Patent Publication Number: US-10787236-B1

Title: Tiller tilt lock and automatic release system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/625,130, Filed Feb. 1, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to tillers for steering marine vessels, and more particularly to systems and methods for tilting and automatically releasing a tiller arm for steering marine vessels. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The Background and Summary are provided to introduce a foundation and selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Background and Summary are not intended to identify key or essential features of the potentially claimed subject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the potentially claimed subject matter. 
     The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,326 discloses a steering system for a marine drive having a propulsion unit pivotally mounted on the transom of a watercraft and a tiller. The steering system includes a steering vane rotatably mounted on the propulsion unit for generating hydrodynamic forces to pivot or assist in pivoting the propulsion unit and to counteract propeller torque. A mount interposed between the propulsion unit and the tiller mounts the tiller for movement relative to the propulsion unit. A cable connects the tiller to the steering vane so that movement of the tiller with respect to the propulsion unit rotates the vane. The mount includes mutually engageable elements that can lock the tiller against movement relative to the propulsion unit so that the tiller may be used to directly steer the propulsion unit, if desired. For this purpose, the elements of the mount may be engaged by applying a downward pressure on the tiller. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,342 discloses a tiller handle for use with one or more push-pull cables innerconnected to the shift and the throttle mechanisms of an outboard marine engine to control the shift and the throttle operations of the engine. The tiller handle includes a rotatable cam member with one or more cam tracks located on its outer surface. Each push-pull cable is maintained within a distinct cam track such that rotating the rotatable cam member actuates the push-pull cables thereby controlling the operation of the shift and the throttle mechanisms of the engine. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,657 discloses a movable handle mounted to a trolling motorhead. The handle is pivotally adjustable upwardly and downwardly to suit different positions of a fisherman while controlling the trolling motor. The handle spans across the motorhead and acts as a tiller for pivoting the motor about its axis. The resistance to positional changes is adjustable and protective features are provided to prevent damage to the adjustment mechanism in the event of tightening. The handle incorporates therein various controls for the motorhead. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,516 discloses an outboard motor provided with a tiller handle that enables an operator to control the transmission gear selection and the throttle setting by rotating the hand grip of the tiller handle. It also comprises a means for allowing the operator to disengage the gear selecting mechanism from the throttle mechanism. This allows the operator to manipulate the throttle setting without having to change the gear setting from neutral position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,551 discloses a tiller arm with a lock mechanism that retains the tiller arm in an upwardly extending position relative to an outboard motor when the tiller arm is rotated about a first axis and the lock mechanism is placed in a first of two positions. Contact between an extension portion of the lock mechanism and the discontinuity of the arm prevents the arm from rotating downwardly out of its upward position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,045 discloses an operating device of an electric outboard motor having a steering bar-shaped handle projecting forward and pivotally supported on a hull to be able to steer right and left. A propeller of the electric outboard motor is driven by an electric motor driven by power supplied from a power supply. On a tip portion of the steering bar-shaped handle, the operating device is provided with an accelerator grip that is made to pivot on an axial center normally and reversely from a neutral position to adjust an amount of power to be supplied to the electric motor according to a pivot amount. The operating device includes in the accelerator grip or in vicinity of the accelerator grip, an accelerator grip fixing mechanism that fixes a pivot position of the accelerator grip at the neutral position to be able to release a fixation easily. 
     Additional information relating to tiller systems for steering outboard motors is also provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,093,066, 6,406,342, 6,902,450, 7,214,113, 7,455,558, 7,677,938, and 7,704,110. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure generally relates to a tiller system for steering an outboard motor. The tiller system includes a tiller arm that is rotatably coupled to the outboard motor. The tiller arm is rotatable from a down position to an up position through a plurality of lock positions therebetween. A tilt lock system is coupled between the tiller arm and the outboard motor and is configured to be activated and deactivated. When activated, the tilt lock system prevents the tiller arm from rotating downwardly through each of the plurality of lock positions. The tiller arm is further rotatable into an unlock position, whereby rotating the tiller arm into the unlock position automatically deactivates the tilt lock system such that the tiller arm is freely rotatable downwardly through the plurality of lock positions. 
     Another embodiment generally relates to a tiller system for steering an outboard motor. The tiller system has a tiller arm that is rotatably coupled to the outboard motor. A first lock portion and a second lock portion are operatively coupled between the tiller arm and the outboard motor and are selectively engageable to prevent the tiller arm from rotating downwardly. The first lock portion has a plurality of teeth and rotates with the tiller arm, where the plurality of teeth define a plurality of index positions each configured to receive the second lock portion to prevent downward rotation of the tiller arm therefrom. The second lock portion has an activated position and a deactivated position and the second lock portion is engageable with the first lock portion only when the second lock portion is in the activated position. An unlock member is coupled to the first lock portion and configured to move the second lock portion from the activated position to the deactivated position by rotating the tiller arm. The tiller system further has a lock controller cam having an activated index and a deactivated index. A bias device biases the second lock portion into engagement with the lock controller cam. The activated index and the deactivated index correspond to the second lock portion being in the activated position and the deactivated position, respectively, and the unlock member overcomes the bias device to move the second lock portion from the activated index to the deactivated index. A tilt lock shaft rotates with the second lock member and the second lock portion is also moveable to the deactivated position by manual rotation of the tilt lock shaft in an unlock direction. 
     Various other features, objects and advantages of the disclosure will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate examples of carrying out the disclosure. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and like components. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a tiller tilt and automatic release system according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the opposite side of the system from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a close up front view of the system shown in  FIG. 2  shown with the tiller arm removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a close up front view of an alternate embodiment similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 5-7  are sectional side views taken along the line  5 - 5  taken in  FIG. 1  depicting progressive upward rotation and locking of the tiller arm. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a side view similar to that shown in  FIG. 5  with the tiller arm unlocked. 
         FIG. 9  is a close up rear perspective view of the system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 10-11  are further exploded views of the system shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIGS. 12-13  are close up side and rear perspective views of a portion of a tiller arm similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 14-17  depict progressive side views of a system similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-2  rotating in the upward direction. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DISCLOSURE 
     Tiller systems are known devices for steering marine vessels. Within the context of tiller-based steering, it is often desirable for the operator to be able to tilt the tiller, and specifically the tiller arm, with respect to the rudder or outboard propulsion device being steered, depending on the use and conditions of operation. Some tiller systems known in the art allow the operator to lock the tiller arm in certain positions, such as in a full-up or trailer position, and sometimes a mid-point position somewhere between the up and down positions. One such tiller system includes a ratcheting tilt lock device, such as used in the Mercury 15/20EFI outboard propulsion device. Other embodiments incorporate cross-pin locks that engage with the chassis. 
     Through experimentation and development, the present inventors have identified issues with releasing the tiller from a locked position using systems presently known in the art. Specifically, unlocking the tiller requires the operator to reach back towards the propulsion device to manipulate a tilt lock knob or lever. This is inconvenient, particularly with marine vessels having the operator positioned farther forward or where the tiller is relatively long. 
     The present inventors have further identified that the Mercury 15/20EFI system has no mechanism for permanently deactivating a tilt lock system. Therefore, when a tiller arm is raised, it will automatically lock as it reaches a locking position. Additional detail regarding these locking positions, along with corresponding indexes, is provided below. The present inventors have also identified that it is for this reason that most tiller systems are lockable only at the full tilt or trailer position, or in some cases at a single additional mid-position lock. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a tiller system  100  according to the present disclosure. The tiller system  100  includes a tiller arm  110  that has a pivot end  112  and an opposite handle end  114 . A handle  120  is positioned at the handle end  114  of the tiller arm  110 , which is grasped by the operator during operation of the marine vessel. A mounting structure  105  is connected to a steering arm of a propulsion device or rudder (not shown) in the customary manner known in the art. The tiller arm  110  is pivotably connected at the pivot end  112  to a mounting structure  105  by a tilt axle  108 . Specifically, the tilt axle  108  extends through a tilt axle opening  115  ( FIG. 2 ) within the tiller arm  110  and is received in a tilt axle opening  104  within the mounting structure  105 . In this manner, the tiller arm  110  pivots about a tilt axis TA ( FIG. 2 ) formed by the tilt axle  108  between an up position  11 A and a down position  11 E. Intermediate positions are also defined between the up position  11 A and the down position  11 E, such as intermediate position  11 B as shown. It should be recognized that the up position  11 A need not be completely vertical (either closer or farther from the down position  11 E), and likewise the down position  11 E need not be completely horizontal (i.e., 5 degrees above horizontal). 
       FIG. 1  further show portions of a tilt lock system  130  (see also  FIGS. 3-4 ) to be discussed below for locking the tiller arm  110  between the up position  11 A and the down position  11 E. In particular,  FIG. 1  shows a tilt lock shaft  150  that is rotatable via a tilt lock knob  174  to activate and deactivate the tilt lock system  130 . The tilt lock shaft  150  extends through a tilt lock shaft opening  106  in the mounting structure  105 , which is discussed further below. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the tiller system  100  of  FIG. 1 , which also shows a tilt lock system  130  according to the present disclosure. The tilt lock system  130  includes a first lock portion  140  that is coupled to the tiller arm  110  and a second lock portion  160  that remains with the mounting structure  105 .  FIGS. 3-4  show close-up views of the tilt lock system  130  of  FIG. 2 , presently depicting the first lock portion  140  and the second lock portion  160  in a deactivated or non-engaged state. The first lock portion  140  is fixed relative to the tiller arm  110 . The same tilt axle  108  that pivotably couples the tiller arm  110  to the mounting structure  105  also extends through a tilt axle opening  144  within the first lock portion  140 . In this manner, the first lock portion  140  pivots with the tiller arm  110  about the tilt axis TA. However, it should be recognized that the present disclosure also anticipates embodiments in which the first lock portion  140  remains with the mounting structure  105  and the second lock portion  160  pivots with the tiller arm  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the second lock portion  160  has an opening  166  (also shown in  FIG. 11 ) for receiving the tilt lock shaft  150 . The tilt lock shaft  150  is rotatable through operation of either one of the tilt lock knobs  174 , which are coupled to opposite sides of the tilt lock shaft  150  to provide for ambidextrous use of the tiller system  100  in operation. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the second lock portion  160  is coupled to the tilt lock shaft  150  via a spline joint formed by teeth  168  within the second lock portion  160  being received within grooves  152  defined within the tilt lock shaft  150 . However, other mechanisms for coupling the second lock portion  160  and the tilt lock shaft  150  are also known in the art, such as through integral formation, subsequent coupling using set pins  175   a  received within openings  165   a  in the second lock portion  160  and tilt lock shaft  150  (see  FIGS. 9-11 ), or welding, for example. 
       FIGS. 3-4  show the second lock portion  160  being rotatable via the tilt lock shaft  150  into and out of engagement with the first lock portion  140 . More specifically, the second lock portion  160  is engageable with a number of indexes within the first lock portion  140 , which correspond to the different positions for locking the tiller arm  110  discussed above. Additional views of the tilt lock system  130  are also provided in  FIGS. 9-11  and discussed further below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , the first lock portion  140  includes an up index  141 A and a first intermediate index  141 B, as well as a second intermediate index  141 C and a third intermediate index  141 D. However, any number of indexes may be incorporated into the first lock portion  140 , providing any number of desired tilt angles to lock the tiller arm  110 . In practice, the tiller arm  110  is rotated upwardly towards the up position  11 A (see  FIG. 1 ) until the second lock portion  160  engages with an index within the first lock portion  140  to lock the tiller arm  110  at that desired tilt angle. Once locked in a given index, the tiller arm  110  is prevented from rotating downwardly until the tilt lock system  130  is deactivated (shown in  FIG. 8 ), but may in certain embodiments continue to rotate upwardly. However, certain indexes of certain embodiments are alternatively provided as non-locking positions, such as the down index  141 E shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . When the second lock portion  160  engages the first lock portion  140  in a non-locking position, the tiller arm  110  is not prevented from rotating further downwardly. 
       FIGS. 5-7  depict each of the indexes (shown here as  141 A- 141 E) within the first lock portion  140  to be defined by one or more surfaces. These surfaces include a bottom surface  142 B, a side surface  142 S, and/or a ramp surface  142 R. As shown, the surfaces of the first lock portion  140  that form these indexes, along with the spring loading of the second lock portion  160  to be discussed below, allow the tiller arm  110  to be freely tilted upwardly toward the up position in a ratcheting manner. Specifically, the second lock portion  160  rides or follows along the surfaces of the first lock portion  140  until automatically engaging with the next index of the first lock portion  140 . The presently disclosed tilt lock system  130  does not require manual engagement and disengagement of the second lock portion  160  between positions as the tiller arm  110  is pivoted upwardly. Additional details regarding the mechanism for this automatic engagement are discussed further below. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 4 and 11 , the second lock portion  160  engages with a second lock portion retainer  190  to activate or deactivate the tilt lock system  130 . The second lock portion  160  is rotatable relative to the second lock portion retainer  190 , which is fixed relative to the mounting structure  105 . A tilt lock shaft opening  196  ( FIG. 11 ) is provided through the second lock portion retainer  190 , which allows the tilt lock shaft  150  to extend therethrough. In this manner, the second lock portion  160  is rotatable relative to the second lock portion retainer  190  by rotation of the tilt lock shaft  150  in the manner previously described. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 11 , the second lock portion retainer  190  has two depressions, an activation index  191 A and a deactivation index  191 D, each configured to retain the second lock portion  160  therein. When the second lock portion  160  is retained within the deactivation index  191 D, the tilt lock system  130  is in the deactivated state. Specifically, the second lock portion retainer  190  prevents the second lock portion  160  from engaging with the first lock portion  140 , regardless of the tilt angle of the tiller arm  110 . In contrast, when the second lock portion  160  is retained within the activation index  191 A, the second lock portion  160  is allowed to engage the first lock portion  140 . A ramp feature  192  ( FIG. 4 ) is provided on the second lock portion retainer  190  and separates the activation index  191 A and the deactivation index  191 D. In this manner, the second lock portion  160  is able to ride or slide along the ramp feature  192  to transition between the activation index  191 A and the deactivation index  191 D. Therefore, detent features are provided as the activation index  191 A and deactivation index  191 D to retain the second lock portion  160  in that respective position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , a tilt lock bias device, shown here as a spring  180 , is coaxially located about the tilt lock shaft  150 . Other forms of biasing devices are also known in the art, including springs providing a tensile force, for example. A first end of the spring  180  engages with or abuts against an abutment end  164  of the second lock portion  160 . An opposite second end of the spring  180  engages with or abuts against a bias anchoring feature  154 . In certain embodiments in which the second lock portion  160  is axially slideable via the teeth  168  within grooves  152  in the tilt lock shaft  150 , this bias anchoring feature  154  is a hole, tab, or another fixation device (i.e. a screw) that fixes the spring  180  to the tilt lock shaft  150  (not shown). In other embodiments whereby the second lock portion  160  is fixed (i.e. non-slideable) relative to the tilt lock shaft  150 , the tilt lock shaft  150  is axially slideable. In this case, the bias anchoring feature  154  is a hole, tab, or other fixation device (i.e. a screw) that is fixed relative to the mounting structure  105 , or a portion of the mounting structure  105  itself (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     The spring  180  biases the second lock portion  160  into engagement with the second lock portion retainer  190  such that the second lock portion  160  is retained within either activation index  191 A or deactivation index  191 D. In the embodiment shown, the spring  180  provides a bias force on a bias side  172  of the second lock portion  160 , which is opposite of a retainer side  170  of the second lock portion  160  that engages the second lock portion retainer  190 . Likewise, the bias anchoring feature  154  (see  FIG. 10 ) is shown as a seat or surface on the mounting structure  105 . 
       FIGS. 5-7  depict the tiller arm  110  locked in three different positions relative to the mounting structure  105 . In particular,  FIG. 5  depicts the tilt lock system  130  oriented such that an engagement end  162  of the second lock portion  160  engages the first lock portion  140  within a third intermediate index  141 D. Similarly,  FIG. 6  depicts the second lock portion  160  engaged with a second intermediate index  141 C, and  FIG. 7  depicts the second lock portion  160  engaged with a first intermediate index  141 B. In each case, the second lock portion  160  is retained within the activation index  191 A of the second lock portion retainer  190 . As previously described, the second lock portion  160  is retained within the second lock portion retainer  190  by virtue of the ramp feature  192  of the second lock portion retainer  190 . Additionally, the spring  180  biases the second lock portion  160  into engagement with the second lock portion retainer  190 , preventing the second lock portion  160  from climbing the ramp feature  192  to transition to the deactivation index  191 D. In certain embodiments (see  FIGS. 3-4 ) the second lock portion  160  has an engagement pin or follower  163  that engages with the second lock portion retainer  190 . In such an embodiment, the engagement pin or follower  163  is the portion of the second lock portion  160  that engages the second lock portion retainer  190  and becomes retained in the activation index  191 A or deactivation index  191 D. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the indexes within the first lock portion  140  is defined by one or more surfaces. For example, the down index  141 E is defined as both a side surface  142 S and a ramp surface  142 R. In contrast, the third intermediate index  141 D is primarily defined by a bottom surface  142 B, a side surface  142 S, and a ramp surface  142 R between the third intermediate index  141 D and the second intermediate index  141 C. In certain embodiments, the ramp surface  142 R is shaped to provide a smooth transition between adjacent indexes when the tiller arm  110  is rotated in the upward direction (such as the transition from down index  141 E to third intermediate index  141 D in  FIG. 5 ). 
     As previously described, the tilt lock system  130  is configured such that the second lock portion  160  automatically engages with the first lock portion  140  at certain indexes, but also permits the tiller arm  110  to continue rotating in the upward direction. Specifically, the tilt lock system  130  allows the tiller arm  110  to rotate upwardly without first deactivating the second lock portion  160 . The first lock portion  140  and the second lock portion  160  automatically engage with each other at each of the defined indexes along the way. However, it should be noted that in this embodiment the tiller arm  110  cannot be rotated downwardly unless the second lock portion  160  is in the deactivated position or is otherwise disengaged from the first lock portion  140  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
       FIGS. 12-13  depict exemplary configurations for automatically disengaging the tilt lock system  130  under certain conditions. Specifically, certain embodiments are configured to disengage the tilt lock system  130  without requiring the operator to disengage the second lock portion  160  from the first lock portion  140  via the tilt lock knobs  174 .  FIGS. 12-13  depict an embodiment of an unlock feature  200  that automatically transitions the second lock portion  160  from the activation index  191 A to the deactivation index  191 D of the second lock portion retainer  190 . This automatically transitions the second lock portion  160  from the activated position to the deactivated position with respect to the first lock portion  140 , deactivating the tilt lock system  130 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a first lock portion  140  having four indexes: an up index  141 A, a first intermediate index  141 B, a second intermediate index  141 C, and a down index  141 E. In this case, the first lock portion  140  does not have a third intermediate index ( 141 D), as was shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . The down index  141 E is now provided as a locked position. Additionally, the up index  141 A in the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-13  is not an automatically locking position, due to having an unlock feature  200  within the first lock portion  140 . Additional details regarding the unlock feature  200  are now provided. As best shown in  FIG. 12 , the first lock portion  140  includes teeth  142 T, which generally correspond to structures between adjacent indexes. In contrast to the other teeth  142 T shown, one tooth is larger and thus serves as the unlock feature  200 . The tooth  142 T of the unlock feature  200  extends a radially long distance L away from the tilt axle opening  144  of the tiller arm  110 , which is greater than the short distance S of the other teeth  142 T. 
     As the tiller arm  110  is raised, the unlock feature  200  forces the second lock portion  160  from the activation index  191 A to the deactivation index  191 D of the second lock portion retainer  190 . This prevents the second lock portion  160  from engaging within the up index  141 A of the first lock portion  140 . In this regard, the operator is able to permanently disengage the tilt lock system  130  by simply moving the tiller arm  110  past the up index  141 A, which is now a single-handed operation. 
       FIGS. 14-17  depict the tiller arm  110  being rotated from the down position  11 E (see  FIG. 1 ) upwardly, in sequence. Specifically,  FIGS. 14-16  show the second lock portion  160  engaged with the first lock portion  140  in the down index  141 E, in the second intermediate index  141 C, and in the first intermediate index  141 B, respectively. Some rotation of the second lock portion  160  occurs by virtue of each tooth  142 T passing or ratcheting over the second lock portion  160 . However, the activation index  191 A of the second lock portion retainer  190  is large enough (i.e., has a long enough ramp length) to accommodate this rotation without forcing the second lock portion  160  over the ramp feature  192  (see  FIG. 4 ) and out of the activation index  191 A. 
       FIG. 17  depicts further upward rotation of the tiller arm  110  relative to the configuration shown in  FIG. 16 , beyond the first intermediate index  141 B. The long distance L of the unlock feature  200  causes the second lock portion  160  to move beyond the activation index  191 A of the second lock portion retainer  190  during rotation, in contrast to rotating past the other teeth  142 T (see also  FIG. 15 ). Rotating past the unlock feature  200  causes the second lock portion  160  to climb over and surpass the ramp feature  192  within the second lock portion retainer  190  (see  FIG. 4 ) to thereby transition to the deactivation index  191 D. At this point, the second lock portion  160  becomes retained within the deactivation index  191 D of the second lock portion retainer  190 . The second lock portion  160  is consequently retained in a deactivated index  191 D and no longer able to engage with the first lock portion  140  until being rotated back to the activation index  191 A by the operator via the tilt lock knobs  174 . 
     In this manner, the tilt lock system  130  is automatically disengaged simply by virtue of rotating the tiller arm  110  upwardly to at least the position engaging the unlock feature  200 , such as the position shown in  FIG. 17 . Further upward rotation of the tiller arm  110  past engagement between the unlock feature  200  and the second lock portion  160  does not result in automatic locking of the tiller arm  110 . However, manual engagement of the second lock portion  160  with the up index  141 A of the first lock portion  140  is possible by turning the tilt lock knob  174 . This feature may be desirable, for example, for locking the tiller arm  110  in a trailer position for transportation. 
     It should be recognized that while the unlock feature  200  is shown to correspond to a tooth  142 T positioned before the up index  141 A (when rotating upwardly), other positions for the unlock feature  200  are also anticipated by the present disclosure. For example, the unlock feature  200  may be incorporated into a further tooth (not shown) just beyond the up index  141 A such that rotation of the tiller arm  110  past the up position causes the tilt lock system  130  to automatically disengage, as previously described. This provides that the tiller arm  110  is lockable in the up position  11 A (see  FIG. 1 ), but is still automatically disengaged with further rotation of the tiller arm  110 . In this example, the tilt lock system  130  can still be automatically disengaged without requiring manual manipulation of the tilt lock knob  174 . 
     In practice, the present disclosure provides for a tilt lock system that automatically releases the tilt lock if a tiller is raised beyond a certain position, such as close to the full tilt or trailer position. While certain embodiments depict the automatic release (i.e. disengagement) to occur beyond the up position, other embodiments are anticipated in which the tilt lock system  130  is disengaged at a position before the up position is reached, as previously described. In either case, the presently disclosed systems provide easy methods for the operator to disengage the tilt lock without having to reach back and access the tilt lock knobs  174 . 
     Moreover, the present inventors have recognized that the presently disclosed tilt lock system  130  also prevents the tiller arm  110  from locking in the full tilt position following an underwater impact (such as hitting a log), whereby locking would be detrimental to maintaining optimum steering control. In other words, if a log-strike condition causes the tiller arm  110  to rise to the up-most position, the tilt lock system  130  automatically disengages. This would allow the tiller arm  110  to be immediately positioned at a lower tiller arm  110  angle for optimum steering leverage. 
     Additionally, the presently disclosed systems provide for several positions for locking the tiller arm  110  between the up position and the down position. The present inventors have identified that this is particularly advantageous in that the tiller arm  110  may be positioned in accordance with the trim level of the propulsion device, including as the trim is changed when underway. For example, a first position might be desired when the propulsion device is trimmed in, another when the propulsion device is partially trimmed, and yet another when the propulsion device is fully trimmed out. Moreover, the present disclosure also allows the operator to permanently disengage the tilt lock system  130  manually, simply by shifting the second lock portion  160  to the deactivated position, wherein it is engaged with the second lock portion retainer  190  within the deactivation index  191 D. 
     In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different assemblies described herein may be used alone or in combination with other devices. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of any appended claims.