COVER FOR A BOAT MOTOR

A cover for a boat motor is provided. The cover is for a boat motor of the type having an upper portion having a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion having a cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion. The cover includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a shape that generally approximates the lower portion. A first fastener is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the first panel. A second fastener is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the second panel and is mutually engageable with the first fastener. The first and second panel are positioned on opposing sides of the lower portion and fastened to each other by the first and second fasteners to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a cover for a boat motor, and more particularly for a cover that is adapted to cover a lower portion of a boat motor.

BACKGROUND

Watercraft vessels such as boats may be powered by internal combustion engines that are placed inboard or outboard of the vessel. Inboard placed motors enjoy the protection afforded by the vessel's hull, however, outboard placed motors are not afforded such protection. This is problematic for several reasons. One such reason includes the fact that the motor uses a propeller for propulsion which may have sharp edges which could injure a person while the boat is in storage, transit, or being loaded and unloaded at a boating ramp. Furthermore, a person could be injured by contacting the sharp edges of the propeller while swimming near an anchored boat. In addition, the propeller, skeg plate, cavitation plate, or other parts of the motor could be damaged during storage, transit, and unloading, and repair or replacement of these parts is usually expensive. Also, outboard placed motors may not have sufficient protection from weather elements and could suffer damages attributed to freezing, hail, or other weather disasters.

A tarpaulin or other sheet could be used to cover the outboard placed motor, however, these alternatives are not custom fit for the outboard placed motor, are aesthetically unpleasing, may not offer suitable protection, and may not be appropriate for transit of the boat at highway speeds. Accordingly, a need exists for a cover that addresses the various disadvantages associated with conventional devices.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a cover for a boat motor is provided. The cover is for a boat motor of the type having an upper portion having a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion having a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion. The cover includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion. A first fastener is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the first panel. A second fastener is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the second panel and is mutually engageable with the first fastener. The first and second panel are positioned on opposing sides of the lower portion and fastened to each other by the first and second fasteners to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor.

According to another aspect, at least one of the first or second panels defines at least one drainage aperture for permitting fluid drainage from the cover.

According to another aspect, the cover also includes a first strap assembly extending from an upward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and is configured to extend upon and engage the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

According to another aspect, the cover also includes a second strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and is configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the propeller.

According to another aspect, the cover includes a third strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and is configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the housing of the upper portion.

According to another aspect, the cover includes a flap extending from a rearward facing portion of the first panel and is configured to cover the first and second fasteners and engage the second panel.

According to another aspect, each of the first and second panels define an increased thickness area, such as nylon or canvas, for providing support to an area in proximity to the propeller and cavitation plate when the cover is installed on the lower portion of the boat motor.

According to another aspect, the cover includes a third panel interconnecting the first and second panels.

According to another aspect, a cover for a boat motor is provided. The boat motor is of the type having an upper portion having a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion including a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion. The cover includes a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first and second panels have a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion of the boat motor. The first and second panels are interconnected by a third panel extending from a frontward facing portion of each of the first and second panels. A first zipper track is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the first panel. A second zipper track is carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the second panel and is mutually engageable with the first zipper to form a zipper assembly. The first and second panel are positioned on opposing sides of the lower portion and fastened to each other by the zipper assembly to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor. A first strap assembly extends from an upward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and is configured to extend upon and engage the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

According to another aspect, a method for covering a boat motor is provided. The boat motor is of the type having an upper portion including a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion that includes a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion is provided. The method includes providing a cover having a first panel and a second panel, each of the first and second panels having a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion of the boat motor, placing each of the first and second panels on opposing surfaces of the lower portion of the boat motor, and fastening the first panel to the second panel to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor.

According to another aspect, each of the first and second panels includes a mutually engageable zipper track on a substantial length thereof for fastening the first panel to the second panel.

According to another aspect, the method also includes providing a first strap assembly that extends from an upwards facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the first strap assembly into engagement with the upper portion of the engine.

According to another aspect, the method also includes providing a second strap assembly that extends from a rearward facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the second strap assembly into engagement with the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the propeller.

According to another aspect, the method also includes providing a third strap assembly that extends from a rearward facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the third strap assembly into engagement with the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the cover installed on a boat motor according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cover installed on a boat motor according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cover in an uninstalled state according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a first safety device for use with the cover according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of a second safety device for use with the cover according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

A cover for a motor of a watercraft vessel is shown throughout the Figures and is generally designated 10. The cover 10 is configured to be installed upon an outboard boat motor 1 of the type that has an upper portion 2 that defines a housing 3 for containing an engine and a lower portion 5 that generally includes a cavitation plate 6, a propeller 7 that is mechanically coupled to the engine for providing propulsion, and a skeg 8 for providing direction stability to the boat under propulsion. The cover 10 is generally configured for covering the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1 and specifically provides protection to the cavitation plate 6, propeller 7, and skeg 8.

The cover 10 generally includes a first panel 12 and a second panel 14 that are interconnected by a third panel 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first panel 12 and second panel 14 define generally equal areas and may have a generally trapezoidal shape that generally mirrors the shape of a side of the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1. Each of the first panel 12 and second panel 14 may be made of canvas, nylon, a polymer based, neoprene, foam or any other suitable fabric, and may include water or ultraviolet resistant characteristics. In one embodiment, advertising indicia may be provided on either of the first panel 12 or second panel 14. The first panel 12 includes a first zipper track 16 around a periphery of the first panel 12 that extends from the intersection of the first panel 12 and third panel 36 to the most upward facing corner of the first panel 12. Likewise, the second panel 14 includes a second zipper track 20 that extends from the intersection of the second panel 14 and third panel 36 to the most upward facing corner of the second panel 14. The second zipper track 20 is configured for mutually engaging the first zipper track 16 by sliding movement of zipper pull 19 which may be provided on either the first zipper track 16 or the second zipper track 20.

A plurality of drainage apertures 22 may be defined on any one of the first panel 12, second panel 14, or third panel 36 for draining water and other fluids that may become enclosed within cover 10. The first panel 12 and second panel 14 may define areas of increased thickness 34 which may also be defined by a different material than surrounding portions of the first panel 12 and second panel 14. These areas 34 are provided for additional support around the blade edges of the propeller 7 and cavitation plate 6 such that propeller and cavitation plate 6 will not cut through and damage the cover 10 and injure a nearby person. A flap 32 may be provided on either of the first panel 12 or second panel 14 to cover a rearward facing portion of the boat motor 1 and may include a fastener assembly such as a hook and loop fastener that is configured to engage a mutually engageable fastener found on the other panel of the first panel 12 or second panel 14. Another flap 37 may extend from flap 32 and is provided for tucking under the skeg 8 for providing support thereto. Flap 37 may be made of a foam material for increased support and protection from the skeg 8.

The cover 10 includes a first strap assembly 24 extending from an upward facing side of each of the first panel 12 and second panel 14. This first strap assembly 24 is provided for extending over and engaging the upper most surface of the upper portion 2 of the boat motor 1. The first strap assembly 24 may define a general “Y” shape such that at least two portions of the first strap assembly 24 extend over and engage the upper portion 2 of the boat motor 1. In one embodiment, the first strap assembly 24 may be adjustable in length so that the cover 10 can be adapted for fitting various size boat motors. The cover 10 may also include a second strap assembly 26 extending from outward facing sides of each of the first panel 12 and second panel 14 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The second strap assembly 26 is provided for extending around the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1 and engaging a position defined between the cavitation plate 6 and propeller 7. The second strap assembly 26 may include a fastener 31 for adjusting a length of the second strap assembly 26, and in one embodiment, fastener 31 may be double “D” rings configured for receiving one end of the second strap assembly 26. Similarly, the cover 10 may also include a third strap assembly 30 extending from outward facing sides of each of the first panel 12 and second panel 14. The third strap assembly 30 is provided for extending around the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1 and engaging a position defined between the cavitation plate 6 and housing 3. The third strap assembly 30 may include a fastener 31 for adjusting a length of the third strap assembly 30, and in one embodiment, fastener 31 may also be double “D” rings configured for receiving one end of the third strap assembly 30. Each of the first strap assembly 24, second strap assembly 26, and third strap assembly 30 may be made from an elastic material such that each respective strap assembly can be stretch fit to the boat motor 1, or they may be made from any other appropriate fabric. A portion of hook and loop fasteners 35 may be provided on panel 12 for engaging a corresponding portion of hook and loop fasteners found on flap 33 that extends from flap 32.

The cover 10 is installed on the boat motor 1 by placing the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 on opposing sides of the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1 and pulling the zipper pull 19 until the zipper tracks 16, 20 are engaged to form an enclosure. The flap 32 may be positioned to cover a rearward facing portion of the lower portion 5 of the boat motor 1. One of the strap assemblies 24, 26, or 30 is then installed about the boat motor 1. For example, the first strap assembly 24 could be extended and engaged upon the uppermost surface of the upper portion 2 of the boat motor 1. The second strap assembly 26 could then be extended and engaged upon the position defined between the cavitation plate 6 and propeller 7. The third strap assembly 30 could then be extended and engaged upon the position defined between the cavitation plate 6 and upper housing 3. Each of the strap assemblies could have their respective lengths varies according to the shape or other characteristics of the boat motor 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a first safety device 80 may be provided with the cover 10. The first safety device 80 is configured for fitting around a throttle mechanism of the boat motor 1. The first safety device 80 includes a loop 82 that engages with the throttle mechanism, an overlap 84 that can be removed to expose an opening in the loop 82 for installing the loop 82 on the throttle mechanism, a panel 86 that the loop 82 is attached to, and a mesh pocket 88 that defines a volume therein for housing the keys for the boat motor. In this manner, the first safety device 80 serves as a reminder that cover 10 may be installed on the boat motor 1 such that inadvertent cranking of the boat motor 1 does not occur. Similarly, a second safety device 90 may be provided as illustrated in FIG. 5. The second safety device 90 includes a sleeve 92 with a mesh pocket 94 attached thereto and that defines a volume therein for housing the keys of the boat motor 1. The top surface 96 of the sleeve 92 may have an area with clearly visible colors printed thereon for providing a reminder to the boat operator. The second safety device 90 is provided for sliding over the throttle mechanism 9 and also serves as a reminder to the operator that the boat motor 1 may have the cover 10 installed.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover for a boat motor of the type having an upper portion comprising a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion comprising a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion, the cover comprising:

a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion;
a first fastener carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the first panel; and
a second fastener carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the second panel and being mutually engageable with the first fastener, wherein the first and second panel are positioned on opposing sides of the lower portion and fastened to each other by the first and second fasteners to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first or second panel defines at least one drainage aperture for permitting fluid drainage from the cover.

3. The cover according to claim 1, further including a first strap assembly extending from an upward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and that is configured to extend upon and engage the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

4. The cover according to claim 3, further including a second strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and that is configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the propeller.

5. The cover according to claim 4, further including a third strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and that is configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the housing of the upper portion.

6. The cover according to claim 1, further including a flap extending from a rearward facing portion of the first panel and that is configured to cover the first and second fasteners and engage the second panel.

7. The cover according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second panels defines an increased thickness area for providing support to an area in proximity to the propeller and cavitation plate when the cover is installed on the lower portion of the boat motor.

8. The cover according to claim 1, further including a third panel interconnecting the first and second panels.

9. A cover for a boat motor of the type having an upper portion comprising a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion comprising a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion, the cover comprising:

a first panel and a second panel, each of the first and second panels having a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion of the boat motor and being interconnected by a third panel extending from a frontward facing portion of each of the first and second panels;
a first zipper track carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the first panel;
a second zipper track carried on a substantial length of a periphery of the second panel and being mutually engageable with the first zipper to form a zipper assembly, wherein the first and second panel are positioned on opposing sides of the lower portion and fastened to each other by the zipper assembly to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor; and
a first strap assembly extending from an upward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and configured to extend upon and engage the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

10. The cover according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first or second panel defines at least one drainage aperture for permitting fluid drainage from the cover.

11. The cover according to claim 9, further including a second strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the propeller.

12. The cover according to claim 11, further including a third strap assembly extending from a rearward facing portion of each of the first panel and the second panel and configured to extend upon and engage the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the housing of the upper portion.

13. The cover according to claim 9, further including a flap extending from a rearward facing portion of the first panel and configured to cover the first and second fasteners and engage the second panel.

14. The cover according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second panels defines an increased thickness area for providing support to an area in proximity to the propeller and cavitation plate when the cover is installed on the lower portion of the boat motor.

15. A method for covering a boat motor of the type having an upper portion comprising a housing for containing an engine and a lower portion comprising a laterally extending cavitation plate, a propeller for providing propulsion, and a skeg for providing directional stability under propulsion, the method comprising:

providing a cover having a first panel and a second panel, each of the first and second panels having a shape that generally approximates a shape of the lower portion of the boat motor;
placing each of the first and second panels on opposing surfaces of the lower portion of the boat motor; and
fastening the first panel to the second panel to form an enclosure for covering the lower portion of the boat motor.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein during the step of fastening the first panel to the second panel, each of the first and second panels includes a mutually engageable zipper track on a substantial length thereof for fastening the first panel to the second panel.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising providing a first strap assembly that extends from an upwards facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the first strap assembly into engagement with the upper portion of the engine.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising providing a second strap assembly that extends from a rearward facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the second strap assembly into engagement with the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the propeller.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising providing a third strap assembly that extends from a rearward facing portion of each of the first and second panels and placing the third strap assembly into engagement with the boat motor at a position defined between the cavitation plate and the housing of the upper portion of the boat motor.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110232813
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 25, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 29, 2011
Inventors: Jeffrey D. Switzer (Charleston, SC), Elizabeth W. Switzer (Charleston, SC)
Application Number: 12/732,130
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: For An Engine Or Motor (150/157)
International Classification: B65D 65/02 (20060101);