EP0558153A1

EP0558153A1 - A vessel provided with a rudder blade

Info

Publication number: EP0558153A1
Application number: EP93200551A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albert Jan De Jonge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-02-28
Filing date: 1993-02-26
Publication date: 1993-09-01
Also published as: NL9200365A

Abstract

The invention relates to a vessel provided with a rudder blade, which is coupled to the vessel by using an upwardly extending rudder shaft and an upwardly extending pivot pin. Means are provided, by which the rudder blade can be locked against pivoting about said pivot pin, all this in such a manner, that when in a first operating position the rudder blade is only pivotable about the rudder shaft, the rudder blade will perform a normal steering function, and that when in a second operating position the rudder blade is pivotable about said rudder shaft and said pivot pin, the rudder blade will exert a propelling force on the vessel upon being pivoted about said shaft and said pin. The position of the rudder blade is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vessel thereby.

Description

The invention relates to a vessel provided with a rudder blade, which is coupled to the vessel by using an upwardly extending rudder shaft and an upwardly extending pivot pin, whilst means are provided, by which the rudder blade can be locked against pivoting about said pivot pin, all this in such a manner, that when in a first operating position the rudder blade is only pivotable about the rudder shaft, the rudder blade will perform a normal steering function, and that when in a second operating position the rudder blade is pivotable about said rudder shaft and said pivot pin, the rudder blade will exert a propelling force on the vessel upon being pivoted about said shaft and said pin.
A similar construction is for example known from US Patent No. 1,444,847. With this known construction the rudder blade can only be disposed in one predetermined position with respect to the other part of the vessel, both when being used for normal steering and when being used for propulsion.
According to the invention the position of the rudder blade is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.
This adjusting possibility enables an optimum adjustment of the blade with respect to the other part of the vessel, in particular when the rudder blade is used as a propelling means.
The invention will be explained in more detail hereafter with reference to a few possible embodiments of the construction according to the invention diagrammatically illustrated in the accompanying Figures.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a view corresponding with Figure 1, wherein the rudder blade is connected to the vessel in a different position.
Figure 3 shows a detail of a slightly modified embodiment of the construction of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a plan view of a part of Figure 3.
Figure 5 diagrammatically shows a second embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 6 diagrammatically shows a third embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 7 is a plan view of parts of the construction shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a view corresponding with Figure 7 of a variant of an embodiment.
Figure 9 shows part of a slightly modified embodiment of the construction shown in Figure 6.
Figure 10 diagrammatically shows a fourth embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 12 diagrammatically shows a sixth embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 13 shows part of a slightly modified embodiment of the construction shown in Figure 12.
Figure 14 diagrammatically shows a seventh embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 15 shows a variant of the construction shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 diagrammatically shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 17 shows a slightly modified embodiment of the construction shown in Figure 16.
Figure 18 diagrammatically shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figures 19 - 21 show variants of the construction shown in Figure 18.
Figure 22 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 24 shows part of the construction of Figure 23, wherein the rudder blade occupies another position.
Figure 25 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 26 shows the construction of Figure 25, with the rudder blade in a different position.
Figure 27 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 28 shows the construction of Figure 27, with the rudder blade in a different position.
Figure 29 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 30 shows a variant of the construction shown in Figure 29.
Figure 31 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 32 shows a variant of the construction shown in Figure 31.
Figure 33 shows a simplified version of the construction shown in Figure 32.
Figure 34 shows another embodiment of the construction according to the invention.
Figure 1 diagrammatically shows the rear part of a vessel 1, to which two vertically extending pivot pins 2 and 3, being in line, are fastened. Arms 4 and 5 respectively are pivotable about said pivot pins 2 and 3. A bush 6 is secured to the arms 4 and 5. As appears from Figure 1, the central axis of the bush 6 includes an acute angle with the pivot axis formed by the central axes of the pins 2 and 3. A connecting piece 7 is secured to the upper end of the bush 6. The end of a tiller 9 is coupled to said connecting piece by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 8.
A shaft 10 is journalled in the bush 6, being rotatable about its longitudinal axis but incapable of sliding movement. A rudder blade 11 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 10.
A coupling member 12 is secured to the end of the shaft 10 projecting from the connecting piece 7. An arm 14 is pivotally coupled to said coupling member by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 13.
In the position shown in Figure 1 the end of the arm 14 remote from the pin 13 is received in a hole provided in a plate 15 secured to the connecting piece 7, so that the shaft 10 is secured against rotation within the bush 6 by means of the arm 14 and the plate 15. A tension cord 16, which may be elastic, is furthermore secured to the free end of the arm 14, which tension cord can be secured in a clamp 17 known per se, which is mounted on the tiller 9.
When the shaft 10 is secured against rotation relatively to the bush 6 the rudder blade 11 can be pivoted, by means of the tiller 9, about the pivot axis formed by the central axes of the pins 2 and 3, and the rudder blade 11 will function as a normal rudder.
By pivoting of the arm 14 through 10° in the direction according to arrow A the locking engagement between the shaft 10 and the bush 6 has been released, so that the shaft 10 is rotatable relatively to the bush 6.
When the tiller is then moved to and fro, the rudder blade 11 will pivot not only about the pivot axis formed by the pivot pins 2 and 3, but also about the blade axis formed by the central axis of the shaft 10. The rudder blade 11 will then reciprocate about the pivot pins 2 and 3 as well as about the central axis of the shaft 10.
A force is exerted on the blade hereby, which can be resolved into a force acting transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vessel and a force acting in the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The transverse force occurring upon movement of the rudder blade 11 in one direction is compensated by an opposite transverse force upon movement of the blade in an opposite direction. The force acting in the longitudinal direction of the vessel will exert a propelling force on the vessel.
The movement of the rudder or thrust blade 11 can be influenced by increasing or reducing the tension of the tension cord 16.
In the illustrated embodiment a plate 18, which extends transversely to the tiller 9, is furthermore mounted on the tiller, in which plate several holes are provided in a row extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tiller, for guiding the cord 16. Thus the movement of the rudder blade 11 can also be influenced by selectively guiding said cord through one of these holes.
As indicated by central axes 19 and 20 in Figure 1, holes are provided in the ends of the arms 4 and 5 extending perpendicularly to the central axis of the bush 6, which arms are located at the side of the bush 6 remote from the pivot pins 2 and 3, seen in Figure 1, in such a manner that the rudder blade 11 can be attached to the rear end of the vessel 1 in the manner illustrated in Figure 3. The tiller 9 may also be coupled to the connecting piece 7 in a position turned through 180°, as will be apparent from the Figures. In the position shown in Figure 2 the shaft 10 with the rudder blade 11 is secured against rotation with respect to the bush 6 again, whilst the arm 14 can be pivoted clockwise through 180° from the position shown in Figure 2, in order to release this locking engagement. When the locking engagement has been released the rudder blade 11 can act as a thrust blade again upon reciprocating of the tiller, as described above.
The mode of attachment of the rudder blade shown in Figure 1 will generally be used when there is not much wind, whilst the mode of attachment according to Figure 2 will generally be preferred with stronger winds.
Figures 3 and 4 diagrammatically illustrate an embodiment wherein a connecting means 7' secured to the upper end of the bush 6 is pivotable about the bush 6 and is capable of being locked in any desired position by means of a clamp 20. A plate 21, which is curved in the shape of a sector, is secured to said connecting means, a number of notches 22 being provided in said plate 21, in one of which the end of the arm 14 may selectively be located so as to lock the shaft 10 with respect to the connecting means 7'. This makes it possible to accomplish a desired setting of the tiller 9 with respect to the rudder blade 11, which is different from the normal setting, in which the rudder blade and the tiller are in line, when seen in plan view.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 an upwardly extending rudder pin 23 is secured to the rear end of the vessel. A bush 24 is pivotable about the pin 23. A blade 25 is secured to the bush 24. A U-shaped bracket 26 is secured to the side of the blade remote from the bush 24, in which bracket an upwardly sloping shaft 27 is journalled, being pivotable about its central axis but incapable of sliding movement in its longitudinal direction. As will be apparent from Figure 5, the central axis of the shaft 27, which slopes upwards in the direction of the central axis of the pin 23, includes an acute angle with the central axis of the pin 23.
The end of an arm 29 is pivotally coupled to the upper side of the shaft 27 by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 28. In the position illustrated in Figure 5 the end of the arm 29 is disposed in a bracket 30 mounted on the upper end of the blade 25, so that in this position the shaft 27 is secured against rotation about its central axis. Also here a tension cord 31, similar to the tension cord 16, is fastened to the end of the arm 29. Furthermore a tiller 33 is coupled to the upper end of the blade 25 by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 32.
A further rudder blade 34 is secured to the end of the shaft 27 projecting under the blade 25.
A bush 35 extending parallel to the shaft 27 is furthermore provided between the legs of the U-shaped bracket 26.
In the position shown in Figure 5 both blades 25 and 34 can normally be pivoted about the pin 23 with the tiller for steering the vessel.
When the lever 29 is pivoted upwards through ± 10° from the position shown in Figure 5, the rudder blade 34 can pivot not only about pin 23, but also about the central axis of the shaft 27, whereby the extent of pivoting upon reciprocating of the tiller 33 can be influenced by the tension that is developed in the tension cord 31. It will be apparent, that in that case a propelling effect can be accomplished in a similar manner as described above with reference to the first embodiment.
Besides the position shown in Figure 5, which is particularly suited for sailing in good weather conditions, the combination shown in Figure 5 can also be attached to the rear end of the vessel by sliding the bush 35 over the pin 23. For this purpose the tiller 33 can be pivoted through an angle of ± 180° about the pin 32 from the position shown in Figure 5.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment likewise comprising two co-axial pivot pins 2 and 3 secured to the rear end of the vessel, by means of which a bracket 36 is pivotally coupled to the vessel. A bush 37 is secured to the bracket 36, the central axis of said bush sloping upwards to the front relatively to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. A shaft 38 is journalled in the bush 37, being rotatable about its central axis but incapable of sliding movement in longitudinal direction. A rudder blade 39 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 38.
The bracket 36 can be secured against rotation about the pins 2 and 3 by a locking member 40, which is secured to the rear end of the vessel, which locking member is coupled to the rear end of the vessel, being pivotally journalled about a horizontal pin 41. The outer circumference of said locking member has notches 40' provided therein, in which notches part of the bracket 36 will be received when the locking member 40 is in an approximately horizontal position, as shown in Figure 7, so that the bracket 36 is secured against rotation then. From this position the locking member 40 can be pivoted upwards and be secured by means of a cord 42, as is illustrated in Figure 6.
An arm 44, which extends from the shaft 38 to the front, is secured to the upper end of the shaft 38. A tiller 46 is coupled to the front end of the arm 44 by means of a pivot pin 45.
Furthermore an arm 48 similar to the arm 14 is coupled to the upper end of the shaft 38 by means of a pivot pin 47. In the position of the arm 48 illustrated in Figure 6 the shaft 38 is secured against rotation about its central axis, whilst upon anti-clockwise pivoting of the arm 48 about the pin 47 the arm 48 can be moved to a position again, as set forth above, in which the shaft 38 is freely rotatable in the bush 37.
When the bracket 36 is secured against rotation the rudder blade 39 can be pivoted about the central axis of the shaft 38 by means of the tiller 46.
When the bracket 36 has been released for rotation and the tiller 46 has been connected to the bush 37 by means of the locking piece 50, the rudder blade can be pivoted about the axis of rotation formed by the pins 2 and 3.
Alternatively a forwardly projecting arm 49 may be secured to the upper end of the bush 37, a locking piece 50 having a projecting pin 51 being movable along said arm. Said locking piece 50 can be moved toward the right from the position shown in Figure 6, in which the locking piece secures the bush 37 with the bracket 36 against rotation about the pins 2 and 3, to a position in which the locking pin 51 is located in a hole which is formed in an ear 52 fastened to the arm 44, so that the arm 44 and with it the tiller 46 are fixedly connected to the bush 37 then.
When the bracket 36 has been released for pivoting about the pins 2 and 3 hereby, by moving the locking piece 50 to the right, when seen in Figure 6, the rudder blade will pivot about the pins 2 and 3 as well as about the central axis of the shaft 38 upon the reciprocating movement of the tiller 46, when also the arm 48 is pivoted upwards, as a result of which a propelling effect is accomplished again, in a similar manner as described above.
For securing the bracket 36 also other means may be used. Thus Figure 8 shows a construction wherein a coupling rod 54 may be provided between the bracket 36 and a plurality of coupling points 53 provided on the rear end of the vessel.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment wherein projecting ears 55 and 56 respectively are secured to the upper end of the bush and to the rear end of the arm 44. Holes are provided in said ears 55 and 56, through which a locking pin 57 can be passed.
Figure 10 shows an embodiment with a supporting bracket 60, which is attached by means of the pins 2 and 3 secured to the rear end of the vessel. A tiller 63, which is adjustable about a horizontal pin 62, is coupled to the supporting bracket 60 by means of an arm 61 secured to the upper end of the supporting bracket.
Near the upper end of the supporting bracket 60 a bush 65 is furthermore pivotally coupled to said supporting bracket by means of a horizontal pivot pin 64. A shaft 66 is accommodated in the bush 65, being rotatable but incapable of longitudinal movement. A rudder blade 67 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 66. Also here an arm 68 corresponding with the above-described arm 14 is coupled to the upper end of the shaft 66. It will be apparent, that in the illustrated position of the arm 68 the shaft 66 is secured against rotation within the bush 65, whilst from this position the lever 68 can be pivoted again, to a position in which the shaft 66 is freely rotatable in the bush 65.
As already said before, the upper end of the bush 65 is pivotally coupled to the supporting bracket 60 by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 64. Furthermore a rod 69 extending parallel to the bush 65 is coupled to the bush 65, said rod being movable in its longitudinal direction against the spring force of a spring 70. A cam 71 is provided at the bottom end of the rod 69, said cam being intended for co-operation with a number of locking recesses provided in the supporting bracket 60, all this in such a manner, that the bush 65 with the rudder blade 67 secured thereto is pivotable in the direction according to arrow A, between the position of the rudder blade fully shown in Figure 10 and the position 67' of the rudder blade only partially shown, capable of being locked in these extreme positions or in any one of a number of intermediate positions.
Also here the rudder blade may only be pivotable about the pins 2 and 3 or about the pins 2 and 3 and the central axis of the shaft 66, as desired, so as to accomplish a propelling effect, whilst at the same time the blade can be selectively moved to any one of a number of positions by pivoting about the horizontal pivot pin 64.
Figure 11 shows an embodiment comprising a suspension rod 72, which is pivotable about the pins 2 and 3. A horizontally extending rod 73 is provided on the upper end of said suspension rod 72, which rod 73 is movable in its longitudinal direction and which can be locked in a desired position relatively to the rod 72 with the aid of a clamping means 74. A tiller 75 is coupled to the free end of the rod 73 by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 76.
A bush 77 is movable along the suspension rod 72. The bush 77 can be locked at a desired level with respect to the rod 72 by passing a pin (not shown) through holes provided in said bush and in said rod 72.
A rearwardly extending arm 78 is secured to the bush 77. A bush 80 is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the arm 78 by means of a horizontally extending pin 79. The bush 80 accommodates a shaft 81, to whose bottom end a rudder blade 82 is secured. The upper end of the shaft 81 is mounted in a bush 83, being pivotable but incapable of sliding movement, said bush being secured to the end of the rod 73 by means of a pin 84 extending parallel to the pin 79. Also here an arm 85 corresponding with the arm 14 is pivotally mounted on the end projecting from the bush 83.
It will be apparent that in the illustrated position of the arm 85 the shaft 81 is secured against rotation about its longitudinal axis and the blade 82 can be pivoted about the pins 2 and 3 by means of the tiller 75 so as to perform a steering function. Upon pivoting of the arm 85 from the illustrated position the rudder blade 82 will also be freely rotatable about the central axis of the shaft 81, so that also here, in a similar manner as described above, a propelling effect can be accomplished by means of the rudder blade 82.
Also in this embodiment the position of the rudder blade 82 can be changed by adjusting the bush 77 in vertical direction with respect to the carrying rod 72, the rod 73 being moved as well, so that the blade can be adjusted again, as indicated by the arrow B in Figure 11.
Figure 12 shows an embodiment wherein a rearwardly extending frame 87 is secured to a bracket 86, which is rotatable about the pins 2 and 3. A vertically upright bush 88 can reciprocate in the direction according to arrow C within said frame, which bush can be locked in a desired position with the aid of a clamping means 89'.
A shaft 89 is journalled in the bush 88, being rotatable about its central axis but incapable of sliding movement. A rudder blade 90 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 89.
A forwardly extending arm 91 is secured to the end of the bush 88 projecting from the frame 87. A tiller 93 is coupled to the front end of the arm 91 by means of a pivot pin 92. An arm 92 corresponding with the arm 14 is coupled to the end projecting from the shaft 89. It will be apparent that in the illustrated position the shaft 89 is secured against rotation relatively to the bush 88 by means of said arm 92. In this position it will be possible to pivot the rudder blade 90 about the pins 2 and 3 by means of the tiller 93, so as to perform a usual steering function. Upon pivoting of the arm 92 from the illustrated position the rudder blade 90 can pivot about the pins 2 and 3 as well as about the central axis of the shaft 89 when the rudder is moved to and fro, so that a propelling function is effected again in that case. In addition, by moving the bush 88 it will be possible to change the position of the rudder blade with respect to the rear end of the vessel 1.
Figure 13 shows a variation on the embodiment according to Figure 12. In this embodiment a horizontally extending guide 95 for the reciprocatingly movable bush 88 is mounted on the bracket 86, near the bottom side thereof. A horizontally extending arm 96 is secured to the upper end of the bush 88, said arm being movable in a bush 97 secured to the upper end of the bracket 86, capable of being locked in a desired position therein with the aid of a clamping means 98. The end of the tiller may be secured to the front end of the arm 96.
Figure 14 shows an embodiment wherein a carrying bracket 101 is coupled to the rear end of the vessel by means of a vertically upright pivot pin 100. A vertically extending rod 102 is secured to the carrying bracket 101, to which the end of a tiller 104 is coupled by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 103.
A shaft 105, which slopes upwards to the front, is journalled in the carrying bracket 101, being rotatable but incapable of sliding movement. A U-shaped bracket 106 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 105, to which the upper end of a rudder blade 108 is secured by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 107.
A locking device 109 is furthermore connected to the shaft 105, by means of which the shaft 105 can be secured against rotation about its central axis with respect to the carrying bracket 101.
A cord 110 is passed through the hollow shaft 105, said cord with one end being attached to the rudder blade 108. The other end is located near the rear end of the tiller 104.
One end of an elastic cord 111 is connected to the other side of the upper end of the rudder blade 108, whilst the other end of said cord is connected to the bracket 106, all this in such a manner that said cord attempts to pivot the rudder blade 108 about the pin 107 in the direction according to arrow D. This rotation can be blocked by securing the end of the adjusting cord 110 located near the tiller 104.
A tension cord 112 is furthermore provided between the carrying bracket 101 and the tiller 104.
It will be apparent that when the shaft 105 is fixed to the carrying bracket 101 by means of the locking device 109, the rudder blade 108 can be pivoted about the pin 100 by means of the tiller 104, so as to perform a normal steering function. When the locking engagement between the carrying bracket 101 and the shaft 105 is released, the rudder blade will pivot about the pin 100 as well as about the central axis of the shaft 105 upon reciprocation of the tiller, so that a propelling effect is accomplished again. The pivoting of the rudder blade 108 can thereby be influenced again by increasing or reducing the tension of the cord 112.
When the blade 108 is pivoted more to the front from the illustrated position, in the direction according to arrow D, the rudder blade can be positioned such that a rearward propelling force is exerted on the vessel. When the rudder blade 108 is pivoted more in a direction opposite arrow D about the pin 107, a stronger forward propelling force will be exerted on the vessel.
Figure 15 shows an embodiment slightly similar to Figure 14, and accordingly corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals as in the preceding Figures. In this embodiment an arm 113 is secured to the upper end of the shaft 105, which arm can be locked in position by means of a locking member 114, so as to prevent pivoting of the shaft 105 with respect to the carrying bracket 101. The adjusting cord 110, by means of which the rudder blade 108 can be pivoted about the pin 107, may be secured to the arm 113 hereby. The tension cord 112 is provided between the arm 113 and the tiller 104.
Instead of the cords 110 and 112 a single cord may be used.
Figure 16 shows an embodiment comprising a blade 117, which is pivotable about a vertically upright pin 116 by means of a tiller 115. A hinged rudder is provided near the bottom side of said blade 117 by means of a horizontally extending pivot pin 118, the lower part of said rudder being pivotable about a pivot pin 120 with respect to the upper part. Means are provided for securing the two parts of the hinged rudder against pivoting about the pivot pin, so that the two blades 117 and 118 can then be jointly pivoted about the vertically upright pin 116 for normal steering operation. When the locking engagement about the pin 120 is released a propelling effect can be obtained again when the tiller 115 is moved to and fro, whereby the pivoting of the lower part about the pivot pin 120 can be influenced, in a similar manner as described above, by the action thereon of a tension cord which is to be tensioned.
For use in for example regattas the blade 119 may be readily exchanged for a normal hinged blade.
In the embodiment according to Figure 17 the two-piece blade 119 is directly provided on a carrying bracket 121, which is pivotable about a vertical axis with respect to the vessel. The rear end of the tiller 115 is coupled to the upper end of the rudder blade 119 by means of a horizontal pivot pin 122, and supported for sliding movement in longitudinal direction by the supporting member 121.
Figure 18 shows an embodiment largely corresponding with Figure 16, wherein the lower part 125 of the rudder blade 119 is pivotable with respect to the upper part 127 of said rudder blade, about a pivot pin 126 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rudder blade, said lower part 125 being adjustable in two positions turned through 180° relatively to each other. Furthermore the rudder blade 119 is capable of clockwise pivoting movement about the pin 118, seen in Figure 18, against the action of an elastic cord 128 connected to the rudder blade, by means of a cord 129, which is attached to a grip 130 which is movable along the tiller 115, which grip may or may not be provided with a pawl providing self-locking engagement for the grip 130.
In the propelling mode a forward propelling force will be exerted in the position of the blade shown in Figure 18, whilst a rearward propelling force will be exerted when the blade is turned through 180° with respect to the position shown in the Figure.
Figures 19 - 21 show variations to this embodiment.
Thus Figure 19 shows a variation, in which the pivot pin 126 is arranged near one side of the blade part 125.
Figure 20 shows an embodiment comprising a slightly modified blade configuration, wherein however the lower part 125 of the blade cannot be turned through 180° relatively to the upper part.
Figure 21 shows a further variation, wherein likewise the blade part 125 cannot be turned through an angle of 180° relatively to the blade part 127.
Figure 22 shows an embodiment, wherein a vertically upright rudder shaft 131 is pivotable in a usual manner by means of a tiller 131', which is secured to the upper end of said shaft.
A rearwardly extending arm 132 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 131, to which arm a rudder blade 133 is coupled, so that said rudder blade is pivotable about a vertically upright pivot axis relatively to the arm 132. The rudder blade 133 can be secured against pivoting relatively to the arm 132 by means not shown, so as to be able to perform a normal steering function. The locking engagement between the arm 132 and the blade 133 can be released so as to perform a propelling function. The pivoting movement of the rudder blade 133 can thereby be influenced by means of an elastic tension cord 134, which is attached to the rudder blade 133 with one end, passed through the hollow shaft 131 and which is within reach near the tiller 131' for being tensioned in a similar manner as described above.
Furthermore the rudder blade 133 may be connected to the arm 132 near its upper end, in such a manner that the rudder blade is also pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing with respect to the arm 132, adjustable in several positions.
Possibly the construction may be designed such that the axis of rotation about which the blade 133 is pivotable with respect to the arm 132 is located off centre, whereby the blade may be utilized in two positions turned through 180° relatively to each other, whereby the blade can be secured against rotation with respect to the arm 132 in each of said two positions, so as to perform a normal steering function.
In some cases it may also be desirable to position the shaft 131 and/or the axis about which the blade 133 is pivotable with respect to the arm 132 in such a manner that they slope upwards.
Furthermore means may be provided to connect the rudder blade to the vessel in a vertically adjustable manner.
A further possibility is to provide a hinged connection between the mechanism supporting the rudder and the rudder shaft 131 and the vessel.
Although all the above-described embodiments relate to a rudder attached to the rear end of the vessel, it will be apparent that the rudder shaft may also be passed through the hull of the vessel. Thus Figure 23 shows the rear part of a vessel, which has a rudder shaft 135 passed through its hull in a usual manner. A tiller 136 is coupled to the upper end of the rudder shaft. A bracket 137 is secured to the bottom end of the shaft 135, to which bracket a shaft 138 is secured, which slopes down to the rear from the bracket 137. The shaft 138 is slidably accommodated in a bush 140 provided in a rudder blade 139, as diagrammatically indicated in Figure 23. A compression spring 141 is provided between the bottom end of the shaft 138 and the bottom of the bush 140.
With normal use of the rudder blade 139 as a rudder the rudder blade 139 will occupy the position shown in Figure 23, in which the rudder blade is secured against rotation about the shaft 138 by means of a pin 142 secured to the bracket 137 (Figure 24), which, in the position of the rudder blade 139 shown in Figure 23, will be located in a corresponding recess in the upper end of the rudder blade. The rudder blade 139 is maintained in this position (Figure 23) by means of a tension cord 143, which is connected to the rudder blade with its bottom end and which is passed through the hollow shaft 135.
When the tension cord is released the rudder blade will be pressed downwards by the action of the spring 141, as indicated by the arrow E in Figure 23, so that the locking pin 142 will be disengaged from the rudder blade 139 and said rudder blade 139 can pivot about the shaft 138, so that, when the tiller is moved to and fro, a propelling effect can be accomplished by means of the rudder blade 139 in a similar manner as described above. Means may be provided thereby, in a similar manner as described above, which make it possible to influence the pivoting of the rudder blade 139 upon reciprocation of the tiller.
Figures 25 and 26 show an embodiment, wherein a first blade 145 is coupled to the rear end of the vessel by means of a vertical pin 146. one end of a tiller 148 is coupled to the upper side of the blade 145 by means of a horizontal pivot pin 147. An upwardly sloping pivot pin 149 is provided on the rear side of the blade 145, by means of which pin a second blade 150 is pivotally coupled to the rear edge of the blade 145.
As will be apparent from Figures 25 and 26 the blade 150 can be moved to a first position, in which the blade 150 is at least substantially an extension of the blade 145 and in which the blade 150 is locked in position with respect to the blade 145 by means of a lock 151. In this position the blades will be locked in position relatively to each other so as to perform a normal steering function.
In order to perform a propelling function the locking engagement between the two blades 145 and 150 can be released and the blade 150 can be pivoted through 180°, from the position illustrated in Figure 25 to the position shown in Figure 26, in which the blade 150 is located behind the blade 145 and is freely rotatable about the pin 149. Also here an adjustable tension cord 152, whose function will be apparent from the above, may be provided in order to influence the pivoting movement of the blade 150 between the upper end of the blade 150 and the tiller. In the position shown in Figure 25 this tension cord may be secured by means of a clamp 153 mounted on the blade 145.
Figures 27 and 28 show an embodiment largely corresponding with the embodiment of Figures 25 and 26, and accordingly corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the various Figures.
In this embodiment the pin 149 can be moved downwards from the position shown in Figure 27 against the pre-tension of a spring 154 surrounding the pin. By said downward movement of the blade 150 a locking pin 155 secured to the upper end of the blade 150 can be moved out of a corresponding recess in the bottom end of the blade 145. It will be apparent that in this manner the pin 155 secures the blade 150 in the position shown in Figure 27 against rotation relatively to the blade 145. In the position shown in Figure 28 the blade 150 can freely pivot again so as to produce a propelling effect.
Figure 29 shows an embodiment in which a rudder blade 160 is coupled to a support 162 by means of an upwardly sloping shaft 161, said support in turn being pivotally coupled to rear end of the vessel 1 by means of a vertically upright shaft 163. A tiller 164 is coupled to the support 162.
In the position shown in Figure 29 a lever 165 provided on the blade 160 and being pivotable about a horizontal axis secures the blade 160 against pivoting about the shaft 161, because the lever engages the lower end of the shaft 163.
When the lever 165 is pivoted anti-clockwise, seen in Figure 29, the locking of the blade 160 against rotation about the shaft 161 is released. A tension cord 166 provided between the upper end of the blade and the shaft 163 will thereby influence the pivoting movements of the blade 160 about the shaft 161 when the tiller 164 is moved to and fro. In this position shown in Figure 29 the blade, which is now pivotable about the shaft 163 as well as about the shaft 161, will exert a rearward propelling force on the vessel.
The blade can be pivoted through 180° from the position shown in Figure 29 as well, whereby a tension cord may be provided between an arm 167 extending to the rear in Figure 29, which is secured to the blade, and the vessel. In this position the blade will exert a forward propelling force on the vessel when the tiller is moved to and fro.
Figure 30 shows an embodiment largely corresponding with the embodiment according to Figure 29, and accordingly corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the various Figures.
In this embodiment the blade 160 is depicted in a position in which the blade is freely rotatable about the shaft 161, whilst the pivoting movement of the blade about the shaft 161 can be influenced by a tension cord 168, which is provided between the blade and an arm 169 secured to the tiller, which extends rearwards from the tiller.
The blade can be pivoted through 180° about the shaft 161 from the position shown in Figure 30, in which the blade 160 will exert a forward propelling force on the vessel 1 when the tiller 164 is pivoted to and fro. In this position the blade can be moved downwards against the spring action of a spring 170 surrounding the shaft, in order to enable insertion of the bottom end of the shaft 163 into a bracket 171 secured to the blade 160, in order to make it possible to lock the blade 160 against rotation about the shaft 161. Then the blade will function as a normal rudder blade again, whereby the blade will be pivoted about the shaft 163 by means of the tiller 164.
The embodiment shown in Figure 31 at least largely corresponds with the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2, and accordingly corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in the Figures.
In this embodiment a rearwardly extending arm 175 is secured to the bottom ends of the bush 6, in which arm a number of holes 176 are provided. The horizontally deflected end 177 of a rearwardly extending arm 178 may be selectively inserted into one of said holes and be secured against displacement by means of a pin 179.
The free end 180 of the arm 178, which is deflected downwards, forms a pivot pin about which an auxiliary propelling blade 181 is pivotable. The pivoting of this auxiliary propelling blade can be influenced by a tension cord 182, which is provided between the upper end of the auxiliary propelling blade 181 and the arm 178.
With normal use of the rudder the auxiliary propelling blade 181 will generally have been moved to the upwardly pivoted position 181' by means of an adjusting cord 183, and be secured in this position. In order to perform a propelling function the auxiliary propelling blade 181 will be moved to the downwardly pivoted position. Also the rudder blade 11 may be selectively used in the above-described manner for performing a propelling function.
As is furthermore illustrated in Figure 31 the pin 180, about which the propelling blade 181 can pivot, is preferably disposed off centre. In the illustrated position of the propelling blade the propelling blade will exert a forward propelling force on the vessel. The propelling blade 181 can be pivoted through 180° from the illustrated position, whereby the propelling blade will exert a rearward force on the vessel when being moved to and fro. Preferably also the blade 11 can be adjusted through 180° so as to exert such a rearward propelling force.
Figure 32 shows an embodiment which is slightly different from Figure 31. In this embodiment the rudder blade 11 is secured to a shaft 10 sloping upwards, to whose upper end the tiller 9 is secured. The auxiliary blade 181 is pivotally connected near one side to the deflected end 180 of the arm 178 forming the axis of rotation for the auxiliary blade. The arm 178 is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the rudder blade 11 with its deflected end 177. In the upwardly pivoted position the arm may be clamped down in a bracket 185 secured to the shaft 10.
The blade 11 may or may not be fixed against rotation relatively to the shaft 10 by means of a coupling member 186 (only diagrammatically shown).
In order to exert a rearward propelling force the propelling blade 181 may also be pivoted through 180° from the position of the propelling blade shown in Figure 32, which position is suitable for exerting a forward propelling force on the vessel. In both cases a tension cord 182 will of course be provided again, for influencing the pivoting movements of the propelling blade 181 about the pin 180.
The arm 178 with the propelling blade 181 might also be effectively used in for example the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 16, 17 and 18.
Figure 33 shows a simplified embodiment of the construction illustrated in Figure 32. Accordingly the various corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in these Figures. The difference between the construction of Figure 32 and the construction of Figure 33 is, that in the embodiment according to Figure 33 the arm 178 is fixedly secured to the rudder blade 11. For the rest the diagrammatically represented embodiment according to Figure 33 corresponds with the embodiment according to Figure 32.
A disadvantage, be it a generally small one, of this construction may be that the propelling blade 181 may offer additional water resistance with normal steering, but one the other hand a considerably simpler, cheaper construction is obtained, which is less sensitive to malfunction.
In the embodiment according to Figure 34 a bush 190 is pivotally coupled to the vessel 1 by means of the pins 2 and 3. A connecting means 192 is secured to the upper end of the bush 190, by means of which a tiller 193 is coupled to said bush 190.
A shaft 194 is journalled in the bush 190, being rotatable but incapable of sliding movement. A lever 195, which is pivotable in the direction according to arrow F, is mounted on the upper end of the shaft 194. In the position shown in this Figure the lever is located in a notch provided in the connecting means 192, so that in this manner the shaft 194 is secured against rotation relatively to the bush 190. When the lever 195 is pivoted upwards the shaft 194 can be pivoted relatively to the bush 190 and be locked in a new position by pivoting the lever 195 downwards again, so that it will be placed in another notch 196 provided in the connecting means 192. Thus the shaft 194 can for example be locked in four positions relatively to the bush 190, said positions being displaced through 90° in relation to each other.
An arm 197 extending perpendicularly to the shaft 194 is secured to the bottom end of said shaft 194. A downwardly extending pin 198 is secured to the free end of the arm 197, a rudder blade 199 being pivotable about said pin. In order to effect a normal steering operation the rudder blade 199 is locked against rotation about the pin 198, by means of a locking pin 200, during normal sailing. The locking pin 200 can be controlled by means of a control cord 201.
When the locking engagement by means of the locking pin 200 is released, the rudder blade 199 may also be pivoted about the pin 198, so that a propelling effect can be accomplished in a similar manner as described above.
The above-described adjustment through 90° makes it possible to influence the direction in which the propelling force produced acts on the vessel 1.
As is furthermore shown in Figure 34 it is possible to influence the movement of the rudder blade 11, by means of a tension cord 202 connected to the rudder blade 199, when a propelling force is being produced.
As a variant to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 27 and 28 the blade 150 may be rotatably provided on the pin 149. In that case an arm projecting rearwards from the blade 145 may be provided on the blade 145 projecting above the blade 150. In the operating position of this variant shown in Figure 28 a tension cord may be provided again between the end of the arm and the blade 150. This variant is of very simple construction, and any damaged parts can be readily exchanged.
In the above-described embodiments the pivoting movement of the rudder blade or propelling blade can generally be influenced by means of the tension cord connected to the respective rudder blade or propelling blade. For this purpose use may be made of a tension cord, which may or may not be made of an elastic material, whose length may or may not be adjustable.
Furthermore means may be provided, whether or not in combination with such a tension cord, for influencing the movement of the rudder blade or propelling blade. Thus it will for example be possible to provide stops, which may or may not be adjustable, said stops limiting the pivoting movement of the rudder blade or propelling blade. It is also possible to have torsion springs or blade springs or the like, for example made of metal or of plastic material, engage the rudder blade or propelling blade, so as to influence the movement while a propelling force is being produced.
Furthermore variations to the embodiments described above and depicted in the Figures, and/or combinations of parts of the various embodiments will be possible.

Claims

A vessel provided with a rudder blade, which is coupled to the vessel by using an upwardly extending rudder shaft and an upwardly extending pivot pin, whilst means are provided, by which the rudder blade can be locked against pivoting about said pivot pin, all this in such a manner, that when in a first operating position the rudder blade is only pivotable about the rudder shaft, the rudder blade will perform a normal steering function, and that when in a second operating position the rudder blade is pivotable about said rudder shaft and said pivot pin, the rudder blade will exert a propelling force on the vessel upon being pivoted about said shaft and said pin, characterized in that the position of the rudder blade is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.
A vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that pre-tension means are provided, by means of which the rudder blade can be given an adjustable resistance against being pivoted about the pivot pin.
A vessel according to claim 2, characterized in that said pre-tension means are comprised of a cord of an elastic material, which is provided between the rudder blade and the tiller, whereby the tiller is pivotally arranged for tensioning said cord.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot pin is accommodated in a support member, which can be attached to the vessel in two different positions by means of the rudder shaft.
A vessel according to claim 4, characterized in that said support member is provided with means for accommodating said rudder shaft in two positions including an angle with each other.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pivot pin is coupled, by means of a horizontal pivot pin, to a support member which is pivotable about said rudder shaft, in such a manner that said rudder blade is pivotable about said horizontally extending pivot pin, being adjustable in several positions.
A vessel according to claim 6, characterized in that said pivot pin is journalled in a bush which is rotatable about the pivot pin, whilst a locking rod is provided, which is capable of sliding movement along said bush, by means of which said bush can be secured against pivoting about the pivot pin with respect to said support member.
A vessel according to claim 6, characterized in that said pivot pin is journalled is a bush which is capable of sliding movement along said pivot pin, said bush being pivotally coupled to a further bush, which is capable of sliding movement along a supporting bracket extending parallel to the rudder shaft, to whose upper end a further bush accommodating the pivot pin is pivotally and slidably coupled.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pivot pin is connected, capable of sliding movement parallel to itself, to a support member which is pivotable about the rudder shaft.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rudder blade is pivotable with respect to the rudder shaft, about a pivot pin intersecting or crossing said rudder shaft at least substantially perpendicularly.
A vessel according to claim 10, characterized in that spring means are provided, which attempt to pivot the rudder blade about the pivot pin in one direction, whilst setting means are provided, by which said rudder blade is pivotable and adjustable against the action of said spring means.
A vessel in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pivot pin is disposed off centre in the blade and that said blade is adjustable through 180° relatively to said pivot pin between two positions, a forward propelling force being exerted in the one position and a rearward propelling force being exerted in the other position.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an auxiliary blade is provided, which is pivotable about a pivot pin and which is capable of vertical hinge movement between and operative and a non-operative position.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operative position of the auxiliary blade is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.
A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rudder blade is movable parallel to the pivot pin, between a position in which the rudder blade is locked against rotation about the pivot pin and a position in which the rudder blade is freely rotatable about the pivot pin.
A vessel provided with a rudder blade, which is coupled to the vessel by using an upwardly extending rudder shaft and an upwardly extending pivot pin, whilst means are provided, by which the rudder blade can be locked against pivoting about said pivot pin, all this in such a manner, that when in a first operating position the rudder blade is only pivotable about the rudder shaft, the rudder blade will perform a normal steering function, and that when in a second operating position the rudder blade is pivotable about said rudder shaft and said pivot pin, the rudder blade will exert a propelling force on the vessel upon being pivoted about said shaft and said pin, characterized in that said rudder blade is connected to adjustable elastic means, by which the pivoting about the pivot pin can be influenced.
A vessel at least substantially as described above and/or depicted in the accompanying Figures.