For Outboard Motor Patents (Class 248/640)
  • Patent number: 11654817
    Abstract: A system for supporting a motor of a boat with respect to a boat trailer is provided. The system includes a longitudinally extendable support shaft that is configured to be secured in a selected one of a plurality of extended positions, a motor support disposed at a first end of the support shaft; and a boat trailer connector disposed at a second end of the support shaft. The trailer connector includes a releasable latch to connect the trailer connector to the boat trailer. The trailer connector includes a manually engageable actuator configured to selectively latch or release the trailer connector from the boat trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: WHITE RIVER MARINE GROUP. LLC
    Inventor: Rick Huddleston
  • Patent number: 11408335
    Abstract: A marine engine assembly is provided for propelling a marine vessel. The marine engine assembly includes an internal combustion engine configured to drive a propulsion arrangement, a turbocharger comprising a turbine portion having a turbine outlet, and a turbocharger exhaust conduit coupled to the turbine outlet. The turbocharger exhaust conduit acts as a primary support to the turbocharger within the marine engine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: COX POWERTRAIN LIMITED
    Inventor: Martin Selway
  • Patent number: 11066140
    Abstract: An outboard motor has a powerhead; a driveshaft housing located below the powerhead; a steering arm extending forwardly from the driveshaft housing; a steering tube extending downwardly from the steering arm; an upper mounting device that resiliently mounts the steering arm to the driveshaft housing; and a lower mounting device comprising a yoke that laterally extends from the steering tube. The yoke is clamped to the steering tube and contains port and starboard mounts that resiliently couple the steering tube to the driveshaft housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Colin M. Huffer, Donald Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10928467
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance coil apparatus has a posterior coil unit. The magnetic resonance coil apparatus having a posterior coil unit includes a base unit, a tilting unit and a force transmission unit. The tilting unit, which includes at least one coupling element, is arranged on the base unit such that the tilting unit can tilt with respect to the base unit. For each coupling element of the tilting unit, the base unit includes at least one corresponding coupling element. The coupling state between the at least one coupling element of the tilting unit and the at least one corresponding coupling element of the base unit can be changed by actuating the force transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Driemel
  • Patent number: 10472036
    Abstract: A boat drive for a boat having a boat hull with a bottom. The boat drive includes an underwater pod; an electric motor disposed in the underwater pod, the electric motor driving, via a drive shaft, a propeller attached to the underwater pod; and an electrical supply line for supplying energy to the electric motor. The boat drive further includes an inner tube connected to the underwater pod and displaceably disposed in an outer tube, wherein the electrical supply line is routed through the inner tube. The boat drive further includes a mounting body attachable to the bottom of the boat hull, wherein the outer tube is passed through the mounting body. At least one annular sealing element is disposed between the inner and outer tubes, wherein the at least one annular sealing element seals the inner tube and the outer tube in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventors: Anton Spengler, Frank Despineaux
  • Patent number: 10379178
    Abstract: A head coil for an imaging magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system is provided. The head coil includes a head coil upper part and a head coil lower part. The head coil lower part includes a lower part base and a movable lower part that may be moved relative to one another via a mechanism for setting a tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Daniel Driemel
  • Patent number: 10358200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: SEVEN MARINE, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10293905
    Abstract: A transom component having an upper arcuate slot threaded bolt hole there through and a lower arcuate slot pin hole there through. There is an associated lower arcuate slot pin. There is a transom cross brace. There is a motor component having an upper arcuate slot there through and a lower arcuate slot there through. There is a motor cross brace. There is a rotation pin and a slot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Mark F. Pelini
  • Patent number: 10239597
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SEVEN MARINE, LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 9981591
    Abstract: A device for launching and lifting a boat has a frame that includes at least a first frame part having a first end and a second end, at least a first cross-structure coupled with the first frame part essentially perpendicular to it and at a distance B1 from the first end of the first frame part, at least a first boat guide arranged on the first frame part at a distance C1 from the first end of the first frame part; and at least a first actuator arranged to be coupled with the first frame part at a distance D from the first end of the first frame part, at least one counterpart, and means for attaching the frame to the counterpart, wherein the first actuator is arranged to be coupled with the counterpart for enabling movement of the frame between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Almas Solutions Oy
    Inventor: Johan Lindholm
  • Patent number: 9902334
    Abstract: A fastening structure of an onboard apparatus to be fastened to a vehicle body includes a support member that is fastened to the vehicle body to support the onboard apparatus and has a protruding section protruding rearward beyond a rear face of the onboard apparatus, and a bracket having a front fastening section to be fastened to a lower face of a rear section of the onboard apparatus, a rear fastening section to be fastened to the protruding section of the support member, and a fragile section provided between the front fastening section and the rear fastening section. By an external force from a front side of the onboard apparatus, the fragile section is deformed and the rear section of the onboard apparatus is moved upward using the rear fastening section as a fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ando, Shinsuke Horibe, Yoshio Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 9764811
    Abstract: In an outboard motor equipped with a V-type four-cycle engine provided with a left bank extending leftward and obliquely rearward and a right bank extending rightward and obliquely rearward, a drive shaft is perpendicularly disposed in the outboard motor body so as to transmit a driving force from the engine to a propeller disposed below the engine, and center positions of the left side exhaust passage and the right side exhaust passage are positioned forward than the drive shaft in a front-and-rear direction in an advancing direction of the outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsushi Achiwa, Keisuke Daikoku
  • Patent number: 9738364
    Abstract: The present invention(s) relates to a structure and method for improved auxiliary thruster systems for marine and small vessels, including small fishing and pontoon boats. Under conditions of wind or rough waters it may be impracticable to employ the main drive of a vessel because it may provide more thrust and motility than needed and may not be fuel efficient for such purposes. The present invention(s) relates to auxiliary thrusting and maneuvering systems of marine vehicles which may be employed in addition or independently of main propulsion of the vehicle or craft that protracts and retracts a thruster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Abney
  • Patent number: 9643703
    Abstract: An arrangement is for coupling a vibration isolation mount to an outboard motor. A pocket is formed in a midsection housing of the outboard motor and defines a first concave surface. A cover is configured to be mounted to the midsection housing over the pocket via a plurality of fasteners. The cover defines a second, oppositely concave surface on an inner face thereof. When the cover is mounted to the midsection housing over the pocket, the first concave surface and the second concave surface together form a cavity therebetween for holding a vibration isolation mount therein. One of the first concave surface and the second concave surface has a protrusion that extends into the cavity and contacts the mount held therein upon tightening of the plurality of fasteners to hold the cover over mount in the pocket. A mounting arrangement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Eichinger
  • Patent number: 9623944
    Abstract: A drive system pivot assembly for a personal user powered watercraft is provided. The drive system pivot assembly pivots a drive system between a deployed position and a parked position. The drive system pivot assembly includes a catch arrangement for securing the drive system pivot assembly in the parked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine G. Kuehmichel, Robert J. McDonough, Geoffrey Michael Bergmark
  • Patent number: 9145194
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for stabilizing an outboard motor of a watercraft during transport by a towed vehicle include a body having an outer member secured to the towed vehicle and an inner member disposed within and telescopingly movable relative to the outer member, the inner member having a head usable to contact and stabilize the outboard motor. A biasing member urges the inner member toward a retracted position. The inner member includes a first portion pivotally movable relative to a second portion, between an angled and a straight position. Contact between the first portion and the outer member prevents movement of the inner member toward the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventors: David Marks, Darrell Marks
  • Publication number: 20150140877
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and controlling a motor on a kayak are disclosed. A motor may be mounted to a kayak by a single interface on the kayak and rotated using foot pegs. The control system provides for responsive input and automatic directional stabilization of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Craig Shields
  • Publication number: 20150060635
    Abstract: A marine pod breakaway connection includes a breakaway connector connecting ends of a vertical shaft in an upper housing section and a vertical shaft in a lower housing section. The breakaway connector is configured to yield or fracture to allow the vertical shafts to separate during a breakaway condition when the lower housing section separates from the upper housing section. The breakaway connection further includes disconnect fittings having upper section in the upper and lower portions in the upper and lower housing sections, respectively, the engage and open when the housing sections are assembled to allow fluid flow, and close when the housing sections are separated to substantially prevent leakage of oil from the housing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Schlintz, Bryan L. Danner
  • Patent number: 8888065
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally related to a support device for a trolling motor while in a retracted position. More specifically, this disclosure provides a trolling motor stabilizer mount for reducing vibration and bouncing of a trolling motor shaft/arm while a boat is underway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis M. Logan
  • Patent number: 8882068
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a transducer on a boat includes a v-shaped body having a transducer mounting portion defined in one leg and a mounting opening defined in a second leg. The apparatus can be mounted on a boat by positioning the apparatus close to the boat and connecting the apparatus to the boat using the mounting opening and a conventional nut, bolt, and washer assembly. A transducer can be mounted to the apparatus either before or after it is mounted to the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Troy A. McGee
  • Patent number: 8833725
    Abstract: An apparatus is for supporting a marine engine and has a transom bracket having a body section, a head section extending transversely relative to the body section, a neck section disposed between the body section and the head section, and a transition portion along an inside surface of the neck section. A reinforcement member is connected to the neck section and relieves tensile stress on the transition portion when the transom bracket supports the marine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Arden A. Anderson, Paul M. Radavich, William J. Towne, Michael P. Mihelich
  • Patent number: 8820701
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement is for supporting an outboard motor with respect to a marine vessel extending in a fore-aft plane. The mounting arrangement comprises first and second mounts that each have an outer shell, an inner wedge concentrically disposed in the outer shell, and an elastomeric spacer between the outer shell and the inner wedge. Each of the first and second mounts extend along a axial direction, along a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction, and along a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The inner wedges of the first and second mounts both have a non-circular shape when viewed in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the axial direction. The non-circular shape comprises a first outer surface that extends transversely at an angle to the horizontal and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Eichinger
  • Patent number: 8814129
    Abstract: A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Todd, Douglas D. Watson
  • Patent number: 8795010
    Abstract: A drive unit mount has a tapering central rigid member, top and bottom rigid members, and top and bottom resilient members. The top and bottom surfaces of the central rigid member, the bottom surface of the top rigid member and the top surface of the bottom rigid member have winding lateral cross-sections. A space defined between the bottom surface of the top rigid member and a top surface of the bottom rigid member tapers at least in part from the fronts of the top and bottom rigid members to the backs of the top and bottom rigid members. The top and bottom resilient members are disposed between and are in contact with the central rigid member and a corresponding one of the top and bottom rigid members. A drive unit mount having a rear resilient member and a marine outboard engine having a drive unit mount are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Wiatrowski
  • Patent number: 8684328
    Abstract: One trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket is pivotably coupled to the base for rotation generally perpendicular to the cavity, and selectively defines a lower edge of the cavity. The bracket is also slidable relative to the base. Another trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket pivotably coupled to the base, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket has front and two side surfaces, and at least one channel for allowing the bracket to slide relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: RM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Mynster
  • Publication number: 20140014810
    Abstract: An embodiment can include a trolling motor mount for a pontoon boat. The trolling motor mount can have a frame portion and a hinged portion. The trolling motor mount can be formed in a rectangular shape having a front edge, a first side edge, a second side edge and a back edge. The frame portion can have a first flange adapted to be disposed substantially parallel with a deck surface of the pontoon boat and to rest on top of a top surface of the deck surface, a sidewall portion at substantially a right angle to the first flange so as to be substantially perpendicular to the deck surface and a second flange portion disposed at a bottom edge of the sidewall portion and formed so as to be substantially parallel to the deck surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Brown
  • Publication number: 20130334396
    Abstract: An anchor that is of a shape and size to receive and support a portion of the motor (such as the skag) thereon while the motor is affixed onto the boat. More importantly when the motor is positioned and then lowered onto the anchor, a portion of the anchor is forcibly urged downward into the underlying beach (and/or ground surface of user choice) thus resulting in stabilization of the anchor, the motor and boat in combination simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Bret Gregory Gifford
  • Patent number: 8539900
    Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Publication number: 20130221187
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for stabilizing an outboard motor of a watercraft during transport by a towed vehicle include a body having an outer member secured to the towed vehicle and an inner member disposed within and telescopingly movable relative to the outer member, the inner member having a head usable to contact and stabilize the outboard motor. A biasing member urges the inner member toward a retracted position. The inner member includes a first portion pivotally movable relative to a second portion, between an angled and a straight position. Contact between the first portion and the outer member prevents movement of the inner member toward the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: David Marks, Darrell Marks
  • Patent number: 8516973
    Abstract: A support assembly has upper, lower and top-most plates. The upper and lower plates each have interior and exterior ends. The plates each have upper and lower surfaces and a plurality of upper, lower and top-most plate holes. Left and right fingers extend downwardly from the upper and lower plates at an angle from the vertical. Two laterally spaced pole-holding tubes are secured to and extend upwardly from the top-most plate. Each tube has an upper end with a short vertical slot for receiving a reel of a fishing rod. A motor mounting board is positioned on and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the lower plate adjacent to the exterior end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Robert D. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8413600
    Abstract: Collapsible/inflatable boats are disclosed. A collapsible/inflatable boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have one or more removable solid seats that when installed support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration. A collapsible/inflatable boat can have an inflatable exterior member connected with the hull such that the exterior member, when inflated, extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the hull when the hull is in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Patent number: 8408955
    Abstract: A mounting for fastening an outboard engine on a boat, in particular a kayak, has a support arm with a first fastening element for fastening the support arm on the boat. The first fastening element is a clamping device for receiving and fixing a knob on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boebel
  • Publication number: 20120298833
    Abstract: A jack plate for easily and effectively mounting a secondary motor to a pontoon boat. The mount comprises a horizontal supporting member affixable to a pontoon decking and a downward member rigidly and operably coupled to the horizontal supporting member and extending from the horizontal member downwardly, wherein the motor is operably coupled to the downward member. Optionally, the mount further comprises a supporting member operably coupled on a first end at an intermediate position to the downward member, wherein a second end of the supporting member is affixable to a pontoon hull extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Alan D. Witte, Ralph Lermayer
  • Publication number: 20120214366
    Abstract: A marine motor for shallow water boats that has a universal mounting bracket to fit all shallow water boats, the Mud Runner has a mid length drive system with a parallel shaft technology that has the most efficient forward thrust drive system for swallow water boats. The upper drive system is where the reverse drive system happens by way of gears and a drive shaft. The upper drive system and lower drive system are connected together by way of a drive belt. The lower drive system has an output drive shaft that comes down at an approximate 153 degree angle which then than transfers to a 0 degree angle. The 0 degree angle output drive shaft has a propeller attached to the shaft which gives this motor the forward thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Luke James Uhlenhopp
  • Patent number: 8216009
    Abstract: A tilt and trim device for an outboard motor comprising a transom mounting portion with a transom plate and a motor mounting portion with a motor plate. The tilt and trim device having an upper and a lower hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket. A hydraulic cylinder being operatively coupled to a hydraulic pump and hydraulic pump control. The hydraulic cylinder having an upper fluid line and a lower fluid line, with a hydraulic cylinder having a piston contained therein. The hydraulic cylinder having a hydraulic line fluid restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Pelini
  • Publication number: 20120073488
    Abstract: A mainframe for a float structure is described. The mainframe is detachably connectable to the dorsal surface of the float structure inflatables and comprises: a plurality of segmented and connectable cross-structure support members transversely attached to a plurality of segmented and connected longitudinal connector members via a connector member. Each of the longitudinal members and crossmembers may be made up of a plurality of detachable sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Temple
  • Patent number: 8118628
    Abstract: A mount structure of an outboard motor includes a first member, a second member, a buffer member, a sandwiching member, and a second elastic member. A propulsive force generated by a propeller of the outboard motor is applied to the first member. The second member is arranged such that the propulsive force is transmitted to the second member via the first member. The buffer member includes an outer sleeve fixed to the first member, an inner sleeve inserted in the outer sleeve, a first elastic member fixed to the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve. The sandwiching member is arranged to sandwich the second member and the inner sleeve in a direction of action of the propulsive force. The second elastic member is fixed to the first member. The second elastic member is opposed to the sandwiching member across a gap in the direction of action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hagi
  • Patent number: 8096521
    Abstract: An outboard motor and steering system motion stabilizer is disclosed that positively locks the outboard motor and steering system in the proper position for trailering. The disclosed stabilizer device effectively isolates the road-to-trailer-to-motor shock transfer that is delivered to the lower unit of the outboard motor by traditional transom savers that brace the outboard motor to the trailer. The disclosed stabilizer device is adjustable to fit many different outboard motor brands and sizes with hydraulic tilt and trim systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: James Dale Smith
  • Publication number: 20120006966
    Abstract: One trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket is pivotably coupled to the base for rotation generally perpendicular to the cavity, and selectively defines a lower edge of the cavity. The bracket is also slidable relative to the base. Another trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket pivotably coupled to the base, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket has front and two side surfaces, and at least one channel for allowing the bracket to slide relative to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Richard J. Mynster
  • Patent number: 8065996
    Abstract: A leg is adapted to be inserted into a standard removable hitch receiver. The leg has spaced vertical plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced lower pivot apertures are provided. A plurality of positioning apertures are provided in an arcuate pattern. A pivoting grill platform has associated plates. Forward and rearward horizontally spaced upper pivot apertures are provided. A coupling assembly includes a pivoting support arm and a pivoting leveling arm. Each arm has an upper aperture and bolt coupling upper pivot apertures of the grill. Each arm has a lower aperture and bolt coupling the pivot apertures of the vertical plates of the leg. A removable self locking pin is positionable through the locking aperture and a preselected one of the plurality of positioning apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Neuvelt
  • Publication number: 20110265702
    Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Publication number: 20110179985
    Abstract: An improved pontoon boat reduces outboard motor noise and vibration for passengers. A plurality of beams extends between port and starboard pontoons respectively to form a beam matrix to maintain the spacing of the pontoons, to support a deck sheet serving as a floor for the boat, and to support a motor bracket. The beam matrix includes at least a first and preferably a second motor beam, both attached between the port and starboard pontoons. A motor bracket for supporting the outboard motor is attached to and contacts the first and second motor beams only. A motor bracket support may attach the motor bracket to the first and second motor beams. The motor beams, the motor bracket, and bracket support contact only the pontoons, and thus isolate the outboard motor from the deck sheet, the remainder of the beam matrix, and the pontoons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: George E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7972188
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a trolling motor to a watercraft includes a bracket, a coupling hinge, a lift arm, a cam mechanism, a collet, a resistance knob, a first bias spring and a second bias spring. The bracket is adapted to mount on a transom or a gunnel of the watercraft. The coupling hinge receives a shaft of the trolling motor therethrough and retains the trolling motor via the collet and resistance knob mounted thereon. The collet and knob can be selectively tightened or loosened about the shaft of the trolling motor. The bracket defines detents and an arcuate track in which a track follower portion of the coupling hinge can move. The movement of the coupling hinge along the bracket tilts the trolling motor between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift arm is pivotally coupled to the coupling hinge and carries a locking pin. The lift arm is biased by the first bias spring such that the locking pin engages the detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Dale Eugene Simonson
  • Publication number: 20110132252
    Abstract: Removable deck assemblies for boats, boats having removable deck assemblies, and permanently installed deck assemblies for boats are disclosed. A removable deck assembly includes a deck panel and a structure for removably attaching the deck panel in a bow of the boat. The structure supports the deck panel in a stable, substantially horizontal manner. The removable deck assembly can be adapted to be attached to various types of boats, including rigid inflatable boats, collapsible boats, inflatable boats, and rigid boats. The removable deck assembly can include additional features, for example, a deployable swim ladder, a pedestal seat support fitting, an outboard motor mount, a fishing pole holder, and/or an anchor line management fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Alex R. Kaye and Frances Kaye Trust
    Inventor: Alex R. Kaye
  • Patent number: 7942078
    Abstract: A structural connector for providing a structural interconnection between the housing of a gear unit and the housing of an electric motor, the structural connector being of a modular type including a base member adapted for connection to at least one of the housing of an electric motor and the housing of a gear unit, and at least two side wall members, the side wall members having a motor end adapted for connection to one of an electric motor housing and the base member and a gear end adapted for connection to a gear unit housing, the side wall members lying at least in substantial part in a plane inclined at an angle of at least 60 degrees relative to a plane containing at least a part of the base member, and the side wall members being spaced apart by connection to an interposed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hansen Industrial Transmissions N.V.
    Inventor: Dirk Olaf Leimann
  • Publication number: 20110107801
    Abstract: A theftproof device for a motorcycle includes a housing, a slide movably mounted in the housing, a first clutch line having a first end secured on the slide and a second end protruding from the housing, a second clutch line having a first end secured on the slide and a second end protruding from the housing, and a locking member movably mounted in the housing and movable to abut the slide to stop movement of the slide, the first clutch line and the second clutch line. Thus, the locking member is moved upward to lock the slide so that the first clutch line and the second clutch line are locked and cannot be moved to prevent the clutch lever of the motorcycle from being operated so as to achieve a clutch theftproof function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Yao-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 7828614
    Abstract: An outboard motor auxiliary mounting bracket for attaching an auxiliary motor to an existing outboard motor using the bracket of the instant invention. The bracket comprises an auxiliary motor mounting plate with divergently extending arms to receive the body of the outboard motor and fixed thereto. A third arm extends from the mounting plate downwardly and is also fastened to the outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: William L Cribbs
  • Publication number: 20100032545
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a trolling motor to a watercraft includes a bracket, a coupling hinge, a lift arm, a cam mechanism, a collet, a resistance knob, a first bias spring and a second bias spring. The bracket is adapted to mount on a transom or a gunnel of the watercraft. The coupling hinge receives a shaft of the trolling motor therethrough and retains the trolling motor via the collet and resistance knob mounted thereon. The collet and knob can be selectively tightened or loosened about the shaft of the trolling motor. The bracket defines detents and an arcuate track in which a track follower portion of the coupling hinge can move. The movement of the coupling hinge along the bracket tilts the trolling motor between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lift arm is pivotally coupled to the coupling hinge and carries a locking pin. The lift arm is biased by the first bias spring such that the locking pin engages the detents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Dale Eugene Simonson
  • Publication number: 20100012814
    Abstract: A mounting for fastening an outboard engine on a boat, in particular a kayak, has a support arm with a first fastening element for fastening the support arm on the boat. The first fastening element is a clamping device for receiving and fixing a knob on the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Boebel
  • Publication number: 20090258551
    Abstract: A hook assembly is arranged to engage with an engaged member to fix a first housing to a second housing of an outboard motor. The hook assembly includes a rotation shaft, a hook member, a lever, and a weight. The rotation shaft is rotatably mounted on the first housing. A recessed portion is provided in the hook member. The recessed portion is arranged to open in first rotation direction. The recessed portion engages with the engaged member. The lever extends from the rotation shaft in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction of the recessed portion. The weight regulates the rotation of the hook member in the second rotation direction when the hook member and the engaged member are engaged together. The arrangement provides a highly-operable hook assembly for the outboard motor that prevents disengagement even when an obstacle collides with the outboard motor during traveling of a boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei NOMURA, Hiroyuki HASEGAWA