Combination strut and rudder control assembly and method of forming same

Abstract

A combination strut and rudder control assembly ( 300 ) for use in a marine vessel includes a strut ( 301 ) used for providing support to a drive shaft assembly and a relatable shaft ( 311 ) positioned behind the strut ( 301 ) for controlling a rudder used to steer the marine vessel. The invention promotes efficient operation of the marine vessel though the use a strut ( 301 ) combined with a rudder control to enable proper alignment and mounting of these devices under the vessel's hull.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly for use in a marine vessel comprising: 
 a strut used for providing support to a drive shaft assembly; and    a rotatable shaft positioned behind the strut for controlling a rudder used to steer the marine vessel.    
     
     
         2 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the strut and rotatable shaft are separated by a connecting member.  
     
     
         3 . A combination strut and rudder assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the strut is used to support a drive shaft assembly and includes: 
 a substantially cylindrical housing;    a plurality of bearing assemblies positioned within the cylindrical housing for promoting rotation of a drive shaft; and    a plurality of seals located at at least one end of the housing for preventing water from contacting the plurality of bearing assemblies.    
     
     
         4 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bearing assemblies are needle bearings.  
     
     
         5 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bearing assemblies are roller bearings.  
     
     
         6 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve positioned within the cylindrical housing for frictionally engaging the plurality of bearing assemblies therein.  
     
     
         7 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of deflectors located at each end of the cylindrical housing for deflecting water away from the plurality of seals.  
     
     
         8 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one gasket for sealing the surface between the plurality of seals and the plurality of deflectors.  
     
     
         9 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the gasket is an “O” shaped ring.  
     
     
         10 . A combination strut and rudder control assembly as in  claim 1 , further comprising a support member integrally connected with the housing for mounting the cylindrical housing to a fixed surface.  
     
     
         11 . A combination strut and rudder as in  claim 1 , wherein the marine vessel has a inboard drive.  
     
     
         12 . A steering assembly for use in a marine vessel comprising: 
 a strut for supporting a drive shaft; and    a rotatable collar for controlling the rotation of a rudder for steering the marine vessel.    
     
     
         13 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the rotatable collar is a cylindrical shaft.  
     
     
         14 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the cylindrical shaft includes a plurality of roller bearing to facilitate rotation.  
     
     
         15 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the strut comprises: 
 at least one bearing positioned within the strut for facilitating movement of the engine drive shaft; and    a plurality seal assemblies for preventing external fluids from contacting the at least one bearing.    
     
     
         16 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the bearing is a needle bearing.  
     
     
         17 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the bearing is a roller bearing.  
     
     
         18 . A steering assembly as in  claim 12 , wherein the seal assembly includes: 
 a pliable seal; and    a deflector for deflecting fluid from the seal.    
     
     
         19 . A method for steering a marine vessel comprising the steps of: 
 providing a strut on a steering assembly for holding a drive shaft into a fixed position during rotation; and    providing a rotatable shaft on the steering assembly for holding a rudder to control steering of the marine vessel.    
     
     
         20 . A method for steering a marine vessel as in  claim 19 , wherein the strut includes: 
 a substantially cylindrical housing;    at least one roller bearing assembly within the substantially cylindrical housing; and    a seal assembly for preventing water from contacting the at least one roller bearing assembly.    
     
     
         21 . A method for steering a marine vessel as in  claim 19 , wherein the seal assembly includes at least one seal washer and a diverter for diverting water from the seal washer.  
     
     
         22 . A method for steering a marine vessel as in  claim 19 , further comprising a gasket for sealing the area between the at least one seal washer and the diverter.  
     
     
         23 . A method for steering a marine vessel as in  claim 19 , wherein the strut further includes a blade for mounting the strut at a predetermined angle in relation to the hull.