Spring-loaded geared flap structure

Abstract

A spring-loaded flap rudder or flap stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship. In a geared version of the invention, the rudder or stabilizer includes a member and a gear including teeth. The rudder or stabilizer also includes a flap member pivotally connected to the member with a component, such as a spring, arranged to limit jamming between the gear and a movable flap gear. The flap gear includes a rod movably engaged in a socket of the flap member and gear teeth for engagement with the teeth of the gear.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rudder adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship, the rudder comprising:
 a. a rudder member including a rudder stock rotatably connectable to a hull structure of a ship;   b. a rudder gear connectable to the hull structure, the rudder gear including rudder teeth;   c. a flap member pivotally connected to the rudder member, wherein the flap member includes a socket and a spring in the socket; and   d. a flap gear including:
 i. a rod movably engaged and rotatable in the socket of the flap member; and 
 ii. gear teeth for engagement with the rudder teeth of the rudder gear. 
   
     
     
         2 . A stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship, the stabilizer comprising:
 a. a member including a stock rotatably connectable to a hull structure of a ship;   b. a stabilizer gear connectable to the hull structure, the stabilizer gear including teeth;   c. a flap member pivotally connected to the member, wherein the flap member includes a socket and a component in the socket; and   d. a flap gear including:
 i. a rod movably engaged and rotatable in the socket of the flap member; and 
 ii. gear teeth for engagement with the teeth of the stabilizer gear, wherein the component permits axial movement of the rod in the socket to adjust alignment of the stabilizer gear and the flap gear and prevent jamming thereof. 
   
     
     
         3 . The stabilizer of  claim 2  wherein the component is a spring.