Rudder with controllable tab

Abstract

A rudder primarily for use on a boat, which includes an independently operated trim tab or spoiler within the perimeter of the rudder.

1 ) A rudder assembly for use with a boat, comprising: 
 a generally thin main rudder member adapted for use in a substantially vertical plane at the stern of the boat;    a hollow cylindrical principal shaft rigidly secured to the main rudder member at the upper portion thereof, extending vertically upwardly and secured to the boat for rotation about its axis;    a unitary tab element formed from the main rudder member and hingedly secured thereto intermediate its outer boundaries at a position below the lower end of the principal shaft;    a secondary shaft secured to the tab element rotatingly received in and extending beyond the principal shaft; and    means to independently rotate the principal and the secondary shaft selectively extending the tab outward from either side of the main rudder member.    
   
   
       2 ) A rudder assembly adapted to alter the course of a vehicle by deflecting fluid flowing thereby, comprising: 
 a relatively thin rotatable main body portion rotatable about an axis having opposing sides adapted to interact with the relatively moving fluid, including a front, back, top and bottom, forming a perimeter; and    a spoiler intermediate the perimeter, independently rotatable about an axis relative to the rudder to interrupt the flow of fluid, said spoiler selectively moved outwardly on either side of the main body portion.    
   
   
       3 ) A rudder assembly as in  claim 2 , wherein the spoiler is horizontally offset from the axis of rotation of the main body portion.  
   
   
       4 ) A rudder assembly as in  claim 2 , wherein the spoiler is actuated by a push bar.  
   
   
       5 ) A rudder assembly as in  claim 2 , wherein the spoiler element rotates about the same axis as the main body portion.  
   
   
       6 ) A rudder assembly as in  claim 4 , wherein the spoiler is actuated through a shaft concentric with the shaft for the main body portion which actuates a push rod interconnected with the spoiler.