Communications: electrical – Watercraft alarm or indicating systems – Rudder position indicator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-07
2001-03-13
Hofsass, Jeffery A. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Watercraft alarm or indicating systems
Rudder position indicator
C114S1440RE, C114S162000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201483
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to boats which are steered by turning stern-mounted engines or rudders, and more specifically to a system for providing an operator of such a boat an indication of when the boat's steering control means is centered with respect to the boat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When operating a twin-engine boat at slow speed and in tight quarters, the greatest maneuverability is achieved by operating the engines separately, placing one screw in reverse and the other in forward depending on which direction the boat is to be turned. It is difficult to maneuver a boat effectively and predictably in this manner, however, unless the boat's rudders, steerable outdrives, or outboard motors are centered with respect to the boat. At slow speed, it is often difficult for the operator to tell the left/right position of the boat's steering means.
It is known to provide a steering position indicator for giving a visual indication to a boat operator of the orientation of the boat's steering control means. Existing steering position indicator devices have generally employed relatively complicated mechanical linkages or electrical circuits to drive a gauge-type indicator located near the steering wheel or helm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a steering position indicator which is inexpensive and simple to install on a boat and provides the operator with an accurate, reliable indication of when the steering control means is centered.
The inventive system employs a proximity sensor connected in an electric circuit including an indicator device such as a light or buzzer, and a sensor actuator for triggering the sensor to alternatively open and close the circuit. Either the sensor or the actuator is mounted on a portion of the steering control means which moves when the boat is steered, and the other is mounted to a fixed portion of a boat adjacent the steering control means. The sensor and actuator are positioned relative to one another such that the proximity sensor detects the sensor actuator and closes the circuit only when the steering control means is in a centered position. The indicator is mounted adjacent a helm position of the boat and alerts the boat operator when the sensor detects the sensor actuator.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the sensor actuator is mounted to a steering linkage bar extending between a left and right steerable outdrive units at the stern of the boat. The proximity sensor is mounted between the left and right outdrive units on the hull or transom of the boat and is positioned so that the sensor actuator is aligned with the sensor only when the outdrive units are centered with respect to the boat's centerline.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the proximity sensor is an optical sensor having a transmitter which generates an infrared beam and a receiver immediately adjacent the transmitter which detects infrared energy reflected back toward the proximity sensor when an object is aligned with and sufficiently close to the transmitter.
Also in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator includes a light to provide a visible signal and a buzzer or chime to produce an audible signal. A switch allows the boat operator to select either the audible or the visible signal. The audible signal is valuable for occasions when bright sunlight makes the light difficult to see, or when it is not convenient for the operator to be looking toward the indicator.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3181491 (1965-05-01), Dunning
patent: 3331350 (1967-07-01), Norton
patent: 3636910 (1972-01-01), Tsuchiya
patent: 4334491 (1982-06-01), Kulischenko
patent: 4912465 (1990-03-01), Greer
patent: 5031561 (1991-07-01), Nilsson
patent: 5052327 (1991-10-01), Comfort
patent: 5107424 (1992-04-01), Bird et al.
patent: 5207604 (1993-05-01), McMillin
patent: 5214363 (1993-05-01), Wisner et al.
patent: 5361024 (1994-11-01), Wisner et al.
Hofsass Jeffery A.
Pham Toan
Young & Basile PC
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