Articulated Patents (Class 248/642)
  • Patent number: 12145709
    Abstract: A device for mounting one or more electric motors to a kayak or a small non-powered vessel, whereby a rotatable assembly is mounted on the gunnel of the vessel on either the port or starboard side, or both. The rotatable assembly includes an axle and an adjustable arm rotatably mounted thereon, with a motor on the end of the adjustable arm The rotatable assembly may be manipulated to move the motor(s) into or out of the water and lock in either position. The adjustable arm allows the motor to be adjusted in the pitch, yaw, and roll orientations. The motor(s) are powered by a battery and controlled by a hand-held unit that allows the motors to be independently operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Inventors: Nicholas Fenley Gibson, Shaun Conley Green
  • Patent number: 12139245
    Abstract: A trolling motor secondary mount for mounting a trolling motor to the squared off bow of a boat such as a pontoon. The secondary mount allows the trolling motor to be stored in a travelling or stowed position wherein the lengthwise shaft of the trolling motor aligns parallel with the squared off end of the bow, while the primary trolling motor mount allows the trolling motor to be rotated into the water at a mid portion of the bow of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventor: Craig Medower
  • Patent number: 12097943
    Abstract: The pair of transom mounting brackets are movably coupled to a pair of tensioning rods, which allows the adjustment of the transom mounting brackets. There is a lower cross brace and a pair of upper cross braces. A slide plate is slidably coupled to the transom mounting brackets. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the lower cross brace and each of the hydraulic cylinders is operatively coupled to the slide plate. A pair of motor mounting plate offsets are coupled to the slide plate and to a multi-engine mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Inventor: Mark Pelini
  • Patent number: 12071211
    Abstract: A suspension structure includes a clamp bracket attachable to a hull, a main load bearing portion to support an outboard motor body to mainly bear the weight of the outboard motor body, a tilt shaft, a coupling, and a cylinder to change a trim angle or a tilt angle of the outboard motor body. The coupling includes a first end rotatably supported by the tilt shaft, and a second end fixed to the main load bearing portion. The cylinder includes a first end supported by the clamp bracket at a position lower than the tilt shaft and rotatable about a first rotation shaft in an up-down direction, and a second end supporting the coupling and rotatable about a second rotation shaft in the up-down direction. The second rotation shaft is provided in or near the main load bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hagi
  • Patent number: 12012193
    Abstract: A trolling motor mount to mount a trolling motor to a boat consisting of a multi-bar change point apparatus to lock the trolling motor in either a stowed position or a deployed position and a release assembly to unlock and move the multi-bar change point apparatus from either the stowed position to the deployed position or from the deployed position to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: JL Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Oliverio, Nicholas A. Vicari, Christopher A. Konow
  • Patent number: 11987334
    Abstract: An outboard motor support device includes a transom connection mechanism, a pivot joint, and a motor support. The transom connection mechanism engages directly with a transom bracket to maximize stability and is configured to provide a consistently correct angular orientation of the motor support relative to the motor during use. In particular, the pivot joint adjustably aligns to the motor is a desired orientation during assembly to ensure a firm and “nested” engagement with the lower unit of the motor in the motor support. The motor support can be designed to fit specific motors, allowing for maximum stability and maximum surface area contact when properly aligned and engaged with the motor. The present outboard motor support device is formed as a single unit that provides vertical support as well as horizontal stabilization to the motor during transit, thereby also preserving the transom brackets and tilt/trim mechanism of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: EPCO Products Inc
    Inventors: Fredric J. Aichele, Jr., Nicholas B. Krontz, Jason C. Kabot, Robert D. Rohr
  • Patent number: 11932366
    Abstract: In embodiments, the kicker mount system comprises a deck mount unit connected to a kicker motor receiving unit, both cantilevered off of the stern end of pontoon boat deck. The deck having a horizontal deck pad and trim rail about the deck pad. The kicker mount system attaches exclusively to the deck on the deck pad and on the trim rail without any additional support structure securing the kicker mount system to the pontoon boat. The kicker motor receiving unit is vertically adjustably attached to the deck mount unit. The deck mount unit having an L-shaped pontoon deck plate with a horizontal portion that attaches to the deck top surface, and a vertical portion that attaches with a toggle bolt into the trim rail. Upright cantilevered extension plates project rearward from the L-shaped deck plate, the extension plates having a hump portion projecting upwardly above the deck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Powrtran Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Nyren
  • Patent number: 11873071
    Abstract: A stowable propulsion device for a marine vessel. A base is configured to be coupled to the marine vessel. A propulsor is configured to propel the marine vessel in water. An arm pivotably couples the propulsor to the base to move the propulsor into and between a stowed position located proximate to the marine vessel and a deployed position located relatively distal from the marine vessel as compared to the stowed position. An actuator linkage includes a first link that is pivotably coupled to the base and a second link that pivotably couples the first link to the arm. An actuator pivots the actuator linkage to move the propulsor into and between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron J. Novak, Jeremy J. Kraus
  • Patent number: 11866138
    Abstract: A trim and tilt device includes: a cylinder; a piston; a rod; and a rod guide. The rod includes a first end to which the piston is fixed, and the piston includes an insertion hole to which the first end of the rod is inserted. Over an entire periphery of the rod guide, a lower end of an outer peripheral surface of the rod guide that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder is located closer to a second end of the rod than a lower end of a first inner peripheral surface of the rod guide where the outer peripheral surface of the rod is slidable. An upper end of an outer peripheral surface of the piston is located closer to the second end of the rod than an upper end of the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Astero, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Tanaka, Hayato Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 11801926
    Abstract: A device for supporting a propulsor on a marine vessel. The device includes a base that is fixable to the marine vessel and a pivot arm for coupling the propulsor to the base. An actuator is configured to pivot the pivot arm relative to the base into and between a retracted position and a deployed position. A fastener is engageable to couple the actuator to the pivot arm, where when the fastener is engaged the pivot arm is prevented from pivoting other than by the actuator, and where applying a predetermined force on the pivot arm disengages the fastener to allow the pivot arm to pivot other than by the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Kraus, Andres Perdomo Tornbaum, Tom Geng, Steven Lu, Matthew Z. Seta, Keith W. Schmidt, James E. Erickson, Ronald L. Hall
  • Patent number: 11655013
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a pedal propulsion system to a watercraft, having a mount portion configured to be attached to the watercraft, a link support, and upper and lower links pivotally connected to the link support and to the mount portion. The link support and upper and lower links are configured to form part of a four-bar linkage arrangement and to simultaneously move together between an extended and lockable, operable position for operating the propulsion system, and a retracted and lockable, stowed position elevated above the extended position, for loading, transporting, unloading and/or launching the watercraft in the water. A column clamp is configured for selectively fixing a drive column of the pedal propulsion system to the link support, wherein the drive column, the link support and the upper and lower links are configured to simultaneously move together between the extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Clegg
  • Patent number: 11608150
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an outboard motor main body, a support including a tilt shaft and that supports the outboard motor main body, and a trim cylinder including a first trim cylinder shaft disposed below the tilt shaft along an outer surface of a transom of a hull. A distance between the tilt shaft and the first trim cylinder shaft is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Mizutani
  • Patent number: 11447220
    Abstract: A motor assembly having a lifting mechanism and associated watercraft are provided. The lifting mechanism is operable to lift a motor of the motor assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. A user can then transition the motor from the stowed position back to the deployed position via a user control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Bragg
  • Patent number: 11370518
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an outboard propulsion device for a navigational seacraft comprising a propulsion means (4), at least one engine (1) supplying torque to a drive shaft (20) extending out of the engine and driving a transmission shaft (3) intended to supply torque to the propulsion means, the drive shaft and the propulsion shaft being in a fixed relative orientation, and a transmission means (2) connected at the input to the drive shaft (20) in order to receive the engine torque and transmit it, in the form of modified torque, to the transmission shaft (3) to which it is connected at the output, and the transmission shaft (3) is a double universal joint shaft (30, 31) that extends in an inclined manner between the transmission means (2) and the propulsion means (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Mecachrome France
    Inventors: Pierre-Julien Hubert, Romain Jallon
  • Patent number: 11180235
    Abstract: A stern and swivel bracket assembly for mounting a drive unit to a watercraft has a stern bracket having first and second laterally spaced portions, a swivel bracket pivotally connected to the stern bracket about a tilt/trim axis, and a hydraulic linear tilt-trim actuator operatively connected between the stern and swivel brackets. The swivel bracket includes a hydraulic steering actuator, and defines first and second hydraulic steer ports facing outward in a first lateral direction. The swivel bracket further includes at least one drive unit mounting bracket connected to the hydraulic steering actuator for connecting the drive unit to the swivel bracket. The hydraulic linear tilt-trim actuator is located laterally between the first and second portions of the stern bracket, and defines trim-up and trim-down hydraulic ports facing outward in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Darrell Wiatrowski
  • Patent number: 11001348
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for attaching a seat to a stand-up paddleboard. The devices generally have an open “C”-shape that is designed and configured to accommodate the side rail of a stand-up paddleboard while maintaining flush contact with at least a portion of the bottom of the stand-up paddleboard. The present disclosure also relates to a system for attaching a seat to a stand-up paddleboard. The system includes the above-described device and a mechanism for connecting the device to a seat disposed on the stand-up paddleboard. The mechanism for connecting the device to a seat can be, for example, a strap or a hook. The connecting device can be varied to accommodate the location on the seat to which the connecting device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Chris Yandow
  • Patent number: 10981639
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric outboard motor includes a motor casing in which an electric motor and a propeller shaft are accommodated; a shaft configured to connect the motor casing to an operation handle; a fixing member configured to fix the shaft to a hull; and a shaft adjuster provided on the shaft and configured to adjust distance between the motor casing and the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kimpara, Miku Kusunoki
  • Patent number: 10953972
    Abstract: A trolling motor assembly may be pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The trolling motor assembly may include a trolling motor subassembly comprising a shaft and a motor coupled thereto. The subassembly may be pivotable about a base via a linkage. The linkage may include a first arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm is coupled with the base, and the second end of the first arm is coupled with the shaft. A first biasing element may be coupled with the linkage so that the biasing element is configured to apply a first force to the linkage that biases the linkage in a raising direction from the stowed position in order to assist a user in deploying the trolling motor into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING AS
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Schroeder, Peter Ver Brugge
  • Patent number: 10850819
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for a marine outboard motor has a stern bracket, a swivel bracket pivotably connected to the stern bracket to pivot relative to the stern bracket about a tilt axis, a motor mount pivotably connected to the swivel bracket to pivot relative to the swivel bracket about a steering axis, a steering lock bracket operatively connected to the motor mount and being pivotable with the motor mount relative to the swivel bracket about the steering axis, and a locking member. The locking member is one of: a) movably connected to the swivel bracket to move between a locked and an unlocked positions, and b) removably connected to both the swivel bracket and the steering lock bracket to prevent or limit pivoting of the motor mount about the steering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BRP US INC.
    Inventors: Darrell Wiatrowski, Mark Whiteside, Benjamin J. Jones
  • Patent number: 10766590
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a steering arm that turns around a centerline of a steering shaft together with the steering shaft, a steering actuator including a movable body that moves in a right-left direction, and a motion converter that converts a movement of the movable body in the right-left direction into a turning motion of the steering arm around the centerline of the steering shaft. The motion converter includes a bushing holder into which the steering arm is inserted in a front-rear direction and a bushing interposed between the steering arm and the bushing holder and including an outer surface provided with a pair of first sliding portions each including a convex arc-shaped vertical section that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the right-left direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MARINE CANADA ACQUISITION INC.
    Inventors: Morihiko Nanjo, Noam Dean Davidson, Richard Tyler Redfern, Mark Isaac Dyck, Eric B. Fetchko
  • Patent number: 10464650
    Abstract: An engine propelling apparatus has power generating transmitting portion provided below a power generating portion, a propelling force generating portion provided adjacent to the power transmitting portion, and height adjustment mechanisms. The power generating portion includes an engine with a crankshaft arranged horizontal and substantially parallel to the front-rear longitudinal direction of a boat. A power transmission mechanism forms a linear power transmission route extending from the vicinity of a front end of the crankshaft to the vicinity of a front end of the propelling force generating portion. The propelling force generating portion includes a propeller shaft extending rearwards from the power transmitting portion, and a propeller at a rear portion of the propeller shaft. The height adjustment mechanisms vary inclination or height of all or a part of the engine propelling apparatus with respect to the boat to thereby vary height of the propeller with respect to the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Komoda, Yoshimitsu Sugiura, Yushiro Isobe
  • Patent number: 10370075
    Abstract: A jack plate includes a mounting assembly having first and second spacing brackets connected by a transom plate adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, each of the spacing brackets having inwardly facing channels at rearward sides of the spacing brackets. The jack plate further includes a motor lift including a lift plate extending between a first bearing and a second bearing, the channels adapted to conformingly receive the first and second bearings. An actuator is provided to raise and lower the lift plate relative to the transom plate. At least one spring is operably coupled between the mounting assembly and the motor lift, the spring unloading the lift plate to reduce load on the actuator. The spring is optionally a compression gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Powrtran Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Nyren
  • Patent number: 10370067
    Abstract: An aft-mounted dive platform system includes at least one hull portion rigidly affixed to a hull of a boat. A dive platform is coupled to the at least one hull portion and is positioned, at least partially, behind at least one propeller drive system affixed to the stern of the boat. The at least one hull portion includes a first hull portion and a second hull portion. The first hull portion includes: a first inner portion surface positioned proximate a first side of the at least one propeller drive system and a first outer portion surface positioned proximate a first outer surface of the hull of the boat; wherein the first outer portion surface of the first hull portion is recessed with respect to the first outer surface of the hull of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Japec Jakopin
  • Patent number: 10293906
    Abstract: A variable multiple engine jack plate, comprising, in combination, a motor plate, a pair of center plate connectors, a pair of outer slides and a pair of inner slides. There is at least one hydraulic cylinder coupling the motor plate and the slides. There is a hydraulic pump system having a pump and a hydraulic fluid flow control valve and a hydraulic fluid reservoir holding a volume of hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Mark F. Pelini
  • Patent number: 10293907
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine including a crankshaft that extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of a thrust force, a cylinder, a first gear provided on a balance shaft disposed in a direction that intersects with a direction in which the cylinder extends, a second gear, a drive shaft, and a propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kitajima, Shinichi Hoshiya, Masayuki Aritou
  • Patent number: 10196120
    Abstract: A universal mounting bracket for outboard marine equipment is provided. The universal mounting bracket includes a first member mounted to one end of an arm, and a second member mounted to the other end of the arm. The first and second members mate with the arm to define respective first and second adjustment axes. The arm is adjustable relative to the first member about the first axis. The second member is adjustable relative to the arm about the second axis. Adjustment about the first and second axes allows a user to govern the distance of marine equipment mounted to the second coupling relative to a watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Turek
  • Patent number: 10150537
    Abstract: An aft-mounted dive platform system includes at least one hull portion rigidly affixed to a hull of a boat. A dive platform is slidably attached to the at least one hull portion and is positioned, at least partially, behind at least one propeller drive system affixed to the stern of the boat. An actuation system is configured to effectuate essentially vertical displacement of the dive platform with respect to the at least one hull portion. An interface system is configured to couple the actuation system with a rotation system for the at least one propeller drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Japec Jakopin
  • Patent number: 10040516
    Abstract: A motorized water sports equipment rack and method for motorized swiveling of a water sports equipment rack attached to a boat are disclosed. The motorized water sports equipment rack includes a mounting bracket for securing the mounting bracket to the boat and a water sports rack mounting bolt connected to the mounting bracket. A swivel bracket is connected to the water sports rack mounting bracket. A water sports equipment rack mount is connected to the swivel bracket. The water sports equipment rack mount supports a water sports equipment rack adapted for holding various types of water sporting equipment. A sealed actuator housing is connected to the swivel bracket and houses an actuator, such as an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The actuator is configured to drive the swivel bracket to rotate the water sports equipment rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LECLAIRE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10035575
    Abstract: A trolling motor system with a lift assist device is provided. The trolling motor system includes a lift assist device which aids in moving a shaft assembly of the trolling motor system along a trim axis thereof. The lift assist device includes a biasing element which extends therefrom and connects to a shaft assembly of the trolling motor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Craig E. Turek
  • Patent number: 10017235
    Abstract: A retractable boat extension. The retractable boat extension is a platform that is attachable to a boat, such as a pontoon boat, that provides additional space to transport items or lounge upon. The platform includes a sliding mechanism having an actuator for sliding relative to the boat, pedestal mounts for attaching a plurality of interchangeable accessories thereto, such as grills, fishing chairs and food preparation tables, an outboard motor mount configured to receive a variety of outboard motors including, but not limited to, trolling motors, and a mounting bracket configured to receive a forward ramp for handicapped access to the pontoon boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventors: James A. Pappas, Anthony Pappas, Ann L. Pappas, Sandra Pappas, Carolyn J. Pappas
  • Patent number: 9969474
    Abstract: A trolling motor assembly includes a base and an attached cradle. A transmission housing is coupled to the base by a pivot pin defining an axis about which the transmission housing pivots. A shaft is supported by the transmission housing and moves relative to the transmission housing in a direction which is parallel to a central axis of the shaft. The shaft is also rotatable with respect to the transmission housing about the central axis. A thrust motor is attached to and moves and rotates with the shaft. The assembly is movable from a deployed position, in which the shaft central axis is aligned vertically, the transmission housing is locked in an upright position, and the thrust motor is below water, to a stowed position, in which the shaft central axis is aligned horizontally, the transmission housing is pivoted onto its side, and the thrust motor rests in the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Perin Truax, Macrae Parks, Elzie McKinney, Brian Scott, John Witte
  • Patent number: 9914519
    Abstract: A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Confluence Outdoor, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Eric Nutz, Lee Patrick Ward, Brian Karcher, Matthew Montaruli, Louis Rondeau
  • Patent number: 9836048
    Abstract: A wireless voice controlled system for a trolling motor assembly which enables fully automatic usage of the trolling motor assembly in different modes of operation, including automatic voice controlled storage/locking of the trolling motor assembly at the boat base, launching the trolling motor assembly from a horizontal/storage position to a vertical position for operation in water, locking the trolling motor assembly in the vertical position, and retrieving the trolling motor back to a horizontal/storage/lock position on the bow mounted base using voice commands entered by a boat operator in a microphone on a wireless command transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: James C. Widmaier
  • Patent number: 9630695
    Abstract: A trolling motor assembly comprising a control assembly; a mounting assembly in electrical communication with the control assembly; and a propeller assembly having a motor. The mounting assembly comprises a control mounting bracket that is fixedly attached to a wall of the boat and a removable propeller mounting bracket that can be engaged with the control mounting bracket. When the propeller mounting bracket in an engaged position with the control mounting bracket, signals from an input device of the control assembly actuate the motor of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Phillip Reed
  • Patent number: 9598159
    Abstract: A jack plate includes a mounting assembly having first and second spacing brackets connected by a transom plate adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, each of the spacing brackets having inwardly facing channels at rearward sides of the spacing brackets. The jack plate further includes a motor lift including a lift plate extending between a first bearing and a second bearing, the channels adapted to conformingly receive the first and second bearings. An actuator is provided to raise and lower the lift plate relative to the transom plate. At least one spring is operably coupled between the mounting assembly and the motor lift, the spring unloading the lift plate to reduce load on the actuator. The spring is optionally a compression gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Powrtran, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Nyren
  • Patent number: 9296455
    Abstract: A trolling motor is provided. The trolling motor includes a base assembly with a steering module mounted to the base assembly. The steering module includes an internal drive arrangement for providing an output torque. The steering module also includes a trim module rotatably mounted to an upper portion of the steering module. A motor shaft assembly including a motor shaft, a head unit attached to an upper end of the motor shaft, and a motor power unit attached to a lower end of the motor shaft is also provided. The motor shaft extends through the base assembly, steering module, and trim module. A torque transfer arrangement is mounted between the trim module and the motor shaft of the motor shaft assembly for transferring the output torque provided by the steering module to the motor shaft to rotate the motor shaft assembly about a rotational steering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Craig E. Turek, Matthew P. Schumann
  • Patent number: 9285072
    Abstract: This invention relates to a jackshaft mounting plate for connection to a motor that forms part of a jackshaft plate mounting kit. The mounting plate includes a flat base plate operably securable to a bottom surface of the motor and a pair of supports connected to the base plate to rotatably support a jackshaft therebetween. The jackshaft is operably connected to the output shaft of the motor such that the output of the motor can be translated by the jackshaft to operate an attachment operably connected to the jackshaft opposite the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jon C. Banty
  • Patent number: 9127707
    Abstract: An improved trolling motor lift cord apparatus for assisting in the moving of a trolling motor between a lowered position and a raised position. The improved trolling motor lift cord apparatus includes a flexible, high-strength, cord-like member that engages the trolling motor locking mechanism and a handle end for the user to grasp and pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: T-H MARINE SUPPLIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffery William Huntley
  • Patent number: 9022342
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lermayer Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Witte, Ralph Lermayer
  • Publication number: 20150111447
    Abstract: Weed-trimmer outboard motor attachment has a lower shaft housing with a proximal coupling to correspondingly mate and engage a distal mid-shaft coupling of an upper part of a motorized weed-trimming device having a motor and a shaft that rotate a number of rotations per minute when operating; a distal termination thereto, which includes a propeller; and a rotation speed reduction unit to reduce a number of rotations of the propeller in relation to the number of rotations of the motor of the motorized weed-trimming device. The attachment can be assembled with the weed-trimming device to provide an outboard motor. A mount for mounting the weed-trimmer outboard motor to a boat can be provided as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Aqua Marine Products, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Raymond Sacker, Denis R. Dompierre
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20140203162
    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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Dennis M. Logan
  • Publication number: 20140199898
    Abstract: A swivel bracket is coupled via a horizontal bracket to a clamp bracket to be mounted on a vessel. A trim mechanism adjusts a trim angle of an outboard motor by rotating the swivel bracket about the horizontal shaft. The trim mechanism includes a trim cylinder coupled to the clamp bracket and a trim rod that is projectable and retractable from the trim cylinder. A thrust receiver is attached to the swivel bracket. The thrust receiver receives a load from the trim rod. The thrust receiver is grounded. The thrust receiver includes a conducting portion in contact with the trim rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki TAKASE
  • Publication number: 20140034803
    Abstract: A motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft includes a transom mounting bracket for mounting the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first swivel bracket to enable the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. An orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Arkmos Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Arkmos Engineering, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140008512
    Abstract: An electric outboard motor transom clamping system with two spaced apart side plates pivotally connected by at least one main pivot bolt or pin. Each side plate includes a clamp configured to press against the transom and hold the side plate in a rearward extending fixed position. Each slide plate also includes a ratchet slot located below the main bolt and a plurality of downward oriented pin slots transversely aligned the pins slots on the opposite side plate. Each pin slot is angled upward and rearward between 5 and 25 degrees from the center axis to a line that extends from the bottom of each pin slot to the main pivot bolt. A block member with two longitudinally aligned pins extend into the two ratchet slots. The pins engage the pin slots on the two side plates and hold the block member in fixed position between the two side plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph W. Grez
  • Publication number: 20130264456
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8523620
    Abstract: This invention is The Floating Transom. The floating transom comes with manual control, and two 12 volt hydraulic systems, and clamps on the back of a boat, extending a new transom eighteen inches behind the boats transom. When traveling in ten inches of water the floating transom allows the boat motor to be picked up, lifting up the boat motor until the lower unit is flush with the bottom of the boat. The adjustable trim on the floating transom allows the back plate, which the boat motor clamps on. To adjust the angle of the boat motor, making the boat move flat on the top of the water. The lower unit of the boat motor rides in the wake the boat forms, making the water pump work, cooling the boat motor. Allowing you to move up or down shallow water rivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Dwayne Ray Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8454400
    Abstract: An attachment assembly quickly and securely mounts an outboard motor on a boat transom. Side frame members are disposed in a laterally spaced-apart relationship by two interconnected lateral frame members. A laterally extending cam member is rotatably connected to the side frame members and laterally extends the length between the side frame members. A cam rotating mechanism is connected to the cam member to selectively impart its rotational displacement and a lateral inverted-U-shaped transom channel is formed in the side frame members and is disposed adjacent to the cam member. The rotational displacement of the cam member effects an outward displacement of an outer surface of the cam member into the inverted-U-shaped transom channel to compressively engage and secure a transom by the cam member across the entire width of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Edward F. Downs, Jr.