Adjustable steering column

Details Adjustable steering column Adjustable steering column

2000-07-24

2001-08-21

Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)

Ships

Steering mechanism

Remote control steering excluding manual operation

C114S055500, C074S089100, C074S493000, C074S551300, C280S775000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06276291

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to personal watercraft, and more particularly to an apparatus for adjusting the height and inclination of a steering column mounted on a personal watercraft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Since the introduction ten years ago of the first sit-down personal watercraft (PWC), the design of these products has evolved rapidly to meet the varied needs of riders, both recreational and competitive. The factors that typically determine the design of personal watercraft are power, acceleration, stability, fuel efficiency, safety, appearance and ergonomics. From an ergonomic standpoint, the height of the handlebars is an important factor in the overall level of comfort for riders of personal watercraft. Handlebars that are either too low or too high may make it difficult to effectively steer the personal watercraft and, furthermore, may tire the rider's arms if he or she has to hold them in an uncomfortable position. Not only is the positioning of the steering column important, but the positioning should preferably be accomplished quickly and easily. Since personal watercraft are often rented out at resorts or shared among friends and family, it is particularly advantageous if the positioning of the steering column can be accomplished quickly and easily, without the need for tools, to accommodate riders of varying height. Heretofore, however, manufacturers of personal watercraft have not concentrated much on making steering columns adjustable. Thus, there is a need to design a personal watercraft whose steering column can be quickly and easily adjusted to a height appropriate for each rider.
OBJECT AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a personal watercraft steering column that is adjustable so that riders can quickly and easily adjust the steering column, and hence the handlebars, to a height and inclination that optimizes their comfort.
Thus, the present invention seeks to provide an adjustable steering column for use with a personal watercraft, said adjustable steering column comprising a steering column base fixed to said watercraft, an upper steering column pivotally connected to said steering column base, said upper steering column being pivotable between a first position and second position, and an adjustment mechanism for moving said upper steering column between said first and second positions. This arrangement is advantageous because the angle and position of the steering column can be easily and quickly adjusted to suit the rider.
Preferably, the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment screw with a knob at one end. This arrangement allows the adjustable steering column to be positioned quickly and easily without the use of tools.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2000479 (1935-05-01), Cook et al.
patent: 2365830 (1944-12-01), Miller
patent: 4495834 (1985-01-01), Bauer et al.
patent: 4688817 (1987-08-01), Marier
patent: 4893518 (1990-01-01), Matsumoto et al.
patent: 4903540 (1990-02-01), Beauch
patent: 5054798 (1991-10-01), Zulawski
patent: 5480365 (1996-01-01), Lundin et al.
Photocopy of Kawasaki Brochure, date unknown.
Prior Art Declaration executed by Renald Plante with attached Exhibits A-D.

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