Lateral thrust device

#This invention relates to the field of devices made for propelling watercraft. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism for redirecting a portion of the reverse flow of a jet stream created by a watercraft.

#A water-jet driven craft's primary means of steering is achieved by directing the flow of water through the thrust of the water jet propulsion system. Water jet propulsion vessels are popular for recreational watercrafts. A prior art watercraft 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1. These crafts are typically propelled by two or four stroke gasoline engines in connection with an impeller housed in a tubular chamber, the forward end of which draws in the water and the rearward end which expels it to provide thrust via the jet stream 40 in order to propel the craft or vessel. In most instances, a tubular nozzle (deflector nozzle 34) is attached to the discharge end (nozzle 35) which pivots from side to side in sync with the steering control 36 to provide steering capability.

#A detailed view of a prior art jet propulsion system is shown in FIG. 2. The pump assembly 28 includes the tubular chamber (impeller housing 27) and the impeller duct 26, which draws in the water. The watercraft moves forward by expelling water out of first nozzle outlet 38 of deflector nozzle 34. The deflector nozzle 34 pivots in sync with the steering control 36 allowing the forward steering of the watercraft. As shown in FIG. 3, a reverse gate 32 is pivotably attached to deflector nozzle 34. Deflector nozzle 34 has a first nozzle outlet 38 and a second nozzle outlet 42. When reverse gate 32 is in an open position (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) jet stream expels water out of first nozzle outlet 38. When reverse gate 32 is a closed position (as shown in FIG. 5) jet stream is redirected out of second nozzle outlet 42 (reverse flow 41). As shown in FIG. 5, in a closed position reverse gate 32 diverts jet stream downward and slightly towards the back of the boat to allow the boat to slow, stop and/or drive the boat in reverse.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing a prior art watercraft.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing a prior art jet propulsion system.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing a prior art deflector nozzle having a reverse gate.

#10 device 12 main body 14 channel 16 inlet 18 outlet 20 attachment member 22 attachment point 24 bearing 26 impeller duct 27 impeller housing 28 pump assembly 30 watercraft 32 reverse gate 34 deflector nozzle 35 nozzle 36 steering wheel 38 first nozzle outlet 40 jet stream 41 reverse flow 42 sidewall 44 fastener hole 46 hull 48 first surface 50 outer wall 52 centerline 54 first end 56 second end 58 inlet cross section point 60 outlet cross section point 62 first radius 64 second radius 66 center of curvature 68 degree of curve 70 inlet center point 72 outlet center point 74 fastener 76 molded voids 78 base connection 80 third radius 82 fourth radius 84 degree of centerline curve 86 molded raised portion 88 sidewall 90 center plane

#FIG. 6-9 illustrate the present invention in the preferred embodiment. The device 10 redirects a portion of the reverse flow of a jet stream created by a watercraft. Main body 12 of device 10 has a channel 14 disposed therein. Channel 14 fluidly connects inlet 16 to outlet 18, as shown in FIG. 7. Device 10 is fixed to watercraft by bearing 24, attachment point 22 and attachment member 20, as further described herein. However, the reader will appreciate that any known method of fixing device 10 to watercraft can be used.

#Inlet 16 is preferably located on the first surface 48 of main body 12. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the position of inlet 16 is such that jet stream reverse flow (“A”) can enter channel 14 in a downward and backward direction with respect to main body 12. The entry of reverse flow through inlet 16 is shown by arrows labeled “A”. As the reverse flow of jet stream enters inlet 16, channel 14 bends reverse flow and directs it towards outlet 18 (bending of reverse flow is shown as arrows labeled “B”). Outlet 18 is located on (or formed within) sidewall 42 of main body 12. As the reverse flow is expelled through outlet 18, the flow is primarily lateral (shown as arrows labeled “C”). The expulsion of lateral reverse flow through outlet 18 provides a lateral thrust to watercraft.