Abstract:
A rudder assembly for interfacing with a jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft so as to thereby provide steering of the watercraft by pivoting of the jet nozzle even when a water jet is absent from the jet nozzle. A rudder is connected to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is connected to the jet nozzle. In a first preferred form, the rudder extends in-line with, and immediately behind (aft of), the jet nozzle so as to be located in the water jet. In a second preferred form of the present invention, the rudder is notched adjacent the sleeve for accommodating movement of a thrust plate of a water jet propelled watercraft equipped with a thrust plate mechanism. Alternatively, the rudder may be located dependingly downward from the jet nozzle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention: 
     The present invention relates to water jet propelled watercraft, and more particularly to a rudder connected to the jet nozzle thereof as an aid to steering. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art: 
     Water jet propelled watercraft, including runabouts, cruisers, and personal watercraft (sometimes variously referred to as “jet skis” or “wave runners” among other appellations), are powerboats, wherein the engine provides a jet of water exited from a jet nozzle at the stern of the vessel to propel the vessel, wherein steering is accomplished by pivoting of the jet nozzle. Water jet propelled watercraft have become increasingly popular, and have now become as regular a sight on a body of water as any other type of vessel, such as conventional outboard and out drive power boats and sailboats. One reason for this immense popularity is the excitement these vessels provide as they encounter waves at high speed. Another reason is the jet system provides a very shallow draft for the vessel that is completely unobstructed, whereby the water jet propelled watercraft can be operated in shallow waters impossible for conventional vessels powered by outboard or inboard drive systems. 
     By way of an example of a jet propelled watercraft, FIGS. 1 through 2A depict two typical designs for personal watercraft  10 . FIG. 1 depicts a personal watercraft having a simple exit jet nozzle  12 . The jet nozzle  12  typically has a cylindrical cross-section, and has an outer sidewall  14  which may or may not be provided with a flange  16  at its end  18 . The end  18  may be in the form of a straight end (as shown at FIG. 1) or in the form of a flared end (as shown at FIG.  1 A). The jet nozzle  12  is pivotal in the starboard-port plane (as shown at FIG.  1 B), wherein a steering linkage  20  is connected between the jet nozzle and a steering device, typically a steering wheel or a handle bar  22 . The internal engine produces a water jet  24  which exits the end  18  of the jet nozzle  12  in a line directly with that of the cylindrical axis of the jet nozzle. Accordingly, by pivoting the jet nozzle  12 , as shown at FIG. 1B, not only is the personal watercraft propelled forward, but its direction of movement is user selectable. FIGS. 2 and 2A depict a personal watercraft variation, wherein the jet nozzle  12  is associated with a thrust plate mechanism  26 . In this regard, a thrust plate  28  is pivotable by user selection (as for example by hydraulics  30 ) between a stored position (shown at FIG. 2) to a deployed position (shown at FIG.  2 A). When in the stored position the thrust plate is out of the way of the water jet. However, when at the deployed position, the thrust plate occludes the water jet  24 , causing the water jet to divert so as to serve a braking effect upon the personal watercraft  10 . 
     The personal watercraft components discussed hereinabove and shown at FIGS. 1 though  2 A, are exemplary of a jet propelled watercaft, the components being generally referred to as a water jet propelled watercraft body assembly. 
     Pivoting of the jet nozzle provides excellent steering control of a water jet propelled watercraft only so long as a powerful water jet is exiting therefrom. As the water jet is diminished in strength, steering becomes aftendantly less certain. Indeed, should the water jet be stopped, steering then becomes impossible. 
     The inability of an operator of a water jet propelled watercraft to steer the vessel when the water jet is small or nonexistent is the source of many accidents. For example, an operator who is fast approaching a dock might cut power to the engine in the hopes of averting a collision at high speed, only to promote inevitability of the collision because the act of cutting the engine also cut steering control. 
     Accordingly, what remains urgently needed in the water jet propelled watercraft industry is a structure which allows for steering even if power to the engine is cut. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a rudder assembly for interfacing with a jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft so as to thereby provide steering of the watercraft by pivoting of the jet nozzle even when a water jet is absent from the jet nozzle. 
     In a preferred construction of the present invention, a rudder is connected to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is connected to the jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft. In a first preferred form of the present invention, the rudder is generally concentrically disposed in relation to the sleeve and positioned immediately behind (aft of), the jet nozzle so as to be located in the water jet. In a second preferred form of the present invention, the rudder is notched adjacent the sleeve for accommodating movement of a thrust plate of a water jet propelled watercraft equipped with a thrust plate mechanism. In either of the foregoing preferred embodiments, the rudder may be removably connected onto the jet nozzle or may be permanently connected thereto. 
     It is preferred for the rudder to be sized commensurately with the size of the jet nozzle. The sleeve preferably includes a stabilizing structure, as for example a stiffening brace for abutting an interior surface of the jet nozzle or connecting to opposing sides of the sleeve. 
     Alternatively, the rudder may be located other than in-line with the jet nozzle, as for example depending downwardly therefrom, for example extending below the keel of the water jet propelled watercraft. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rudder assembly for a water jet propelled watercraft, the rudder providing steering of the water jet propelled watercraft pursuant to pivoting of the jet nozzle, even in the absence of a water jet. 
     This, and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art water jet propelled watercraft of the personal watercraft type. 
     FIG. 1A is a fragmented side view of a prior art alternative jet nozzle of the water jet propelled watercraft of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the jet nozzle of the water jet propelled watercraft of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an alternative prior art water jet propelled watercraft equipped with a thrust plate mechanism. 
     FIG. 2A is a fragmented side view of the jet nozzle of FIG. 2, showing the thrust plate in its deployed position. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a rudder assembly according to a first form of the present invention, shown mounted to a jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft. 
     FIG. 3A is a side view similar to FIG. 3, wherein the rudder is shown permanently attached to a jet nozzle. 
     FIG. 4 is a partly sectional view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle, seen along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle, seen along line  5 — 5  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rudder assembly according to a second form of the present invention, shown mounted to a jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft having a thrust plate mechanism. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle; seen along line  7 — 7  of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a partly sectional view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle, seen along line  8 — 8  of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of a rudder assembly according to the second form of the present invention, shown mounted to a flared end jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft having a thrust plate mechanism. 
     FIG. 10 is a partly sectional view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle, seen along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of a rudder assembly according to a third form of the present invention, shown mounted to a flared end jet nozzle of a water jet propelled watercraft. 
     FIG. 12 is a partly sectional view of the rudder assembly and jet nozzle, seen along line  12 — 12  of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 13 is a view as in FIG. 12, wherein a stiffening brace been eliminated. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the Drawing from FIGS. 3 through 13, preferred examples of the rudder assembly according to the present invention will be discussed. 
     FIGS. 3 through 5 depict a first form of the rudder assembly  100 , wherein a rudder  102  is connected to a sleeve  104 . The sleeve  104  is connected onto a jet nozzle  12  such that the rudder  102  is located directly behind the nozzle end  18  and in the water jet which exits the jet nozzle. 
     The rudder  102  is preferably composed of a strong, durable and corrosion resistant material, such as anodized aluminum or a high impact resistant plastic. The rudder  102  is generally thin, as depicted at FIG. 5, in relation to the cross-section of the jet nozzle end  18 . A thinnest possible rudder is preferred, wherein the thinness is limited by structural considerations, as for example becoming too thin to retain stiffness or having edges which are sharp. The rudder  102  is preferably dimensioned to be generally cross-sectioned in terms of its height and length comparably with respect to the cross-section of the jet nozzle  12 , but this is not a requirement. Indeed, the rudder  102  may be any size which is just sufficient, on a small scale, to provide steering when the water jet is absent, yet not too large on a large scale, so as to in some noticeable manner unduly hamper the operation of the water jet propelled watercraft. 
     The rudder  102  is connected at its forward end  106  in generally concentric relation to the sleeve  104 . This connection may be via any mechanical modality, a preferred modality being a pair of opposed legs  108   a ,  108   b . In this regard, it is preferred to provide a concave relief  110  in the forward end  106  of the rudder as between the opposed legs. Each of the legs  108   a ,  108   b  is connected to the sleeve  104  in mutually diametrically opposed relation, such as for example by being connected to respective feet  112   a ,  112   b  and being riveted or bolted thereto. 
     The sleeve  104  may be sized to precisely fit engirdly onto a predetermined jet nozzle  12 , or may be adjustable, as for example so as to fit over a flange  16  (if present). For example, one foot  112   a  serves as a break-point  114  in the sleeve  104 , which break-point is closed when fasteners  116  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) are fastened thereto. When fastened, the bolts rivets, etc. cause the sleeve  104  to tighten onto the jet nozzle outer sidewall  14 . Generally, if the sleeve  104  is tight onto the outer sidewall  14  and a flange  16  is present, nothing more need be done to attach the rudder assembly  100  to the jet nozzle  12 . However, of course, a flange  16  need not be present. In the absence of a flange (including the case of a flared end jet nozzle), it is preferred for at least two opposingly arranged fasteners  118  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) secured through the sidewall of the jet nozzle  12  and through the sleeve  114  to thereby assuredly secure the sleeve onto the jet nozzle (see FIG.  4 ). 
     It is to be understood that the sleeve shape matches the cross-sectional shape of the outer sidewall  16 , as for example being circular, elliptical or rectangular. Also, it is to be understood that the rudder may be attached to the jet nozzle  12  in any mechanical manner. For example, the rudder may be welded or adhesively secured to the jet nozzle in a permanent fashion, with or without utilization of the sleeve. An example of permanent attachment without the sleeve is shown at FIG. 3A, wherein welds  120  permanently connect the legs  108   a ′,  108   b ′ of a rudder  102 ′ directly onto the jet nozzle  14  (shown without a flange). 
     Turning attention now to FIGS. 6 through 10, a second form of the rudder assembly  200  is shown, wherein a rudder  202  is connected in generally concentric relation to a sleeve  204 . As in the first form of the rudder assembly  100 , the sleeve  204  is connected onto the jet nozzle  12  such that the rudder  202  is located directly behind the nozzle end  18  and in the water jet which exits the jet nozzle. However, now accommodation is made for the deployment of a thrust plate  28 . 
     The rudder  202  is constituted as generally discussed hereinabove, but an upper notch  210  is provided at the forward end  206 . The upper notch  210  provides clearance for a thrust plate  28  when at its deployed position (see FIG.  9 ). The rudder  202  is connected at its forward end  206  to the sleeve  204  via any mechanical modality, a preferred modality being a lower leg  208 . The lower leg  208  is connected to the sleeve  204 , such as for example by being connected to a foot  212  and being riveted or bolted thereto. 
     In order to add stability to the rudder  202 , it is preferred to connect a stiffening brace  220  to the lower leg  208 , and further to provide a second foot  212   a  opposite the aforesaid foot  212 , wherein the stiffening brace is connected to the second foot via fasteners  216 . 
     The sleeve  204  may be sized to precisely fit onto a predetermined jet nozzle  12 , or may be adjustable, as for example so as to fit over a flange (if present). For example as recounted hereinabove with respect to the first form of rudder assembly  100 , one foot  212   a  serves as a break-point  214  in the sleeve  204 , which break-point is closed when fasteners  216  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) are fastened thereto. When fastened, the bolts rivets, etc. cause the sleeve  204  to tighten onto the jet nozzle outer sidewall  14 . 
     Generally, if the sleeve  204  is tight onto the outer sidewall  14  and a flange  16  is present, nothing more need be done to attach the rudder assembly  200  to the jet nozzle  12 . However, as mentioned previously a flange need not be present. In the absence of a flange (including the case of a flared end jet nozzle, shown at FIG.  9 ), it is preferred for at least two opposingly arranged fasteners  218  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) secured through the sidewall of the jet nozzle  12  and through the sleeve  214  to thereby assuredly secure the sleeve onto the jet nozzle (see FIGS.  8  and  10 ). Other connection modalities of the rudder to the jet nozzle may be used, as for example welding or an adhesive with or without the sleeve (an example of a permanent attachment without the sleeve being to connect the lower leg and the stiffening brace directly to the jet nozzle). 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a variation of the second form of rudder assembly  200 , wherein the stiffening brace  220 ′ is modified to be connected by a fastener  218  directly to the jet nozzle at the flared overhang  18 a of the flared end  18 . The second foot  212   a  may be retained or obviated (the break-point then being located at the foot  212 ). 
     Turning attention now to FIGS. 11 through 13, a third form of the rudder assembly  300  is shown, wherein a rudder  302  is connected to a sleeve  304 . As in the first form of the rudder assembly  100 , the sleeve  304  is connected onto the jet nozzle  12 , wherein now the rudder  302  is located directly beneath the nozzle end  18  and beneath the water jet, even so far, optionally, as to be beneath the keel. This configuration may be used for any water jet propelled watercraft, including water jet propelled watercraft having a thrust plate mechanism. 
     The rudder  302  is constituted as generally discussed hereinabove; however, now the upper edge  302   a  of the rudder at its forward end  306  is connected to the sleeve  304 . This connection may be accomplished by any mechanical modality. For example, a foot  312  formed of the sleeve may be riveted to the upper edge  302   a  utilizing rivets  316  and stiffening plates  322  on either side. 
     In order to add stability to the rudder  302 , it is preferred to connect a stiffening brace  320  to the upper edge  302   a  via, for example the stiffening plates  322  (see FIG.  12 ). Where there is no flared overhang, the stiffening brace  320  is connected to a second foot  312   a  opposite the aforesaid foot  312 , wherein the stiffening brace is connected to the second foot via fasteners as described hereinabove with respect to the second form of the rudder assembly  200 . However, where there is a flared overhang  18   a , the stiffening brace  320  is connected thereto via a fastener  318 . 
     The sleeve  304  may be sized to precisely fit onto a predetermined jet nozzle  12 , or may be adjustable, as for example so as to fit over a flange (if present). For example as recounted hereinabove with respect to the first form of rudder assembly  100 , one foot, as for example the second foot  312   a , serves as a break-point  314  in the sleeve  304 , which break-point is closed when fasteners  316  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) are fastened thereto. When fastened, the bolts rivets, etc. cause the sleeve  304  to tighten onto the jet nozzle outer sidewall  14 . 
     Generally, if the sleeve  304  is tight onto the outer sidewall  14  and a flange  16  is present, nothing more need be done to attach the rudder assembly  300  to the jet nozzle  12 . However as mentioned previously, a flange need not be present. In the absence of a flange (including the case of a flared end jet nozzle, shown at FIG.  11 ), it is preferred for at least two opposingly arranged fasteners  318  (ie., bolts, rivets, etc.) secured through the sidewall of the jet nozzle  12  and through the sleeve  314  to thereby assuredly secure the sleeve onto the jet nozzle. Other connection modalities of the rudder to the jet nozzle may be used, as for example welding or an adhesive with or without the sleeve (an example of a permanent attachment without the sleeve being to connect the upper edge directly to the jet nozzle). 
     FIG. 13 depicts a variation of the third form of rudder assembly  300 , wherein the stiffening brace is not provided. 
     In operation of the rudder assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 , an operator of a water jet propelled watercraft operates the vessel in a generally conventional manner when under power. In those occasions when the vessel is moving through the water but the water jet is weak or nonexistent, by pivoting the jet nozzle, the rudder serves to cause water diversion sufficient to provide steering of the water jet propelled watercraft. This steering can save the operator from the calamity of a collision, in that steering is possible even though there is no water jet exiting the jet nozzle. Accordingly, the present invention is a major improvement in water jet propelled watercraft safety. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is installable as an aftermarket device, or as an original equipment manufacturer device, applicable to any type of water jet propelled watercraft, having or not having a thrust plate mechanism. 
     To those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject to change or modification. Such change or modification can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.