Jet powered steering system for small boat outboard motors

• US 7,476,134 B1
• Filed: 10/29/2003
• Issued: 01/13/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William P. Fell, William P O'Hara
• Original Assignee: William P. Fell, William P O'Hara
• Inventors: O'Hara, William P., Fell, William P.
• Primary Examiner(s): AVILA, STEPHEN P
• Application Number:
  US10/696,418
• Time in Patent Office: 1,903 Days
• Field of Search: 440/38, 440/40, 440/41, 440/42, 440/43, 440/53
• US Class Current: 440/38
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 20/12 Means enabling steering
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 2025/024 Handle-bars; Posts for supporting handle-bars, e.g. adjustable posts
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 2025/026 using multi-axis control levers, or the like, e.g. joysticks, wherein at least one degree of freedom is employed for steering, slowing down, or dynamic anchoring
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 21/213 Levers or the like for controlling the engine or the transmission, e.g. single hand control levers

Abstract

A directional nozzle for the jet output that is attached to a control cable system. This cable turns the directional nozzle, which causes the trust of the jet output to turn the boat. Thus, the boat can be steered without having to turn the entire motor. Two different mechanisms are disclosed that enable the steering. The first is a tiller system that operates much like the traditional tiller on an outboard motor. However, unlike those tillers, this tiller operates the directional nozzle and does not turn the entire motor. The second mechanism is a bicycle handlebar system that is placed forward of the motor, much like a traditional wheel. The handlebar system, when combined with the directional nozzle system, produces faster steering response without the effort required to turn the wheel to make large sweeping turns.

Claims

1. A steering system for a boat having an outboard motor with a jet drive output comprising:

a) a directional nozzle, pivotably mounted to said outboard motor such that said directional nozzle surrounds said jet drive output and extends backward therefrom;

b) a tiller handle attached to said outboard motor; and

c) a means for connecting said tiller handle to said directional nozzle

d) wherein said tiller handle includes;

i) a mounting arm, which is secured to the outboard motor and extends forward therefrom, said mounting arm having an upper bracket and a lower bracket;

ii) a steering control portion, having a handgrip and a steering arm, extending rearward therefrom, said steering arm having an upper bracket and a lower bracket;

iii) a fastener means for pivotably connecting the upper bracket on said mounting arm to the upper bracket of said steering arm;

iv) a fastener means for pivotably connecting the lower bracket on said mounting arm to the lower bracket of said steering arm; and

v) a cable connector, attached to said steering arm.

2. The steering system of claim 1 wherein the tiller handle further comprises a means for controlling the speed of the outboard motor.

3. The steering system of claim 2 wherein the means for controlling the speed of the outboard motor includes:

a) a twisting hand grip;

b) a shaft attached to said twisting handgrip and extending backwards therefrom;

c) a universal joint attached to said shaft;

d) a second shaft attached to said universal joint and extending backwards therefrom; and

e) a means for connecting said second shaft to a throttle, in operable communication with said outboard motor.