SE545809C2 - Tiller - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tiller (10) for a boat and in particular a sailboat, which tiller comprises a base section (12) arranged to be attached to a rudder or a rudder stock of a boat, a tiller extension (56) provided with a free end that a person will grip when steering the boat,- an articulated section (16) provided between the base section (12) and the tiller extension (56) and having a generally vertical turning axis (30, 44), in order to angle the tiller extension in relation to the base section, and- a releasable locking mechanism (36, 50; 90, 92, 94) for releasably locking the tiller extension in different angles in relation to the base section.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA The present invention relates to a tiller for in particular sailboats.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Boats with rudders, such as sail boats, are either provided with steering wheels or tillers connected to the rudders for steering the boat. On larger sailboats provided with steering wheels, these are either relatively small and therefore hard to reach if the helmsman wants to be positioned on side of the boat. Alternatively the steering wheels are very large in diameter or two steering wheels are provided on each side of the boat so that the helmsman is able to steer the boat when positioned on the side of the boat. The drawback with large steering wheels is that they tend to block movement in the cockpit because the steering wheel by necessity is positioned transversal to the length of the boat. Two steering wheels requires a relatively complex and expensive arrangement.

For sailboats with tillers, a tiller extension is often used so that the helmsman can leave the tiller and move to the side of the boat for steering. The tiller extensions work generally well in good weather and wave conditions. However, in rough weather with high winds and high waves, the forces on the rudder are strong and they change direction, especially in high waves, and the tiller extensions, with its free joint, gives less control for handling these forces in a safe way, especially on larger boats. The reason for the free joint is to allow for various helmsman positions.

One cause for the design of the tiller extensions is that the tiller extensions are designed to be light and slender to be easy to handle when the helmsman moves from one side of the boat to the other. The drawbacks of the tiller extensions force the helmsman to move down into the cockpit in such weather and wave conditions, whereby the helmsman is in a much worse position regarding viewing of the sails as well as the surroundings such as other boats and rocks in the water.

There is thus room for improvements in this technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The aim of the present application is to provide an improved tiller. The aim is obtained with a tiller having the features according to the independent patent claims.

Preferable embodiments of the tiller form the subject of the dependent patent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, it comprises a tiller for a boat and in particular a sailboat, which tiller may comprise a base section arranged to be attached to a rudder or a rudder stock of a boat, a tiller extension provided with a free end that a person will grip when steering the boat, and an articulated section provided between the base section and the tiller extension that may have a generally vertical turning axis, in order to angle the tiller extension in relation to the base section, and a releasable locking mechanism for releasably locking the tiller extension in different angles in relation to the base section.

With this solution, the tiller may be adjusted such that a helmsman can be placed closer to the side of the boat, providing good views of both the surrounding sea and also the sails, while still having the sturdiness and firm contact with the rudder as a conventional straight tiller, and without the drawbacks of the conventional tiller extensions.

According to a further aspect, two parts may be provided with the turning axis that may be attached to one of the base section and the tiller extension, and one part may be provided with the turning axis and may be positioned between the two parts and attached to the other of the base section and the tiller extension. The articulated section is then provided with a sturdyjoint that is capable of handling forces on the tiller with a good force distribution.

Further, the releasable locking mechanism may comprise a number of form-locking elements provided on the two parts, and may comprise a movable locking element provided on the one part and arranged to releasably engage with the form-locking elements. This provides a secure locking of the articulated section and a good force distribution between the parts. Regarding the locking function, the movable locking element may be provided with spring means for urging the locking element in engagement with the form-locking elements. This enables a locking engagement as long as the locking element is not operated. ln this regard, a release mechanism may further be provided and operably connected to the locking mechanism and provided with a manoeuvring element. Thus, the manoeuvring element will allow release of the locking element and thereby an adjustment of the articulated section. Preferably, the manoeuvring element may be positioned at the free end of the tiller extension for easy access for the helmsman.

As a further feature, the tiller extension may comprise two sections slidable in relation to each other for adjusting the length of the tiller extension. This enables the tiller to be adjusted in several ways depending on where in the boat the helmsman is positioned as well as any change in position of the helmsman. Preferably, the tiller extension further may comprise a locking mechanism for releasably locking the two sections to each other. ln order to further provide a good handling of the tiller when steering, it may further comprise a handle attached to the free end of the tiller extension. ln this regard, the attachment of the handle may provide a releasable locking of the handle in different angular positions in relation to the tiller extension.

These and other aspects of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of the invention and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ln the following detailed description of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, of which Fig.invention, shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tiller according to the Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a variant of the tiller of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows the tiller of Fig. 2 with items removed, Figs. 4-6 show detailed views of an articulated section comprised in the tiller according to the invention, Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a release mechanism of the articulated section according to an embodiment of the invention, Figs. 8-10 show detailed views of another embodiment of a release mechanism, Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of a further embodiment of a release mechanism, and Figs. 12-20 show a further embodiment of a tiller according to the invention provided with a telescopic function, and Fig. 21 connection of an autopilot. shows a tiller according to Fig. 1 provided with an extension for DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One example ofa tiller 10 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1. lt comprises a base section 12 provided with attachment elements for attachment to an upper part of a rudder or a rudder stock. The base section 12 is tubular and elongated with a cross-section that may be circular, oval, or rectangular. The base section 12 may preferably be attached to the rudder or the rudder stock with an articulate joint 14, providing the possibility of folding the tiller 10 from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.

The tiller 10 is further provided with an articulated section 16 providing an articulated joint. As seen in figs. 4-6, the articulated section 16 comprises a first element 18 attached to the base section 12. The first element 18 comprises two plate members . Each plate member 20 has a generally circular part 22. A rectangular part 24 is attached to or made integral with the circular part 22 and has a width corresponding to the inner width of the tubular base section 12. A tubular spacer 26 is provided between the rectangular parts 24 of the first element 18 creating a distance between the plate members 20. The spacer 26 has a length such that the distance d between outer surfaces of the rectangular parts 24 corresponds to the inner height of the tubular base section 12. A screw is provided through the spacer 26 for holding the two plate members 20 together. A number of threaded bores 28 may be arranged in the rectangular parts 24, to be used with screws through passages in the base section Each circular part 22 has a central passage 30, forming the turning axis A of the articulated section 16. ln an area of the circular part 22 opposite the rectangular parts 24, a cut-out 32 is provided in each of the circular parts 22. The cut-out 32 has a shape of a sector with a side surface towards the periphery of the circular part provided with ridges 34 and recesses 36 with a shape generally corresponding to a cog wheel. Two tubular spacers 38 are further arranged between the circular parts 22, having the same length as the spacer 26 between the rectangular parts 24. Two screws are provided through the spacers 38 for attaching the plate members 20 to each other.

The articulated section 16 further comprises a second element 40. The second element 40 is provided with a generally circular body 42. The circular body 42 has a thickness somewhat smaller than the distance between the plate members 20 of the first element 18 to fit between the plate members 20. The circular body 42 has a central pin 44 that fits into the passages 30 of the plate members 20 of the first element 18. The pin 44 preferably is provided with a bearing on each side of the body 42, such as a ball bearing or a plain bearing. This enables the second element 40 to be turned in relation to the first element 18 around the axis A. The circular body 42 is further provided with arc-shaped cut-outs 46 for accommodating the spacers 38 between the circular parts 22 of the first element The circular body 42 further has an elongated slit 48 that extends radially from the axis. ln the slit 48 a locking element 50 is arranged. The locking element 50 has a shape of a wedge or tooth, with a profile that corresponds to the recesses 36 of the sector-shaped cut-outs 32. The locking element 50 is movable in the slit 48 from a position where it is in engagement with the recesses 36 and to a position where it is out of engagement. A spring 52 is further provided, Fig. 7, seated in a bore 53 in the circular body 42 and in contact with the locking element 50, which urges the locking element 50 into engagement. Since both plate members 20 are provided with the sector-shaped cut-outs 32, which the locking element 50 engages, there is an even force distribution on the articulated section The circular body 42 is further provided with two generally rectangular extensions 54 adjacent the slit 48. The extensions 54 are dimensioned to fit into a tiller extension 56 having a generally hollow elongated body. The articulated section 16 is further provided with two cylindrical cups or covers 58, Fig. 6, where only one is showing, attached to either side of the first and second element for protecting the articulated joint and the locking mechanism. However, the covers 58 are provided with cut-away sections 60 for enabling the articulated movement between the first and the second element. Preferably, gaskets 61 are provided between the circular body 42 and circular parts 22 for reducing friction and providing a sealing function. The gaskets are in this regard provided with appropriate cut-outs 63 corresponding to the cut-outs in the circular parts The free end of the tiller extension 56 may further be provided with a handle 62 for a helmsman, Figs. 1 - 3. ln the shown embodiment, the handle 62 is ring-shaped and with a circular cross-section. The free end of the tiller extension 56 may be provided with a fixing element 64 that may have a semi-circular recess corresponding to the diameter of the handle 62. A friction-locking plate 66 is attached between the handle 62 and the fixing element 64, enabling the handle to be set in different angular positions upwards and downwards in relation to the tiller extension 56. Suitable locking elements, such as screws may be arranged for attaching the friction-locking plate 66 and thereby lock the handle 62 in the different angle positions.

Further, a release mechanism may be provided. lt may comprise a manoeuvring element 68, in the embodiment shown a push button, Fig. 2. The push button 68 is connected to a push rod 70 that runs inside the tiller extension 56. The push rodextends through the two rectangular extensions 54 and the inner end of the push rod 70 is in contact with the locking element 50 as seen in Fig. 7, enabling movement of the locking element 50 in relation to the recesses 36 for disengaging the locking element 50 from the circular parts 22. This in turn enables the tiller extension 56 to be turned in relation to the base section 12 around the axis A.

Within the scope of the invention, the release mechanism may have different designs. For instance, instead ofa push button, a turning handle may be used at the free end of the tiller extension for moving the push rod to act on the locking element. One example is shown in Figs. 8 - 10. Here a turning knob 80 is placed at the free end of the tiller extension 56, connected to a rod 82 that extends into the articulated section. The inner end of the rod 82 is arranged with a protrusion 84 provided with a cam surface 86. When the knob 80 and thus the rod 82 are turned, the cam surface 86 will act on the locking element 50 to move it out of engagement with the recesses 36 of the circular parts 22. ln order to prevent turning in the opposite direction, a stop protrusion 88 is positioned opposite the cam surface 86 and placed on the side of the locking element 50. As a further alternative, a tilting handle may be used. lt may be lifted for releasing the locking element and returned to a folded position for engagement.

As another alternative, the locking mechanism may be placed at the articulated section. As seen in Fig. 11, one of the first and the second parts 22, 42 may be arranged with a number of passages 90 arranged along a circle sector and one passage 92 in the other of the parts, and where a locking pin 94 may be pushed through the passages 90, 92 for locking the two parts in different angles. As a further alternative, a locking bolt may extend through the two parts. The locking bolt may be provided with a turning handle, such that the two parts are forced together and locked by friction. ln this regard, surfaces of the first and second parts that are facing each other may be provided with friction enhancing material or patterns.

The tiller extension 56 may further be arranged in two sections 56', 56”, Figs. 12 and 13, hereafter named inner and outer sections, where the outer section 56” has dimensions that fit into the inner section 56” for providing a telescopic function. A locking mechanism is arranged between the two sections for locking the sections to each other in a length of the tiller extension chosen. ln this aspect, the push rod is also designed telescopic so as to ensure the release function of the articulated section. According to one example shown in Figs. 14 - 19, a locking mechanism 100 comprises an end section 102 inserted into and attached to the inner end of the outer section 56” of the tiller extension, Fig. 14. The outer section 56” is provided with two generally circular passages 104 into which two locking balls 106 fit so as to protrude from the surface of the outer section 56” but not as large as to fall out. Inside the outer section the balls 106 are placed in recesses 108 of a movable activator 110 operably connected to the release mechanism. The recesses 108 have an inner surface 112 that is inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the section, as seen in Fig. 17. Further, the inner section 56' is provided with a plurality of pairs of generally circular passages or recesses 11, Fig. 19, into which the balls fit, as will be descnbed.

Further, springs 114 are arranged between the end section 102 and the activator 110 for urging the two parts from each other. The end section 102 is further provided with a circular passage 116. ln the passage 116, a first elongated tubular element 118 is inserted. As seen in Fig. 14, the first element 118 has a generally circular cross- section with a diameter somewhat smaller than the diameter of the passage 116, providing a journaling of the first element 118 in the passage 116. However, the first element is further provided with two planar oppositely positioned surfaces. Further, the first element 118 is provided with an annular ledge 120 attached to the outer surface of the first element 118 and having rean/vardly directed surfaces that are in contact with a fon/vard directed surface of the activator 1 10 around the area of the passage, as seen in Fig.

Inside the first element 118, a second elongated tubular element 122 is arranged, Fig. 16. The second element 122 has the same cross-sectional design as the first element but with measures to fit inside the first element 118, providing a telescopic function, and wherein the planar surfaces provide a rotational lock between the two elements. To the rear end of the second element 122, the locking element 50 is attached via a rod end 124, Fig. 10, fitting into the lower end of the second element.

The unlocking of the articulated joint follows much the same manner as described above. Thus, by turning the knob 80, the first element 118 is turned, and due to the planar surfaces and the telescopic fit between the first and the second element, the second element 122 turns as well. This causes a release of the Iocking element 50 by the inclined surface 86 acting on the Iocking element 50, moving it out of engagement with the recesses Regardíng the telescopic function, the two sections 56', 56” of the tiller extension are normally locked to each other in that the balls 106 are pressed against the inner surface of the inner section 56” because of the springs 114 urging the activator 110 towards the free end of the tiller extension, which causes the inclined surfaces 112 of the recesses 108 to press on the balls 106, as seen in Fig. 17, as they are seated in the passages 113 of the inner section 56', Iocking the both sections to each other in the lengthwise direction. When the length of the tiller extension is to be altered, the knob 80 is pressed and moved in the direction of the base section 12. This causes the first element 118 to move, and the second element 122 to slide inside the first element 118. Due to the annular ledge 120 on the outer surface of the first element 118, the movement of the first element 118 will cause the activator 110 to move towards the end section 102, against the force of the springs The movement of the activator 110 will move the recesses 108 in relation to the balls 106 and passages 104, so that the balls 106 are not pressed anymore by the inclined surfaces 112 but are free to move into the recesses 108, Fig. 19, and out of engagement with the passages 113 of the inner section, whereby the telescopic sections 56', 56” of the tiller extension are free to be moved relative each other, enabling a lengthening or shortening of the tiller extension. When the desired length has been almost adjusted, the knob 80 is released whereby the forces from the springs 114 will move the activator 110 back to its original position where the inclined surfaces 112 of the recesses 108 again press on the balls 106, and further movement of the outer section in relation to the inner section will cause the balls 106 to enter the passages of adjacent pairs of passages 113, thereby Iocking the telescopic sections.

The base section 12 may further be provided with an elongated extension 130, Fig. 21, preferably extending in the same direction as the base section 12 and preferably placed under the base section 12. The end of the extension 130 may be provided with attachment elements 132 for attaching an auto-pilot. This is an advantage in relation to attaching an auto-pilot directly to the tiller because now the tiller may be angled vertically so that it is out of the way in the cockpit.

It is to be understood that the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings are to be regarded only as non-limiting examples of the invention and that it may be modified in many ways within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS Tiller (10) for a boat and in particular a sailboat, which tiller comprises - a base section (12) arranged to be attached to a rudder or a rudder stock of a boat, - a tiller extension (56) provided with a free end that a person will grip when steering the boat, - an articulated section (16) provided between the base section (12) and the tiller extension (56) and having a generally vertical turning axis (30, 44), in order to angle the tiller extension in relation to the base section, and - a releasable locking mechanism (36, 50; 90, 92, 94) for releasably locking the tiller extension in different angles in relation to the base section. _ Tiller according to claim 1, wherein two parts (20) provided with the turning (30) axis are attached to one of the base section and the tiller extension, and one part (40) provided with the turning axis (44) positioned between the two parts and attached to the other of the base section and the tiller extension. _ Tiller according to claim 2, wherein the releasable locking mechanism comprises a number of form-locking elements (34, 36) provided on the two parts (20), and comprises a movable locking element (50) provided on the one part (40) and arranged to releasably engage with the form-locking elements (34, _ Tiller according to claim 3, wherein the movable locking element is provided with spring means (52) for urging the locking element (50) in engagement with the form-locking elements (34, 36). _ Tiller according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a release mechanism (68; 82; 94) operably connected to the locking mechanism (36, 50; 90, 92) and provided with a manoeuvring element (70; 80; 94). _ Tiller according to claim 5, wherein the manoeuvring element (70; 80) is positioned at the free end of the tiller extension.7. Tiller according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the release mechanism is arranged to act on the locking element. 8. Tiller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tiller extension comprises two sections (56', 56”) slidable in relation to each other for adjusting the length of the tiller extension. 9. Tiller according to claim 8, wherein the tiller extension further comprises a locking mechanism for releasably locking the two sections to each other. 10.Ti||er according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle (62) attached to the free end of the tiller extension. 11.Tiller according to claim 10, wherein the attachment (64, 66) of the handle provides a releasable locking of the handle in different angular positions in relation to the tiller extension. 12.Tiller according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the handle is ring-shaped.