TILLERS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE DRIVES

Abstract

A tiller for controlling at least one operational characteristic of a marine drive. The tiller includes a tiller shaft that is rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and away from the home position in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a spring-loaded return device that biases the tiller shaft back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction and back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction. The spring-loaded return device includes a torsion spring and is configured such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction tightens the torsion spring in a same torsional direction as said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO REATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025200248848, filed Jan. 6, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tillers for controlling operational characteristics of marine drives.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2023/0257092 is incorporated herein by reference and discloses a tiller for controlling a marine drive. The tiller has a base bracket assembly and a tiller arm which extends outwardly from the base bracket assembly. The base bracket assembly is configured to facilitate yaw adjustment of the tiller arm into and between a variety of yaw positions relative to the base bracket assembly. The tiller arm has a grip restraining device which is located on the bottom of the middle portion of the tiller arm and is manually accessible from both sides of the tiller arm. The grip restraining device is specially configured to selectively restrain rotation of a hand grip on the outer end of the tiller arm. The tiller arm also has a tilt mechanism which facilitates tilting of the tiller arm relative to the base bracket assembly into and between a variety of tilt positions.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described herein below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting scope of the claimed subject matter.

In non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, a tiller is for controlling at least one operational characteristic of a marine drive. The tiller comprises a tiller shaft that is rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and away from the home position in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a spring-loaded return device that biases the tiller shaft back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction and back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction, the spring-loaded return device comprising a torsion spring and being configured such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction tightens the torsion spring in a same torsional direction as said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction.

In independent aspects, the torsion spring has a first end and a second end, and the torsion spring is configured so that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end to tighten the torsion spring in said same torsional direction and such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end to tighten the torsion spring in said same torsional direction.

In independent aspects, rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position.

The torsion spring may include a coil spring. The coil spring may be wound around the tiller shaft. The coil spring may have a first end and a second end, and be configured so that rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end and thereby tightens the coil spring, and such that rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end and thereby tightens the coil spring. Rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction may cause the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position.

In independent aspects, the spring-loaded return device further comprises a bracket assembly that couples the torsion spring to the tiller shaft. The torsion spring and the bracket assembly may be disposed on the tiller shaft. The bracket assembly may include a first bracket and a second bracket that is diametrically opposed to the first bracket when the tiller shaft is in the home position. The bracket assembly may include a first bracket operably coupled to a first end of the torsion spring and a second bracket operably coupled to an opposite, second end of the torsion spring, wherein the first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket to compress the torsion spring, and wherein the second bracket is rotatable relative to the first bracket to compress the torsion spring. The first bracket may prevent rotation of a first end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the second direction, and the second bracket may prevent rotation of a second end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the first direction. Rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction may rotate the first bracket relative to the second bracket in the first direction to compress the torsion spring, and rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction may rotate the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the second direction to compress the torsion spring. The bracket assembly may include a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are rotatable relative to each other upon rotation of the tiller shaft. The tiller shaft may include an engagement finger, wherein the engagement finger is configured to rotate one of the first bracket and the second bracket when the tiller shaft is rotated.

In independent aspects, the tiller comprises a selector wherein the selector is movable into a first position which restricts said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction and a second position which restricts said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction.

In non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein, a tiller for a marine drive. The tiller comprises a tiller shaft that is rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and away from the home position in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and a coil spring that biases the tiller shaft towards the home position in both the first direction and the second direction.

In independent aspects, the coil spring has a first end and a second end, and the coil spring is configured so that rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end and thereby tightens the coil spring, and such that rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end and thereby tightens the coil spring.

In independent aspects, rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position. In independent aspects, a bracket assembly couples the coil spring to the tiller shaft, wherein the coil spring is pre-loaded within the bracket assembly when the tiller shaft is in a home position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples are described with reference to the following drawing figures. The same numbers are used throughout to reference like features and components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example tiller according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tiller arm of the tiller, partially in phantom, illustrating a spring-loaded return device for returning the tiller arm to its home position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the tiller.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tiller arm and spring-loaded return device.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the spring-loaded return device.

FIGS. 6-8 are views of Section 6-6, taken in FIG. 2, showing a series of operational states of the tiller arm and spring-loaded return device.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating assembly of a torsion spring of the spring-loaded return device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a tiller 100 for controlling a not-shown marine drive, such as but not limited to an outboard motor, a trolling motor, or any other type of marine drive. The tiller 100 has a base bracket assembly 102 configured for fixed attachment to the marine drive and a tiller arm 104 which is coupled to and extends from the base bracket assembly 102. As further described herein below, the tiller 100 is configured for ambidextrous use by a user, including in a right-hand mode in which the tiller 100 is operated by the right hand of the user located alongside the tiller 100 and facing forwardly towards the bow of the marine vessel and in a left-hand mode in which the tiller 100 is operated by the left hand of the user located alongside the tiller 100 and facing forwardly toward the bow in the marine vessel.

Referring to FIG. 1, the base bracket assembly 102 includes a yaw bracket 114 that is pivotably coupled to a steering bracket 116. The yaw bracket 114 is configured to be fixed to the steering arm of the marine drive such that steering of the tiller 100 causes steering of the marine drive. The yaw bracket 114 is a rigid member having an upper face upon which the steering bracket 116 is mounted. A fastener 295 extends through the steering bracket 116 and through a center portion of the upper face and defines a yaw axis 152 about which the steering bracket 116 and tiller arm 104 are pivotable together relative to the yaw bracket 114, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023/0257092. The steering bracket 116 is a rigid member that is coupled to the tiller arm 104 by a tilt mechanism 297, which is configured so that the tiller arm 104 is tiltable up and down relative to the steering bracket 116, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023/0257092. However, this example is not intended to be limiting. Further description of suitable tilt mechanisms such as what is shown in the drawings is provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 2023/0257092, which is incorporated by reference herein.

The tiller arm 104 and the steering bracket 116 are pivotable together about the yaw axis 152 into and between a variety of yaw positions relative to the yaw bracket 114. A yaw lock 154 is configured to lock the tiller arm 104 and the steering bracket 116 in each of the various yaw positions. A shift lever 299 is pivotably coupled to the tiller arm 104 along a lateral pivot axis 400 for changing the direction of propulsive force applied to a marine vessel by the marine drive. The yaw lock 154 and shift lever 299 are not particularly relevant to the present disclosure and these features are further described in the incorporated U.S. Patent Application No. 2023/0257092. The illustrated example with respect to all of these features is not intended to be limiting and the nature of the tiller 100, including the yaw lock 154 and shift lever 299 may vary from what is shown and described.

Referring to FIG. 1, the tiller arm 104 extends from an inner end 200 to an outer end 202 in a longitudinal direction LO, from top 204 to bottom 206 in an axial direction AX which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO, and from a starboard side 208 to a port side 210 which is opposite the starboard side 208 in a lateral direction LA which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO and perpendicular to the axial direction AX. The tiller arm 104 has a chassis 212 that is elongated in the longitudinal direction LO. The chassis 212 underlies and supports various components associated with the tiller arm 104, several of which will be further described herein below. A cover 214 is mounted on top of the chassis 212 for enclosing the various components in an interior of the tiller arm 104.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a tiller shaft 216 protrudes from the tiller arm 104 at the front of the chassis 212 and the cover 214. The tiller arm 104 has a front end 218 providing a manually operable member, which in the illustrated embodiment is a grip 220 having a grip cover 224. Rotating the grip 220 about the longitudinal axis 800 causes rotation of the tiller shaft 216 about a longitudinal axis 800.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the tiller shaft 216 has a rear end 226 and a shaft extension 228. A sensor (not shown) is configured to sense rotation of a magnet 237 on the shaft extension 228. A controller associated with the tiller and/or the marine drive is configured to interpret sensed rotation of the magnet as a request from the user for a change in an operational characteristic of the marine drive, such as for example a change in amount of propulsive force to be generated by the marine drive, which thus changes the speed of travel of an associated marine vessel in the water. This type of arrangement, including a sensor that senses rotation of a magnet upon rotation of a tiller shaft, and a controller that affects an operational characteristic of a marine drive based on such sensed rotation, is conventional and thus is not further described herein. Reference is also made to the above-incorporated U.S. Patent Application No. 2023/0257092.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the grip 220 and the tiller shaft 216 are rotatable in opposite directions away from a home position, which as shown in the non-limiting illustrated example is a top-dead center rotational position of the tiller shaft 216. FIG. 7 depicts rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the noted left-hand mode, in which the grip 220 is rotated away from the home position in a first direction 234 to vary the operational characteristic of the marine drive, as described above. In a non-limiting example, rotation of the grip 220 away from the home position in the first direction 234 causes the controller to increase the amount of thrust provided by the marine drive. Rotation of the grip 220 back towards the home position causes the controller to decrease the amount of thrust provided by the marine drive. Conversely, FIG. 8 depicts rotation of the tiller shaft in the noted right-hand mode, in which the grip 220 is rotated away from the home position in an opposite, second direction 236 to vary the operational characteristic of the marine drive, as described above. In a non-limiting example, rotation of the grip 220 in the second direction 236 causes the controller to increase the amount of thrust provided by the marine drive. Rotation of the grip 220 back towards the home position causes the controller to decrease the amount of thrust provided by the marine drive.

Referring to FIG. 4, the tiller shaft 216 has a rear end 226 with diametrically opposed bores 217 configured for fixed engagement with the shaft extension 228 via set screws 232. The shaft extension 228 has a cylindrical body 227 in which the rear end 226 of the tiller shaft 216 is seated. The cylindrical body 227 extends between a head 235 and a semi-annular rib 230. The cylindrical body 227 has threaded bores 229 aligned with the bores 217 of the tiller shaft 216. To assemble the tiller shaft 216 and shaft extension 228, the rear end 226 of the tiller shaft 216 is inserted into the shaft extension 228 until the bores 217 and threaded bores 229 are aligned. Then the set screws 232 are threaded through the threaded bores 229 and into engagement with the bores 217. As explained herein above, the head 235 of the shaft extension 228 supports a magnet 237, which is caused to rotate along with the head 235 upon rotation of the grip 220 and tiller shaft 216. The semi-annular rib 230 has a first stop surface 231 and an opposing second stop surface 233 that are configured for operable engagement with a selector 239 for selecting the right-hand mode or the left-hand mode of the tiller 100, as will be further herein below. An engagement finger 302 extends longitudinally forwardly from the shaft extension 228. The engagement finger 302 has a first face 304 and an opposite, second face 306.

Referring to FIG. 3, the chassis 212 has a U-shaped cradle 241 that supports the shaft extension 228. A cover 243 extends over the cylindrical body 227 of the shaft extension 228 and is secured to opposite sides of the U-shaped cradle 241. A stopping block 305 protrudes upwardly from the bottom of the chassis 212. Briefly referring to FIG. 6, the stopping block 305 is located axially below the engagement finger 302 when the tiller shaft 216 is in its home position. The stopping block 305 has a first stop face 307 and a laterally opposed second stop face 309. The stopping block 305 may be integral with the chassis 212 or may be a separate part.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a selector 239 allows the user to select the left hand or right-hand mode of the tiller arm 104. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the left-hand mode in which the selector 239 prevents rotation of the grip 220 in the second direction 236 away from the home position. More specifically, in the left-hand mode the grip 220 is only rotatable in the first direction 234 away from the home position and then back to the home position. FIG. 8 depicts the right-hand mode in which the selector 239 prevents rotation of the grip 220 in the first direction away from the home position. More specifically, the grip 220 is only rotatable in the second direction away from the home position and then back to the home position.

The selector 239 has opposing first and second engagement tabs 245, 247 that protrude radially outwardly from the tiller arm 104. The first and second engagement tabs 245, 247 each have an upward-facing engagement surface 249, 251 and a lateral outer end 253, 255. The selector 239 has a semi-circular elongated member 259 that extends below the tiller shaft 216 and connects the first and second engagement tabs 245, 247. A bottom tab 261 extends axially downwardly from the semi-circular elongated member 259. The bottom tab 261 has limited lateral movement relative to the chassis 212. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the selector 239 generally has a U-shape with laterally outwardly flared ends at the lateral outer ends 253, 255, as viewed in the longitudinal direction LO. The selector 239 defines a rotational area in which the shaft extension 228 is rotatable. The selector 239 is laterally movable relative to the shaft extension 228, which brings the first and second engagement tabs 245, 247 into and out of circumferential alignment with the first and second stop surfaces 231, 233, respectfully.

FIG. 6 shows the selector 239 in the left-hand mode, in which the user has pressed the lateral outer end 253 of the first engagement tab 245 inwardly towards the tiller shaft 216. This has laterally slid the selector 239 to the left in the view of FIG. 6. In this position, the engagement surface 249 is circumferentially aligned with the first stop surface 231 on the shaft extension 228. The engagement surface 251 of the second engagement tab 247 is located out of circumferential alignment with the second stop surface 233 of the shaft extension 228. As such, a left handed user may rotate the grip 220 downwardly towards the user (i.e., counter-clockwise in FIG. 6), since the second stop surface 233 is free to rotate past the second engagement tab 247 and within the rotational area defined by the selector 239. However, when the grip 220 is rotated back upwardly away from the user (clockwise in FIG. 6), the tiller shaft 216 only rotates uninhibited until the tiller shaft 216 reaches the home position, at which point the first stop surface 231 abuts the engagement surface 249 and further rotation is prevented.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, to engage right-hand mode, the user presses the lateral outer end 255 of the second engagement tab 247 inwardly towards the tiller shaft 216. This laterally slides the selector 239 to the right in the view of FIG. 6. Similar to but diametrically opposite of what is described above regarding the left-hand mode, engagement of the right-hand mode brings the engagement surface 251 into circumferential alignment with the second stop surface 233 of the shaft extension 228, and the engagement surface 249 of the first engagement tab 245 is located out of circumferential alignment with the first stop surface 231 of the shaft extension 228. As such, the right handed user would then be able to rotate the grip 220 downwardly towards the user (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 6), since the first stop surface 231 is free to rotate past the first engagement tab 245 and within the rotational area defined by the selector 239. However, when the grip 220 is rotated back upwardly away from the user (i.e., counter-clockwise in FIG. 6), the tiller shaft 216 only rotates uninhibited until the tiller shaft 216 reaches the home position, at which point the second stop surface 233 abuts the engagement surface 251 and further rotation is prevented.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, spring-loaded return device 500 is advantageously configured to bias the tiller shaft 216 back towards the home position whenever the grip 220 is rotated out of the home position, i.e., in both right-hand mode of operation of the tiller 100 and left-hand mode of operation of the tiller 100. In the illustrated example, the spring-loaded return device 500 includes a torsion spring, which in the example shown is a coil spring 300, and a bracket assembly 310 (reference number shown in FIG. 5) that couples the coil spring 300 to the tiller shaft 216. However, this is not intended to be a limiting example. In other examples, the spring of the spring-loaded return device 500 does not necessarily need to be a single spring. Other types of spring configurations are contemplated and could be used in other embodiments. As will be further explained herein below, the spring-loaded return device 500 is advantageously configured to bias the tiller shaft 216 back towards the home position upon rotation in the first direction 234 and back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the second direction 236, in particularly wherein rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the first direction 234 tightens the torsion spring in a same torsional direction as said rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the second direction 236. That is, the torsion spring is wound in only one direction during bi-directional rotation of the tiller shaft 216.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the coil spring 300 has a coil body 308, a first end 301, and a second end 303. The coil body 308 is wound around the tiller shaft 216 and has a first turn 311 and a second turn 313 that is formed longitudinally and laterally opposite the first turn 311 relative to the coil body 308. The coil spring 300 and the bracket assembly 310 are coaxially aligned on the longitudinal axis 800 of the tiller shaft 216. As shown in FIG. 5, the first turn 311 juts radially outwardly from the coil body 308 relative to the longitudinal axis 800 and then extends longitudinally forwardly to the first end 301. The second turn 313 juts radially outwardly from the coil body 308 relative to the longitudinal axis 800 and then extends longitudinally rearwardly to the second end 303. The first end 301 and the second end 303 each extend longitudinally alongside the coil body 308.

Referring to FIG. 4, the bracket assembly 310 includes a first bracket 320 and a second bracket 322 that is diametrically opposed to the first bracket 320 when the tiller shaft 216 is in the home position (as shown in FIG. 6). As further explained below, the first bracket 320 and the second bracket 322 are advantageously configured to operatively engage with the first end 301 and/or the second end 303 of the coil spring 300, respectively, when the tiller shaft 216 is rotated relative to the home position, which increases tension in the coil spring 300 and creates a spring bias that tends to rotate the tiller shaft 216 back towards the home position.

The first bracket 320 has a first ring 323a, second ring 323b, and a connector portion 330 and base portion 340 that extend longitudinally between the first and second rings 323a, 323b. The first and second rings 323a, 323b are disposed on the tiller shaft 216 and are coaxially aligned with each other relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The connector portion 330 and the base portion 340 are located at an outer perimeter 360 of the first and second rings 323a, 323b. The connector portion 330 has a surface 331 that faces radially outwardly from the outer perimeter 360 of the first and second rings 323a, 323b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector portion 330 has a seam 345 that extends longitudinally along an interior side of the surface 331 relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The seam 345 extends rearwardly from the first ring 323a and terminates at a curved end 351. Referring to FIG. 4, the base portion 340 extends along the perimeter of the second ring 323b from the connector portion 330 towards a driven face 329, such that the driven face 329 is offset from the surface 331.

Like the first bracket 320, the second bracket 322 has a first ring 327a, a second ring 327b, and a connector portion 332 and base portion 342 that extend longitudinally between the first and second rings 327a, 327b. The first and second rings 327a, 327b are disposed on the tiller shaft 216 and are coaxially aligned with each other relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The connector portion 332 and the base portion 342 are located at an outer perimeter 362 of the first and second rings 327a, 327b. The connector portion 332 has a surface 335 that faces radially outwardly from the outer perimeter 362 of the first and second rings 327a, 327b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector portion 332 has a seam 347 that extends longitudinally along an interior side of the surface 335 relative to the longitudinal axis 800. The seam 347 extends forwardly from the second ring 327b and terminates at a curved end 353. Referring to FIG. 4, the base portion 342 extends along the perimeter of the second ring 327b from the connector portion 332 towards a driven face 333 that is offset from the surface 335.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, the bracket assembly 310 is assembled by coaxially aligning the first bracket 320, the coil spring 300, and the second bracket 322, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, i.e., such that the coil body 308 and the respective first and second rings 323a, 323b, 327a, and 327b are coaxial. The first and second rings 323a, 323b of the first bracket 320 are located between the first and second rings 327a, 327b of the second bracket 322. The coil body 308 is located between the first and second rings 323a, 323b. The first end 301 of the coil spring 300 is disposed on the connector portion 330 of the first bracket 320. The first turn 311 of the coil spring 300 extends around the curved end 351 of the seam 345. The second end 303 of the coil spring 300 is on the connector portion 332 of the second bracket 322. The second turn 313 of the coil spring 300 extends around the curved end 353 of the seam 347.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the assembled bracket assembly 310 is slid onto tiller shaft 216 such that the tiller shaft 216 extends through the first and second rings 323a, 323b, of the first bracket 320 and through the first and second rings 327a, 327b of the second bracket 322. The first and second rings 323a, 323b of the first bracket 320 and the first and the second rings 327a, 327b of the second bracket 322 are configured to rotate smoothly on the tiller shaft 216 during rotation of the grip 220. Thereafter the tiller shaft 216 is coupled to the shaft extension 228, as described above. Attachment of the tiller shaft 216 to the shaft extension 228 locates the engagement finger 302 between the base portions 340, 342 of the first and second brackets 320, 322, which forcibly rotates the connector portions 330, 332 of the first and second brackets 320, 322 towards each other against the natural bias of the coil spring 300 which tends to retain its original shape. This causes the connector portions 330, 332 to rotationally force the first and second ends 301, 303 of the coil spring 300 towards each other, which forces the coil spring 300 out of its original shape and creates tensions (i.e. tightens or coils) the coil spring 300 and thereby creates a pretension or “spring load” in the spring-loaded return device 500. Thus, in the home position shown in FIG. 6, the coil body 308 is effectively “pretensioned” via engagement of the first and second ends 301, 303 with the respective first and second brackets 320, 322. Thereafter, the tiller shaft 216, shaft extension 228, and spring-loaded return device 500 are seated in the chassis 212 and the cover 243 is attached to the U-shaped cradle 241, as described herein above with respect to FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the home position, the first bracket 320 is oriented so that the driven face 329 faces the first face 304 of the engagement finger 302 and the first stop face 307 of the stopping block 305. The surface 331 is held in spring-biased engagement with the first end 301 of the coil spring 300. The second bracket 322 is oriented so that the driven face 333 is positioned for engagement with the second face 306 of the engagement finger 302 and the second stop face 309 of the stopping block 305. The surface 335 is held in spring-biased engagement with the second end 303 of the coil spring 300.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, in use, a user located on either the starboard side 208 or the port side 210 of the tiller arm 104 grasps and rotates the grip 220 out of the home position (FIG. 6). The grip 220 is rotated away from the home position inwardly and downwardly toward the body of the user, which in this case, is shown as either the first direction 234 for left handed use or the second direction 236 for right handed use.

FIG. 7 depicts use of the tiller 100 in the left-hand mode, in which as described herein above the selector 239 permits rotation of the tiller shaft 216 away from the home position in the first direction 234. When the grip 220 is rotated in the first direction 234, the tiller shaft 216 and the shaft extension 228 are rotated in the first direction 234. As the shaft extension 228 is rotated, the first face 304 of the engagement finger 302 applies a rotational force onto the driven face 329 of the first bracket 320, which in turn rotates the surface 331. This rotates the first end 301 of the coil spring 300. Rotation of the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 normally would cause commensurate rotation of the second end 303 of the coil spring 300 except for the fact that the second end of the coil spring 300 is prevented from rotating due to the driven face 333 of the second bracket 322 being engaged with the second stop face 309 of the stopping block 305. Thus, as the grip 220 is rotated in the first direction 234, the first bracket 320 is rotated towards the second bracket 322 against a bias of the coil spring 300. The first end 301 of the coil spring 300 is rotated towards the second end 303 of the coil spring 300, which tightens the coil spring 300 and creates a spring bias that tends to force the tiller shaft 216 and grip 220 back towards the home position in the second direction 236. The coil spring 300 has a spring bias and is sized small enough to permit rotation out of the home position and is sized large enough so that the spring bias that is created by rotating the grip 220 out of the home position is sufficient to automatically rotate the tiller shaft 216 and grip back towards the home position once the user releases the grip 220.

FIG. 8 depicts use of the tiller 100 in the right-hand mode in which as described herein above the selector 239 permits rotation of the tiller shaft 216 away from the home position in the second direction 236. When the grip 220 is rotated in the second direction 236, the tiller shaft 216 and the shaft extension 228 are rotated in the second direction 236. As the shaft extension 228 is rotated, the second face 306 of the engagement finger 302 applies a rotational force on the driven face 333 of the second bracket 322, which in turn rotates the surface 335. This rotates the second end 303 of the coil spring 300. Rotation of the second end 303 of the coil spring 300 would normally cause commensurate rotation of the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 except for the fact that the first end 301 of the coil spring 300 is prevented from rotating due to the driven face 329 of the first bracket 320 being engaged with the first stop face 307 of the stopping block 305. Thus, as the grip 220 is rotated in the second direction 236, the second bracket 322 is rotated towards the first bracket 320 against the bias of the coil spring 300. The second end 303 of the coil spring 300 is rotated towards the first end 301 of the coil spring 300, which tightens the coil spring 300 and creates a spring bias that tends to force the tiller shaft 216 and grip 220 back towards the home position in the first direction 234. Thus, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the first direction 234 tightens the torsion spring in a same torsional direction as said rotation of the tiller shaft 216 in the second direction 236. That is, the torsion spring is wound in only one direction during bi-directional rotation of the tiller shaft 216. The coil spring 300 has a spring bias and is sized small enough to permit rotation out of the home position and is sized large enough so that the spring bias that is created by rotating the grip 220 out of the home position is sufficient to automatically rotate the tiller shaft 216 and grip back towards the home position once the user releases the grip 220.

It will thus be seen that the present disclosure provides significantly improved tiller having a tiller arm and grip that can be rotated in either direction out of a home position, thus enabling ambidextrous use, and particularly in which a coil spring, such as a single coil spring or other coil spring and/or the like is combined with a novel bracket assembly that causes the spring to be wound in only one direction during bi-directional rotation of the tiller arm. This was found by the present inventors to advantageously provide a compact return device for the tiller arm having increased life by requiring the spring to be wound in only one direction and stability of the spring during and as a result of the tensioning of the spring as compared to the prior art.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A tiller for controlling at least one operational characteristic of a marine drive, the tiller comprising:

a tiller shaft that is rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and away from the home position in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and

a spring-loaded return device that biases the tiller shaft back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction and back towards the home position upon rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction, the spring-loaded return device comprising a torsion spring and being configured such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction tightens the torsion spring in a same torsional direction as said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction.

2. The tiller according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the torsion spring is configured so that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end to tighten the torsion spring in said same torsional direction and such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end to tighten the torsion spring in said same torsional direction.

3. The tiller according to claim 1, wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the torsion spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position.

4. The tiller according to claim 1, wherein the torsion spring includes a coil spring.

5. The tiller according to claim 4, wherein the coil spring is wound around the tiller shaft.

6. The tiller according to claim 4, wherein the coil spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the coil spring is configured so that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end and thereby tightens the coil spring, and such that said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end and thereby tightens the coil spring.

7. The tiller according to claim 6, wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position.

8. The tiller according to claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded return device further comprises a bracket assembly that couples the torsion spring to the tiller shaft.

9. The tiller according to claim 8, and wherein the torsion spring and the bracket assembly are disposed on the tiller shaft.

10. The tiller according to claim 8, wherein the bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket that is diametrically opposed to the first bracket when the tiller shaft is in the home position.

11. The tiller according to claim 8, wherein the bracket assembly includes a first bracket operably coupled to a first end of the torsion spring and a second bracket operably coupled to an opposite, second end of the torsion spring, and wherein the first bracket is rotatable relative to the second bracket to compress the torsion spring, and wherein the second bracket is rotatable relative to the first bracket to compress the torsion spring.

12. The tiller according to claim 11, wherein the first bracket prevents said rotation of a first end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the second direction, and wherein the second bracket prevents rotation of a second end of the torsion spring when the tiller shaft is rotated in the first direction.

13. The tiller according to claim 11, wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first bracket relative to the second bracket in the first direction to compress the torsion spring, and wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the second direction to compress the torsion spring.

14. The tiller according to claim 8, wherein the bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket, and wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are rotatable relative to each other upon rotation of the tiller shaft.

15. The tiller according to claim 14, wherein the tiller shaft includes an engagement finger and wherein the engagement finger is configured to rotate one of the first bracket and the second bracket when the tiller shaft is rotated.

16. The tiller according to claim 1, further comprising a selector wherein the selector is movable into a first position which restricts said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction and a second position which restricts said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction.

17. A tiller for a marine drive, the tiller comprising

a tiller shaft that is rotatable away from a home position in a first direction and away from the home position in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and

a coil spring that biases the tiller shaft towards the home position in both the first direction and the second direction.

18. The tiller according to claim 17, wherein the coil spring has a first end and a second end, and wherein the coil spring is configured so that rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction rotates the first end relative to the second end and thereby tightens the coil spring, and such that rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction rotates the second end relative to the first end and thereby tightens the coil spring.

19. The tiller according to claim 18, wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the first direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position, and wherein said rotation of the tiller shaft in the second direction causes the coil spring to bias the tiller shaft back towards the home position.

20. The tiller according to claim 17, further comprising a bracket assembly that couples the coil spring to the tiller shaft, wherein the coil spring is pre-loaded within the bracket assembly when the tiller shaft is in a home position.