Patents Assigned to EPCO Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11987334
    Abstract: An outboard motor support device includes a transom connection mechanism, a pivot joint, and a motor support. The transom connection mechanism engages directly with a transom bracket to maximize stability and is configured to provide a consistently correct angular orientation of the motor support relative to the motor during use. In particular, the pivot joint adjustably aligns to the motor is a desired orientation during assembly to ensure a firm and “nested” engagement with the lower unit of the motor in the motor support. The motor support can be designed to fit specific motors, allowing for maximum stability and maximum surface area contact when properly aligned and engaged with the motor. The present outboard motor support device is formed as a single unit that provides vertical support as well as horizontal stabilization to the motor during transit, thereby also preserving the transom brackets and tilt/trim mechanism of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: EPCO Products Inc
    Inventors: Fredric J. Aichele, Jr., Nicholas B. Krontz, Jason C. Kabot, Robert D. Rohr
  • Patent number: 6981463
    Abstract: A bow eye for marine use including a U-shaped bolt having two threaded legs. Two metal plates are located respectively on either side of a watercraft hull. A first pair of nuts are threaded onto the legs with one plate being positioned adjacent the nuts. A second pair of nuts is used to secure the bow eye to the hull. A sealing gasket is located on the side of the outside plate that is between the outside plate and the hull. The sealing gasket has apertures that are smaller than apertures located in the hull. The gasket apertures are smaller than the diameter of the legs causing the gasket to pucker around the legs when mounted on the legs. When the bow eye legs are inserted into the hull, the puckered portion of the gasket partially fills the hull apertures. The bow eye nuts are tightened, forcing the gasket further into the hull apertures to seal the bow eye in the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: EPCO Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredric J. Aichele
  • Patent number: 4856850
    Abstract: The trailer brake control system for use in a trailer which is adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle. The trailer includes an electrically operated braking mechanism and the towing vehicle includes a brake pedal, at least one brake light, and a brake switch operated by the brake pedal to energize the brake light. The control system includes a short circuit indicator circuit to provide a short circuit signal when a short circuit condition is detected in the trailer brake mechanism. A manual switch is also provided to manually actuate the trailer brake mechanism and to provide a manual brake actuation signal. A second circuit including a NOR gate provides a variable amplitude brake actuation signal in response to the concurrent closure of the brake switch, the absence of a manual brake actuation signal, and the absence of a short circuit signal. An indicator light is responsive to the brake actuation signal to provide a signal indicative of brake actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: EPCO Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Aichele, James O. Hopkins, Jr., Dale H. Krauskopf