraft,moving the first gate to the first lowered position, andmoving the second gate to the second lowered position.

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