Rudder device for a hydrojet vessel

Abstract

A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel. The rudder device includes a mounting plate, a primary rudder and a secondary rudder coupled to a hydrojet. The primary rudder and the secondary rudder providing steerage as the hydrojet vessel is displaced through the water.

Claims

1. A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel, the hydrojet vessel having a hull including a stern, a port side and a starboard side, a vertical pivot pivotably coupling a hydrojet to the stern for producing a directional thrust and propelling the hydrojet vessel through a body of water, the rudder device comprising: a mounting plate having a front edge, a rear edge, a primary side and a secondary side; a primary rudder coupled to said primary side of said mounting plate; a secondary rudder coupled to said secondary side of said mounting plate; said mounting plate, said primary rudder and said secondary rudder defining an elongated general inverted U shape rudder coupled to the hydrojet for providing steerage as the hydrojet vessel is displaced through the water; and said mounting plate defining a downward deflection slope for providing an ascending force against said mounting plate by the body of water during forward displacement of the vessel and creating an upward force against the stern of the vessel.

2. A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel as set forth in claim 1, further including a primary steering assist rudder extending forward of said primary rudder; a secondary steering assist rudder extending forward of said secondary rudder, and said primary steering assist rudder and said secondary steering assist rudder extend ahead of the vertical pivot for assisting in pivoting the hydrojet during forward displacement of the vessel through the water.

3. A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front edge of said mounting plate includes a front serpentine edge and said rear edge of said mounting plate includes a rear serpentine edge for creating a more laminate flow of the body of water adjacent to said mounting plate.

4. A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel as set forth in claim 1, further including a primary J-shaped locking tab coupled to said mounting plate; said mounting plate and said primary J-shaped locking tab compressing the hydrojet there between for defining a primary clamp; a secondary J-shaped locking tab coupled to said mounting plate; and said mounting plate and said secondary J-shaped locking tab compressing the hydrojet there between for defining a secondary clamp.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a first embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of a mounting bracket of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 is a right side view of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a left side view of a rudder of FIG. 3;

(9) FIG. 8 is a right side view of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top view of a length adjusting tie rod of FIG. 2;

(11) FIG. 10 is a right side view of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a second embodiment of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 11;

(14) FIG. 13 is a view along line 13-13 in FIG. 11;

(15) FIG. 14 is a view along line 14-14 in FIG. 11;

(16) FIG. 15 is a top view of a first J-shaped locking tab of FIG. 11;

(17) FIG. 16 is a left side view of FIG. 15;

(18) FIG. 17 is a top view of a second J-shaped locking tab of FIG. 11;

(19) FIG. 18 is a right side view of FIG. 17;

(20) FIG. 19 is a top view of a general U-shaped mounting bracket of FIG. 11;

(21) FIG. 20 is a right side view of FIG. 19;

(22) FIG. 21 is a view of a first steering assist rudder of FIG. 11;

(23) FIG. 22 is a top view of FIG. 21;

(24) FIG. 23 is a right side view of FIG. 21;

(25) FIG. 24 is a view of a second steering assist rudder of FIG. 11;

(26) FIG. 25 is a top view of FIG. 24;

(27) FIG. 26 is a right side view of FIG. 24;

(28) FIG. 27 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a third embodiment of the present invention;

(29) FIG. 28 is a top view of FIG. 27;

(30) FIG. 29 is a view along line 29-29 of FIG. 27;

(31) FIG. 30 is a view along line 30-30 of FIG. 27;

(32) FIG. 31 is a section view along line 31-31 in FIG. 28;

(33) FIG. 32 is a side view of a side plate in FIG. 29

(34) FIG. 33 is a right side of FIG. 32;

(35) FIG. 34 is a top view of a first J-shaped locking tab having a first vertical side stabilizing plate;

(36) FIG. 35 is a left side view of FIG. 34;

(37) FIG. 36 is a top view of a second J-shaped locking tab having a second vertical side stabilizing plate;

(38) FIG. 37 is a right side view of FIG. 36;

(39) FIG. 38 is a top view of a coupling plate in FIG. 27;

(40) FIG. 39 is a front view of FIG. 38;

(41) FIG. 40 is a right side view of FIG. 39;

(42) FIG. 41 is a top view of a of a general U-shaped mounting bracket of FIG. 27;

(43) FIG. 42 is a right side view of FIG. 41;

(44) FIG. 43 is a view similar to FIG. 30 wherein the rudder to stuck an object within the water and causing the rudder to pivot in an elevated position;

(45) FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43 illustrating the rudder further pivoting relative to a hydrojet;

(46) FIG. 45 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

(47) FIG. 46 is a top view of FIG. 45;

(48) FIG. 47 is a view along line 47-47 of FIG. 45;

(49) FIG. 48 is a view along line 48-48 of FIG. 45;

(50) FIG. 49 is a section view along line 49-49 in FIG. 46;

(51) FIG. 50 is a view similar to FIG. 48 illustrating the rudder pivoting relative to a hydrojet;

(52) FIG. 51 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

(53) FIG. 52 is a top view of FIG. 51;

(54) FIG. 53 is a view along line 53-53 of FIG. 51;

(55) FIG. 54 is a view along line 54-54 of FIG. 51;

(56) FIG. 55 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

(57) FIG. 56 is a top view of FIG. 55;

(58) FIG. 57 is a view along line 57-57 of FIG. 55;

(59) FIG. 58 is a side view of a rudder and a steering assist rudder defining an integral one piece unit of FIG. 57;

(60) FIG. 59 is a right side view of FIG. 58;

(61) FIG. 60 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

(62) FIG. 61 is a top view of FIG. 60;

(63) FIG. 62 is a view along line 62-62 of FIG. 60;

(64) FIG. 63 is a view along line 63-63 of FIG. 60;

(65) FIG. 64 is a view similar to FIG. 63 illustrating pivoting of a rudder and a steering assist rudder defining an integral one piece;

(66) FIG. 65 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

(67) FIG. 66 is a top view of FIG. 65;

(68) FIG. 67 is a view along line 67-67 of FIG. 65;

(69) FIG. 68 is a sectional view along line 68-68 in FIG. 66;

(70) FIG. 69 is a top view of a general U-shaped mounting bracket having a vertical side stabilizing plate defining an integral one piece unit of FIG. 65;

(71) FIG. 70 is a right side view of FIG. 69;

(72) FIG. 71 is a front view of FIG. 69;

(73) FIG. 72 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation an ninth embodiment of the present invention;

(74) FIG. 73 is a top view of FIG. 72;

(75) FIG. 74 is a view along line 74-74 of FIG. 72;

(76) FIG. 75 is a sectional view along line 75-75 in FIG. 73;

(77) FIG. 76 is a view similar to FIG. 74 illustrating pivoting of a rudder relative to the hydrojet;

(78) FIG. 77 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

(79) FIG. 78 is a top view of FIG. 77;

(80) FIG. 79 is a view along line 79-79 of FIG. 77;

(81) FIG. 80 is a view similar to FIG. 79 illustrating pivoting of a rudder and a steering assist rudder defining an integral one piece;

(82) FIG. 81 is a rearview of a hydrojet vessel incorporation an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

(83) FIG. 82 is a top view of FIG. 81;

(84) FIG. 83 is a view along line 83-83 of FIG. 81;

(85) FIG. 84 is a top view of an elongated general inverted U-shape rudder of FIG. 81;

(86) FIG. 85 is a front view of FIG. 84;

(87) FIG. 86 is a left side view of FIG. 85;

(88) FIG. 87 is a view similar to FIG. 84 wherein the elongated general inverted U-shape rudder includes a horizontal plate, a first removable primary rudder and a second removable primary rudder;

(89) FIG. 88 is a front view of FIG. 87;

(90) FIG. 89 is a left side view of FIG. 88;

(91) FIG. 90 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the rudder device within the body of water providing steerage to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet;

(92) FIG. 91 is a view similar to FIG. 12 illustrating the rudder device within the body of water providing steerage to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet and providing steering assist to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet;

(93) FIG. 92 is a view similar to FIG. 52 illustrating the rudder device within the body of water providing steerage to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet and providing steering assist to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet;

(94) FIG. 93 is a view similar to FIG. 82 illustrating the rudder device within the body of water providing steerage to the vessel during non directional thrust and during directional thrust from the hydrojet;

(95) FIG. 94 is a rear view of a hydrojet vessel incorporation a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

(96) FIG. 95 is a top view of FIG. 94;

(97) FIG. 96 is a right side view of FIG. 94;

(98) FIG. 97 is a top view of the rudder device of FIG. 94;

(99) FIG. 98 is a front view of FIG. 97;

(100) FIG. 99 is a right side view of FIG. 97;

(101) FIG. 100 is a view similar to FIG. 96 illustrating the twelfth embodiment secured to a hydrojet vessel; and

(102) FIG. 101 is a view similar to FIG. 94 illustrating the twelfth embodiment utilized with a vessel including a hull rudder.

(103) Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

(104) FIGS. 1-93 illustrate multiple embodiments of a rudder device 10 for a hydrojet vessel 20. FIGS. 1-64 and 90-92 include the hydrojet vessel 20 having a hull 22 including a stem 24, a port side 26 and a starboard side 28. A first vertical pivot 30 pivotably couples a first hydrojet 32 and a second vertical pivot 40 pivotably coupling a second hydrojet 42 to the stern 24 for producing a directional thrust 50 and propelling the hydrojet vessel 20 through a body of water 52. A hull rudder 60 is pivotably coupled to the stern 24 between the first hydrojet 32 and the second hydrojet 42. A linkage 62 couples the first hydrojet 32 with the hull rudder 60 for pivoting the hull rudder 60 relative to the first hydrojet 32.

(105) FIGS. 1-10 and 90 illustrate the rudder device 10 comprises a first mounting bracket 80 coupled to the first hydrojet 32. A first rudder 82 is coupled to the first hydrojet 32 and the first mounting bracket 80. A second mounting bracket 90 is coupled to the second hydrojet 42. A second rudder 92 is coupled to the second hydrojet 42 and the second mounting bracket 90.

(106) A coupling rod 100 is pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32, the second hydrojet 42 and the hull rudder 60 for pivoting in alignment and in unison the first rudder 82 with the first hydrojet 32 and the second rudder 92 with the second hydrojet 42 relative to the hull rudder 60. The first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 provide steerage to the vessel 20 during non directional thrust absent from the first hydrojet 32 and the second hydrojet 42.

(107) The coupling rod 100 may include a first length adjusting tie rod 102 and a second length adjusting tie rod 104. The first length adjusting tie rod 102 is coupled between the first hydrojet 32 and the hull rudder 60. The first length adjusting tie rod 102 alters a first length 106 in the first length adjusting tie rod 102 for aligning the first rudder 82, the first hydrojet 32 and the hull rudder 60. The second length adjusting tie rod 104 is coupled between the second hydrojet 42 and the hull rudder 60. The second length adjusting tie rod 104 alters a second length 108 in the second length adjusting tie rod 104 for aligning the second rudder 92, the second hydrojet 42 and the hull rudder 60.

(108) A first plurality of apertures 120 are in the first rudder 82. A first horizontal pivot 122 pivotably couples the first rudder 82 with the first hydrojet 32. A first removable fastener 124 engages the first mounting bracket 80 and one of the first plurality of apertures 120 in the first rudder 82. The first removable fastener 124, the first mounting bracket 80 and the first plurality of apertures 120 define a first adjustable rudder elevation 126 for pivoting the first rudder 82 on the first horizontal pivot 122 and alters the elevation of the first rudder 82.

(109) A second plurality of apertures 130 are in the second rudder 92. A second horizontal pivot 132 pivotably couples the second rudder 92 with the second hydrojet 42. A second removable fastener 134 engages the second mounting bracket 90 and one of the second plurality of apertures 130 in the second rudder 92. The second removable fastener 134, the second mounting bracket 90 and the second plurality of apertures 130 define a second adjustable rudder elevation 136 for pivoting the second rudder 92 on the second horizontal pivot 132 and altering the elevation of the second rudder 92.

(110) The first adjustable rudder elevation 126 and the second adjustable rudder elevation 136 serve to alter the maneuverability and the response of the hydrojet vessel 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the rudder device 10 provides a high maneuverability and high response for the hydrojet vessel 20 if the first adjustable rudder elevation 126 and the second adjustable rudder elevation 136 are positioned into the upper first plurality of apertures 120 and second plurality of apertures 130 respectively. Alternatively, the rudder device 10 provides a lower maneuverability and lower response for the hydrojet vessel 20 if the first adjustable rudder elevation 126 and the second adjustable rudder elevation 136 are positioned into the lower first plurality of apertures 120 and second plurality of apertures 130 respectively. The first mounting bracket 80 may define a first general L-shape bracket 84. The second mounting bracket 90 may defines a second general L-bracket 94.

(111) FIGS. 11-26, 91 and 45-50 illustrate the rudder device 10 including a first general U-shaped mounting bracket 150 coupled to the first hydrojet 32 and partially encircling the first hydrojet 32. A first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 is coupled to the first general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The first general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 compress the first hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first primary clamp 154.

(112) A first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 is coupled to the first general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The first general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 compress the first hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first secondary clamp 158.

(113) A first steering assist rudder 160 is coupled to the first general U-shape mounting bracket 150. The first steering assist rudder 160 is positioned ahead of the first vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the first hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(114) A second general U-shaped mounting bracket 170 is coupled to the second hydrojet 42 and partially encircling the second hydrojet 42. A second primary J-shaped locking tab 172 is coupled to the second general U-shaped mounting bracket 170. The second general U-shape mounting bracket 170 and the second primary J-shaped locking tab 172 compress the second hydrojet 42 there between for defining a second primary clamp 174.

(115) A second secondary J-shaped locking tab 176 is coupled to the second general U-shaped mounting bracket 170. The second general U-shape mounting bracket 170 and the second secondary J-shaped locking tab 176 compress the second hydrojet 42 there between for defining a second secondary clamp 178.

(116) A second steering assist rudder 180 is coupled to the second general U-shape mounting bracket 170. The second steering assist rudder 180 is positioned ahead of the second vertical pivot 40 for assisting in pivoting the second hydrojet 42 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(117) The first steering assist rudder 160 and the second steering assist rudder 180 creates a high (H) water pressure 14 and a low (L) water pressure 16 on the opposing side upon altering the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 from a aligned orientation relative to the hull 22. The greater the angular displacement of the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 from the aligned orientation, the greater the high (H) water pressure and the low (L) water pressure on the opposing side of the first steering assist rudder 160 and the second steering assist rudder 1804 further assisting in the steerage of the vessel 20. Furthermore, the first steering assist rudder 160 and the second steering assist rudder 180 release pressure on the steering cable system of the vessel 20. The first steering assist rudder 160 and the second steering assist rudder 180 greatly reduces the force required for an individual to steer the vessel 20 either to the left or the right.

(118) FIGS. 27-44 illustrate a rudder device 10 including the first rudder 82 pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32 by a first primary horizontal pivot 200. A first side plate 204 is pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32 by a first secondary horizontal pivot 202. A first coupling plate 206 is coupled between the first rudder 82 and the first side plate 204. A first coil spring 210 engages the first primary horizontal pivot 200 for promoting the first rudder 82 and the first side plate 204 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 212.

(119) The second rudder 92 is pivotably coupled to the second hydrojet 42 by a second primary horizontal pivot 220. A second side plate 224 is pivotably coupled to the second hydrojet 42 by a second secondary horizontal pivot 222. A second coupling plate 226 is coupled between the second rudder 92 and the second side plate 224. A second coil spring 230 engages the second primary horizontal pivot 220 for promoting the second rudder 92 and the second side plate 224 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 232.

(120) A first primary vertical side stabilizing plate 240 is coupled to the first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 for preventing lateral displacement of the first rudder 82. A first secondary vertical side stabilizing plate 242 is coupled to the first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 for preventing lateral displacement of the first side plate 204.

(121) A second primary vertical side stabilizing plate 244 is coupled to the second primary J-shaped locking tab 172 for preventing lateral displacement of the second rudder 92. A second secondary vertical side stabilizing plate 246 is coupled to the second secondary J-shaped locking tab 176 for preventing lateral displacement of the second side plate 224.

(122) A first primary plurality of apertures 250 are in the first rudder 82. A first secondary plurality of apertures 252 are in the first side plate 204. A first primary removable fastener 254 engages the first coupling plate 206 and one of the first primary plurality of apertures 250 in the first rudder 82. A first secondary removable fastener 256 engages the first coupling plate 206 and one of the first secondary plurality of apertures 252 in the first side plate 204.

(123) The first primary removable fastener 254, the first secondary removable fastener 256, the first coupling plate 206 and the first plurality of apertures 250 define a first adjustable rudder elevation 260 for pivoting the first rudder 82 on the first horizontal pivot and altering the elevation of the first rudder. The first primary removable fastener 254, the first secondary removable fastener 256, the first coupling plate 206 and the first plurality of apertures 250 define an adjustable angle 262 of the first coupling plate 206 relative to the first hydrojet 32.

(124) The adjustable angle 262 defining a non-angle 264 of the first coupling plate 206 relative to the first hydrojet 32 provides a non-upward force 266 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52 and maintaining the first rudder 82 in a non-elevated position 268. The adjustable angled 262 defining an angle 270 of the first coupling plate 206 relative to the first hydrojet 32 provides an upward force 272 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52 and pivoting the first rudder 82 in an elevated position 274.

(125) A second primary plurality of apertures 290 are in the second rudder 92. A second secondary plurality of apertures 292 are in the second side plate 224. A second primary removable fastener 294 engage the second coupling plate 226 and one of the second primary plurality of apertures 290 in the second rudder 92. A second secondary removable fastener 296 engage the second coupling plate 226 and one of the second secondary plurality of apertures 292 in the second side plate 224.

(126) The second primary removable fastener 294, the second secondary removable fastener 296, the second coupling plate 226 and the second plurality of apertures 290 define a second adjustable rudder elevation 300 for pivoting the second rudder 92 on the second horizontal pivot 220 and altering the elevation of the second rudder 92. The second removable fastener 294, the second secondary removable fastener 296, the second coupling plate 226 and the second plurality of apertures 292 define an adjustable angled 302 of the second coupling plate 226 relative to the second hydrojet 42. The adjustable angle 302 defining a non-angle 304 of the second coupling plate 226 relative to the second hydrojet 42 provides a non-upward force 306 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52 and maintaining the second rudder 92 in a non-elevated position 308. The adjustable angled 302 defining an angle 310 of the second coupling plate 226 relative to the second hydrojet 42 provides an upward force 312 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52 and pivoting the second rudder 92 in an elevated position 314.

(127) The first primary horizontal pivot 200 and the second primary horizontal pivot 220 further provide the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 to pivot into a partial pivot position 214 at shown in FIG. 43 if they come into contact with an obstruction 12. The obstruction 12 may include a rock, object within the water or individual body parts. The pivoting of the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 provides a safety mechanism for preventing damage to the first rudder 82 and or the second rudder 92. Furthermore the pivoting of the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 provides a safety mechanism by being displaced upon a contact with an individual body parts. The first primary horizontal pivot 200 and the second primary horizontal pivot 220 further provide the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 to pivot into a fully pivoted position 216 at shown in FIG. 44.

(128) FIGS. 51-54 and 92 illustrate a first secondary steering assist rudder 320 coupled to the first general U-shape mounting bracket 150. The first secondary steering assist rudder 320 is positioned ahead of the first vertical pivot 30 for further assisting in pivoting the first hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52. A second secondary steering assist rudder 322 is coupled to the second general U-shape mounting bracket 170. The second secondary steering assist rudder 322 is positioned ahead of the second vertical pivot 40 for assisting in pivoting the second hydrojet 42 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(129) FIGS. 55-59 illustrate the first steering assist rudder 160 extending forward of the first rudder 82. More specifically, the first steering assist rudder 160 and the first rudder 82 are a first integral one piece unit 330. The first steering assist rudder 160 is positioned ahead of the first vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the first hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(130) The second steering assist rudder 180 extends forward of the second rudder 92. More specifically, the second steering assist rudder 180 and the second rudder 92 are a second integral one piece unit 332. The second steering assist rudder 180 is positioned ahead of the second vertical pivot 40 for assisting in pivoting the second hydrojet 42 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(131) FIGS. 60-64 illustrate the rudder device 10 comprising the first general U-shaped mounting bracket 150 coupled to the first hydrojet 32 and partially encircling the first hydrojet 32. The first rudder 82 is pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32 by a first primary horizontal pivot 200. A first side plate 204 is pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32 by a first secondary horizontal pivot 202. A first coupling plate 206 is coupled between the first rudder 82 and the first side plate 204. A first coil spring 210 engages the first primary horizontal pivot 200 for promoting the first rudder 82 and the first side plate 204 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 212.

(132) The second general U-shaped mounting bracket 170 is coupled to the second hydrojet 42 and partially encircling the second hydrojet 42. The second rudder 92 is pivotably coupled to the second hydrojet 42 by a second primary horizontal pivot 220. A second side plate 224 is pivotably coupled to the second hydrojet 42 by a second secondary horizontal pivot 222. A second coupling plate 226 is coupled between the second rudder 92 and the second side plate 224. A second coil spring 230 engages the second primary horizontal pivot 220 for promoting the second rudder 92 and the second side plate 224 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 232.

(133) A coupling rod 100 is pivotably coupled to the first hydrojet 32, the second hydrojet 42 and the hull rudder 60 for pivoting in alignment and in unison the first rudder 82 with the first hydrojet 32 and the second rudder 92 with the second hydrojet 42 relative to the hull rudder 60. A first steering assist rudder 160 extends forward of the first rudder 82. The first steering assist rudder 160 is positioned ahead of the first vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the first hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52. A second steering assist rudder 180 extends forward of the second rudder 92. The second steering assist rudder 180 is positioned ahead of the second vertical pivot 40 for assisting in pivoting the second hydrojet 42 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(134) FIGS. 65-71 illustrate the rudder device 10 for use with a hydrojet vessel 20. The vessel 20 has a hull 22 including a stern 24, a port side 26 and a starboard side 28, a vertical pivot 30 pivotably coupling a hydrojet 32 to the stern 24 for producing a directional thrust and propelling the hydrojet vessel 20 through a body of water 52. The rudder device 10 comprises a general U-shaped mounting bracket 150 coupled to the hydrojet 32 and partially encircling the hydrojet 32.

(135) A first rudder 82 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a first horizontal pivot 122. A second rudder 92 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a second horizontal pivot 132. A first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The first general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first primary clamp 154.

(136) A first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first secondary clamp 158.

(137) A first steering assist rudder 160 is coupled to the general U-shape mounting bracket 150. The first steering assist rudder 160 is positioned ahead of the vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52. A second steering assist rudder 180 is coupled to the general U-shape mounting bracket 150. The second steering assist rudder 180 is positioned ahead of the vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(138) FIGS. 72-76 illustrate the rudder device 10 comprising a general U-shaped mounting bracket 150 coupled to the hydrojet 32 and partially encircling the hydrojet 32. A first rudder 82 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a first horizontal pivot 122. A second rudder 92 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a second horizontal pivot 132. A coupling plate 206 is coupled between the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92. A coil spring 210 engages the first horizontal pivot 122 for promoting the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 212.

(139) A first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first primary clamp 154. A first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first secondary clamp 158.

(140) FIGS. 77-80 illustrate the rudder device 10 comprising a general U-shaped mounting bracket 150 coupled to the hydrojet 32 and partially encircling the hydrojet 32. A first rudder 82 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a first horizontal pivot 122. A second rudder 92 is pivotably coupled to the hydrojet 32 by a second horizontal pivot 132. A coupling plate 206 is coupled between the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92. A coil spring 210 engages the first horizontal pivot 122 for promoting the first rudder 82 and the second rudder 92 being positioned in a non-pivoted position 212.

(141) A first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first primary J-shaped locking tab 152 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first primary clamp 154. A first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 is coupled to the general U-shaped mounting bracket 150. The general U-shape mounting bracket 150 and the first secondary J-shaped locking tab 156 compress the hydrojet 32 there between for defining a first secondary clamp 158.

(142) A first steering assist rudder 160 extends forward of the first rudder 82 defining a first integral one piece unit 330. The first steering assist rudder 160 is positioned ahead of the first vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the first hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52. A second steering assist rudder 180 extends forward of the second rudder 92 defining a second integral one piece unit 332. The second steering assist rudder 180 is positioned ahead of the second vertical pivot 40 for assisting in pivoting the second hydrojet 42 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52.

(143) FIGS. 81-86 and 93 illustrate a linkage 340 coupling the first hydrojet 32 with the second hydrojet 42 for pivoting the first hydrojet 32 and the second hydrojet 42. The rudder device 10 comprises a first elongated general inverted U shape rudder 342 coupled to the first hydrojet 32. A second elongated general inverted U shape rudder 344 coupled to the second hydrojet 42. The first elongated general inverted U shape rudder 342 and the second elongated general inverted U shape rudder 344 provide steerage to the vessel 20 during non directional thrust created by the first hydrojet 32 and the second hydrojet 42.

(144) FIGS. 87-89 illustrate the first elongated general inverted U shape rudder 342 including a first horizontal plate 350, a first removable primary rudder 352 and a first removable secondary rudder 354 for permitting varying sized the first removable primary rudder 352 and the first removable secondary rudder 354. The second elongated general inverted U shape rudder 344 includes a second horizontal plate 360, a second removable primary rudder 362 and a second removable secondary rudder 364 for permitting varying sized the second removable primary rudder 362 and the second removable secondary rudder 364.

(145) FIGS. 94-101 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the rudder device 10. The rudder device 10 includes a mounting plate 400 having a front edge 410, a rear edge 412, a primary side 414 and a secondary side 416. The mounting plate 400 includes an upper side 406 and a lower side 408. The mounting plate 400 may further include a front mounting plate 402 and a rear mounting plate 404.

(146) Preferably, the front mounting plate 402 includes a generally horizontal orientation or generally horizontal position when secured to the hydrojet 32. Furthermore, the rear mounting plate 404 preferably includes a descending slope 452 or deflecting downward 454 when secured to the hydrojet 32.

(147) The mounting plate 400 includes a mounting plate hydrojet aperture 420 for positioning the mounting plate 400 around the hydrojet 32. The mounting plate 400 further includes a plurality of coupling apertures 422 for securing the mounting plate 400 to the hydrojet 32.

(148) The front edge 410 of the mounting plate 400 may include a front serpentine edge 424. Similarly, the rear edge 412 may include a rear serpentine edge 426. The front serpentine edge 424 and the rear serpentine edge 426 is believed to create a more laminate flow of water above and below the mounting plate 400 during a forward displacement of the vessel 20 through the body of water 52.

(149) The rudder device 10 in FIGS. 94-101 further includes a primary rudder 430 coupled to the primary side 414 of the mounting plate 400 and a secondary rudder 440 coupled to the secondary side 416 of the mounting plate 400. The mounting plate 400, the primary rudder 430 and the secondary rudder 440 define an elongated general inverted U shape rudder 450. The elongated general inverted U-shaped rudder 450 provides steerage to the vessel 20 during non directional thrust created by the hydrojet 32 and during directional thrust created by the hydrojet 32. The primary rudder 430 and the secondary rudder 440 may include a primary arcuate rear edge 432 and a secondary arcuate rear edge 442 respectively for providing a more laminate water flow off the primary rudder 430 and the secondary rudder 440.

(150) As noted above the rear mounting plate 404 preferably includes a descending slope 452 or deflecting downward 454 when secured to the hydrojet 32. More specifically, the descending slope 452 or deflecting downward 454 is defined from generally the front edge 410 of the mounting plate 400 to generally the rear edge 412 of the mounting plate 400. The descending slope 452 or deflecting downward for 54 provides an ascending force 460 against the mounting plate 400 by the body of water 52 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 and creates an upward force 462 against the stern 24 of the vessel 20. The upward force 462 on the mounting plate 400 creates upward pressure raising the stern 24 and reducing hull resistance. In addition, the upward force 462 reduces the vertical elevation displacement of the bow of the vessel during acceleration of the vessel 20.

(151) The rudder device 10 in FIGS. 94-101 further includes a primary steering assist rudder 470 extending forward of the primary rudder 430. A secondary steering assist rudder 474 extends forward of the secondary rudder 440. The primary steering assist rudder 470 and the secondary steering assist rudder 474 extend ahead of the vertical pivot 30 for assisting in pivoting the hydrojet 32 during forward displacement of the vessel 20 through a body of water 52. Preferably, the primary steering assist rudder 470 includes a primary arcuate front edge 472 and the secondary steering assist rudder 474 includes a secondary arcuate front edge 476.

(152) The rudder device 10 in FIGS. 94-101 is preferably constructed of a integral one-piece unit 478 wherein the mounting plate 400, the primary rudder 430, the secondary rudder 440, the primary steering assist rudder 470 and the secondary steering assist rudder 474 are made of the integral one piece unit 478. The integral one piece unit 478 maybe constructed of a metallic material, polymeric material or other rigid materials.

(153) The rudder device 10 in FIGS. 94-101 maybe further secured to the hydrojet 20 by a primary J-shaped locking tab 480 coupled to the mounting plate 400 and a secondary J shaped locking tab 490 coupled to the mounting plate 400. More specifically, the mounting plate 400 and the primary J-shaped locking tab 480 compress the hydrojet 20 there between for defining a primary clamp 482. Furthermore, the mounting plate 400 and the secondary J-shaped locking tab 490 compress the hydrojet 20 there between for defining a secondary clamp 492.

(154) The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.