Replaceable, reflecting kayak rudder system with pedal and trim adjusting features
US6739276B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H25/382
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved rudder system and pedal system for use in a watercraft such as a kayak. The rudder assembly includes a rudder housing having a push rod operably linked to a rudder blade positioned in the housing. A rudder control cord passes through a fairlead located at the top of the push rod and terminates at the trailing edge of the rudder blade. Upon tensioning of the rudder cord, the push rod acts against a notch in the leading edge of the rudder blade, which causes rotation of the rudder blade in addition to the rotational force on the trailing edge of the rudder blade due to movement of the control cord. A feature of the rudder assembly is the incorporation of a spring element in the rudder blade that provides an extension bias to the rudder blade, and user selectable pre-loading thereof for varying the rotational bias. The pedal system includes a toe control pivotally attached to a foot brace that is slidingly located in a track. A rudder cable arrangement is deflected by rotation of the toe control along the length of the track, thereby permitting actuation of the rudder system independent of the location in the track of the pedal system. A feature of the pedal system is the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.