Abstract: A rocker panel assembly for a vehicle includes an upper rocker panel, a lower rocker panel, and a fastener. The fastener connects the upper and lower rocker panels. The fastener has a frustoconical tip to locate the fastener on the lower rocker panel, a body with a plurality of fins to stabilize the fastener between the upper and lower rocker panels, and a shoulder including an arrow-head configured to clamp the lower rocker panel to the upper rocker panel between the shoulder and a head of the fastener.

Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle rear portion structure that improves rigidity of a vehicle rear portion. At a wheel house connecting member, both end portions in a vehicle transverse direction of a top surface portion are joined to joining stays that are provided at wheel houses, and lower portions of both end portions in the vehicle transverse direction of a vertical wall portion, that extends toward a vehicle lower side from the top surface portion, are joined to fixing members. Accordingly, vehicle rigidity between the wheel houses, that are connected by the wheel house connecting member at a rear portion of a vehicle, improves.

Abstract: A vehicle front section structure includes a hood; a front windshield glass; a cowl louver; a front pillar; a front side door; a wiper arm including an arm base portion; and a flow regulating member that is provided at the cowl louver, that is disposed in a wiper storage section at a vehicle width direction outer side and at a vehicle front side of the arm base portion in a state wherein arm base portion is stored in wiper storage section, and includes a vertical wall extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and an inclined wall disposed at the vehicle front side of arm base portion, in the state wherein the arm base portion is stored in wiper storage section, and extending out from a rear end portion of the vertical wall toward the vehicle width direction outer side and toward the vehicle front side along the arm base portion.

Abstract: An ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) includes a plurality of seats located next to each other in a vehicle width direction, a left shock absorber, a right shock absorber, and a front cover. An opening is provided in the front cover. An upper end portion of the left shock absorber and an upper end portion of the right shock absorber are visible within the opening when the vehicle is seen from above.

Abstract: The present invention is, in a first aspect, a two-piece vehicular splash guard assembly including a splash guard body, having at least one slit, and a cover, having at least one tab corresponding to and registerable with the at least one slit. Removably securing the cover about an interior surface of the splash guard body, either before or after painting the splash guard body, ensures that no paint bleeds onto the inside surface of the splash guard body during the manufacturing process. In a second aspect, a method of painting said splash guard assembly is provided in order to create fine paint lines along the edges of the splash guard body. The cover may be attached either prior to or after painting and, thereafter, the combined cover and splash guard body may be attached to a vehicle or, alternatively, the splash guard body alone may be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: An underbody of a motor vehicle has a base plate (3) and an impact protector (6) connected a lower side of the base plate (3). The impact protector (6) is a material composite composed of metal and fiber composite material.

Abstract: The steel material for an impact absorbing member has a composition containing: by mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.18%, Mn: 1 to 3%, Si+Al: at least 0.5% and less than 2.5%, and N: 0.001 to 0.015%, and in some cases, Cr: at most 0.5%, Mo: at most 0.2%, Ti: at most 0.05%, Nb: at most 0.05%, V: at most 0.2%, and B: at most 0.002%, the remainder being Fe and impurities. The steel material structure contains at least 70% by area of bainite made up of a lath structure having an average interval of at most 1 mm and martensite, 5 to 30%, and satisfies Formulas (1) and (2): (1) 1.2 £ HM0/HB0 £ 1.6, (2) 0.90 £ {(HM10/HM0)/(HB10/HB0) £ 1.3, where HM0 and HM10 represent average nano hardness in an initial state and after 10% tensile deformation of the martensite, and HB0 and HB0 represent that of bainite, respectively.

Abstract: An extending tailgate arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a tailgate and a linkage configured to extend the tailgate away from a rear end of a vehicle by a predetermined distance such that the tailgate contacts the linkage and does not contact the vehicle. The tailgate may be alternately opened in a conventional flip-down manner, and a sliding plate may be provided that covers the gap formed by the extending tailgate arrangement. In certain embodiments, a fence is employed with the tailgate arrangement to enclose the area formed.

Abstract: A tailgate cover assembly including a first panel and a second panel fixed to a vehicle tailgate and connected to the first panel by a first hinge assembly, the first panel being pivotable with respect to the second panel. The tailgate cover may also include a third panel fixed to the second panel by a second hinge assembly and being pivotable with respect to the second panel, wherein in an extended state, the first panel and third panel provide a flat surface on the tailgate.

Abstract: A truck box assembly includes a truck box and a tailgate. The truck box is mounted to a vehicle body. The tailgate is mounted to a rear portion of the truck box for rotation between at least closed and open positions and includes an inner face and an upper face. The upper face defines a first clamp pocket sized to receive an external clamp to secure an item to the inner face when the tailgate is in the open position. The tailgate may further define a latch receiver pocket sized to receive a latch of the truck box to secure the tailgate in the closed position. The first clamp pocket may be located proximate the latch receiver pocket. The latch receiver pocket may be located adjacent a rear pillar of the truck box when the tailgate is in the closed position.

Abstract: A cab tilting stay easy-unlock system includes: a tilting stay portion including an upper stay rod rotatably combined with a vehicle cab, a lower stay rod rotatably combined on an axis to the upper stay rod and rotatably combined with the vehicle body, and a locking handle provided at the upper stay rod and that fixes or unfixes the upper stay rod and the lower stay rod by being combined with the lower stay rod; and a tilting handle portion connected to the tilting stay portion by a cable and operating the tilting stay portion to be in a folded state.

Abstract: The drive unit includes a watertight elongated housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an inner chamber, two juxtaposed tracks disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis and enabling the drive unit to move when the tracks are rotatably driven around the housing, and at least one track-driving motor. The motor is located within the inner chamber of the housing and includes an output shaft mechanically connected to the corresponding track. The unit can also include a ventilation circuit for the interior of the inner chamber of the housing, and a generator for producing electricity. The drive unit can be manufactured from a single housing or with the housings of two apparatuses that are juxtaposed and rigidly paired.

Abstract: The present disclosure features standing electric vehicles for golf course travel that include a skateboard-like deck. The vehicles disclosed herein, referred to as “golf boards,” include features that enhance the safety and ease of use of the vehicle, including power-off electromagnetic braking systems.

Abstract: An industrial cart system and method for operation thereof. The industrial cart system comprises a mother cart and a daughter cart. The mother cart comprises an upper frame and a lower frame. According to an embodiment, the lower frame is configured to support the daughter cart in a loaded or travel position. The lower frame is further configured to allow two-way loading and unloading of the daughter cart. According to another embodiment, the mother cart comprises a chassis and one or more lift mechanisms operatively coupled to the lower frame. The chassis is configured to support the daughter cart and the lift mechanisms are configured to lower and raise the chassis (and the daughter cart) to facilitate the loading and unloading of the daughter cart.

Abstract: A device 1 for use with a continuous track 3 of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle. The device 1 has an elongate body 5 having a ground contacting surface 6 and a releasable bracket 7 for releasably securing the elongate body 5 to the continuous track 3. The releasable bracket 7 has a bracket body 11, a first clamping member 13, a second clamping member 15 extending at an angle relative to the first clamping member, and a fastener 17. The bracket is arranged such that fastening the fastener 17 causes the second clamping member 15 to draw the first clamping member 13 towards the elongate body 5 to releasably secure the elongate body 5 to the continuous track 3. The device has one or more ground engaging features 39. A kit of parts is also described.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a rig may include a base configured to support the mounting structure on an operating surface and a plurality of transport systems operatively connected to the base and configured to lift the mounting structure off of the operating surface. An elevated rig platform may be connected to the base by a plurality of support struts, wherein at least some of the support struts comprise a mounting connection that is configured to pivot to lower the elevated rig platform toward the base and place the mounting structure in a partially collapsed state. Additionally, a connecting member may be attached to one or more of the plurality of transport systems, wherein in response to the elevated rig platform being lowered to the partially collapsed state, the connecting member may be configured to displace at least a portion of the one or more transport systems.

Abstract: The bicycle stand includes a first rod, a second rod, and a pivot structure. The first rod has a first end, a second end, and a first pivot portion between the first end and the second end. The second rod has a third end, a fourth end, and a second pivot portion between the third end and the fourth end. The pivot structure is pivotally connected to the first pivot portion and the second pivot portion so that the first rod is pivotally connected with the second rod and is able to pivot between a folding position and an opening position. The first rod and the second rod are X-shaped when the first rod and the second rod are at the opening position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle carrier having a support mast, an elongate support member extending from the support mast, and a cradle disposed along the elongate support member. The cradle is for receiving a fork crown of a bicycle. The cradle includes a first hook member extending angularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and a second hook member extending angularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member. The first hook member and the second hook member are spaced-apart so as to allow the fork crown to be received by the cradle. A head tube of the bicycle is disposed between the first hook member and the second hook member. The first hook member and the second hook member are disposed between fork tubes of the bicycle.

Abstract: A stand for securely parking a wheeled vehicle, particularly a bicycle, motorcycle, motor scooter or the like, is itself provided with a locking mechanism for locking the vehicle relative to the stand. This conveniently obviates the need for a vehicle owner to carry his own locking devices and related equipment, such as chains and cables, all of which can be cumbersome and heavy. The stand uses cable-actuated latch mechanisms to either provide the locking functionality directly or as a mechanism for securely retaining a cable or chain provided as part of the stand in a locking state.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle includes a seat bladder fastened to a base frame. The seat bladder has one or more cavities that include an internal channel along a portion of the seat bladder's centerline that blocks the flow of fluid from side-to-side along the length of the internal channel. A rear fluid channel allows fluid to flow from side-to-side as the rider's weight shifts from side-to-side during the pedaling cycle. Fluid also flows from side-to-side where the pommel portion flows into the wider seating portion of the set bladder by moving around the forward end of the longitudinal channel. The perimeter of the seat bladder overhangs the perimeter of the base frame by a variable amount throughout the perimeter of the base frame.

Abstract: A bicycle control device that includes a control member with at least one transparent portion, and a luminous indicator. The luminous indicator includes a light source and a light guide that guides the light, through the phenomenon of total internal reflection, from the light source to the at least one transparent portion of the control member.

Abstract: A backpack for motorcyclists provides a rigid outer shell with an electrical system wherein an onboard battery powers rear signal lights, each comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are linked with the motorcycle's electrical system to function as brake lights and turn signals. The electrical system also charges a cellular telephone or other portable device via a Universal Service Bus (USB) port, and may be recharged by one or more solar panels mounted to the exterior of the backpack. A cellular telephone, music player, or similar device may also be connected via the USB port to play digital music files via speakers provided by the backpack, and a headphone socket is also provided. An onboard mapping device or homing beacon, enabled by the Global Positioning System (GPS), may be optionally provided.

Abstract: A rack for a bicycle or a bicycle with a rack comprises a rack body configured to be supported above a rear wheel of the bicycle. The rack body can be supported by side portions that extend along and straddle the rear wheel and are coupled to the bicycle. The rack can comprise a deck portion that extends in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle above the rear wheel. One or more carrier arms can be coupled to the rack at forward and/or rearward ends. In some configurations, a carrier arm can be provided on each side of the front and rear of the rack. The carrier arms can be rotatable or otherwise adjustable with respect to the rack body.

Abstract: A water bottle cage for a bicycle includes a bracket extending along a first axis and adapted to be attached to a frame of a bicycle. The bracket includes two first sides spaced from each other about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and a second side connected with the two first sides and facing a receiving space adapted for receiving a water bottle. The bracket further includes at least one attaching device arranged on one of the two first sides, and at least one tire lever is removably attached to the attaching device. The tire lever can be removed from the attaching device without the need to move the water bottle away from the receiving space.

Abstract: An electrical component mounting structure for a motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame. The vehicle body frame includes: main frames extending downwardly toward rear from a head pipe, the main frames for suspending a power unit; and pivot frames extending downward from rear ends of the main frames to be disposed at left and right in a vehicle width direction. An electrical component including a first ECU is supported in this electrical component mounting structure. In this electrical component mounting structure, the power unit includes a crankcase and a cylinder portion that protrudes from the crankcase, and the first ECU is disposed, in a side view, anterior to the left and right pivot frames, posterior to the cylinder portion, and above the crankcase.

Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. A rider handle, in the first mode, may be configured to be rotationally coupled with the stem in a manner permitting a tricycle rider to exert forces on the rider handle and thereby turn the fork, and the rider handle in the second mode, being configured to be rotationally uncoupled from the stem, preventing forces on the rider handle from turning the fork. At least one rotation restrictor may be included for preventing the front wheel from turning to a position where the front wheel axis leads the fork axis, and for maintaining the front wheel axis in a position trailing the fork axis both when the tricycle is propelled by a tricycle rider in the first mode and when the tricycle is pushed from behind in the second mode.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a left shock absorber is disposed such that a left telescopic axis is positioned on the left of a left steering axis in a left-right direction of a body frame when a vehicle in which the body frame is standing upright is viewed from a front in a front-rear direction of the body frame. A right shock absorber is disposed such that a right telescopic axis is positioned on the right of a right steering axis in the left-right direction of the body frame when the vehicle in which the body frame is standing upright is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the body frame.

Abstract: A positioning device for a foldable scooter, the positioning device comprising a frame component; a inclined tube component, coupled to the frame component; a front fork component, coupled to the inclined tube component; a handlebar, coupled to the front fork component; and two purfles, coupled to the frame component; wherein each purfle further comprises a limit groove, wherein a locating pin is connected to the limit groove and connected to a button, wherein the button is removably connected to the inclined tube component through a spring, wherein the inclined tube component is removably connected to the purfles through a fast unloaded component.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly having a handlebar attachment mounted fixedly connected to a fork of the bicycle and oriented forwards with respect to it, elongated mainly according to its own longitudinal axis (B) inclined with respect to the direction of forward movement (A) of the bicycle by an angle a smaller than +/?12°; a handlebar rod, provided with handgrips at opposite ends thereof; a front seat) formed in the handlebar attachment for abutment of a central area of the handlebar rod; a stop removably fixed to said handlebar attachment through attachment screws to lock the handlebar rod in the seat of the handlebar attachment. The stop comprises at least one open strap, with a central portion arranged in circumferential direction around the handlebar rod and two rear arms extending in tangential direction with respect to the central portion for fixing to the handlebar attachment by means of the attachment screws.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided for operating a first bicycle component and a second bicycle component. The bicycle control device comprises a mounting member, a first actuating unit, a second actuating unit, an operating member and a changing member. The mounting member is configured to be mounted to the bicycle. The first actuating unit is configured to be connected to the first bicycle component. The second actuating unit is configured to be connected to the second bicycle component. The operating member is movably coupled to the mounting member and operatively coupled to the first and second actuating units to selectively operate the first and second actuating units. The changing member is movably coupled to the mounting member to selectively switch between the first and second actuating units being operated in response to movement of the operating member.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles having a through axle extending in the axial direction, a clamping device at a first end of the through axle and a fastener at the second end of the through axle and with a clamping mechanism for clamping the clamping device. The clamping device includes an engaging section for applying a clamping force from the clamping mechanism to the clamping device and a clamping section with an annular pressure area for clamping. The clamping device has a tubular mounting section extending from the clamping section in the direction of the second end of the through axle and to which the through axle is attached.

Abstract: A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-damp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly has a rotational center axis and comprises a crank member, a sprocket member, a sliding mechanism, a first stopper member, a second stopper member and a damping member. The crank member rotatably is arranged around the rotational center axis. The sprocket member is integrally and rotatably attached to the crank member. The sliding mechanism movably coupling the sprocket member in an axial direction with respect to the crank member. The first stopper member is attached to the crank member. The second stopper member is attached to the sprocket member. The damping member is attached to at least one of the first stopper member and the second stopper member. The damping member is configured to contact the other of the first stopper member and the second stopper member while the sliding mechanism is in operation.

Abstract: A transmission assembly for a human- and/or motor-powered vehicle, including a hollow transfer shaft, first and second inner one-way needle bearings, the first inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second inner one-way needle bearing disposed within a second hollow end of the transfer shaft; and a first and a second outer two-way needle bearings, each having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the first outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the first hollow end of the transfer shaft, and the second outer two-way needle bearing disposed about the outer diameter of the transfer shaft near the second end of the transfer shaft, such that the inner diameter of each of the first and second outer two-way needle bearings contacts the outer diameter of the transfer shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle chainring includes a plurality of teeth extending from a periphery of the chainring wherein roots of the plurality of teeth are disposed adjacent the periphery of the chainring. The plurality of teeth include a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth, each of the first group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth. At least some of the second group of teeth are arranged alternatingly and adjacently between the first group of teeth, and wherein the periphery of the chainring is generally non-circular.

Abstract: Rear boat extensions for boats and boats having such are provided. The rear boat extensions described herein are generally suitable for boats comprising a transom and a plate that is pivotally mounted via a hinge near a bottom edge of the transom, such that the plate is pivotable about an axis of the hinge upwardly toward and downwardly away from the transom. In some embodiments, the rear boat extensions described herein may include a bottom surface including a recess and one or more sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess. The recess is disposed at a front end of the rear boat extension and configured to accommodate pivoting of the plate beneath the bottom surface of the rear boat extension. The sloped or curved sections disposed on either side of the recess serve to push water toward respective outboard sides of the boat to manipulate the size and/or shape of the wake produced by the boat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel for operating on a body of water comprising: a non-planing hull having a waterline and a longitudinal direction with a forward portion, an aft portion, and a central portion, the hull being configured to have the aft portion with a smaller water displacement relative to a water displacement at the central portion; and an aft foil affixed to the aft hull portion with one or more connecting members, and below the surface of the water, and spaced from the hull, the aft foil having a span, a chord, and a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to a forward direction, wherein the leading edge of the aft foil is tilted at a downward angle relative to the horizontal, wherein the aft foil has a chord and profile in longitudinal cross section, with a configuration to provide a lifting force, the tilt angle of the chord of the aft foil being measured with respect to the horizontal, and wherein the aft foil is oriented to provide a continuous, upward, forwardly directed component of t

Abstract: A vessel (1) has at least three cavities that are distributed across the bottom in the length direction along a line extending from the center line near the bow, to a respective side. Furthermore, the vessel accommodates for each cavity or pair of cavities on opposite sides of the center line at a predetermined length position, a corresponding compressor for injecting air into the cavity at a pressure substantially corresponding to the hydrostatic pressure in each cavity. Each cavity (33) may include a deflector that has an elongate part (29, 34, 34?) extending in the length direction of the cavity over at least at least 5%, preferably at least 10% of the cavity length L. An air inlet opening (23) may be provided in the top wall (19).

Abstract: Disclosed are a propulsion system for a ship, a method of assembling the same, and a method of disassembling the same. The propulsion system for the ship includes: a rear propeller fixed to a rotary shaft; a front propeller that is rotatably supported on the rotary shaft in front of the rear propeller; a contra-rotating device that is mounted in an installation space at a rear end of a hull so as to reverse the rotation of the rotary shaft and transmit the reversed rotation to the front propeller; a propeller connecting member that connects the contra-rotating device and the front propeller to transmit a rotational force; and a thrust supporting device that is provided between the contra-rotating device and the propeller connection member to support thrust of the front propeller.

Abstract: An awning for a boat is operable between retracted and extended positions and includes a frame structure having left and right telescopically extendable and retractable tube assemblies each having a fixed tube, a telescopic mid tube and a telescopic end tube. Cross tubes extend transversely between each of the mid tubes and the end tubes. A canvas roller is mounted transversely between the fixed tubes. A sheet of marine canvas is secured to the roller and the end cross tube and is rolled onto the roller when the awning is retracted. A gear box disengages the canvas roller to allow the telescoping tube assemblies and canvas to be manually extended. To retract the awning, the gear box is engaged with the canvas roller and a removable crank handle is operated to rotate the roller and roll up the canvas as the frame structure is telescopically retracted.

Abstract: A firearm flotation device for providing buoyancy to a firearm is disclosed. The device includes a buoyant body with a first buoyant body portion and a second buoyant body portion, wherein the first buoyant body portion includes an interlocking tongue and the second buoyant body includes an interlocking groove. The tongue fits into the groove and connects the first buoyant body portion to the second buoyant body portion. The buoyant body is sufficiently buoyant to render the firearm buoyant in water when the firearm is attached to buoyant body. The tongue-in-groove system may be tapered.

Abstract: Sealed and thermally insulating tank in which a first tank wall and an adjacent second tank wall form an edge, the tank further including a sealed corner piece fixed in a sealed manner to the sealing membrane of the first tank wall and of the second tank wall, the corner piece including a sheet metal corner angle-iron situated in line with the edge, a first reinforcing flange, a second reinforcing flange, a first locking piece, a second locking piece wherein the locking pieces are fixed to the insulating barrier, the first reinforcing flange and the second reinforcing flange each include a tab fixed to the lower face of the first and second locking pieces, respectively.

Abstract: According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a modular boat that includes a first pontoon, a second pontoon, an arched coupling member, a deck frame, a deck surface and at least one inflatable seat. The first pontoon has a first longitudinal axis and the second pontoon has a second longitudinal axis. The arched coupling member is removably coupleable to the first pontoon and the second pontoon so that the arched coupling member is perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal axis. The deck frame is removably coupleable to the arched coupling member. The deck surface is removably coupleable to the deck frame and extends in a first plane that is parallel to a second plane that contains the first and second longitudinal axis. The inflatable seat is removably coupleable to the deck surface.

Abstract: A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of workstations disposed along a pipelaying path that includes an upstream portion away from a first end of the vessel and a plurality of ramps, includes a first ramp and a downstream second ramp disposed along the pipelaying path, in the region of the first end of the vessel. Each of the plurality of ramps has a first upstream end, a second downstream end, and an adjustable inclination. The downstream end of the first ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel and the upstream end of the second ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel. An external ramp assembly includes ramps that can be pivoted relative to one another and locked in a selected position.

Abstract: An example inflatable paddle board includes a first inflatable chamber forming a stand-up board, and a second inflatable chamber connected to the first inflatable chamber to form a curve-shaped front hull. In an example, the second inflatable chamber at least partially overhangs the first inflatable chamber. In another example, the first inflatable chamber at least partially overhangs the second inflatable chamber. A tent may cover between the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber.

Abstract: A securing arrangement for securing a water craft fin to a water craft having a fin plug, the fin plug having a first open cavity configured to receive a base portion (4018) of the water craft fin. The securing arrangement includes a resilient biasing rod (4030) and a protruding member (4035) cooperating with the biasing rod (4030). The protruding member (4035) is adapted to actuate when the base portion (4018) of the fin is inserted into the first open cavity of the fin plug so that the biasing rod (4030) and the protruding member (4035) inhibit removal of the fin from the first open cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in at least one embodiment a rotatable keel skirt assembly on a rectangular-shaped keel pontoon. The rectangular-shaped keel pontoon reduces the maximum hull width by a significant percentage compared to a circular-shaped keel pontoon while maintaining the same hull motion performance. The rotatable keel skirt assembly allows the size of the pontoon to define the width of the hull during some fabrication phases of the platform, rather than the additional width of the keel skirt assembly. Thus, the outreach of the crane and other equipment can be effectively used as if the keel skirt assembly was not present. After fabrication, the hull can be moved away from the quayside and the keel skirt assembly can be rotated into position for service. Various systems and methods are disclosed for articulating the keel skirt assembly about the hull.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating structure including a plurality of tubes forming at least a portion of the payload structure, and a payload section provided within the payload structure. The payload section is configured to house a removable payload. The buoyancy compensating structure further includes a controller configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the plurality of tubes. The controller is configured to neutralize a buoyancy of the payload structure in response to a change in condition of the removable payload in the payload section.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.

Abstract: A controller carries out a method for positioning multiple trimmable marine propulsion devices on a marine vessel transom. The method includes identifying two propulsion devices located one on either side of a transom centerline and defining these as outer propulsion devices. A third propulsion device coupled to the transom between the outer propulsion devices is defined as an inner propulsion device. A user input is received to trim the outer and inner propulsion devices in a single direction with respect to their current trim angles. In response to the user input, the controller outputs a control signal. In response to the control signal, the outer propulsion devices are trimmed in the single direction to a first trim angle and the inner propulsion device is trimmed in the single direction to a second, different trim angle. The controller may rate limit trimming of the outer propulsion devices to accomplish this.